Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biochemical features of mtDNA 14484 (ND6/m64V) point mutation associated with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy

We report the effect on complex I function of the 14484 Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) mutation affecting the ND6 subunit gene. The same gene was also reported to carry another mutation, at position 14459, associated with the LHON/dystonia phenotype that induces a reduction of complex I–specific activity and increases the sensitivity to the product decylubiquinol. Given the proximity of both mutations in the ND6 gene, we tested the specific activity of complex I and its sensitivity to myxothiazol and nonylbenzoquinol, both inhibitors at the ubiquinol product site, in platelet submitochondrial particles from nine 14484 homoplasmic individuals, 8 Italians with Caucasian mtDNA haplogroup J (adjunctive 4216 and 13708 mutations), and 1 Tunisian with an African mtDNA haplogroup. The specific activity of complex I was not affected by the 14484 mutation, but the sensitivity to both inhibitors was significantly increased compared with control subjects regardless of the presence of haplogroup J polymorphisms. Analysis of 70 different amino acid sequences of the ND6 subunit indicated that the 14484 mutation affects an amino acid belonging to its most conserved region, which shows local similarities with cytochrome b regions interacting with ubiquinone or ubiquinol in complex III. Our results suggest that both 14484 and 14459 mutations may affect amino acids forming the interaction site of ubiquinol product, and the 14484 mutation produces a biochemical defect resembling in part that already reported for the common 11778/ND4 LHON mutation. Ann Neurol 1999;45:320–328
Regional haemodynamic changes during oral ingestion of NG‐monomethyl‐l‐arginine or NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester in conscious Brattleboro rats

Homozygous Brattleboro (i.e. vasopressin‐deficient) rats were chronically instrumented with pulsed Doppler probes and intravascular catheters to permit continuous monitoring of regional haemodynamics. Over a 9 h period, rats drinking water showed no systematic changes in heart rate or mean arterial blood pressure although renal, mesenteric and hindquarters vascular conductances fell. These changes showed diurnal rhythyms, probably related to the nocturnal habits of rats. In separate groups of animals spontaneous oral ingestion of NG‐monomethyl‐l‐arginine (l‐NMMA; 1mg ml−1) or NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME; 0.1 mg ml−1) caused marked hypertension but no significant bradycardia. Compared to control animals, rats drinking l‐NMMA for 9 h showed significantly greater mesenteric and hindquarters vasoconstrictions, and rats drinking l‐NAME showed greater vasoconstrictions in all 3 vascular beds.
Are the Relationships Between NEO PI-R and Rorschach Markers of Openness to Experience Dependent on the Patient’s Test-Taking Attitude?

The low correlations reported between self-report measures and the Rorschach raise questions about the validity of both kinds of instruments. Meyer (1996) suggested that these low correlations are an artefact, due to the failure to control response style. Correlations would be high and positive when subjects have the same response style on both methods, and high and negative when they have divergent response styles. But response style is assessed according to criteria strongly connected with distress, and the enhancement of correlations may be tautologically limited to distress scales. The objective of this research is to verify whether the response style hypothesis applies to Openness to Experience, a dimension unrelated with distress. Correlations were computed between on the one hand Openness and Neuroticism, and on the second one several selected Rorschach variables. Analyses were conducted on the whole sample (n = 96) and on separate subgroups of patients with convergent (n = 29) or divergent (n = 22.
A Faster Algorithm to Update Betweenness Centrality After Node Alteration

Betweenness centrality is widely used as a centrality measure, with applications across several disciplines. It is a measure that quantifies the importance of a vertex based on the vertex’s occurrence on shortest paths in a graph. This is a global measure, and in order to find the betweenness centrality of a node, one is supposed to have complete information about the graph. Most of the algorithms that are used to find betweenness centrality assume the constancy of the graph and are not efficient for dynamic networks. We propose a technique to update betweenness centrality of a graph when nodes are added or deleted. Observed experimentally, for real graphs, our algorithm speeds up the calculation of betweenness centrality from 7 to 412 times in comparison to the currently best-known techniques.
Women's and Men's Constructions of Perceptions of Housework Fairness

Much work on the perceived fairness of the division of housework focuses on what we consider pragmatic approaches (i.e., resources, time availability, and power), but nascent research articulates a more symbolic approach, examining relational meanings of house-work. We examine both perspectives simultaneously. Using the National Survey of Families and Households, we investigate how perceptions of housework fairness for men and women in heterosexual couples are affected by gender, time availability and the division of labor, individual resources and interdependence within the couple, gender and family attitudes, perceptions of the qualities of household labor, and partners' social interactions. Three critical findings suggest revisions for fairness perception studies. First, perceived housework qualities are as important for predicting fairness perceptions as any other factors. Second, perceived housework qualities are a stronger determinant of women's fairness perceptions than men's fairness perceptions. Third, social emotional independence within the couple also predicts perceived unfairness, but only for women. Women who perceive themselves as less dependent on their relationship are more likely to view the division of labor as unfair.
Ribosomal scanning past the primary initiation codon as a mechanism for expression of CTL epitopes encoded in alternative reading frames

An increasing amount of evidence has shown that epitopes restricted to MHC class I molecules and recognized by CTL need not be encoded in a primary open reading frame (ORF). Such epitopes have been demonstrated after stop codons, in alternative reading frames (RF) and within introns. We have used a series of frameshifts (FS) introduced into the Influenza A/PR/8 /34 nucleoprotein (NP) gene to confirm the previous in vitro observations of cryptic epitope expression, and show that they are sufficiently expressed to prime immune responses in vivo. This presentation is not due to sub-dominant epitopes, transcription from cryptic promoters beyond the point of the FS, or internal initiation of translation. By introducing additional mutations to the construct exhibiting the most potent presentation, we have identified initiation codon readthrough (termed scanthrough here, where the scanning ribosome bypasses the conventional initiation codon, initiating translation further downstream) as the likely mechanism of epitope production. Further mutational analysis demonstrated that, while it should operate during the expression of wild-type (WT) protein, scanthrough does not provide a major source of processing substrate in our system. These findings suggest (i) that the full array of self- and pathogen-derived epitopes available during thymic selection and infection has not been fully appreciated and (ii) that cryptic epitope expression should be considered when the specificity of a CTL response cannot be identified or in therapeutic situations when conventional CTL targets are limited, as may be the case with latent viral infections and transformed cells. Finally, initiation codon readthrough provides a plausible explanation for the presentation of exocytic proteins by MHC class I molecules.
What can missing correspondences tell us about 3D structure and motion?

Practically all existing approaches to structure and motion computation use only positive image correspondences to verify the camera pose hypotheses. Incorrect epipolar geometries are solely detected by identifying outliers among the found correspondences. Ambiguous patterns in the images are often incorrectly handled by these standard methods. In this work we propose two approaches to overcome such problems. First, we apply non-monotone reasoning on view triplets using a Bayesian formulation. In contrast to two-view epipolar geometry, image triplets allow the prediction of features in the third image. Absence of these features (i.e. missing correspondences) enables additional inference about the view triplet. Furthermore, we integrate these view triplet handling into an incremental procedure for structure and motion computation. Thus, our approach is able to refine the maintained 3D structure when additional image data is provided.
Rebuilding Post-Violation Trust in B2C Electronic Commerce

This article proposes a model addressing the rebuilding of post-violation trust in B2C electronic commerce. The model uses expectation-confirmation theory and provides empirical verification for the factors affecting post-violation trust rebuilding and the association between them. The factors are perceived trustworthiness, confirmation by trust restoration, satisfaction and continuance trust intention. In accordance with exiting literature, perceived trustworthiness was found to have significant impact on continuance trust intention. The study also showed that confirmation by post-violation trust restoration activities had strong impact on satisfaction but satisfaction did not lead to post-violation continuance trust intention.
Moderation Management: A Mutual-Help Organization for Problem Drinkers Who Are Not Alcohol-Dependent

Moderation Management (MM) is a mutual-help organization for problem drinkers who are not alcohol-dependent. MM members pursue a goal of moderate drinking as defined by specific guidelines for frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption. MM's program for change is based primarily on cognitive restructuring and behavioral self-control enhancement and has no inherent spiritual component. MM's definition of the “nondependent” problem drinker is based on the individual's ability to adhere to MM guidelines, which include an initial 30-day abstinence period followed by limits on daily consumption. MM's members, on average, are less alcohol-dependent and have higher social capital than individuals who participate in Alcoholics Anonymous or seek inpatient alcohol treatment. Although no longitudinal studies to date have examined the efficacy of MM, there are positive outcome data for similar cognitive and brief behavioral interventions delivered by health care professionals. Critics of MM claim the organization feeds denial among dependent drinkers and thereby delays abstinence-oriented treatment, but its defenders point out that MM may prevent some problem drinkers from progressing to a more deteriorated state such that abstinence would be necessary. Randomized trials examining whether MM is more effective than no treatment, or if it is comparable to existing evidence-based ambulatory treatments, are needed to resolve this debate. That many MM members have never sought help before suggests the organization has some public health value by widening the range of attractive options available to people with alcohol use disorders.
The Social Utility of Informal Institutions

This article challenges the existing state-of-knowledge about legislative caucuses by arguing that the caucus system reflects and reinforces formal organizing institutions, such as parties and committees, rather than counterbalancing them. We argue that legislators engage in the caucus system to maximize the social utility of their relationships. Using a social network framework, we develop and test hypotheses that seek to ascertain the types of legislators that assume elevated positions in the caucus network. We collect data on the complete population of caucuses and their members from the first session of the 110th U.S. House of Representatives and conduct social network analyses to find evidence that the caucus system supports the hierarchical structure of existing formal institutions.
Predicting family poverty and other disadvantaged conditions for child rearing from childhood aggression and social withdrawal: A 30-year longitudinal study

This 30-year longitudinal study examined pathways from problematic childhood behavior patterns to future disadvantaged conditions for family environment and child rearing in adulthood. Participants were mothers (n = 328) and fathers (n = 222) with lower income backgrounds participating in the ongoing Concordia Longitudinal Risk Project. Structural Equation Modeling was used to examine pathways from childhood aggression and social withdrawal to future high school drop-out, early parenthood, parental absence, and family poverty after the participants became parents. Childhood aggression directly predicted early parenthood and parental absence in both mothers’ and fathers’ models, and high school drop-out for the fathers (for the mothers, this path was indirect via achievement in primary school). Childhood aggression predicted family poverty indirectly, with some gender differences in significant pathways.
The Fraction of Missing Information as a Tool for Monitoring the Quality of Survey Data

The response rate has been a longstanding indicator of the quality of survey data. Recent empirical research, however, has called into question the value of the response rate as a proxy indicator for nonresponse bias, which is the most damaging aspect of nonresponse. A new measure for the risk of nonresponse-the fraction of missing information (FMI)-is proposed as an alternative to the response rate. FMI was developed as part of the methods for handling missing data, and it measures the level of uncertainty about the values one would impute for current nonresponders. Developed as a tool for monitoring ongoing data collection, FMI can help researchers maximize the information in the final dataset. This article illustrates its application to telephone and face-to-face surveys.
Identity Process and Transformative Pedagogy: Teachers as Agents of Identity Formation

Missing from the discussion of adolescent identity development is the role of teachers as identity agents. Teachers can be purposeful co-constructors of adolescents' identities when they use a transformative pedagogical approach that involves fostering collaborative learning and empowering students to think creatively and critically. In an effort to link identity processes with transformative pedagogy, this article begins with a review of theory that approaches identity from a microprocess perspective, emphasizing the role of daily interactions in identity development. It then provides a detailed account of how transformative pedagogy fosters empowerment of adolescents as they move forward in their identity work. Adding to previous literature that has examined a transformative approach in identity work with at-risk youth, this article suggests ways to examine the influence of transformative teaching on identity processes. It concludes with suggestions for how the transformative approach would benefit more adolescents if it became a more common practice in the typical classroom.
Process Versus Product Writing with Limited English Proficient Students

This study examined the effectiveness of free writing versus structured writing instruction with a group of 48 low-achieving limited English proficient (LEP) Hispanic students in an intensive 6-week summer program. Stratified random sampling ensured equivalent language skill levels in eight classrooms. Three classrooms were exposed to free writing, and five to structured writing. Weekly standardized writing samples were collected, and received nine scores of five types: (a) countable micro-indicators, (b) analytic ratings, (c) holistic scores, and (d) a productivity index. Structured Writing samples showed significant growth in five of nine scores, and Free Writing only one. Tests between treatments showed significant differences on just one score, in favor of Structured Writing. The authors emphasize the need for more empirical research.
Prospective Multicenter Clinical Evaluation of AMPLICOR and COBAS AMPLICOR Hepatitis C Virus Tests

ABSTRACT We conducted a multicenter clinical evaluation of the second versions of the manual AMPLICOR and the semiautomated COBAS AMPLICOR tests for hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA (Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, Calif.). The performance characteristics of these HCV RNA tests for diagnosis of active viral infection were determined by comparison to anti-HCV serological test results, alanine aminotransferase levels, and liver biopsy histology results. A total of 878 patients with clinical or biochemical evidence of liver disease were enrolled at four hepatology clinics. A total of 1,089 specimens (901 serum and 188 plasma) were tested with the AMPLICOR test. Sensitivity compared to serology was 93.1% for serum and 90.6% for plasma. The specificity was 97% for serum and 93.1% for plasma. A total of 1,084 specimens (896 serum and 188 plasma) were tested with the COBAS test. Sensitivities for serum and plasma were the same as with the AMPLICOR test. The specificity was 97.8% for serum and 96.6% for plasma. Of the 69 specimens with false-positive and false-negative AMPLICOR test results relative to those of serology, alternative primer set (APS) reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis showed that the AMPLICOR test provided the correct result relative to the specimens containing HCV RNA in 64 (92.7%) specimens. Similarly, 66 of 67 (98.5%) false-positive and false-negative COBAS test results were determined to be correct by APS RT-PCR analysis. There were no substantive differences in clinical performances between study sites, patient groups, specimen types, storage conditions (−20 to −80°C versus 2 to 8°C), or anticoagulants (EDTA versus acid citrate dextrose) for either test. Both tests showed >99% reproducibility within runs, within sites, and overall. We conclude that these tests can reliably detect the presence of HCV RNA, as evidence of active infection, in patients with clinical or biochemical evidence of liver disease.
“And They Got Married by the Church …”: “Crazy Stories” and the Possibilities of Collaborative Textual Transformations

This article is informed by multiliteracies pedagogy which recognizes the dynamic nature of reading and writing, particularly in relation to the multiple languages, literacy practices, texts, modalities, and interactions that are part of our world. This framework offers educators a greater appreciation of students' collaborations and text productions in music, image, movement, and voice, as well as print texts. It also provides opportunities to highlight and learn from students' diverse knowledges. Collaborations extend the potential to expand cultural knowledges, an aspect evident in the story creation of 4 urban girls presented in this article. Also evident, however, is the ease with which collaborations lead to inequitable reproductions that privilege dominant discourses while labeling others problematic or “crazy. ” These findings demonstrate the need for educators to explicitly recognize and support learners' diverse knowledges. Specific steps educators can take in order to create educational contexts that support more equitable collaborations are provided.
A Fantasy Theme Analysis of Peter Senge’s Learning Organization

When it was first articulated in The Fifth Discipline, Peter Senge’s vision of the learning organization was one of a number of competing conceptions. This article examines what it was about Senge’s vision that enabled it to catch on and be assimilated so rapidly and pervasively into everyday business discourse. The method used in this study is fantasy theme analysis, a dramatistically based method of rhetorical criticism developed by Ernest Bormann that is rooted in symbolic convergence theory. The analysis reveals four interrelated fantasy themes that form the dramatic building blocks of the rhetorical vision of the learning organization. The article examines the organizational and rhetorical strategies that Senge has deployed to sustain widespread interest in his vision.
Supporting Automatic Code Review via Design

Code review is a very important means to ensure the quality of code in practice. It has been widely used in industry since it was proposed. Nowadays code review is still mainly done by manual work in industry. However, increasing scale of the software challenges manual reviewing. So automating the code review process is highly desired. Design patterns are a set of summaries of code design experiences that are widely used repeatedly, and well classified. Programmers need to correctly implement code based on design patterns. To ensure that the code is implemented as expected, this paper proposes an approach to automatically review code in the view of specified design patterns. Firstly, we identify the design patterns that are specified in the design models. Second, we construct a set of review rules by extracting design constraints from identified design patterns. Last, the code is checked against the generated review rules, and inconsistencies are reported as result. A supporting tool was developed, and two experiments were conducted to demonstrate the applicability of our approach.
Resource Allocation for QoS Support in Wireless Mesh Networks

Many next generation applications (such as video flows) are likely to have associated minimum data rate requirements in order to ensure satisfactory quality as perceived by end-users. In this paper, we develop a framework to address the problem of maximizing the aggregate utility of traffic flows in a multi-hop wireless network, with constraints imposed both due to self-interference and minimum rate requirements. The parameters that are tuned in order to maximize the utility are (i) transmission powers of individual nodes and (ii) the channels assigned to the different communication links. Our framework is based on using a cross-decomposition technique that takes both inter-flow interference and self-interference into account. The output of our framework is a schedule that dictates what links are to be activated in each slot and the parameters associated with each of those links. If the minimum rate constraint cannot be satisfied for all of the flows, the framework intelligently rejects a sub-set of the flows and recomputes a schedule for the remaining flows. We also design an admission control module that determines if new flows can be admitted without violating the rate requirements of the existing flows in the network. We provide numerical results to demonstrate the efficacy of our framework.