Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epstein-Barr Virus BART MicroRNAs Are Produced from a Large Intron prior to Splicing

ABSTRACT Latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated with several lymphoproliferative disorders, including posttransplant lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and Burkitt's lymphoma, as well as nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Twenty-nine microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified that are transcribed during latent infection from three clusters in the EBV genome. Two of the three clusters of miRNAs are made from the BamHI A rightward transcripts (BARTs), a set of alternatively spliced transcripts that are highly abundant in NPC but have not been shown to produce a detectable protein. This study indicates that while the BART miRNAs are located in the first four introns of the transcripts, processing of the pre-miRNAs from the primary transcript occurs prior to completion of the splicing reaction. Additionally, production of the BART miRNAs correlates with accumulation of a spliced mRNA in which exon 1 is joined directly to exon 3, suggesting that this form of the transcript may favor production of miRNAs. Sequence variations and processing of pre-miRNAs to the mature form also may account for various differences in miRNA abundance. Importantly, residual intronic pieces that result from processing of the pre-miRNAs were detected in the nucleus. The predicted structures of these pieces suggest there is a bias or temporal pattern to the production of the individual pre-miRNAs. These findings indicate that multiple factors contribute to the production of the BART miRNAs and to the apparent differences in abundance between the individual miRNAs of the cluster.
The role and impact of HRM policy

Purpose – This research aims to answer the call for more empirical research on identity theory by exploring the role and impact of human resource management (HRM) policy, and the gap between HRM policy and practice, on organizations and their employees. It looks at the role that soft policy plays in obscuring hard practice and considers the impact of unions and HRM role on policy.Design/methodology/approach – This study uses survey data collected from the senior members of the HRM function in 189 large Australian organisations.Findings – The research found a gap between policy and practice with soft policy being used more often than soft practice. It found that a gap between policy and practice has a negative impact on outcomes. Strategic HRM (SHRM) positively impacts on the implementation of soft practices reducing the gap between policy and practice and impoverished HRM that lacks resources, power and time, has a larger gap between policy and practice. Unions did not improve outcomes by minimizing the g.
The effects of serotonin depletion and raphe grafts on hippocampal electrophysiology and behavior

The involvement of the serotonergic system in spatial learning and a possible correlation between serotonergic modulation of hippocampal electrical activity and spatial learning were studied in rats. Control, partial septal-lesioned (SL), 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT)- injected (DHT), double-lesioned (5,7-DHT and SL; DL), and DL rats that were transplanted with embryonic raphe grafts into the hippocampus (RG) were tested in a spatial task in a water maze and in an active avoidance shuttle-box task. The responses of the dentate gyrus (DG) to perforant-path (PP) stimulation were examined in the same rats, under the following conditions: (1) priming stimulation of the PP (testing feedback inhibition), (2) priming stimulation of the commissural pathway (testing feedforward inhibition), (3) during repeated stimulation of the PP at 7 Hz (frequency potentiation), and (4) following tetanic stimulation [long-term potentiation (LTP)]. DL, but not DHT or SL, treatment severely impaired the performance of rats in both reference- and working-memory tasks in the water maze. This effect was not seen in the shuttle box. The ability of the DG to exhibit LTP, which was reduced in the DHT and SL rats, was apparently similar to controls in the DL group, DL, but not DHT or SL alone, resulted in a reduction of inhibition in the DG. Both the behavioral deficits and the reduction in hippocampal inhibition were ameliorated by intrahippocampal raphe grafts. These results indicate that the serotonergic innervation of the hippocampus plays a role in spatial learning when the septohippocampal neurotransmission systems are disrupted. Furthermore, these results suggest that restoration of modulation of hippocampal inhibition, by raphe grafts, underlies the behavioral recovery observed in these rats.
Surface segmentation based on the luminance and color statistics of natural scenes

Received January 29, 2002; revised manuscript received September 12, 2002; accepted September 25, 2002The luminance and color of surfaces in natural scenes are relatively independent under certain linear trans-formations, with the luminance of a surface providing little information about the color of that surface, andvice versa. However,
Escherichia coli

Diverse biological data may be used to create illustrations of molecules in their cellular context. I describe the scientific results that support a recent textbook illustration of an Escherichia coli cell. The image magnifies a portion of the bacterium at one million times, showing the location and form of individual macromolecules. Results from biochemistry, electron microscopy, and X‐ray crystallography were used to create the image.
IMF and Economic Growth: The Effects of Programs, Loans, and Compliance with Conditionality

In theory, the IMF could influence economic growth via several channels, among them advice to policy makers, money disbursed under its programs, and its conditionality. This paper tries to disentangle those effects empirically. Using panel data for 98 countries over the period 1970-2000 it analyzes whether IMF involvement influences economic growth in program countries. Consistent with the results of previous studies, it is shown that IMF programs reduce growth rates when their endogeneity is accounted for. There is only weak evidence that compliance with conditionality mitigates this negative effect. IMF loans have no statistically significant impact.
Imaging with second-harmonic radiation probes in living tissue

We demonstrate that second-harmonic radiation imaging probes are efficient biomarkers for imaging in living tissue. We show that 100 nm and 300 nm BaTiO3 nanoparticles used as contrast markers could be detected through 50 μm and 120 μm of mouse tail tissue in vitro or in vivo. Experimental results and Monte-Carlo simulations are in good agreement.
Human erythrocyte ghosts: Exploring the origins of multiexponential water diffusion in a model biological tissue with magnetic resonance

A tissue model composed of erythrocyte ghosts was developed to study the effects of compartmentation on the MR signal acquired from biological tissues. This simple and flexible model offers control over the biophysical parameters that contribute to multicomponent signals arising from cellular systems. Cell density, size, intra‐ and extracellular composition, and membrane permeability can be independently altered. The effects of cell density and cell size on water diffusion properties were assessed. The data demonstrate non‐monoexponential water diffusion in ghost cell suspensions of 17–67% cell density. Data were analysed with the widely employed two‐compartment (biexponential) model, and with a two‐compartment model that accounted for exchange between compartments. Water exchange between the intra‐ and extracellular compartments appeared to be significant over the range of diffusion times studied (7–35 ms). The biexponential fit to the ghost data appeared to be underparameterised as the ADCs and relative fractions of the fast and slow components were dependent on the experimental acquisition parameters, specifically the diffusion time. However, both analysis methods proved effective at tracking changes in the ghost model when it was perturbed. This was demonstrated with cell density variation, cell swelling and shrinkage experiments, and reduction of membrane water permeability using a water channel blocker (pCMBS). We anticipate that this model system could be used to investigate compartmental diffusion effects to simulate a range of pathologies, especially ischemic stroke. Magn Reson Med 48:649–657, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Deriving wishlists from blogs show us your blog, and we'll tell you what books to buy

We use a combination of text analysis and external knowledge sources to estimate the commercial taste of bloggers from their text; our methods are evaluated using product wishlists found in the blogs. Initial results are promising, showing that valuable insights can be mined from blogs, not just at the aggregate but also at the individual blog level.
American English from Eastern Massachusetts

The following transcriptions were made from tape recordings of the speech of two natives of Greater Boston, reading ‘The North Wind and the Sun’ followed by a sentence composed to illustrate the distinctive New England distribution of low vowels. In each transcription, [aː] varies from cardinal to []; [ɑ] is about cardinal; [ɒː] varies from cardinal to ; the [o] in ‘o#x0259;, oɹ] ranges from to . Whereas [ɒː] and [oə] are kept quite distinct, as are [aː] and [ɑ], [ɑ] and [ɒː] are close together, overlap, and are not kept rigorously separate, [a] in [aɩ, aɷ] = [] or ; the first speaker uses a more advanced and the second speaker a more retracted variety. Diphthongization of [eɩ], [oɷ] is only slight, and the first element of [oɷ] is near cardinal and well-rounded. [œ] is a lightly-rounded , about like French [ə].
Functional anatomy of the head-neck movement system of quadrupedal and bipedal mammals.

This biomechanical investigation quantified the range of motion of the different articulations of the head-neck ensemble in man, monkeys, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. Radiography and dissections were used to establish the degrees of freedom of the system. The erect posture and rigidity of the cervical spine in mammalian vertebrates are possible because the degrees of freedom of the movements of the cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae in passive ranges of motion are asymmetric, and thus significantly restricted, when judged from the resting position. The total range of motion at the atlanto-occipital articulation varies between species. It is approximately 90 degrees-105 degrees in the quadrupedal mammals tested, and only 11 degrees or 13 degrees, respectively, in humans and monkeys. When at rest, bipeds and quadrupeds hold the atlanto-occipital articulation and the upper cervical joints (C1/C2, C2/C3) in a flexed attitude. The total range of motion at the cervicothoracic junction (C6-T2) is approximately 6 degrees-80 degrees in all vertebrates investigated (quadrupeds and bipeds). At rest, the vertebral articulations that form the cervicothoracic junction are held in their extreme extended positions in quadrupeds and monkeys. In man, the vertebrae of the lower cervical spine are kept at a midposition between maximal flexion and maximal extension. This latter observation may be related to the permanent bipedalism of humans. Collectively, our data indicate that biomechanical constraints such as bone structures (e.g. specifically shaped articular processes) and ligaments may maintain the intrinsic configuration and self-supporting structure of the cervical spine. Furthermore, the specialised structures in the cervical joints allow movements more or less in particular planes of space, and thus biomechanical constraints limit the number of possible solutions as to how an animal can perform a given orientating head movement. Although we have not entirely clarified the functional implications for head movement control of the different sagittal-plane ranges of motion in vertebrates, we hypothesise that different mechanical requirements relating to the influence of gravity have caused the observed differences between the investigated bipedal and quadrupedal mammals.
MBNL and CELF proteins regulate alternative splicing of the skeletal muscle chloride channel CLCN1

The expression and function of the skeletal muscle chloride channel CLCN1/ClC-1 is regulated by alternative splicing. Inclusion of the CLCN1 exon 7A is aberrantly elevated in myotonic dystrophy (DM), a genetic disorder caused by the expansion of a CTG or CCTG repeat. Increased exon 7A inclusion leads to a reduction in CLCN1 function, which can be causative of myotonia. Two RNA-binding protein families—muscleblind-like (MBNL) and CUG-BP and ETR-3-like factor (CELF) proteins—are thought to mediate the splicing misregulation in DM. Here, we have identified multiple factors that regulate the alternative splicing of a mouse Clcn1 minigene. The inclusion of exon 7A was repressed by MBNL proteins while promoted by an expanded CUG repeat or CELF4, but not by CUG-BP. Mutation analyses suggested that exon 7A and its flanking region mediate the effect of MBNL1, whereas another distinct region in intron 6 mediates that of CELF4. An exonic splicing enhancer essential for the inclusion of exon 7A was identified at the 5′ end of this exon, which might be inhibited by MBNL1. Collectively, these results provide a mechanistic model for the regulation of Clcn1 splicing, and reveal novel regulatory properties of MBNL and CELF proteins.
Prepurchase Determinants of Brand Avoidance: The Moderating Role of Country-of-Origin Familiarity

ABSTRACT This report provides an overview of the concept of prepurchase brand avoidance, by identifying the motivating factors in a developing nation. Additionally, the authors aim to explain the negative effect of country-of-origin familiarity leading to brand avoidance. Relationships between constructs (undesired self, negative social influence, perceived animosity, and perceived risk) were hypothesized and data were collected via an online survey, where 286 respondents provided an evaluation for the brands they avoided. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling via AMOS. To date, anti-consumption studies have taken place in developed countries where high agency and abundant choice enable brand avoidance to occur; the authors find that brand avoidance also exists in developing countries, and for all categories of brands, undesired self-congruence is the key determinant for prepurchase brand avoidance. The study did not use any particular product categories. Results need to be expanded and confirmed with other product categories in other emergent markets. Developing nations constitute the fastest growing markets in the world, and knowledge of the factors motivating brand avoidance in these contexts are a competitive advantage (e.g., undesired self is one important variable to focus on to make brands acceptable in such markets). This report provides new insights into consumer judgments of prepurchase brand avoidance in an emerging market.
Plasmonic Nanostructures for Nano-Scale Bio-Sensing

The optical properties of various nanostructures have been widely adopted for biological detection, from DNA sequencing to nano-scale single molecule biological function measurements. In particular, by employing localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), we can expect distinguished sensing performance with high sensitivity and resolution. This indicates that nano-scale detections can be realized by using the shift of resonance wavelength of LSPR in response to the refractive index change. In this paper, we overview various plasmonic nanostructures as potential sensing components. The qualitative descriptions of plasmonic nanostructures are supported by the physical phenomena such as plasmonic hybridization and Fano resonance. We present guidelines for designing specific nanostructures with regard to wavelength range and target sensing materials.
Clinical evaluation of small-diameter ITI implants: a prospective study.

PURPOSE Dental implants with a reduced diameter are designed for specific clinical situations, such as placement of implants where bone width is narrow or between adjacent teeth that have only a narrow space between them. They are particularly useful when replacing small teeth such as lateral maxillary and mandibular incisors. The aim of the present study was the clinical evaluation of 2-part ITI implants (full-body screws with a 3.3-mm diameter). MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred forty-nine partially or completely edentulous patients received a total of 298 2-part ITI implants over a 10-year period. After a standard healing period (3 to 6 months), the implants were restored with fixed restorations such as single crowns or fixed partial or complete prostheses or overdentures. Complete prosthesis or overdenture in the edentulous jaw was the predominant type of restoration. All patients followed a strict maintenance program, with regular recalls at least once a year. The survival rate of the implants was analyzed, and prosthetic complications were assessed. RESULTS Three implants were lost during the healing phase on account of peri-implant infection. Two implant body fractures with an osseous length of 8 mm were observed (one after 2 years of observation, the other after 6 years). Four implants exhibited transient peri-implant inflammation that was treated successfully by interceptive therapy. The cumulative 5-year survival rate of the implants was 98.7% (96.6% after 6 years). Prosthetic complications were mostly limited to loose occlusal screws and sore spots caused by the denture base. DISCUSSION Within the limited observation period, failures of small-diameter implants were infrequent. Prosthetic complications were not dependent on the use of small-diameter implants. CONCLUSION The use of 3.3-mm ITI implants appears to be predictable if clinical guidelines are followed and appropriate prosthetic restorations are provided. However, fatigue fracture may occur after a long period of function.
Chat and conversation: a case of transmedial stability?

The rise of the new digital medium raises the question to what extent the old genres or text types exist across medial boundaries. While it is clear that there are new genres in Internet-based communication like MUDS or newsgroups, it is less clear if there is continuity between traditional spoken and written genres. This article explores the question for what is arguably the most basic of all genres, spoken conversation and the closest possible candidate for its digital match, the chat. The article looks at the degree to which extent pragmatic, social, and discourse properties typical of oral conversation are present or not in chat. It discusses the way the specific shape of these dimensions is explained by the physical and technical circumstances, and the co-presence conditions following from them, of the Internet chat. In particular, it looks at parameters like turn-taking, the notion of speakerhood, the role of silence, as well as nascent norms in these areas. The article argues that although it is heuristically helpful to calibrate the chat properties against spoken and written language, ultimately the medium and its genres must be defined in their own right.
Smoking cessation in adults: A dual process perspective

This study applied Cognitive Experiential Self Theory to investigate the role of smoking expectancies and experiential associations with cigarette use in predicting smoking cessation in a sample of 155 Australian adults. Two discrete changes in the cessation process were investigated. The first involved a cognitive transition from not intending to quit smoking to intending to quit, and the second involved a behavioral transition from intending to quit to successful cessation. Multinomial logistic regression analyses suggested that experiential associations played no role in the transition from not intending to intending to quit, but moderated the effects of three types of smoking expectancies (negative consequences, positive reinforcement, and negative reinforcement) on the transition from intending to quit to successful cessation. The facilitative effects of smoking expectancies on cessation were substantially attenuated in participants who possessed more positive experiential associations with smoking.
Comparison of Offline Handwritten Character Recognition Using Wavelet And Contour let Feature Extraction Technique

Feature extraction in an important process in character recognition, multiresolution techniques play important role in extracting the feature from the input image. In this paper multiresolution techniques such as wavelet and contourlet is used for comparison. Image processing with artificial neural network is used to recognition the offline handwritten characters. In offline character recognition, processing of various steps in series are processed, such as pre-processing, dilation feature extraction & finally classification is done using artificial neural network. In preprocessing we increase the quality of the image by reducing the noise. The feature estimated using wavelet and contourlet is saved for the each image in the training set. Thus the saved features are given as input to the feed forward Back Propagation Artificial Neural Network, that produces the output based on the trained images.
Pediatric sarcomas occurring in adults

Sarcomas arise in any part of the body, in any age group. Some sarcomas have a particular predilection for the pediatric population, and often bear specific chromosomal translocations. These “pediatric” sarcomas still occur in adults, often times with higher risk of dying of disease compared to children with a comparable diagnosis. The management of some of these rare tumors is discussed herein, including osteogenic sarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:360–368. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Security alerts and their impacts on Africa

In the aftermath of the British security authorities’ discovery of two cars laden with gas canisters in central London on 29 June 2007 and the crashing of a car into Glasgow airport, British Security Minister Alan West revealed that the country faced a threat from more than 200 militant cells. Despite these terrorist incidences and the announcement of the Security Minister no country has issued a travel alert or ban to the UK. Similarly, when 52 people were killed by a series of terrorist bombs on 7 July 2005 in London, no travel alerts or bans were imposed on the UK. Notably, these bombings took place when the most powerful leaders of the world were meeting in Gleneagles, Scotland. In a show of solidarity with the British people, these leaders held a joint press conference and issued
Dealing with Class Imbalance the Scalable Way: Evaluation of Various Techniques Based on Classification Grade and Computational Complexity

Highly imbalanced datasets continue to be a challenge in many data mining applications. It is surprising that state-of-the-art techniques countering class imbalances are usually very computationally expensive and therefore unscalable. Most research effort has been directed into enhancing those techniques, e.g., by focusing on borderline examples or combining multiple techniques. This is usually accompanied by an increased computational complexity, reducing the scalability even further. This article has four major contributions: First, existing techniques to deal with imbalanced datasets are evaluated regarding their computational cost and influence on classification performance on a variety of publicly available datasets and classifiers. Second, a new, scalable technique, class specific scaling (CSS) is proposed as an alternative and compared to the existing techniques. Third, a parameter free class overlap and noise measure is introduced to complement the existing measures to assess the dataset's properties, such as the class balance ratio, and the number of features and samples. This enables a finer categorization of imbalanced datasets. Fourth, based on these measures and basic conditions such as scalability and the used classifier, general recommendations regarding the suitability of the different techniques are derived.