Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Splice-site mutations in atherosclerosis candidate genes: relating individual information to phenotype.

BACKGROUND Nucleotide variants in several genes for lipid and methionine metabolism influence the risk of premature atherosclerosis. Ten percent of single nucleotide substitutions in these genes involve mRNA splice sites. The effects of some of these changes on splicing and on phenotypic severity are not inherently obvious. METHODS AND RESULTS Using an information theory-based model, we measured the individual information content (R(i), in bits) of splice sites adjacent to 289 mutations (including 31 splice-site mutations) in the atherosclerosis candidate genes APOAII, APOB, APOCII, APOE, CBS, CETP, LCAT, LIPA, LDLR, and LPL. The predictions of information analysis were then corroborated by published mRNA analyses. The R(i) values of mutant sites were consistent with either complete (n=17) or partial (n=8) inactivation of these sites. Seven mutations were predicted to activate cryptic splice sites. Predicted inactive mutant sites were associated with either "average" or "severe" dyslipidemia and commensurate reductions in protein levels or activity, whereas mutations expected to exhibit residual splicing had average or "mild" effects on lipid and protein expression. CONCLUSIONS Information analysis of splice-junction variants in atherosclerosis candidate genes distinguishes inactive from leaky splice sites and identifies activated cryptic sites. Predicted changes in splicing were related to phenotypic severity.
Factors Associated With Fatigue in Sarcoidosis

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a frequent symptom of patients with sarcoidosis. The origin of fatigue associated with sarcoidosis is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of affected organs, medication, and comorbidity on fatigue related to sarcoidosis. METHOD: In collaboration with the German Sarcoidosis Society, a sample of 1,197 subjects diagnosed with sarcoidosis was examined. The participants completed a questionnaire that contained the Fatigue Assessment Scale and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory. RESULTS: In this study, muscles, bones, and nerves were most strongly associated with fatigue. Patients receiving prednisolone showed heightened fatigue levels. However, the association between the duration of prednisolone therapy and fatigue was weak. The concomitant diseases, pulmonary hypertension and sleep apnea, showed the greatest impact elevating fatigue (effect sizes d > 0.50). In the combined regression analysis, comorbidity was the most important predictor of fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to consider that multiple clinical factors, especially comorbidities, contribute to the high degrees of fatigue in sarcoidosis.
Broadening the scope of epidemiology in conflict-affected settings: opportunities for mental health prevention and promotion

This editorial proposes a shift in emphasis in the field of mental health epidemiology in conflict-affected settings. After a brief summary of the nature of contemporary armed conflicts, we consider the current and potential roles that epidemiology can play with regard to: (1) establishing the burden of mental disorders; (2) identifying risk and protective factors; and (3) intervention research. We advocate for improved methodological rigor; more attention to mixed methods approaches and multi-level longitudinal research; inclusion of the determinants of mental health beyond conflict-related violence; and consideration of a wider array of mental health outcomes. We particularly highlight the importance of expanding interest to epidemiological research that advances prevention and promotion interventions (e.g., in the early childhood period), in order to fill the gap between epidemiology and mental health practice in conflict-affected settings.
Blind Carrier Frequency Offset Estimators Based on Variance for OFDM Systems

Carrier frequency offset (CFO) estimation is critical in practical orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. In this paper, we propose two novel blind CFO estimators named the variance estimator (VE) and the approximate variance estimator (AVE) respectively with high bandwidth efficiency. Both of them are based on minimization of the variance of the received symbols on each subcarrier, but the AVE only utilizes a half of OFDM symbols needed in the VE at the cost of a little degradation in performance. Simulation results show that the proposed estimators are attractively efficient for the future wireless communications.
Through the eyes of others: Using developmental peer reviews to promote reflection and change in organizations

Purpose – This paper seeks to critically examine the principles, mechanisms, and critical success factors of developmental peer review as a way to promote reflection and change in organizations.Design/methodology/approach – This paper calls developmental peer review the structured, managed, and collaborative process whereby reputable others are invited into an organisation to provide feedback and offer guidance on organisational change and improvement. In the paper, the authors use the example of developmental peer review in UK local government both to foreground some of the distinctive aspects of the methodology and to identify some of its critical conditions of use.Findings – The paper argues that this type of initiative often co‐exists with a more judgemental inspection‐oriented double. The institutional framework that surrounds developmental peer review makes it therefore both a powerful and delicate tool. There is a need in this initiative to maintain a dynamic balance to avoid either coercion or col.
he Text Retrieval Conferences

There have been two Text REtrieval conferences (TRECs); TREC-1 in November 1992, with 28 participants, and TREC-2 in August 1993, with 31 participants. This conference was inspired by the very successful MUC effort, and by the availability of the new large English test collection built for TIPSTER. Whereas an important goal for ARPA was to investigate a broad range of detection (retrieval) techniques, one of the other goals of the conference was to encourage the use of this collection by many experimenters in the information retrieval community. It was hoped that by providing a very large test collection, and encouraging interaction with other groups in a friendly evaluation forum, a new thrust in information retrieval would occur. It was also hoped that increased interaction between commercial and academic groups would result in a transfer of new retrieval techniques into the commercial setting, enabling better products in the long-term for ARPA clients.
Who's controlling the brakes? Pulsed inhibitory alpha EEG is linked to preparatory activity in the fronto-parietal network measured concurrently with the event-related optical signal (EROS)

Aim: To identify neural predictors of target detection. Methods: EROS and EEG were simultaneously recorded from 10 participants in two session. Each trial began with a fixation cross. • On 50% of trials, a target was presented, followed by a nonoverlapping metacontrast mask; • 25% of trials were target only. • 25% of trials were mask only. Participants indicated on each trial if they detected the target. Behavioral Results: 68% detection rate. 9% False Alarm rate. Who’s controlling the brakes? Pulsed inhibitory alpha EEG is linked to preparatory activity in the fronto-parietal network measured concurrently with the event-related optical signal (EROS). Kyle E. Mathewson1, Alejandro Lleras1, Diane M. Beck1, Tony Ro2, Monica Fabiani1, Gabriele Gratton1 1 Beckman Institute and Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 2 The City College of the City University of New York
Bluetongue Virus Capsid Assembly and Maturation

Maturation is an intrinsic phase of the viral life cycle and is often intertwined with egress. In this review we focus on orbivirus maturation by using Bluetongue virus (BTV) as a representative. BTV, a member of the genus Orbivirus within the family Reoviridae, has over the last three decades been subjected to intense molecular study and is thus one of the best understood viruses. BTV is a non-enveloped virus comprised of two concentric protein shells that encapsidate 10 double-stranded RNA genome segments. Upon cell entry, the outer capsid is shed, releasing the core which does not disassemble into the cytoplasm. The polymerase complex within the core then synthesizes transcripts from each genome segment and extrudes these into the cytoplasm where they act as templates for protein synthesis. Newly synthesized ssRNA then associates with the replicase complex prior to encapsidation by inner and outer protein layers of core within virus-triggered inclusion bodies. Maturation of core occurs outside these inclusion bodies (IBs) via the addition of the outer capsid proteins, which appears to be coupled to a non-lytic, exocytic pathway during early infection. Similar to the enveloped viruses, BTV hijacks the exocytosis and endosomal sorting complex required for trafficking (ESCRT) pathway via a non-structural glycoprotein. This exquisitely detailed understanding is assembled from a broad array of assays, spanning numerous and diverse in vitro and in vivo studies. Presented here are the detailed insights of BTV maturation and egress.
Individual and Work-Related Factors Influencing Burnout of Mental Health Professionals: A Meta-Analysis

The current study identifies and assesses individual and work-related factors as correlates of burnout among mental health professionals. Results of a meta-analysis indicate that age and work setting variables are the most significant indicators of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. In terms of level of personal accomplishment, the age and work hours variables were the most significant indicators with positive correlations. On the basis of these results, the authors seek to determine resources that can assist with developing programs for preventing and treating burnout syndromes of mental health professionals.
Recycling and Morality

In affluent industrial societies, people tend to mentally classify environmental behaviors like recycling within the domain of morality. Intentions in this area are not based on a thorough calculation (conscious or unconscious) of the balance of costs and benefits but are a function of beliefs in what is right or wrong. I provide a brief review of the literature with the intention of uncovering problems and shortcomings in the framework of the Subjective Expected Utility model and the Theory of Reasoned Action with regard to understanding recycling behavior, and discuss examples of misleading policy conclusions. Within the framework of cognitive psychology, Schwartz's model of altruistic behavior offers a more satisfying starting point for understanding recycling behavior in affluent industrial societies.
Incidental Acquisition of Foreign Language Vocabulary through Brief Multi-Modal Exposure

First language acquisition requires relatively little effort compared to foreign language acquisition and happens more naturally through informal learning. Informal exposure can also benefit foreign language learning, although evidence for this has been limited to speech perception and production. An important question is whether informal exposure to spoken foreign language also leads to vocabulary learning through the creation of form-meaning links. Here we tested the impact of exposure to foreign language words presented with pictures in an incidental learning phase on subsequent explicit foreign language learning. In the explicit learning phase, we asked adults to learn translation equivalents of foreign language words, some of which had appeared in the incidental learning phase. Results revealed rapid learning of the foreign language words in the incidental learning phase showing that informal exposure to multi-modal foreign language leads to foreign language vocabulary acquisition. The creation of form-meaning links during the incidental learning phase is discussed.
Gain-of-Function p 53 Mutations Enhance Alteration of the T-Cell Receptor following X-Irradiation , Independently of the Cell Cycle and Cell Survival 1

Missense mutations are by the far the most common types of mutations found in p53 of human tumors, suggesting that mutant p53 proteins function either by abrogating wild-type function or by gaining new onco genic functions. To distinguish between the dominant-negative effect and gain of new function of p53 missense mutants, we measured the abifity of transfected missense mutant pS3s in p53-null Jurkat cells to alter T-cell receptor (TCR) surface expression. The TCR is a key signal transduction moiety common to T lymphocytes and is one of the major sites for aberrations in T-cell leukemias/lymphomas. Three p53 mutants (248@, @ser and 273@) enhanced the frequency of TCR mutants after graded doses of X-radiation compared to null p53 parentand wild-type p53possessing normal lymphocytes; the parent Jurkat and normal lympho. cyte showed no difference. These enhancements were not the results of a change in radiosensitivity or in G1 checkpoint arrest characteristics. Therefore, the creation of this mutator phenotype by missense-type p53 mutations implies that a more direct mechanism, apart from changes of cell cycle kineticsor cell death,may be responsiblefor the selectionof certain p53 point mutations, which eventually result in the twnorigenesis of the cell.
The Band Played On: Predicting Students' Intentions to Continue Studying Music

A model predicting student intentions to continue in a high school band program was developed and tested. Past research indicates that socioeconomic level and academic competency predict musical aptitude and achievement; these factors may also predict intentions to continue studying music or continue participating in a band program. Factors that may mediate the relation between socioeconomic level, intellectual competency, and intentions—such as students' attitudes toward the band program and their extracurricular musical activities—were also examined. Students provided information about their socioeconomic levels, current grades, attributions for performance in band class, extracurricular musical activities, and perceptions of the attitudes of their parents, band teachers, and the school toward the band program. In addition, band teachers evaluated each student's performance in band. Structural equation modeling indicated that socioeconomic level and teacher evaluations predicted intentions to continue both directly and indirectly through students' outside musical activities and through support for the program by their parents, band teachers, and the school. Implications of these findings for band instruction and suggestions for future research are presented.
Efectividad de Estrategias de Prevención de Violencia Escolar: La Experiencia del Programa Recoleta en Buena

Se describen los resultados de la evaluacion de efectividad de un programa destinado a disminuir la violencia escolar en 4 establecimientos municipales de la comuna de Recoleta, perteneciente a la Region Metropolitana de Chile. Se uso un diseno pre-experimental de preprueba-postprueba con un solo grupo. Fueron evaluados 677 estudiantes en 2006 y 553 en 2008, de 5o basico a 4o medio. Se consideraron 8 factores de violencia, segun la percepcion de testigos, victimas, agresores y del clima escolar. Hubo una disminucion de la violencia entre ambos anos en los factores Observador y Victima de Violencia Entre Pares, Observador de Violencia Antisocial, Observador de Violencia de Alumnos a Adultos y de Profesores a Alumnos y Victimario de Violencia a Companeros. Al comparar los mismos niveles en ambos anos, solo disminuyen Observador y Victima de Violencia de Profesores a Alumnos y Observador de Violencia de Alumnos a Adultos. Los resultados muestran efectividad del programa en materias promocionales y preventivas, pero no en conductas mas graves de violencia. Se destaca la importancia de avanzar en la evaluacion de programas de violencia escolar.
Lack of effect of Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester on bromocriptine‐induced locomotor sensitization in mice

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME), a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitory agent, on bromocriptine‐induced locomotor sensitization in mice. Adult male Swiss‐Webster mice (26–32 g) were the subjects. Saline or L‐NAME (15–60 mg/kg) was injected to mice intraperitoneally 30 min before bromocriptine (5 mg/kg), and locomotor activity was recorded for 240 min in an open field activity monitoring system. This procedure lasted for 2 weeks, once in 2 days from Monday to Friday, six sessions in total. After a 2‐day drug‐free period, a challenge injection of bromocriptine (5 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered by all groups of mice. Other groups of mice treated with bromocriptine according to the aforementioned procedure except L‐NAME pretreatments were challenged with saline or L‐NAME (15–60 mg/kg) plus bromocriptine (5 mg/kg) after a 2‐day drug‐free period. Bromocriptine produced a significant locomotor sensitization. L‐NAME (15–60 mg/kg) did not have any significant effect on the development and expression of bromocriptine‐induced locomotor sensitization in mice. Meanwhile, the data also imply that NO‐related mechanisms may not be responsible for bromocriptine‐induced locomotor sensitization in mice. Synapse 61:869–874, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efectos de la solución de problemas sobre los comportamientos de autocuidado de cuidadores de pacientes oncológicos en fase paliativa: un estudio piloto

Caring for a relative with terminal cancer brings a series of problems in the family, work, financial and social arenas. These problems, in turn, cause a negative impact on the Quality of Life (QOL) of the patients’ primary caregivers, including their physical and psychological health. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of an intervention based on Problem Solving Therapy on QOL, anxious and depressive symptoms and on the acquisition of self-care skills by terminal cancer patients’ primary caregivers. A repeated measures N=1 design was used on pre and post intervention measurements on Beck’s anxiety and depression inventories, the WHOQOL-Bref and a questionnaire on self-care expressly designed for the study. Results revealed clinically significant improvements on anxious and depressive symptoms and improvement on the participants’ QOL. Problem Solving Therapy resulted a viable and effective approach to cope with the problems posed by caring for a terminal patient and improving self-care skills. A possible drawback of the procedures includes a lengthy intervention
British Nonelite Road Running and Masculinity

A figurational framework is employed to analyze aspects of the phenomenon of mass nonelite road running in Britain, using data derived primarily from a series of 48 in-depth interviews with a range of participants. More particularly, the article explores the motivations of nonelite runners in the context of social change over their life course. It argues that many changes in Britain since the 1950s have involved shifts in power ratios to the relative disadvantage of the middle-class men in their thirties and forties, who dominate the entry at many events and have undermined traditional bases of masculine identity in work and the home. The data indicate that many nonelite runners, male and female, believe they enjoy the respect and admiration of nonparticipants through a demonstration of physical prowess that running long distances involves, a capacity traditionally more closely associated with the male.
Low-Carbohydrate, High-Protein, High-Fat Diets Rich in Livestock, Poultry and Their Products Predict Impending Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Chinese Individuals that Exceed Their Calculated Caloric Requirement

The evidence on the association between long-term low-carbohydrate, high-fat and high-protein diets and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is controversial. Until now, data is limited for Chinese populations, especially in considering the influence of extra energy intake. In this paper, we aimed to investigate the association of low-carbohydrate, high-fat and high-protein diets with type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk in populations consuming extra calories and those with normal caloric intake, We also determined whether the association is mediated by insulin resistance (IR) or β-cell dysfunction. A total of 3644 subjects in the Harbin People’s Health Study (Cohort 1, 2008–2012) and 7111 subjects in the Harbin Cohort Study on Diet, Nutrition and Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (Cohort 2, 2010–2015) were analyzed, with a median follow-up of 4.2 and 5.3 years, respectively. Multivariate relative risks (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated to estimate the association between low-carbohydrate, high-fat and high-protein diet and T2D in logistic regression models. The multivariate RRs (95% CIs) were 1.00, 2.24 (1.07, 4.72) and 2.29 (1.07, 4.88) (Ptrend = 0.04), and 1.00, 1.45 (0.91, 2.31) and 1.64 (1.03, 2.61) (Ptrend = 0.04) across tertiles of low-carbohydrate, high-fat and high-protein diet scores in the population consuming extra calories in Cohort 1 and Cohort 2, respectively. The association was no longer significant after adjustment for livestock and its products, or poultry and its products. The mediation analysis discovered that this association in the population consuming extra calories was insulin resistance mediated, in both Cohort 1 and Cohort 2. However, the association was not significant among participants overall and participants with normal caloric intake. Our results indicated that long-term low-carbohydrate, high-fat and high-protein diets were associated with increased T2D risk among the population consuming extra calories, which may be caused by higher intake of animal-origin fat and protein as well as lower intake of vegetables, fruit and fiber. Additionally, the association was mediated by IR. In the population consuming extra calories, reducing the intake of livestock, poultry and their products and increasing the intake of vegetables, fruit and fiber might protect this population from developing T2D.
Fluctuations in Alertness and Sustained Attention: Predicting Driver Performance

Fatigue has been implicated in an alarming number of motor vehicle accidents, costing billions of dollars and thousands of lives. Unfortunately, the ability to predict performance impairments in complex task domains like driving is limited by a gap in our understanding of the explanatory mechanisms. In this paper, we describe an attempt to generate a priori predictions of degradations in driver performance due to sleep deprivation. We accomplish this by integrating an existing account of the effect of sleep loss and circadian rhythms on sustained attention performance with a validated model of driver behavior. Although quantitative empirical data for validation are lacking, the predicted results across four days of sleep deprivation match qualitative trends published in the literature, and illustrate the potential for making useful predictions of performance in naturalistic task contexts that are relevant to real applied problems.