Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Escape to Ferality: The Endoferal Origin of Weedy Rice from Crop Rice through De-Domestication

Domestication is the hallmark of evolution and civilization and harnesses biodiversity through selection for specific traits. In regions where domesticated lines are grown near wild relatives, congeneric sources of aggressive weedy genotypes cause major economic losses. Thus, the origins of weedy genotypes where no congeneric species occur raise questions regarding management effectiveness and evolutionary mechanisms responsible for weedy population success. Since eradication in the 1970s, California growers avoided weedy rice through continuous flood culture and zero-tolerance guidelines, preventing the import, presence, and movement of weedy seeds. In 2003, after decades of no reported presence in California, a weedy rice population was confirmed in dry-seeded fields. Our objectives were to identify the origins and establishment of this population and pinpoint possible phenotypes involved. We show that California weedy rice is derived from a different genetic source among a broad range of AA genome Oryzas and is most recently diverged from O. sativa temperate japonica cultivated in California. In contrast, other weedy rice ecotypes in North America (Southern US) originate from weedy genotypes from China near wild Oryza, and are derived through existing crop-wild relative crosses. Analyses of morphological data show that California weedy rice subgroups have phenotypes like medium-grain or gourmet cultivars, but have colored pericarp, seed shattering, and awns like wild relatives, suggesting that reversion to non-domestic or wild-like traits can occur following domestication, despite apparent fixation of domestication alleles. Additionally, these results indicate that preventive methods focused on incoming weed sources through contamination may miss burgeoning weedy genotypes that rapidly adapt, establish, and proliferate. Investigating the common and unique evolutionary mechanisms underlying global weed origins and subsequent interactions with crop relatives sheds light on how weeds evolve and addresses broader questions regarding the stability of selection during domestication and crop improvement.
Short-term nonpressor angiotensin II infusion stimulates sodium transporters in proximal tubule and distal nephron

In Sprague Dawley rats, 2‐week angiotensin II (AngII) infusion increases Na+ transporter abundance and activation from cortical thick ascending loop of Henle (TALH) to medullary collecting duct (CD) and raises blood pressure associated with a pressure natriuresis, accompanied by depressed Na+ transporter abundance and activation from proximal tubule (PT) through medullary TALH. This study tests the hypothesis that early during AngII infusion, before blood pressure raises, Na+ transporters’ abundance and activation increase all along the nephron. Male Sprague Dawley rats were infused via osmotic minipumps with a subpressor dose of AngII (200 ng/kg/min) or vehicle for 3 days. Overnight urine was collected in metabolic cages and sodium transporters’ abundance and phosphorylation were determined by immunoblotting homogenates of renal cortex and medulla. There were no significant differences in body weight gain, overnight urine volume, urinary Na+ and K+ excretion, or rate of excretion of a saline challenge between AngII and vehicle infused rats. The 3‐day nonpressor AngII infusion significantly increased the abundance of PT Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3), cortical TALH Na‐K‐2Cl cotransporter 2 (NKCC2), distal convoluted tubule (DCT) Na‐Cl cotransporter (NCC), and cortical CD ENaC subunits. Additionally, phosphorylation of cortical NKCC2, NCC, and STE20/SPS1‐related proline–alanine‐rich kinase (SPAK) were increased; medullary NKCC2 and SPAK were not altered. In conclusion, 3‐day AngII infusion provokes PT NHE3 accumulation as well as NKCC2, NCC, and SPAK accumulation and activation in a prehypertensive phase before evidence for intrarenal angiotensinogen accumulation.
Development and implementation of online Dutch L2 courses in adult education: educators’ and providers’ perceptions of constraints and critical success factors

ABSTRACT This study examines educators’ and providers’ perceptions of constraints and critical success factors of the development and implementation of online L2 learning. The focus is on Dutch L2 learning in adult education in Flanders. Semi-structured interviews with seven educators (shaping pedagogies/curricula) and six providers (organizing/offering language programmes) were conducted. Consequently, a focus group consisting of 12 teachers of Dutch (L2) and teacher trainers was run. The findings show that the main perceived constraints of the design and implementation of an online curriculum are negative beliefs about the effectiveness of online language learning, costs, a lack of technical and pedagogical support and insufficient teacher ICT-skills. The perceived major critical success factors are course design, technological facilities, (technical, financial and pedagogical) support, learner skills and attitudes, and competencies of instructional designers. Although many literature references were found concerning the importance of assessment, teacher skills and the role of the faculties, these were hardly mentioned during the interviews. The findings of this study call for a better financial framework, more collaboration among different stakeholders in the field, a focus on online teacher skills, adequate pedagogical and technical support and for a framework for quality assurance in online language learning.
Text Classification of Student Self-Explanations in College Physics Questions

This study looks at the text data generated from the Asynchronous Peer Instruction tool, DALITE. The goals of this work are two-fold: i) to determine whether the words students use in their self-explanations can be predictive of their success on the related multiple-choice item, or even reveal their uncertainty about the concept being tested; and, ii) to determine if the collection of words used by a student over the course of a semester using DALITE can predict their end-of-semester learning outcomes. Through the course of this study, we examine the effectiveness of different statistical models and document representations to explain these data. Weak results suggest richer syntactic ans semantic models of text are needed.
A novel mechanism of “ metal gel-shift ” by histidine-rich Ni 2 +-binding Hpn 3 protein from Helicobacter pylori strain

23 Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) is a universally 24 used method for determining approximate molecular weight (MW) in protein research. 25 Migration of protein that does not correlate with formula MW, termed " gel shifting " appears 26 to be common for histidine-rich proteins but not yet studied in detail. We investigated " gel 27
Dual inhibition of ErbB1 and ErbB2 in cancer by recombinant human prolidase mutant hPEPD-G278D

ErbB1 and ErbB2 are oncogenic cell surface receptor tyrosine kinases, linked to many forms of human cancer, and are major cancer therapeutic targets. Many lines of evidence indicate that targeting ErbB1 and ErbB2 is an important cancer therapeutic approach. We recently found that a recombinant enzymatically-inactive mutant of human prolidase, i.e., hPEPD-G278D, is an inhibitory ligand of ErbB2 and strongly inhibits ErbB2-overexpressing cells in vitro and in vivo. hPEPD-G278D also binds to ErbB1. Here, we show that hPEPD-G278D binds to ErbB1 with high affinity, initially activating ErbB1 but later silencing it, and that deletion of subdomain 2 in ErbB1 extracellular domain abolishes the binding. The proliferation of ErbB1-overexpressing cells is strongly inhibited by hPEPD-G278D, regardless of ErbB2 expression or cell type, whereas cells lacking ErbB1 and ErbB2 are insensitive to it. In contrast, EGF, another ErbB1 ligand, either stimulates or mildly inhibits cell proliferation. Moreover, hPEPD-G278D treatment of mice bearing ErbB1-overexpressing tumors leads to tumor regression, which is accompanied by down regulation and decreased phosphorylation of ErbB1 and ErbB2 as well as decreased phosphorylation of downstream signaling molecules and activation of apoptosis in the tumor tissues. We conclude that hPEPD-G278D is a dual inhibitor of ErbB1 and ErbB2 and selectively targets cancer cells overexpressing ErbB1 and/or ErbB2. Moreover, our finding that both receptors are silenced in cancer cells by hPEPD-G278D highlights an unusual consequence of ligand-receptor interaction.
Factors influencing enterprise to improve data quality in information systems application —An empirical research on 185 enterprises through field study

Management of data quality has become the bottleneck for enterprises to upgrade their application of information technology (IT). Based on the theory of total quality management, this paper presents five influencing factors of data quality from the perspective of organizational management, namely top management support, capability on regulation and process management, business-IT alignment, staff participation and integration of information systems (IS). At the same time, this paper establishes a process model of influencing factors, and conducts an empirical analysis through a field study of 185 enterprises. The results show that the influence of five factors presents transfer characteristics clearly. Top management support has an effect upon the capability on regulation and process management, and business-IT alignment directly, while indirectly on staff participation and integration of IS. Capability on regulation and process management, and business-IT alignment exert a direct impact on staff participation and integration of IS, while indirectly on data quality. Staff participation and integration of IS shows a direct impact on data quality. Finally, this paper presents some suggestions on improving data quality.
Reflecting on Three Offerings of a Community-Centric MOOC for K-6 Computer Science Teachers

A number of institutions and organisations provide online or face-to-face professional learning as part of outreach initiatives to increase skill levels and support for teachers in K-12 Computing education. With a number of countries introducing new K-12 Computer Science curricula around the globe, this provides a prime opportunity for the Computer Science education community to transform and develop models of teacher professional learning that address teachers' needs at-scale. This paper explores the theoretical underpinnings of a community-based professional learning MOOC for Australian teachers for K-6 Computer Science. This paper reflects on data collected from three offerings of the MOOC, presented in light of the theory and design considerations. This paper provides valuable insights of the design of community-centric MOOCs, and acts as a guide for the construction of online professional learning opportunities for Computer Science educators.
Automatic optimal motion generation for robotic manufacturing processes: Optimal collision avoidance in robotic welding

Optimal, efficient and intuitive robotic programming is still a challenge in robotic manufacturing and one of the main reasons why robots are not widely implemented in small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). In order to effectively and efficiently respond to the current product variability requirements, SMEs require easy and optimal programmable robotic manufacturing systems in order to achieve profitable and rapid changeover. To make up for this deficiency, this paper proposes a solution approach for computing optimal motions for manufacturing processes based on the interpretation of the manufacturing process and an automatic configuration of a state of the art sample-based algorithm, the Rapidly-exploring Random Tree RRT* which is provably asymptotically optimal, using as inputs the semantic and mathematical descriptions of the product, process and resource components. The approach is simulated on the example of collision avoidance for different scenarios in robotic welding revealing its functionality and outlining future potentials for the optimal motion generation for robotic manufacturing processes.
Nutritional quality of foods and beverages on child-care centre menus in Mexico

Abstract Objective The purpose of the present study was to assess the nutritional quality of foods and beverages listed on menus serving children in government-sponsored child-care centres throughout Mexico. Design For this cross-sectional menu assessment, we compared (i) food groups and portion sizes of foods and beverages on the menus with MyPlate recommendations and (ii) macronutrients, sugar and fibre with Daily Reference Intake standards. Setting Menus reflected foods and beverages served to children attending one of 142 government-sponsored child-care centres throughout Mexico. Subjects There were fifty-four distinct menus for children aged 4–6 months, 7–9 months, 10–12 months, 13–23 months, 24–47 months and 48–72 months. Results Menus included a variety of foods meeting minimum MyPlate recommendations for each food category except whole grains for children aged 48–72 months. Menus listed excessive amounts of high-energy beverages, including full-fat milk, fruit juice and sugar-sweetened beverages for children of all ages. The mean daily energy content of menu items yielded an average of 2·76 MJ for infants, 4·77 MJ for children aged 13–23 months, 5·36 MJ for children aged 24–47 months and 5·87 MJ for children aged 48–72 months. Foods and beverages on menus provided sufficient grams of carbohydrate and fat, but excessive protein. Conclusions Menus provided a variety of foods but excessive energy. Whole grains were limited, and high-energy beverages were prevalent. Both may be appropriate targets for nutrition intervention. Future studies should move beyond menus and assess what children actually consume in child care.
Quick simulation of ATM buffers with on-off multiclass Markov fluid sources

The widely agreed upon standard for future broadband, integrated-services digital networks is Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). ATM carries statistically multiplexed streams of 53-byte cells called virtual circuits. ATM’s use of statistical multiplexing results in a flexible and efficient utilization of the bandwidth by the bursty traffic. Buffering is used in the network’s switches in order to be able to keep a virtual circuit’s cell loss probability extremely small.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure in South African, French and Argentinian Angora Goats from Genome-Wide SNP Data

The Angora goat populations in Argentina (AR), France (FR) and South Africa (SA) have been kept geographically and genetically distinct. Due to country-specific selection and breeding strategies, there is a need to characterize the populations on a genetic level. In this study we analysed genetic variability of Angora goats from three distinct geographical regions using the standardized 50k Goat SNP Chip. A total of 104 goats (AR: 30; FR: 26; SA: 48) were genotyped. Heterozygosity values as well as inbreeding coefficients across all autosomes per population were calculated. Diversity, as measured by expected heterozygosity (HE) ranged from 0.371 in the SA population to 0.397 in the AR population. The SA goats were the only population with a positive average inbreeding coefficient value of 0.009. After merging the three datasets, standard QC and LD-pruning, 15 105 SNPs remained for further analyses. Principal component and clustering analyses were used to visualize individual relationships within and between populations. All SA Angora goats were separated from the others and formed a well-defined, unique cluster, while outliers were identified in the FR and AR breeds. Apparent admixture between the AR and FR populations was observed, while both these populations showed signs of having some common ancestry with the SA goats. LD averaged over adjacent loci within the three populations per chromosome were calculated. The highest LD values estimated across populations were observed in the shorter intervals across populations. The Ne for the Angora breed was estimated to be 149 animals ten generations ago indicating a declining trend. Results confirmed that geographic isolation and different selection strategies caused genetic distinctiveness between the populations.
Body Sensor Networks for Monitoring Rowing Technique

This paper presents a prototype for monitoring the kinematics of the femur and lower back (sacrum and thoraco-lumbar junction) during rowing. Data is collected from inertial sensors attached to the rower and a simple yet relatively accurate method for determining the rotation of the lower back and femur in the sagittal plane is presented. We also present results from an initial validation experiment using an optical tracking system which demonstrate that it is possible to monitor rowers using the proposed sensors and identify some common poor rowing techniques. Due to their small size, wireless capability and lightweight characteristics, the proposed Body Sensor Network (BSN) system has the potential to be used during ergometer sessions and whilst training on the water.
Virulence Characteristics and Phylogenetic Background of Ciprofloxacin Resistant Escherichia coli in the Urine Samples from Korean Women with Acute Uncomplicated Cystitis

To clarify the characteristics of the virulence factors (VFs) of ciprofloxacin resistant Escherichia coli (CFRE) with acute uncomplicated cystitis (AUC), we determined the VFs and the phylogenetic background of all 54 CFRE strains and the 55 randomly selected ciprofloxacin sensitive E. coli strains (CFSE) from patients with AUC in 22 Korean hospitals. The prevalence of the VFs was as follows: fimA, papEF, papGIII, sfaI, dafaBC, cnf1, and hlyA were presented in 96%, 54%, 68%, 91%, 49%, 72%, and 29% of the samples, respectively. The expressions of papEF, cnf1, and hlyA were significantly more prevalent in the CFSE. Moreover, the expressions of cnf, and papEF significantly reduced the risk of ciprofloxacin resistance. The CFSE was also marginally associated with the group B2 (P=0.05). Although the presence of pyuria and a previous cystitis history were not related with the phylotyping and the expressions of VFs, group B2, and fimA and papEF were more expressed in the younger age patients (P<0.05). In conclusion, the CFRE exhibits a selective loss of VFs and the non-B2 phylotype in Korean AUC patients. The group B2 and the presence of fimA and papEF are associated with a younger age of AUC patients.
The Effect of Conservation Knowledge on Attitudes and Stated Behaviors toward Arthropods of Urban and Suburban Elementary School Students

ABSTRACT Arthropods provide ecosystem services upon which humans depend, yet are declining across the globe. Arthropods are neglected from conservation efforts due to many factors that include a lack of understanding of their roles and conservation need. Knowledge gain of arthropod roles could therefore increase support for their conservation, albeit indirectly through attitude changes. Evidence suggests knowledge and attitudes are more highly correlated in children and that environmental attitudes are shaped before age 12 years. Differences in the connection between knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward arthropods may also be different in children from different cultures or from urban versus rural locations due to varying experiences with arthropods. We sought to understand if different types of knowledge increased positive attitudes and stated conservation-based behaviors toward insects in children in both urban and suburban schools. We conducted either a basic biology lesson or a conservation lesson on ecosystem services in both urban and suburban 4th and 5th grade classes, and used pre- and post-questionnaires to detect changes in knowledge, attitudes, and stated behavior toward arthropods. We found that urban students had significantly lower knowledge of, less positive attitudes toward, and fewer stated conservation behaviors toward arthropods but also exhibited the greatest positive changes when presented the conservation-based lesson. In addition, we found that being able to identify the type of arthropod correctly was related to more positive attitudes and stated behaviors. Finally, we found that while attitudes did not change toward some species, stated conservation behaviors did increase with knowledge of the arthropod’s role in the ecosystem. Education in urban schools, with a focus on both distinguishing arthropods as well as ecosystem services, provides the most change per effort for conservation. Arthropod lessons could be done by local professors and undergraduate students in urban classrooms or local green spaces.
Broadening Participation in STEM College Majors: Effects of Attending a STEM-Focused High School

To increase participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) studies and careers, some states have promoted inclusive STEM high schools. This study addressed the question of whether these high schools improve the odds that their graduates will pursue a STEM major in college. State higher education records were obtained for students surveyed as seniors in 23 inclusive STEM high schools and 19 comparison schools without a STEM focus. Propensity score weighting was used to ensure that students in the comparison school sample were very similar to those in the inclusive STEM school sample in terms of demographic characteristics and Grade 8 achievement. Students overall and from under-represented groups who had attended inclusive STEM high schools were significantly more likely to be in a STEM bachelor’s degree program two years after high school graduation. For students who entered two-year colleges, on the other hand, attending an inclusive STEM high school was not associated with entry into STEM majors.
Organizational Innovation in European Firms: A Critical Overview of the Survey Evidence

The purpose of this paper is to provide an initial synthetical analysis of the lessons to be drawn from the study of the diffusion of organizational innovations in European firms. This study is based on the exploitation of four major nationwide surveys that were respectively carried out in Germany, Great Britain, Denmark and France. Thus, the present working paper intends to complete and extend a series of studies aiming at making a thorough examination of the links existing between organizational innovation and firms’ competitiveness, as part of a reflection already initiated in « Made in Europe ».