Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Greater seed production in elevated CO2 is not accompanied by reduced seed quality in Pinus taeda L.

For herbaceous species, elevated CO2 often increases seed production but usually leads to decreased seed quality. However, the effects of increased atmospheric CO2 on tree fecundity remain uncertain, despite the importance of reproduction to the composition of future forests. We determined how seed quantity and quality differed for pine trees grown for 12 years in ambient and elevated (ambient+200 μL L−1) CO2, at the Duke Forest free‐air CO2 enrichment (FACE) site. We also compared annual reproductive effort with yearly measurements of aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP), precipitation (P), potential evapotranspiration (PET) and water availability [precipitation minus potential evapotranspiration (P−PET)] to investigate factors that may drive interannual variation in seed production. The number of mature, viable seeds doubled per unit basal area in high‐CO2 plots from 1997 to 2008 (P<0.001), but there was no CO2 effect on mean seed mass, viability, or nutrient content. Interannual variation in seed production was positively related to ANPP, with a similar percentage of ANPP diverted to reproduction across years. Seed production was negatively related to PET (P<0.005) and positively correlated with water availability (P<0.05), but showed no relationship with precipitation (P=0.88). This study adds to the few findings that, unlike herbaceous crops, woody plants may benefit from future atmospheric CO2 by producing larger numbers of seeds without suffering degraded seed quality. Differential reproductive responses between functional groups and species could facilitate woody invasions or lead to changes in forest community composition as CO2 rises.
Identities in transition: Investigating the encounters of Colombian mothers with Canadian schools

ABSTRACT Peoples of Latin American origin are one of the fastest growing communities in Canada, yet little is known about their experiences in Canadian schools. This exploratory case study examines the articulations of agency by mothers of Colombian origin as they transition their children into Southwestern Ontario urban schools. Focus group and follow-up interviews were conducted with nine mothers who had recently arrived in Canada. Results revealed that support by school personnel enabled participants to assert their agency in their children’s education. We conclude that consistent application of supports for immigrant parents by school personnel is needed across school systems.
Ancient Properties of Spider Silks Revealed by the Complete Gene Sequence of the Prey-Wrapping Silk Protein (AcSp1)

Spider silk fibers have impressive mechanical properties and are primarily composed of highly repetitive structural proteins (termed spidroins) encoded by a single gene family. Most characterized spidroin genes are incompletely known because of their extreme size (typically >9 kb) and repetitiveness, limiting understanding of the evolutionary processes that gave rise to their unusual gene architectures. The only complete spidroin genes characterized thus far form the dragline in the Western black widow, Latrodectus hesperus. Here, we describe the first complete gene sequence encoding the aciniform spidroin AcSp1, the primary component of spider prey-wrapping fibers. L. hesperus AcSp1 contains a single enormous (∼19 kb) exon. The AcSp1 repeat sequence is exceptionally conserved between two widow species (∼94% identity) and between widows and distantly related orb-weavers (∼30% identity), consistent with a history of strong purifying selection on its amino acid sequence. Furthermore, the 16 repeats (each 371–375 amino acids long) found in black widow AcSp1 are, on average, >99% identical at the nucleotide level. A combination of stabilizing selection on amino acid sequence, selection on silent sites, and intragenic recombination likely explains the extreme homogenization of AcSp1 repeats. In addition, phylogenetic analyses of spidroin paralogs support a gene duplication event occurring concomitantly with specialization of the aciniform glands and the tubuliform glands, which synthesize egg-case silk. With repeats that are dramatically different in length and amino acid composition from dragline spidroins, our L. hesperus AcSp1 expands the knowledge base for developing silk-based biomimetic technologies.
Compounded brain volume deficits in schizophrenia-alcoholism comorbidity.

BACKGROUND Schizophrenia and alcoholism are characterized by brain volume abnormalities. Despite the frequent comorbidity of these conditions, the potentially compounded effects of comorbidity on brain structure have seldom been rigorously assessed. METHODS To determine the compounding effect of schizophrenia and alcoholism on regional brain volumes, we performed retrospective quantitative analysis of magnetic resonance images from men who participated in research protocols at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. Participants were selected on the basis of diagnostic criteria, yielding 4 comparison groups: 35 men comorbid for DSM-III-R schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and lifetime alcohol abuse or dependence; 64 men with DSM-III-R schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder; 62 men with Research Diagnostic Criteria alcoholism; and 62 healthy men screened to exclude any Axis I diagnosis or heavy alcohol use. The comorbid group matched the schizophrenia group on age and illness severity but was younger and drank 5 times less alcohol in their lifetimes than the alcoholism group. Gray and white matter volumes from 6 cortical regions were expressed as age- and head size-corrected z scores and were subjected to multivariate profile analyses. RESULTS Gray matter volume deficits were present in all 3 patient groups but were greatest in the comorbid group. In the comorbid group, the most prominent volume deficits were in the prefrontal and anterior superior temporal regions. CONCLUSIONS Despite lower alcohol exposure than in pure alcoholism, the comorbidity of schizophrenia with alcoholism has a particularly profound effect on prefrontal gray matter volume, compounding the prominent prefrontal deficits present independently in schizophrenia and alcoholism.
Cathode Performance as a Factor in Electricity Generation in Microbial Fuel Cells

Although microbial fuel cells (MFCs) generate much lower power densities than hydrogen fuel cells, the characteristics of the cathode can also substantially affect electricity generation. Cathodes used for MFCs are often either Ptcoated carbon electrodes immersed in water that use dissolved oxygen as the electron acceptor or they are plain carbon electrodes in a ferricyanide solution. The characteristics and performance of these two cathodes were compared using a two-chambered MFC. Power generation using the Pt-carbon cathode and dissolved oxygen (saturated) reached a maximum of 0.097 mW within 120 h after inoculation (wastewater sludge and 20 mM acetate) when the cathode was equal size to the anode (2.5 × 4.5 cm). Once stable power was generated after replacing the MFC with fresh medium (no sludge), the Coulombic efficiency ranged from 63 to 78%. Power was proportional to the dissolved oxygen concentration in a manner consistent with Monod-type kinetics, with a half saturation constant of KDO ) 1.74 mg of O2/L. Power increased by 24% when the cathode surface areas were increased from 22.5 to 67.5 cm2 and decreased by 56% when the cathode surface area was reduced to 5.8 cm2. Power was also substantially reduced (by 78% to 0.02 mW) if Pt was not used on the cathode. By using ferricyanide instead of dissolved oxygen, the maximum power increased by 50-80% versus that obtained with dissolved oxygen. This result was primarily due to increased mass transfer efficiencies and the larger cathode potential (332 mV) of ferricyanide than that obtained with dissolved oxygen (268 mV). A cathode potential of 804 mV (NHE basis) is theoretically possible using dissolved oxygen, indicating that further improvements in cathode performance with oxygen as the electron acceptor are possible that could lead to increased power densities in this type of MFC.
ONE-DIMENSIONAL DYNAMICAL MODELS OF THE CARINA NEBULA BUBBLE

We have tested the two main theoretical models of bubbles around massive star clusters, Castor et al. and Chevalier & Clegg, against observations of the well-studied Carina nebula. The Castor et al. theory overpredicts the X-ray luminosity in the Carina bubble by a factor of 60 and expands too rapidly, by a factor of 4; if the correct radius and age are used, the predicted X-ray luminosity is even larger. In contrast, the Chevalier & Clegg model underpredicts the X-ray luminosity by a factor of 10. We modify the Castor et al. theory to take into account lower stellar wind mass-loss rates, radiation pressure, gravity, and escape of or energy loss from the hot shocked gas. We argue that energy is advected rather than radiated from the bubble. We undertake a parameter study for reduced stellar mass-loss rates and for various leakage rates and are able to find viable models. The X-ray surface brightness in Carina is highest close to the bubble wall, which is consistent with conductive evaporation from cold clouds. The picture that emerges is one in which the hot gas pressure is far below that found by dividing the time-integrated wind luminosity by the bubble volume; rather, the pressure in the hot gas is set by pressure equilibrium with the photoionized gas at T = 104 K. It follows that the shocked stellar winds are not dynamically important in forming the bubbles.
Handmade: On the Cognitive Origins of Gestural Representations

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Integrating a Rule-based with a Hierarchical Translation System

Recent developments on hybrid systems that combine rule-based machine translation (RBMT) systems with statistical machine translation (SMT) generally neglect the fact that RBMT systems tend to produce more syntactically well-formed translations than data-driven systems. This paper proposes a method that alleviates this issue by preserving more useful structures produced by RBMT systems and utilizing them in a SMT system that operates on hierarchical structures instead of flat phrases alone. For our experiments, we use Joshua as the decoder. It is the first attempt towards a tighter integration of MT systems from different paradigms that both support hierarchical analysis. Preliminary results show consistent improvements over the previous approach.
Big Five Personality, Ethical Sensitivity, and Performance of Auditors

This study aimed to examine and to obtain empirical evidence on the effect of Ethical Sensitivity on the Auditors' Performance and the influence of moderation of Big Five Personality on the relationship between the Ethical Sensitivity and Performance of Auditors of the Public Accountant Offices in Bali. The study used primary data sources and the data types used were quantitative data, collected through questionnaires. Data analysis technique used was Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA) approach. The results obtained in the study is the ethical sensitivity has a positive effect on the auditors’ performance and personality traits contained in the Big Five Personality model which can strengthen the relationship between ethical sensitivity and the auditors’ performance. Auditors who have the personalities of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability and openness to experience tend to remain ethical even in the face of a pressing ethical dilemma that they are able to provide optimal performance.
Climate change and watershed mercury export: a multiple projection and model analysis

Future shifts in climatic conditions may impact watershed mercury (Hg) dynamics and transport. An ensemble of watershed models was applied in the present study to simulate and evaluate the responses of hydrological and total Hg (THg) fluxes from the landscape to the watershed outlet and in‐stream THg concentrations to contrasting climate change projections for a watershed in the southeastern coastal plain of the United States. Simulations were conducted under stationary atmospheric deposition and land cover conditions to explicitly evaluate the effect of projected precipitation and temperature on watershed Hg export (i.e., the flux of Hg at the watershed outlet). Based on downscaled inputs from 2 global circulation models that capture extremes of projected wet (Community Climate System Model, Ver 3 [CCSM3]) and dry (ECHAM4/HOPE‐G [ECHO]) conditions for this region, watershed model simulation results suggest a decrease of approximately 19% in ensemble‐averaged mean annual watershed THg fluxes using the ECHO climate‐change model and an increase of approximately 5% in THg fluxes with the CCSM3 model. Ensemble‐averaged mean annual ECHO in‐stream THg concentrations increased 20%, while those of CCSM3 decreased by 9% between the baseline and projected simulation periods. Watershed model simulation results using both climate change models suggest that monthly watershed THg fluxes increase during the summer, when projected flow is higher than baseline conditions. The present study's multiple watershed model approach underscores the uncertainty associated with climate change response projections and their use in climate change management decisions. Thus, single‐model predictions can be misleading, particularly in developmental stages of watershed Hg modeling. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:2165–2174. © 2013 SETAC
Cointegration and nonlinear causality among ethanol‐related prices: evidence from Brazil

The objective of this study was to investigate the causal relationships among crude oil, ethanol and sugar prices in the context of Brazil. In doing so, we consider the application of ARDL bound tests to examine whether these variables comove in the long run. Besides, we employ a recently developed nonlinear symmetric and asymmetric test for noncausality which assists us to explore the short‐run ‘lead–lag’ associations among the price indexes under review. The results of the ARDL bound test indicate that cointegration exists only when the ethanol price is used as the dependent variable. This finding suggests that oil and sugar prices lead the Brazilian ethanol prices in the long run. Moreover, the results of nonlinear causality test also confirm the existence of a short‐term unidirectional causality running from sugar to ethanol market. We also document that the impact of sugar prices on ethanol prices appears to be positive indicating that rising sugar prices will cause a growth in the ethanol prices. Our findings further demonstrate that sugar prices are not affected by the fluctuations in ethanol price. The results carry important implications for policymakers.
A Meta-Analysis of Perceived Locus of Causality in Exercise, Sport, and Physical Education Contexts.

The present article conducts a meta-analytic review of the research adopting the perceived locus of causality in the contexts of sport, exercise, and physical education. A literature search of published articles identified three main research foci: (a) the development of instruments that assess perceived locus of causality; (b) examination of the construct validity of perceived locus of causality by investigating the relevance of the self-determination continuum as well as by using antecedents (e.g., perceived competence) and outcomes (e.g., intentions); and (c) integration of Nicholls’ (1984) concepts of task and ego orientation with perceived locus of causality. A meta-analysis using 21 published articles supported the existence of a self-determination continuum from external regulation to introjection and identification. In addition, path analysis of corrected effect sizes supported the mediating effects of perceived locus of causality on the relationship between perceived competence and intentions. Results are discussed with reference to the assumptions of self-determination theory, Vallerand’s (1997) hierarchical model of intrinsic/extrinsic motivation, and theories of behavioral intentions. Understanding adherence to health-related behaviors is an important avenue for scientific inquiry. Knowledge of the fundamental processes and mechanisms of human behavior can inform practice about how to promote human motivation. Deci and Ryan’s (1985) self-determination theory has become increasingly popular in studies of human motivation (Deci, Koestner, & Ryan, 1999a).
Increased Association of ZO-1 With Connexin43 During Remodeling of Cardiac Gap Junctions

The intercellular geometry of connexin43 (Cx43) gap junctional coupling is key to coordinated spread of electrical activation through the ventricle of the mammalian heart. A progressive redistribution of electrical and mechanical junctions into intercalated discs occurs during postnatal development. Breakdown of disc-localized pattern in the adult heart, to recapitulate immature distributions, is thought to be key to the genesis of conduction disturbance and arrhythmia. Recently, ZO-1 (a PDZ-MAGUK protein), has been suggested to have a role in generating coupling geometries between myocytes. We therefore investigated the codistribution of ZO-1 with Cx43 and N-cadherin in the adult rat ventricle using quantitative immunoconfocal and immunoelectron microscopy. These analyses indicated that, whereas ZO-1 and Cx43 codistribute within discs, only low to moderate point-by-point colocalization of Cx43 and ZO-1 is found within these domains compared with the relatively high level of colocalization between N-cadherin and ZO-1. By contrast, levels of association between Cx43 and ZO-1 increased rapidly and significantly (P <0.001) after partial or complete enzymatic dissociation of myocytes from intact ventricle—a treatment known to induce gap junction endocytosis. Coimmunoprecipitation using Cx43- and ZO-1-specific antibodies confirmed that significantly (P <0.03) increased ZO-1 is precipitated relative to Cx43 in freshly dissociated myocytes as compared with intact ventricle. On immunoblots, decreases in Cx43 relative mobility, consistent with increased phosphorylation, were observed following myocyte dissociation. The increased ZO-1-Cx43 association that occurs after remodeling of myocyte intercellular contacts indicates the possibility of unanticipated roles for ZO-1 in gap junction turnover during cardiac development and disease processes.
Decision Taking as a Service

Decision taking can be performed as a service to other parties and it is amenable to outtasking rather than to outsourcing. Outtasking decision taking is compatible with selfsourcing of decision making activities carried out in preparation of decision taking. Decision taking as a service (DTaaS) is viewed as an instance of so-called decision casting. Preconditions for service casting are examined, and compliance of decision taking with these preconditions is confirmed. Potential advantages and disadvantages of using decision taking as a service are considered.
Case-control study of the PERIOD3 clock gene length polymorphism and colorectal adenoma formation

Clock genes are expressed in a self-perpetuating, circadian pattern in virtually every tissue including the human gastrointestinal tract. They coordinate cellular processes critical for tumor development, including cell proliferation, DNA damage response and apoptosis. Circadian rhythm disturbances have been associated with an increased risk for colon cancer and other cancers. This mechanism has not been elucidated, yet may involve dysregulation of the ‘period’ (PER) clock genes, which have tumor suppressor properties. A variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) in the PERIOD3 (PER3) gene has been associated with sleep disorders, differences in diurnal hormone secretion, and increased premenopausal breast cancer risk. Susceptibility related to PER3 has not been examined in conjunction with adenomatous polyps. This exploratory case-control study was the first to test the hypothesis that the 5-repeat PER3 VNTR sequence is associated with increased odds of adenoma formation. Information on demographics, medical history, occupation and lifestyle was collected prior to colonoscopy. Cases (n=49) were individuals with at least one histopathologically confirmed adenoma. Controls (n=97) included patients with normal findings or hyperplastic polyps not requiring enhanced surveillance. Unconditional multiple logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), after adjusting for potential confounding. Adenomas were detected in 34% of participants. Cases were more likely to possess the 5-repeat PER3 genotype relative to controls (4/5 OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 0.9–4.8; 5/5 OR, 5.1; 95% CI, 1.4–18.1; 4/5+5/5 OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.7–5.4). Examination of the Oncomine microarray database indicated lower PERIOD gene expression in adenomas relative to adjacent normal tissue. Results suggest a need for follow-up in a larger sample.
An Agent based Intrusion Detection System for Wireless Sensor Networks Using Multilevel Classification

With the rapid growth of internet communication and availability of techniques to intrude the network, network security has become indispensable. In this paper, we propose a multilevel classification technique for intrusion detection that uses intelligent agents and a combination of decision tree classifier and Enhanced Multiclass Support Vector Machine algorithm for the implementation of an effective intrusion detection system in order to provide security to Wireless Sensor Networks. The main advantage of this approach is that the system can be trained with unlabeled data and is capable of detecting previously “unseen” attacks using agents. Verification tests have been carried out by using the KDD cup’99 data set. From the experiments conducted in this work, it has been observed that significant improvement has been achieved in intrusion detection rate and also in the reduction of false alarm rate.
Neuroprotective Effects of Sevoflurane against Electromagnetic Pulse-Induced Brain Injury through Inhibition of Neuronal Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis

Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) causes central nervous system damage and neurobehavioral disorders, and sevoflurane protects the brain from ischemic injury. We investigated the effects of sevoflurane on EMP-induced brain injury. Rats were exposed to EMP and immediately treated with sevoflurane. The protective effects of sevoflurane were assessed by Nissl staining, Fluoro-Jade C staining and electron microscopy. The neurobehavioral effects were assessed using the open-field test and the Morris water maze. Finally, primary cerebral cortical neurons were exposed to EMP and incubated with different concentration of sevoflurane. The cellular viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were assayed. TUNEL staining was performed, and the expression of apoptotic markers was determined. The cerebral cortexes of EMP-exposed rats presented neuronal abnormalities. Sevoflurane alleviated these effects, as well as the learning and memory deficits caused by EMP exposure. In vitro, cell viability was reduced and LDH release was increased after EMP exposure; treatment with sevoflurane ameliorated these effects. Additionally, sevoflurane increased SOD activity, decreased MDA levels and alleviated neuronal apoptosis by regulating the expression of cleaved caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2. These findings demonstrate that Sevoflurane conferred neuroprotective effects against EMP radiation-induced brain damage by inhibiting neuronal oxidative stress and apoptosis.