Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary dynamics of ecological niche in three Rhinogobio fishes from the upper Yangtze River inferred from morphological traits

In the past decades, it has been debated whether ecological niche should be conserved among closely related species (phylogenetic niche conservatism, PNC) or largely divergent (traditional ecological niche theory and ecological speciation) and whether niche specialist and generalist might remain in equilibrium or niche generalist could not appear. In this study, we employed morphological traits to describe ecological niche and test whether different niche dimensions exhibit disparate evolutionary patterns. We conducted our analysis on three Rhinogobio fish species (R. typus,R. cylindricus, and R. ventralis) from the upper Yangtze River, China. Among the 32 measured morphological traits except body length, PCA extracted the first four principal components with their loading scores >1.000. To find the PNC among species, Mantel tests were conducted with the Euclidean distances calculated from the four principal components (representing different niche dimensions) against the pairwise distances calculated from mitochondrial cytochrome b sequence variations. The results showed that the second and the third niche dimension, both related to swimming ability and behavior, exhibited phylogenetic conservatism. Further comparison on niche breadth among these three species revealed that the fourth dimension of R. typus showed the greatest width, indicating that this dimension exhibited niche generalism. In conclusion, our results suggested that different niche dimensions could show different evolutionary dynamic patterns: they may exhibit PNC or not, and some dimensions may evolve generalism.
Top-k Correlative Graph Mining

Correlation mining has been widely studied due to its ability for discovering the underlying occurrence dependency between objects. However, correlation mining in graph databases is expensive due to the complexity of graph data. In this paper, we study the problem of mining top-k correlative subgraphs in the database, which share similar occurrence distributions with a given query graph. The search space of the problem is prohibitively large since every subgraph in the database is a candidate. We propose an efficient algorithm, TopCor, which mines the top-k correlative graphs by exploring only the candidate graphs in the projected database of a query graph. We develop three key techniques for TopCor: an effective correlation checking mechanism, a powerful pruning criteria, and a set of useful rules for candidate exploration. The three key techniques are very effective in directing the search to those highly correlative candidate graphs. We justify by experiments the effectiveness of the three key techniques and show that TopCor is more than an order of magnitude faster than CGSearch, the state-of-the-art threshold-based correlative graph mining algorithm.
Exploring human images in website design: a multi-method approach

Effective visual design of e-commerce websites enhances website aesthetics and emotional appeal for the user. To gain insight into how Internet users perceive human images as one element of website design, a controlled experiment was conducted using a questionnaire, interviews, and eye-tracking methodology. Three conditions of human images were created including human images with facial features, human images without facial features, and a control condition with no human images. It was expected that human images with facial features would induce a user to perceive the website as more appealing, having warmth or social presence, and as more trustworthy. In turn, higher levels of image appeal and perceived social presence were predicted to result in trust. All expected relationships in the model were supported except no direct relationship was found between the human image conditions and trust. Additional analyses revealed subtle differences in the perception of human images across cultures (Canada, Germany, and Japan). While the general impact of human images seems universal across country groups, based on interview data four concepts emerged--aesthetics, symbolism, affective property, and functional property--with participants from each culture focusing on different concepts as applied to website design. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
A G ] 2 M ar 2 00 4 Deformation of Wildly Ramified Actions on Curves

We study deformations of a curve Y (defined over an algebraically closed field of characteristic p) along with a wildly ramified group action ρ : G →֒ Aut(Y ). The main result is a computation of the Krull dimension of the moduli space parametrizing deformations of the pair (Y, ρ). This dimension depends crucially on the ramification filtrations of the cover Y → Y/G. The proof uses formal patching and a Galois action on wildly ramified covers of germs of curves. This action can also be used to show that arbitrarily large genus and conductors can occur for such covers with fixed quotient curve, branch locus, and Galois group. For example, we prove that for any nontrivial quasi-p group G and for any sufficiently large integer σ with p ∤ σ, there exists a G-Galois étale cover of the affine line with conductor σ above the point ∞. 2000 Mathematical Subject Classification: 14H30, 14G32
Combining Strong and Weak Gravitational Lensing in Abell 1689

We present a reconstruction of the mass distribution of galaxy cluster Abell 1689 at z = 0.18 using detected strong lensing features from deep ACS observations and extensive ground based spectroscopy. Earlier analyses have reported up to 32 multiply imaged systems in this cluster, of which only 3 were spectroscopically confirmed. In this work, we present a parametric strong lensing mass reconstruction using 34 multiply imaged systems of which 24 have newly determined spectroscopic redshifts, which is a major step forward in building a robust mass model. In turn, the new spectroscopic data allows a more secure identification of multiply imaged systems. The resultant mass model enables us to reliably predict the redshifts of additional multiply imaged systems for which no spectra are currently available, and to use the location of these systems to further constrain the mass model. Using our strong lensing mass model, we predict on larger scale a shear signal which is consistent with that inferred from our large scale weak lensing analysis derived using CFH12K wide field images. Thanks to a new method for reliably selecting a well defined background lensed galaxy population, we resolve the discrepancy found between the NFW concentration parameters derived from earlier strong and weak lensing analysis. The derived parameters for the best fit NFW profile is found to be c200 = 7.6 ± 1.6 and r200 = 2.16 ± 0.10 h Mpc (corresponding to a 3D mass equal to M200 = [1.32 ± 0.2] × 1015 h70 M☉). The large number of new constraints incorporated in this work makes Abell 1689 the most reliably reconstructed cluster to date. This well calibrated mass model, which we here make publicly available, will enable us to exploit Abell 1689 efficiently as a gravitational telescope, as well as to potentially constrain cosmology.
Connected Components

Definition 1. Let (X, d) be a metric space. A subset E ⊆ X is called disconnected (or separated) if there exists nonempty A, B ⊂ E such that E = A ∪ B, and A ∩ B = A ∩ B = ∅. A subset is called connected if it is not disconnected. This set is also disconnected: setting A = [0, 1) and B = (1, 2] we have A = [0, 1] which does not intersect (1, 2] = B, while (1, 2] = [1, 2] does not intersect [0, 1) = A. Thus, E is disconnected. In this case, A ∩ B is not empty (it contains the point 1). We might say that A and B are adjacent. But they are not connected. A person living in A cannot communicate with a person living in B without sending a message outside the universe E = A ∪ B. Example 4. Once more in R, take E = [0, 2]. We can express E as a union of two non-intersecting pieces, for example E = [0, 1) ∪ [1, 2]. (Indeed, any set with at least two points can be divided into two non-empty pieces.) But in this case, [0, 1) ∩ [1, 2] is non-empty (it consists of the single point 1), and hence this does not constitute a separation of E. The point of Definition 1 is that, to be disconnected, a set must consist of (at least) two pieces that do not touch. In fact, the set [0, 2] is connected, as proved in Theorem 2.47 in [1]: the connected subsets of R are precisely the intervals. The concept of connectedness can be used to naturally divide any metric space into a collection of pieces, called its components. To see how to do this, we need the following lemma. Lemma 5. Let G be any collection of connected subsets of a metric space (X, d). Suppose that G is not empty. Then G is connected. Remark 6. The assumptions of Lemma 5 are stronger than needed to deduce the conclusion. For example, all we really need to assume is that, for any two sets U, V ∈ G either U ∩ V or U ∩ V is non-empty (i.e. any two sets in G touch). It will then following that the union of all sets in G is connected. The proof of this …
Prevention–Permission–Promotion: A Review of Approaches to Errors in Learning

Errors are often perceived as undesirable events to be avoided at all costs. However, a growing body of research suggests that making errors is, in fact, beneficial for learning. Building on human resource development literature, the present review proposes a 3P framework of approaches to errors during learning: prevention (avoiding or observing errors), permission (allowing errors), and promotion (inducing or guiding errors). This framework is applied to examine and integrate the empirical evidence on errors that have been commonly investigated in cognitive, educational, and applied psychology research. The psychological mechanisms of each error approach are discussed, and implications for education are considered. This review then concludes by highlighting the ways in which the various error approaches interact with learner characteristics and learning contexts, as well as discussing the role of feedback in error correction and proposing directions for future research toward understanding how errors can be optimized in learning.
Yeast exocytic v-SNAREs confer endocytosis.

In yeast, homologues of the synaptobrevin/VAMP family of v-SNAREs (Snc1 and Snc2) confer the docking and fusion of secretory vesicles at the cell surface. As no v-SNARE has been shown to confer endocytosis, we examined whether yeast lacking the SNC genes, or possessing a temperature-sensitive allele of SNC1 (SNC1(ala43)), are deficient in the endocytic uptake of components from the cell surface. We found that both SNC and temperature-shifted SNC1(ala43) yeast are deficient in their ability to deliver the soluble dye FM4-64 to the vacuole. Under conditions in which vesicles accumulate, FM4-64 stained primarily the cytoplasm as well as fragmented vacuoles. In addition, alpha-factor-stimulated endocytosis of the alpha-factor receptor, Ste2, was fully blocked, as evidenced using a Ste2-green fluorescent protein fusion protein as well as metabolic labeling studies. This suggests a direct role for Snc v-SNAREs in the retrieval of membrane proteins from the cell surface. Moreover, this idea is supported by genetic and physical data that demonstrate functional interactions with t-SNAREs that confer endosomal transport (e.g., Tlg1,2). Notably, Snc1(ala43) was found to be nonfunctional in cells lacking Tlg1 or Tlg2. Thus, we propose that synaptobrevin/VAMP family members are engaged in anterograde and retrograde protein sorting steps between the Golgi and the plasma membrane.
Health concerns in welding industry

Welding is an important process used in the iron based industries. About two percent of the working population is engaged in some type of welding. The procedure of welding is simple but its health implications are complex. Welding generates enormous amounts of gases and metal fumes. Depending on the substrate and welding type, the composition of resultant gases and fumes changes. Therefore, welders are exposed to a number of complex mixtures of compounds which pose a serious threat to their health. Various studies have shown the effect of welding process on the health of the workers. These studies include the analysis of blood and urine for different parameters like micronucleus test, comet assay, trace metal analysis (Pb, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn etc.), chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges. These studies give evidences about the serious occupational risk posed to the welders which should be minimized using personal protection equipments.
An essential function of the mitochondrial sulfhydryl oxidase Erv1p/ALR in the maturation of cytosolic Fe/S proteins

Biogenesis of Fe/S clusters involves a number of essential mitochondrial proteins. Here, we identify the essential Erv1p of Saccharomyces cerevisia mitochondria as a novel component that is specifically required for the maturation of Fe/S proteins in the cytosol, but not in mitochondria. Furthermore, Erv1p was found to be important for cellular iron homeostasis. The homologous mammalian protein ALR (‘augmenter of liver regeneration’), also termed hepatopoietin, can functionally replace defects in Erv1p and thus represents the mammalian orthologue of yeast Erv1p. Previously, a fragment of ALR was reported to exhibit an activity as an extracellular hepatotrophic growth factor. Both Erv1p and full‐length ALR are located in the mitochondrial intermembrane space and represent the first components of this compartment with a role in the biogenesis of cytosolic Fe/S proteins. It is likely that Erv1p/ALR operates downstream of the mitochondrial ABC transporter Atm1p/ABC7/Sta1, which also executes a specific task in this essential biochemical process.
Structure of an archaeal non-discriminating glutamyl-tRNA synthetase: a missing link in the evolution of Gln-tRNAGln formation

The molecular basis of the genetic code relies on the specific ligation of amino acids to their cognate tRNA molecules. However, two pathways exist for the formation of Gln-tRNAGln. The evolutionarily older indirect route utilizes a non-discriminating glutamyl-tRNA synthetase (ND-GluRS) that can form both Glu-tRNAGlu and Glu-tRNAGln. The Glu-tRNAGln is then converted to Gln-tRNAGln by an amidotransferase. Since the well-characterized bacterial ND-GluRS enzymes recognize tRNAGlu and tRNAGln with an unrelated α-helical cage domain in contrast to the β-barrel anticodon-binding domain in archaeal and eukaryotic GluRSs, the mode of tRNAGlu/tRNAGln discrimination in archaea and eukaryotes was unknown. Here, we present the crystal structure of the Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus ND-GluRS, which is the evolutionary predecessor of both the glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase (GlnRS) and the eukaryotic discriminating GluRS. Comparison with the previously solved structure of the Escherichia coli GlnRS-tRNAGln complex reveals the structural determinants responsible for specific tRNAGln recognition by GlnRS compared to promiscuous recognition of both tRNAs by the ND-GluRS. The structure also shows the amino acid recognition pocket of GluRS is more variable than that found in GlnRS. Phylogenetic analysis is used to reconstruct the key events in the evolution from indirect to direct genetic encoding of glutamine.
Deep Sequencing and Screening of Differentially Expressed MicroRNAs Related to Milk Fat Metabolism in Bovine Primary Mammary Epithelial Cells

Milk fat is a key factor affecting milk quality and is also a major trait targeted in dairy cow breeding. To determine how the synthesis and the metabolism of lipids in bovine milk is regulated at the miRNA level, primary mammary epithelial cells (pMEC) derived from two Chinese Holstein dairy cows that produced extreme differences in milk fat percentage were cultured by the method of tissue nubbles culture. Small RNA libraries were constructed from each of the two pMEC groups, and Solexa sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were then used to determine the abundance of miRNAs and their differential expression pattern between pMECs. Target genes and functional prediction of differentially expressed miRNAs by Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis illustrated their roles in milk fat metabolism. Results show that a total of 292 known miRNAs and 116 novel miRNAs were detected in both pMECs. Identification of known and novel miRNA candidates demonstrated the feasibility and sensitivity of sequencing at the cellular level. Additionally, 97 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed between the pMECs. Finally, three miRNAs including bta-miR-33a, bta-miR-152 and bta-miR-224 whose predicted target genes were annotated to the pathway of lipid metabolism were screened and verified by real-time qPCR and Western-blotting experiments. This study is the first comparative profiling of the miRNA transcriptome in pMECs that produce different milk fat content.
CLIL methodology, materials and resources, and assessment in a monolingual context: an analysis of stakeholders’ perceptions in Andalusia

ABSTRACT This paper presents an investigation into stakeholder perspectives on the methodology, materials and resources and assessment procedures employed in a bilingual (CLIL) programme in a monolingual context. A total of 873 respondents (544 students, 92 teachers and 237 parents) in Andalusia, Spain (more specifically, in the provinces of Málaga and Cádiz) took part in the study. Questionnaires and focus groups were used to gauge stakeholder perspectives on important curricular issues, which were then interpreted within the framework of a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis. The most commonly reported methodological strength of the programme was its use of innovative pedagogical practices, which seem to be spreading from the CLIL programme into the mainstream programme. Inadequate teacher training in the CLIL methodology was the most commonly reported weakness by teachers. To provide a more comprehensive picture of stakeholders’ views of the programme between-group comparisons were also performed. These indicated that there were group differences in perceptions of numerous CLIL-related issues, which emphasises the need to pay attention to how the different groups involved interpret the CLIL educational experience.
A Molecular Dynamics Study of Cementitious Calcium Silicate Hydrate ( CSH ) Gels ∗

In this article we study the polymerization of silicic acids (Si(OH)4) in the presence of calcium ions by molecular dynamics simulations. We focus on the formation and structure of cementitious calcium silicate hydrate (CS-H) gels. Our simulations con rm that, in accordance with experiments, a larger content of calcium ions slows down the polymerization of the cementitious silicate chains and prevents them from forming rings and threedimensional structures. Furthermore, by an analysis of the connectivity of our simulated silicate chains and by a count of the number of formed CaOH and Si-OH bonds, the relationship with commonly employed structural models of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gels, such as 1.4-nm tobermorite and jennite, is discussed.
The Euler-Maruyama approximation for the absorption time of the CEV diffusion

The standard convergence analysis of the simulation schemes for the hitting times of diffusions typically requires non-degeneracy of their coefficients on the boundary, which excludes the possibility of absorption. In this paper we consider the CEV diffusion from the mathematical finance and show how a weakly consistent approximation for the absorption time can be constructed, using the Euler-Maruyama scheme.
1 A Model for Transient Faults in Logic Circuits

Transient (soft) faults due to particle strikes and other environmental and manufacturing effects are a frequent cause of failure in ICs. We propose a general, technology-independent model called single transient fault (STF) model to represent transient faults and errors in logic circuits. It is defined in terms of a temporary stuck-at fault and its associated circuit state. STFs can be used to estimate the transient error probability perr of a circuit’s nodes, as well as various measures of reliability and error tolerance. We demonstrate the use of STFs with combinational and sequential logic circuits, including several types of adders. Some other applications of STFs are also briefly considered.
Value of Information in Capacitated Supply ChainsSrinagesh

We incorporate information ow between a supplier and a customer in a two-echelon model that captures the capacitated setting of a typical supply chain. We consider three situations: (1) a traditional model where there is no information to the supplier prior to a demand to him except from past data; (2) the supplier has the information of the (s,S) policy used by the customer as well as the end-product demand distribution; and (3) the supplier has full information about the state of the customer. We show that order up-to policies continue to be optimal for models with information ow for the nite horizon, the innnite horizon discounted and the innnite horizon average cost cases. We develop solution procedures to compute the optimal parameters. Study of these three models enables us to understand the relationships between capacity, inventory and information at the supplier level and how they are aaected by customer S ? s values and end-item demand distribution. We estimate the savings at the supplier due to information ow and study when information is most beneecial.
A new method for instantaneous signal period identification by repetitive pattern matching

Identifying reoccurring patterns within a signal set often yields important information about the signal. Fourier analysis is typically used as a method to determine periodic sinusoidal elements of a given signal; however, it is not able to properly identify near-periodic patterns with small instantaneous changes in the periodicity of the input waveform. To that end, a new transform has been developed which performs a form of high gain correlation on a selected subset of time-localized data points. This transform yields a periodicity vector which accurately identifies a set of samples which are found to be approximately repetitious over a two period timeframe. The transform has been extended to the problem of heart beat detection, referred to as QRS Complex detection in the literature.
Vendor satisfaction of E-government procurement systems in developing countries: an empirical research in Indonesia

ABSTRACT Adoption of e-government services persists as a prime concern among scholars and practitioners. Although much progress has been attained in comprehending how e-government services have been adopted by citizens, our understanding of vendors’ willingness to engage in Government-to-Business transactions (e.g. e-procurement) is much more limited by comparison, especially from the perspectives of service convenience and performance failure. For this reason, there have been increasing calls for further investigations into the factors affecting vendors’ adoption of e-government services and especially those operating in developing countries. Drawing on the compatibility principle, we advance a theoretical model that posits performance failure of e-government systems as object-based beliefs affecting vendors’ behavioral-based belief of service convenience. Upon analyzing survey data gathered from 227 vendors based in Indonesia on their experiences with e-government procurement systems, we discover that vendors’ evaluations of service convenience are negatively influenced by the presence of information, function, and system failures and that the effects of these failures vary across different dimensions of service convenience. In turn, service convenience and performance failure exert opposite impact on vendors’ satisfaction with e-government systems.