Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MADS-Box Genes and Gibberellins Regulate Bolting in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

Bolting in lettuce is promoted by high temperature and bolting resistance is of great economic importance for lettuce production. But how bolting is regulated at the molecular level remains elusive. Here, a bolting resistant line S24 and a bolting sensitive line S39 were selected for morphological, physiological, transcriptomic and proteomic comparisons. A total of 12204 genes were differentially expressed in S39 vs. S24. Line S39 was featured with larger leaves, higher levels of chlorophyll, soluble sugar, anthocyanin and auxin, consistent with its up-regulation of genes implicated in photosynthesis, oxidation-reduction and auxin actions. Proteomic analysis identified 30 differentially accumulated proteins in lines S39 and S24 upon heat treatment, and 19 out of the 30 genes showed differential expression in the RNA-Seq data. Exogenous gibberellins (GA) treatment promoted bolting in both S39 and S24, while 12 flowering promoting MADS-box genes were specifically induced in line S39, suggesting that although GA regulates bolting in lettuce, it may be the MADS-box genes, not GA, that plays a major role in differing the bolting resistance between these two lettuce lines.
Interpreting tense in a second language

The question of whether adult native speakers of Chinese, a language that does not morphosyntactically represent tense, are able to acquire tense in English has been a topic of great interest in part because it allows us to examine whether there is a critical period for features that are not instantiated in the native language (Hawkins 2001; Hawkins & Liszka 2003; Lardiere 1998a, 2003). While most previous studies have focused on production data, the present study examines the semantics of tense, investigating whether or not learners’ interpretations are sensitive to temporal distinctions. Native speakers of Mandarin are compared with native speakers of Japanese and Korean, languages which both morphosyntactically encode tense. Results of an interpretation task targeting the present progressive and past progressive in English show that by advanced levels of proficiency the three groups of learners performsimilarly. The results provide evidence that tense is fully acquirable in L2 acquisition regardless of the properties of the native language.
Student study patterns

What expectations do we make of distance students in terms of the time that they give to study and their study activities each week? Do these expectations match the actual practice of students themselves? By means of postal questionnaires and 14 day diaries, external students of Riverina‐Murray Institute of Higher Education in New South Wales, Australia, informed David Roberts of the difference between Institute assumptions and their own behaviour. The conclusions provide food for thought to educators inclined to recommend ideal study patterns to their students.
Detection of early left ventricular dysfunction in patients with maternal placental syndrome using tissue Doppler and strain rate imaging

Background: Maternal placental syndromes (MPS) occur as a consequence of abnormal placental vessel formation and refer to hypertensive pregnancy disorders and related placental abnormalities. The aim of this study is to investigate early alterations in left ventricular function in patients with history of MPS using tissue Doppler and strain rate imaging. Methods: We enrolled 122 females who were 6 months after delivery. Group 1 included 72 patients who experienced MPS. Group 2 included 50 women with normal pregnancy as control. Results: There was no significant difference between both groups with regard to ejection fraction, deceleration time, isovolumetric relaxation time, or E/A ratio. Deterioration of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function was evident in the MPS group, by TDI parameters (significantly lower values of Sm 7.5 ± 1.2 vs. 9.1 ± 1.3, p < 0.001; Em 7.0 ± 0.8 vs. 10.0 ± 1.4, p = 0.02; and Em-to-Am ratio 0.84 ± 0.14 vs. 1.2 ± 0.18, p < 0.001). Systolic strain, peak systolic strain rate, and early and late diastolic strain rates were also significantly lower in patients who had MPS than in the control group (−18.7 ± 2.6 vs. −20.8 ± 1.5, p < 0.001; −0.92 ± 0.14 vs. −1.01 ± 0.23, p < 0.001; 1.05 ± 0.11 vs. 1.29 ± 0.24, p < 0.001; 1.8 ± 0.3 vs. 1.2 ± 0.4, p < 0.001, respectively) and in patients who had severe pre-eclampia than mild pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclamptic women who had preterm delivery showed significantly higher left diastolic dysfunction. Conclusion: Left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction occur in patients with history of MPS. These abnormalities are evident on tissue Doppler and strain imaging even in the absence of changes in ejection fraction or standard diastolic parameters.
The effect of differential galactic winds on the chemical evolution of galaxies

Aims. The aim of this paper is to study the basic equations of the chemical evolution of galaxies with gas flows. In particular, we focus on models in which the outflow is differential, namely in which the heavy elements (or some of the heavy elements) can leave the parent galaxy more easily than other chemical species such as H and He. Methods. We study the chemical evolution of galaxies in the framework of simple models, namely we make simplifying assumptions about the lifetimes of stars and the mixing of freshly produced metals. This allows us to solve analytically the equations for the evolution of gas masses and metallicities. In particular, we find new analytical solutions for various cases in which the effects of winds and infall are taken into account. Results. Differential galactic winds, namely winds carrying out preferentially metals, have the effect of reducing the global metallicity of a galaxy, with the amount of reduction increasing with the ejection efficiency of the metals. Abundance ratios are predicted to remain constant throughout the whole evolution of the galaxy, even in the presence of differential winds. One way to change them is by assuming differential winds with different ejection efficiencies for different elements. However, simple models apply only to elements produced on short timescales, namely all by type II SNe, and therefore large differences in the ejection efficiencies of different metals are unlikely. Conclusions. Variations in abundance ratios such as [O/Fe] in galaxies, without including the Fe production by type Ia supernovae, can in principle be obtained by assuming an unlikely different efficiency in the loss of O relative to Fe from type II supernovae. Therefore, we conclude that it is not realistic to ignore type Ia supernovae and that the delayed production of some chemical elements relative to others (time-delay model) remains the most plausible explanation for the evolution of α-elements relative to Fe.
Retiring to Spain: An Analysis of Differences among North European Nationals

The aim of this study is to analyse the growing importance of international retirement migration (IRM) by focusing on the differences among the British, German and Nordic expatriate communities living on the Costa Blanca, Spain. The first section discusses recent developments in the study of IRM and outlines the objectives of this article. Next, the methodology is presented. The third section reports the results of a survey conducted among older British, German and Nordic residents in the study area of Torrevieja. It is shown that there are significant differences among the three national groups, particularly in their socio-demographic and economic backgrounds, residential choices and patterns of mobility. The conclusions emphasise the need for further research on cross-national and inter-local differences in IRM.
Low ERK Phosphorylation in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Is Associated with Tamoxifen Resistance in Pre-Menopausal Breast Cancer

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate ERK phosphorylation as a stromal biomarker for breast cancer prognosis and tamoxifen treatment prediction within a randomized tamoxifen trial. Patients and Methods Tissue microarrays of two breast cancer cohorts including in total 743 invasive breast cancer samples were analyzed for ERK phosphorylation (pERK) and smooth muscle actin-alpha expression (SMAα) in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and links to clinico-pathological data and treatment-predictive values were delineated. Results By analyzing a unique randomized tamoxifen trial including breast cancer patients receiving no adjuvant treatment we show for the first time that patients low in ERK phosphorylation in CAFs did not respond to tamoxifen treatment despite having estrogen-receptor alpha (ERα-positive tumors compared to patients with high pERK levels in CAFs (P = 0.015, multivariate Cox regression interaction analysis). In both clinical materials we further show a significant association between pERK and SMAα, a characteristic marker for activated fibroblasts. SMAα expression however was not linked to treatment-predictive information but instead had prognostic qualities. Conclusion The data suggests that the presence of a subpopulation of CAFs, defined by minimal activated ERK signaling, is linked to an impaired tamoxifen response. Thus, this report illustrates the importance of the stroma for monitoring treatment effects in pre-menopausal breast cancer.
Engaging with mathematics in the kindergarten. Orchestrating a fairy tale through questioning and use of tools

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to analyse how a kindergarten teacher orchestrated a mathematical activity involving a fairy tale. Taking a sociocultural perspective on learning and development, naturally occurring talk-in-interaction has been analysed in order to scrutinise the subtleties of the orchestration. The fairy tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears was used both as context for the activity, but also as a means through which mathematical concepts were engaged with. The analysis shows that the orchestration bears characteristics of questioning and use of tools such as voice, facial expressions, and concrete materials. The orchestration is also characterised by sincere planning in advance of the activity and by addressing pre-formulated learning objectives.
Reinforcing hegemonic masculinities through sexual harassment: issues of identity, power and popularity in secondary schools

This paper, based on the perspectives of young men, explores the relationship between dominant constructions of masculinities and the sexual harassment of young women in Australian secondary schools, within a feminist poststructuralist theoretical framework. Of particular importance in this process are the ways in which sexual harassment is integral to the construction of hegemonic heterosexual masculine identities; the importance of popularity, acceptance and young men's fears within male peer group cultures; and the utilization of sexual harassment as a means through which to maintain and regulate hierarchical power relationships, not just in relation to gender, but how it intersects with other sites of power such as ‘race’ and class. It is highlighted that sexual harassment is considered a legitimate and expected means through which to express and reconfirm the public and private positions of ‘hegemonic masculinity’ within a heterosexualized, racialized and classed gender order.
The contribution of intracellular acidosis to the decline of developed pressure in ferret hearts exposed to cyanide.

1. The concentrations of phosphorus‐containing metabolites were measured using 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (n.m.r.) in Langendorff‐perfused ferret hearts. The hearts were stimulated at a constant rate and developed pressure was measured. 2. The inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation with cyanide (2 mM) decreased developed pressure. This was accompanied by an intracellular acidosis, a fall in the concentration of phosphocreatine ([PCr]) and a rise in that of inorganic phosphate ([Pi]). 3. The effects of cyanide on developed pressure were compared with those of simply decreasing the intracellular pH (pHi) (by elevating CO2) to match the change produced by cyanide. The change of pHi alone resulted in about 33% of the decrease of force produced by cyanide. 4. The relationship between developed pressure and pHi was investigated by altering CO2. It could be described by an equation of the form:log developed pressure = a + b pHi where a and b were independent of pHi. The addition of cyanide decreased a but had no significant effect on b. In other words a given change of pHi had the same fractional effect on pressure in the absence as in the presence of cyanide. 5. In another series of experiments, after cyanide had been added, pHi was returned to control levels by decreasing CO2. This increased developed pressure. Nevertheless the pressure was still considerably less than in control. Furthermore, if the acidosis was abolished by decreasing CO2 at the same time as cyanide was added developed pressure still decreased. 6. We conclude that most of the decrease of developed pressure produced by cyanide is not produced by intracellular acidosis and may result from increased [Pi].
Organization communication, job stress, organizational commitment, and job performance of accounting professionals in Taiwan and America

Purpose – To further understand the impact of organizational communication and commitment on job stress and performance. Over the past 20 years, the constructs of organizational commitment and communication have been studied extensively but little attention has been paid to the relationship between them and other organizational variables such as job performance and stress. Also, differences between employees either in managerial or full time accounting positions and between respondents from the USA and Taiwan were evaluated.Design/methodology/approach – Differences and relationships were assessed using standardized and valid instruments measuring four organizational variables in Taiwan and the USA.Findings – No country level difference in stress and communication levels were found but organizational commitment and performance levels were higher in the USA. At the same time, higher levels of organizational communication led to higher levels of organizational commitment and job performance in both countries.
Work and work force characteristics in the nonprofit sector.

Increasing proportions of the U . S . work force have been attracted to employment in private nonprofit institutions -organizations which constitute the third sector of the economy. ' The popular view is that these persons are attracted by the ideals of selfless service and work fulfillment, and have chosen to avoid the competitiveness of profitmaking firms, and the impersonality of government bureaucracy . But the view also holds that low pay, job pressures, and lack of resources cause these workers to seek employment in other sectors . This study examines such popular views by comparing characteristics of work and the work force in the for-profit, government, and nonprofit sectors, using data from the 1977 Quality of Employment Survey, conducted by the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan . Sociologists, psychologists, and economists have treated organization size and technology, employee background and personality, and industry and occupation as the key explanatory factors in their models of the quality of employment . Sector-for-profit, government, or nonprofit-represents an important but neglected facet of the work environment . The nature of an organiza-
Stress reactivity of six-year-old children involved in challenging tasks

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the preschool activities challenge the stress regulative system in children. We used a multi-system approach to evaluate the underlying processes of stress responses and measured both cortisol and α-amylase responses after emotionally and cognitively challenging tasks followed by a recovery session. We anticipated that challenging tasks would increase both cortisol and α-amylase levels above the baseline. We further expected that recovery sessions would decrease both levels towards the baseline. In addition, we expected the symmetry of α-amylase and cortisol reactivity to be related to the ability to orientate towards cognitive demands. The study involved a total of 91 children (42 girls, 49 boys; six-year-olds). Baseline saliva samples were collected during a single day in October 2008. Reactivity saliva samples were collected during one morning in February 2009. During that day, the children first watched a movie with an experimenter who was unfamiliar to the children. After the movie, the children went to another room where the experimenter conducted all the cognitive tasks. These tasks were followed by a recovery session. The baseline cortisol levels indicated an average established function of the HPA (hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical) system in the study children. Contrary to our hypothesis, only 19% of the study children showed the expected pattern of stress reactivity for both cortisol and α-amylase, with an average increase in cortisol and α-amylase levels following the challenging tasks. Unexpectedly, cortisol and α-amylase levels increased significantly in the singing recovery session. The surprising finding that singing seemed to be the only stimulating activity during the entire experimental situation raises questions about preschool practices.
QUALITATIVE INTERVIEWS WITH JOURNALISTS ABOUT DELIBERATIVE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Analysis of qualitative interviews with newspaper journalists who have covered an instance of citizen deliberation show that these journalists are largely positive about the role that extended modes of citizen engagement can play in public governance. The journalists report that deliberation represents a unique way for citizens to communicate with decision-makers, and the process itself is considered newsworthy. They further highlight their belief in the potential for deliberation to enhance citizen knowledge and efficacy while expressing pessimism about the potential for deliberation to have much impact on decision-makers. The journalists argue that citizen engagement could play an important role in public discussion about complex issues, though challenges exist. The manuscript describes what these results may mean for those interested in “mediated” deliberation, and it suggests areas of future research.
Dangerous Discourses: Methodological Conservatism and Governmental Regimes of Truth

Years ago, while on a European trip, I met a former student of Pierre Bourdieu's-a bright, witty, and amusing fellow who'd studied in France with the great man. He recounted a story of how some of the most profound theoretical statements in postmodern times eventuated. He was sitting in on a conversation with Bourdieu and a half dozen of his colleagues and their own doctoral students while the senior professors were discussing the meaning of the rise of feminism, identity politics, postcolonial critiques (particularly from out of North Africa, where France had had a presence for many years in Algeria), poststructural critiques of literary theory, and the like. There was great consternation among the sociologists for what they believed to be displacement of their rightful ownership of the Great Ideas of Western history. After some serious and lengthy discussion of what to do about these women, colonial peoples, and other interlopers into the canon, Bourdieu is reported to have expostulated vehemently, All right [Eh, bien]. If we cannot be the center, there IS no center! [Si nous ne peut pas etre le centre, il n'y a pas le centre! ]
Code Scanning Patterns in Program Comprehension

Various publications have identified Beacons to play a key role in program comprehension. Beacons are code fragments that help developers comprehend programs. It has been shown that expert programmers pay more attention to Beacons than novices. Beacons are described as the link between source code and hypothesis verification. Beacons are sets of key features that typically indicate the presence of a particular data structure or operation in source code. However, only little research has been done trying to identify and explain them in greater detail. It has been demonstrated that good variable and procedure names help in program comprehension. Documentation is beneficial as well. The so-called swap operation for variables is a strong indicator for a sorting algorithm. We conducted an eye tracking study using the EventStream software framework as the instrument to investigate programmers' behavior during a code reading exercise. Preliminary results suggest Beacons to be present when the longest fixation duration is thousand milliseconds or higher. Comparing participants with correct understanding versus participants with wrong understanding showed differences in focus of attention. Based on the study conducted, we suggest to consider "int k=(a+b)/2" as Beacons during program comprehension as well as lines of code which exhibit very long fixations above 1000 milliseconds.
Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles: A Prudent Intermediate Step or a Step in the Wrong Direction?

Hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles present much of the same promise as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs): reduced reliance on imported oil and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Proponents envision hydrogen ICE as a bridging technology from gasoline vehicles to hydrogen FCVs. This paper examines the hydrogen ICE technology, focusing on relevant aspects such as power, fuel economy, tank size, and the state of the technology. An economic analysis is then performed to examine the potential implications of widespread adoption of hydrogen ICE vehicles in the United States. The case for hydrogen ICE depends most on key uncertainties in the evolution of vehicle and production technology, the cost of crude oil, and the valuation of carbon dioxide emission reductions. This analysis indicates that promoting hydrogen ICE vehicles may be a sensible policy goal as a transition strategy to hydrogen FCVs, but a more prudent policy would first promote gasoline-electric hybrids.
Physical inactivity in COPD and increased patient perception of dyspnea

Objective: To study patients’ levels of exercise activity and the clinical characteristics that relate to physical activity and inactivity among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: A postal questionnaire was administered to 719 patients with COPD in 2010; patients were recruited from the Helsinki and Turku University Central Hospitals in Finland and have been followed since 2005. The questionnaire asked participants about their exercise routines and other daily activities, potential restrictions to exercise, health-related quality of life, and subjective sensations of dyspnea upon exertion. Results: A total of 50% of the participants reported exercising > 2 times a week throughout the year. The proportion of the exercise inactive patients increased in parallel with disease progression, but the participants exhibited great variation in the degree of activity as well as in sport choices. Year-round activity was better maintained among patients who exercised both indoors and outdoors. Training activity was significantly correlated with patients’ reported subjective dyspnea (r = 0.32, P < 0.001), health-related quality of life (r = 0.25, P < 0.001), mobility score (r = 0.37, P < 0.001), and bronchial obstruction (r = 0.18, P < 0.001). Active patients did not differ from inactive patients in terms of sex, age, smoking status, somatic comorbidities, or body mass index. Irrespective of the level of severity of patients’ COPD, the most significant barrier to exercising was the subjective sensation of dyspnea. Conclusion: When a patient with COPD suffers from dyspnea and does not have regular exercise routines, the patient will most likely benefit from an exercise program tailored to his or her physical capabilities.