Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Populations at risk: conservation genetics of kangaroo mice (Microdipodops) of the Great Basin Desert

Abstract The Great Basin Desert of western North America has experienced frequent habitat alterations due to a complex biogeographic history and recent anthropogenic impacts, with the more recent alterations likely resulting in the decline of native fauna and flora. Dark (Microdipodops megacephalus) and pallid (M. pallidus) kangaroo mice are ecological specialists found within the Great Basin Desert and are potentially ideal organisms for assessing ecosystem health and inferring the biogeographic history of this vulnerable region. Herein, newly acquired nuclear-encoded microsatellite loci were utilized to assess patterns of variation within and among spatially discrete groups of kangaroo mice and to evaluate gene flow, demographic trends, and genetic integrity. Results confirm that there are at least three genetically distinct units within M. megacephalus and two such units within M. pallidus. The three units of M. megacephalus appear to have different demographic histories, with effectively no gene flow among them since their divergence. Similarly, the two units of M. pallidus also appear to have experienced different demographic histories, with effectively no gene exchange. Contemporary effective population sizes of all groups within Microdipodops appear to be low (<500), suggesting that each genetic lineage may have difficulty coping with changing environmental pressures and hence may be at risk of extirpation. Results of this study indicate that each Microdipodops group should be recognized, and therefore managed, as a separate unit in an effort to conserve these highly specialized taxa that contribute to the diversity of the Great Basin Desert ecosystem. The Great Basin Desert of western North America has experienced frequent habitat alterations due to a complex biogeographic history and recent anthropogenic impacts, with the more recent alterations likely resulting in the decline of native fauna and flora. Herein, newly acquired nuclear-encoded microsatellite loci were utilized to assess patterns of variation within and among spatially discrete groups of the dark (Microdipodops megacephalus) and pallid (M. pallidus) kangaroo mouse, and to evaluate gene flow, demographic trends, and genetic integrity. Results of this study indicate that each Microdipodops group should be recognized, and therefore managed, as a separate unit in an effort to conserve these highly specialized taxa that contribute to the diversity of the Great Basin Desert ecosystem (photo credit J. C. Hafner).
Think locally, act globally: Improving defect and effort prediction models

Much research energy in software engineering is focused on the creation of effort and defect prediction models. Such models are important means for practitioners to judge their current project situation, optimize the allocation of their resources, and make informed future decisions. However, software engineering data contains a large amount of variability. Recent research demonstrates that such variability leads to poor fits of machine learning models to the underlying data, and suggests splitting datasets into more fine-grained subsets with similar properties. In this paper, we present a comparison of three different approaches for creating statistical regression models to model and predict software defects and development effort. Global models are trained on the whole dataset. In contrast, local models are trained on subsets of the dataset. Last, we build a global model that takes into account local characteristics of the data. We evaluate the performance of these three approaches in a case study on two defect and two effort datasets. We find that for both types of data, local models show a significantly increased fit to the data compared to global models. The substantial improvements in both relative and absolute prediction errors demonstrate that this increased goodness of fit is valuable in practice. Finally, our experiments suggest that trends obtained from global models are too general for practical recommendations. At the same time, local models provide a multitude of trends which are only valid for specific subsets of the data. Instead, we advocate the use of trends obtained from global models that take into account local characteristics, as they combine the best of both worlds.
Cowpea Nodules Harbor Non-rhizobial Bacterial Communities that Are Shaped by Soil Type Rather than Plant Genotype

Many studies have been pointing to a high diversity of bacteria associated to legume root nodules. Even though most of these bacteria do not form nodules with legumes themselves, it was shown that they might enter infection threads when co-inoculated with rhizobial strains. The aim of this work was to describe the diversity of bacterial communities associated with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) root nodules using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, regarding the factors plant genotype and soil type. As expected, Bradyrhizobium was the most abundant genus of the detected genera. Furthermore, we found a high bacterial diversity associated to cowpea nodules; OTUs related to the genera Enterobacter, Chryseobacterium, Sphingobacterium, and unclassified Enterobacteriacea were the most abundant. The presence of these groups was significantly influenced by the soil type and, to a lesser extent, plant genotype. Interestingly, OTUs assigned to Chryseobacterium were highly abundant, particularly in samples obtained from an Ultisol soil. We confirmed their presence in root nodules and assessed their diversity using a target isolation approach. Though their functional role still needs to be addressed, we postulate that Chryseobacterium strains might help cowpea plant to cope with salt stress in semi-arid regions.
Application of Botulinum Toxin in Pain Management

Botulinum toxin has been used for the treatment of many clinical disorders by producing temporary skeletal muscle relaxation. In pain management, botulinum toxin has demonstrated an analgesic effect by reducing muscular hyperactivity, but recent studies suggest this neurotoxin could have direct analgesic mechanisms different from its neuromuscular actions. At the moment, botulinum toxin is widely investigated and used in many painful diseases such as myofascial syndrome, headaches, arthritis, and neuropathic pain. Further studies are needed to understand the exact analgesic mechanisms, efficacy and complications of botulinum toxin in chronic pain disorders.
Development of a wake vortex spacing system for airport capacity enhancement and delay reduction

The Terminal Area Productivity project has developed the technologies required (weather measurement, wake prediction, and wake measurement) to determine the aircraft spacing needed to prevent wake vortex encounters in various weather conditions. The system performs weather measurements, predicts bounds on wake vortex behavior in those conditions, derives safe wake spacing criteria, and validates the wake predictions with wake vortex measurements. System performance to date indicates that the potential runway arrival rate increase with AVOSS, considering common path effects and ATC delivery variance, is 5% to 12% depending on the ratio of large and heavy aircraft. The concept demonstration system, using early generation algorithms and minimal optimization, is performing the wake predictions with adequate robustness such that only 4 "hard exceedances" have been observed in 1235 wake validation cases. This performance demonstrates the feasibility of predicting wake behavior bounds with multiple uncertainties present, including the unknown aircraft weight and speed, weather persistence between the wake prediction and the observations, and the location of the weather sensors several kilometers from the approach location. A concept for the use of the AVOSS system for parallel runway operations has been suggested, and an initial study at the JFK International Airport suggests that a simplified AVOSS system can be successfully operated using only a single lidar as both the weather sensor and the wake validation instrument. Such a self-contained AVOSS would be suitable for wake separation close to the airport, as is required for parallel approach concepts such as SOIA.
A note on black hole masses estimated by the second moment in narrow-line Seyfert 1 Galaxies

The second moment of the H beta emission line is calculated for 329 narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies (NLS1s) selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), which is used to calculate the central supermassive black hole (SMBH) mass of each. We find that the second moment depends strongly on the broader component of the H beta line profile. We find that for the NLS1s requiring two Gaussians to fit the H beta line, the mean value of the SMBH mass from the H beta second moment is larger by about 0.50 dex than that from the full width at half-maximum. Using the gas velocity dispersion of the core/narrow component of [O III]lambda 5007 to estimate the stellar velocity dispersion sigma*, the new mass makes NLS1s fall very close to the M(BH)-sigma* relation for normal active galactic nuclei. By using sigma* measured directly from SDSS spectra with a simple stellar population synthesis method, we find that for NLS1s with mass lower than 10(7) M(circle dot), they fall only marginally below the M(BH)-sigma* relation considering the large scatter in the mass calculation.
Dynamic modeling of spinal electromyographic activity during various conditions

The surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals recorded along the spine during a rocking motion created by feedback coupling between the motion of the spine and the efferent nerve fibers at the dural attachment points are giving various linear dynamical models of the ARIMA type. The most significant dynamical phenomenon is the nonlinear switching among the various linear models. The switchings represent transitions among qualitatively different modes of the motion of the spine, referred to as Levels 1, 2, 3. Statistical analysis reveals a definite relationship between the qualitatively assessed levels and the various quantitatively relevant models. Finally, it is shown that the higher the level of care, the more reliable the model, that is, the better the model is able to predict the motion as specified by the sEMG signal.
Discovery of Coherent Millisecond X-Ray Pulsations in Aquila X-1

We report the discovery of an episode of coherent millisecond X-ray pulsation in the neutron star low-mass X-ray binary Aql X-1. The episode lasts for slightly more than 150 s, during which the pulse frequency is consistent with being constant. No X-ray burst or other evidence of thermonuclear burning activity is seen in correspondence with the pulsation, which can thus be identified as occurring in the persistent emission. The pulsation frequency is 550.27 Hz, very close (0.5 Hz higher) to the maximum reported frequency from burst oscillations in this source. Hence we identify this frequency with the neutron star spin frequency. The pulsed fraction is strongly energy dependent, ranging from <1% at 3-5 keV to >10% at 16-30 keV. We discuss possible physical interpretations and their consequences for our understanding of the lack of pulsation in most neutron star low-mass X-ray binaries. If interpreted as accretion-powered pulsation, Aql X-1 might play a key role in understanding the differences between pulsating and nonpulsating sources.
Knowledge about Nexplanon among adolescents in an urban pediatric emergency room

iv TABLE OF CONTENTS . vii LIST OF TABLES . ix LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . x INTRODUCTION . 1 Sexual and Reproductive Health Characteristics of Adolescent and Young Adult Females in the US.3 Contraceptive Use Among US Adolescent & Young Adult Females.4 Long-acting Reversible Contraception.6 Evidence from the Contraceptive CHOICE Project.7 Addressing the Barriers to Increased LARC Uptake.9 Purpose of a Nexplanon®-specific Subgroup Analysis Study . 11 Specific Aims & Objectives . 12 METHODS . 15
Prognostic factors in presurgical assessment of frontal lobe epilepsy

OBJECTIVES To determine predictors for surgical outcome in the presurgical assessment of frontal lobe epilepsy. METHODS Thirty seven patients were operated on for frontal lobe epilepsy between 1975 and 1996. Their medical records were reviewed for ictal semiology, age at onset, duration of the epilepsy, age at operation, preoperative interictal and ictal encephalographic findings, and abnormalities on neuroimaging and neuropsychological testing. In addition, type of resection and pathology were compared with surgical outcome. RESULTS Univariate statistical analysis showed that the presence of a focal abnormality on neuroimaging was associated with favourable outcome. The presence of the following ictal findings was associated with poor outcome: autonomic manifestations, eye deviation, head version contralateral to the operated side, and bilateral or multifocal ictal onset. Fifteen patients had secondarily generalised interictal discharges and, interestingly, their presence was not associated with poor outcome. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the presence of a focal abnormality on neuroimaging was significantly associated with a favourable outcome while contralateral head version was the only variable significantly associated with poor surgical outcome. CONCLUSIONS A focal abnormality on neuroimaging was the only variable which was significantly associated with a favourable surgical outcome, whereas contralateral head version was the most significant predictor for a poor outcome. The presence of generalised discharges before surgery was not associated with poor outcome.
The Rotation of the Deep Solar Layers

From the analysis of low-order GOLF+MDI sectoral modes (ℓ ≤ 3, 6 ≤ n ≤ 15, |m| = ℓ) and LOWL data (ℓ > 3), we derive the radial rotation profile by assuming no latitudinal dependence in the solar core. These low-order acoustic modes contain the most statistically significant information about the rotation of the deepest solar layers and should be least influenced by internal variability associated with the solar dynamo. After the correction of the sectoral splittings for their contamination by the rotation of the higher latitudes, we obtain a flat rotation profile down to 0.2 R☉.
Anorexia and Its Metaphors

This article highlights questions about a number of popularly held beliefs regarding anorexia nervosa. The beliefs this article addresses include that it is a ‘disease’ caused by socio-cultural pressures on women to be excessively thin or self-effacing; and that in the post-war period the problem has increased to the level of an epidemic. Using the influential insights offered by cultural critic Susan Sontag’s consideration of ‘illness as metaphor’, the article examines the ways in which these beliefs are culturally constructed through metaphorical thinking. Without discounting the socio-cultural explanations for the increased diagnosis of anorexia, it suggests that the breaking down of these powerful metaphors would be constructive in order to achieve a more measured cultural view of the problem. Drawing on key publications from the last 50 years, contemporary press reports and historical research on anorexia I argue that the myths surrounding the disorder confer on it a potency that is out of proportion to its cultural importance.
Induced Effects of Sodium Ions on Dopaminergic G-Protein Coupled Receptors

G-protein coupled receptors, the largest family of proteins in the human genome, are involved in many complex signal transduction pathways, typically activated by orthosteric ligand binding and subject to allosteric modulation. Dopaminergic receptors, belonging to the class A family of G-protein coupled receptors, are known to be modulated by sodium ions from an allosteric binding site, although the details of sodium effects on the receptor have not yet been described. In an effort to understand these effects, we performed microsecond scale all-atom molecular dynamics simulations on the dopaminergic D2 receptor, finding that sodium ions enter the receptor from the extracellular side and bind at a deep allosteric site (Asp2.50). Remarkably, the presence of a sodium ion at this allosteric site induces a conformational change of the rotamer toggle switch Trp6.48 which locks in a conformation identical to the one found in the partially inactive state of the crystallized human β2 adrenergic receptor. This study provides detailed quantitative information about binding of sodium ions in the D2 receptor and reports a possibly important sodium-induced conformational change for modulation of D2 receptor function.
Human IAP-Like Protein Regulates Programmed Cell Death Downstream of Bcl-xL and Cytochrome c

ABSTRACT The gene encoding human IAP-like protein (hILP) is one of several mammalian genes with sequence homology to the baculovirus inhibitor-of-apoptosis protein (iap) genes. Here we show that hILP can block apoptosis induced by a variety of extracellular stimuli, including UV light, chemotoxic drugs, and activation of the tumor necrosis factor and Fas receptors. hILP also protected against cell death induced by members of the caspase family, cysteine proteases which are thought to be the principal effectors of apoptosis. hILP and Bcl-xL were compared for their ability to affect several steps in the apoptotic pathway. Redistribution of cytochromec from mitochondria, an early event in apoptosis, was not blocked by overexpression of hILP but was inhibited by Bcl-xL. In contrast, hILP, but not Bcl-xL, inhibited apoptosis induced by microinjection of cytochromec. These data suggest that while Bcl-xL may control mitochondrial integrity, hILP can function downstream of mitochondrial events to inhibit apoptosis.
Essays on the effects of childhood experiences on household decision making

Aalto University, P.O. Box 11000, FI-00076 Aalto www.aalto. fi Author Antti Lehtoranta Name of the doctoral dissertation Essays on the effects of childhood experiences on household decision making Publisher School of Business Unit Department of Finance Series Aalto University publication series DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS 121/2015 Field of research Finance Monograph Article dissertation Essay dissertation Abstract This dissertation studies the effects of personal experience on household decision making. I gauge personal experiences using a novel measure: the childhood experience of father's job loss. This measure is appealing for the following reasons. First, father's job loss constitutes a salient experience that is likely to be remembered for years to come. Second, the experience directly relates to the perceived riskiness of labor income, the most important source of income for the majority of households. Third, the experience can be directly observed at the level of an individual in public datasets such as the PSID and HRS. Fourth, childhood experiences are in most cases determined decades before the adult household outcomes. As a result, the effects of these experiences are less susceptible to omitted variable problems than the effects of adult experiences. The first essay examines the effect of childhood experiences on the adult likelihood of participating in the stock market. I find that the experience of father's job loss reduces stock market participation by 2.9 percentage points in a sample where the mean stock market participation rate is 17%. The second essay studies the effects of the experience on household debt. The childhood experience of father's unemployment predicts 17% lower debt levels and 10% lower debt-to-income ratios|even though the sample consists by construction only of nearor already retired households. The third essay finds that the childhood experience of father's job loss is associated with a 2.4-percentage-point lower likelihood of being an entrepreneur in a sample where the mean entrepreneurship rate is 11%. The childhood experience of father's job loss should influence the formation of beliefs and risk attitudes only if the job loss is involuntary. As a pseudo-placebo test, I estimate the effect of the childhood experience of father quitting from his job voluntarily. As expected, I find no statistically significant effect for this experience. Father's job loss should have about the same effect on family life regardless of the age of the children. However, experiences gained at a very young age are probably neither memorized nor fully understood, and should therefore have little effect on the formation of beliefs and risk attitudes. As another pseudo-placebo test, I examine whether very early experiences influence later household choices. As expected, I find no evidence of such effects.
PolArt: A Robust Tool for Sentiment Analysis

We introduce PolArt, a robust tool for sentiment analysis. PolArt is a pattern-based approach designed to cope with polarity composition. In order to determine the polarity of larger text units, a cascade of rewrite operations is carried out: word polarities are combined to NP, VP and sentence polarities. Moreover, PolArt is able to cope with the target-specific polarity of phrases, where two neutral words combine to a non-neutral phrase. Target detection is done with the Wikipedia category system, but also user defined target hierarchies are allowed. PolArt is based on the TreeTagger chunker output, and is customised for English and German. In this paper we evaluate PolArt’s compositional capacity.
Interference Alignment in Dense Wireless Networks

We consider arbitrary dense wireless networks, in which n nodes are placed in an arbitrary (deterministic) manner on a square region of unit area and communicate with each other over Gaussian fading channels. We provide inner and outer bounds for the n × n-dimensional unicast and the n × 2n-dimensional multicast capacity regions of such a wireless network. These inner and outer bounds differ only by a factor O(log(n)), yielding a fairly tight scaling characterization of the entire regions. The communication schemes achieving the inner bounds use interference alignment as a central technique and are, at least conceptually, surprisingly simple.
Not All Ties Are Equal: CEO Outside Directorships and Strategic Imitation in R&D Investment

Prior research has identified two different sources of strategic imitation—through perceived organizational cluster similarity (cluster effects) and direct social connections (tied-to effects). In the research on tied-to effects, top executives’ social ties, such as outside directorships, have long been studied as a mechanism through which strategic imitation develops. However, are all ties the same? There has been little examination of whether some social ties have more influence than others. Using the attention-based view of the firm, we argue that certain social ties garner more attention by being salient to top executives. We empirically test this assertion by examining the effects of CEO outside directorships on R&D spending. Using panel data from large U.S. manufacturing firms, we find that CEOs imitate the R&D intensity of tied-to firms (i.e., a firm in which the CEO serves as an outside board member) in their own firm’s R&D decisions. Consistent with attention-based arguments, our results show evidence of selective imitation, as imitating relationships are stronger when the CEO has longer tenure as a director of a tied-to firm and the tied-to firm is performing well. In contrast to conventional institutional theory, our findings also show that CEOs imitate relatively smaller tied-to firms when they make R&D investment decisions. Not all social ties have equal influence on imitative strategic decision making; thus, they have different strategic implications.