Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Disruption of the serine proteinase gene (sep) in Aspergillus flavus leads to a compensatory increase in the expression of a metalloproteinase gene (mep20)

The serine proteinase gene (sep) in Aspergillus flavus was disrupted by homologous recombination with a hygromycin resistance gene as the marker. The gene-disrupted mutant GR-2 contained a single-copy insertion of the marker gene and did not express the sep gene. Serine proteinase activity, 36-kDa protein labeled by 3H-diisopropylfluorophosphate, and immunologically detectable proteinase were not detected in the culture fluid of GR-2. Despite the absence of the serine proteinase, the total elastinolytic activity levels in the mutant and the wild-type A.flavus were comparable. Immunoblots revealed that the mutant secreted greater amounts of an elastinolytic metalloproteinase gene (mep20) product than did the wild type. Furthermore, mep20 mRNA levels, measured by RNase protection assay, in the mutant were higher than those in the wild type. Inhibition of the serine proteinase by Streptomyces subtilisin inhibitor (SSI) in the culture medium of wild-type A.flavus also resulted in an elevation of mep20 gene products. Although no serine proteinase activity could be detected, the level of elastinolytic activity of the SSI-treated culture was comparable to that of the control. Immunoblots revealed that the addition of SSI caused an elevation in the levels of metalloproteinase and its mRNA. These results suggest that the expression of the genes encoding serine and metalloproteinases are controlled by a common regulatory system and the fungus has a mechanism to sense the status of extracellular proteolytic activities.
Novel Distal eQTL Analysis Demonstrates Effect of Population Genetic Architecture on Detecting and Interpreting Associations

Mapping expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) has identified genetic variants associated with transcription rates and has provided insight into genotype–phenotype associations obtained from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Traditional eQTL mapping methods present significant challenges for the multiple-testing burden, resulting in a limited ability to detect eQTL that reside distal to the affected gene. To overcome this, we developed a novel eQTL testing approach, “network-based, large-scale identification of distal eQTL” (NetLIFT), which performs eQTL testing based on the pairwise conditional dependencies between genes’ expression levels. When applied to existing data from yeast segregants, NetLIFT replicated most previously identified distal eQTL and identified 46% more genes with distal effects compared to local effects. In liver data from mouse lines derived through the Collaborative Cross project, NetLIFT detected 5744 genes with local eQTL while 3322 genes had distal eQTL. This analysis revealed founder-of-origin effects for a subset of local eQTL that may contribute to previously described phenotypic differences in metabolic traits. In human lymphoblastoid cell lines, NetLIFT was able to detect 1274 transcripts with distal eQTL that had not been reported in previous studies, while 2483 transcripts with local eQTL were identified. In all species, we found no enrichment for transcription factors facilitating eQTL associations; instead, we found that most trans-acting factors were annotated for metabolic function, suggesting that genetic variation may indirectly regulate multigene pathways by targeting key components of feedback processes within regulatory networks. Furthermore, the unique genetic history of each population appears to influence the detection of genes with local and distal eQTL.
Öğretmenlerin Mesleki Profesyonellikleri ile Saygınlıklarını Yitirme Kaygıları Arasındaki İlişki

The purpose of this study is to identify the correlation between occupational professionalism of teachers and their fear of loss of dignity. The sample for the study designed in accordance with the relational survey model is composed of 530 teachers who worked at primary schools, secondary schools and high schools in Mugla province, Turkey, and were selected through the disproportionate cluster sampling technique. The research data was gathered with the Occupational Professionalism of Teachers Scale and the Loss of Face Scale. Descriptive statistics, t -test, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis were used for analyzing the data. The data obtained shows that teachers have a high level of occupational professionalism and that they are the most professional in terms of occupational sensitivity. Occupational professionalism of teachers varies significantly by gender, type of school and seniority. On the other hand, teachers have an above-average fear of loss of dignity. Their fear of loss of dignity varies significantly by the type of school, yet shows no significant variation for gender or occupational seniority. All aspects of teachers’ occupational professionalism and their fear of loss of dignity show a low and significant correlation. It was seen that personal development and emotional labor aspects of occupational professionalism are significant precursors for teachers’ fear of loss of dignity.
Comparative evaluation of three single-phase NPC inverters

In this paper is presented a comparative evaluation in steady-state of three single-phase NPC multilevel inverters. The first is a five-level neutral point clamped (NPC) inverter based on multi-stage switching cell (MSSC); the second is also a five-level neutral point clamped (NPC) inverter based on interleaved cell (IC); and the third is a three-level neutral point clamped (NPC) inverter based on paralleled cell (PC). For this comparative purpose, the switching frequency is constant and the evaluated parameters are the volume of the heatsinks and the passive components, the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the output voltage, the power density and efficiency of each topology. Theoretical analyses, as well as simulation and experimental results obtained from 5kW prototype are presented.
INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TEACHERS’ SELF-EFFICACY BELIEFS AND EFFICACY FOR INCLUSION

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs and efficacy for inclusion education. Study participants included a total of 1204 teachers taken from preschool, classroom, subject-matter and special-education departments from schools in four different geographical regions of Turkey. Data were collected using the Teachers Sense of Efficacy (TSE) Scale and the Teacher Efficacy for Inclusion Practices (TEI) Scale. The results revealed a significant relationship between the teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs and efficacy for inclusion. The levels of self-efficacy and efficacy regarding the inclusion of the teachers were higher for female teachers, experienced teachers, teachers who had taken previous courses about special education, and the teachers who have previously interacted with an individual with special needs. In addition, the efficacy level of novice teachers regarding inclusion was found to be higher than that of more experienced teachers. Article visualizations:
Older People's Self–Selected Spaces of Encounter in Urban Aging Environments in the Netherlands

Using a narrative methodology involving 216 older people in six urban aging environments in the Netherlands, we examined how they use and experience (semi–)public spaces as spaces of encounter, and the meanings they derive from using and experiencing these spaces. The research shows that, first, older people prefer commercial spaces like shopping malls to planned and designed activity spaces in care homes or neighborhood centers. Second, older people struggle with the transformations that have taken place in urban social life since they were young adults. Third, especially frail older people derive meaning from a more passive experience of urban social life, in an observer role. The findings allow us to contribute to ongoing debates on the shifting boundaries between public and private space, and the moral implications of these shifting boundaries from the perspective of a diverse group of older users.
The Intermediate Effect of Psychological Capital Between Culture and Performance

As the soft power of enterprises, the impact of corporate culture on employee performance and its intrinsic psychological mechanism has been paid close attention to by researchers. Based on the existing research, this paper discusses the impact of corporate culture on the psychological capital of employees and the intermediate role of psychological capital between corporate culture and job performance. 377 employees of a large state-owned petrochemical enterprise were investigated. The results show that: 1) the corporate culture has a significant positive impact on the dimensions of psychological capital (self-efficacy, optimism, hope, resilience) and work performance; 2) psychological capital take a part of the intermediary effect between the corporate culture and work performance. The results of this study have some implications for the management practice of using corporate cultural influence to promote employees’ psychological capital and improve performances.
An integrated structural model of gastronomy tourists' behaviour.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to provide an integrated model to explain the simultaneous impact of gastronomy and destination attractiveness on tourist behaviour. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Melaka and Penang, Malaysia, targeting international tourists. Structural equation modelling analysis was used to examine and explain the relationships hypothesized in the proposed model. Findings The fit indices indicated the model structure was satisfactory. Examination of the specific paths in the model indicated that gastronomy attractiveness was positively associated with destination attractiveness and tourist behaviour. Meanwhile, the effect of tourists’ variegated gastronomy affection on the perceived attractiveness of a destination and the area’s gastronomy produced mixed results. Research limitations/implications The study contributed to the theoretical understanding of two important theories which are recreation specialization and attitude in the context of gastronomy tourism. The linkages in the model were empirically supported by statistical analyses. Practical implications The varying degrees of gastronomy affection amongst tourists can be used as an input to examine tourist behaviour within the gastronomy tourism context while simultaneously highlighting the importance of gastronomy to tourist destinations. Social implications The findings of this study are also deemed to assist destination marketers who observe that tourists have become more demanding in search of unique experiences offered by destinations. Based on the hypothesized model, tourists’ past gastronomy experience was a superior predictor than gastronomy involvement and knowledge on perceived gastronomy attractiveness which sequentially elevate tourist’s perceived destination attractiveness. Originality/value The study provided an integrated model for predicting tourist behaviour using tourists’ gastronomy affection.
Understanding perception of algorithmic decisions: Fairness, trust, and emotion in response to algorithmic management

Algorithms increasingly make managerial decisions that people used to make. Perceptions of algorithms, regardless of the algorithms' actual performance, can significantly influence their adoption, yet we do not fully understand how people perceive decisions made by algorithms as compared with decisions made by humans. To explore perceptions of algorithmic management, we conducted an online experiment using four managerial decisions that required either mechanical or human skills. We manipulated the decision-maker (algorithmic or human), and measured perceived fairness, trust, and emotional response. With the mechanical tasks, algorithmic and human-made decisions were perceived as equally fair and trustworthy and evoked similar emotions; however, human managers' fairness and trustworthiness were attributed to the manager's authority, whereas algorithms' fairness and trustworthiness were attributed to their perceived efficiency and objectivity. Human decisions evoked some positive emotion due to the possibility of social recognition, whereas algorithmic decisions generated a more mixed response – algorithms were seen as helpful tools but also possible tracking mechanisms. With the human tasks, algorithmic decisions were perceived as less fair and trustworthy and evoked more negative emotion than human decisions. Algorithms' perceived lack of intuition and subjective judgment capabilities contributed to the lower fairness and trustworthiness judgments. Positive emotion from human decisions was attributed to social recognition, while negative emotion from algorithmic decisions was attributed to the dehumanizing experience of being evaluated by machines. This work reveals people's lay concepts of algorithmic versus human decisions in a management context and suggests that task characteristics matter in understanding people's experiences with algorithmic technologies.
Tetherin Restricts Productive HIV-1 Cell-to-Cell Transmission

The IFN-inducible antiviral protein tetherin (or BST-2/CD317/HM1.24) impairs release of mature HIV-1 particles from infected cells. HIV-1 Vpu antagonizes the effect of tetherin. The fate of virions trapped at the cell surface remains poorly understood. Here, we asked whether tetherin impairs HIV cell-to-cell transmission, a major means of viral spread. Tetherin-positive or -negative cells, infected with wild-type or ΔVpu HIV, were used as donor cells and cocultivated with target lymphocytes. We show that tetherin inhibits productive cell-to-cell transmission of ΔVpu to targets and impairs that of WT HIV. Tetherin accumulates with Gag at the contact zone between infected and target cells, but does not prevent the formation of virological synapses. In the presence of tetherin, viruses are then mostly transferred to targets as abnormally large patches. These viral aggregates do not efficiently promote infection after transfer, because they accumulate at the surface of target cells and are impaired in their fusion capacities. Tetherin, by imprinting virions in donor cells, is the first example of a surface restriction factor limiting viral cell-to-cell spread.
Characterization of ambient volatile organic compounds and their sources in Beijing, before, during, and after Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation China 2014

Abstract. Ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured using an online system, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry/flame ionization detector (GC-MS/FID), in Beijing, China, before, during, and after Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) China 2014, when stringent air quality control measures were implemented. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was applied to identify the major VOC contributing sources and their temporal variations. The secondary organic aerosols potential (SOAP) approach was used to estimate variations of precursor source contributions to SOA formation. The average VOC mixing ratios during the three periods were 86.17, 48.28, and 72.97 ppbv, respectively. The mixing ratios of total VOC during the control period were reduced by 44 %, and the mixing ratios of acetonitrile, halocarbons, oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs), aromatics, acetylene, alkanes, and alkenes decreased by approximately 65, 62, 54, 53, 37, 36, and 23 %, respectively. The mixing ratios of all measured VOC species decreased during control, and the most affected species were chlorinated VOCs (chloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethylene, chlorobenzene). PMF analysis indicated eight major sources of ambient VOCs, and emissions from target control sources were clearly reduced during the control period. Compared with the values before control, contributions of vehicular exhaust were most reduced, followed by industrial manufacturing and solvent utilization. Reductions of these three sources were responsible for 50, 26, and 16 % of the reductions in ambient VOCs. Contributions of evaporated or liquid gasoline and industrial chemical feedstock were slightly reduced, and contributions of secondary and long-lived species were relatively stable. Due to central heating, emissions from fuel combustion kept on increasing during the whole campaign; because of weak control of liquid petroleum gas (LPG), the highest emissions of LPG occurred in the control period. Vehicle-related sources were the most important precursor sources likely responsible for the reduction in SOA formation during this campaign.
Self-affirmation alters the brain’s response to health messages and subsequent behavior change

Significance Self-affirmation is a psychological technique that is effective in increasing receptivity to interventions across domains from promoting health behaviors in high-risk populations to improving academic performance in underrepresented groups. The neural mechanisms that lead to affirmation’s success, however, are not known. We show that neural responses associated with self-related processing and value in response to an otherwise-threatening health communication intervention can be changed using self-affirmation; furthermore, these neural responses predict objectively measured behavior change in the month following the intervention. These findings suggest that self-affirmation may exert its effects by allowing at-risk individuals to see the self-relevance and value in otherwise-threatening messages and provide a framework for studying neural effects of self-affirmation more broadly. Health communications can be an effective way to increase positive health behaviors and decrease negative health behaviors; however, those at highest risk are often most defensive and least open to such messages. For example, increasing physical activity among sedentary individuals affects a wide range of important mental and physical health outcomes, but has proven a challenging task. Affirming core values (i.e., self-affirmation) before message exposure is a psychological technique that can increase the effectiveness of a wide range of interventions in health and other domains; however, the neural mechanisms of affirmation’s effects have not been studied. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine neural processes associated with affirmation effects during exposure to potentially threatening health messages. We focused on an a priori defined region of interest (ROI) in ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC), a brain region selected for its association with self-related processing and positive valuation. Consistent with our hypotheses, those in the self-affirmation condition produced more activity in VMPFC during exposure to health messages and went on to increase their objectively measured activity levels more. These findings suggest that affirmation of core values may exert its effects by allowing at-risk individuals to see the self-relevance and value in otherwise-threatening messages.
Dynamic Job Ordering and Slot Configurations for MapReduce Workloads

MapReduce is a popular parallel computing paradigm for large-scale data processing in clusters and data centers. A MapReduce workload generally contains a set of jobs, each of which consists of multiple map tasks followed by multiple reduce tasks. Due to 1) that map tasks can only run in map slots and reduce tasks can only run in reduce slots, and 2) the general execution constraints that map tasks are executed before reduce tasks, different job execution orders and map/reduce slot configurations for a MapReduce workload have significantly different performance and system utilization. This paper proposes two classes of algorithms to minimize the makespan and the total completion time for an offline MapReduce workload. Our first class of algorithms focuses on the job ordering optimization for a MapReduce workload under a given map/reduce slot configuration. In contrast, our second class of algorithms considers the scenario that we can perform optimization for map/reduce slot configuration for a MapReduce workload. We perform simulations as well as experiments on Amazon EC2 and show that our proposed algorithms produce results that are up to 15 ~ 80 percent better than currently unoptimized Hadoop, leading to significant reductions in running time in practice.
Reducing Excellence Gaps: A Research-Based Model

As the awareness of the existence and negative effects of excellence gaps has grown among educators and policy makers, so too has a desire for research-supported interventions to reduce these gaps. A recent review of research related to promoting equitable outcomes for all gifted students identified six specific strategies for reducing excellence gaps. This article describes those components, along with a strategy of frontloading that should serve as the foundation for any comprehensive intervention efforts.
Robust vision-based pose estimation of moving objects for Automated Rendezvous & Docking

This paper presents a fault-tolerant method for pose estimation of space objects using 3-D vision data by integration of a Kalman filter (KF) and an Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm in a closed-loop configuration. The initial guess for the internal ICP iteration is provided by state estimate propagation of the Kalman filer. The Kalman filter is capable of not only estimating the target's states, but also its inertial parameters. This allows the motion of target to be predictable as soon as the filter converges. Consequently, the ICP can maintain pose tracking over a wider range of velocity due to increased precision of ICP initialization. Furthermore, incorporation of the target's dynamics model in the estimation process allows the estimator continuously provide pose estimation even when the sensor temporally loses its signal namely due to obstruction. The capabilities of the pose estimation methodology is demonstrated by a ground testbed for Automated Rendezvous & Docking (AR&D). In this experiment, Neptec's Laser Camera System (LCS) is used for real-time scanning of a satellite model attached to a manipulator arm, which is driven by a simulator according to orbital and attitude dynamics. The results showed that robust tracking of the free-floating tumbling satellite can be achieved only if the Kalman filter and ICP are in closed-loop configuration.
Professional Advice: The Theory of Reputational Cheap Talk

Professional experts offer advice with the objective of appearing well informed. Their ability is evaluated on the basis of the advice given and of the realized state of the world. This situation is modeled as a reputational cheap-talk game in which the expert receives a signal of continuously varying intensity with ability-dependent precision about a continuum of states. Despite allowing an arbitrarily rich message space, at most two messages are sent in equilibrium. The expert can only credibly transmit the direction but not the intensity of the information possessed. Equilibrium advice is then systematically less informative than under truthtelling.
Using Expert Sources to Correct Health Misinformation in Social Media

This study tests whether the number (1 vs. 2) and the source (another user vs. the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]) of corrective responses affect successful reduction of misperceptions. Using an experimental design, our results suggest that while a single correction from another user did not reduce misperceptions, the CDC on its own could correct misinformation. Corrections were more effective among those higher in initial misperceptions. Notably, organizational credibility was not reduced when correcting misinformation, making this a low-cost behavior for public health organizations. We recommend that expert organizations like the CDC immediately and personally rebut misinformation about health issues on social media.