Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic analysis of instinctive and learned reward-related behaviors in honey bees

ABSTRACT We used transcriptomics to compare instinctive and learned, reward-based honey bee behaviors with similar spatio-temporal components: mating flights by males (drones) and time-trained foraging flights by females (workers), respectively. Genome-wide gene expression profiling via RNA sequencing was performed on the mushroom bodies, a region of the brain known for multi-modal sensory integration and responsive to various types of reward. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with the onset of mating (623 genes) were enriched for the gene ontology (GO) categories of Transcription, Unfolded Protein Binding, Post-embryonic Development, and Neuron Differentiation. DEGs associated with the onset of foraging (473) were enriched for Lipid Transport, Regulation of Programmed Cell Death, and Actin Cytoskeleton Organization. These results demonstrate that there are fundamental molecular differences between similar instinctive and learned behaviors. In addition, there were 166 genes with strong similarities in expression across the two behaviors – a statistically significant overlap in gene expression, also seen in Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis. This finding indicates that similar instinctive and learned behaviors also share common molecular architecture. This common set of DEGs was enriched for Regulation of RNA Metabolic Process, Transcription Factor Activity, and Response to Ecdysone. These findings provide a starting point for better understanding the relationship between instincts and learned behaviors. In addition, because bees collect food for their colony rather than for themselves, these results also support the idea that altruistic behavior relies, in part, on elements of brain reward systems associated with selfish behavior. Highlighted Article: Brain gene expression analysis sheds new light on the relationship between instincts and learned behaviors and provides new insights into how the brain's reward system influences social behavior.
Physiological Genomics of Response to Soil Drying in Diverse Arabidopsis Accessions[W][OA]

This work examines the physiological and transcriptomic responses to soil drying in 17 diverse accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana, finding that acclimation to drought stress involved increased investment in photosynthesis, carbohydrate turnover, and root growth, as well as activation of abscisic acid signaling pathways and identifying functional variants of key stress response genes. Arabidopsis thaliana, like many species, is characterized by abundant genetic variation. This variation is rapidly being cataloged at the sequence level, but careful dissection of genetic variation in whole-organism responses to stresses encountered in the natural environment are lacking; this functional variation can be exploited as a natural mutant screen to determine gene function. Here, we document physiological and transcriptomic response to soil drying in 17 natural accessions of Arabidopsis. By imposing ecologically realistic stress conditions, we found that acclimation in Arabidopsis involved a strong signature of increased investment in photosynthesis, carbohydrate turnover, and root growth. Our results extend previous work in the Columbia accession suggesting that abscisic acid signaling pathways play an important role in drought stress response. We also identified several mechanisms, including an increase in leaf nitrogen concentration and upregulation of two-component signaling relays, that were common to most natural accessions but had not been identified in studies using only the Columbia accession. Principal component analysis reveals strong correlations between suites of genes and specific physiological responses to stress. The functional variants we identified may represent adaptive mutations in natural habitats and useful variants for agronomic improvement of crop species.
FTIR spectroscopic studies of bacterial cellular responses to environmental factors, plant-bacterial interactions and signalling

Modern spectroscopic techniques are highly useful in studying diverse processes in microbial cells related to or in- cited by environmental factors. Spectroscopic data for whole cells, supramolecular structures or isolated cellular constituents can reflect structural and/or compositional changes occurring in the course of cellular metabolic responses to the effects of pollutants, environmental conditions (stress factors); nutrients, signalling molecules (communication factors), etc. This infor- mation on the molecular level, often obtained using non-destructive techniques with minimal sample preparation, is of impor- tance for basic studies on mechanisms of bacterial tolerance to stresses and their impact on bacterial metabolism, as well as for applied multidisciplinary research in the fields related to biotechnology, bioremediation, agriculture, biogeochemistry, etc. In the present communication, some recent examples are reviewed and discussed which illustrate the applicability of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for monitoring metabolic changes in soil bacteria, using the examples of intensively studied plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria of the genus Azospirillum. Compositional and structural changes occurring in whole bacterial cells in response to different stress factors and plant signals, as well as spectroscopic images of relevant biospe- cific interactions are considered from the viewpoint of the possibilities provided by this versatile and easy-to-use technique and its methodology.
Analysis of Cell-Specific Promoters for Viral Gene Therapy Targeted at the Vascular Endothelium

Abstract—The use of viral vectors for vascular gene therapy targeted at the endothelium is limited by the promiscuous tropism of vectors and nonspecificity of viral promoters, resulting in high-level transgene expression in multiple tissues. To evaluate suitable endothelial cell (EC)–specific promoters for vascular gene therapy, we directly compared the ability of the fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (FLT-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-2 (ICAM-2), and von Willebrand factor (vWF) promoters to drive EC-restricted transcription after cloning into adenoviral vectors upstream of lac Z. Vastly different expression profiles were observed. Whereas both FLT-1 and ICAM-2 promoters generated transgene expression levels similar to cytomegalovirus in ECs in vitro, vWF expression levels were extremely low. Analysis of non-EC types revealed that ICAM-2 but not FLT-1 evoked leaky transgene expression, thus identifying FLT-1 as the most selective promoter. With an ex vivo human gene therapy model, the FLT-1 promoter demonstrated EC-specific transgene expression in intact human vein but no detectable expression from infected exposed smooth muscle cells in EC-denuded vein. Furthermore, when adenoviruses were systemically administered to mice, the FLT-1 promoter demonstrated extremely low-level gene expression in the liver, the major target organ for adenoviral transduction in vivo. This study highlights the potential of using the FLT-1 promoter for local and systemic human gene therapy in hypertension and its complications.
Muslim students’ experiences and perspectives on current teaching practices in Canadian schools

This study investigated seven Muslim elementary school students’ classroom experiences in a large urban area in western Canada. Although existing studies have examined the experiences of Muslim high school, college and university students, no research focused specifically on Muslim elementary school children’s classroom experiences in Alberta prior to this study. The study used an interpretive inquiry approach in which interviews with children about their lived experiences of schooling served as a foundation for critical analysis of school culture. The study results provide important insights into the lives of Muslim immigrant children who are trying to adapt to their host country while maintaining their family and community religious beliefs and practices. According to the findings, there are clear signs of the presence of Islamophobia in Canadian schools.
Vetiver grass for remedying soil contaminated with heavy metals

Three vetiver grass ecotypes, Kamphaeng Phet, Ratchaburi and Surat Thani were planted in soil supplemented with different amounts of manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). It was found that these heavy metals did not affect the growth of the vetiver grass, even though the uptake amount was increased as the applied amount increased. The Ratchaburi ecotype gave the highest shoot dry weight and lowest root weight and at the same time had significantly higher Mn, Zn, Cd and Pb amounts in shoots than the Surat Thani and Kamphaeng Phet ecotypes. However, as for copper, the Ratchaburi and Kamphaeng Phet ecotypes showed similar copper uptake. The root of the Ratchaburi ecotype also could absorb significantly higher amounts of Zn, Cd and Pb than those of the Surat Thani and Kamphaeng Phet ecotypes. For manganese and copper, The Ratchaburi and Surat Thani ecotypes did better than the Kamphaeng Phet. As expected, the residual heavy metal in soil increased as the applied amount increased. The soil planted with the Ratchaburi vetiver ecotype had less residual heavy metals than that planted with the other two ecotypes, since it absorbed more heavy metals. Therefore, this specific ecotype would be useful for remedying soil contaminated with heavy metals.
Surface Properties of Squalene/Meibum Films and NMR Confirmation of Squalene in Tears

Squalene (SQ) possesses a wide range of pharmacological activities (antioxidant, drug carrier, detoxifier, hydrating, emollient) that can be of benefit to the ocular surface. It can come in contact with human meibum (hMGS; the most abundant component of the tear film lipid layer) as an endogenous tear lipid or from exogenous sources as eyelid sebum or pharmaceuticals. The aims of this study were to determine (i) if SQ is in tear lipids and (ii) its influence on the surface properties of hMGS films. Heteronuclear single quantum correlation NMR confirmed 7 mol % SQ in Schirmer’s strips extracts. The properties of SQ/hMGS pseudo-binary films at the air/water interface were studied with Langmuir surface balance, stress-relaxation dilatational rheology and Brewster angle microscopy. SQ does not possess surfactant properties. When mixed with hMGS squalene (i) localized over the layers’ thinner regions and (ii) did not affect the film pressure at high compression. Therefore, tear SQ is unlikely to instigate dry eye, and SQ can be used as a safe and “inert” ingredient in formulations to protect against dry eye. The layering of SQ over the thinner film regions in addition to its pharmacological properties could contribute to the protection of the ocular surface.
Basolateral localisation of KCNQ1 potassium channels in MDCK cells: molecular identification of an N-terminal targeting motif

KCNQ1 potassium channels are expressed in many epithelial tissues as well as in the heart. In epithelia KCNQ1 channels play an important role in salt and water transport and the channel has been reported to be located apically in some cell types and basolaterally in others. Here we show that KCNQ1 channels are located basolaterally when expressed in polarised MDCK cells. The basolateral localisation of KCNQ1 is not affected by co-expression of any of the five KCNE β-subunits. We characterise two independent basolateral sorting signals present in the N-terminal tail of KCNQ1. Mutation of the tyrosine residue at position 51 resulted in a non-polarized steady-state distribution of the channel. The importance of tyrosine 51 in basolateral localisation was emphasized by the fact that a short peptide comprising this tyrosine was able to redirect the p75 neurotrophin receptor, an otherwise apically located protein, to the basolateral plasma membrane. Furthermore, a di-leucine-like motif at residues 38-40 (LEL) was found to affect the basolateral localisation of KCNQ1. Mutation of these two leucines resulted in a primarily intracellular localisation of the channel.
Seismotectonic Map of Afghanistan, with Annotated Bibliography

Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government This report has not been reviewed for stratigraphic nomenclature Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to reproduce any copyrighted material contained within this report.
Patients With Fragile X Syndrome Attending a Specialized Centre in Chile: Parent Satisfaction, Costs and Adherence

The study aim was to evaluate the administration and achievements of a Fragile X syndrome (FXS) centre in Chile. Families with children with FXS who sought care at our centre (CDTSXF) answered a survey to evaluate parent satisfaction. We analyzed adherence to management and the costs of CDTSXF operation. The percentage of parents satisfied with CDTSXF management ranged from 38% for speech development, to 100% for general management. The financial costs covered 70% of economic costs of centre operation. Patient adherence was associated with the age at admission to CDTSXF. Low satisfaction with language development could be attributed to low treatment adherence. The CDTSXF should study different mechanisms of financing its operation, estimate the cost of FXS for families, and improve treatment adherence among older patients.
Concurrent memory load can make RSVP search more efficient

The detrimental effect of increased memory load on selective attention has been demonstrated in many situations. However, in search tasks over time using RSVP methods, it is not clear how memory load affects attentional processes; no effects as well as beneficial and detrimental effects of memory load have been found in these types of tasks. The main objective of the present work is to provide more evidence about the involvement of working memory in visual search over time. Using an RSVP search task, we manipulated set size (experiment 1) and congruency in a Stroop-like task (experiment 2), finding that high memory load conditions sometimes increase the efficiency of search over time. Our data also support important similarities between attention in space and time showing that there might be a general system for allocating attentional resources independent of stimulus dimension. However, there are also important differences, thus theoretical implications of present results are discussed.
A collective organizational learning model for organizational development

Purpose Organizational learning is traditionally structured with conventional in-house learning models aiming to equip employees with practical skills for operational needs. In contrast, contemporary goals emphasize unstructured organizational learning provided with learning environments to facilitate employees’ formal and informal knowledge creation. Therefore, the conventional organizational learning models are facing tremendous challenges, and it is crucial to change the traditional modes of practice into a new approach of collective learning and knowledge transfer. As well, the emergence of innovative business environments and tacit knowledge-based society urges a new form of organizational learning model to cope with employees’ learning, knowledge transfer and even knowledge management. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach In this study, the authors’ team applied a typological review for systematically analyzing current organizational learning models aiming to modify and create a new collective model. Findings The new model covers the strengths of existing approaches from which the fundamental 3Ps (i.e. principles, purposes and processes of organizational learning) concept is derived from incorporating a development perspective of organizational trajectories and technological innovations. Originality/value The authors envisage that the new model can facilitate organizations to assess and adapt their organizational learning needs and orientations by applying this organic and dynamic model which emphasizes assessment in relation to the competitive environment, technological trends and organizational growth.
TruMet : An Approach towards Computing Trust in Multi-Agent Environment

— The growing popularity of multi-agent based approaches towards the formation and operation of virtual organizations (VO) present over the Internet, offer both opportunities and risks. One of the risks involved in such community is in the identification of trustworthy agent partners for transaction. In this paper we aim to describe our trust model which would contribute in measuring trust in the interacting agents. Named as TruMet, the trust metric model works on the basis of the parameters that we have identified as relevant to the features of the community. The model primarily analyses trust value on the basis of the agent's reputation, as provided by the agent itself, and the agent's aggregate rating as provided by the witness agents. The final computation of the trust value is given by a weighted average of these two components. While computing the aggregate rating, a weight based method has been adopted to discount the contribution of possibly unfair ratings by the witness agents.
Integration of Visuospatial and Effector Information during Symbolically Cued Limb Movements in Monkey Lateral Intraparietal Area

Natural behavior requires close but flexible coordination between attention, defined as selection for perception, and action. In recent years a distributed network including the lateral intraparietal area (LIP) has been implicated in visuospatial selection for attention and rapid eye movements (saccades), but the relation between the attentional and motor functions of this area remains unclear. Here we tested LIP neurons in a task that involved not an ocular but a manual operant response. Monkeys viewed a display containing one cue and several distractors and reported the orientation of the cue (right- or left-facing) by releasing one of two bars grasped, respectively, with the right or left hand. The movement in this task thus was associated with (cued by), but not directed toward, the visual stimulus. A large majority of neurons responded more when the cue rather than when a distractor was in their receptive field, suggesting that they contribute to the attentional selection of the cue. A fraction of these neurons also was modulated by limb release, thus simultaneously encoding cue location and the active limb. The results suggest that the LIP links behaviorally relevant visual information with motor variables relevant for solving a task in a wide range of circumstances involving goal-directed or symbolically cued movements and eye as well as limb movements. A central function of the LIP may be to coordinate visual and motor selection during a wide variety of behaviors.
Radial orbital anisotropy and the Fundamental Plane of elliptical galaxies

The existence of the Fundamental Plane imposes strong constraints on the structure and dynamics of elliptical galaxies, and thus contains important information on the processes of their formation and evolution. Here we focus on the relations between the Fundamental Plane thinness and tilt and the amount of radial orbital anisotropy: in fact, the problem of the compatibility between the observed thinness of the Fundamental Plane and the wide spread of orbital anisotropy admitted by galaxy models has often been raised. By using N-body simulations of galaxy models characterized by observationally motivated density profiles, and also allowing for the presence of live, massive dark matter haloes, we explore the impact of radial orbital anisotropy and instability on the Fundamental Plane properties. The numerical results confirm a previous semi-analytical finding (based on a different class of one-component galaxy models): the requirement of stability matches almost exactly the thinness of the Fundamental Plane. In other words, galaxy models that are radially anisotropic enough to be found outside the observed Fundamental Plane (with their isotropic parent models lying on the Fundamental Plane) are unstable, and their end-products fall back on the Fundamental Plane itself. We also find that a systematic increase of radial orbit anisotropy with galaxy luminosity cannot explain by itself the whole tilt of the Fundamental Plane, the galaxy models becoming unstable at moderately high luminosities: at variance with the previous case, their end-products are found well outside the Fundamental Plane itself. Some physical implications of these findings are discussed in detail.
Off-Shell Quantum Electrodynamics

More than twenty years have passed since the threads of the `proper time formalism' in covariant classical and quantum mechanics were brought together to construct a canonical formalism for the relativistic mechanics of many particles. Drawing on the work of Fock, Stueckelberg, Nambu, Schwinger, and Feynman, the formalism was raised from the status of a purely formal mathematical technique to a covariant evolution theory for interacting particles. In the context of this theory, solutions have been found for the relativistic bound state problem, classical and quantum scattering in relativistic potentials, as well as applications in statistical mechanics. It has been shown that a generalization of the Maxwell theory is required in order that the electromagnetic interaction be well-posed in the theory. The resulting theory of electromagnetism involves a fifth gauge field introduced to compensate for the dependence of the gauge transformation on the invariant time parameter; permitting such dependence relaxes the requirement that individual particles be on fixed mass shells and allows exchange of mass during scattering. In this paper, we develop the quantum field theory of off-shell electromagnetism, and use it to calculate certain elementary processes, including Compton scattering and M{\o}ller scattering. These calculations lead to {\em qualitative} deviations from the usual scattering cross-sections, which are, however, small effects, but may be visible at small angles near the forward direction. The familiar IR divergence of the M{\o}ller scattering is, moreover, completely regularized.
The genetic and psychological underpinnings of generalized social trust

ABSTRACT In this paper, we investigate the genetic and psychological underpinnings of generalized social trust, an orientation that refers to one's expectations about the trustworthiness of strangers. We make a number of contributions to the literature. First, using a new dataset containing information on a large sample of German twin pairs (N = 1980 pairs), we replicate previous studies on the heritability of social trust. Our analysis supports previous research showing modest heritability estimates for social trust. Second, we examine whether seven different psychological traits (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism, self-efficacy, and cognitive ability) are related to social trust, a number of which we find are correlated with trust in theoretically expected ways. Lastly, we estimate the extent to which genetic factors account for the correlation between psychological traits and social trust. We find evidence that genetic factors account for a large amount of the correlation between social trust and two psychological traits-agreeableness and neuroticism. In addition, we find that the correlation between cognitive ability and social trust is primarily due to common environment. Our results provide important insights on the underpinnings of social trust.