Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of Phenotypic Variation and Genetic Diversity in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Mutants

In this study, phenotypic variation and genetic diversity, important factors to decide germplasm for rice breeding, were evaluated among 15 rice mutants attained from the MNU ( N -Nitroso- N -methylurea) mutation. The correlation coefficient values among these phenotypic characteristics were calculated. The results showed that full grain number per plant was the most relevant factor contributing to grain yield per plant, and grain length to width ratio was the key parameter affected to amylose content. Furthermore, the genetic variation among mutants was estimated by Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers related to amylose content trait. Fifty-six polymorphism markers covering across eleven rice chromosomes were recorded with an average of 3.02 alleles per locus. The average value of polymorphism information content was 0.47. By using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) clustering, four clusters were generated with the genetic similarities ranging from 0.52 to 0.91. The variation among groups was 34%, while the variation among individuals within groups was 66%. Findings of this study provided useful genetic background and phenotypic information of collected rice mutants to breed rice cultivars with improved quality.
Colloquium: The unexpected properties of alkali metal iron selenide superconductors

The iron-based superconductors that contain FeAs layers as the fundamental building block in the crystal structures have been rationalized in the past using ideas based on the Fermi surface nesting of hole and electron pockets when in the presence of weak Hubbard U interactions. This approach seemed appropriate considering the small values of the magnetic moments in the parent compounds and the clear evidence based on photoemission experiments of the required electron and hole pockets. However, recent results in the context of alkali metal iron selenides, with generic chemical composition AxFe2ySe2 (A alkali metal element), have challenged those previous ideas since at particular compositions y the low-temperature ground states are insulating and display antiferromagnetic order with large iron magnetic moments. Moreover, angle-resolved photoemission studies have revealed the absence of hole pockets at the Fermi level in these materials. The present status of this exciting area of research, with the potential to alter conceptually our understanding of the ironbased superconductors, is here reviewed, covering both experimental and theoretical investigations. Other recent related developments are also briefly reviewed, such as the study of selenide two-leg ladders and the discovery of superconductivity in a single layer of FeSe. The conceptual issues considered establishedmore » for the alkali metal iron selenides, as well as several issues that still require further work, are discussed. « less
Author's personal copy Cyclophilin B stimulates RNA synthesis by the HCV RNA dependent RNA polymerase

Cyclophilins are cellular peptidyl isomerases that have been implicated in regulating hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. Cyclophilin B (CypB) is a target of cyclosporin A (CsA), an immunosuppressive drug recently shown to suppress HCV replication in cell culture. Watashi et al. recently demonstrated that CypB is important for efficient HCV replication, and proposed that it mediates the anti-HCV effects of CsA through an interactionwith NS5B [Watashi K, Ishii N, Hijikata M, Inoue D, Murata T, Miyanari Y, et al. Cyclophilin B is a functional regulator of hepatitis C virus RNA polymerase. Mol Cell 2005;19:111–22]. We examined the effects of purified CypB proteins on the enzymatic activity of NS5B. Recombinant CypB purified from insect cells directly stimulated NS5B-catalyzed RNA synthesis. CypB increased RNA synthesis by NS5B derived from genotype 1a, 1b, and 2a HCV strains. Stimulation appears to arise from an increase in productive RNA binding. NS5B residue Pro540, a previously proposed target of CypB peptidyl-prolyl isomerase activity, is not required for stimulation of RNA synthesis. # 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. * Corresponding author at: Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Basic Science Building Room 103, Valhalla, NY 10595, United States. Tel. : +1 914 594 4190; fax: +1 914 594 4058. E-mail address: David_Frick@NYMC.edu (D.N. Frick). avai lab le at www.sc iencedi rec t . com journal homepage: www.e lsev ier . com/ locate /b iochempharm 0006-2952/$ – see front matter # 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.bcp. 2008.12. 019 Author's personal copy CypB is likely a cofactor for theNS5Bpolymerase [3,14],wehave focused on characterizing the CypB–NS5B interaction using purified proteins. We report here that CypB expressed and purifiedusingaeukaryoticproteinexpressionsystemiscapable of enhancing the RNA synthesis activity of NS5B. 2. Materials and methods
SELF-EFFICACY AND ACHIEVEMENT GOALS AS PREDICTORS OF HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS' ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Summary: It has long been recognized that students’ school performance is determined not only by their cogniƟ ve abiliƟ es, but even more importantly by their moƟ vaƟ on, achievement goals and perceived self-effi cacy. The present study explored the relaƟ onship between academic self-effi cacy, school achievement and four achievement goals of high-school students. The obtained results indicated a signifi cant eff ect of age on students’ grade point average as well as signifi cant eff ects of gender on students’ performance in the CroaƟ an language, their grade point average, self-effi cacy and three achievement goals (mastery, performance and social relaƟ ons). Furthermore, the obtained results indicated a high correlaƟ on between self-effi cacy and mastery goal orientaƟ on, while self-effi cacy was once again idenƟ fi ed as the most important predictor of school performance in all researched areas.
European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2014 , EGU 2014 Impact of DMO processing on 3 D seismic imaging at Ketzin , Germany

The goal of the dip-moveout correction (DMO) is to eliminate velocity bias when stacking. DMO processing is tested in order to account for variable dips at the Ketzin CO2 storage pilot site. In this study, 3D Squeezing DMO is applied to seismic data to study the impact of DMO on seismic imaging and to investigate if it enhances the CO2 seismic monitoring technique. We compare the data with and without DMO processing by utilizing quantitative and qualitative analysis. Our results indicate its effectiveness with applications to the 3D seismic data at the Ketzin site. © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Peer-review under responsibility of the Austrian Academy of Sciences.
Evaluation of the effect of tooth

Background, aims. This investigation was designed to evaluate the null hypothesis of no differences in GTR outcomes in intrabony defects at vital and successfully root-canal-treated teeth. Method: 208 consecutive patients with one intrabony defect each were enrolled. Based on tooth vitality, the treated population was divided at baseline into 2 groups: one with 41 non-vital teeth and the other with 167 vital teeth. The 2 groups were similar in terms of patient and defect characteristics. Results: A slight unbalance in terms of depth of the intrabony component was observed in the non-vital group compared to the vital group (6.9∫2.1 mm versus 6.2∫2.3 mm, pΩ0.08). All defects were treated with GTR therapy. At 1 year, the non-vital and the vital groups showed a clinical attachment level (CAL) gain of 4.9∫2.2 mm and of 4.2∫2 mm, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (pΩ0.03). To correct for the baseline unbalance in defect depth, data were expressed as a % of clinical attachment level gains with respect to the original intrabony depth of the defect. % CAL gains were 72.8∫42.2% and 73∫26.4% for vital and non-vital teeth, respectively: the difference was not statistically significant (pΩ0.48). Average residual pocket depths were 2.8∫1 mm in the vital and 2.8∫0.9 mm in the non-vital group. Tooth vitality was assessed at baseline, at 1-year and at follow-up (5.4∫2.8 years after surgery): all teeth vital at baseline were still vital at follow-up with the exception of 2 teeth that received endodontic treatment for reconstructive reasons and for caries. At follow-up visit, the difference in CAL with respect to 1-year measurements was a0.9∫0.8 mm in the vital group and a0.7∫0.8 mm in the non-vital group, indicating stability of the regenerated attachment at the majority of sites. Conclusions: Data from this study demonstrate that root canal treatment does
Immunohistochemical Study of Choledochal Cyst Wall

Immunohistochemical Study of Choledochal Cyst Wall Introduction. Choledochal cysts are rare congenital anomalies that appear as localized cystic or fusiform biliary tree dilatations. Choledochal cyst is a rare congenital anomaly with a reported incidence of 1 in 100,000-150,000 live births (7). Nearly 25% of choledochal cysts are diagnosed in the first year of life and 60% in the first decade, but 20% detected are after the age of 20 years (12). Aim of the Study. The pathogenesis of choledochal cysts remains still unknown. The aim of this study was to examine relative distribution of growth factors, neuropeptide-containing innervation and apoptosis in the choledochal cyst wall. Materials and methods. Histopathological study of choledochal cyst wall was conducted on four patients aging from six months till 14 years. Tissues were processed for haematoxylin - eosin staining, immunohistochemistry for PGP 9.5, NGFR, NF, VEGF, CGRP and TUNEL method. Results. In overview sections we observed granulation tissue, blood vessel sanguineness and inflammatory infiltrate. Fibromuscular coat was thickened showing thick collagen bundles and dispersed smooth myocytes. Serosa was present in one case, all the rest demonstrated adhesions with dilated blood vessels and perivascular infiltrate. PGP 9.5 - containing nerve fibers and nerve fiber bundles were mostly observed in moderate and large amounts. NGFR in large amount was seen in nerve fiber bundles and nerve fibers among smooth muscle cells in the wall of small blood vessels. NF positive structures - nerve fibers and nerve fiber bundles - were found in moderate amount, except one case were the expression was very low. CGRP was found in neuroendocrine cells, nerve fiber bundles, leukocytes, inflammatory cells and endoteliocytes. Expression varied from low to moderately high. VEGF expression in most patient material was negative. Apoptosis was observed in inflammatory cells and epiteliocytes, showing large amount of positive structures. Conclusions. The amount of PGP 9.5 and CGRP demonstrates relatively good cyst wall innervation. Marked expression of NGFR proves still existing neuronal growth stimulation despite relatively unchanged neuronal cytoskeleton. Negative expression of VEGF proves lack of ischemia. Apoptosis mainly affects inflammatory cells and epiteliocytes, while the choledochal cyst wall presumably is composed of functionaly viable tissue.
Null steering of linear antenna arrays using a modified tabu search algorithm

A useful and flexible method based on the tabu search algorithm for the pattern synthesis of linear antenna arrays with the prescribed nulls is presented. Nulling of the pattern is achieved by controlling the amplitude-only and both the amplitude and phase of each array element. To show the versatility of the present method, some design specifications such as the sidelobe level, the null depth and the dynamic range ratio are considered by introducing a set of weighting factors in the cost function constructed for the tabu search algorithm. Several illustrative examples of Chebyshev pattern with the imposed single, multiple and broad nulls are given.
Hubble Space Telescope ACS Wide-Field Photometry of the Sombrero Galaxy Globular Cluster System

A detailed imaging analysis of the globular cluster (GC) system of the Sombrero galaxy (NGC 4594) has been accomplished using a six-image mosaic from the Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys. The quality of the data is such that contamination by foreground stars and background galaxies is negligible for all but the faintest 5% of the GC luminosity function. This enables the study of an effectively pure sample of 659 GCs until ∼2 mag fainter than the turnover magnitude, which occurs at M = -7.60 ± 0.06 for an assumed m - M = 29.77. Two GC metallicity subpopulations are easily distinguishable, with the metal-poor subpopulation exhibiting a smaller intrinsic dispersion in color compared to the metal-rich subpopulation. There are three new discoveries. (1) A metal-poor GC color-magnitude trend has been observed. (2) The fact that the metal-rich GCs are ∼17% smaller than the metal-poor ones for small projected galactocentric radii (less than ∼2′) has been confirmed. However, the median half-light radii of the two subpopulations become identical at ∼3′ from the center. This is most easily explained if the size difference is the result of projection effects. (3) The brightest (MV < -9.0) members of the GC system show a size-magnitude upturn, where the average GC size increases with increasing luminosity. Evidence is presented that supports an intrinsic origin for this feature rather than being a result of accreted dwarf elliptical nuclei. In addition, the metal-rich GCs show a shallower positive size-magnitude trend, similar to what is found in previous studies of young star clusters.
EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT METHODS TO MODEL NEAR-SURFACE TURBULENT FLUXES FOR A MOUNTAIN GLACIER IN THE CARIBOOMOUNTAINS , BC , CANADA

As part of surface energy balance models used to simulate glacier melting, choosing parameterizations to adequately estimate turbulent heat fluxes is extremely challenging. This study aims to evaluate a set of four aerodynamic bulk methods (labeled as C-methods), commonly used to estimate turbulent heat fluxes for a sloped glacier surface, and two less commonly used bulk methods developed from katabatic flow models. The C-methods differ in their parameterizations of the bulk exchange coefficient that relates the fluxes to the near-surface measurements of mean wind speed, air temperature and humidity. The 5 methods’ performance in simulating 30-min sensible and latent heat fluxes is evaluated against the measured fluxes from an open path eddy-covariance (OPEC) method. The evaluation is performed at a point scale of a mountain glacier, using one-level meteorological and OPEC observations from multi-day periods in the 2010 and 2012 summer seasons. The analysis of the two independent seasons yielded the same key findings, which include the following: first, the bulk method, with or without the commonly used Monin-Obukhov (M-O) stability functions, overestimates the turbulent heat fluxes over the observational 10 period, mainly due to a substantial overestimation of the friction velocity. This overestimation is most pronounced during the katabatic flow conditions, corroborating the previous findings that the M-O theory works poorly in the presence of a low wind speed maximum. Second, the method based on a katabatic flow model (labeled as the KInt method) outperforms any C-method in simulating the friction velocity, however, the C-methods outperform the KInt method in simulating the sensible heat fluxes. Third, the best overall performance is given by a hybrid method, which combines the KInt-approach with the 15 C-method, i.e. parameterizes eddy viscosity differently than eddy diffusivity. An error analysis reveals that the uncertainties in the measured meteorological variables and the roughness lengths produce smaller errors in the modeled fluxes than are the differences between the modeled and observed fluxes. This implies that further advances will require improvement to model theory rather than better measurements of input variables. Further data from different glaciers are needed to investigate any universality of these findings. 20
The Absolute Flux of Protons and Helium at the Top of the Atmosphere Using IMAX

The cosmic-ray proton and helium spectra from 0.2 GeV nucleon-1 to about 200 GeV nucleon-1 have been measured with the balloon-borne experiment Isotope Matter-Antimatter Experiment (IMAX) launched from Lynn Lake, Manitoba, Canada, in 1992. IMAX was designed to search for antiprotons and light isotopes using a superconducting magnet spectrometer together with scintillators, a time-of-flight system, and Cherenkov detectors. Using redundant detectors, an extensive examination of the instrument efficiency was carried out. We present here the absolute spectra of protons and helium corrected to the top of the atmosphere and to interstellar space. If demodulated with a solar modulation parameter of ϕ = 750 MV, the measured interstellar spectra between 20 and 200 GV can be represented by a power law in rigidity, with (1.42 ± 0.21) × 104R-2.71±0.04 (m2 GV s sr)-1 for protons and (3.15 ± 1.03) × 103R-2.79±0.08 (m2 GV s sr)-1 for helium.
LINGER – A SMART PERSONAL ASSISTANT FOR E-MAIL CLASSIFICATION

In this paper we present Linger a neural network based system for automated e-mail classification. Two scenarios are explored: filing e-mails into folders and spam e-mail filtering. Extensive experiments indicate that Linger compares favourably to other classification techniques. We study the effects of various feature selection, weighting and normalization methods, and also the portability of the anti-spam filter across different users.
IS THERE A RELATION BETWEEN MAXIMAL AND EXPLOSIVE LEG EXTENSORS ISOMETRIC FORCE

The aim of this research was to establish the relation between maximal isometric force and different indicators of isometric explosive force of leg extensors (iRFD). The sample consisted of 83 participants divided into 2 groups in terms of gender, males N=53 and females N=30. In order to assess the characteristics of the F-t isometric leg extensor force, tensiometric probes and the standardized "seated leg extension" test were used. The measurement range was defined by 6 variables for the contractile characteristics of the leg extensor isometric muscle force - 1) the level of achieved maximal force - FmaxLEGEXTISO, 2) the indicator of the basic (general) level of rate of force development - RFDBASICLEGEXTISO, 3) the indicator of the specific level of rate of force development - RFD50%LEGEXTISO, and three indicators for evaluating the special level of the explosive force development, i.e. leg extensor explosiveness, 4) measured at 250ms - RFD250msLEGEXTISO, 5) measured at 180ms - RFD180msLEGEXTISO, 6) measured at 100ms - RFD100msLEGEXTISO. The results of the linear regression in the males showed a positive correlation between FmaxLEGEXTISO and RFD50%LEGEXTISO F=16.298, p=0.000; and RFD250msLEGEXTISO F=40.754, p=0.000; and RFD180msLEGEXTISO F=18.660, p=0.000; and RFD100msLEGEXTISO F=5.430, p=0.024; in the females with RFDBASICLEGEXTISO F=10.099, p=0.004; with RFD50%LEGEXTISO F=13.585, p=0.001; with RFD250msLEGEXTISO F=35.469, p=0.000; with RFD180msLEGEXTISO F=14.698, p=0.001. The results of this study showed that the combination of the maximal exertion method, with the aim of developing maximal force or strength, and plyometrics, with the aim of developing the intensity of contraction in its different phases, from the aspect of training technology, is absolutely advisable and reasonable. This may have important practical implications when designing resistance training programs for specific sportsdeling.
Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer by Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound-Targeted Imaging

Abstract : Due to the lack of an early detection test, most cases of OVCA are detected at late stages when the 5-year survival rate is 10%. Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) imaging, the currently favored method, it cannot detect OVCA at early stage due to its limited resolution. Tumor related malignant nuclear transformation occurs early in tumor development and leads to the release of Nuclear Matrix Proteins (NMP) into the circulation. Tumor associated neoangiogenesis (TAN) follows malignant nuclear transformation. v 3-integrins and death receptor (DR) 6 are two markers of ovarian TAN expressed by neoangiogenic microvessels. DR6 is also secreted in serum. If the detection limit of TVUS imaging can be enhanced, v 3-integrins-expressing microvessels can be an in vivo imaging marker of ovarian TAN and may be used together with serum anti-NMP antibodies and DR6 to detect early stage OVCA. Our overall goal was to improve the TVUS detectability of ovarian tumors and ovarian TAN vessels at early stage by v 3-integrins-targeted contrast enhanced ultrasound (CE-US) molecular imaging. Overall results of the study suggest that CE-US molecular imaging targeting ovarian v 3-integrins-expressing microvessels enhanced the ability of TVUS to detect ovarian tumors and ovarian TAN at early stage in laying hen model of spontaneous OVCA. Changes in OVCA related CE-US imaging indices were associated with the elevation of serum DR6 levels. Serum prevalence of anti- NMP antibodies was associated with malignant nuclear transformation and can be detected from serum even before the tumors become detectable through targeted contrast enhanced TVUS imaging.
Specification tests in econometrics

Using the result that under the null hypothesis of no misspecification an asymptotically efficient estimator must have zero asymptotic covariance with its difference from a consistent but asymptotically inefficient estimator, specification tests are devised for a number of model specifications in econometrics. Local power is calculated for small departures from the null hypothesis. An instrumental variable test as well as tests for a time series cross section model and the simultaneous equation model are presented. An empirical model provides evidence that unobserved individual factors are present which are not orthogonal to the included right-hand-side variable in a common econometric specification of an individual wage equation.
AVOIDING UNIFORMITY IN THE ∆2 ENUMERATION DEGREES

Defining a class of sets to be uniform ∆2 if it is derived from a binary {0, 1}-valued function f≤TK, we show that, for any C ⊆ De induced by such a class, there exists a high ∆2 degree c which is incomparable with every degree b ∈ C \ {0e,0′e }. We show how this result can be applied to quite general subclasses of the Ershov Hierarchy and we also prove, as a direct corollary, that every nonzero low degree caps with both a high and a nonzero low ∆2 degree.