Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trophic upgrading and mobilization of wax esters in microzooplankton

Heterotrophic protists play pivotal roles in aquatic ecosystems by transferring matter and energy, including lipids, from primary producers to higher trophic predators. Using Oxyrrhis marina as a model organism, changes to the non-saponifiable protist lipids were investigated under satiation and starvation conditions. During active feeding on the alga Cryptomonas sp. , the O. marina hexane soluble non-saponifiable fraction lipid profile reflected its food source with the observed presence of long chain mono-unsaturated fatty alcohols up to C25:1. Evidence of trophic upgrading in O. marina was observed with long chain mono-unsaturated fatty alcohol accumulation of up to C35:1. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first evidence that heterotrophic dinoflagellates are capable of producing ester derived alcohols and that dinoflagellates like O. marina are capable of synthesizing fatty alcohols up to C35. Additionally, we show evidence of trophic upgrading of lipids. During a 20-day resource deprivation, the lipid profile remained constant. During starvation, the mobilization of wax esters as energy stores was observed with long chain fatty alcohols mobilized first. Changes in lipid class profile and utilization of wax esters in O. marina provides insight into the types of lipids available for energy demand, the transfer of lipids through the base of marine food webs, and the catabolic response induced by resource deprivation.
Supplementary Information : Arbitrarily strong amplifiers of natural selection

The birth-death Moran process. The Moran process considers a population of n individuals, which undergoes reproduction and death, and each individual is either a resident or a mutant [21]. The residents and the mutants have constant fitness 1 and r, respectively. The Moran process is a discrete-time stochastic process defined as follows: in the initial step, a single mutant is introduced into a homogeneous resident population. At each step, an individual is chosen randomly for reproduction with probability proportional to its fitness; another individual is chosen uniformly at random for death and is replaced by a new individual of the same type as the reproducing individual. Eventually, this Markovian process ends when all individuals become of one of the two types. The probability of the event that all individuals become mutants is called the fixation probability.
Response to the Referees of the manuscript: “Structure of the upper mantle in the north-western and central United States from USArray S-receiver functions” by R. Kind et al. Responses in red See bottom for revised manuscript with significant changes marked

We used more than 40,000 S-receiver functions recorded by the USArray project to study the structure of the upper mantle between the Moho and the 410-km discontinuity from the Phanerozoic western United States to the cratonic central US. In the western US we observed the lithosphereasthenosphere boundary (LAB), and in the cratonic US we observed both, the mid-lithospheric discontinuity (MLD) and the LAB of the craton. In the northern and southern US the western LAB almost reaches the mid-continental rift system. In between these two regions the cratonic MLD is surprisingly plunging towards the west from the Rocky Mountains Front to about 200 km depth near the Sevier Thrust Belt. We interpret these complex structures of the seismic discontinuities in the mantle lithosphere as an indication of interfingering of the colliding Farallon and Laurentia plates. Unfiltered S receiver function data reveal that the LAB and MLD are not single discontinuities but consist of many small scale laminated discontinuities, which only appear as single discontinuities after longer period filtering. We also observe the Lehmann discontinuity below the LAB and a velocity reduction about 30 km above the 410-km discontinuity.
A regularized structural factor-augmented vector autoregressive model ∗

We propose a regularized factor-augmented vector autoregressive (FAVAR) model that allows for sparsity in the factor loadings. In this framework, factors may only load on a subset of variables which simplifies the factor identification and their economic interpretation. We identify the factors in a data-driven manner without imposing specific relations between the unobserved factors and the underlying time series. Using our approach, the effects of structural shocks can be investigated on economically meaningful factors and on all observed time series included in the FAVAR model. We prove consistency for the estimators of the factor loadings, the covariance matrix of the idiosyncratic component, the factors, as well as the autoregressive parameters in the dynamic model. In an empirical application, we investigate the effects of a monetary policy shock on a broad range of economically relevant variables. We identify this shock using a joint identification of the factor model and the structural innovations in the VAR model. We find impulse response functions which are in line with economic rationale, both on the factor aggregates and observed time series level.
Large Hybrid Time-Varying Parameter VARs

Abstract Time-varying parameter VARs with stochastic volatility are routinely used for structural analysis and forecasting in settings involving a few endogenous variables. Applying these models to high-dimensional datasets has proved to be challenging due to intensive computations and over-parameterization concerns. We develop an efficient Bayesian sparsification method for a class of models we call hybrid TVP-VARs—VARs with time-varying parameters in some equations but constant coefficients in others. Specifically, for each equation, the new method automatically decides whether the VAR coefficients and contemporaneous relations among variables are constant or time-varying. Using U.S. datasets of various dimensions, we find evidence that the parameters in some, but not all, equations are time varying. The large hybrid TVP-VAR also forecasts better than many standard benchmarks.
Optimal long-term asset allocation with illiquid assets

This paper solves the optimal asset allocation and consumption pattern of a CRRA investor in case of a single liquid and a single illiquid risky asset, where illiquidity results from restrictions on the trading time of the illiquid asset. The model shows the illiquid asset is less attractive for the short-term investor, whereas the effect of illiquidity is negligible for long-term investors. Moreover, if in certain scenarios the total fraction invested in the illiquid asset becomes sufficiently high and the investor is not able to trade the illiquid asset, the investor reduces her allocation towards the liquid risky asset and the fraction of total wealth to consume. Finally, a positive correlation between the return on the illiquid asset and the probability to be able to trade that asset, leads to an additional reduction in the allocation towards the illiquid asset. This result indicates that the investor faces an increased utility loss if it becomes more difficult to trade the illiquid asset during bad market outcomes.
The Bene ts of Costly Voting Surajeet Chakravarty

We present a costly voting model in which each voter has a private valuation for their preferred outcome of a vote. When there is a zero cost to voting, all voters vote and hence all values are counted equally regardless of how high they may be. By having a cost to voting, only those with high enough values would choose to incur this cost. Hence, the outcome will be determined by voters with higher valuations. We show that in such a case welfare may be enhanced. Such an e¤ect occurs when there is both a large enough density of voters with low values and a high enough expected value.
Paradigm Shifts in Pre-Service Teacher Education Students: Case Studies of Changes in Epistemological Beliefs

In 1997, a teaching program at a large metropolitan university in Australia was implemented to encourage teacher education students to reflect on their epistemological beliefs in the context of an educational psychology unit. This program was designed to help student teachers develop more constructivist beliefs about knowing and teaching over the year-long program. All students were interviewed at the beginning (Time 1) and end (Time 2) of the year-long teaching program and also asked to write journal reflections about their beliefs about knowing and teaching. This paper is an analysis of the changes in epistemological beliefs that occurred for two student teachers who were involved in the teaching program. The analysis of the interviews and journals indicated that both students held a range of epistemological beliefs however one student described an increased focus on constructivist beliefs about knowing and teaching throughout the year.
O ct 2 01 7 Flat F-manifolds , Miura invariants and integrable systems of conservation laws

We extend some of the results proved for scalar equations in [3, 4], to the case of systems of integrable conservation laws. In particular, for such systems we prove that the eigenvalues of a matrix obtained from the quasilinear part of the system are invariants under Miura transformations and we show how these invariants are related to dispersion relations. Furthermore, focusing on one-parameter families of dispersionless systems of integrable conservation laws associated to the Coxeter groups of rank 2 found in [1], we study the corresponding integrable deformations up to order 2 in the deformation parameter ǫ. Each family contains both bi-Hamiltonian and non-Hamiltonian systems of conservation laws and therefore we use it to probe to which extent the properties of the dispersionless limit impact the nature and the existence of integrable deformations. It turns out that a part two values of the parameter all deformations of order one in ǫ are Miura-trivial, while all those of order two in ǫ are essentially parameterized by two arbitrary functions of single variables (the Riemann invariants) both in the bi-Hamiltonian and in the non-Hamiltonian case. In the two remaining cases, due to the existence of non-trivial first order deformations, there is an additional functional parameter.
Geographical distribution of Aristaeomorpha foliacea ( Crustacea : Aristaeidae ) in the Sicilian Channel ( Mediterranean Sea )

The deepwater shrimps Aristeus antennatus (Risso, 1816) and Aristaeomorpha foliacea (Risso, 1827) consti­ tute an important resource for the Mediterranean Sea fisheries. In the Sicilian Channel (sensu lato), both the red giant {A. foliacea) and the blue-red (A. antennatus) shrimp are actively sought by local and foreign trawlers and are often caught together. Exploratory surveys indi­ cate that the red giant shrimp outnumbers the blue-red by 13:1 in the Sicilian Channel, just the opposite of the relationship of these two species elsewhere in the west­ ern Mediterranean (Sardà, 1986).
Preliminary data on microcrustacean communities from ground waters in the southern Everglades

We studied ground-water crustacean communities by collecting samples from three sets of wells located in the Rocky Glades area of Everglades National Park (ENP), the Atlantic Coastal Ridge northeast of ENP, and along canals southeast of ENP. In each well, we sampled at different depths, monthly from June to December 2000. Copepods collected included both calanoid species, 22 of the 27 species of cyclopoids, and 2 of the 8 species of harpacticoids reported from Everglades National Park. We also collected several isopods, amphipods, and ostracods that were identified at the generic level. The numbers of copepod species and individuals varied with time, and with depth class, suggesting that surface water copepods use ground water as a refuge from predators, or as a feeding site during the wet season. Surface-dwelling taxa become more numerous when the ground-water level decreased, at the end of the wet season. We documented faunal exchange from surface to ground waters and vice versa, and for the wells along the Coastal Ridge canals, movements to and from the canals into ground water.
Creativity and Financial Incentives October 29 , 2015

Creativity is a complex and multi-dimensional non-cognitive phenomenon with tremendous economic importance. A crucial question for economists and for firms is the interplay of incentives and creativity, which may very well vary across dimensions of creativity. We present experiments where subjects face creativity tasks where, in one case, ex-ante goals and constraints are imposed on their answers, and in the other case no restrictions apply. The effect of financial incentives on creativity is then tested in our 2x2 design. Our findings provide striking evidence that financial incentives affect “closed” (constrained) creativity, but do not facilitate “open” (unconstrained) creativity.
The Environmental Policy of Ethiopia

Policy Country Ethiopia [10] Date established 1997 Level National Summary The Environmental Policy of Ethiopia (1997) is the overarching policy for the environment and natural resource management in Ethiopia. It was developed to address an identified gap in the policy framework. The importance of sustainable development was recognised in national policy and laws however there was no overall comprehensive policy formulation to address the cross-sectoral and sectoral issues that concern the environment and natural resource management. The Environmental Policy addresses this by setting out specific policy directives for different sectors concerning the environment and natural resource management. Section 3.1 and 3.2 contain specific policies relevant for the forestry sector and REDD+. For example, section 3.1 (m) encourages tree planting such as the development of forestry on farms, around the homestead and/or eroding hillsides. Section 3.2 is specifically directed towards the management of forests, trees and woodland resources. Here, sustainable forest management and participatory approaches involving state, private companies and communities is promoted. Overall, the policy contains many policy directives of relevance to REDD+, including a section on land tenure and environmental economics.
Determinants of Capital Structure of Indian Textile Industry – An Empirical Analysis

This article empirically investigates the factors determining capital structure of textile industry in Indian context. The data was taken from secondary data source named as “Industry; financial aggregates and ratios” (PROWS) of center for monitoring Indian economy (CMIE) covering the period from 1997-98 to 2010-11 (14 years). The empirical Results shows that the variables of size, growth, risk, non-debt tax shield and liquidity are negatively related with leverage and profitability and tangibility are positively related with leverage. Profitability, tangibility and liquidity are statistically significant determinants of capital structure. While size, growth, risk, and non-debt tax shield are statistically insignificant determinants of capital structure. This results generally consisting of pecking order theory (POT) predictions as well as previous research papers.
The Effect of Synthetic Phonics on ESL Pupils’ Phonological Awareness

The development of basic literacy skills is so essential that it begins even before a child enters formal schooling. In Malaysia, the English Language Literacy skill is very crucial that the Ministry of Education implemented the new curriculum, Standardised Curriculum for Primary Schools, which mainly focuses on developing reading through phonics. In recent years, phonological awareness has been given great attention. This study aims to examine the impact of synthetic phonics on English as Second Language (ESL) learners’ phonological awareness. This research describes an action research project that employed Jolly Phonics strategy implemented as a classroom intervention. The research involving 20 ESL learners aged 7 years old who attended a primary school in a rural area in Julau, Sarawak. The research instrument adapted was Kaminski (2002) Dynamic Indicators of Early Literacy (DIBELSTM) through a pre-test-and post-test design. The data obtained were analysed by using a descriptive method such as frequency calculations and percentages were calculated in the form of scores. The findings revealed the pupils increased their oral reading ability after being taught through phonics. The studies implied this systematic strategy could be useful in developing phonological awareness among learners to become successful readers.
How Fructose Causes Obesity and Diabetes

In September 2013, a bombshell report from Credit Suisse's Research Institute brought into sharp focus the staggering health consequences of sugar on the health of Americans. The group revealed that approximately "30%–40% of healthcare expenditures in the USA go to help address issues that are closely tied to the excess consumption of sugar. "[1] The figures suggest that our national addiction to sugar runs us an incredible $1 trillion in healthcare costs each year. The Credit Suisse report highlighted several health conditions including coronary heart diseases, type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which numerous studies have linked to excessive sugar intake. [2]
FIELD AND GLOBULAR CLUSTER LOW-MASS X-RAY BINARIES IN NGC 4278

We report a detailed spectral analysis of the population of low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) detected in the elliptical galaxy NGC 4278 with Chandra. Seven luminous sources were studied individually, four in globular clusters (GCs) and three in the stellar field. The range of (0.3–8 keV) LX for these sources is ∼(3–8) × 1038 erg s−1, suggesting that they may be black hole binaries (BHBs). Fitting the data with either single thermal accretion disk or power-law (PO) models results in best-fit temperatures of ∼0.7–1.7 keV and Γ ∼ 1.2–2.0, consistent with those measured in Galactic BHBs. Comparison of our results with simulations allows us to discriminate between disk and power-law-dominated emission, pointing to spectral/luminosity variability, reminiscent of Galactic BHBs. The BH masses derived from a comparison of our spectral results with the LX ∼ T4in relation of Galactic BHBs are in the 5–15 M☉ range, as observed in the Milky Way. The analysis of joint spectra of sources selected in three luminosity ranges (LX ⩾ 1.5 × 1038 erg s−1, 6 × 1037ergs−1 ⩽ LX < 1.5 × 1038 erg s−1, and LX < 6 × 1037 erg s−1) suggests that while the high-luminosity sources have prominent thermal disk emission components, power-law components are likely to be important in the mid- and low-luminosity spectra. Comparing low-luminosity average spectra, we find a relatively larger NH in the GC spectrum; we speculate that this may point to either a metallicity effect or to intrinsic physical differences between field and GC accreting binaries. Analysis of average sample properties uncovers a previously unreported LX–RG correlation (where RG is the galactocentric radius) in the GC-LMXB sample, implying richer LMXB populations in more central GCs. No such trend is seen in the field LMXB sample. We can exclude that the GC LX–RG correlation is the by-product of a luminosity effect and suggest that it may be related to the presence of more compact GCs at smaller galactocentric radii, fostering more efficient binary formation.
Analysis of Anti-Mullerian Hormone along Different Clinical Parameters in Infertile Women Undergoing Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is a homodimeric disulfide-linked glycoprotein that controls not only different reproductive functions in both sexes but also outcomes of ovarian hyperstimulation and syndrome, live birth rate following in vitro fertilization, and cancer prognosis. This study was therefore conducted to analyze changes in AMH serum concentration in patients, with different clinical parameters, undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In this retrospective study, 51 patients were hyperstimulated with follitropin alfa and cetrorelix before undergoing oocyte recovery, ICIS, and embryo transfer. Levels of AMH were analyzed on cycle day two before the ovarian hyperstimulation, and clinical pregnancy outcomes were evaluated five weeks following embryo transfer. Our analysis showed that AMH levels were significantly lower in infertile women with BMI>30 (P<0.001) or older than 35 years (P<0.0001) in comparison to women with BMI <30 or younger than 35 years. In addition, correlation analyses confirmed that AMH levels are negatively correlated with BMI (P=0.02) and age (P=0.04). In addition, infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome showed elevated AMH levels when compared to infertile women without polycystic ovary (P-0.01). Finally, a positive correlation was noted between increased AMH levels and numbers of recovered oocytes (r=0.79, P=0.006); however, AMH levels were similar between pregnant and non-pregnant women (P=0.8). It is concluded that both age and BMI negatively affect AMH levels, and that high levels of AMH results in high oocyte collection rates following ovarian hyperstimulation. However, AMH cannot be considered a reliable tool to predict pregnancy outcomes following intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
A Thermostable Alkaline Protease from a Moderately Halo-alkalithermotolerant Bacillus Subtilis Strain SH 1

A protease producing moderately halo-alkalithermotolerant Bacillus strain SH1 was isolated from salt spring sediment in Manipur, India. Biochemical and physiological characterization and acid production from various carbohydrates by API 50 CHB tests led to its identification as Bacillus subtilis and it was designated as bacillus subtilis strain SH1. Corn starch(1%) and peptone(0.2%) was found as optimal C and N sources for protease production. The enzyme is active over a wide range of temperatures and pH with optima at 50 C and pH 8. It is inhibited by PMSF as well as EDTA and seems to be a metal-activated serine protease or a mixture of enzymes. SH1, interestingly, is stimulated by FeSO4 which has been rarely reported in the literature.
RECOVERY OF FORMIC ACID BY REACTIVE EXTRACTION USING AN ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY SOLVENT 1

Today many carboxylic acids are recovered from biological production media and industrial wastewaters. Reactive extraction is favored over other separation methods due to its high recovery efficiency, ease of operation, low energy demand and reduced cost. However, use of toxic organic diluents in the organic phases is the main disadvantage of the method. In this study, the appropriateness of an environmentally-friendly solvent, sunflower oil (SFO) to be used as organic phase diluent during the recovery of formic acid (FA) from aqueous solutions by reactive extraction was evaluated. Alamine-336 was used as the extractant and the results obtained with SFO were compared with those obtained using octanol. The separation process reached an equilibrium in 3 hours and the recovery efficiency increased with the increase in extractant percentages. The initial FA concentration positively influenced the recovery when SFO was used as the diluent. In the ranges of the parameters studied, the highest recovery values were 98.6% and 82.6% with octanol and SFO, respectively. This study shows that low molecular weight carboxylic acids, e.g. FA can be recovered from aqueous solutions by reactive extraction using environmentally-friendly solvents such as SFO.