Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The condition dependence of a secondary sexual trait is stronger under high parasite infection level

Indicator models of sexual selection predict that the expression of sexual ornaments should be condition dependent. This is only partly supported by data, as many studies do not find positive associations between ornaments and condition. The reason for this inconsistency remains poorly understood. It has been hypothesized that environmental context may explain variation in the condition dependence of sexual traits, with stronger relationships between ornaments and condition expected in harsher environments. However, field tests of this idea are scarce. We studied 9 populations of wild red grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus over 11 years, and compared the relationship between ornamentation and body mass (an index of body condition) in relation to environmental variability. We used the abundance of a key parasite in this system, Trichostrongylus tenuis, as an index of environmental conditions. We found that both ornament expression and body mass negatively correlated with parasite infection at both population and individual levels. More interestingly, we found that the relationship between ornamentation and body mass was stronger in populations with high parasite infection levels. Our findings support the idea that the condition dependence of secondary sexual ornaments varies in relation to environmental context. In sites and years when parasites are abundant, sexual ornaments provide better signals of condition.
Effect of Soil Properties on the Kinetics of Phosphorus Desorption '

Relationships between the constants of a semilogarithmic modified Elovich and a logarithmic equation describing the kinetics of soil P desorption and physical and chemical properties of 60 soils, collected from throughout the USA, and volcanic ash were investigated. These relationships are needed for application of the equations to modeling soluble P transport in runoff from agricultural watersheds. The constants of the semilogarithmic equation (a and b) were significantly related to the extractable Al and CaCO3 content of acidic and basic calcareous soils, respectively. For the logarithmic equation, constants (K, a, and ) were related to the ratio of Feor clay-organic C content of the acidic soils and CaCO3or clay-organic C content of the basic calcareous soils. It is suggested that these ratios represent an index of interactive specific surface area involved with P adsorption-desorption for a given soil. In contrast to the logarithmic equation, constants of the modified Elovich equation varied with soil P status and water-to-soil ratio. Thus, the former equation may have a wide application to describing soil P desorption in water quality models. Additional Index Words: Bray-I available P, labile P, modified Elovich equation, organic carbon, P adsorption, water quality Sharpley, A.N. 1983. Effect of soil properties on the kinetics of phosphorus desorption. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 47:462-467. S IMPLIFIED KINETIC MODELS describing the desorption of soil P have been recently developed. One such model is the modified Elovich equation (Chien and Clayton, 1980): Contribution from the Department of Agronomy, Oklahoma Agric. Exp. Stn. , Oklahoma State Univ., Stillwater. Published with approval of the Director as paper no. 4208 of the Journal Series. In cooperation with Water Quality & Watershed Research Lab. , USDA-ARS, P.O. Box 1430, Durant, OK 74701. Agreement no. 58-71330-8-22. Received 27 Aug. 1982. Approved 4 Jan. 1983. 2 Soil Scientist, Water Quality & Watershed Research Lab. , USDAARS, P.O. Box 1430, Durant, OK 74701. Pa = (11a)ln(ab) + (11a)lnt,[1] where Pd is the amount of soil P desorbed (tg P . g soil ') in time t (mm), and a and b are constants. More recently, Sharpley et al. (1981b) suggested the following equation to describe the desorption of P to water:
On the Patterns and Wealth Effects of Vertical Mergers

We use industry commodity flows information to measure vertical relations in completed mergers from 1962 to 1996. Almost one-third of the mergers display vertical relatedness. Vertical merger activity is more intensive in the 1980s and 1990s and less so in the 1960s and the 1970s. Vertical mergers generate positive wealth effects that are significantly larger than those for diversifying mergers; the wealth effects in vertical mergers are comparable to those in pure horizontal mergers.
Internalized Homophobia, HIV Knowledge, and HIV/AIDS Personal Responsibility Beliefs: Correlates of HIV/AIDS Discrimination among MSM in the Context of Institutionalized Stigma

ABSTRACT There exists a paucity of research on the psychosocial risk factors of HIV/AIDS among men who have sex with men (MSM) in settings where they are stigmatized or face prosecution. The present study investigates discrimination against people living with HIV (PLHIV), internalized homophobia, HIV/AIDS personal responsibility beliefs and HIV knowledge in a purposive sample of 106 self-identified MSM obtained through a web-based survey disseminated by two voluntary welfare organizations. Results indicate that internalized homophobia is positively associated with discrimination against PLHIV. Internalized homophobia also substantially mediates the effect of HIV/AIDS personal responsibility beliefs on discrimination against PLHIV, highlighting the confounded nature of HIV/AIDS and homosexual stigma in a setting where stigma is deep-rooted and institutionalized. Internalized homophobia may thus serve as a barrier to the effectiveness of HIV prevention efforts among MSM in Singapore.
NKG2A Expression Is Not per se Detrimental for the Anti-Multiple Myeloma Activity of Activated Natural Killer Cells in an In Vitro System Mimicking the Tumor Microenvironment

Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy is a promising therapy for cancer patients. Inhibitory killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and NKG2A are required for NK cell licensing, but can also inhibit NK cell effector function. Upon reconstitution in a stem cell transplantation setting or after ex vivo NK expansion with IL-2, NKG2A is expressed on a large percentage of NK cells. Since the functional consequences of NKG2A co-expression for activated NK cells are not well known, we compared NKG2A+ vs NKG2A− NK cell subsets in response to K562 cells, multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines and primary MM cells. NK cells were isolated from healthy donors (HLA-C1+C2+Bw4+) and activated overnight with 1,000 U/ml IL-2. NK cell degranulation in subsets expressing KIRs and/or NKG2A was assessed at 21 or 0.6% O2. Activated NKG2A+ NK cell subsets degranulated more vigorously than NKG2A− subsets both at 21 and 0.6% O2. This was irrespective of the presence of KIR and occurred in response to HLA-deficient K562 cells as well as HLA competent, lowly expressing HLA-E MM cell lines. In response to primary MM cells, no inhibitory effects of NKG2A were observed, and NKG2A blockade did not enhance degranulation of NKG2A+ subsets. KIR− NK cells expressing NKG2A degranulated less than their NKG2A− counterparts in response to MM cells having high levels of peptide-induced membrane HLA-E, suggesting that high surface HLA-E levels are required for NKG2A to inhibit activated NK cells. Addition of daratumumab, an anti-CD38 to trigger antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, improved the anti-MM response for all subsets and degranulation of the KIR−NKG2A− “unlicensed” subset was comparable to KIR+ or NKG2A+ licensed subsets. This demonstrates that with potent activation, all subsets can contribute to tumor clearance. Additionally, subsets expressing KIRs mismatched with the HLA ligands on the target cell had the highest level of activation in response to MM cell lines as well as against primary MM. Our current study demonstrated that if NK cells are sufficiently activated, e.g., via cytokine or antibody activation, the (co-)expression of NKG2A receptor may not necessarily be a disadvantage for NK cell-based therapy.
Relative Importance of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression in Predicting Risk of Suicide among a Cohort of Vietnam Veterans.

OBJECTIVE Research has demonstrated that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Vietnam veterans is associated with increased risk of suicide. It is also widely reported that suicide is related to depression. This study examined the effect of PTSD and depression on risk of suicide among a cohort of Vietnam veterans. METHOD All study subjects were selected from the Department of Veterans Affairs Agent Orange Registry. Suicide risk associated with PTSD was first assessed by comparing the number of suicides among a cohort of 2,874 veterans with PTSD to that of 8,537 veterans not diagnosed with PTSD. Risk of suicide was approximated by hazard ratios (HRs), generated by Cox proportional hazard models, including a model that utilized competing risk analyses. RESULTS The risk of suicide associated with PTSD and depression when examined separately was similar, HR = 7.1 (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.9, 10.3) and HR = 7.2 (95% CI: 4.8-10.8), respectively. Competing risk analysis indicated that veterans with both PTSD and depression compared to veterans with neither diagnosis had the highest risk of suicide, HR = 15.22. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that depression as well as PTSD should be monitored as a way of reducing suicides among Vietnam veterans.
Shade-induced nuclear localization of PIF7 is regulated by phosphorylation and 14-3-3 proteins in Arabidopsis

Shade avoidance syndrome enables shaded plants to grow and compete effectively against their neighbors. In Arabidopsis, the shade-induced de-phosphorylation of the transcription factor PIF7 (PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR 7) is the key event linking light perception to stem elongation. However, the mechanism through which phosphorylation regulates the activity of PIF7 is unclear. Here, we show that shade light induces the de-phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of PIF7. Phosphorylation-resistant site mutations in PIF7 result in increased nuclear localization and shade-induced gene expression, and consequently augment hypocotyl elongation. PIF7 interacts with 14-3-3 proteins. Blocking the interaction between PIF7 and 14-3-3 proteins or reducing the expression of 14-3-3 proteins accelerates shade-induced nuclear localization and de-phosphorylation of PIF7, and enhances the shade phenotype. By contrast, the 14-3-3 overexpressing line displays an attenuated shade phenotype. These studies demonstrate a phosphorylation-dependent translocation of PIF7 when plants are in shade and a novel mechanism involving 14-3-3 proteins, mediated by the retention of PIF7 in the cytoplasm that suppresses the shade response.
Survey on semantic image segmentation techniques

Semantic image segmentation is a vast area of interest for computer vision and machine learning researchers. Many vision applications need accurate and efficient image segmentation and segment classification mechanisms for assessing the visual contents and perform the real-time decision making. The application area includes remote sensing, autonomous driving, indoor navigation, video surveillance and virtual or augmented reality systems etc. The segmentation and classification of objects generate the specific performance parameters for various applications which require detailed domain analysis. There are broad range of applications where remote sensing image scene classification play an important role and has been receiving remarkable attention. This demand coincides with the rise of deep learning approaches in almost every field or application target related to computer vision, including semantic segmentation or scene understanding. This survey paper provides a review of different traditional methods of image segmentation and classification. By comparing these methods with semantic image segmentation using deep learning it is assumed to show the far better result.
Women judging: Is a young male drunk driver perceived as more negligent than a young female drunk driver?

Abstract Objective: It is well established that young men are the riskiest group of all drivers, and men in general more often drive under the influence of alcohol. However, potentially oversimplified representations such as a “young male problem” and “drunk driving as a male problem” can influence action and reinforce existing attitudes by selectively directing attention to stereotypically consistent behavior. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis of possible bias toward young male drivers in the context of drunk driving. Methods: We have created a scenario study investigating whether the sex of an imaginary young drunk driver would be associated with a different perceived negligence (ranging from 0 = not negligent at all to 10 = extremely negligent) among our participants. These participants were a representative sample of Finnish female driver’s license holders. The data for the study were gathered as part of a larger survey study on women’s drinking and driving culture. Results: Perceptions of how negligent a person was depended on the age of the respondents such that the older the respondent, the higher the perceived negligence. Perceived negligence was similar for male and female drivers in the scenario; however, there was an interaction effect between driver sex and the age of respondents. The youngest (20–29 years) and 2 oldest (50–69 years) groups of our respondents found the young woman to be more negligent, whereas the opposite occurred for the other 2 groups. Conclusions: The results of our imaginary scenario study of a representative sample of Finnish female driver’s license holders do not support a hypothesis that there would be a negative bias toward young male drivers in the context of drunk driving behavior.
Foraging activity and use of space by Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni in relation to agrarian management in central Spain

Summary Arthropod abundance in most places across Europe has suffered a dramatic decline induced by modifications in agricultural practices, and this could induce changes in the selection of breeding habitat and foraging behaviour of several endangered raptor species. We studied a 6,500 ha Special Protection Area (SPA) in Spain created for the benefit of its important steppe bird populations and examined the patterns of land-use selection and use of vegetation structure by the Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni in relation to prey-capture success. We also studied the spatial relationship between foraging sites and the location of colonies in that breeding area. The type of land-use most frequently used by foraging Lesser Kestrels was unploughed fallow (positively selected) while kestrels significantly avoided areas with cereal crops. The relationship between foraging sites and colonies (kestrels forage preferentially in areas close to the colonies) indicates that not only is farmland management important, but also the spatial relationships between foraging areas and breeding sites. Maintaining the Spanish traditional rotation of cultivation (called barbechos) may improve the correct habitat management for Lesser Kestrels in agricultural areas in Spain.
Examination of associations between risky driving behaviors and hazardous drinking among a sample of college students

Abstract Objective: Hazardous drinking is associated with other risky behaviors and negative health-related outcomes. This study examined covariation between hazardous drinking scores and the following risky driving behaviors: Falling asleep while driving, texting (receiving and sending) while driving, and driving after consuming alcohol. Methods: The participants in this study were a sample of undergraduate students (N = 1,298) who were enrolled in an introductory health course at a large Southeastern university in spring 2016 and completed an online health survey that assessed hazardous drinking, falling asleep while driving, texting while driving, and driving after consuming alcohol. We conducted a series of 2-step regression analyses to examine covariation between hazardous drinking scores (using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test–Consumption [AUDIT-C]) and the risky driving behaviors of interest. Results: We found that the majority of participants did not drink and drive (91.8%), nor did they fall asleep while driving (80.4%); however, the majority did read a text while driving (81.7%) and sent a text while driving (75.3%). In the full multivariable model, hazardous drinking score was positively associated with drinking and driving (step 2 odds ratio [OR] = 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18, 1.38) and sending a text message while driving (step 2 b = 0.19, P = .01). Hazardous drinking score was also positively associated with reading a text while driving (step 1 b = 0.14, P < .001) and falling asleep while driving (step 1 b = 0.02, P = .02) in the model only controlling for demographic characteristics. The analyses also indicated covariability between the following risky driving behaviors: (1) drinking and driving/reading a text message while driving, (2) drinking and driving/falling asleep and driving, (3) reading a text while driving/sending a text while driving, and (4) sending a text while driving/sleeping and driving. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate a need for interventions discouraging both hazardous drinking and risky driving behaviors in college student populations; recommendations to reduce risky driving and hazardous drinking are discussed.
Ethical challenges in primary care: a focus group study with general practitioners, nurses and informal caregivers

Abstract Background General practitioners (GPs), nurses and informal caregivers are often jointly involved in healthcare situations in which ethical issues play an important role. Objectives To describe ethical problems from the perspective of these three groups and to investigate whether there is a common experience of ethical issues in primary care. Methods We conducted six focus groups with general practitioners, nurses and informal caregivers in Germany. We asked the participants to describe at least one experience of ethical problem in detail and documented the findings by an illustration software that visualized and structured the discussion. We used thematic analysis to identify ethical problems and to develop categories of ethical issues. Results Problems reported barely overlapped. GPs had to do mainly with uncertainty about the scope and limits of their responsibility for patients. Nurses were concerned about bureaucratic and other barriers to professional care and about dual loyalty if they had to consider the conflicting interests of patients and family members. They often felt powerless and unable to act according to their professional standards. Informal caregivers reported problems that resulted from role strain and being both a family member and a caregiver. GPs, nurses and informal caregivers sometimes perceived the other parties as a source of ethical problems. Conclusions All parties may benefit from ethics support services, a rarity in German primary care so far. Furthermore, nurses’ self-confidence towards GPs, demanding patients and family members has to be strengthened. Informal caregivers, the most vulnerable group, need more attendance and tailored support.
An Analysis of Defence Expenditure and Economic Growth in South Africa

This research paper investigates the relationship between defence expenditure and economic growth in South Africa. It is understood that South African Defence Force plays a vital role in peace keeping security in African and SADC as a region. This makes it a particularly interesting case study on nexus between defence expenditure and economic growth. This investigation presents such a study, by estimating an econometric model of the South African military expenditure in considering pure economic factors. The period of the study covers from 1988 to 2012. On the basis of determining the long term equilibrium the application of Johansen cointegration and Engel-Granger were applied. At the later stage the technique of Granger causality was performed on variables of interest in the study. The study concludes that there is long run relationship between defence expenditure and economic growth. Also for causal analysis military expenditure seem to granger cause gross domestic product per capita at 5 percent significance level. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014. v5n20p2769
Image super-resolution reconstruction based on sparse dictionary learning and non-local self-similarity

Image super-resolution reconstruction plays an important role in computer vision systems. However, it is still a challenging work, especially in enhancing the high-resolution (HR) image quality and validating the algorithms. This paper proposes a super-resolution reconstruction method based on sparse dictionary learning and non-local self-similarity. Firstly, we assume that HR and low-resolution (LR) image blocks have the same sparse representation coefficients. The LR dictionary and sparse representation coefficients are obtained by using the K-SVD algorithm. Then an intermediate HR result is reconstructed by utilizing the HR training image feature blocks. Finally, the non-local similarity regularization is performed to estimate the final HR image to eliminate the artificial traces of the intermediate result which further improves the reconstruction effect. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can better restore the edge details and improve the quality of HR image compared with the existing methods.
Cognitive Conflict Is an Example of Action-Grounded Cognition

The aim of the present work was to show that cognitive conflict, an issue that has been widely studied within the boundaries of the classical cognitive approach, is a clear example of higher order cognition tied to perception and action. Examples of how the cognitive conflict arising from spatial correspondence tasks is highly grounded in body attributes and in environmental/situational factors are provided. Spatial performance is strongly modulated by handedness, prior experience and by social factors. In addition, in two experiments empirical findings are reported showing that the spatial correspondence effect is a function of the location of the dynamic event even when target location is in the opposite position. These results point to the notion that spatial performance is refractory from the intervention of higher order cognition.
Multilingualism and the Brain

Over the last decade, research on multilingualism has grown and has provided researchers with new insights into the mechanisms at work in the multilingual brain. While some studies of multilinguals have shown similar results to what has been seen in studies of bilinguals, certain unique properties of multilinguals are beginning to be noticed, particularly regarding early language representation, gray matter density, and speed of lexical retrieval. In addition, research on cognitive control, language switching, working memory, and certain consequences of multilingualism (advantages and disadvantages) are reviewed in terms of their effects on the brains of bilinguals and multilinguals. Although there is little agreement among papers concerning specific regions that are structurally different in monolinguals and multilinguals, publications do show differences. Similarly, there are studies reporting somewhat different regions called upon for processing a given language in multilinguals compared to monolinguals.