Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simultaneously and sequentially presented arrays evoke similar visual working memory crowding

ABSTRACT In visual crowding, an item representation is degraded by adjacent flanker items. Recently, the related phenomenon of visual working memory (VWM) crowding has been used to evaluate shared mechanisms between memory and perception. However, some previous studies that investigated VWM crowding suggested that it stemmed from encoding, rather than memory maintenance. In the current study, we evaluated two measures in simultaneously-presented arrays: anisotropy for radially vs. tangentially configured arrays, and effect of target to array proximity (array middle vs. edge targets). Simultaneously presented arrays evoked effects in both measures. We then compared the data from the current study to that from our previous study that used sequential presentation, and thus avoided encoding-based explanations for crowding. We predicted that we would observe greater crowding for simultaneous than sequential presentation because simultaneous arrays allow for two opportunities for crowding—encoding and maintenance—while sequential arrays only allow for maintenance-based crowding. Surprisingly, we observed that both measures were similar across simultaneous and sequential arrays. These results indicate that VWM crowding does not have an additive error mechanism across encoding and maintenance. Moreover, the anisotropy result suggests that both simultaneous and sequential array VWM crowding is influenced by retinotopy in the early visual cortex.
The Limit of American Public Support for Military Intervention

Under what conditions is the American public supportive of U.S. military intervention in foreign crises? We argue that the public assesses three key dimensions of an intervention: the motivation for an intervention, the form an intervention can take, and the tasks an intervention may be mandated to fulfill. Through a survey experiment, we test several hypotheses in the context of a potential U.S. military intervention in a civil war. Comparing different motivations, we find that the strategies (forms and mandates) matter much more for public support. Regardless of motivation, the American public is generally more supportive of multilateral forms of intervention and prefers mandates that focus on the protection of civilians and peaceful conflict resolution.
Revealing the Land Use Volatility Process in Northern Southeast Asia

Frequent land use change has generally been considered as a consequence of human activities. Here, we revealed the land use volatility process in northern Southeast Asia (including parts of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and China) from 2000 to 2018 with LandTrendr in the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform based on the Normalized Burning Index (NBR). The result showed that land use volatility with similar degrees had very obvious aggregation characteristics in time and space in the study area, and the time for the occurrence of land use volatility in adjacent areas was often relatively close. This trend will become more obvious with the intensity of land use volatility. At the same time, land use volatility also has obvious spillover effects, and strong land use volatility will drive changes in the surrounding land. If combined with the land use/cover types, which are closely related to human activities that could have more severe land use volatility, and with the increase of the volatility intensity, the proportion of the land use type with strong land use volatility will gradually increase. Revealing the land use volatility process has a possibility to deepen the understanding of land use change and to help formulate land use policy.
A two-fluid model for the solar wind

We present a two-fluid model of the solar wind, treating, under stationary conditions, the wind acceleration and the coronal heating simultaneously as a single problem. Our aim is to construct a scheme for the solution of the wind equations that can be readily adapted to different boundary conditions and also different heating and acceleration mechanisms. The method developed is applied to the case of heating by dissipation of Alfven waves, limiting the analysis to the range 1-10r ○ . We include in the analysis thermal conduction, radiative losses and momentum and energy deposition by dissipation of MHD waves. Energy exchange by Coulomb collisions between electrons and protons is taken into account
Membrane Targeting and GTPase Activity of Rab7 Are Required for Its Ubiquitination by RNF167

Rab7 is a GTPase that controls late endosome and lysosome trafficking. Recent studies have demonstrated that Rab7 is ubiquitinated, a post-translational modification mediated by an enzymatic cascade. To date, only one ubiquitin E3 ligase and one deubiquitinase have been identified in regulating Rab7 ubiquitination. Here, we report that RNF167, a transmembrane endolysosomal ubiquitin ligase, can ubiquitinate Rab7. Using immunoprecipitation and in vitro ubiquitination assays, we demonstrate that Rab7 is a direct substrate of RNF167. Subcellular fractionation indicates that RNF167 activity maintains Rab7′s membrane localization. Epifluorescence microscopy in HeLa cells shows that Rab7-positive vesicles are larger under conditions enabling Rab7 ubiquitination by RNF167. Characterization of its ubiquitination reveals that Rab7 must be in its GTP-bound active form for membrane anchoring and, thus, accessible for RNF167-mediated ubiquitin attachment. Cellular distribution analyses of lysosome marker Lamp1 show that vesicle positioning is independent of Rab7 and RNF167 expression and that Rab7 endosomal localization is not affected by RNF167 knockdown. However, both Rab7 and RNF167 depletion affect each other’s lysosomal localization. Finally, this study demonstrates that the RNF167-mediated ubiquitination of Rab7 GTPase is impaired by variants of Charcot–Marie–Tooth Type 2B disease. This study identified RNF167 as a new ubiquitin ligase for Rab7 while expanding our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the ubiquitination of Rab7.
T-Cell Intracellular Antigen 1-Like Protein in Physiology and Pathology

T-cell intracellular antigen 1 (TIA1)-related/like (TIAR/TIAL1) protein is a multifunctional RNA-binding protein (RBP) involved in regulating many aspects of gene expression, independently or in combination with its paralog TIA1. TIAR was first described in 1992 by Paul Anderson’s lab in relation to the development of a cell death phenotype in immune system cells, as it possesses nucleolytic activity against cytotoxic lymphocyte target cells. Similar to TIA1, it is characterized by a subcellular nucleo-cytoplasmic localization and ubiquitous expression in the cells of different tissues of higher organisms. In this paper, we review the relevant structural and functional information available about TIAR from a triple perspective (molecular, cellular and pathophysiological), paying special attention to its expression and regulation in cellular events and processes linked to human pathophysiology.
YciR, a Specific 3′-Phosphodiesterase, Plays a Role in the Pathogenesis of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli CFT073

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), with the characteristics of recurrence and resistance to antibiotics due to misuse, remain a common health and economic issue for patients. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), which is capable of evading the immune response by forming intracellular bacterial communities (IBCs) in the cytoplasm of bladder epithelial cells (BECs) after invasion, has been shown to be the prevailing cause of UTIs. Cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) is a small molecule responsible for eliciting the innate immune response of the host only if it has not been degraded by some phosphodiesterases (PDEs), such as YciR. The relationship between YciR and c-di-GMP levels in UPEC is inconclusive. In this study, we investigated the gene expression profile of UPEC in BECs and identified yciR as an upregulated gene. Western blot revealed that YciR enhanced the virulence of UPEC by inhibiting the phosphorylation of NF-κB. The expression of yciR could be repressed by HupB in a directly binding manner. We identified YciR, a novel PDE, and defined its possible function in innate immune evasion. We also demonstrated that YciR is an HupB-dependent PDE that degrades c-di-GMP and that a low concentration of c-di-GMP might make NF-κB less phosphorylated, thereby reducing the host’s pro-inflammatory response. This is the first time that YciR has been identified as a virulence factor in the pathogenesis of UPEC. These findings further increase our understanding of the pathogenesis of UPEC and provide a theoretical basis for further studies.
Measuring the Impact of Bank Deposit Mobilisation on the Growth of the Nigerian Economy

This study explores the effects of bank deposits on Nigeria's economic growth for the period 1985 to 2020. The specific objectives are to establish the impact of commercial and merchant bank deposits on Nigeria's economic growth. The ex-post facto research design was employed. We carried out preliminary tests (unit root and descriptive) and diagnostic tests (autocorrelation, heteroscedastic, normality, CUSUM, etc.). Estimation was done with the autoregressive distributed lag model technique. It was found that bank deposits had a long-run relationship with economic growth and that the error correction term is significant and negatively signed. Thus, we recommended, amongst others, that a substantial share of bank deposits should be directed to the real sectors of the economy like agriculture and manufacturing, as this will act as an economic growth enabler.
Pattern of β-Diversity and Plant Species Richness along Vertical Gradient in Northwest Himalaya, India

Simple Summary Elevation has a significant impact on the distribution of plant species. However, the structure and distribution patterns of Himalayan vegetation are poorly explored, and research on species composition along an elevation gradient in these mountain ranges is still deficient. Plant species richness is supposed to diminish with altitude, although numerous scientists have found a peak in species richness at mid-elevation, yielding a humped relationship. Many studies along the Himalayan altitudinal gradients have been conducted in order to better understand large-scale biogeographical patterns as well as what drives them, but no clear pattern has emerged. In order to understand how elevation affects plant species, we focused on species diversity, species composition and β-diversity, which allow for the interpreting of different patterns along the elevations. It was found that all these components of diversity vary significantly with the change in altitude. Abstract The structure and distribution patterns of Himalayan vegetation are poorly explored, and research on species composition along the elevation gradient in these mountain ranges is still deficient. The current study was undertaken to analyze the variation and pattern of plant species composition along a vertical gradient in northwestern Himalaya, India. A total of 18 sites were selected along an elevation gradient ranging from 2200 to 3900 m asl positioned at an interval of 100 m. The Renyi diversity profile, non-metric multidimensional scaling based on the Bray–Curtis dissimilarity metric and beta diversity components among the elevation belts were calculated. Furthermore, to study the influence of altitude on species richness and diversity, a generalized additive model was created. Two hundred and ten plant species representing 66 families and 147 genera were recorded. The Renyi diversity profiles show that the lower and mid-altitudes had rich species diversity. The results of the non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis show a considerable variation in the total plant species composition among the studied elevation belts. The observed multiple-site Sorensen dissimilarity index across the studied elevation belts was very high. The contribution of species replacement or the turnover component to the observed dissimilarity was much higher than the nestedness component. Furthermore, the herbaceous and tree richness showed a significant decrease with increase in elevation; however, the richness of shrubs showed a bimodal pattern. The present study increases our understanding of the trends and patterns of species richness along the vertical gradient in the Himalayan region.
Structure of photon in deep inelastic compton process at HERA

We investigate the deep inelastic Compton process γp→γX at the forthcoming ep collider HERA (√s γp ∼170GeV). We perform the consistent, order α 2 α s calculation of the DIC cross section paying particular attention to the contributions which appear due to the hadron-like interaction of photon. In addition we include new important higher order contributions, ∼α 2 α 2 s , which arise due to the hadronic nature of initial and final photons.
Differential Expression Analysis of Single-Cell RNA-Seq Data: Current Statistical Approaches and Outstanding Challenges

With the advent of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), it is possible to measure the expression dynamics of genes at the single-cell level. Through scRNA-seq, a huge amount of expression data for several thousand(s) of genes over million(s) of cells are generated in a single experiment. Differential expression analysis is the primary downstream analysis of such data to identify gene markers for cell type detection and also provide inputs to other secondary analyses. Many statistical approaches for differential expression analysis have been reported in the literature. Therefore, we critically discuss the underlying statistical principles of the approaches and distinctly divide them into six major classes, i.e., generalized linear, generalized additive, Hurdle, mixture models, two-class parametric, and non-parametric approaches. We also succinctly discuss the limitations that are specific to each class of approaches, and how they are addressed by other subsequent classes of approach. A number of challenges are identified in this study that must be addressed to develop the next class of innovative approaches. Furthermore, we also emphasize the methodological challenges involved in differential expression analysis of scRNA-seq data that researchers must address to draw maximum benefit from this recent single-cell technology. This study will serve as a guide to genome researchers and experimental biologists to objectively select options for their analysis.
A randomised controlled trial comparing lifestyle groups, individual counselling and written information in the management of weight and health outcomes over 12 months

Objective: To investigate the effect of an 8 week group based cognitive behaviour therapy intervention on change in weight and other weight related variables, change in physical activity and change in health and well being compared to individualised dietetic treatment or giving information only Design: A randomised control trial with an 8-week intervention period – two intervention groups, a group based cognitive behaviour therapy intervention, Fat Booters Inc – (FBI) and individualised dietetic treatment (IDT) and control group receiving an information booklet only (BO). Intervention for 8 weeks with monthly follow-up to 6 months and further follow-up at 12 months, conducted in real practice setting. Subjects: A total of 176 adults with body mass index (BMI) > 27kg/m2, mean (+/-SD) age 48+/-13 years, mean BMI 34+/-5.5 kg/m2. Main Outcome Measures: Weight, percent body fat, waist circumference, physical activity, health status, self-efficacy and satisfaction with life were measured at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. Results: A statistically significant difference between groups was observed for weight change over time (p = 0.05). The change in weight (mean ± se) for the FBI group was significantly greater than the BO group at 6 and 12 months (-2.8 ± 0.7 compared to –1.0 ± 0.6 kg, p<0.05 and –2.9 ± 0.9 compared to +0.5 ± 0.9 kg, p<0.005, respectively). Change in weight in the IDT group did not differ from the FBI group at any time point. For all groups, waist circumference was significantly less than baseline at all time points (p<0.001). Significant differences in self-efficacy were observed over time (p=0.02), with both intervention groups having greater self-efficacy than the BO group. Significant drop-outs occurred over time for all three groups. Conclusions: A cognitive behaviour based intervention was more effective than providing information alone and as effective as intensive individualised dietetic intervention in weight loss and improvements in self-efficacy. The FBI group was more cost effective to conduct in a real practice setting.
Reflection of plane-polarized light by the retina.

: Experiments are described in which retinal reflectance was measured as a function of wavelength for three subjects. Two components of the reflected light were studied: that which retained polarization and that which was depolarized. Both components were found to be present at all visible wavelengths and to have magnitudes which rose at the red end of the spectrum, although the fraction of the reflected light which retained polarization was then lower. The results are compared with those of earlier studies. While there is qualitative agreement on the form of the wavelength-dependence of retinal reflectance, the magnitudes of the values deduced by different authors vary considerably. The influence of ocular birefringence on polarized-light studies of the retina is discussed, together with possible locations from the structures responsible for the observed reflectances.
Market reaction to macroeconomic anouncements: green vs conventional bonds

ABSTRACT There has been an increased interest in literature to examine the risk and returns between green and conventional bonds during the last decade. However, the existing literature is silent regarding investigating green bonds and their reactions to regional and global shocks. We attempt to close this gap by gathering green and conventional bonds data issued by the same firms. Using data from 262 firms that issue both sets of bonds and trade in the same market, we are able to control/eliminate for firm-specific factors that can impact the bond spreads. Upon introducing US and EU macroeconomic announcements and economic uncertainty, we find that the green bonds are more resilient from specific shocks, when compared to conventional bonds. We further expand our study to systematically assess the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on both bonds. Our comprehensive findings suggest an increase in green bonds’ uptake post-Covid-19 pandemic, and its significant evolvement compared to pre-Covid-19 proves green bonds popularity. Our result shows greater resilience of green bonds from specific Covid-19 shocks and uncertainties.
Large-Scale Synthesis h-BN Films on Copper-Nickel Alloy by Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition

Due to its high thermal and chemical stability, excellent dielectric properties, unique optical properties, corrosion resistance, and oxidation resistance, the two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is often used in a thermal conductor protective layer in deep ultraviolet light-emitting detector fields. However, due to the complicated growth conditions of h-BN, it is often necessary to prepare h-BN by the CVD method in a high vacuum environment, which is limited to a certain extent in terms of film size and production cost. In order to solve this problem, we proposed a method to prepare h-BN thin films by atmospheric CVD (APCVD). This method does not need a vacuum environment, which reduces energy consumption and cost, and makes the operation simpler and the experimental environment safer. The preparation of high-quality h-BN film was carried out using a Cu-Ni alloy as the growth substrate. The growth process of h-BN film was studied, and the influence of growth parameters on the structure of the h-BN film was explored. The morphological features and elemental composition pairs of the samples were characterized and analyzed, which confirmed that the high-quality h-BN film could be successfully grown on the Cu-Ni alloy substrate by APCVD. The UV detection device prepared by using the prepared h-BN film as the photoresponse material had good photoresponse characteristics and performance stability. It provides a new idea for the low-cost preparation of large-scale h-BN.
Note on commuting toeplitz operators on the pluriharmonic bergman space

We obtain a characterization of commuting Toeplitz operators with holomorphic symbols acting on the pluriharmonic Bergman space of the polydisk. We also obtain a characterization of normal Toeplitz operators with pluriharmonic symbols. In addition, some results for special types of semi-commutators are included.
More than Merely Positive: The Immediate Affective and Motivational Consequences of Gratitude

Although gratitude is typically conceptualized as a positive emotion, it may also induce socially oriented negative feelings, such as indebtedness and guilt. Given its mixed emotional experience, we argue that gratitude motivates people to improve themselves in important life domains. Two single-timepoint studies tested the immediate emotional and motivational effects of expressing gratitude. We recruited employees (n = 224) from French companies in Study 1 and students (n = 1026) from U.S. high schools in Study 2. Participants in both studies were randomly assigned to either write gratitude letters to benefactors or outline their weekly activities (control condition). Expressing gratitude led to mixed emotional experiences (e.g., greater elevation and indebtedness) for employees and students as compared with the control group. Students also felt more motivated and capable of improving themselves, as well as conveyed stronger intentions to muster effort towards self-improvement endeavors.
Reassembling the elderly consumption ensemble: retaining independence through smart assisted living technologies

ABSTRACT Smart assisted living technologies are often touted as the solution to the challenges associated with an ageing population. Viewing elderly consumers, their relatives, and technologies as comprising an assemblage, this article aims to understand how smart objects actively reshape the everyday practices in families with elderly consumers. Interviews with and observations of users of smart alarm systems indicate a stratification of the paired experiences of users and systems and identify a tension between enabling experiences of the elderly and constraining experiences of the relatives. This article contributes to views of families with elderly as assemblages by providing insights into joint and disjoint consumer experiences in multiple consumer-object assemblages, identity negotiations of the elderly and their relatives, and the hidden costs of smart assisted living technologies.
State Feedback Reshaping Control of Voltage Source Converter

Admittance reshaping is a widely used strategy to address the converters low-frequency stability issues in weak grid, caused by the PLL and its interaction with the dc and ac voltage controls. However, the asymmetric control of the $d$- and $q$-axis current references and the coupling between the converter ac and dc sides restricts the damping capability of single-input single-output feedbacks. This phenomenon gets even worse in the presence of nearby converters. This article extends the concept of admittance reshaping to multi-input multi-output control. A full state feedback is added to the current reference of the converter to increase the damping of the conventional multiloop control. A systematic offline algorithm is delegated to design the feedback, and a scalar coefficient is employed to activate/deactivate online the reshaping feedback, making the proposed solution user-friendly. The proposed control is analyzed both in time and frequency domains and tested in parallel-operation with other converters, and shows higher damping capability than conventional solutions and good robustness with respect to grid impedance and operating point variations. Experimental tests under ac and dc disturbances are conducted both in lab setup and in hardware-in-the-loop.