Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reward certainty and preference bias selectively shape voluntary decisions

Choosing between equally valued options can be a conundrum, for which classical decision theories predicted a prolonged response time (RT). Paradoxically, a rational decision-maker would need no deliberative thinking in this scenario, as outcomes of alternatives are indifferent. How individuals choose between equal options remain unclear. Here, we characterized the neurocognitive processes underlying such voluntary decisions, by integrating advanced cognitive modelling and EEG recording in a probabilistic reward task, in which human participants chose between pairs of cues associated with identical reward probabilities at different levels. We showed that higher reward certainty accelerated RT. At each certainty level, participants preferred to choose one cue faster and more frequently over the other. The behavioral effects on RT persisted in simple reactions to reward cues. By using hierarchical Bayesian parameter estimation for an accumulator model, we showed that the certainty and preference effects were independently associated with the rate of evidence accumulation during decisions, but not with visual encoding or motor execution latencies. Time-resolved multivariate pattern classification of EEG evoked response identified significant representations of reward certainty and preference choices as early as 120 ms after stimulus onset, with spatial relevance patterns maximal in middle central and parietal electrodes. Furthermore, EEG-informed computational modelling showed that the rate of change between N100 and P300 event-related potentials reflected changes in the model-derived rate of evidence accumulation on a trial-by-trial basis. Our findings suggested that reward certainty and preference collectively shaped voluntary decisions between equal options, providing a mechanism to prevent indecision or random behavior.
Fitness Cost and Competitive Ability to Different Ploidy Levels in Ryegrass Genotypes

ABSTRACT: The intergenotypic competition of tetraploid ryegrass with natural diploid population may be a tool to reduce the frequency of resistant individuals in an area. This study aimed to identify and compare the phenological development, fitness cost, and competitive ability between diploid and tetraploid ryegrass genotypes. Genotypes were grown in pots, and the morphological variables of genotype growth were assessed every 15 days up to 120 days after emergence to evaluate the fitness cost. Phenological development and seed yield components were measured in a single time together with the fitness cost. Competitive ability was determined in a replacement-series experiment with proportions of tetraploid and diploid ryegrass, in which the number of tillers, plant height, leaf area, and shoot dry weight were assessed at 50 days after emergence. The results of fitness cost showed that the number of tillers, leaf area, root dry weight, and the number of seeds were higher for tetraploid ryegrass, which presented a higher competitive ability than the diploid genotype regardless of the tested proportions. Tetraploid ryegrass may be useful for reducing the frequency of herbicide-resistant diploid ryegrass because of its higher competitive potential.
Neue Daten zum Monitoring alpiner Pflanzen im Engadin

During the summers of 2004 and 2005, the mountain flora of Piz Languard (3262 m a.s.l.) near Pontresina (Switzerland) was monitored and compared to the inventories from the years 1905, 1907, 1941, 1985 and 2003. The occurrence of flowering plants above 3000 m has been recorded with a standard deviation of ± 10 m. Trends, detected in earlier years, in the upward shift of alpine plants on Piz Languard has again been confirmed. Whereas 37 plant species have shown a clear upward shift during the last decades, there are 36 more or less stationary species and 12 species have moved to slightly lower altitudes. The highest amount of upward shift has been show by the following plant species: Lotus alpinus, Arnica montana, Adeno- styles leucophylla, Artemisia umbelliformis, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Salix serpyllifolia and Lloydia serotina. Since ca. 1985 there has been an accelerated upward shift of approximately 10 m per decade. Furthermore, in the wider region of Bernina and Lower Engadine, the uppermost occur- rence of flowering plants and ferns has been recorded with the help of historical data from the following years: 1573-2001, 1982-2002 and 2003-2005. In the tributary valley of Tasna, 213 plant species from a total of 980 show an upward shift of more than a 100 m during the last decades.
A three-dimensional skeleton of Goniopholididae from the Late Jurassic of Portugal: implications for the Crocodylomorpha bracing system

We here describe an articulated partial skeleton of a small neosuchian crocodylomorph from the Lourinhã Formation (Late Jurassic, Portugal). The skeleton corresponds to the posterior region of the trunk and consists of dorsal, ventral and limb osteoderms, dorsal vertebrae, thoracic ribs and part of the left hindlimb. The paravertebral armour is composed of two rows of paired osteoderms with the lateral margins ventrally deflected and an anterior process for a ‘peg and groove’ articulation. We also compare its dermal armour with that of several Jurassic and Cretaceous neosuchian crocodylomorphs, establishing a detailed description of this type of osteoderms.These features are present in crocodylomorphs with a closed paravertebral armour bracing system. The exceptional 3D conservation of the specimen, and the performance of a micro-CT scan, allowed us to interpret the bracing system of this organism to assess if previous models were accurate. The characters observed in this specimen are congruent with Goniopholididae, a clade of large neosuchians abundant in most semi-aquatic ecosystems from the Jurassic and Early Cretaceous of Laurasia. However, its small size, contrasted with the sizes observed in goniopholidids, left indeterminate whether it could have been a dwarf or juvenile individual. Future histological analyses could shed light on this.
High-throughput DNA sequencing of microbiota at interproximal sites

ABSTRACT Objective: The oral microbiota has been deeply studied by high-throughput sequencing techniques. However, although the interproximal regions have one of the highest caries rates in the oral cavity, information about the bacterial composition at those sites is scarce. Methods: In this study, we used 16S rRNA Illumina sequencing to describe the microbiota associated to interproximal regions at two time points. In addition, dental plaque samples at the vestibular and lingual surfaces from the same teeth were also analysed at the two time points. Results: Interproximal-associated microbiota was found to be similar to already described bacterial communities in other mouth niches. Streptoccocus, Veillonella, Rothia, Actinomyces, Neisseria, Haemophilus and Fusobacterium were the most abundant genera in this oral region. Statistical analyses showed that the microbiota from interproximal sites was more similar to that sampled from the vestibular surfaces than to the lingual surfaces. Interestingly, many potentially cariogenic bacteria such as Scardovia, Atopobium or Selenomonas were over-represented in the interproximal regions in comparison with vestibular and lingual sites. Conclusion: The microbiota at interproximal regions appears to be specific and stable through time. Potentially pathogenic bacteria may increase caries development risk and gingival inflammation at those sites.
XPRESSyourself: Enhancing, standardizing, and automating ribosome profiling computational analyses yields improved insight into data

Ribosome profiling, an application of nucleic acid sequencing for monitoring ribosome activity, has revolutionized our understanding of protein translation dynamics. This technique has been available for a decade, yet the current state and standardization of publicly available computational tools for these data is bleak. We introduce XPRESSyourself, an analytical toolkit that eliminates barriers and bottlenecks associated with this specialized data type by filling gaps in the computational toolset for both experts and non-experts of ribosome profiling. XPRESSyourself automates and standardizes analysis procedures, decreasing time-to-discovery and increasing reproducibility. This toolkit acts as a reference implementation of current best practices in ribosome profiling analysis. We demonstrate this toolkit’s performance on publicly available ribosome profiling data by rapidly identifying hypothetical mechanisms related to neurodegenerative phenotypes and neuroprotective mechanisms of the small-molecule ISRIB during acute cellular stress. XPRESSyourself brings robust, rapid analysis of ribosome-profiling data to a broad and ever-expanding audience and will lead to more reproducible and accessible measurements of translation regulation. XPRESSyourself software is perpetually open-source under the GPL-3.0 license and is hosted at https://github.com/XPRESSyourself, where users can access additional documentation and report software issues.
Evaluation of Pathogenic Microorganisms that Cause Onion Bulb Rots in Selected Markets in Abuja, Nigeria

Onion bulb rots are caused by microorganisms especially fungi and bacteria leading to economic loss. The research study evaluated the microorganisms associated with the rots of onion bulbs. The microorganisms isolated include fungi species such as Saccaromyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifera, Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium digitatum and bacterial species such as Pseudomonas spp. , Enterobacter spp. , and Escherichia coli. Results from the percentage distribution of the fungi in the spoilt onion bulbs about the markets showed the highest percentage distribution of 42.85% for the samples from Bwari market and the lowest percentage distribution of 28.57% for Dutse and Zuma respectively. It was observed that the percentage distribution of the bacteria about the markets were 42.85% for the samples from Bwari market and 21.42% from Zuma market. Pathogenicity tests for Fungi revealed that all the isolated fungi were pathogenic on onion bulbs, however; Saccaromyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium digitatum were the most pathogenic leading to the rapid disintegration of the infected bulbs within 14 days of inoculation while Rhizopus stolonifer was the least pathogenic. Pathogenicity tests for Bacteria revealed that all the isolated bacteria were pathogenic on onion bulbs with Pseudomonas spp. as the highest pathogenic and Escherichia coli the least.
Breaking Medical Data Sharing Boundaries by Employing Artificial Radiographs

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to change medicine fundamentally. Here, expert knowledge provided by AI can enhance diagnosis by comprehensive and user independent integration of multiple image features. Unfortunately, existing algorithms often stay behind expectations, as databases used for training are usually too small, incomplete, and heterogeneous in quality. Additionally, data protection constitutes a serious obstacle to data sharing. We propose to use generative models (GM) to produce high-resolution artificial radiographs, which are free of personal identifying information. Blinded analyses by computer vision and radiology experts proved the high similarity of artificial and real radiographs. The combination of multiple GM improves the performance of computer vision algorithms and the integration of artificial data into patient data repositories can compensate for underrepresented disease entities. Furthermore, the low computational effort of our method complies with existing IT infrastructure in hospitals and thus facilitates its dissemination. We envision that our approach could lead to scalable databases of anonymous medical images enabling standardized radiomic analyses at multiple sites.
Including Data Analytical Stability in Cluster-based Inference

In the statistical analysis of functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) brain data it remains a challenge to account for simultaneously testing activation in over 100.000 volume units or voxels. A popular method that reduces the dimensionality of this test problem is cluster-based inference. We propose a new testing procedure that allows to control the family-wise error (FWE) rate at the cluster level but improves cluster-based test decisions in two ways by (1) taking into account a measure for data analytical stability and (2) allowing a more voxel-based interpretation of the results. For each voxel, we define the re-selection rate conditional on a given FWE-corrected threshold and use this rate, which is a measure of stability, into the selection process. In our procedure, we set a more liberal and a more conservative FWE controlling threshold. Clusters that survive the liberal but not the conservative threshold are retained if sufficient evidence for voxelwise stability is available. Cluster that survive the conservative threshold are retained anyhow, and clusters that do not survive the liberal threshold are not further considered. Using the Human Connectome Project Data (Van Essen et al., 2012), we demonstrate how in a group analysis our method results not only in a higher number of selected voxels but also in a larger overlap between different test images. Additionally, we demonstrate the ability of our procedure to control the FWE, also in relatively small sample sizes.
Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Coefficient Studied for Yield and Quality Traits in JNPT Lines of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important crops that feed more than half the population of the world. The biggest consuming areas are Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South America. Globally, after China, India is first in rice cultivation and second in rice production. It adds 26.9% of rice production globally. Rice occupies onequarter of the total crop area within the country, contributes around 40 to 43 per cent of total food grain production, and continues to play an important role in the domestic food and livelihood security framework. In Asia, 90% of all rice is cultivated and eaten. World International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 8 Number 10 (2019) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Identification of Plasmodium Falciparum Merozoit Surface Protein-1 (PFMSP-1) Gene From Malaria Patients in Hanura Area, Lampung, Indonesia

Introduction: Malaria is a major health problem not only in Indonesia, but also the world. Incidence of anti malarial drug resistance has been found, and one of the possible cause is genetic factors. The changes that occur in the Plasmodium falciparum gene cause genetic variations that lead to resistance for treatment. There is a gene with high polymorphism that can be used as a gene marker of genetic variation in Plasmodium falciparum. Aim of Study: This study aim to identification of plasmodium falciparum merozoit surface protein-1 (PFMSP-1) gene from malaria patients in Puskesmas Hanura, Pesawaran, Lampung. Methods: Descriptive method with morbidity survey approach is used in this study. There are total 23 biological material stored that had been taken in 2016 from malaria patient in Puskesmas Hanura, Pesawaran, Lampung, by consecutive sampling. Identification of genetic variance of the Plasmodium falciparum gene was performed by nested PCR at Medical Faculty Biomolecular Laboratory of Lampung University. The results of this study were processed using a computer software. Results: There are 23 samples that amplified following nested PCR for Plasmodium falciparum Merozoit Surface Protein-1 (PFMSP-1) gene target. In all samples studied, there are PFMSP-1 gene with six variations base pair length range from 200 to 2000 bp. Conclusions: this study has successfully amplified PFMSP-1 gene from individualâ€™s blood sample infected by Malaria in Puskesmas Hanura work region, Pesawaran, Lampung.
Confirmed Occurence of the Longjaw Snake Eel, Ophisurus serpens (Osteichthyes: Ophichthidae) in Edremit Bay (Northern Aegean Sea), Turkey

On 15 January 2014, one mature female specimen of the longjaw snake eel, Ophisurus serpens was caught by long-line, from a depth of 40 m off Küçükkuyu (Edremit Bay). The species is a previously reported from the southern Aegean Sea and the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The main morphometric and meristic characters of this species which is rare in northern Aegean waters of Turkey are given.
Evaluation of Bio-agents against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causing Stem Rot of Broccoli

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenk) belongs to Family Brassicaceae is a cole crop gaining importance in India due to its nutritional value. It is an herbaceous annual grown for its edible flower heads which are used as vegetable. The broccoli plant has a thick green stalk or stem, which gives rise to thick, leathery, oblong leaves which are grayblue to green in color. The plant produces large branching green flower heads covered with numerous white or yellow flowers. The crop is prone to several diseases of fungal origin but recently it has been observed that the stem rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is increasingly drawing attention as a destructive disease. Intensive use of fungicides for protection of crops from disease is not only injurious to human health but also polluting the environment. Therefore, it was the demand of the time to develop an alternate, effective and safe approach to manage the disease. In view of importance of the disease, an attempt has been made to find out the suitable bio agents against the disease. So, present studies were undertaken to know the effect of bio-agents in International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 8 Number 10 (2019) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Clinical observations on 100 HIV/AIDS cases treated with Chinese herb Aining granule plus HAART

Objective To assess the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herb Aining granule combined with HAART for the treatment of HIV/AIDS.Method Prospective,randomized,placebo-controlled and double blinded observations were conducted in one clinical center.One hundred HIV/AIDS cases enrolled in the study were randomized into two groups,The Aining group with 50 cases received Aining granule+HAART(d4T+ddI+NVP)while the placebo group with 50 cases received placebo+HAART(d4T+ddI+NVP);the treatment last for 11 months in either groups.Result (1) No obvious toxic side effect was found in the group treated with Chinese herb Aining granule plus HAART. (2)Although CD4 count decreased in both groups after 11 month treatment,the mean value of CD4 declined less significantly in the Aining group than in the control group(P0.05). (3)The Aining Group had better effect in improving symptoms and signs(fatigue,anorexia,nausea,diarrhea,skin rash etc.)than the control group. (4)Viral loads were elevated in both groups and there was no statistic significant difference between them(P0.05). Conclusion The effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbs combined with HAART for HIV/AIDS still need to be further explored.
Replanting Guidelines for Sugar Beet Production in Southern Minnesota

Establishing an adequate plant population is one of the first challenges of sugar beet production. Reduced sugar beet emergence results in a decision between a lower than desired plant population or replanting the field. The objective of this study was to determine the plant population that warrants replanting a field to maximize extractable sugar ha-1. The study was conducted in three environments during the 2016 and 2017 growing seasons. Two planting dates and six plant populations were utilized in each environment. The two planting dates were separated by 19 or 20 days to simulate a replant situation. Sugar beets in each planting date were hand thinned to six populations of 44,000, 58,700, 73,400, 88,100, 102,800, and 117,400 plants ha-1. Planting date and plant population did not significantly affect sugar concentration. However, planting date and plant population influenced yield and extractable sugar ha-1. Extractable sugar yieldwas maximized with the first planting date and populations of 102,800 and 117,400 plants ha-1. A population of 58,700 plants ha-1 in the first planting date had similar extractable sugar yield to the second planting date populations of 88,100, 102,800, and 117,400 plants ha-1. Sugar beet populations above 58,700 plants ha-1 should not be replanted based on the results from this study. Additional
The complete chloroplast genomes of rare medical herb Glycyrrhiza inflata and its relative G. aspera (Fabaceae)

Abstract Glycyrrhiza inflata is a threatened perennial herb with medicinal value, which restricts in NW China and Mongolia. Its ally species, G. aspera, is widely distributed from northern China to Turkey. The complete chloroplast genomes were sequenced using the Illumina Hiseq X-Ten platform. Each of the genomes lacks an inverted repeat (IR) region, containing 76 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNAs genes, and 4 rRNAs. The overall GC contents are both 34.3%. A phylogenetic tree based on the whole chloroplast genomes of 15 species indicated that G. aspera and G. inflata belonged to a monophyletic Glycyrrhiza, which was nested in IRLC group of the subfamily Papilionoideae (Leguminosae).
Mating frequency and colony genetic structure analyses reveal unexpected polygyny in the Mediterranean acrobat ant Crematogaster scutellaris

Among eusocial Hymenoptera, ants represent an unrivalled example of diversity in number of queens and mating systems. Ant colonies may have one (monogyny) or several queens (polygyny) which can mate once (monoandry) or several times (polyandry). In this study, we analysed the genetic structure and breeding system of the Mediterranean acrobat ant Crematogaster scutellaris. Despite its widespread distribution and pivotal role in regulating arthropod communities, many details of the biology of this species have yet to be fully investigated. According to previous studies based on few observations, C. scutellaris is monogynous and monandrous with a claustral foundation phase. We assessed the mating frequency and the number of queens in 40 colonies using highly polymorphic, species-specific nuclear DNA microsatellite loci. The number of queens in each colony was directly inferred from the relatedness of workers. Moreover, in order to determine the proportion of multiple matings by queens, we performed both parental reconstruction analysis using offspring data and direct analysis of the sperm stored in the queen’s spermathecae. We investigated relatedness between queens and their mated males. The results showed that, although the majority of the colonies were monogynous, polygyny occurred in 10% of the nests. Monoandry was the norm: we found evidence of multiple paternity in just two out of 40 colonies. Finally, no relatedness was found between queens and their mates, indicating that the latter were from different colonies. This work is the first description of the genetic structure of the colonies of C. scutellaris and provides new insight for further investigation on the social organization, behaviour and ecology of Mediterranean acrobat ants.