Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome profiling of rice roots in early response toBacillussubtilis(RR4) colonization

Bacillus subtilis, a gram-positive soil bacterium, is widely used as a plant-growth-promoting agent. However, how Bacillus initially colonizes rice roots and evades the plant primary defense mechanisms, and how it influences root secretion of phytochemicals for further colonization remain obscure. To get an insight into how a plant perceives the bacterium upon initial root colonization, a microarray analysis was performed using rice roots treated with a rice rhizosphere isolate, B. subtilis RR4. About 891 transcripts (255 up-regulated and 636 down-regulated) were differentially expressed, indicating that the bacteria reprogram the plant to colonize it. In our experiments, RR4 mainly caused the suppression of transcripts encoding defense response enzymes such as chitinase, cell-wall-modifying enzymes such as pectinesterase, and genes associated with transport/exudation of phytochemicals, signifying that the bacteria modulate the gene expression of the plant to facilitate its colonization. Genes that regulate secondary metabolite production were up-regulated. Although the defense response genes in rice roots were suppressed initially, they were induced gradually at 4 and 10 days post-treatment. This was accompanied by an increased level of salicylic acid in the colonized rice roots. Thus, our results show that B. subtilis alters the transcriptome of rice roots for initial colonization by initially lowering the plants’ defenses, limiting root exudation and active cell growth, but boosting the plants’ defenses at a later stage.
On-Tree water spray affects superficial scald severity and fruit quality in ‘Granny Smith’ apples

‘Granny Smith’, a variety of apple is susceptible to superficial scald. Superficial scald is one of the most controversial post-harvest physiological disorders. At the moment there is no complete documented information about the pre-harvest factors responsible for its induction, symptom development and control methods. Accordingly, this study was to examine the possible link between the disorder and qualitative indicators of environmental changes, particularly humidity during early fruit growth and cell division. The study was conducted in a commercial orchard in Abyek region, Alborz-Iran in 2014. Examined trees were 7 year-olds and grafted onto seedling rootstocks. On-tree water spray was done during full bloom, 17 May till 6 June, in four levels including 0-day, 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day water spray. Fruits were harvested 160 days after full bloom (DAFB) and stored in a commercial chamber (5±2 ̊C) in four levels including: 0-day (before storage), 30-day, 60-day and 90-day of cold storage. Superficial scald severity in the 0-day water spray samples was 91.7 % after 60and 90-day storage, while all three water spray treatment regime significantly reduced it after 60and 90-day storage. The 14-day water spray was significantly more effective in reducing the incidence of superficial scald which was 91 % after 60-day and 75 % after 90-day storage. The highest firmness (9.5 kg cm-2) was observed before storage. The highest SSC was observed in the 7-day water spray and before the storage. Interestingly, on-tree water spray considerably decreased superficial scald and/or delayed its severity during midand long-term storage.
Morphologic and morphometric analysis of mandibular lingula

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the morphology and location of mandibular lingula in relation to the surrounding structures in adult mandibles to provide data that can be used during oral and maxillofacial procedures. Methods: This study was performed on 50 dry adult mandibles of Turkish population. The shape of the lingula was examined bilaterally and classified into four types. Osteometric measurements were performed on both sides using a digital caliper. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the differences between right and left side measurements. Results: The most frequently encountered shape of lingula was triangular type (42%). The assimilated type was not observed among the mandibles studied. The mean distance between the lingula and the anterior border of the ramus of the mandible and between the lingula and the posterior border of the ramus of the mandible was measured as 16.86±2.73 mm and 14.7±1.6 mm, respectively. The mean height of the lingula was measured as 11.92±2.03 mm. No statistically significant differences were observed between the right and left side measurements for any parameters. Conclusion: The findings of present study may be used for various oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures and help surgeons in avoiding inferior alveolar nerve injury during mandibular osteotomies.
The Interplay among EFL Students' Epistemic Beliefs, Language Learning Strategies, and L2 Motivational Self-System: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Examining learners' beliefs about the essence of knowledge, how they are conceptualized, and the ways they influence the learning process have gained attention in the second language (L2) learning. This study employed a multivariate statistical framework to model complex relationships among three constructs, i.e., epistemic beliefs (EB), language learning strategies (LLSs), L2 motivational self-system (L2MSS), and their sub-factors (N = 12). The data were collected in two phases. At the preliminary stage, the structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to visualize a hypothesized model and to map the conceptual framework of the study. At the secondary step, three questionnaires, EB, LLSs, and L2MSS, were distributed among junior high school students (N = 300). The questionnaires were collected over four months. The collected data were screened for incomplete responses and sample attrition. Notably, 774 questionnaires met a valid response rate of 95 percent. Correlational and SEM analyses were utilized to probe the causal relationships among the constructs. The findings revealed that there was a significant positive relationship between the subscales of L2MSS and LLSs. However, there was a significant negative relationship between EB and LLSs. Besides, confirmatory factor analysis underpinned the fitness of the hypothesized model after two stepwise corrections. The findings revealed that the path coefficient for EB had a significant impact on the LLSs with the mediating role of L2MSS. In particular, the path analysis revealed that 48% of LLSs might be explained through EB and L2MSS. This paper suggests that the more EB students experience, the less likely they adopt learning strategies, and the more L2MSS they hold, the more LLS students employ.
Rhomboid muscle variations: notes on their naming and classification principles

In this report we present two cases of rhomboid muscle variations observed during routine anatomical dissections. In the first case, on the left side of an adult male cadaver, a long and slender aberrant muscle was identified starting from the lateral part of the superior nuchal line and inserting to the scapula between the rhomboid minor and levator scapulae. The muscle was identified as the rare rhomboid capitis. In the second case, in an adult female cadaver, a bilateral variation in the origin of the rhomboid major fibers was described. On the left side, the rhomboid major fibers started from spinous processes of C1–C6, while on the right side it was narrower and originating from spinous processes of C1–C3. Reviewing the literature about the rhomboid muscles variations, we conclude that one and the same aberrant structure might be named differently. We also discuss the presentation of the known variations of the rhomboids in a common scheme instead of classification.
Smart Beta Made Smart: Synthetic Risk Factors for Institutional and Retail Investors

We construct synthetic, tradable risk factors using optimal combinations of large and liquid mutual funds and ETFs. We find that investors are not able to harvest the unconditional factor risk premia, although the synthetic portfolios of institutional investors outperform those of retail investors. We also propose a methodology to identify market funds. Lastly, we show that (i) daily flows to naive smart beta strategies are more predictable than those to our synthetic strategies, and (ii) our synthetic HML outperforms a naive one based on fund names. Our results have implications for the evaluations of portfolio managers and cross-sectional return anomalies.
Effect of Organic Manuring Practices on Growth and Yield of Palak (Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis Hort.)

Among different vegetable crops, leafy vegetables are quite high in their protective food value. They are important because of their successful and relatively easy cultivation as well as their high nutritive value, at a comparatively low cost. Palak or spinach beet (Beta vulgaris. Var. bengalensis) is one of the most popular leafy vegetables grown widely in India. Its tender soft succulent leaves are used as vegetable. Being the cheapest source of calcium, iron and phosphorus, it is valued much for its tender leaves. The continuous use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the cultivation of horticulture crops have caused decreased soil fertility physical and chemical properties of soil. Organics play a vital role in restoring the soil fertility and stabilizing crop productivity. Therefore, the application of plant nutrients through organic sources like FYM, vermicompost, biofertilizer along with different foliar spray remains the alternate choice for maintaining sustainable production. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 7 Number 08 (2018) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Morphological, anatomical and reproductive features of Loliolus (Loliolus) hardwickei (Gray, 1849) caught from the Vizhinjam Coast, Kerala, India

The morphological, anatomical and reproductive features of the little Indian squid, Loliolus (Loliolus) hardwickei (Gray, 1849) were studied based on samples collected from boat seine operated along the Vizhinjam Coast. The species was found to be a new entrant to the fishery along the Vizhinjam Coast. A total of 27 morphometric characters were measured and 13 indices were calculated and reported. Dorsal mantle length (DML) of the specimens ranged from 2.6 to 6.8 cm with a mean DML of 4.5±0.88 cm. The largest specimen observed was a male with DML 6.8 cm. Fully mature (Stage IV) specimens were found to have a higher gonadosomatic index (12.54±2.64 in females and 0.8±0.21 in males). Average length and width of spermatophores were 3.078±0.092 mm and 0.11±0.02 mm respectively. Samples with higher DML were in advanced maturity stages (Stage V). Size composition (DML) of samples revealed that 50% of squids were within the 4-5 cm size range.
Components of Executive Function Predict Regional Prefrontal Volumes

Objective Designed to measure a diversity of executive functioning (EF) through classical neuropsychological tests, the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function Scale (D-KEFS) allows for the investigation of the neural architecture of EF. We examined how the D-KEFS Tower, Verbal Fluency, Design Fluency, Color–Word Interference, and Trail Making Test tasks related to regional frontal lobe volumes, quantifying how components of EF were represented in disparate neural networks. Method Adults from the Nathan Kline Institute – Rockland Sample (NKI-RS), an open-access community study of brain development, with complete MRI (3T scanner) and D-KEFS data were selected for analysis (N = 478; ages 20-85). In a mixed-effects model predicting volume, D-KEFS task, D-KEFS score, region of interest (ROI; 13 frontal, 1 occipital control), were entered as fixed effects with intercepts for participants as random effects. Results “Unitary” EF (average of D-KEFS scores) was positively associated with superior frontal, rostral middle frontal, and lateral orbitofrontal volumes; a negative association was observed with frontal pole volume (| z-score slope | range = 0.040 to 0.051). “Diverse” EF skills (individual D-KEFS task scores) were differentially associated with two or three ROIs, respectively, but to a stronger extent (| z-score slope | range = 0.053 to 0.103). Conclusions The neural correlates found for the D-KEFS support the prefrontal modularity of EF at both the unitary (aspects of EF ability common to all tasks) and task (diverse EF skills) levels. The separation of task-general variance in neurocognition from task-specific variance can further evaluate neuropsychological tests as indices of brain integrity. Public Significance Statements Our results support the relationship between larger lateral prefrontal cortex and greater executive function. A composite of executive function performance, which was broadly associated with the prefrontal cortex, may be ideal for assessing diffuse frontal lobe damage (e.g., hypoxia). Individual executive functions, which were more narrowly but strongly related to specific prefrontal regions, could be better for assessing the effects of localized brain injuries (e.g., tumor).
Evaluation of Resistance to Fluoroquinolones and Its Relationship whit parC Gene Mutation in Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae has received attention due to a wide range of diseases and antibiotic resistance.The resistance to fluoroquinolones in gram-negative bacteria is often due to chromosomal mutations in the gyr and par genes. This research aimed at investigating the pattern of fluoroquinolone resistance and its relation with a mutation in the parC gene among clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae. Materials & Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 95 K. pneumoniae, after biochemical and molecular diagnosis, were evaluated for resistance to different antibiotics by disk diffusion agar according to CLSI recommendations and screening for ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates. Mutation in the ciprofloxacin resistance determinant region of the parC gene of K. pneumoniae resistant to ciprofloxacin was performed by PCR amplification and then amplified fragment sequencing and finally with the standard bacterial genome sequencing available at NCBI site, became BLAST through online software, Insilico, and Clustalw2. Results: The result of the antibiogram showed implies an expansion of MDR bacteria. 3.1% of isolates were resistant to all 13 antibiotics studied and 24.2% were ciprofloxacin-resistant. The highest and lowest percentages of antibiotic resistance were determined for ampicillin and amoxicillin (98.9%) and imipenem (13.6%), respectively. Sequence analysis of the parC gene showed that of 23 isolates resistant to ciprofloxacin, 16 isolates at codon 80 (I80S), one at codon 84 (E84K) were and 3 isolates also had frame-shift mutations. Conclusion: Mutations in the parC gene can be one of the major contributors to resistance to fluoroquinolones and increased MDR bacteria and nosocomial infections.
Direction-of-Arrival Estimation Through Exact Continuous ℓ2,0-Norm Relaxation

On-grid based direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation methods rely on the resolution of a difficult group-sparse optimization problem that involves the <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\ell _{2,0}$</tex-math></inline-formula> pseudo-norm. In this work, we show that an exact relaxation of this problem can be obtained by replacing the <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\ell _{2,0}$</tex-math></inline-formula> term with a group minimax concave penalty with suitable parameters. This relaxation is more amenable to non-convex optimization algorithms as it is continuous and admits less local (not global) minimizers than the initial <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\ell _{2,0}$</tex-math></inline-formula>-regularized criteria. We then show on numerical simulations that the minimization of the proposed relaxation with an iteratively reweighted <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\ell _{2,1}$</tex-math></inline-formula> algorithm leads to an improved performance over traditional approaches.
Adoption of FinTech and Future Perspective: An Empirical Evidence from Bahrain on Digital Wallets

The current study aims to examine the factors affecting the acceptance of the Digital wallets in Kingdom of Bahrain. A multi-item scale is designed to measure the different risk and benefit factors. A sample data of 392 digital wallets users were obtained from Bahrain through online survey to empirically validate the constructs using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The Structural Equation Model (SEM) is used to assess the structural model and test the relevant hypotheses to examine the continuous intention to use digital wallets in Bahrain.
Reconstructing Functions on the Sphere from Circular Means

The present thesis considers the problem of reconstructing a function f that is de ned on the d-dimensional unit sphere from its mean values along hyperplane sections. In case of the two-dimensional sphere, these plane sections are circles. In many tomographic applications, however, only limited data is available. Therefore, one is interested in the reconstruction of the function f from its mean values with respect to only some subfamily of all hyperplane sections of the sphere. Compared with the full data case, the limited data problem is more challenging and raises several questions. The rst one is the injectivity, i. e. , can any function be uniquely reconstructed from the available data? Further issues are the stability of the reconstruction, which is closely connected with a description of the range, as well as the demand for actual inversion methods or algorithms. We provide a detailed coverage and answers of these questions for di erent families of hyperplane sections of the sphere such as vertical slices, sections with hyperplanes through a common point and also incomplete great circles. Such reconstruction problems arise in various practical applications like Compton camera imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, photoacoustic tomography, Radar imaging or seismic imaging. Furthermore, we apply our ndings about spherical means to the cone-beam transform and prove its singular value decomposition.
Nascent transcript analysis of glucocorticoid crosstalk with TNF defines primary and cooperative inflammatory repression

The glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1, also known as GR) binds to specific DNA sequences and directly induces transcription of anti-inflammatory genes that contribute to cytokine repression, frequently in cooperation with NF-kB. Whether inflammatory repression also occurs through local interactions between GR and inflammatory gene regulatory elements has been controversial. Here, using global run-on sequencing (GRO-seq) in human airway epithelial cells, we show that glucocorticoid signaling represses transcription within 10 min. Many repressed regulatory regions reside within “hyper-ChIPable” genomic regions that are subject to dynamic, yet nonspecific, interactions with some antibodies. When this artifact was accounted for, we determined that transcriptional repression does not require local GR occupancy. Instead, widespread transcriptional induction through canonical GR binding sites is associated with reciprocal repression of distal TNF-regulated enhancers through a chromatin-dependent process, as evidenced by chromatin accessibility and motif displacement analysis. Simultaneously, transcriptional induction of key anti-inflammatory effectors is decoupled from primary repression through cooperation between GR and NF-kB at a subset of regulatory regions. Thus, glucocorticoids exert bimodal restraints on inflammation characterized by rapid primary transcriptional repression without local GR occupancy and secondary anti-inflammatory effects resulting from transcriptional cooperation between GR and NF-kB.
Spatial Rainfall Variability and an Increasing Threat of Drought, According to Climate Change in Uttaradit Province, Thailand

This study presents the work commenced in northern Thailand on spatial and temporal variability of rainfall. Thirty years (1988-2017) rainfall data of eight meteorological stations were used for assessing temporal variability and trend analysis. The results showed decreasing trend in rainfall from its first half of the observed study period (1988-2002) to last half of the time period (2003-2017) in total average annual as well as monsoonal average rainfall by 14.92% and 15.50% respectively. It was predicted from linear regression results that by 2030 the average annual and monsoonal rainfall will drop by 35% and 34.10% respectively. All stations showed negative trend except Fakara met-station in annual rainfall. In the seasonal trend analysis, the results showed decreasing trend almost in all met-stations. Mann-Kendall trend test was applied to assess the trend. All met-stations show significant negative trend. To assess drought in the study area, Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) was applied to 12-month temporal time period. The results predicted meteorological drought in the near future. The spatial distribution of rainfall presented changing phenomena in average annual, monsoonal, winter, and summer seasons in both analyzed periods.
Intellectual Property Protection in M&A Negotiations

This paper shows that a major share of the value of target firms’ intellectual property can be protected from expropriation by acquirers through negotiating a compensating bidder termination fee (BTF), in case acquirers abandon deals under their control. I apply a capitalization model for intangible capital stocks to estimate the component of intellectual property in target firms’ market values. The results suggest that, on average, for every dollar of target firm’s R&D capital stock, roughly 16 cents of protective share is priced in the BTF. I strengthen my causal interpretation with an instrument variables approach that exploits exogenous industry-level variation in R&D worker quota. The relation between target firm’s innovation activity and BTF size is more pronounced, if the target is a pioneer in its technology sector, if the target operates in an industry that sells unique products, if the target is assigned to the hightech or healthcare industry, and if the target mentions “trade secrets” in its 10-K report filed with the SEC prior to deal announcement. The effect is further increasing in the degree of technological proximity as well as product market rivalry between acquirer and target. Extending prior research at the intersection of innovation, law, and M&A, this paper concludes that BTFs serve as an efficient contract mechanism that provide target firms compensation for revelation of sensitive information in M&A negotiations if acquirers terminate deals. The option to include BTFs in M&A contracts thereby increases acquirers’ incentives to close the deal and increases firms’ ex-ante incentives to innovate, especially if they plan to exit as a means to enable entrepreneurial liquidity.