Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Effects of Different Organic Amendments on Soil Fungal Composition

Fungi play an essential role in recovering the quality and fertility of soil. There is a limited understating of the complex response of fungal diversity to different organic materials in clay loam soil. Here, we report the response of soil fungi toward the short-term application of manure (M), sugarcane straw (S), and sugarcane straw plus manure (MS), including no organic material control (CK) at two different time points (50 and 100 days after application). Illumina sequencing was used to examine the fungal communities. Our results reveal a significant shift among the soil fungal community structure associated with each organic material application. After both time points, amendments—especially M and MS—decreased the fungal richness and stimulated the copiotrophic fungal group (Ascomycota) compared to the control soil (CK) and S-amended soil. On the contrary, as compared to the M and MS-amended soils, the CK and S-amended soils at both time points increased the fungal richness and stimulated the oligotrophic fungal groups. Organic material use, especially M and MS, showed variable results regarding pathogenic fungi enhancing the abundance of Lophodermium and Cercophora and decreasing Fusarium. Concerning the abundance of plant-beneficial fungi, Mortierella was reduced, and Podospora was increased by M and MS input. FUNGuild showed that the amendment of organic materials efficiently declined the abundance of endophytes and plant pathogens, but also enhanced the animal pathogens in terms of abundance with respect to CK at two time points. This study could be useful to provide a novel understanding of the management of soil-borne pathogens by organic amendments for the sustainable production of short-term crops.
Local Political Chief Turnover and Economic Growth: Evidence from China

It is widely believed that the rotation and promotion system of local political chiefs plays an important role in China’s economic miracle. In this paper, however, we focus on the potential cost of the inherent frequent turnovers of local chiefs. Based on a new manually-collected dataset on prefectural-level local chiefs between 1983 and 2012, our empirical results suggest that Chinese Communist Party (CCP) chief turnover would lead to a 0.35 percentage points decrease of local GDP growth rate in the current year, and 0.23 percentage points decrease in the following year. This effect especially concentrates on government-controlled fields, such as investment, fiscal revenue and expenditure. We also provide evidences that the organization friction, especially the successor CCP chiefs’ unfamiliarity with the city and the colleagues, is a major reason of such negative turnover effect.
Multi-message Authentication over Noisy Channel with Secure Channel Codes

In this paper, we investigate multi-message authentication to combat adversaries with infinite computational capacity. An authentication framework over a wiretap channel $(W_1,W_2)$ is proposed to achieve information-theoretic security with the same key. The proposed framework bridges the two research areas in physical (PHY) layer security: secure transmission and message authentication. Specifically, the sender Alice first transmits message $M$ to the receiver Bob over $(W_1,W_2)$ with an error correction code; then Alice employs a hash function (i.e., $\varepsilon$-AWU$_2$ hash functions) to generate a message tag $S$ of message $M$ using key $K$, and encodes $S$ to a codeword $X^n$ by leveraging an existing strongly secure channel coding with exponentially small (in code length $n$) average probability of error; finally, Alice sends $X^n$ over $(W_1,W_2)$ to Bob who authenticates the received messages. We develop a theorem regarding the requirements/conditions for the authentication framework to be information-theoretic secure for authenticating a polynomial number of messages in terms of $n$. Based on this theorem, we propose an authentication protocol that can guarantee the security requirements, and prove its authentication rate can approach infinity when $n$ goes to infinity. Furthermore, we design and implement an efficient and feasible authentication protocol over binary symmetric wiretap channel (BSWC) by using \emph{Linear Feedback Shifting Register} based (LFSR-based) hash functions and strong secure polar code. Through extensive experiments, it is demonstrated that the proposed protocol can achieve low time cost, high authentication rate, and low authentication error rate.
The Effect of Quantitative Easing on Inflation in Korea

This paper evaluates the whole impact of quantitative easing on inflation in Korea implemented by the central banks in four major advanced economies, the U.S., Euro Area, U.K. and Japan. According to the analysis employing a VAR-X model with the security holdings of those central banks an exogenous variable, quantitative easing is estimated to exert downward pressures on inflation in Korea. Considering the impulse responses of Korean macroeconomic variables to a quantitative easing shock, the spillover effect is transmitted through exchange rate channel while trade channel turns out to be ineffective. In an additional analysis assessing the impact of each quantitative easing program of the central banks, only those of the Fed and European Central Bank are estimated to be significant. The empirical results prove to be robust even if using long-term interest rates as an alternative indicator of quantitative easing.
Assessment of SNP streak statistics using gene drop simulation with linkage disequilibrium

We describe methods and programs for simulating the genotypes of individuals in a pedigree at large numbers of linked loci when the alleles of the founders are under linkage disequilibrium. Both simulation and estimation of linkage disequilibrium models are shown to be feasible on a genome wide scale. The methods are applied to evaluate the statistical significance of streaks of loci at which sets of related individuals share a common allele. The effects of properly allowing for linkage disequilibrium are shown to be important as they explain many of the large observations. This is illustrated by reanalysis of a previously reported linkage of prostate cancer to chromosome 1p23. Genet. Epidemiol. 34: 119–124, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel resource allocation algorithm based on downlink and uplink decouple access scheme in heterogeneous networks

Traditional cellular network requires that a user equipment (UE) should associate to the same base station (BS) in both the downlink (DL) and the uplink (UL). Based on dual connectivity (DC) introduced in LTE-Advanced R12, DL/UL decouple access scheme has been proposed, which is especially suitable for heterogeneous networks (HetNets). This paper is the pioneer to take the DL/UL decouple access scheme into consideration and develop a novel resource allocation algorithm in a two-tier HetNet to improve the total system throughput in the UL and ease the load imbalance between macro base stations (MBSs) and pico base stations (PBSs). A model is formulated as a nonlinear integer programming, and the proposed algorithm is a sub-optimal algorithm based on the graph theory. First, an undirected and weighted interference graph is obtained. Next, the users are grouped to let users with large mutual interferences to be assigned to different clusters. Then, the users in different clusters are allocated to different resource blocks (RBs) by using the Hungarian algorithm. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can provide great promotions for both the total system throughput and the average cell edge user throughput and successfully ease the load imbalance between MBSs and PBSs.
The interaction between local and international power in EU police reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina

ABSTRACT This article explores the interaction between local and international power structures in EU peacebuilding. While citizens in a state only face order from one authority (the state), local actors in a peacebuilding context are subject to orders from two institutions (the domestic state and the peacebuilding mission). This article explores the nature of interactions of these two institutions and their effect on local police officers’ compliance and resistance. Specifically, it analyzes the example of the police restructuring process in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It demonstrates that the choices of local officers to comply or resist depended on whether the interactions between the EU Police Mission and the local police organization were positive and mutually supportive, or whether they were competitive and contradictory. The findings of the article contribute to the debates on the role of local power and the importance of local legitimacy in peacebuilding.
Open Reading Frame 1a-Encoded Subunits of the Arterivirus Replicase Induce Endoplasmic Reticulum-Derived Double-Membrane Vesicles Which Carry the Viral Replication Complex

ABSTRACT The replicase of equine arteritis virus (EAV; familyArteriviridae, order Nidovirales) is expressed in the form of two polyproteins (the open reading frame 1a [ORF1a] and ORF1ab proteins). Three viral proteases cleave these precursors into 12 nonstructural proteins, which direct both genome replication and subgenomic mRNA transcription. Immunofluorescence assays showed that most EAV replicase subunits localize to membranes in the perinuclear region of the infected cell. Using replicase-specific antibodies and cryoimmunoelectron microscopy, unusual double-membrane vesicles (DMVs) were identified as the probable site of EAV RNA synthesis. These DMVs were previously observed in cells infected with different arteriviruses but were never implicated in viral RNA synthesis. Extensive electron microscopic analysis showed that they appear to be derived from paired endoplasmic reticulum membranes and that they are most likely formed by protrusion and detachment of vesicular structures with a double membrane. Interestingly, very similar membrane rearrangements were observed upon expression of ORF1a-encoded replicase subunits nsp2 to nsp7 from an alphavirus-based expression vector. Apparently, the formation of a membrane-bound scaffold for the replication complex is a distinct step in the arterivirus life cycle, which is directed by the ORF1a protein and does not depend on other viral proteins and/or EAV-specific RNA synthesis.
Heme Oxygenase-1 Increases Endothelial Progenitor Cells

Objectives—Induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protects against atherosclerotic disease in part by promoting reendothelialization. As endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to reendothelialization, we examined the role of HO-1 on bone marrow and circulating EPCs. Methods and Results—In a rabbit model of aortic balloon injury, pharmacological induction of HO-1 enhanced reendothelialization at sites with and without adjacent blood vessels, the latter indicative of a contribution by EPCs. Coinciding with maximal HO-1 induction in the injured vessel, plasma concentrations of bilirubin and the numbers of circulating progenitor cells were elevated. Both processes were abolished by cotreatment of the animals with an inhibitor of HO-1. Inducers of HO-1 promoted bone marrow cells to form progenitor cell colonies, and Flk1+/Sca-1+-cells to adhere to the luminal surface of the injured vessel. In noninjured mice, HO-1 inducers also increased bone marrow and circulating EPCs, and the ability of these cells to differentiate and form colonies. Compared to wild-type mice, bone marrow cells from HO-1−/− mice generated fewer endothelial colony-forming cells, and HO-1 inducers failed to promote CFU-Hill colony formation. Conclusions—These findings suggest that HO-1 contributes to vascular repair by increasing circulating EPCs derived from the bone marrow.
Seven-spot Ladybird Optimization Algorithm Based on Bionics Principle

Abstract For solving the problems of modern intelligence algorithms such as slow convergence and low precision, a new algorithm based on bionics principle has been proposed which is inspired by the foraging behavior of seven-spot ladybirds in the nature. By analyzing the bionic principle of Seven-spot ladybird Optimization(SLO), we simulate the region search pattern of predation of seven-spot ladybirds ,combining fast extensive search with careful and slow intensive search of the ladybirds,meanwhile we use three kinds of evaluation information to evaluate the solutions one by one ,then the exploration and local approximation in the SLO are balanced. Next,in this paper we analyze the SLO theoretically by mathematics, presenting its specific process and proving the feasibility of SLO. The results based on a set of widely used benchmark functions show that Seven-spot ladybird can converge fast and yield distributed solutions with higher precision.
Retinotopic representation of the bifoveate eye of the kestrel (Falco sparverius) on the optic tectum

Abstract Like many diurnal raptors, the American kestrel or sparrow hawk, Falco sparverius, possesses two foveae in each eye. In this study, we used fundus photography and reversed ophthalmoscopy to plot the projection of these foveae onto the visual field, together with other retinal landmarks such as the pecten and ora terminali. From such data, it was determined that the central monocular fovea (CMF) and temporal binocular fovea (TBF) were separated by 36 deg and that the kestrel has 58 deg of binocular overlap when the eyes are appropriately converged. Single-cell and multi-unit recordings were used to systematically explore the tectal surface and map receptive fields (RF) onto a hemispheric screen. A retinotopic map of the tectal surface was produced from such data and revealed an expanded representation for each fovea on the tectum and a systematic increase in RF size from fovea to periphery. The functional significance of this organization is discussed.
The power of who you know: an explorative study of wasta and justice perceptions in Saudi universities

5 Terminology . 6 Chapter One: Introduction . 7 1.1 Statement of the problem . 7 1.2 Research background . 8 1.3 Research question and aims. 10 1.4 Thesis structure . 11 Chapter Two: Literature Review . 12 2.
After Planning, the Production of Radical Social Space in Barcelona: Real-Estate Financial Circuit and (De Facto) Right to the City

This article is based on the premise that it is possible to apply Henri Lefebvre’s critical-theoretical apparatus to complex urban processes as a pedagogical case study. From previous knowledge of Lefebvrian thought, the article provides an overview of what Lefebvre called “the science of the use of social space”, supported by a transdisciplinary methodological plurality. The starting point is that neoliberal social space is produced, prepared, and led to the imminent urban post-neoliberalism, in the midst of this movement, a sophisticated planning system appears, with the old promise of service tradition, egalitarian ethics and pragmatic orientation. But in practice, it only reproduces the impotence of being inside a wave of localized surplus-benefits that expels human residues, avoiding any reaction. The Lefebvrian apparatus and a part of its theoretical tradition guide the research on Barcelona as a paradigm of global real-estate violence. This urban phenomenon is examined in central Barcelona, in order to rescue it from the pessimism of its own inhabitants, from the harsh perception that urban centrality no longer reproduces life. In this way, the article puts into operation an analytical tool designed to sabotage the real-estate circuit through a renewed right to the production of radical social space.
Current Twin Studies in Germany: Report on CoSMoS, SOEP, and ChronoS

This article summarizes the status of three recent German twin studies: CoSMoS, SOEP, and ChronoS. The German twin study on Cognitive Ability, Self-Reported Motivation, and School Achievement (CoSMoS) is a three-wave longitudinal study of monozygotic and dizygotic twins reared together, and aims to investigate predictors of and influences on school performance. In the first wave of the data collection in 2005, 408 pairs of twins aged between 7 and 11 as well as their parents participated in CoSMoS. The SOEP twin study is an extended twin study, which has combined data from monozygotic and dizygotic twins reared together with additional data from full sibling pairs, mother–child, and grandparent–child dyads who participated in the German Socio-Economic Panel (GSOEP) study. The SOEP twin project comprises about 350 twin and 950 non-twin pairs aged between 17 and 70. Data were collected between 2009 and 2010, with a focus on personality traits, wellbeing, education, employment, income, living situation, life-satisfaction, and several attitudes. The aim of the Chronotype twin study (ChronoS) was to examine genetic and environmental influences on chronotype (morningness and eveningness), coping strategies, and several aspects of the previous SOEP twin project in a sample of 301 twin pairs aged between 19 and 76 years, recruited in 2010 and 2011. Part of the ChronoS twin sample also participated in the earlier SOEP twin study, representing a second wave of assessments. We briefly describe the design and contents of these three studies as well as selected recent findings.
Regulated expression of globin chains and the erythroid transcription factor GATA-1 during erythropoiesis in the developing mouse

Erythropoiesis in vertebrates is characterized by sequential changes in erythropoietic site, erythroblast morphology, and hemoglobin synthesis. We have examined the expression of globin chains and the major erythroid transcription factor GATA-1 (previously known as GF-1/NF-E1/Eryf 1) from days 7.5 to 17.5 of mouse development. mRNAs for embryonic (epsilon y2, beta H1, and zeta) and adult (alpha and beta) globin chains were quantitated by RNase protection assays. Switching of globins within the alpha-globin cluster (alpha and zeta) was not strictly coordinated with that within the beta-globin cluster (epsilon y2, beta H1, and beta). Regulation of globin switches during development was primarily transcriptional. Of particular note, we found two developmental switches (beta H1 to epsilon y2 and epsilon y2 to beta) in the mouse, more analogous than previously thought to shifts found in human development. The erythroid transcription factor GATA-1, believed to be a principal regulator of genes expressed in erythroid cells, first appeared in the embryo in yolk sac at the time of blood island formation and remained at a low level during embryonic erythropoiesis (8 to 11 days) relative to that found later in fetal liver (12 to 15 days). The rise in GATA-1 mRNA in fetal liver paralleled and preceded the rapid accumulation of adult beta-globin RNA. RNase protection assays and a GATA-1-specific peptide antiserum were used to establish that a single GATA-1 polypeptide is expressed throughout mouse development. Overall, these findings suggest that the levels of this erythroid transcription factor during development may contribute to the differential gene activation characteristic of definitive versus primitive erythropoiesis.
Econometric Perspectives on Economic Measurement

It turns out that price index functions share a basic interpretation; practically all of them measure a change in some average of quality-adjusted prices. The different options are distinguished by their choice of average, their definition of quality, and their stance on what I label 'equal interest'. This new perspective updates the so-called stochastic approach to choosing index functions. It also offers new avenues to understand and tackle measurement problems. I discuss three examples.
A zonal congestion management approach using real and reactive power rescheduling

In a deregulated electricity market, it may always not be possible to dispatch all of the contracted power transactions due to congestion of the transmission corridors. System operators try to manage congestion, which otherwise increases the cost of the electricity and also threatens the system security and stability. In this paper, a new zonal/cluster-based congestion management approach has been proposed. The zones have been determined based on lines real and reactive power flow sensitivity indexes also called as real and reactive transmission congestion distribution factors. The generators in the most sensitive zones, with strongest and nonuniform distribution of sensitivity indexes, are identified for rescheduling their real power output for congestion management. In addition, the impact of optimal rescheduling of reactive power output by generators and capacitors in the most sensitive zones has also been studied. The proposed new zonal concept has been tested on 39-bus New England system and a 75-bus Indian system.
Traumatic brain injury induces macrophage subsets in the brain

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) elicits innate inflammatory responses that can lead to secondary brain injury. To better understand the mechanisms involved in TBI‐induced inflammation, we examined the nature of macrophages responding to TBI in mice. In this model, brain macrophages were increased >20‐fold the day after injury and >77‐fold 4 days after injury in the ipsilateral hemisphere compared with sham controls. TBI macrophage subsets were identified by using a reporter mouse strain (YARG) that expresses eYFP from an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) inserted at the 3′ end of the gene for arginase‐1 (Arg1), a hallmark of alternatively activated (M2) macrophages. One day after TBI, 21 ± 1.5% of ipsilateral brain macrophages expressed relatively high levels of Arg1 as detected by yellow fluorescent protein, and this subpopulation declined thereafter. Arg1+ cells localized with macrophages near the TBI lesion. Gene expression analysis of sorted Arg1+ and Arg1− brain macrophages revealed that both populations had profiles that included features of conventional M2 macrophages and classically activated (M1) macrophages. The Arg1+ cells differed from Arg1− cells in multiple aspects, most notably in their chemokine repertoires. Thus, the macrophage response to TBI initially involves heterogeneous polarization toward at least two major subsets.