Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of ABI3 and FUS3 loci in Arabidopsis thaliana on phase transition from late embryo development to germination.

Arabidopsis abi3 and fus3 mutants are defective in late embryo development and their embryos show precocious growth. To understand the function and role of ABI3 and FUS3, we analyzed expression patterns of genes which were normally activated during late embryo development and germination in these mutants. Using the differential display method, both upregulated and downregulated genes were observed in immature siliques of the abi3 fus3 double mutant. Four clones having more abundant expression in the abi3 fus3 double mutant than in wild type were isolated. These genes were activated during wild-type germination, suggesting that some genes that are activated during wild-type germination are precociously activated in the abi3 fus3 mutant during late embryo development. Also, genes that were activated during wild-type germination were isolated and their expression patterns during late embryo development in the wild type and in abi3, fus3, and abi3 fus3 mutants were analyzed. Sixteen such clones were found, and 11 of these showed derepression or precocious activation of gene expression in the mutants. These results indicate that ABI3 and FUS3 negatively regulate a particular set of genes during late embryo development. We also showed that immature fus3 siliques accumulated one-third of the wild-type level of abscisic acid (ABA), but mature fus3 siliques accumulated ABA at a level comparable to that in the wild type. The possible mechanisms of controlling developmental timing in late embryo development as well as collaborative and distinct roles of ABI3 and FUS3 are discussed.
Effect of hardness and thickness of non-oriented electrical steel sheets on iron loss deterioration by shearing process

Non-oriented electrical steels are widely used as the core material of motors. The magnetic properties of non-oriented electrical steel sheets have large influence on a motor efficiency. Punching is general manufacturing process in automatic fabrication of motor cores. This process is known to degrade the magnetic properties of non-oriented electrical steel sheets by plastic strain and elastic strain [1]. Therefore, the influence of the material characteristics such as grain size, hardness, and thickness on the deterioration of magnetic properties needs to be studied. In previous studies, the influence of grain size on the deterioration of magnetic properties was reported [2]. However, it is not clear about the influence of material characteristics except the grain size. The purpose of this study is to clarify the influence of thickness and hardness of non-oriented electrical steel sheets on the deterioration of iron loss by shearing process.
Development of visual category selectivity in ventral visual cortex does not require visual experience

Significance The brain’s ability to recognize visual categories is guided by category-selective ventral-temporal cortex (VTC). Whether visual experience is required for the functional organization of VTC into distinct functional subregions remains unknown, hampering our understanding of the mechanisms that drive category recognition. Here, we demonstrate that VTC in individuals who were blind since birth shows robust discriminatory responses to natural sounds representing different categories (faces, scenes, body parts, and objects). These activity patterns in the blind also could predict successfully which category was visually perceived by controls. The functional cortical layout in blind individuals showed remarkable similarity to the well-documented layout observed in sighted controls, suggesting that visual functional brain organization does not rely on visual input. To what extent does functional brain organization rely on sensory input? Here, we show that for the penultimate visual-processing region, ventral-temporal cortex (VTC), visual experience is not the origin of its fundamental organizational property, category selectivity. In the fMRI study reported here, we presented 14 congenitally blind participants with face-, body-, scene-, and object-related natural sounds and presented 20 healthy controls with both auditory and visual stimuli from these categories. Using macroanatomical alignment, response mapping, and surface-based multivoxel pattern analysis, we demonstrated that VTC in blind individuals shows robust discriminatory responses elicited by the four categories and that these patterns of activity in blind subjects could successfully predict the visual categories in sighted controls. These findings were confirmed in a subset of blind participants born without eyes and thus deprived from all light perception since conception. The sounds also could be decoded in primary visual and primary auditory cortex, but these regions did not sustain generalization across modalities. Surprisingly, although not as strong as visual responses, selectivity for auditory stimulation in visual cortex was stronger in blind individuals than in controls. The opposite was observed in primary auditory cortex. Overall, we demonstrated a striking similarity in the cortical response layout of VTC in blind individuals and sighted controls, demonstrating that the overall category-selective map in extrastriate cortex develops independently from visual experience.
Prospective Randomized Trial Evaluating Ketamine for Adult Bronchoscopy

Background and Objectives: Ketamine has been used in pediatric flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB). Its efficacy and safety for sedation of adults undergoing FFB has not been thoroughly investigated, and, consequently, it is not used by most interventional bronchoscopists. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of sedation for FFB under ketamine-propofol-midazolam (KPM) compared with the fentanyl-propofol-midazolam (FPM) regimen. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective randomized trial of adult patients (n=80) undergoing FFB, randomized to receive sedation with either KPM (n=39) or FPM (n=41). Vital signs including transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension (TcPCO2) were continuously monitored. Sedation-related complications and interventions to maintain respiratory and hemodynamic stability were compared. Both operator and patient were blinded to the sedation regimen used. The operator’s and patient’s satisfaction from sedation were assessed following recovery. Results: Maximal intraprocedural TcPCO2 values and minimal oxygen saturation did not differ significantly between the KPM and FPM groups (63.2±11.4 mm Hg vs. 61.1±7.2 mm Hg) and (77.1%±12.5% vs. 81.8%±12.0%), respectively. No significant differences were noted between the KPM and FPM groups with respect to sedation-related respiratory or hemodynamic complications. The operator’s and patient’s satisfaction from sedation was similar between the groups. Conclusions: Ketamine is as safe and effective as fentanyl for adult analgesia and sedation during FFB. In light of this observation and the fact that ketamine does not cause hemodynamic suppression, like most sedative agents, and is a potent bronchodilator, should encourage its more widespread use for adult sedation during FFB.
An event processing language (EPL) for building sense and respond applications

Robust systems are designed to deal with some anticipated, though probably unusual, situations such as equipment failure and overloads. They must also be designed to deal with unanticipated situations: no matter how much careful planning is carried out, unexpected events may occur. This paper describes a system, EPL 5.0, for sensing unusual situations and responding appropriately. This paper also describes an event processing language that helps business users specify both conditions that require responses, and the appropriate responses to these conditions. Unanticipated situations are dealt with by specifying normal conditions, and defining an anomaly as a significant deviation from normality. The system also facilitates machine learning of normal and anomalous conditions from examples.
The use of flexible intramedullary nails in limb lengthening

ABSTRACT Introduction: Lower and upper limb length discrepancy and deformity, congenital or acquired, are amongst the most common conditions in children for orthopaedic referral. Over the last twenty years, surgical techniques have evolved in an attempt to decrease Healing Index and minimise these complications. Areas covered: The flexible intramedullary nailing (FIN) is a minimally invasive intramedullary osteosynthesis. In combination with an external fixator, it is appropriated for pediatric bone lengthenings and lengthening of bones of small diameter in adults. In the study the Scopus and/or PubMed indexed publications about this combined technique were analyzed. Expert commentary: The use of titanium or stainless steel or hydroxyapatite-coated bent elastic nails is appropriate in limb lengthening for congenital and acquired limb length discrepancy. Hydroxyapatite-coated FIN should be applied for long-term reinforcement of lengthened bone in patients with metabolic bone disorders, skeletal dysplasias with compromised bone formation. Osteoinductive surface of nails is favorable for bone formation and as well as for stable position of nails without risks of migration in long-term follow-up. The FIN is an unique intramedullary fixation which respects the bone biology which is mandatory for a good bone consolidation.
CHILEAN TRADE 1880-1930: A COMMENT ON THE SOURCES FOR THE AGE OF EXPORTS

Abstract This research note discusses the accuracy of the main sources used to study the foreign sector during the export-led growth process in Chile. Chilean foreign trade statistics are available for the period under analysis (1850-1930) and offered a good overview of products exported and imported. Bilateral trade data are also available providing information of exports and imports by origin and destiny. Although more research is needed on trade prices, we conclude that Chilean statistics are reliable and provide a way for understanding the export-led growth in Chile and the trade performance of the Chilean partners. RESUMEN Esta nota de investigación discute la precisión de las principales fuentes utilizadas para estudiar el sector extranjero durante el proceso de crecimiento impulsado por las exportaciones en Chile. Las estadísticas del comercio exterior de Chile están disponibles para el período analizado (1850-1930) y ofrecen una buena visión general de los productos exportados e importados. También se encuentran disponibles datos de comercio bilateral que brindan información de exportaciones e importaciones por origen y destino. Aunque se necesita más investigación sobre los precios de los productos comerciados, concluimos que las estadísticas chilenas son confiables y permiten entender el crecimiento impulsado por las exportaciones en Chile y el desempeño comercial de sus principales socios comerciales.
A Dynamic Factor Model for Italian and German Recessions

In this paper we analyze a model for the prediction of Italian and German recessions making use of two macro factors that summarize a high number of variables. The two factors consist of a financial factor and real activity factor. Their dynamics is described by random walks. The results are compared with some of the Kauppi and Saikkonen (2008) models. While the in-sample performance of the Dynamic Autoregressive model by Kauppi and Saikkonen is unrivalled, the 6 and 12-months horizons out-of-sample analysis favors the models including some of the factors.
Rethinking the European Social Market Economy: Introduction to the Special Issue

This contribution offers an introduction to the Special Issue ‘Rethinking the European Social Market Economy’. It places the Special Issue against the background of the debate on free markets versus social protection in the European Union and the inclusion of the notion of ‘social market economy’ in the Treaty on European Union. It sketches the meaning and development of the social market economy concept, and introduces the key questions underlying this Special Issue and the contributions included in it.
The Complementary Effect of Intellectual Property Protection Mechanisms on Product Innovation Performance

This study assessed the effect of simultaneous implementations of different intellectual property (IP) protection mechanisms on a firm's product innovation performance (PIP). The study categorized seven widely-used IP protection mechanisms (IPPMs) into two groups: formal and informal. Complementarity was then tested within and between the formal and informal groups of IPPMs. The result showed that there existed complementarity when multiple IPPMs were implemented from the same groups. Throughout an additional analysis on the moderating effect of the industrial complexity in technology, it was found that the ‘between groups' combination effect was also existed but varied from even negative to positive concluding that industrial complexity of technology moderates the effects of combinations of IPPMs on a firm's PIP. These results imply that the use of multiple IPPMs is effective but the effect varies by the technological complexity of industry.
The ethical dilemma of provisioning pelagic birds in exchange for a close encounter

ABSTRACT The rapid expansion of wildlife tourism over recent decades has led to a growing concern about the potential negative impacts these viewing activities can have on targeted species. Marine wildlife tourism has been no exception, and many researchers have investigated the issues surrounding wildlife watching activities for various marine species. The majority of such studies have focussed on the potential negative effects on either the species in question, on visitor education, or on tourist satisfaction. Only recently have ethical dimensions been addressed, particularly the practice of provisioning wildlife during touristic encounters. This study explored the tourist experience of pelagic birdwatching tours in Kaikoura and on Stewart Island, New Zealand. Unprompted, qualitative comments from birdwatchers discussed the close encounters with pelagic birds and the practice of provisioning the birds. Results reveal the ethical dissonance of not agreeing with feeding wildlife while simultaneously enjoying viewing pelagic birds at close range. The results suggest that tourists are concerned about the potential negative effects of feeding pelagic birds, but accept these for the benefit of their own wildlife experience.
The Economic Value of Business Cycle Forecasts for Potential Investors – Evidence from Germany

We examine the economic value of business cycle forecasts for potential investors of financial markets, as opposed to statistical measures of forecast accuracy. Taking Germany as an example, and based on annual data ranging from 1990 to 2016, covering 16 institutions and 18 different forecasts, we calculate performance measures of portfolios that actively react to business cycle forecasts and compare these values with the values of portfolios that are passively managed. We find that actively managed portfolios do not systematically outperform passively managed ones, while statistical measures suggest that forecasts are better than naive ones. Statistical and economic measures of forecast quality often do not point in the same direction, across forecasters. One main reason for the difference between the two views on forecast quality is that the economic value of a correct forecast changes with time. We check the robustness of our results by applying several trading rules referring to business cycle forecasts.
Lecture # 17 : Motion

In this class so far we have learned a variety of tools that enable us to detect key points, recognize objects, and use segmentation in images. However, in many cases we want to be able to perform similar operations on video. Specifically, we are often interested not only in the location of certain objects, but also the movement of these objects over time. This lecture focuses on how we can apply previously covered techniques along with new methods to effectively track the motion of pixels across many images, with applications in areas such as self-driving cars, robots, and security systems to name a few.
A novel approach for blind separation dereverberation of speech mixtures using multiplestep linear predictive coding

A new method for the combination of blind separation and dereverberation of speech signals using linear convolutive mixing model is presented. The proposed algorithm consists of two parts. In the first part pre-filtering process is applied on speech mixtures to predict late reverberations by employing long-term multiple-step linear prediction (MSLP) and then these late reverberations are mitigated by using spectral subtraction (SS) technique. In the second part, a source separation technique has been applied consisting of various steps. Here in this part, first Independent component analysis (ICA) algorithm is used to separate target speech sources from sensor readings using the assumptions that sources involved in the mixing process are independent. Then by differentiating energy of individual time-frequency signatures of the separated target speech signals we compute ideal binary mask (IBM). Finally artifacts are suppressed which are normally the basis of time varying nature of IBM by means of cepstral smoothing. Simulated environment for reverberant mixtures is used to analyse the efficiency of our proposed algorithm. Simulations results evaluated in terms of signal to noise ratio (SNR) indicate a considerably enhanced quality of segregated speech as compared to a previous method.
A mitochondrial ketogenic enzyme regulates its gene expression by association with the nuclear hormone receptor PPARα

Mitochondrial 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA synthase (mHMG‐CoAS) is a key enzyme in ketogenesis, catalyzing the condensation of acetyl‐CoA and acetoacetyl‐CoA to generate HMG‐CoA, which is eventually converted to ketone bodies. Transcription of the nuclear‐encoded gene for mHMG‐CoAS is stimulated by peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) α, a fatty acid‐activated nuclear hormone receptor. Here we show that the mHMG‐CoAS protein physically interacts with PPARα in vitro, and potentiates PPARα‐dependent transcriptional activation via the cognate PPAR response element of the mHMG‐CoAS gene in vivo. Immunofluorescence of transiently transfected cells demonstrated that in the presence of PPARα, mHMG‐CoAS is translocated into the nucleus. Binding to PPARα, stimulation of PPARα activity and nuclear penetration require the integrity of the sequence LXXLL in mHMG‐CoAS, a motif known to mediate the interaction between nuclear hormone receptors and coactivators. These findings reveal a novel mechanism of gene regulation whereby the product of a PPARα‐responsive gene, normally resident in the mitochondria, directly interacts with this nuclear hormone receptor to autoregulate its own nuclear transcription.
Expanding our understanding of backbone organizations in collective impact initiatives

Abstract This article explores the question of what mechanisms a backbone organization uses in a collective impact initiative to help diverse participants make organizational and social change. Qualitative data gathered from interviews with and observations of the participant organizations illustrate the ways that the backbone organization facilitated movement toward a common goal, making change. In this initiative, the participants were responsible for making their own organizational changes, which in turn, help to change the larger inequitable ecosystem. Data revealed five key mechanisms the backbone organization used to facilitate change-making among participating organizations: regular convenings, accountability, national visibility, top-level leader involvement, and coaching. These mechanisms helped participant organizations integrate new knowledge and implement multi-pronged, customized strategies to navigate systemic change together. Finally, four suggestions for intentional backbone facilitation are proposed to help strengthen collective impact initiatives.
The Life-Cycle of Dual Class Firm Valuation

We examine U.S. dual- and single-class firms from 1980 to 2019 and document their valuation differences over their corporate life cycle. At the IPO, dual-class firms have higher mean valuations than do single-class firms, and some evidence indicates that this premium may emanate from dual-class firm founders’ unique vision and leadership skills. As firms age, the valuation premium of dual-class firms tends to dissipate, possibly because dual-class agency problems increase due to a gradual widening of the wedge (the difference between insider voting and cash flow rights) in the post-IPO years. (JEL G32, G34)
A Theory of Self-Enforcing Monetary Constitutions With Reference to the Suffolk System, 1825–1858

We develop a theory of self-enforcing monetary constitutions. A monetary constitution is the framework of rules within which money-providing and money-using agents interact. A self-enforcing monetary constitutions is upheld by the agents acting within the system; it thus does not require external enforcement. We describe how the institutional technology of polycentric sovereignty applies to monetary constitutions, and show how the 19th century Suffolk banking system was characterized by polycentric sovereignty, rendering its (de facto) monetary constitution self-enforcing. We conclude by briefly discussing the implications of our analysis for the role of the state in maintaining healthy money and banking systems.
Characterization of the pecT control region from Erwinia chrysanthemi 3937

Erwinia chrysanthemi synthesizes and secretes pectate lyases that attack components of the plant cell wall and, therefore, play a major role in the pathogenesis of soft rot disease. We isolated a new mutant (designated pec-1), by Tn5 mutagenesis, that displays weak pectate lyase production and decreased motility and mucoidicity. Maceration and pathogenicity tests done on different plant organs showed that the pec-1 strain displays a reduced virulence compared to that of the parental strain. The Tn5 insertion was localized between the pelL and the out loci and defines a new regulatory region. Sequencing of the pec-1::Tn5 insertion revealed that pec-1 is tightly linked to the pecT regulatory gene that also controls pectate lyase synthesis. Moreover, the pecT mutation is dominant over the pec-1 mutation, suggesting that these two loci are involved in the same regulatory network. We demonstrated, by Northern blot analysis, that the pec-1::Tn5 insertion provokes derepression of pecT transcription and defines a cis-acting element. Introduction of the pecT gene in trans of a pecT::uidA fusion induced a decrease of pecT::uidA transcription, indicating a negative autoregulation. Band shift experiments confirmed that the PecT repressor specifically interacts with the pecT regulatory region. We also demonstrated that the PecT protein interacts with the regulatory region of the pelD gene encoding a pectate lyase. Therefore, the abolition of the pecT autoregulation in the pec-1 mutant provokes an overproduction of the PecT repressor that is responsible for the decrease of pectate lyase synthesis. Mutagenesis of the pecT regulatory region revealed the presence of two sites in which insertions reproduced the pec-1 phenotype. This result suggests that pecT autoregulation requires the presence of two functional operator sites. From this study, we propose that the PecT repressor binds to these two sites, generating a loop that blocks pecT transcription.