Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of multiplex and construct specific PCR assay for detection of cry2Ab transgene in genetically modified crops and product

An efficient detection system for trait validation and screening of GMOs is a much sought after procedure, which could also help in regulatory compliance. Currently, in India, a number of cry2Ab transgene carrying GM crops are undergoing field trial i.e., MON15985 cotton, Bt rice, Bt okra, Bt corn, Bt brinjal, Bt potato and Bt tomato. In this study, we report a qualitative assay for detection for cry2Ab (326 bp). Further, the amplification compatibility with promoter, p35S (195 bp), terminator, t-nos (180 bp) and marker gene, npt II (215 bp) was also confirmed using Bt cotton event MON15985 as reference material. The detection sensitivity was 0.1% that is far below the requirement of the stringent European Union (EU) regulations of 0.9%. The target DNA when spiked with either MECH-12 (cry1Ac), RR-soya (epsps) or MON-810 (cry1Ab) showed no inhibitory effect on cry2Ab detection. Moreover, the cry2Ab specific transgene construct (1.9 kb) was amplified and its identity confirmed by a nested PCR. Hence, a comprehensive multiplex PCR method for detection of cry2Ab gene in a GM crop/products was established. This is possibly a first report showing concurrent amplification of cry2Ab transgene, promoter, terminator and marker gene.
STRONG SELECTION AGAINST HYBRIDS MAINTAINS A NARROW CONTACT ZONE BETWEEN MORPHOLOGICALLY CRYPTIC LINEAGES IN A RAINFOREST LIZARD

Phenotypically cryptic lineages comprise an important yet understudied part of biodiversity; in particular, we have much to learn about how these lineages are formed and maintained. To better understand the evolutionary significance of such lineages, we studied a hybrid zone between two morphologically cryptic phylogeographic lineages in the rainforest lizard, Lampropholis coggeri. Analyzing a multilocus genetic dataset through cline inference, individual‐based methods and population measures of disequilibrium and using simulations to explore our genetic results in context of theoretical expectations, we inferred the processes maintaining this hybrid zone. We find that these lineages meet in a hybrid zone that is narrow (≈400 m) relative to inferred dispersal rate. Further, the hybrid zone exhibits substantial genetic disequilibrium and sharply coincident and largely concordant clines. Based on our knowledge about the region’s biogeography, the species’ natural history, and our simulation results, we suggest that strong selection against hybrids structures this system. As all clines show a relatively narrow range of introgression, we posit that this hybrid zone might not yet be in equilibrium. Nonetheless, our results clearly show that phylogeographic lineages can evolve substantial reproductive isolation without concomitant morphological diversification, suggesting that such lineages can constitute a significant component of evolutionary diversity.
A Third Way: The Politics of School District Takeover and Turnaround in Lawrence, Massachusetts

Purpose: School district superintendents say politics is the number one factor limiting their performance, yet research provides limited guidance on navigating the political dynamics of district improvement. State takeovers and district-wide turnaround efforts tend to involve particularly heated and polarized debates. Massachusetts’ 2012 takeover of the Lawrence Public Schools provides a rare case of state takeover and district turnaround that both resulted in substantial early academic improvements and generated limited controversy. Method: To describe the stakeholder response and learn why the reforms were not more contentious, I analyzed press coverage of the Lawrence schools from 2007 to 2015, public documents, and two secondary sources of survey data on parent and educator perceptions of the schools. I also interviewed turnaround and stakeholder group leaders at the state and district level regarding the first 3 years of reform. Findings: I find that the local Lawrence context and broader statewide accountability system help explain the stakeholder response. Furthermore, several features of the turnaround leaders’ approach improved the response and reflected a “third way” orientation to transcending polarizing political disagreement between educational reformers and traditionalists. Examples include leaders’ focus on differentiating district–school relations, diversifying school management, making strategic staffing decisions, boosting both academics and enrichment, and producing early results while minimizing disruption. Implications: The findings provide guidance for state-level leaders on developing accountability systems and selecting contexts that are ripe for reform. The results also provide lessons for district- and school-level leaders seeking to implement politically viable improvement of persistently low-performing educational systems.
Effects of central or peripheral axotomy on membrane properties of sensory neurones in the petrosal ganglion of the cat.

1. The properties of sensory neurones in the petrosal ganglion of the cat were examined in vitro with intracellular electrodes 8 days after section of the central (bulbar roots) or peripheral process. Two types of cells, both with conduction velocities faster than 2 m/s and with humps on the falling phases of their action potentials (H‐neurones), were studied: glossopharyngeal neurones arising from the tongue and pharynx, and carotid neurones originating in the carotid body and carotid sinus. 2. Peripheral axotomy produced an increase in action potential duration and a marked decrease in the amplitude and duration of the spike after‐hyperpolarization in both glossopharyngeal and carotid neurones. 3. The maximum rate of depolarization of the action potential increased after peripheral axotomy in glossopharyngeal cells but did not change in carotid neurones. 4. The time‐dependent inward rectification in response to hyperpolarizing pulses was markedly reduced in both types of cells after peripheral axotomy. 5. Section of the peripheral process produced a decrease of the rheobase of glossopharyngeal cells, but not of carotid neurones. After axotomy the proportion of cells giving tonic discharges in response to long depolarizing pulses increased from 13 to 54% among carotid neurones but did not change in glossopharyngeal cells. 6. No significant changes in membrane potential or input resistance of either group of cells were found after peripheral axotomy. 7. Central axotomy did not produce any changes in the electrophysiological properties of glossopharyngeal or carotid neurones. 8. Peripheral conduction velocity was decreased in both types of cells after peripheral axotomy, but did not change after section of the bulbar roots. 9. It is concluded that the electrical properties of sensory neurones are modified after peripheral axotomy but not after central axotomy. Furthermore, the changes produced by peripheral axotomy are different in neurones innervating different peripheral targets. 10. The possibility that some electrical properties of sensory neurones are maintained by their peripheral targets is discussed.
Grading latin american presidents : a view from the stock markets

We use stock returns to grade presidential economic performance. In efficient markets, asset prices are unique in that they impound the long term effects of changes in the environment, including government policy. To purge national returns of state-of-the-world conditions that do not result from local events, we introduce a global twin portfolio and a regional return. The twin portfolio for a country reports the return of a combination of world stocks that each month has the same industrial composition as that one country’s stock index. These benchmark external conditions are most volatile: they vary between a 295% appreciation (or tailwind under some interpretations) and a 30% reduction (or headwind) in asset prices over extreme four-year presidencies in our sample. We interpret the gap of national performance over these counterfactual returns as a proxy for the quality of domestic policies during a given presidency, as seen from the standpoint of equity investors. We apply this approach to seven Latin American countries from 1980 until 2011. From this perspective, Colombia, Peru and Chile stand out as the countries that have implemented the best long run policies over the sample. In addition, we provide a grading of relative presidential performance.
Clasificación y Análisis de Métodos para medir Calidad de la Experiencia del Servicio de Televisión sobre Protocolo IP (IPTV)

El articulo presenta un analisis documentado de trabajos propuestos por diferentes autores sobre como medir calidad de la experiencia para el servicio de television sobre protocolo IP (IPTV). Se analizan principalmente los metodos indirectos, identificando las ventajas y desventajas de cada propuesta. Se presenta un cuadro comparativo entre los diferentes metodos indirectos analizados, permitiendo dar claridad del proceso que se siguio para obtener cada modelo. Algunos modelos indirectos resultan mas precisos que otros debido a la cantidad de parametros de calidad de servicio que utilizan para su generacion o porque se basan en pruebas subjetivas obtenidas con anterioridad.
Improvement of naive Bayes collaborative filtering using interval estimation

Recommender systems emerged to help users choose among the large amount of options that ecommerce sites offer. Collaborative filtering is one of the most successful recommender techniques. Here we propose an approach to collaborative filtering based on the simple Bayesian classifier. We propose a method of increasing the efficiency of naive Bayes by applying a new semi naive Bayes approach based on interval estimation. To evaluate our algorithm we use a database of Microsoft anonymous Web data from the UCl repository. Our empirical results show that our proposed Interval based naive Bayes approach outperforms typical naive Bayes.
Nanoscale Chemical Imaging of Interfacial Monolayers by Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy.

We report an investigation of interfacial fluorinated hydrocarbon (carboxylic-fantrip) monolayers by nanoscale imaging using tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. By comparing TERS images of a sub-monolayer prepared by spin-coating and a π-π-stacked monolayer on Au(111) in which the molecular orientation is confined, specific Raman peaks shift and line widths narrow in the transferred LB monolayer. Based on DFT calculations that take into account dispersion corrections and surface selection rules, these specific effects are proposed to originate from π-π stacking and molecular orientation restriction. TERS shows the possibility to distinguish between a random and locked orientation with a spatial resolution of less than 10 nm. This work combines experimental TERS imaging with theoretical DFT calculations and opens up the possibility of studying molecular orientations and intermolecular interaction at the nanoscale and molecular level.
Optimal bit allocation for biorthogonal wavelet coding

This paper shows how to derive bit allocations for biorthogonal wavelet coders which result in minimum reconstruction error. It is shown that the effect of using biorthogonal filters is to weight the amount of quantization error which appears in the reconstructed output. The amount of weighting can be determined from the biorthogonal filters used and is a measure of the closeness of the biorthogonal filters to the class of orthogonal filters. Once the weights are computed, they can be used to derive bit allocations which minimize the output mean square error (MSE). These results extend previous results since no bit allocation procedures have been proposed for biorthogonal wavelet coders which minimize the MSE.
Federal Coal Program Reform, the Clean Power Plan, and the Interaction of Upstream and Downstream Climate Policies

Can supply-side environmental policies that limit the extraction of fossil fuels reduce CO2 emissions? This paper studies interactions between a specific supply-side policy—a carbon surcharge on federal coal royalties—and regulation of emissions from the power sector under the Clean Air Act. Estimates from a detailed dynamic model of the power sector suggest that, absent new downstream regulation, a royalty surcharge equal to the social cost of carbon would generate three-quarters of the emissions reductions originally projected for the Clean Power Plan (CPP), with an average abatement cost roughly equal to the social cost of carbon. Were the CPP in place, the royalty surcharge would reduce emissions by reducing leakage and causing the CPP to be nonbinding in some scenarios. (JEL Q35, Q38, Q48, Q54, Q58)
Social relation-aware SVC-based video streaming system over P2P network

In this work, we propose a social relation-aware SVC-based video streaming system over Peer-to-Peer network. In the proposed system, peers efficiently control the limited resources because video streaming services require significantly more network resources than other traditional data services. The proposed system is designed to take into account social relations as well as video quality. Social relation information is obtained from Social Network Services, and peer resources are assigned according to social relation-aware friendship and credit models. In addition, SVC is adopted to support various network environments. Finally, experimental results are provided to evaluate the performance of the proposed system.
New and surprising insights into pathogenesis of multicentric squamous cancers in the female lower genital tract.

Infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is extremely common in the cervix, vagina, and vulva; and women with persistent HR-HPV infections at these sites have been shown to be at increased risk for the development of invasive squamous cell cancers at these locations ( 1 – 3 ) . Prior to the establishment of routine cervical cancer screening, invasive cervical cancer was among the most common causes of cancer mortality in women. Compared with cervical cancer, vaginal and vulvar cancers develop infrequently (current age-adjusted incidences of cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers = 8.9/100 000 women per year, 0.7/100 000 women per year, and 2.3/100 000 women per year, respectively) ( 4 ) . Previous studies (e.g., [5,6] ) have shown that a history of a prior cervical neoplasm (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 [CIN 3] or invasive cervical cancer) is an important risk factor for the development of vaginal and vulvar cancers. The most likely explanation for this association is that women who develop cervical neoplasia frequently are infected with HR-HPV both at the cervix and in the vagina and vulva, and they occasionally develop a second independent neoplasm at the last two sites. Other explanations for this association between a history of a prior cervical neoplasm and the later development of a vaginal or vulvar cancer include recurrence of the original cervical cancer at the surgical margin after hysterectomy
Mechanism of Depletion-Mode TDDB for 4H-SiC MOS Structure

The depletion-mode time-dependent dielectric breakdown (DM-TDDB) mechanism was investigated with n-type 4H-SiC MOS capacitors depleted by high-voltage dc bias. Under the DM-TDDB stress, the hole generation beneath the oxide/SiC interface and its injection into the oxide appeared in the current measurement results. The lifetime distribution was clearly divided into two groups: shorter and longer time to breakdown (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${t}_{\mathbf {BD}} $ </tex-math></inline-formula>). The breakdown point for the shorter <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${t}_{\mathbf {BD}} $ </tex-math></inline-formula> was located close to a threading dislocation (TD) of the 4H-SiC, whereas the capacitors for the longer <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${t}_{\mathbf {BD}} $ </tex-math></inline-formula> contained no dislocation. For the longer <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${t}_{\mathbf {BD}} $ </tex-math></inline-formula>, the charge-to-breakdown (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${Q}_{\mathbf {BD}} $ </tex-math></inline-formula>) decreased from approximately 4.5 to 0.1 C/cm<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^{2}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> with an increase in the electric potential drop (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{\mathbf {SiC}} $ </tex-math></inline-formula>) below the interface at 503 K, demonstrating that the high-energy-hole injection lowers the lifetime. For the shorter <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${t} _{\mathbf {BD}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, the TD was presumed to induce the additional hot-hole injection from the deeper depletion region into the local oxide and thereby precipitate the percolation path formation.
Sibling Resentments and Alliances during the Parent Care Years: Implications for Social Work Practice

Do many hands make lighter work for siblings caring for aging parents? Anchored in theoretical concepts of filial responsibility and equity, this article is an in-depth examination of tensions between caregiving siblings in two families. This article contributes understandings about ways siblings may differ in their views of parent care and how resentments arising from these differences incline siblings to seek support by aligning with one or more other siblings. The purpose of this examination is to illuminate complex sibling relationships that can impact parent care, and to provoke reflection on social work practices for navigating difficult sibling relationships and promoting high quality care for aging parents. Questions are raised for social workers who may find themselves at the center of competing instructions from siblings who are each proclaiming dedication to “what's best for mom. ”
CHLOROPLAST DNA INTROGRESSION IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SUNFLOWERS

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Activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase, inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, and redistribution of substrate partitioning mediate the acute insulin‐sensitizing effects of troglitazone in skeletal muscle cells

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of troglitazone on several pathways of glucose and fatty acid (FA) partitioning and the molecular mechanisms involved in these processes in skeletal muscle. Exposure of L6 myotubes to troglitazone for 1 h significantly increased phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC, which was followed by ∼30% and ∼60% increases in palmitate oxidation and carnitine palmitoyl transferase‐1 (CPT‐1) activity, respectively. Troglitazone inhibited basal (∼25%) and insulin‐stimulated (∼35%) palmitate uptake but significantly increased basal and insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake by ∼2.2‐ and 2.7‐fold, respectively. Pharmacological inhibition of AMPK completely prevented the effects of troglitazone on palmitate oxidation and glucose uptake. Interestingly, even though troglitazone exerted an insulin sensitizing effect, it reduced basal and insulin‐stimulated rates of glycogen synthesis, incorporation of glucose into lipids, and glucose oxidation to values corresponding to ∼30%, ∼60%, and 30% of the controls, respectively. These effects were accompanied by an increase in basal and insulin‐stimulated phosphorylation of AktThr308, AktSer473, and GSK3α/β. Troglitazone also powerfully suppressed pyruvate decarboxylation, which was followed by a significant increase in basal (∼3.5‐fold) and insulin‐stimulated (∼5.5‐fold) rates of lactate production by muscle cells. In summary, we provide novel evidence that troglitazone exerts acute insulin sensitizing effects by increasing FA oxidation, reducing FA uptake, suppressing pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, and shifting glucose metabolism toward lactate production in muscle cells. These effects seem to be at least partially dependent on AMPK activation and may account for potential acute PPAR‐γ‐independent anti‐diabetic effects of thiazolidinediones in skeletal muscle. J. Cell. Physiol. 215: 392–400, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Theoretical Study of Circular Orthotropic Membrane Under Concentrated Load: The Relation of Load and Deflection

In this study, the deformation of circular orthotropic membranes subjected to a central concentrated force is investigated. An orthotropic membrane equation indicating load-deflection behavior based on Föppl-von Kármán membrane theory is obtained and the numerical solutions are gotten by using MATLAB. A variable <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$k$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, which is the most influential parameter on the load-deflection behavior, is proposed. In isotropic membrane, the change of material parameters mainly influences the deflection of membranes subjected to a concentrated force; however, when studying for orthotropic membrane, the shape of membrane after deformation can be controlled by changing the value of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$k$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. Only change in elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio, with <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$k$ </tex-math></inline-formula> constant, mainly influence the deflection of curves, instead of the shape of curves. Then, four numerical simulations by ABAQUS are conducted and the membrane element M3D4R is used to set up a finite-element model. By comparing these simulation results with the solutions from orthotropic membrane equation, it is shown that the orthotropic membrane equation gives a good estimation of load-deflection behavior.
A NEW APPROACH ON NOISE ESTIMATION OF IMAGES

This paper proposes a new idea towards the researches on noise estimation on images. Image Denoising is always a challenging field as visual quality factor plays an important role. The noise estimation process is done in the transformed domain. In this work, Wavelet Transform is used because of its sparse nature. Then a Bayesian Approach is adopted by imposing an a priori Gaussian Distribution on the transformed pixels. The image quality is checked before entering to noise estimation process by using Maximum-Likelihood Decision criterion. Then a new bound based estimation process is designed by taking the idea from Cramer-Rao Lower Bound for signals in Additive White Gaussian Noise. A visually better result is observed in the experimental output which is obtained after reconstructing the original image.
Analysis and realization of a fast repetitive controller in active power filter system

The repetitive control and resonant control are widely used in grid-connected voltage-source converters recently, such as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), photovoltaic inverter (PV) and active power filter (APF). This paper introduces a new repetitive control strategy in APF system, whose repetitive period is only one half of the traditional and could eliminate all odd harmonics as a bank of resonant controllers. Compared to traditional repetitive control, proposed control strategy has faster tracking speed and smaller steady-state error; Compared to traditional PR control, it could be simply implemented in digital processor. Theory analysis with simulations and experiments demonstrate the validity and superiority of proposed fast repetitive control strategy.