Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Population sex ratio in 3 species of eriophyid mites differing in degree of sex dissociation

Eriophyid males and females do not mate, as females are sexually independent in picking up sperm from spermatophores deposited by males (sex dissociation). However, species vary in the degree of male-male competition, and some temporary association of males with sexually independent females can be noted. We examined the sex ratio of Aculus robiniae (Nalepa), where males guard female quiescent nymphs (FQNs) and surround them with spermatophores; Acalitus essigi (Hassan), where males visit FQNs for a short time and rarely deposit spermatophores beside them; and Cecidophyopsis hendersoni (Keifer), where males do not associate with females. The proportion of males among adults (estimated for the whole observational period) reached 0.601 in A. robiniae (leaflets of black locust); 0.173 and 0.325 in A. essigi (current-year buds and fruiting shoots of blackberry, respectively); and 0.416 in C. hendersoni (apical leaves of yucca). Our results and those obtained by other authors indicate that a relatively high proportion of eriophyid males in a population (≥0.5), although intensifying male-male competition, is not a precondition for the occurrence of male interest in females and guarding. Other species-specific features, such as the degree of polyandry, can be key factors instead. The sex ratio of the 3 eriophyid species reported herein varied significantly between seasons, individual plants and/or plant organs. There were significant differences between proportions of A. essigi males at the base of fruiting shoots, on pedicels, and in fruits, and in the case of C. hendersoni between plants, but without differences between the first (the youngest) and fourth (much older) apical leaf.
Relationship between the construction of Chinese character and the correct ratio of writer indentification

The relationship between the correct ratio of the writer identification and the construction of the character was investigated. Thirty subjects were asked to write 32 kinds of Chinese characters 6 times. Coordinates of each stroke of the characters were measured. After the standardization of the origin and the size, the writers were classified and identified using multidimensional Euclidean distance. In Experiment 1, the number of strokes had little effect on the correct ratio of the identification. In Experiment 2, the relationship between the arrangement of the components of a character and the correct identification ratio was observed. These results were explained by the investigation into the stroke order, pen direction, and interaction between components along with geometrical construction. The results suggest that the investigation based on the motor aspects of writing motion is necessary to the handwriting examination. <<ETX>>
Replication occurs at a nucleoskeleton.

The site of S‐phase DNA synthesis has been the subject of recurring controversy. All recent evidence supporting a site fixed to some nuclear sub‐structure is derived from studies in which cells or nuclei have been extracted in hypertonic salt concentrations. The controversy centres on whether the resulting nuclear matrices or cages have counterparts in vivo or are simply artefacts. Using isotonic conditions throughout the isolation and analytic procedures we have now reinvestigated the site of replication. Cells are encapsulated in agarose microbeads and lysed to leave encapsulated nuclei which are nevertheless completely accessible to enzymes. After incubation with endonucleases, most chromatin can be electroeluted from beads: however, nascent DNA and active DNA polymerase remain entrapped. Since chromatin particles containing DNA the size of 125 kbp can electroelute, we conclude that the polymerizing complex is attached to a nucleoskeleton which is too large to escape. We have also studied various artefacts induced by departure from isotonic conditions. Perhaps surprisingly, the hypotonic conditions used during isolation of nuclei by conventional procedures are a significant source of artefact.
Inhibition of the bradycardic component of the von Bezold–Jarisch reflex and carotid chemoreceptor reflex by periaqueductal gray stimulation: involvement of medullary receptors

Stimulation of the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray matter (dlPAG) and the B3 cell group inhibits the cardiovagal component of the baroreflex in rats. Our aim was to determine whether the defence reaction induces similar modulatory effects on the cardiac response of the von Bezold–Jarisch reflex and the carotid chemoreceptor reflex. We examined the effects of dlPAG stimulation on the reflex bradycardia triggered by systemic administration of phenylbiguanide or potassium cyanide. Electrical and chemical stimulation of the dlPAG produced marked inhibition of the cardiovagal components of the von Bezold–Jarisch and the carotid chemoreceptor reflexes. In addition, as 5‐HT3, NK1 and GABAA receptor activation blocks cardiac reflex responses, we studied whether these receptors were involved in the dlPAG‐induced inhibitory effects. We found that, after microinjection of granisetron (a 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist), bicuculline (a GABAA receptor antagonist) and GR‐205171 (an NK1 receptor antagonist) into the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), reflex bradycardic responses were preserved during dlPAG stimulation. Finally, activation of the B3 region also inhibited both reflex bradycardic responses, and these effects were prevented by prior blockade of 5‐HT3 receptors in the NTS. The inhibitory effect of dlPAG stimulation on the cardiac reflex responses was prevented by inhibition of neurons in the medullary B3 region. In conclusion, 5‐HT3, GABAA and NK1 receptors in the NTS appear to be involved in the inhibition of the von Bezold–Jarisch reflex and the carotid chemoreceptor reflex bradycardia evoked by activation of neurons in the dlPAG and the raphé magnus.
Vision-based eye blink monitoring system for human-computer interfacing

In recent years there has been an increased interest in human-computer interaction systems allowing for more natural communication with machines. Such systems are especially important for the elderly and disabled persons. The paper presents a vision-based system for detection of long voluntary eye blinks and interpretation of blink patterns for communication between man and machine. The blink-controlled applications developed for this system have been described, i.e. the spelling program and the eye-controlled Web browser.
Engagement audit partner experience and audit quality

We explore Chinese market data to examine the relation between the experience of the engagement audit partner and audit quality. We find a negative association between absolute/income-increasing abnormal accruals and the audit partner experience. In addition, we find investors do care about the experience of the engagement audit partner. The earnings response coefficient is higher for firms audited by more experienced auditors. These results are robust even after controlling for audit firm characteristics. Our findings are consistent with the notion that audit partner experience increases audit quality. We also performed sensitivity tests using the propensity of engagement partners to issue going-concern opinions to financially distressed clients and find consistent results.
Lipopolysaccharide-induced sickness behavior in pigs is inhibited by pretreatment with indomethacin.

Many of the behavioral responses following acute bacterial or viral infection are now considered important for maintaining homeostasis during inflammation. In the present study, we extend this concept to pigs (16 crossbred barrows) by demonstrating that lipopolysaccharide (LPS, .5, 5, or 50 micrograms/kg BW) from Escherichia coli injected i.p. reduces feed intake, decreases activity, and elevates body temperature. To determine whether any of these effects could be mediated via a prostaglandin (PG)-dependent mechanism, a second experiment with 16 crossbred barrows was conducted. Barrows were pretreated with indomethacin (IND, 5 mg/kg BW [a cyclooxygenase inhibitor]), and their behavior and body temperature following a challenge i.p. injection of LPS (5 micrograms/kg BW) were assessed. Pretreatment with IND inhibited the anorexia and inactivity caused by LPS, suggesting that the behavioral effects of LPS are dependent on activation of a PG system. Lipopolysaccharide alone, however, did not elevate body temperature in this case; thus, the involvement of PGs in this response was not determined. Collectively, these data indicate that pigs respond to LPS by reducing feed intake, decreasing activity, and becoming febrile. The ability of IND to inhibit behavioral effects of LPS is consistent with the hypothesis that a PG system is involved in mediating sickness behavior. Perhaps, by altering the activity of cyclooxygenase it is possible to enhance or inhibit the behavioral symptoms of sickness in pigs.
Salt-Responsive Transcriptome Profiling of Suaeda glauca via RNA Sequencing

Background Suaeda glauca, a succulent halophyte of the Chenopodiaceae family, is widely distributed in coastal areas of China. Suaeda glauca is highly resistant to salt and alkali stresses. In the present study, the salt-responsive transcriptome of Suaeda glauca was analyzed to identify genes involved in salt tolerance and study halophilic mechanisms in this halophyte. Results Illumina HiSeq 2500 was used to sequence cDNA libraries from salt-treated and control samples with three replicates each treatment. De novo assembly of the six transcriptomes identified 75,445 unigenes. A total of 23,901 (31.68%) unigenes were annotated. Compared with transcriptomes from the three salt-treated and three salt-free samples, 231 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected (including 130 up-regulated genes and 101 down-regulated genes), and 195 unigenes were functionally annotated. Based on the Gene Ontology (GO), Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) classifications of the DEGs, more attention should be paid to transcripts associated with signal transduction, transporters, the cell wall and growth, defense metabolism and transcription factors involved in salt tolerance. Conclusions This report provides a genome-wide transcriptional analysis of a halophyte, Suaeda glauca, under salt stress. Further studies of the genetic basis of salt tolerance in halophytes are warranted.
Remittances and Investment

This paper studies the impact of remittances on investment. Workers’ remittances to developing countries have grown to be an important source of financing, amounting to around $300 billion a year. The funds are used for both consumption and investment in the home countries of the migrants. The importance of financial and institutional framework in the receiving countries and how they interact with remittances is stressed. Data on remittance flow to 79 developing countries during 1995-2005 is used. Dynamic panel data approach is applied for this purpose. The results reveal that remittances, high quality institutional framework and well developed credit market increase investment. However, it is also found that the marginal importance of remittances as a financial source for investment decreases with improved institutional framework and a more developed credit market.
Departing and Incoming Auditor Incentives, and Auditor-Client Misalignment under Mandatory Auditor Rotation: Evidence from Korea

In this paper we provide evidence on specific factors that could affect audit quality under mandatory rotation, using data from Korea where mandatory auditor rotation was put into effect in 2006. We find no evidence supporting the “Brillo pad effect” (the argument that departing auditors have incentives to clean up the balance sheet) or the “new broom effect” (the argument that new auditors can find problems that long-standing auditors tend to overlook). On the contrary, departing auditors spend fewer hours just before rotation, consistent with a lack of incentives to maintain quality given the impending rotation. Compared to clients in other mandatory rotations, the clients rotating away from industry specialist auditors have higher audit hours and higher absolute discretionary accruals post-rotation, suggesting there are adverse effects from breaking such auditor-client pairings. Finally we find that Big 4 auditors’ market share continues to increase after mandatory rotation is imposed. Our findings therefore fail to support mandatory rotation.
‘We never expected this to happen’: narratives of ageing with HIV among gay men living in London, UK

The proportion of HIV-positive people over the age of 50 is rapidly increasing in the UK. This reflects the use of antiretroviral therapies and the transformation of HIV from life-threatening disease to chronic treatable illness. In this study a biographical narrative approach was used to explore the lived experience of ageing in 10 HIV-positive gay men aged between 50 and 78. While some participants regarded ageing as an opportunity to continue progressing towards valued life goals, others were more ambivalent about their future prospects. The findings suggest that these differences were particularly influenced by an individual's biographic relationship to the history of the HIV epidemic rather than chronological age. Those with long histories of involvement with HIV were more likely to be disadvantaged by careers interrupted by illness, to be dependent on state benefits and to have social networks damaged by multiple AIDS-related bereavements. The research identifies a cohort of older gay men likely to require additional support in adapting to the challenge of growing older with HIV. The article also explores the construction of moral identities in relation to discourses of ‘successful ageing’ and the possibility of building supportive communities that are sensitive to the needs of older gay men.
A Bayesian Note on Reliability Growth During a Development Testing Program

The problem of estimating the reliability of a system which is undergoing development testing is considered from a Bayesian standpoint. Formally, m sets of binomial trials are performed under conditions which lead to an ordering, ¿1 < ¿2 < . < ¿m, of the binomial parameters. The parameter of interest is ¿m, the final underlying reliability of the system. The marginal posterior pdf for ¿m is easily obtained when uniform prior pdf's are assumed. The method is illustrated.
Transmembrane mucin MUC1 overexpression and its association with CD10+ myeloid cells, transforming growth factor‐β1 expression, and tumor budding grade in colorectal cancer

The prognostic value of mucin expression has been reported in several studies. We examined the association between mucin expression and other previously reported prognostic factors, including infiltration of CD10+ myeloid cells, transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) expression, and tumor budding at invasion fronts. Immunohistochemical analysis of 206 colorectal samples was carried out to determine whether MUC1, MUC2, MUC4, and MUC5AC expression could predict the survival of colorectal cancer patients. Serial sections were stained for CD10, TGF‐β1, and pan‐cytokeratin in order to detect tumor budding. As per multivariate analyses, MUC1 expression appeared to be the most significant predictor of both recurrence‐free survival and overall survival. MUC4 was only significant to predict recurrence‐free survival, and MUC5AC could be a good marker in stage IV colorectal cancers that require additional chemotherapy. MUC1 (CD227) expression was associated with infiltration of CD10+ myeloid cells, TGF‐β1 expression, and tumor budding grade. These findings suggest that MUC1 is indicative of poor prognoses that may be associated with immunosuppression and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, MUC1 expression appears to be a chemoattractant for CD10+ stromal cells.
Phenol block of peripheral nerve conduction: Titrating for optimum effect.

OBJECTIVES To verify the dose-response relationship in phenol nerve block and to determine the concentration and volume of phenol injectate required for effective nerve conduction block. DESIGN Before-after, experimental study. SETTING A research institute laboratory. ANIMALS Seventy-one New Zealand white rabbits. INTERVENTIONS Group I (n = 48) received tibial nerve block by perineural injection (phenol, n = 40; saline, n = 8), group II (n = 21) by submerging the nerve in phenol solution. The 6 subgroups of group I each received different concentrations (3%, 4%, 5%) and volumes (0.1mL, 0.2mL, 0.3mL). The 2 subgroups of group II received 3% (n = 8) and 5% (n = 13) phenol. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and tension of triceps surae muscles by electric stimulation of the sciatic nerve were measured preintervention and at day 1, and weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 postblock. Histologic studies were performed on 2 animals from group I. RESULTS Two rabbits in group I died before results were obtained. In the remaining animals, CMAP amplitude reduced significantly (p <.05) as the volume of 5% phenol solution increased from 0.1mL, 0.2mL, to 0.3mL. A high concentration of phenol produced a more pronounced conduction block; however, no significant (p =.0589) difference existed among the 3 concentrations. Submerged tibial nerve had a greater degree of conduction block than perineurally injected nerve. Depth of the degeneration area in nerve fascicle varied with distance from the injection point. CONCLUSIONS The nerve block effect of phenol can be titrated by adjusting the concentration and volume of phenol solution if the technique of application and localization of a block site are standardized.
Opportunities to Upgrade Main Memory

Hybrid Memory Cube (HMC), in production by Micron Technology, is a new DRAM component that has multiple advantages over current parts including higher bandwidth, lower energy, abstract and more pin efficient interface and other benefits. The memory technology can be used as a base for even further improvements, including upgrading memory scalability to multiple terabytes and terabyte per second bandwidths per processor and resilience such that even large supercomputers with 100s of petabytes of memory will have reliable memory systems. Future systems, from desktops up, will have memory systems of multiple levels, including DRAM and non-volatile (NAND? ) components that are both first-level memory capabilities, along with DRAM or SRAM scratch memory such that total data motion is greatly reduced. The result can be improved system performance and reduced system power.
Turbot-Scophthalmus maximus

Distribution Th e turbot, Scophthalmus maximus, also called Psetta maxima (Scophthalmidae, Pleuronectiformes), is naturally distributed in European waters, from Northeast Atlantic to the Arctic Circle (30o to 70oN; 23oW42oE). It occurs in the Baltic and in the Mediterranean, as well as in the Black Sea, where a subspecies Psetta maxima maeotica has been described (1). It also exists in the Southeast Pacifi c Ocean (Chile) and in China, where it has been introduced for farming. Wild populations inhabit along all European coasts to North West Africa (Morocco), where it is also farmed. Clear geographical discontinuities have not been reported between populations. Th ough this species is not considered endangered, declines in wild catches (2) and some genetic evidence (3) suggest the existence of historical population reductions for European turbot.
Retromer Ensures the Degradation of Autophagic Cargo by Maintaining Lysosome Function in Drosophila

The retromer is an evolutionarily conserved coat complex that consists of Vps26, Vps29, Vps35 and a heterodimer of sorting nexin (Snx) proteins in yeast. Retromer mediates the recycling of transmembrane proteins from endosomes to the trans‐Golgi network, including receptors that are essential for the delivery of hydrolytic enzymes to lysosomes. Besides its function in lysosomal enzyme receptor recycling, involvement of retromer has also been proposed in a variety of vesicular trafficking events, including early steps of autophagy and endocytosis. Here we show that the late stages of autophagy and endocytosis are impaired in Vps26 and Vps35 deficient Drosophila larval fat body cells, but formation of autophagosomes and endosomes is not compromised. Accumulation of aberrant autolysosomes and amphisomes in the absence of retromer function appears to be the consequence of decreased degradative capacity, as they contain undigested cytoplasmic material. Accordingly, we show that retromer is required for proper cathepsin L trafficking mainly independent of LERP, the Drosophila homolog of the cation‐independent mannose 6‐phosphate receptor. Finally, we find that Snx3 and Snx6 are also required for proper autolysosomal degradation in Drosophila larval fat body cells.
Structured Macroporous Hydrogels: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

Structured macroporous hydrogels that have controllable porosities on both the nanoscale and the microscale offer both the swelling and interfacial properties of bulk hydrogels as well as the transport properties of “hard” macroporous materials. While a variety of techniques such as solvent casting, freeze drying, gas foaming, and phase separation have been developed to fabricate structured macroporous hydrogels, the typically weak mechanics and isotropic pore structures achieved as well as the required use of solvent/additives in the preparation process all limit the potential applications of these materials, particularly in biomedical contexts. This review highlights recent developments in the field of structured macroporous hydrogels aiming to increase network strength, create anisotropy and directionality within the networks, and utilize solvent‐free or additive‐free fabrication methods. Such functional materials are well suited for not only biomedical applications like tissue engineering and drug delivery but also selective filtration, environmental sorption, and the physical templating of secondary networks.
Not All Differences are the Same: The Role of Informal Status in Predicting Reactions to Demographic Diversity in Organizations

Increasing demographic diversity in the U.S. workforce translates into more interactions, shared responsibilities, and interdependencies among coworkers who are demographically different from one another. While research has shown both desirable and undesirable effects of increasing diversity on the performance of work tasks, the underlying social and psychological processes explaining effects of increasing diversity are not yet well understood. This study introduces the status value of a characteristic; that is, the extent to which a demographic characteristic is valued within the organization's informal social system; to show why differences on one characteristic (like sex) may be more or less meaningful than differences on another characteristic (like race). Further, examining one's informal status position, rather than just differences in discrete demographic characteristics that contribute to it, helps us understand how demographic differences between coworkers affect work outcomes. This field study of three different organizations analyzes naturally emergent informal status hierarchies in organizations to examine contributors to, and effects of, one's informal status position relative to coworkers. Results show demographic characteristics contribute to informal status positions, and such characteristics are valued differently across organizations. Further, status position positively relates to work outcomes, and one's status positions moderates the relationship of being different in status from immediate coworkers to work outcomes. That is, high status individuals working with lower status others experience lower performance, motivation and commitment than high status individuals working with high status others. And low status individuals experience increases in the same outcomes working with high status others.