Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide association study elucidates the genetic architecture of manganese tolerance in Brassica napus

Brassica napus (canola) is a significant contributor to the world’s oil production and is cultivated across continents, yet acidic soils with Al3+ and Mn2+ toxicities limit its production. The genetic determinants underlying acidic soil tolerance in canola are unknown and require to be uncovered for canola breeding and production. Here, through comprehensive phenotyping, whole genome resequencing, and genome-wide association analysis, we identified three QTLs for tolerance to Mn2+ toxicity on chromosomes A09, C03, and C09. Allelism tests between four tolerance sources confirmed that at least one locus on A09 controls Mn2+ tolerance in B. napus. Integrated analysis of genomic and expression QTL and Mn2+ tolerance data reveals that BnMTP8.A09, in conjunction with BnMATE.C03, BnMTP8.C04 and BnMTP8.C08, play a central role in conferring Mn2+ tolerance in B. napus. Gene expression analysis revealed a high correlation (R2 = 0.74) between Mn2+ tolerance and the BnMTP8.A09 expression. Yeast complementation assays show that BnMTP8.A09 can complement manganese-hypersensitive yeast mutant strain PMR1Δ and restore Mn2+ tolerance to wild-type levels. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry revealed that Mn2+ tolerant accessions accumulate less Mn in the shoots compared to Mn2+ sensitives, suggesting that the BnMTP8.A09 transporter likely sequesters Mn2+ into the tonoplast. Taken together, our research unveils the genetic architecture of Mn2+ tolerance and identifies BnMTP8.A09 as a major gene imparting tolerance to Mn2+ toxicity in B. napus.
Dinámicas complejas en el flujo: diferencias entre trabajo y no trabajo

Resumen Esta investigación se interesó por la dinámica del flujo (flow) en contextos laborales y no laborales con el objetivo de conocer diferencias y semejanzas de dicha experiencia motivational. Sesenta empleados de ocupaciones variadas contestaron un diario de flujo seis veces al día durante veintiún días consecutivos (6982 registros). Los datos fueron analizados a nivel entre e intra-sujeto y se utilizaron modelos lineales (i.e. regresión lineal) y no lineales (i.e. modelo de catástrofes) para conocer la capacidad predictiva del ajuste reto-habilidades sobre el flujo. Contextos laboral y no laboral han mostrado dos diferencias fundamentales: mayores fluctuaciones en el flujo en el segundo (desviaciones tipo mayores en las variables habilidades, disfrute, interés y absorción) y un significado distinto del reto. Por otro lado, la capacidad de predicción del modelo no lineal ha sido claramente mayor que su homólogo lineal (42% frente al 19%, en el caso del no trabajo; 44% frente a 33% en el trabajo). El flujo, tanto en contextos laborales como no laborales, muestra dinámicas no lineales que combinan cambios graduales y cambios abruptos. La investigación e intervención interesadas en este proceso deberían centrarse en la variable reto que se ha mostrado clave para entender dichas dinámicas complejas en el flujo.
Structure-Function Analysis of Immunity Proteins of Pediocin-Like Bacteriocins: C-Terminal Parts of Immunity Proteins Are Involved in Specific Recognition of Cognate Bacteriocins

ABSTRACT The immunity proteins of pediocin-like bacteriocins show a high degree of specificity with respect to the pediocin-like bacteriocin they recognize and confer immunity to. The aim of this study was to identify regions of the immunity proteins that are involved in this specific recognition. Six different hybrid immunity proteins were constructed from three different pediocin-like bacteriocin immunity proteins that have similar sequences but confer resistance to different bacteriocins. These hybrid immunity proteins were then tested for their ability to confer immunity to various pediocin-like bacteriocins. The specificities of the hybrid immunity proteins proved to be similar to those of the immunity proteins from which the C-terminal halves were derived, thus revealing that the C-terminal half of immunity proteins for pediocin-like bacteriocins contains a domain that is involved in specific recognition of the bacteriocins they confer immunity to. Moreover, the results also revealed that the effectiveness of an immunity protein is strain dependent and that its functionality thus depends in part on interplay with strain-dependent factors. To further investigate the structure-function relationship of these immunity proteins, the enterocin A and leucocin A immunity proteins (EntA-im and LeuA-im) were purified to homogeneity and structurally analyzed under various conditions by Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The results revealed that both immunity proteins are α-helical and well structured in an aqueous environment, the denaturing temperature being 78.5°C for EntA-im and 58.0°C for LeuA-im. The CD spectra also revealed that there was no further increase in the structuring or α-helical content when the immunity proteins were exposed to dodecylphosphocholine micelles or dioleoyl-l-α-phosphatidyl-dl-glycerol (DOPG) liposomes, indicating that the immunity proteins, in contrast to the bacteriocins, do not interact extensively with membranes. They may nevertheless be loosely associated with the membrane, possibly as peripheral membrane proteins, thus enabling them to interact with their cognate bacteriocin.
The Importance of Lexicalized Syntax Models for Natural Language Generation Tasks

Abstract : The parsing community has long recognized the importance of lexicalized models of syntax. By contrast, these models do not appear to have had an impact on the statistical NLG community. To prove their importance in NLG, we show that a lexicalized model of syntax improves the performance of a statistical text compression system, and show results that suggest it would also improve the performances of an MT application and a pure natural language generation system.
An investigation on the effects of single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation in a modified maximum entropy auditory stimulation paradigm

In this paper, we intend to investigate further the effects of single pulse TMS (sTMS) on auditory attention through an experimental design that combines a modified version of maximum entropy stimulation paradigm. Single pulses of TMS with 4.4s inter-stimulus interval (ISI) were applied to the left temporal lobe of subjects while three randomized auditory stimuli with constant ISI of 1.1s were delivered to the contralateral side within the TMS stimulation duration. Our main focus was to examine the time course of the auditory late responses (ALRs) due to TMS stimulation by a phase clustering on the unit circle measure and an adaptive shift- invariant feature extraction method. In the attention scheme, a significant difference in the phase stability between TMS and no-TMS was found in the range of the N1 wave of ALRs. However, the difference occurs only for the data after 1.1s. Furthermore, there is an absence of differences in the amplitude of the ALR. In addition, the effects of TMS and attention can also be discriminated very well and illuminate the effects of TMS in auditory attention. It is concluded that even sTMS might have the potential to alter the attentional states and the effects can last about 1s, at least when considering the large- scale neural correlates of attention in ALR sequences.
Bisphosphonates synergistically enhance the antifungal activity of azoles in dermatophytes and other pathogenic molds

Superficial infections of the skin, hair and nails by fungal dermatophytes are the most prevalent of human mycoses, and many infections are refractory to treatment. As current treatment options are limited, recent research has explored drug synergy with azoles for dermatophytoses. Bisphosphonates, which are approved to treat osteoporosis, can synergistically enhance the activity of azoles in diverse yeast pathogens but their activity has not been explored in dermatophytes or other molds. Market bisphosphonates risedronate, alendronate and zoledronate (ZOL) were evaluated for antifungal efficacy and synergy with three azole antifungals: fluconazole (FLC), itraconazole (ITR), and ketoconazole (KET). ZOL was the most active bisphosphonate tested, displaying moderate activity against nine dermatophyte species (MIC range 64–256 µg/mL), and was synergistic with KET in 88.9% of these species. ZOL was also able to synergistically improve the anti-biofilm activity of KET and combining KET and ZOL prevented the development of antifungal resistance. Rescue assays in Trichophyton rubrum revealed that the inhibitory effects of ZOL alone and in combination with KET were due to the inhibition of squalene synthesis. Fluorescence microscopy using membrane- and ROS-sensitive probes demonstrated that ZOL and KET:ZOL compromised membrane structure and induced oxidative stress. Antifungal activity and synergy between bisphosphonates and azoles were also observed in other clinically relevant molds, including species of Aspergillus and Mucor. These findings indicate that repurposing bisphosphonates as antifungals is a promising strategy for revitalising certain azoles as topical antifungals, and that this combination could be fast-tracked for investigation in clinical trials. Importance Fungal infections of the skin hair and nails, generally grouped together as “tineas” are the most prevalent infectious disease globally. These infections, caused by fungal species known as dermatophytes, are generally superficial, but can in some cases become aggressive. They are also notoriously difficult to resolve, with few effective treatments and rising levels of drug resistance. Here we report a potential new treatment that combines azole antifungals with bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates are approved for the treatment of low bone density diseases, and in fungi they inhibit the biosynthesis of the cell membrane, which is also the target of azoles. Combinations were synergistic across the dermatophyte species and prevented the development of resistance. We extended the study to molds that cause invasive disease, finding synergy in some problematic species. We suggest bisphosphonates could be repurposed as synergents for tinea treatment, and that this combination could be fast-tracked for use in clinical therapy.
The White Pages: Diversity and the Mediation of Race in Public Business Media

In this article we examine the empirical impact of diversity on non-white participation in corporations by analyzing images of racial minorities that appear in business magazines. Our findings indicate that odds of non-white inclusion increase when explicit reference to diversity is made. We also find that non-whites are more likely to be depicted as having ancillary roles in corporations; rarely are they presented in leadership positions. Media images are not only produced and disseminated, they are translated into social practices. Therefore we also consider how the images that are included in the magazines we reviewed may inform organizational practices that shape the racial makeup of corporate workplaces. We argue that how and when non-whites are included in these media reinforces an emergent ideology, which concedes that diversity enables corporations to give discursive attention to race without prompting deep investigations into continuing patterns of racial inequality in the workplace.
Self-Perceptions of Ability of Mathematically Talented Female Adolescents

Despite their ability, many mathematically talented female adolescents do not aspire to nontraditional careers in mathematics and the sciences. According to the model proposed by Meece, Parsons, Kaczala, Goff, and Futterman (1982), self-concept of math ability is a central mediating variable in predicting long range goals and ultimate achievement in mathematics. The present study tested the hypothesis that, for a sample of 123 mathematically talented female adolescents, consideration of self-perceptions of multiple career-relevant abilities, as measured by Holland's (1977) Self Directed Search, rather than self-concept of math ability alone, is essential to understanding the ideal career aspirations of mathematically talented young women. The results indicate that it is the combined influence of self-perceptions of several career-relevant abilities that differentiates the nontraditional math and nontraditional science career aspirants from more traditional math/science and non-math career aspiration group members. Implications for professionals working with the mathematically talented female adolescent are discussed.
Jewish Educational and Economic Success in the United States: A Search for Explanations

Jews are much more successful economically and educationally than other ethnic, racial, and religious groups in the United States. This article asks why. It begins with a description of how well Jews do and then presents four potential explanations: human capital, Jewish particularity, marginality, and social capital. Most work attempting to explain Jews' success tests human capital explanations. They account for much of Jews' success but leave much unexplained as well. Researchers speculate about the possible importance of the other explanations but have done very little research to test them. It is suggested that little research has been done because of social scientists' lack of interest in successful groups, lack of data, and Jews' anxiety about possible findings. The basics of a research agenda are set forth.
The object recognition and adaptive threshold selection in the vision system for landing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

We present the design and implementation of a vision system for landing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). This vision system consists of the vision detection software and the self-made onboard camera platform. After accomplishing its mission, the UAV would return to the helipad and land on it autonomously and accurately. To achieve more, the head of the UAV must point to the direction which the helipad indicates. The object recognition, the main part of our vision algorithm, includes two parts: the recognition of the identifier “H” which indicates the landing point, and the detection of the triangle which indicates the landing direction. To detect the “H”, we designed a new algorithm based on image registration which turn out to be a fast, robust and computational inexpensive method. And to detect the triangle to confirm the landing direction, we used a method based on Hough Line Detection and Helen formula, which is also very fast and accurate. As a breakthrough of our work, we firstly used an adaptive threshold selection method in such a system to make our algorithm more robust. According to the results of our flight trials, our vision system well performed in this application: the average processing time of a 640×480 image is less than 60ms, and the average rate of successful target detection is 97.42%. In the 2008 Chinese Robotics Competition, we won the Gold Medal of the aerial robotics group.
Scaling the User Base of Digital Ventures Through Generative Pattern Replication: The Case of Ridesharing

Digital ventures, for example Uber and Airbnb, seek to scale their user base quickly and effectively across markets in order to lock out competitors and drive adoption through positive feedback loops. I view such rapid global scaling as an organising logic by which digital ventures replicate a generic solution to recurring challenges. This thesis intends to understand the process by which digital ventures scale across a multitude of varied regional markets. By arguing that this process is qualitatively different from our current conceptualisations of scaling I aim to encourage more researchers to pay heed to scaling as an integral part of digital innovation literature. To this end I present a qualitative study of a digital venture called BlaBlaCar, a ridesharing venture that rapidly scaled its user base into 22 markets. My findings are based on original data, collected over a course of two years in two stages. First, by collecting observational data for four months, and second, by collecting 58 interviews across 15 offices globally. In this thesis I distinguish and describe scaling as the process of generative pattern replication (GPR), where an existing scaling pattern is specialised to the specific circumstances of a new market, and applied there. I trace three mechanisms underpinning rapid scaling across regional boundaries: instantiation, venture meshing, and value frame. I explain these mechanisms and how they interact in the process of GPR. My research speaks to the digital innovation literature by making a unique contribution: a novel perspective on scaling of digital ventures including a process model and related mechanisms. In addition, my proposed research findings have the potential to offer valuable insights for digital ventures looking for novel scaling and digital innovation management tools.
Meta-heuristic optimization reloaded

We consider the meta-heuristic approach to optimization as to be performed in four stages (model, optimality, algorithm, verification), and point out the potential of varying the optimality stage, in contrary to the design of new algorithms. Thus, we can also apply the meta-heuristic approach to optimization to the task of fair distribution of indivisible or elastic goods, where the optimality is represented by (set-theoretic) fairness relations. As a demonstration, we fix a meta-heuristic algorithm (here a generalized version of the Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm SPEA2) and provide a set of 15 fairness relations, along with the discussion of general design principles for relations, to handle the Wireless Channel Allocation problem. For validation, comparison with an equal-effort random search is used. The demonstration shows that while all relations represent a similar model (they are all directly or indirectly related to the Bottleneck Flow Control algorithm), the performance varies widely. In particular, representing fairness of distribution by ordered proportional fairness or by exponential Ordered-Ordered Weighted Averaging appears to be in favour of a successfull meta-heuristic search.
Honoring the Afro-Colombian musical culture with the naming of Epipedobates [to be revealed] sp. nov. (Anura: Dendrobatidae), a frog from the Pacific rainforests

The number of amphibian species described yearly shows no signs of slowing down, especially in tropical regions, implying that the biodiversity of amphibians remains woefully underestimated. We describe a new species of poison frog from the Pacific lowlands of southwestern Colombia: Epipedobates [to be revealed] sp. nov., named for the Pacific music and dance genre known as bambuco viejo or [to be revealed]. This species inhabits lowland forests from 0–260 m. This taxon differs from congeners by having a combination of yellow blotches in the dorsal anterior region of the thigh and upper arm, homogenous dark-brown dorsal coloration, and advertisement calls of long duration and many pulses. We also describe the courtship call of E. [to be revealed], which is lower in frequency and shorter in duration than the advertisement call. Molecular phylogenetic analyses confirm the monophyly of the populations sampled and its position as the sister-group of Epipedobates narinensis, which occurs in southwestern Colombia. Among species of Epipedobates, the new species has been previously confused with E. boulengeri, but we find that the two species are allopatric and represent two divergent clades (1.77% divergent for 12S–16S and 5.39% for CYTB). These species can be distinguished by the presence of a bright yellow blotch in the dorsal anterior region of the thigh in E. [to be revealed], which is absent or diffuse and pale or cream in E. boulengeri. Epipedobates [to be revealed] is the most northern species of Epipedobates, which extends southwards along the western edge of the Andes. Known as the Chocó, this biogeographic region has been largely converted to agriculture in Ecuador and is experiencing widespread transformation in Colombia, which may endanger E. [to be revealed] and biodiversity in the region. This version is a preprint, and we only intend to name the species in the final published version.
Microtubules Accelerate the Kinase Activity of Aurora-B by a Reduction in Dimensionality

Aurora-B is the kinase subunit of the Chromosome Passenger Complex (CPC), a key regulator of mitotic progression that corrects improper kinetochore attachments and establishes the spindle midzone. Recent work has demonstrated that the CPC is a microtubule-associated protein complex and that microtubules are able to activate the CPC by contributing to Aurora-B auto-phosphorylation in trans. Aurora-B activation is thought to occur when the local concentration of Aurora-B is high, as occurs when Aurora-B is enriched at centromeres. It is not clear, however, whether distributed binding to large structures such as microtubules would increase the local concentration of Aurora-B. Here we show that microtubules accelerate the kinase activity of Aurora-B by a “reduction in dimensionality. ” We find that microtubules increase the kinase activity of Aurora-B toward microtubule-associated substrates while reducing the phosphorylation levels of substrates not associated to microtubules. Using the single molecule assay for microtubule-associated proteins, we show that a minimal CPC construct binds to microtubules and diffuses in a one-dimensional (1D) random walk. The binding of Aurora-B to microtubules is salt-dependent and requires the C-terminal tails of tubulin, indicating that the interaction is electrostatic. We show that the rate of Aurora-B auto-activation is faster with increasing concentrations of microtubules. Finally, we demonstrate that microtubules lose their ability to stimulate Aurora-B when their C-terminal tails are removed by proteolysis. We propose a model in which microtubules act as scaffolds for the enzymatic activity of Aurora-B. The scaffolding activity of microtubules enables rapid Aurora-B activation and efficient phosphorylation of microtubule-associated substrates.
Regime Politics in Geography

At the current conjuncture of neoliberal urbanism, when more than 20 years have passed since scholars identified the retrenchment of the federal state from urban affairs and the shift from urban government to urban governance, those of us engaged in questions of urban politics have much yet to learn about the power relations in American cities. At the same time, we must recognize those key concepts and frameworks that have shaped our ability to understand both the processes involved in urban politics and the expressions of those processes, as they are manifest in concrete places and often, literally, in places made of concrete. The urban regime, as explained by Clarence Stone a quarter century ago in Regime Politics, is one such concept, as illustrated in a very compelling empirical investigation, that has shaped the lexicon of how we understand cities. Stone’s contribution came along at a time when geographers were grappling with understanding the local and the global and their relationship to capitalism. Geographers engaged regime theory in fits and starts with other conceptual innovations in the field, including the regulation approach, flat ontologies, and relational sense of place. If we apply these three conceptual innovations to the regime approach, as I argue we should, then we get a much more robust conceptual tool to understand the contemporary urban political landscape.
John F. Kennedy at American University: The Rhetoric of the Possible, Epideictic Progression, and the Commencement of Peace

In his American University address, Kennedy employed epideictic progression, a pedagogical process drawing upon dissociation and epideictic norms to convince listeners, gradually, to embrace a new vision—in this case, a world in which a test-ban treaty with the U.S.S.R. was possible. To do so, Kennedy's words: (1) united the audience behind the value of “genuine peace”; (2) humanized the Soviets as worthy partners in genuine peace; (3) established the reality of the Cold War and the credibility of U.S. leadership; and (4) connected lessons on genuine peace to domestic civil rights.