Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Timing of drought in the growing season and strong legacy effects determine the annual productivity of temperate grasses in a changing climate

Abstract. The frequency of extreme weather events, such as droughts, is assumed to increase and lead to alterations in ecosystem productivity and thus the terrestrial carbon cycle. Although grasslands typically show reduced productivity in response to drought, the effects of drought on grassland productivity have been shown to vary strongly. Here we tested, in a 2-year field experiment, if the resistance and the recovery of grasses to drought varies throughout a growing season and if the timing of the drought influences drought-induced reductions in annual aboveground net primary production (ANPP) of grasses. For the experiment we grew six temperate and perennial C3 grass species and cultivars in a field as pure stands. The grasses were cut six times during the growing season and subject to 10 week drought treatments that occurred either in the spring, the summer or the fall. Averaged across all grasses, drought-induced losses in productivity in spring were smaller (−20 % to −51 %) than in summer and fall (−77 % to −87 %). This suggests a higher resistance to drought in spring when plants are in their reproductive stage and their productivity is the highest. After the release from drought, we found no prolonged suppression in growth. In contrast, post-drought growth rates of formerly drought-stressed swards outperformed the growth rates of the control swards. The strong overcompensation in growth after the drought release resulted in relatively small overall drought-induced losses in annual ANPP that ranged from −4 % to −14 % and were not affected by the timing of the drought event. In summary, our results show that (i) the resistance in growth rates of grasses to drought varies across the season and is increased during the reproductive phenological stage when growth rates are highest; (ii) that the positive legacy effects of drought indicate a high recovery potential of temperate grasses to drought; and (iii) that the high recovery can compensate for immediate drought effects on total annual biomass production to a significant extent.
WooKong: A Ubiquitous Accelerator for Recommendation Algorithms With Custom Instruction Sets on FPGA

Recommendation algorithms, such as Neighborhood-based Collaborative- Filtering (CF), have been widely applied in various emerging machine learning applications. However, under the circumstance of the explosive big data, it poses significant challenges to CF recommendation algorithms as it is becoming quite time and energy-consuming. It has to be optimized and accelerated by powerful engines to process on large data scale. To solve these problems, in this article, we propose WooKong, a ubiquitous accelerator architecture for the collaborative-filtering recommendation on FPGA. It is able to accommodate three types of CF recommendation algorithms, including User-based CF, Item-based CF, and SlopeOne recommendations algorithms, with five different similarity analysis metrics including Jaccard, Cosine, CosineIR, euclidean, and Pearson. To maintain flexibility for these different CF algorithms and metrics, we adopt custom instruction sets to manipulate the learning and prediction accelerators. We implement a hardware prototype on a real Xilinx Zynq FPGA development board. Experimental results show that the proposed learning and prediction accelerators can achieve 8.0X speedup and 1.7X speedup compared with an Intel i7 processor respectively. The accelerator has the energy benefits of up to 137.4X compared with an NVIDIA Tesla K40C GPU, with the affordable hardware cost.
Low molecular weight catalytic metalloporphyrin antioxidant AEOL 10150 protects lungs from fractionated radiation

The objective of this study was to determine whether administration of a catalytic antioxidant, Mn(III) tetrakis(N,N′-diethylimidazolium-2-yl) porphyrin, AEOL10150, reduces the severity of long-term lung injury induced by fractionated radiation (RT). Fisher 344 rats were randomized into five groups: RT+AEOL10150 (2.5 mg/kg BID), AEOL10150 (2.5 mg/kg BID) alone, RT+AEOL10150 (5 mg/kg BID), AEOL10150 (5 mg/kg BID) alone and RT alone. Animals received five 8 Gy fractions of RT to the right hemithorax. AEOL10150 was administered 15 min before RT and 8 h later during the period of RT treatment (5 days), followed by subcutaneous injections for 30 days, twice daily. Lung histology at 26 weeks revealed a significant decrease in lung structural damage and collagen deposition in RT+AEOL10150 (5 mg/kg BID) group, in comparison to RT alone. Immunohistochemistry studies revealed a significant reduction in tissue hypoxia (HIF1α, CAIX), angiogenic response (VEGF, CD-31), inflammation (ED-1), oxidative stress (8-OHdG, 3-nitrotyrosine) and fibrosis pathway (TGFβ1, Smad3, p-Smad2/3), in animals receiving RT+AEOL10150 (5 mg/kg BID). Administration of AEOL10150 at 5 mg/kg BID during and after RT results in a significant protective effect from long-term RT-induced lung injury. Low dose (2.5 mg/kg BID) delivery of AEOL10150 has no beneficial radioprotective effects.
ADULT AGE AND REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS IN STABLE FLY POPULATIONS (DIPTERA: MUSCIDAE)

Abstract The pterin age-grading method was applied to natural populations of stable flies sampled for 3 years from diverse locations in Minnesota and Iowa. Significant differences were detected among years in mean degree-day ages per fly. Fly ages, in degree-day units, were exponentially distributed. A two-parameter Weibull distribution closely fit the fly survival distributions. Mean expectations of life did not differ significantly between males and females and were estimated to be 86.6 degree-days above a 6.5 °C threshold. Conventional age-grading techniques based on ovarian morphology applied to Iowa females showed that large fractions of the populations experienced delays in vitellogenesis. The reproductive rate, in terms of lifetime ovipositions, was less than the maximum sustainable rate suggested by ambient temperatures. Résumé La méthode de détermination de l’âge au moyen de ptérine a été utilisée chez des populations naturelles de mouches des étables de diverses localités du Minnesota et de l’Iowa échantillonnées durant 3 ans. D’une année l’autre, il y avait des différences significatives de l’âge moyen en degrés-jours. L’âge des mouches, en unités de degrés-jours, suivait une distribution exponentielle. Une distribution de Weibull à deux paramètres illustre bien la survie des mouches. L’espérance de vie ne diffère pas significativement chez les mâles et chez les femelles et elle a été estimée à 86,6 degrés-jours au-dessus du seuil de 6,5 °C. Des techniques classiques de détermination de l’âge basées sur la morphologie des ovaires ont été utilisées sur les femelles de l’Iowa et les résultats démontrent que d’importantes proportions de la population ont subi des retards dans la vitellogénèes. Le taux de reproduction, évalué d’après le nombre de pontes au cours de la vie, s’est avéré inférieur au taux maximum théorique estimé d’après les températures ambiantes. [Traduit par la Rédaction]
Relationship Between Assessment for Learning and English Learning Motivation of University Students in Blended Learning Environment

The study was sponsored by Hubei Provincial Department of Education’s Important Humanity and Social Sciences Research Project (Project ID: 16D068); Hubei Provincial Department of Education’s Research Project on Teaching Reform in Colleges and Universities (Project ID: 2016490); Hubei Provincial Education Science Twelfth Five-year Plan Project (Project ID: 2014B113); Educational Ministry of Hubei Province (Project ID: 19Q307); College of foreign studies, Hubei Normal University (ID: 1705). Abstract Recently, assessment for learning (AFL) has gained increasing popularity by researchers worldwide. It is generally accepted that AFL enables students to optimize their learning process and improve their learning proficiency through various informal assessment. This study aims at investigating the relationship between AFL and English learning motivation at university level as well as students’ perceptions of this kind of assessment in a blended learning course. Blended learning combines the advantages of traditional face-to-face classroom teaching with online learning in order to provide a better learning environment. Both quantitative and qualitative method were used in the study. The quantitative data comes from two questionnaires: Assessment for Learning Questionnaire for Students which consist of Monitoring and Scaffolding part was used to investigate students’ perceptions of assessment for learning and the Motivation Subscale of Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire was selected as the instrument to measure students’ motivation, which was furthered divided into value component, expectancy component and affective component. 115 university students from Hubei Province of China completed the two questionnaires. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Qualitative data were collected from semi-structured interviews with the selected 6 students. The results of correlation analysis show that intrinsic goal orientation and task value of value component is positively correlated with AFL. Expectancy component is positively correlated with AFL. There is no significant correlation between extrinsic goal orientation and AFL. AFL is not significantly associated with test anxiety. Both monitoring and scaffolding factors contribute to the increase of students’ motivation. Results of the interviews indicate that students with high language proficiency are more willing to accept AFL. It is suggested that AFL should be advocated and applied in teaching language course in China. Future studies are needed to investigate the influence of AFL on students’ learning outcome in an all-around way. Keywords: Assessment for learning; English learning motivation; University students; Blended Learning DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-5-09 Publication date: February 29 th 2020
An Improved Impedance Measurement Method for Grid-Connected Inverter Systems Considering the Background Harmonics and Frequency Deviation

The impedance of inverter and grid is to determine the stability of grid-connected inverter systems. Therefore, it is of great importance to obtain accurate grid impedance and inverter impedance. However, the previous studies on impedance measurement are easily subject to background harmonics and grid frequency deviation, which brings to nonunique identification and inaccurate extraction of current or voltage perturbations. In this article, an improved impedance measurement method is investigated for the grid-connected inverter systems. First, a novel selection principle of frequency for injected perturbation is proposed to avoid the impact of background harmonics on impedance measurement. Moreover, a two-stage series multiple-complex coefficient filter (TSMCCF) is also proposed to accurately extract these perturbations considering system may subject to harmonics and grid frequency deviation. Compared with the conventional MCCF, the proposed TSMCCF improves the dynamic performance and accuracy of impedance measurement without increasing the complexity. It is worth noting that the proposed method is not affected by background harmonics and grid frequency deviation, and could be applied in both three-phase and single-phase systems for impedance measurement. To validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed impedance measurement method, real-time digital simulation results are presented based on the RT-LAB platform.
HIV-1 Tat Dysregulates the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Stress Axis and Potentiates Oxycodone-Mediated Psychomotor and Anxiety-Like Behavior of Male Mice

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with co-morbid affective and stress-sensitive neuropsychiatric disorders that may be related to dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) stress axis. The HPA axis is perturbed in up to 46% of HIV patients, but the mechanisms are not known. The neurotoxic HIV-1 regulatory protein, trans-activator of transcription (Tat), may contribute. We hypothesized that HPA dysregulation may contribute to Tat-mediated interactions with oxycodone, a clinically-used opioid often prescribed to HIV patients. In transgenic male mice, Tat expression produced significantly higher basal corticosterone levels with adrenal insufficiency in response to a natural stressor or pharmacological blockade of HPA feedback, recapitulating the clinical phenotype. On acute exposure, HIV-1 Tat interacted with oxycodone to potentiate psychomotor and anxiety like-behavior in an open field and light-dark transition tasks, whereas repeated exposure sensitized stress-related psychomotor behavior and the HPA stress response. Pharmacological blockade of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) partially-restored the stress response and decreased oxycodone-mediated psychomotor behavior in Tat-expressing mice, implicating GR in these effects. Blocking corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) receptors reduced anxiety-like behavior in mice that were exposed to oxycodone. Together, these effects support the notion that Tat exposure can dysregulate the HPA axis, potentially raising vulnerability to stress-related substance use and affective disorders.
Modelling fine-scale distribution and relative abundance of harbour porpoises in the Southern Bight of the North Sea using platform-of-opportunity data

Abstract Over the last 25 years, the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) has made a significant return to the Southern Bight of the North Sea and the English Channel due to a shift in distribution from northerly regions. Although the ecological drivers of this return are unclear, this species faces multiple threats in the region, including by-catch and habitat degradation. Ferry-based surveys were conducted year-round between November 2011 and June 2014 to assess the influence of environmental parameters upon the spatiotemporal distribution and relative abundance of harbour porpoises in the Southern Bight of the North Sea. A total of 1450 sightings of harbour porpoises were recorded during the 100 round-trip surveys carried out between Dunkirk (France) and Dover (England). Inter-annual and monthly variations in group size were observed, with largest groups recorded in 2014 (mean = 2.02) and in January (mean = 2.32). The relative abundance showed significant seasonal variation, with peaks recorded during winter months. An inter-annual increasing relative abundance was recorded during the study period. There was a seasonally dependent association with environmental variables, particularly depth, seabed roughness and current speed. Finally, predictions suggest large increases of the relative abundance in offshore habitats during winter months and over the study period.
Using Learning Management Systems to Promote Online Instruction

Learning management systems (LMS) reinforce the learning process through online classroom environments. A standard LMS supports an inclusive learning environment for academic progress with interceding structures that promote online collaborative-groupings, professional training, discussions, and communication among other LMS users. Instructors should balance active learning with the use of LMS technological resources and the use of guidelines from the qualified curriculum. As Murcia stated regarding online environments in 2016, instructors can use an LMS to facilitate and model discussions, plan online activities, set learning expectations, provide learners with options, and assist in problem-solving and decision making, supporting learner engagement through their presence in the LMS; facilitators allow students to retain their autonomy, enthusiasm, and motivation. It is vital that stakeholders of the educational community find scientific studies to support their contributions in LMS platforms to assist scholars in learning mathematics and other academic subjects
Satisfaction, image, and loyalty can be enhanced with congruent olfactory treatments: the acid test of optician franchise stores in shopping centres and on the high street

ABSTRACT As there needs to be more research done on the analysis of how the senses interact in contexts which do not particularly favour certain senses, this work proposes the analysis of consumer responses to olfactory and visual stimuli in the context of stores belonging to a well-known optician franchise. To that end, two different urban spaces are considered: shopping centres and the high street. Furthermore, two distinct and non-incongruent olfactory stimuli are applied. So an attempt has been made to carry out a sure-fire test, in neither an artificial nor a natural setting, on the importance of olfactory marketing through the estimation of a path model within a methodological design of a quasi-experimental type. Specifically, the aim is to show that olfactory stimuli not only enhance the image of a store but also becomes more relevant when there is congruence between the store and the fragrance used for ambient scenting. In addition, it can be demonstrated that this response to olfactory and visual stimuli creates an image that is crucial in building satisfaction and that this in turn strengthens customer loyalty. On this basis, implications for management practices are suggested and future lines of research are proposed based on the limitations of the work.
Cloning of the crustacean hyperglycemic hormone gene promoter of Astacus leptodactylus

The crustacean Hyperglycemic Hormone (cHH) belongs to a family of neuropeptides synthesized and released by the X-organ sinus gland complex, which is located in the eyestalks. The cHH is a pleiotropic hormone regulating many physiological processes like glucose metabolism, molting, and reproduction. We cloned a 176 bp fragment from the transcription starting site of the cHH gene of Astacus leptodactylus Eschscholtz, 1823. The identified sequence contains several putative core transcription factor binding sites including a TATA box, a CCAAT box, a GC box, as well as binding sites for a hypoxia responsive element, estrogen receptor, and ecdysone receptor. To assess promoter functionality the promoter sequence was ligated to an expression vector bearing a luciferase reporter gene, and promoter activity was recorded using a luciferase expression assay, which showed that the cloned promoter was functional, being able to drive the expression of the reporter gene.
NF-κB Regulates Transcription of the Mouse Telomerase Catalytic Subunit*

Expression of the telomerase catalytic subunit (TERT) is the rate-limiting determinant of telomerase activity in most cells. Analysis of the mouse TERT promoter revealed a potential NF-κB binding site 350 base pairs upstream from the translational start site. An oligonucleotide from this region of the TERT promoter bound to proteins in a nuclear extract prepared from a mouse hepatoma cell line. These proteins were identified as NF-κB by a number of criteria: 1) the protein complex formed on the TERT oligonucleotide had an electrophoretic mobility similar to that formed on an NF-κB consensus oligonucleotide; 2) protein binding to this site was enhanced by NF-κB activators tumor necrosis factor-α, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, and interleukin-1β; and 3) the complex was specific and could be supershifted with antibodies against the p50 or p65 NF-κB subunits. The NF-κB binding site from the mouse TERT promoter activated transcription when fused to a basal SV40 promoter and enhanced the activity of the native TERT promoter in mouse hepatoma cells stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. Transcriptional activation by the TERT NF-κB site could also be enhanced by co-transfection with an NF-κB1 expression vector. NF-κB may therefore contribute to the activation of TERT expression observed in mouse tissue.
Die Toon: a Late Holocene site in the Richtersveld National Park, northern Cape

A small excavation in the arid eastern portion of the Richtersveld National Park has produced evidence of hunter-gatherer occupation during the period ca. 3800 to 3100 years ago. These are the earliest Holocene deposits to have been excavated in Namaqualand. The occupation layers are very ephemeral but include microlithic stone tools and evidence for the hunting of small game. The possible presence of blesbok indicates more grassveld in the vicinity of the site than at present.
Senescence of Top Three Leaves in Field‐Grown Rice Plants

Abstract The top three leaves play important roles in biomass production and grain yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) crop since the three leaves not only assimilate majority of carbon for grain filling during ripening phase, but also provide large proportion of remobilized‐nitrogen (N) for grain development during their senescence. The objectives of this study were to (a) compare senescence of the top three leaves and (b) compare the changes in N, chlorophyll, and ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) contents of the top three leaves after their full expansion in field‐grown rice plants. When the basis of comparison among the top three leaves was plant age in terms of days after transplanting (DAT), senescence generally started earliest in −3rd leaf, intermediate in −2nd leaf, and latest in flag leaf. If the basis of comparison among the top three leaves was leaf age in terms of days after full leaf expansion (DAFE), it was not clear which leaf senesced earlier. Senescence rate was generally greatest in flag leaf, intermediate in −2nd leaf, and smallest in −3rd leaf. Ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase content declined earlier, and at a faster rate than N and chlorophyll contents during the senescence of all top three leaves. Correlation analysis indicated a close relationship between N and chlorophyll contents. Ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase content correlated with N content better than with chlorophyll content. The suitability of N, chlorophyll, and Rubisco contents for quantifying the leaf senescence of field‐grown rice plants is discussed.