Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of quantitative trait loci for leaf-related traits in an IBM Syn10 DH maize population across three environments

Leaf-related traits (leaf length, leaf width, leaf area and leaf angle) are very important for the yield of maize (Zea mays L) due to their influence on plant type. Therefore, it is necessary to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for leaf-related traits. In this report, 221 doubled haploid lines (DHLs) of an IBM Syn10 DH population were provided for QTL mapping. In total, 54 QTLs were detected for leaf-related traits in single environments using a high-density genetic linkage map. Among them, only eight common QTLs were identified across two or three environments, and the common QTLs for the four traits explained 4.38%-19.99% of the phenotypic variation. qLL-2-1 (bin 2.09), qLW-2-2 (bin 2.09), qLW-6-3(bin 6.07) and qLA-5-2 (bin 2.09) were detected in previous studies, and qLL-1-1, qLAr-1-1, qLAr-2-1 and qLA-7-1 may be new QTLs. Notably, qLW-6-3 and qLA-5-2 were found to be major QTLs explaining 19.99% and 10.96% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Interestingly, we found three pairs of QTLs (qLW-2-2 and qLAr-2-1, qLW-8-1 and qLL-8-2, qLL-3-3 and qLAr-3-3) that control different traits and that were located on the same chromosome or in a nearby location. Moreover, nine pairs of loci with epistatic effects were identified for the four traits. These results may provide the foundation for QTL fine-mapping and for an understanding of the genetic basis of variation in leaf-related traits.
Activity cycle of the giant star of Z Andromedae and its spin period

We have re-analysed the long-term optical light curve (LC) of the symbiotic star Z Andromedae, covering 112 yr of mostly visual observations. Two strictly periodic cycles and one quasiperiodic cycle can be identified in this LC. A P1 = 7550 d quasi-periodicity characterizes the repetition time of the outburst episodes of this symbiotic star. Six such events have been recorded so far. During quiescence states of the system, that is, in time-intervals between outbursts, the LC is clearly modulated by a stable coherent period of P2 = 759.1 d. This is the well-known orbital period of the Z Andromedae binary system that has been measured also spectroscopically. A third coherent period of P3 = 658.4 d is modulating the intense fluctuations in the optical brightness of the system during outbursts. We attribute the trigger of the outburst phenomenon and the clock that drives it, to a solar-type magnetic dynamo cycle that operates in the convection and the outer layers of the giant star of the system. We suggest that the intense surface activity of the giant star during maximum phases of its magnetic cycle is especially enhanced in one or two antipode regions, fixed in the atmosphere of the star and rotating with it. Such spots could be active regions around the North Pole and the South Pole of a general magnetic dipole field of the star. The P3 periodicity is half the beat of the binary orbital period of the system and the spin period of the giant. The latter is then either 482 or 1790 d. If only one pole is active on the surface of the giant, P3 is the beat period itself, and the spin period is 352 d. It could also be 5000 d if the giant is rotating in a retrograde direction. We briefly compare these findings in the LC of Z Andromedae to similar modulations that were identified in the LC of two other prototype symbiotics, BF Cyg and YY Her.
Inhibition of CD40-TRAF6 interactions by the small molecule inhibitor 6877002 reduces neuroinflammation

Disclaimer/Complaints regulations If you believe that digital publication of certain material infringes any of your rights or (privacy) interests, please let the Library know, stating your reasons. In case of a legitimate complaint, the Library will make the material inaccessible and/or remove it from the website. Please Ask the Library: http://uba.uva. nl/en/contact, or a letter to: Library of the University of Amsterdam, Secretariat, Singel 425, 1012 WP Amsterdam, The Netherlands. You will be contacted as soon as possible.
Bond and flexural behaviour of a NSM CFRP strengthening system under fatigue loading

The present paper aims to contribute to the knowledge of the long-term performance and durability of concrete structures strengthened with the Near-Surface Mounted (NSM) technique. The durability of strengthening systems is affected by environmental conditions, such as freeze-thaw and temperature cycling, exposure to aggressive chemical agents and ultraviolet light. Additionally, the longterm performance of the NSM system could be compromised by fatigue loading, which may result in deterioration and weakening of individual components (steel, FRP, concrete), or loss of bond performance and composite action. Thus, in order to assess the bond and flexural behavior of NSM CFRP strengthening system under fatigue loading, an experimental program was carried out, composing of direct pullout tests and loading of slab specimens. The main investigated parameters were the stress level (or fatigue stress) and the amplitude of cycle. This paper describes the conducted tests and presents and analysis the obtained results.
Relativistic MHD simulations of extragalactic jets

We have performed a comprehensive parameter study of the morphology and dynamics of axisymmetric, magnetized, relativistic jets by means of numerical simulations. The simulations have been performed with an upgraded version of the GENESIS code which is based on a second-order accurate finite volume method involving an approximate Riemann solver suitable for relativistic ideal magnetohydrodynamic flows, and a method of lines. Starting from pure hydrodynamic models we consider the effect of a magnetic field of increasing strength (up to $\beta \equiv |b|^2/2p \approx 3.3$ times the equipartition value) and different topology (purely toroidal or poloidal). We computed several series of models investigating the dependence of the dynamics on the magnetic field in jets of different beam Lorentz factor and adiabatic index. We find that the inclusion of the magnetic field leads to diverse effects which contrary to Newtonian magnetohydrodynamics models do not always scale linearly with the (relative) strength of the magnetic field. The relativistic models show, however, some clear trends. Axisymmetric jets with toroidal magnetic fields produce a cavity which consists of two parts: an inner one surrounding the beam which is compressed by magnetic forces, and an adjacent outer part which is inflated due to the action of the magnetic field. The outer border of the outer part of the cavity is given by the bow-shock where its interaction with the external medium takes place. Toroidal magnetic fields well below equipartition ($\beta = 0.05$) combined with a value of the adiabatic index of 4/3 yield extremely smooth jet cavities and stable beams. Prominent nose cones form when jets are confined by toroidal fields and carry a high Poynting flux ($\sigma\equiv |b|^2/\rho>0.01$ and $\beta\geq 1$). In contrast, none of our models possessing a poloidal field develops such a nose cone. The size of the nose cone is correlated with the propagation speed of the Mach disc (the smaller the speed the larger is the size). If two models differ only by the adiabatic index, jets having smaller adiabatic indices tend to develop smaller nose cones.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, AUDIT QUALITY AND RISK TAKING IN THE U.S. PROPERTY CASUALTY INSURANCE INDUSTRY

This paper examines the impact of corporate governance and audit quality on risk taking in the U.S. property casualty insurance industry. The evidence shows that some corporate governance variables, as well as some audit quality variables are related to risk taking. We find that longer board tenure is associated with low underwriting risk. But the higher percentage of financial experts on the board is associated with high underwriting risk. The possible reason is that financial experts possess a deep understanding of a firm’s financial situation and may encourage the management to take higher risk in anticipation of a higher return for a positive net present value project. The results are consistent with agency theory and wealth transfer hypothesis in that high risk taking is consistent with shareholder interest maximization. In addition, we find a non-monotonic relation between insider ownership and leverage risk. Finally, we do not find evidence that the Sarbanes-Oxley act have impact on the risk
The kinesin-8 , Kip 3 , switches microtubule protofilaments in a sideward random walk asymmetrically biased by force

Molecular motors translocate along cytoskeletal filaments such as kinesin motors on microtubules. While conventional kinesin-1 tracks a single microtubule protofilament, other kinesins, akin to dyneins, switch protofilaments. However, the molecular trajectory—whether protofilament switching occurs in a directed or stochastic manner—is unclear. Here, we used high-resolution optical tweezers to track the path of single budding yeast kinesin-8, Kip3, motor proteins. Under applied sideward loads, we found that individual motors stepped sideward in both directions with and against loads with a broad distribution in measured step sizes. Interestingly, the force response depended on the direction. Based on a statistical analysis and simulations accounting for the geometry, we propose a diffusive sideward stepping motion of Kip3 on the microtubule lattice, asymmetrically biased by force. This finding is consistent with previous multi-motor gliding assays and sheds light on the molecular switching mechanism. For kinesin-8, the diffusive switching mechanism may enable the motor to bypass obstacles and reach the microtubule end for length regulation. For other motors, such a mechanism may have implications for torque generation around the filament axis.
’ s repository of research publications and other research outputs IRS-III : A Broker for Semantic Web Services based Applications Conference or Workshop Item

In this paper we describe IRS-III which takes a semantic broker based approach to creating applications from Semantic Web Services by mediating between a service requester and one or more service providers. Business organisations can view Semantic Web Services as the basic mechanism for integrating data and processes across applications on the Web. This paper extends previous publications on IRS by providing an overall description of our framework from the point of view of application development. More specifically, we describe the IRS-III methodology for building applications using Semantic Web Services and illustrate our approach through a use case on e-government.
Scientific Notes 661 STEINERNEMA DIAPREPESI ( NEMATODA : STEINERNEMATIDAE ) : ITS OCCURRENCE IN WESTERN MEXICO AND SUSCEPTIBILITY OF ENGORDED CATTLE TICKS BOOPHILUS MICROPLUS ( ACARI : IXODIDAE )

BioOne sees sustainable scholarly publishing as an inherently collaborative enterprise connecting authors, nonprofit publishers, academic institutions, research libraries, and research funders in the common goal of maximizing access to critical research. Steinernema diaprepesi (Nematoda: Steinernematidae): Its Occurrence in Western Mexico and Susceptibility of Engorded Cattle Ticks Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)
Unravelling incommensurate magnetism and its emergence in iron-based superconductors

We focus on a broad class of tetragonal itinerant systems sharing a tendency towards the spontaneous formation of incommensurate magnetism with ordering wavevectors $\mathbf{Q}_{1,2}=(\pi-\delta,0)/(0,\pi-\delta)$ or $\mathbf{Q}_{1,2}=(\pi,\delta)/(-\delta,\pi)$. Employing a Landau approach, we obtain the generic magnetic phase diagram and identify the leading instabilities near the paramagnetic-magnetic transition. Nine distinct magnetic phases exist that either preserve or violate the assumed $C_4$-symmetry of the paramagnetic phase. These are single- and double-$\mathbf{Q}$ phases consisting of magnetic stripes, helices and whirls, either in an individual or coexisting manner. These nine phases can be experimentally distinguished by polarized neutron scattering, or, for example, by combining measurements of the induced charge order and magnetoelectric coupling. Within two representative five-orbital models, suitable for BaFe$_2$As$_2$ and LaFeAsO, we find that the incommensurate magnetic phases discussed here are accessible in iron-based superconductors. Our investigation unveils a set of potential candidates for the unidentified $C_2$-symmetric magnetic phase that was recently observed in Ba$_{1-x}$Na$_x$Fe$_{2}$As$_{2}$. Among the phases stabilized we find a spin-whirl crystal, which is a textured magnetic $C_4$-symmetric phase. The possible experimental observation of textured magnetic orders in iron-based superconductor, opens new directions for realizing intrinsic topological superconductors.
Sample Preparation in the Analysis of Pesticides Residue in Food by Chromatographic Techniques

Food samples present an enormous challenge to analytical chemists in their efforts to determine residues of pesticides at trace levels to satisfy food safety regulations in EU, USA and Japan. The wide array of food matrices from liquids to solids require different sample preparation techniques for accurate and reproducible results with chromatographic techniques such as Gas chromatography(GC) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). In addition, there exists a wide range of pesticides which are used legally for crop protection and their residue content in food must be accurately monitored for safe consumption. The GC and HPLC techniques with different types of detector systems can provide such analysis at trace levels to fulfill the maximum residue levels(MRL) as per the food safety regulations in these countries. However, the accurate and reproducible results often depend upon the sample preparation techniques associated with the different food matrices. Sample preparation has always been regarded as the bottleneck in the analytical laboratory performing numerous analyses, but it is the key to accurate analysis. In this regard, as per pesticide residue analysis, where not only the physical volume of the analyses can be enormous but also the number of pesticides involved can range from a selected few to a broad spectrum depending on the food source. This will usually necessitate the employment of different sample preparation methods for different targeted pesticides as well as the multitude of food matrices. It has been estimated that the sample preparation step in most determinations consume approximately 60 – 70 % of the total time required for the analysis. It must be able to produce analytically accurate results and be economically efficient for routine analysis. In addition, it must be safe and easy to perform. Most sample preparation procedures for GC and HPLC determination follow the basic steps as outlined below: 1. The food sample is homogenized or blended to obtain a uniform matrix. 2. This will be followed by extraction of the pesticide residue with solvents. 3. A cleanup step is employed to remove interfering matrix components from the GC or HPLC chromatograms.
Using Mass Spectrometry to Trace Polyphenols in Human Urine

Diet History Questionnaires (DHQ) can only provide general information about a person’s nutritional intake. It is unable to cluster groups of people based on diets or lifestyles, nor identify specific foods that may play a role in disease prevention. The aim of this study was to validate the use of mass spectrometry as a method of assessing diet, in comparison to DHQs. Additionally, we used principal components analysis (PCA) to cluster subjects based on the concentrations of polyphenols. We compared values of polyphenols with values of DHQs. Sixty subjects’ urine were part of an on-going clinical study of Xanthohumol and Prevention of DNA Damage at the Linus Pauling Institute. DHQs were from the National Institute of Health (NIH) II version. Urine was analyzed using mass spectrometry coupled with an Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC). An algorithm was created to compare both the intensities of polyphenols and food groups from DHQ. Principal component analysis was used to analyze polyphenols separately from DHQs. In comparing mass spectrometry results with DHQ, the strongest correlation value (r >.60, P-value<0.05) was measured for secoisolariciresinol (SECO) and strawberry consumption. Using PCA, we found several polyphenols showed varying concentration between subjects; this validates mass spectrometry while showing the limited abilities of DHQs. Analyzing urine using mass spectrometry provided a more detailed analysis of diet when compared to the broad DHQs.
Graphene-supported manipulation of surface plasmon polaritons in metallic nanowaveguides

We investigate the electrically controlled light propagation in the metal–dielectric–metal plasmonic waveguide with a sandwiched graphene monolayer. The theoretical and simulation results show that the propagation loss exhibits an obvious peak when the permittivity of graphene approaches an epsilon-near-zero point when adjusting the gate voltage on graphene. The analog of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) can be generated by introducing side-coupled stubs into the waveguide. Based on the EIT-like effect, the hybrid plasmonic waveguide with a length of only 1.5 μm can work as a modulator with an extinction ratio of ∼15.8 dB, which is 2.3 times larger than the case without the stubs. The active modulation of surface plasmon polariton propagation can be further improved by tuning the carrier mobility of graphene. The graphene-supported plasmonic waveguide system could find applications for the nanoscale manipulation of light and chip-integrated modulation.
Shadowing property of coupled nonlinear dynamical system

This paper aims to study the shadowing property of coupled nonlinear dynamical system obtained by combining the fast and slow versions of the three-parameter Lorenz system. Under the assumption that numerical solution has no errors, “pseudo-orbits” are generated by variations in the system’s parameters using the approach developed for computing sensitivity coefficients in chaotic systems.
The Effects of Corporate Governance on Enterprise Risk Management: Evidence from Malaysian Shariah-Compliant Firms

The 2008 global financial scandals have increased pressure on corporations to improve corporate governance practices particularly on risk management. As a response to the crisis, corporate governance reforms have been evidenced. Enterprise risk management (ERM) was introduced as one of the mechanisms that can improve corporate governance practices particularly on risk management. Since its introduction, ERM has received major attention from corporations. Despite the claim that ERM is the solution for corporate governance deficiency, the number of empirical research examining this new field is still limited. Thus, this study aimed at assessing the current development of ERM practices and identifying corporate governance characteristics that influence ERM implementation among Malaysian Shariah-compliant firms. The extent of ERM implementation was measured by using ERM Dimension index (ERMDi). A questionnaire survey was developed based on ERMDi to gather information on the extent of ERM practices. Four corporate governance characteristics were examined that are risk management committee (RMC), board size, proportion of non-executive directors and board expertise and its influence to ERM implementation. The data was analyzed by using Partial Least Squares and Structural Equation Modelling technique (PLS-SEM). Findings of this study show that the extent of ERM implementation among sample firms is at the moderate level and based on PLS-SEM analyses, board size and board expertise has a strong influence to ERM implementation. This study, find support that corporate governance characteristics have a positive and significant association with ERM implementation. The findings of this paper provide an additional empirical evidence regarding the extent of ERM practices and corporate governance characteristics that would influence ERM implementation among Malaysian Shariah-compliant firms.
Derivation of fast converging 2-D periodic Green's function series using PML-based eigenmodes

A fast converging 2-D periodic Green’s function for a layered medium is derived based on eigenmodes of the layered substrate terminated by a perfectly matched layer (PML). The PMLtermination mimics the open configuration, yet allowing a description of the problem in terms of discrete modes. Exponential convergence is achieved by combining the PML-based modal series expansion with a truncated periodic Green’s function series in the spatial domain. The efficiency of the new approach is illustrated by first comparing the convergence of this new series to the conventional series expansions for the periodic Green’s function in the spectral and spatial domains. Finally the new period Green’s function is applied to study scattering by a grid of metallic wires embedded in a dielectric slab. It is shown that the new technique results in a significant speed-up compared to existing approaches.
How Deep is Your I / O ? Toward Practical Large-Scale I / O Optimization via Machine Learning Methods

Performance-related diagnostic data routinely collected by administrators of HPC machines is an excellent target for the application of machine learning approaches. There is a clear notion of “good” and “bad” and there is an obvious application: performance prediction and optimization. In this paper we will detail utilizing machine learning to model I/O on the Blue Waters supercomputer. We will outline data collection alongside usage of two representative machine learning approaches. Our final goal is the creation of a practical utility to advise application developers on I/O optimization strategies and further provide a heuristic allowing developers to weigh efforts against expectations. We have additionally devised an incremental experimental framework in an attempt to pinpoint impacts and causes thereof; in this way we hope to partially open the machine learning black box and communicate additional insights/considerations for future efforts. Keywords-component; formatting; style; styling;
Dietary energy level affects the composition of cecal microbiota of starter Pekin ducklings

Liu J.-Q. , Wang Y. -H. , Fang X. -T. , Xie M. , Zhang Y. -S. , Hou S. -S. , Chen H. , Chen G. -H. , Zhang C. -L. (2018): Dietary energy level affects the composition of cecal microbiota of starter Pekin ducklings. Czech J. Anim. Sci., 63, 24–31. In this study, we evaluated the phylogenetic diversity of the cecal microbiota of 3-week-old ducklings fed three diets differing in metabolizable energy. The contents of the ceca were collected from ducklings of different groups. The ceca bacterial DNA was isolated and the V3 to V4 regions of 16S rRNA genes were amplified. The amplicons were subjected to high-throughput sequencing to analyze the bacterial diversity of different groups. The predominant bacterial phyla were Bacteroidetes (~65.67%), Firmicutes (~17.46%), and Proteobacteria (~10.73%). The abundance of Bacteroidetes increased and that of Firmicutes decreased with increasing dietary energy level. The diversity decreased (Simpson diversity index and Shannon diversity index) with the increase in dietary energy level, but the richness remained constant. Notably, Brachyspira bacteria were detected with a very high relative abundance (4.91%) in ceca of ducks fed a diet with 11.30 MJ/kg metabolizable energy, suggesting that low energy content may affect their colonization in cecum.