Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ciliate mitoribosome illuminates evolutionary steps of mitochondrial translation

To understand the steps involved in the evolution of translation, we used Tetrahymena thermophila, a ciliate with high coding capacity of the mitochondrial genome, as the model organism and characterized its mitochondrial ribosome (mitoribosome) using cryo-EM. The structure of the mitoribosome reveals an assembly of 94-ribosomal proteins and four-rRNAs with an additional protein mass of ~700 kDa on the small subunit, while the large subunit lacks 5S rRNA. The structure also shows that the small subunit head is constrained, tRNA binding sites are formed by mitochondria-specific protein elements, conserved protein bS1 is excluded, and bacterial RNA polymerase binding site is blocked. We provide evidence for anintrinsic protein targeting system through visualization of mitochondria-specific mL105 by the exit tunnel that would facilitate the recruitment of a nascent polypeptide. Functional protein uS3m is encoded by three complementary genes from the nucleus and mitochondrion, establishing a link between genetic drift and mitochondrial translation. Finally, we reannotated nine open reading frames in the mitochondrial genome that code for mitoribosomal proteins.
IEOR8100: Economics, AI, and Optimization Lecture Note 1: Introduction and Examples

The course will examine three different areas of game theory and economics. Each area will have real-life applications that have been deployed. So why AI and optimization? A common theme underlying all the areas that we will study is that for each area, one or more of the real applications are enabled by AI and optimization. In particular, we will repeatedly see that economic solution concepts often have some underlying convex or mixed-integer formulation of the problem, that allows us to compute solutions. Furthermore, most applications will require scaling at a level where standard optimization methods are not enough. In those settings, AI methods such as abstraction or machine learning are often used. For example, we may have a game that is way too large to even fit in memory. In that case, we can generate some coarse-grained representation of the problem using abstraction or machine learning. This coarse-grained representation is then typically what we solve with optimization methods.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION OF REPRODUCTION IN MILKWEEDS

Asclepiadaceae are the dicot counterparts to the Orchidaceae, which also transmit their pollen grains in large groups within pollinia. Unlike many terrestrial, nectar-producing orchids, however, milkweeds are characterized by low fruit-set, typically averaging 1-5%. Transfer of hundreds of pollen
Characterization of dormancy behaviour in seeds of the model legume Medicago truncatula

Abstract Seeds of Medicago truncatula, a genomic model species for legumes, exhibit physiological and physical dormancy. Here, the factors influencing the germination behaviour of freshly harvested and stored seeds were investigated using several genotypes. Hardseededness is promoted when mature seeds are equilibrated at relative humidities (RH) below 75%. The release of physical dormancy during imbibition was dependent on the initial water content/RH that the seeds were dried to: the drier the seeds, the longer the imbibition time needed to break physical dormancy. The kinetics of physical dormancy release was slower than that of physiological dormancy, making it possible to uncouple both phenomena. Freshly harvested embryos without seed coverings germinated at the same speed as afterripened seeds. The depth of dormancy varied between different M. truncatula genotypes, from more to less dormant: DZA315.16>A17 (Jemalong)>R108>DZA45.5. This difference was eliminated by removing the endosperm. Collectively, these observations indicate that the endosperm is likely the main factor in the reduced germination of freshly harvested seeds. White light decreased germination speed of dormant seeds whereas it had no effect on non-dormant seeds. Recently harvested seeds were most dormant at temperatures above 17°C, whereas afterripened seeds germinated over a wider range of temperature. Fluridone could efficiently break dormancy, reinforcing the role of abscisic acid (ABA) synthesis. However, dormancy was not affected by gibberellic acid (100 μM GA3) or nitrate. The particular dormancy features unravelled here for M. truncatula, combined with the available genomic resources, make it a new, useful model for genetic and molecular studies which can complement those developed for Arabidopsis.
Spawning Characteristics and Steroid Hormone Profiles in the Wild Female Japanese Sardine Sardinops melanostictus

(0.28-1.95 ng/ml) during vitellogenesis, whereas the concentration was remarkably high (71.63 ng/ml) at final oocyte maturation, and showed a marked decline (3.11 ng/ml) just after spawning. Thus, a clear shift in the predominance of estradiol-17ƒÀ, which induces oocyte growth, to MIH during final oocyte maturation was confirmed in the Japanese sardine. The ovarian histology and these hormonal profiles
A new species of Liolaemus (Reptilia: Squamata: Liolaemini) from southern Mendoza province, Argentina

A new species of lizard of the genus Liolaemus from southern Mendoza Province, western Argentina, is described. The new species is a member of the Liolaemus donosobarrosi group, and molecular data show it as sister taxon of L. josei differing in size, squamation, coloration, and sexual dimorphism. Liolaemus sp. nov. is terrestrial, dwelling on sandy soil in a shrubby piedmont of small hills, and seems to have low population density.
Edinburgh Research Explorer Ablation of the canonical testosterone production pathway via knockout of the steroidogenic enzyme HSD17B3, reveals a novel mechanism of testicular testosterone production

Male development, fertility, and lifelong health are all androgen-dependent. Approximately 95% of circulating testosterone is synthesized by the testis and the final step in this canonical pathway is controlled by the activity of the hydroxys-teroid-dehydrogenase-17-beta-3 (HSD17B3). To determine the role of HSD17B3 in testosterone production and androgenization during male development and function we have characterized a mouse model lacking HSD17B3. The data reveal that developmental masculinization and fertility are normal in mutant males. Ablation of HSD17B3 inhibits hyperstimulation of testosterone production by hCG, al-though basal testosterone levels are maintained despite the absence of HSD17B3. the adult phenotype, showing that, as in
A Novel Apprehension of the Primary Lung Meridian, Sinew Channel, Divergent Channel, Luo-Connecting Channel Acting as a Single Unit System to Serve Respiration Function Based on Modern Neurophysiology and Kinesiology

The TCM philosophy of a meridian and associated channels pertains to the specific function of one or more organs. We define the Lung Primary Meridian (LUM) together with the Lung Sinew (LUSC), Divergent (LUDC), Luo-connecting (LULCC) Channels as a system of routes plus some parts of the body (such as muscles) to fulfil respiration, as a main function under different situations. There is very limited information about the Lung associated channels in classical literature of TCM. With a clear focus on the function of respiration, we have carried out a detailed analysis of the biomedical consequence of stimulating the LUM, analysed the roles played by LUSC, LUDC, and LULCC. The updated LUM and LUDC include acupoints of other meridians, serving the same purpose of performing satisfactory respiration starting from checking the quality of the inflow through the nose. The LUSC includes the respiratory muscles (plus the associated connective tissues) extending to various parts of the body. The muscles of the limb (as part of the LUSC) embrace the nerves that provide routes for somatosensory reflexes and play the role of locomotion, providing voluntary respiration via the pectoralis muscles. The muscles of LUSC are bounded by stiff connective tissue layers, forming compartments, and are part of the pulley system for various body locomotions. Within a compartment, the interstitial fluid, blood, lymph flows must be potent to protect the associated nerves related to LUM; the healthy state of the LUSC also provides freedom of various types of locomotion. The LULCC exists because the vagus nerve has a part of it passing through the spinal cords all the way down to the sacrum domain, with exiting nerve innervating two-third of the large intestine. The crucial steps of our deductions are supported by experimental evidence based on modern neurophysiology and kinesiology. We discover that all the four channels stated above work as a unit system to allow respiration to be possible under various postures/conditions. The complexity of structures and processes is eased off by providing 29 figures and 13 tables for the relevant muscles and nerves. In addition to respiration, the Lung system in TCM context includes interaction of this system with the sweat gland and neuroendocrine system; such aspects will be left to another study.
Tasmanian octopus fishery assessment 2015/2016

Biomass in the Octopus pallidus fishery is indicated by trends in catch per unit effort (CPUE), which decreased from 2005/06 to 2011/12. Since 2011/12, CPUE has fluctuated around 60% of the reference year. Catch is used as a proxy for fishing mortality and in 2015/16 decreased to its lowest level since 2011/12, with similar declines in fishing effort. Historical high levels of fishing effort are likely associated with declines in fishery-wide CPUE but the magnitude of this effect is masked by shifts in spatial fishing effort and the biology of the species. In 2015/16, fishing mortality reduced to within historically sustainable levels where future depletion of the biomass appears unlikely. On this basis Octopus pallidus in Tasmania is classified as a sustainable stock.
Larvicidal Efficacy of Plant Oils Against the Dengue Vector Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae)

The bioactivity of ten plant oils, Cedar wood (Cedrus atlantica), Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), Clove (Myrtus caryophyllum), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), Lemon grass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), Orange (Citrus sinensis), Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii), Pine (Pinus radiata) and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) were tested at 125, 250, 500 and 1000 ppm concentrations against the third instar larvae of Aedes aegypti. Larval mortality was observed after 24 hours. Among the plant oils tested, orange oil exhibited highest larvicidal activity with LC of 85.93, followed by palmarosa 50 with 88.78, tulsi with 92.48 and nutmeg oil with 93.62 ppm.
Significance of algal viruses and ecology of Phaeocystis host- virus interactions

The ecological significance of algal viruses is suggested by the presence of algal cells containing virus like particles, the presence of viruses infecting specific algae and the succession of phytoplankton and virus in natural aquatic ecosystems. The interaction between Phaeocystis pouchetii and the lytic virus PpV01 was investigated in laboratory microcosms. The experiments show that P. pouchetii is susceptible to virus infection in all stages of growth, and that nitrate, phosphate and light limitation of algal growth do not prevent virus reproduction and cell lysis. Inferior growth conditions caused a decrease in burst size of > 50% compared to more copious growth conditions. The length of the lytic cycle and the infectivity of the viruses was apparently not affected by the host’s growth conditions. Viral infection did not affect photosynthesis until near the onset of cell lysis. Release of dissolved organic carbon was low in non-infected cultures, while in infected cultures the entire algal biomass was converted to DOC. The DOC released during viral lysis was rapidly and efficiently utilized for bacterial growth.
ATP fosters the tuning of nanostructured CeO2 peroxidase-like activity for promising antibacterial performance

An enduring and formidable challenge in nanozyme catalysis is low sensitivity and operational instability, which impedes their biological usage. In this contribution fluorite-structured cerium oxide nanocrystals (CeO2 NCs) with ∼23.04% Ce3+ fraction were found to possess recyclable (10 cycles) peroxidase (POD)-like activity capable of catalyzing the oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) when hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) serves as oxidant, and exhibit high substrate affinity under acidic conditions. We tuned this catalytic activity at neutral pH (7.4) using adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It was found that ATP stabilizes the oxidation product and improves catalytic performance at neutral pH. Mechanistic investigation reveals that oxidation of TMB originates from catalyst (CeO2 NCs)-directed decomposition of H2O2, which pools hydroxyl (˙OH) radicals under acidic and neutral environments; kinetic studies indicate a Michaelis–Menten enzyme kinetic model. Notably, above pH 4.5, ATP facilitates a drop in catalyst Km values of about 2.5 and 4.79 times for TMB and H2O2, respectively, suggesting high affinity favouring reaction feasibility at neutral pH. Screening of other relevant modulators shows the following order in promoting catalysis at neutral pH: ATP > histidine ≥ ADP >AMP. This pH-tunable POD-mimic CeO2 nanozyme realizes a nanocatalytic strategy for sourcing ˙OH radicals, which contributes to anti-bacterial performance. This study provides new insight for designing nanozymes and expanding the use of nanozymes in biomedicine.
Understanding Luxury Consumption Based on Income: Empirical Evidences from Young Vietnamese

Luxury is defined as ‘an inessential, desirable item that is expensive or difficult to obtain’ and yet many people still desire it. It is not uncommon that people save up for a product that usually beyond of their affordability. For the scope of this paper, luxury consumption is buying something that beyond one’s affordability. This paper aims to conceptualize luxury consumption behavior in Vietnam by examining the relationships between materialism, perfectionism, hedonism, social adjustive and their impact on how young people choose outfits for first day of work.
Precarious or decent work? Perceived working conditions and life satisfaction of SME workers in Bangladesh

This study measures key indicators of perceived precariousness and decent works, and their relative effects on life satisfaction of workers in small and medium-sized enterprises. Using a random sample survey, we interviewed 103 workers in four districts of Sylhet division in Bangladesh. Utilizing Smart PLS application for structural equation modeling, we iterated the samples 1000 times which resulted in a new sample size standing at 499. We used a Likert-type five-point scaling technique with appropriate items related to the latent constructs of the model. We found perceived precariousness has the highest causal relations with a path coefficient of 0.706 with “social dialogue�? followed by 0.539 with “working hour�? issue, 0.345 with “life satisfaction�? and 0.301 with “unacceptable work�? issue. The importance-performance map analysis confirms that perceived precarity is the most critical construct for worker’s life satisfaction. Thus, in a ceteris paribus, an increase of one point in the performance on the perceived precarity is expected to increase in the performance on the life satisfaction by a total effect level of 0.428. Therefore, we recommend further attention should be paid by the policymakers to the issue of consciousness of the precarity at the workplace for a better life satisfaction of workers.
Politics and the UK's Monetary Policy

This paper examines whether politics causes regime shifts in deviations from the optimal monetary policy in the United Kingdom. After using a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model to construct the welfare‐maximizing policy rule and deviations from the optimal Taylor rule, we show that politics does indeed play an important role in explaining these deviations. In addition to politics, unemployment rates account for regime shifts in the Taylor rule deviations.
A small molecule inhibitor of -cateninCREB-binding protein transcription

Inheritedandsomaticmutationsintheadenomatouspolyposiscolioccur in most colon cancers, leading to activation of -catenin-responsive genes. To identify small molecule antagonists of thispathway, we challenged transformed colorectal cells with a sec-ondary structure-templated chemical library, looking for com-pounds that inhibit a
Monitoring COVID‐19 contagion growth

We present a statistical model that can be employed to monitor the time evolution of the COVID‐19 contagion curve and the associated reproduction rate. The model is a Poisson autoregression of the daily new observed cases and dynamically adapt its estimates to explain the evolution of contagion in terms of a short‐term and long‐term dependence of case counts, allowing for a comparative evaluation of health policy measures. We have applied the model to 2020 data from the countries most hit by the virus. Our empirical findings show that the proposed model describes the evolution of contagion dynamics and determines whether contagion growth can be affected by health policies. Based on our findings, we can draw two health policy conclusions that can be useful for all countries in the world. First, policy measures aimed at reducing contagion are very useful when contagion is at its peak to reduce the reproduction rate. Second, the contagion curve should be accurately monitored over time to apply policy measures that are cost‐effective.
Incentive Schemes, High Skilled Labors, and Technological Innovation in an Emerging Market

We study the real effect of employee compensation by examining how employee stock options affect firm innovation. Using exogenous variation in the use of employee stock options generated by regulation change in China as well as the System GMM approach to address endogeneity, we document a positive effect of employee stock options on technological innovation. We provide evidence suggesting that granting employee options facilitates technological innovation by encouraging risk taking, and the positive effect is more pronounced for non-government owned firms. In addition, offering stock options to employees who are more important to innovation, such as the core technology engineers and inventors, is a plausible channel through which stock options offerings facilitate technological innovation.
Intellectual Property Rights, Product Complexity and the Organization of Multinational Firms (Droits de propriété intellectuelle, complexité du produit, et organisation des entreprises plurinationales)

This paper studies how the intellectual property right (IPR) regime in destination countries influences the decision of firms between procurement from related parties and from independent suppliers while the latter may involve technology sharing or not. Using firm-level data on the mode choice for each transaction and a new product complexity measure, results confirm that firms are generally reluctant to source complex goods from outside firm boundaries. However, when technology is shared, IPRs promote outsourcing of more complex goods whereas without technology sharing, IPRs promote outsourcing of less complex products that are prone to reverse engineering and simpler to imitate.
A way forward? The impact of interculturalism on intergroup relations in culturally diverse nations

Various diversity ideologies including assimilation, colorblindness, and multiculturalism have been promoted with mixed results about their costs and benefits. In the current research, we consider the impact of a new diversity ideology, interculturalism, discussed and debated by political philosophers and policy-makers as the “way forward. ” Across three experiments (N = 1230) in two ethnically diverse nations, we examined the causal impact of promoting interculturalism on intergroup relations. Data revealed that interculturalism reduced outgroup prejudice, increased willingness to engage in intergroup contact, improved implicit attitudes, and increased behavioral trust and cooperation relative to controls. Reductions in essentialist beliefs partially mediated the impact of interculturalism, highlighting one psychological mechanism underlying the benefits of interculturalism. However, interculturalism was found to be no better than multiculturalism in its impact on intergroup relations in two of three experiments. Collectively, these studies suggest that interculturalism may be a promising new diversity strategy for improving intergroup relations.
Standard Review Current trends in molecular epidemiology studies of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is one of the most harmful human pathogens worldwide, and there are mass efforts for controlling this pathogen. One of the powerful tools to find out and control this pathogen is molecular epidemiology techniques. Currently, wide ranges of techniques are available to type mycobacterium tuberculosis, and choosing the correct technique as a portable and standard method is difficult. IS6110 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) remains gold standard method on genotyping to date, but it is labor intensive and inefficient on samples which have fewer than six copy numbers of IS6110. In the recent years, some new methods have been introduced for genotyping of mycobacterium tuberculosis such as mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) and Spoligotyping. The present review tries to introduce new approaches in molecular techniques for epidemiological investigation of tuberculosis and to illustrate advantages and problems associated with them.
Design of sliding mode for chattering-free variable structure control

In this paper, a kind of sliding mode is defined for continuous-time systems. Such sliding mode can be designed using any of linear control methods, like as optimal control, pole assignment, and so on for the overall system, which is different with the general sliding mode designed in the reduced-order system. The designed feedback rule is considered as an equivalent control. For the system without any parameter uncertainty and external disturbance, the trajectories in the state space with the equivalent control for any initial state form the sliding mode, i.e. the proposed sliding mode is a set of trajectories of the system known exactly with the equivalent control for any initial state. Then for a continuous-time system with parameter uncertainty and external disturbance, a chattering-free variable structure (VS) control law is designed to move the state to the sliding mode in a finite time. Such VS control method can be easily extended to servo control, output feedback control, and discrete-time VS control problems. The simulation results show that the proposed VS controller has good control performance without chattering.
Proceeding Series of the Brazilian Society of Computational and Applied Mathematics A General Discrete Patches Approach to Investigate the Populational Dynamics of Mosquitoes and Humans in Dengue

In areas where resources are located in patches or discrete locations, human dispersal is more conveniently modeled, in which the population is divided into discrete patches. In this work we develop a general discrete model to analyze the spread of Dengue disease. In the process of mathematical modeling we take into account the human populations and the circulation of a single serotype of dengue mosquitoes. The movements of susceptible, infected and recovered humans between all patches is considered. Aquatic phase with differents carrying capacities is considered within the patches. In this formulation an arbitrary number of patches can be used to simulation of the spread of dengue disease. Numerical results was performed in order to show the applicability of this methodology for the dengue disease problem.