Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Green Sperm. Identiﬁcation of Male Gamete Promoters in Arabidopsis 1[w]

Previously, in an effort to better understand the male contribution to fertilization, we completed a maize ( Zea mays ) sperm expressed sequence tag project. Here, we used this resource to identify promoters that would direct gene expression in sperm cells. We used reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to identify probable sperm-speciﬁc transcripts in maize and then identiﬁed their best sequence matches in the Arabidopsis ( Arabidopsis thaliana ) genome. We tested ﬁve different Arabidopsis promoters for cell speciﬁcity, using an enhanced green ﬂuorescent protein reporter gene. In pollen, the AtGEX1 ( At5g55490 ) promoter is active in the sperm cells and not in the progenitor generative cell or in the vegetative cell, but it is also active in ovules, roots, and guard cells. The AtGEX2 ( At5g49150 ) promoter is active only in the sperm cells and in the progenitor generative cell, but not in the vegetative cell or in other tissues. A third promoter, AtVEX1 ( At5g62580 ), was active in the vegetative cell during the later stages of pollen development; the other promoters tested ( At1g66770 and At1g73350 ) did not function in pollen. Comparisons among GEX1 and GEX2 homologs from maize, rice ( Oryza sativa ), Arabidopsis, and poplar ( Populus trichocarpa ) revealed a core binding site for Dof transcription factors. The AtGEX1 and AtGEX2 promoters will be useful for manipulating gene expression in sperm cells, for localization and functional analyses of sperm proteins, and for imaging of sperm dynamics as they are transported in the pollen tube to the embryo sac.
Reinforcement Learning Applied to Select Traffic Scheduling Method in Intersections

Effective scheduling of trafﬁc is vital for a city to function optimally. For high-density trafﬁc in urban areas, intersections and how they schedule trafﬁc plays an integral part in preventing congestion. Current trafﬁc light scheduling methods predominantly consist of using ﬁxed time intervals to schedule trafﬁc, a method not taking advantage of the technological leaps of recent years. With the unpredictable characteristic of trafﬁc and urban population ever-expanding, conventional trafﬁc scheduling becomes less effective due to them being non-adaptive. Therefore, the study sought out to investigate if a trafﬁc scheduler utilising reinforcement learning could perform better than traditional trafﬁc scheduling policies used today, more speciﬁcally ﬁxed-interval scheduling. A solution involving a reinforcement agent choosing different predeﬁned scheduling methods with varied characteristics was implemented. This implementation was successful in lowering the average waiting time of cars passing the intersection compared to ﬁxed-interval scheduling. This was made possible by the agent regularly applying suitable scheduling method for the present trafﬁc conditions. Reinforcement learning could, therefore, be a viable approach to scheduling trafﬁc in intersections. However, the reinforcement agent had a limited overview of the current trafﬁc environment at its disposal which could have consequences for the result.
THE LONG-RUN IMPACT OF WORLD OIL PRICES ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY IN SELECTED STAPLE CROPS IN NIGERIA: 1980-2014

: This study analyzed the long-run impact of world oil prices on agricultural productivity in selected staple crops in Nigeria. The analysis was based on the input and output quantities of the crop sub-sector, which is the dominant sub-sector of agriculture of Nigeria. Secondary data which were sourced from secondary sources such as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) annual statistical bulletin were used for the study. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to analyse data collected. The result of the study showed that world oil price had a negative long-run effect on agricultural productivity at 5% level of significance. Furthermore, world oil price has a negative long-run effect on individual crop productivities at 5% level of significance. Hike in oil price no doubt results to hike in agricultural production resources which make production resources inaccessible to the resource-poor farmers. The consequence is a decline in agricultural productivity. Hence it is necessary that provision should be made by government and other stake holders to cushion the effect of hike in price of production resources to farmers so that agricultural production can continue unhindered.
mRNA Polysome Loading a Ribonucleoproteins and Regulates TNF-Tristetraprolin-Containing Messenger Cullin 4B Is Recruited to

TNF- a is a central mediator of inﬂammation and critical for host response to infection and injury. TNF- a biosynthesis is controlled by transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms allowing for rapid, transient production. Tristetraprolin (TTP) is an AU-rich element binding protein that regulates the stability of the TNF- a mRNA. Using a screen to identify TTP-interacting proteins, we identiﬁed Cullin 4B (Cul4B), a scaffolding component of the Cullin ring ﬁnger ligase family of ubiquitin E3 ligases. Short hairpin RNA knockdown of Cul4B results in a signiﬁcant reduction in TNF- a protein and mRNA in LPS-stimulated mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells as well as a reduction in TTP protein. TNF- a message t 1/2 was reduced from 69 to 33 min in LPS-stimulated cells. TNF-3 9 untranslated region luciferase assays utilizing wild-type and mutant TTP-AA (S52A, S178A) indicate that TTP function is enhanced in Cul4B short hairpin RNA cells. Importantly, the fold induction of TNF- a mRNA polysome loading in response to LPS stimulation is reduced by Cul4B knockdown. Cul4B is present on the polysomes and colocalizes with TTP to exosomes and processing bodies, which are sites of mRNA decay. We conclude that Cul4B licenses the TTP-containing TNF- a messenger ribonucleoprotein for loading onto polysomes, and reduction of Cul4B expression shunts the messenger ribonucleoproteins into the degradative pathway. The Journal of Immunology , 2012, 188: 000–000. stable knockdown of Cul4B by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) LPS-induced TTP protein levels and blunts LPS-induced TNF- a production in TNF- a mRNA levels are reduced in LPS-stimulated Cul4B shRNA is the TNF- a mRNA t shRNA t min, CulB4 t = min). An of TTP activity by TNF- a luciferase assays that both wild-type TTP and the TTP-AA (Ser alanine) mutant are signiﬁcantly more active in Cul4B shRNA macrophages. Neither the combined activation of p38 and ERK nor proteasome inhibition completely blocked TTP activity in the Cul4B shRNA cells. Subcellular fractionation and immunocytochemistry demonstrates the presence of Cul4B on the polysomes and Cul4B colocalization with TTP to both P-bodies and exosome granules.
Contribution à la modélisation dynamique d'ordre non entier de la machine asynchrone à cage

La machine asynchrone d’induction, associee a un convertisseur statique de frequence ou directement sur le reseau, est la plus repandue dans l’industrie. La modelisation de son comportement dynamique peut s’effectuer de facon simple par circuits electriques equivalents a elements fixes. Cette methode ne prend pas en compte le comportement frequentiel de la machine. Les courants de Foucault dans les barres rotoriques induisent en effet de fortes variations tant de l’inductance que de la resistance du rotor. Ce phenomene, appele « effet de peau » est un phenomene physique a caractere diffusif. Son comportement est donc modelisable de facon compacte en faisant appel a la derivee fractionnaire (ordre non entier). Le memoire, dans sa premiere partie, analyse theoriquement le phenomene electromagnetique sur une barre rotorique isolee avant d’aborder le rotor dans son ensemble. Cette analyse est confirmee par les resultats issus des calculs numeriques du champ magnetique. Ces resultats de simulation sont exploites pour identifier un modele d’ordre non entier de la machine (methode d’identification de Levenberg-Marcquardt). Les resultats obtenus presentent une excellente concordance sur une large bande de frequence (6 decades). Dans une deuxieme partie, le modele est confronte a une identification a partir de resultats experimentaux. Il faut souligner la grande difficulte que presente l’extraction du comportement rotorique a partir des seuls courants et tensions statoriques accessibles. Les resultats confirment la qualite du modele. Dans sa derniere partie, en vue de simulations temporelles, le memoire presente une methode automatique de passage a un modele dynamique approche d’ordre entier sur une gamme de frequence et un ecart admissible predefinis.
On Acoustical Modeling and Validation of Automotive Loudspeaker Grilles

This paper addresses prediction techniques for evaluating the consequences of adding a grille assembly onto a loudspeaker. Numerical modeling is applied in order to assess the acoustical effects imposed on the loudspeaker sub-system defined as a loudspeaker, interface, and grille. Investigations are performed in a virtual infinite baffle scenario under semi-anechoic conditions, where various modeling aspects are included in the studies. The predictions are shown to accurately reproduce the prominent features of the sub-system when compared with experimental data. The paper highlights the intricacies of both measurement and correct modeling of the geometry of the parts and their acoustic properties – particularly at higher audio frequencies.
ARY cAMP Response Element Binding pro neration

Hydra is a freshwater coelenterate that provides an interesting model for developmental biological studies since it is one of the most primitive organisms displaying a head to foot polarity, resulting from a continuous process of headand foot-specific differentiations leading to pattern formation. This differentiation involves few cell types with short differentiation pathways. It is initiated in the undifferentiated body column and is finalised in the extremities of the animal. Thus, the central part of the animal, called the gastric column, contains predominantly undetermined, undifferentiated cells. In contrast, the two ends of the animal, the tentacles and the foot are mostly made up of terminally differentiated cells or cells committed to that process. The two cell layers, ectoderm and endoderm, are separated by an extracellular collageneous structure, the mesoglea. These two layers consist predominantly of epithelio-muscular cells and of interstitial cells which constitute the stem cells for nerve cells, gland cells, nematocytes and for gametes in the sexual cycle. Under standard laboratory culture conditions most hydra species reproduce sexu agg Re process which involves no growth at least within the first hours after cutting (Park et al., 1970; Holstein et al., 1991). The remaining gastric tissue undergoes determination and differentiation leading to the re-establishment of positional values (Wolpert et al., 1974). The injury effect has been shown to be a prerequisite to regeneration and, as stimulation of nerve cell differentiation is an early event following wounding of the animal (Holstein et al., 1986; Hoffmeister and Schaller, 1987), nerve-cell differentiation is believed to play a key role in regenerative processes. Two types of signals control the ordered spatial and temporal patterns of differentiation resulting in morphogenesis: positive signals induce specific, local differentiation events, and negative signals inhibit the spread of such inductions to larger areas (reviewed by Schaller et al., 1989). Headspecific growth and differentiation processes are initiated by head activator (HA) and inhibited by head inhibitor (HI). Footspecific development depends on the presence of foot activator Develop Printed i
A Vulnerability Paradox in the Cross-National Prevalence of PTSD

Background Determinants of cross-national differences in the prevalence of mental illness are poorly understood. Aim To test whether national PTSD rates can be explained by a) rates of exposure to trauma, and b) countries’ overall cultural and socioeconomic vulnerability to adversity. We collected general population studies on lifetime PTSD and trauma exposure, measured using the WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interview (DSM-IV). PTSD prevalence was identified for 24 countries (86,687 respondents) and exposure for 16 countries (53,038 respondents). PTSD was predicted using exposure and vulnerability data. approximately in the national prevalence of
DIPLOMARBEIT Overlapping Generations under Hyperbolic Discounting

Hyperbolic discounting has been argued to inevitably lead to time-inconsistent behaviour. In this thesis a time-consistent method of hyperbolic discounting is introduced to the Blanchard-Yaari-Buiter model of overlapping generations in continuous time. Results are compared by using an argument that ensures equivalent present values of a constant utility stream for both discounting methods. Analysis at an aggregate level in a closed economy shows that for high life expectancies the economy is balanced at a lower interest rate under hyperbolic discounting than under conventional exponential discounting and vice versa. This is due to the fact that hyperbolically discounting individuals exhibit higher discount rates in the short run but more savings in the long run.
NDT_A_252177 1257..1263

Toshinori Shirata 1 Akihito Suzuki Yoshihiko Matsumoto Keisuke Noto Kaoru Goto 2 Koichi Otani 1Department of Psychiatry, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan; 2Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan Purpose: It is suggested that increased methylation of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene is involved in the pathogenesis of depression, while sociotropy and autonomy are proposed as personality vulnerability factors in cognitive model of depression. We examined the interrelation between BDNF gene methylation and sociotropy or autonomy, with taking into account the previously reported deleterious effect of parental overprotection on sociotropy. Materials and Methods: The participants consisted of 90 healthy Japanese volunteers. Methylation levels of the BDNF gene in peripheral blood were quantified by bisulfite pyrosequencing. Sociotropy and autonomy were assessed by the Sociotropy-Autonomy Scale, and perceived parental protection was evaluated by the Parental Bonding Instrument. Results: In Pearson’s correlation analysis, there was a positive correlation between methylation levels of the BDNF gene and sociotropy scores (p<0.05) but not autonomy scores, and a positive correlation between maternal protection scores and sociotropy scores (p<0.05). In structural equation modeling, two models were proposed; the first one is that hypermethylation of the BDNF gene and maternal overprotection independently contribute to high sociotropy, and the second one is that maternal overprotection contributes to high sociotropy which then leads to hypermethylation of the BDNF gene. Conclusion: The present study suggests an interrelation between increased BDNF gene methylation and high sociotropy.
QUANTITATIVE MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FOR CANCER AND NEUROLOGY A Dissertation Presented By

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an invaluable diagnostic tool for imaging the human body, diagnosing and characterizing diseases, and developing new treatments. In this work, we investigate capabilities of the Quantitative Ultra-short Time-to-echo Contrast-Enhanced (QUTE-CE) MRI to quantify nanoparticle accumulation in tumor, which is of great clinical interest for stratifying cancer patients who may benefit from therapeutic nanoparticles. Using FDA-approved superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION) ferumoxytol in QUTE-CE MRI, we produce quantitative measurement of contrast, delineates clear, positive-contrast brain/tumor vasculature image in mice and rats. In our study, QUTE-CE MRI improved contrast and contrast efficiency compared to conventional high-resolution T1and T2-weighted imaging. Whole tumor analysis demonstrates enhanced delineation of nanoparticle accumulation. This technique allows for identification and characterization of local hotspots in ferumoxytol uptake. QUTE-CE MRI is sufficiently sensitive to detect radiation-induced changes in both ferumoxytol penetrance and focal accumulation. QUTE-CE MRI is ideally suited for noninvasive visualization and quantification of tumor nanoparticle uptake, and accordingly, it can potentially be used for identifying cancer patients who can respond to treatment with therapeutic nanoparticles. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most prevalent risks of death and disability in young people; about 1.6 million cases are reported per year in the US. Some of the most devastating injuries from brain trauma are the rupturing of arteries between the dura and the skull in an epidural hematoma (blood brain barrier disruption), as well as tears in emissary veins, resulting in hemorrhagic contusions seen in subdural hematomas. This accumulation of blood can squeeze and increase pressure on the brain. Here, we introduce
A novel (cid:1) 4/7-conotoxin LvIA from Conus lividus that selectively blocks (cid:1) 3 (cid:2) 2 vs . (cid:1) 6/ (cid:1) 3 (cid:2) 2 (cid:2) 3 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

This study was performed to discover and characterize the ﬁrst potent (cid:1) 3 (cid:2) 2-subtype-selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) ligand. A novel (cid:1) 4/7-conotoxin, (cid:1) -CTxLvIA, was cloned from Conus lividus . Its pharmacological proﬁle at Xenopus laevis oocyte-expressed rat nAChR subtypes was determined by 2-electrode voltage-clamp electrophysiology, and its 3-dimensional (3D) structure was determined by NMR spectroscopy. (cid:1) -CTx LvIA is a 16-aa C-terminally-amidated peptide with 2-disulﬁde bridges. Using rat subunits expressed in Xenopus oocytes,
Gestational Weight Gain and Changes in Body Composition in Pregnant Women with BMI ≥25 Kg/m 2 Undergoing a Healthy Lifestyle Program Starting Early in Pregnancy

Introduction: we evaluated the utility of bioimpedance analysis and the SenseWear armband for monitoring gestational weight gain (GWG) in overweight/obese pregnant women. Materials and methods: Sixty overweight/obese pregnant women were recruited and advised to follow a physical activity (PA) program (sessions gradually increasing to 30 minutes of mild physical activity intensity per day at least 4-5 days a week) with caloric restriction (1500 kcal/day + 200 kcal/day for obese and 300 kcal/day for overweight women). Weight, GWG and body composition were measured at enrollment (within the 12 th week of gestation), at the 16 th , 20 th , 32 nd , and 36 th week, at delivery and 12 weeks after delivery using BIA. The patients were also instructed to wear the SWA, for 5 consecutive days, at enrollment, and at the 20 th and 36 th weeks of gestation. Results: GWG at delivery was 12.6 ± 5.4 kg for overweight, 9.0 ± 8.0 kg for obese women and 3.3 ± 5.3 kg for morbidly obese women. Nine overweight (60.0%), 22 obese (66.7%) and 10 morbidly obese (90.9%) women remained within the Institute of Medicine recommended ranges at delivery. Overall percentual body composition changed significantly throughout pregnancy, (fat-free mass: 53.4 ± 6.1 to 56.9 ± 6.5; FM = 40.9 ± 12.8 to 44.1 ± 11.8, p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that women who adhered to the prescribed diet achieved a lower GWG (CI 95% = -1.65-0.54; r = -1.10, p = 0.001). Conclusion : The efficacy of the intervention depends directly on the adherence to the prescribed diet and PA program. women . The efficacy of the intervention depends directly on the adherence to the prescribed diet and physical activity help them to reach an optimal GWG.
Diffraction-engineered holography: Beyond the coherent limits of holographic displays

holograms we propose a diﬀraction- engineered hologram, which imitates real world incoherent light by adopting a multi- plane hologram[11, 12], thereby oﬀering a real world-like defocus blur and a photorealistic reconstruction. Our hologram is synthesized by optimizing a wave ﬁeld to reconstruct numerous varifocal images after propagating the corresponding focal distances where the varifocal images are rendered using a physically-based renderer. By explicitly adopting out-of-focus images as the optimum intensities, the hologram can be synthesized to recon- struct the scene with the correct defocus blur. Moreover, to reduce the computational costs associated with rendering and optimizing, we also demonstrate a network-based synthetic method that requires only an RGB-D image. We experimentally conﬁrm the incoherent-like depth expression of the hologram, while successfully suppressing
UnderSCORE: A proof-of-concept understorey Decision Support System (DSS) Technical manual

Numerous decision-makers have an interest in how forest biodiversity and functioning will alter under environmental change. Currently, forest management models focus predominantly on trees and ignore the herbaceous layer (the understorey). This is a crucial oversight, as the understorey is a biodiversity reservoir, provides vital ecosystem services and can influence forest functioning. We investigated whether decision-makers in forest management across Europe consider the understorey when facing uncertainty. We distributed a questionnaire to decision-makers to assess what objectives drive management decisions. Biodiversity loss, forest regeneration and climate change were top priorities, motivated by a sense of environmental protection. Respondents identified the understorey as an “Important” target and infrequently used recognized decision support systems (DSS). We reviewed available forest management DSS and found a lack of understorey-oriented DSS. We subsequently designed a prototype of an understorey DSS to aid decision-makers in their quest to attain biodiverse and resilient forests for the future. The methods and technicalities of this working prototype of “UnderSCORE” are explained in this report.
CPES Testing with mosaik: Co-Simulation Planning, Execution and Analysis

The complex nature of cyber-physical energy systems (CPES) makes systematic testing of new technologies for these setups challenging. Co-simulation has been identified as an efficient and flexible test approach that allows consideration of interdisciplinary dynamic interactions. However, basic coupling of simulation models alone fails to account for many of the challenges of simulation-based multi-domain testing such as expert collaboration in test planning. This paper illustrates an extended CPES test environment based on the co-simulation framework mosaik. The environment contains capabilities for simulation planning, uncertainty quantification and the development of multi-agent systems. An application case involving virtual power plant control is used to demonstrate the platform’s features. Future extensibility of the highly modular test environment is outlined.