Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Time-aware Graph Relational Attention Network for Stock Recommendation

Recommending stock with the highest return ratio is always a challenging problem in the field of financial technology. In this paper, we propose a time-aware graph relational attention network (TRAN) for stock recommendation based on return ratio ranking. In TRAN, time-aware relational attention mechanism is the key unit to capture time-varying correlation strength between stocks by the interaction of historical sequences and stock description documents. With the dynamic strength, the nodes of the stock relation graph aggregate the features of neighbor stock nodes by graph convolution operation. For a given group of stocks, our model can output the ranking results of stocks according to their return ratios. The experimental results on several real-world datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our TRAN for stock recommendation.
Caprine Bactenecins as Promising Tools for Developing New Antimicrobial and Antitumor Drugs

Proline-rich antimicrobial peptides (PR-AMPs) having a potent antimicrobial activity predominantly toward Gram-negative bacteria and negligible toxicity toward host cells, are attracting attention as new templates for developing antibiotic drugs. We have previously isolated and characterized several bactenecins that are promising in this respect, from the leukocytes of the domestic goat Capra hircus: ChBac5, miniChBac7.5N-α, and -β, as well as ChBac3.4. Unlike the others, ChBac3.4 shows a somewhat unusual pattern of activities for a mammalian PR-AMP: it is more active against bacterial membranes as well as tumor and, to the lesser extent, normal cells. Here we describe a SAR study of ChBac3.4 (RFRLPFRRPPIRIHPPPFYPPFRRFL-NH2) which elucidates its peculiarities and evaluates its potential as a lead for antimicrobial or anticancer drugs based on this peptide. A set of designed structural analogues of ChBac3.4 was explored for antibacterial activity toward drug-resistant clinical isolates and antitumor properties. The N-terminal region was found to be important for the antimicrobial action, but not responsible for the toxicity toward mammalian cells. A shortened variant with the best selectivity index toward bacteria demonstrated a pronounced synergy in combination with antibiotics against Gram-negative strains, albeit with a somewhat reduced ability to inhibit biofilm formation compared to native peptide. C-terminal amidation was examined for some analogues, which did not affect antimicrobial activity, but somewhat altered the cytotoxicity toward host cells. Interestingly, non-amidated peptides showed a slight delay in their impact on bacterial membrane integrity. Peptides with enhanced hydrophobicity showed increased toxicity, but in most cases their selectivity toward tumor cells also improved. While most analogues lacked hemolytic properties, a ChBac3.4 variant with two additional tryptophan residues demonstrated an appreciable activity toward human erythrocytes. The variant demonstrating the best tumor/nontumor cell selectivity was found to more actively initiate apoptosis in target cells, though its action was slower than that of the native ChBac3.4. Its antitumor effectiveness was successfully verified in vivo in a murine Ehrlich ascites carcinoma model. The obtained results demonstrate the potential of structural modification to manage caprine bactenecins’ selectivity and activity spectrum and confirm that they are promising prototypes for antimicrobial and anticancer drugs design.
Sexual Differences in Physiological and Transcriptional Responses to Salinity Stress of Salix linearistipularis

Willow (Salix), a dioecious plant, is an important ornamental tree species in the world. Salix linearistipularis, a perennial woody plant species naturally distributed on the Songnen Plain saline-alkali land in northeast China, has a high saline condition. To study the sexual differences of S. linearistipularis in salinity tolerance, the physiological and transcriptional responses to salinity were compared between female and male cuttings. Under salinity stress, the female leaves exhibited higher superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities and photosynthetic capacity, and lower H2O2 contents than those of male leaves. Under salinity stress, sodium (Na+) accumulation in female leaves was lower than that in the male leaves. The non-invasive micro-test showed that the net Na+ efflux in the salt-treated female roots was higher than that in male roots. Physiological responses revealed that female cuttings were more tolerant than males, which may be mainly due to females having lower leaf Na+ accumulation and higher root Na+ efflux capacity than males. Transcriptional analyses showed that 108 differentially expressed salt-responsive genes were identified in both female and male roots; most of these showed sexual differences in expression patterns under salinity stress. RNA-seq combined with qPCR analysis showed that the salt-induced expression of four Na+/H+ antiporter (NHX) genes (SlNHX3, 5, 6, 7) in female roots was higher than that in male roots. Transcriptional analyses revealed that the higher Na+ efflux capacity in female roots than in male roots may be closely related to the differential expression of salt-responsive genes, especially NHX genes.
The Effects of Nordic Walking With Poles With an Integrated Resistance Shock Absorber on Cognitive Abilities and Cardiopulmonary Efficiency in Postmenopausal Women

Late adulthood is associated with atrophy of brain areas, which contribute to cognitive deterioration and increase the risk of depression. On the other hand, aerobic exercise can improve learning and memory function, ameliorate mood, and prevent neurodegenerative changes. This study demonstrates the effect of Nordic walking (NW) and NW with poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber (NW with RSA) on aerobic capacity and body composition in postmenopausal women. It also measures the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) serum levels and determines correlations with cognitive functions and depression symptoms. These relationships with the use of NW with RSA as a new form of exercise have not been described thus far. In this study, 31 women (NW – 16, NW with RSA – 15) participated in eight weeks of training. The findings showed that only NW with RSA training caused a significant decrease in body mass and body mass index (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in GDNF levels between groups studied. Regarding BDNF, a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the NW group and an increase (not statistically significant) in the NW with RSA group was found. A comparative analysis of cognitive and depression outcomes and changes in BDNF and GDNF concentration showed no significant differences in the efficacy of either form of training. Training loads resulted in a significant increase in VO2max in both the NW (p < 0.01) and NW with RSA (p < 0.05) groups. This indicates an improvement in cardiopulmonary efficiency of the examined women.
Ascitic Fluid in Ovarian Carcinoma – From Pathophysiology to the Treatment

Due to low symptomatology, a lack of screening, and relatively complicated diagnostic procedures of ovarian carcinoma, more and more women are believed to visit their doctors in advanced stage of the disease, complicated with ascitic fluid. There is an increasing evidence that peritoneal cytology is a subjective assessment with certain percentage of false-positive and false-negative results that may cause application of unnecessary che- motherapy or nonapplication of necessary chemotherapy. Maximal cytoreductive surgery followed by intraperitoneal or systemic chemotherapy remains to be the gold standard in preventing ascites. Ascites is not only a symptom of a disease, but a specific microen vironment for formation and mediation of protumorigenic signals that control ovarian cancer progression, proliferation, invasion, anti-apoptosis, chemoresistance and tumor heterogeneity. Acellular cytokines and immunological factors influence ovarian cancer progression and its ability to prevent immune responses of the body and tumor reaction to chemotherapy. Ascites contributes to disease dissemination, changing its course and final outcomes. Management of patients with ascites and ovarian carcinoma is complex and often the goal of the treatment is to target palliative procedures. Multidisciplinary approach is necessary in the management of these patients. Further investigations of new drugs and immunomodulators are needed aiming at prolonged periods between relapses. and achieved after the since and are thin at that
‘Collar propagation’ as an alternative propagation method for rhizomatous miscanthus

The demand for perennial nonfood crops, such as miscanthus, is increasing steadily, as fossil resources are replaced by biomass. However, as the establishment of miscanthus is very expensive, its cultivation area in Europe is still small. The most common propagation method for miscanthus is via rhizomes, the harvesting of which is very labour‐intensive. Seed propagation is promising, but not suitable for sterile genotypes. In this study, a new vegetative propagation method, ‘collar propagation’, was tested in field and controlled environment studies. Collars are built at the junction between rhizome and stem. They can be harvested in a less destructive way than rhizomes by pulling out the stems from winter‐dormant miscanthus plants. One genotype of each of the species M. sacchariflorus, M. × giganteus, M. sinensis in combination with three fragment types (collars, rhizomes, collars + rhizomes) were tested for establishment success and plant performance. The performance (e.g. dry matter yield) of collar‐propagated plants was either better than or not significantly different from rhizome‐propagated plants. Pregrown plantlets transplanted into the field showed no significant differences in establishment success between the fragments within a genotype. When directly planted into the field however, the fragment ‘rhizome+collar’ had a significantly better establishment success than the other two. The winter survival rate of the fragment ‘rhizome+collar’ was 70% for M. sacchariflorus and 75% for M. × giganteus. Emergence success from collar‐derived plants was not affected by harvest date (harvested monthly from November to February). This study showed that miscanthus propagation via collars is feasible and a promising alternative to rhizome propagation, as the multiplication rate of collars is comparable to that of rhizome propagation. Collar propagation is the more suitable method for the tested genotypes of the species M. sachariflorus and M. × giganteus, but not for M. sinensis genotypes, which may be better propagated by seeds.
DNA methylation estimation using methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme bisulfite sequencing (MREBS)

Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) are widely used for measuring DNA methylation levels on a genome-wide scale(1). Both methods have limitations: WGBS is expensive and prohibitive for most large-scale projects; RRBS only interrogates 6-12% of the CpGs in the human genome(16,19). Here, we introduce methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme bisulfite sequencing (MREBS) which has the reduced sequencing requirements of RRBS, but significantly expands the coverage of CpG sites in the genome. We built a multiple regression model that combines the two features of MREBS: the bisulfite conversion ratios of single cytosines (as in WGBS and RRBS) as well as the number of reads that cover each locus (as in MRE-seq(12)). This combined approach allowed us to estimate differential methylation across 60% of the genome using read count data alone, and where counts were sufficiently high in both samples (about 1.5% of the genome), our estimates were significantly improved by the single CpG conversion information. We show that differential DNA methylation values based on MREBS data correlate well with those based on WGBS and RRBS. This newly developed technique combines the sequencing cost of RRBS and DNA methylation estimates on a portion of the genome similar to WGBS, making it ideal for large-scale projects of mammalian genomes.
Complete Sequence of Landomycin E Biosynthetic Gene Cluster from Streptomyces globisporus 1912

Streptomyces globisporus 1912 and their derivatives 1912-4Crt and 1912-2 are the producers of the landomycin E, carotenoids and regulatory diketopiperazine, respectively. The genome DNA of two mutant strains, 1912-2, the more effective producer of the landomycin E and regulator, and 1912-4Crt, the producer of beta-carotene and lycopene, was sequenced by Illumina. Comparative analysis of the DNA sequences of two neighboring contigs of 1912-2 and one contig of 1912-4Crt using GenBank data allowed localization of 36 landomycin E biosynthetic genes lnd of S. globisporus 1912 in one cluster. Twenty of these lnd genes have been sequenced for the fi rst time. The new regulatory responce gene lndRR and the sensor kinase gene lndY1 were proposed as the members of the putative two-component system. A high identity (94-95%) was found for the lnd genes of the 1912 strain and those of the metagenomic clone AZ97, and the lower similarity (80-85%) of lnd and lan genes of S. cyanogenus S136 encoding landomycin A biosynthesis. Two direct repeats of 21 bp were shown in the crtY gene coding lycopene cyclase. A deletion in the lndRR gene renders the 1912-4Crt strain defi cient in landomycin E production. K e y w o r d s: Streptomyces globisporus, landomycin E, biosynthetic gene cluster, sequences.
Imazethapyr for Weed Control in No-Till Soybean (Glycine max)

Lack of consistent weed control has been a major limiting factor in the adoption of no-till soybean production. Field studies were conducted at Waseca, MN from 1987 through 1990 to evaluate the efficacy of imazethapyr applied either alone or in combination with other herbicides for weed control in no-till soybean. Fall applications of imazethapyr did not provide acceptable weed control. Imazethapyr applied 2 to 4 wk before planting provided a weed-free seedbed whereas burndown treatments applied 1 to 3 d before planting failed to do so. Early preplant imazethapyr applied during the second week of April did not control weeds as well as imazethapyr applied during the last week of April. Imazethapyr applied alone PRE failed to control weeds adequately. A split application of early preplant plus PRE imazethapyr resulted in excellent weed control, especially when metribuzin was added with each application. Imazethapyr is a promising herbicide for weed control in no-till soybean production.
Arceuthobium tsugense (Viscaceae): four subspecies with contrasting morphologies and host distributions

There have been four subspecies of hemlock dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium tsugense: Viscaceae) described by various investigators of this complex group of parasitic flowering plants: subsp. tsugense, subsp. amabilae, subsp. contortae, and subsp. mertensianae. As suggested by their subspecific epithets, these taxa differ in their host affinities; parasitizing different and the same hosts to varying degrees. Although these taxa also have morphological differences, their classifica-tion has been under debate for many years. Therefore, we compared the morphological characteristics of each subspecies using both univariate and multivariate statistical analyses in order to better assess their differences. Because some investigators have grouped hemlock dwarf mistletoe with western dwarf mistletoe (A. campylopodum), we also compared the subspecies of hemlock dwarf mistletoe with western dwarf mistletoe. Our morphometric analyses demonstrated that all of the subspecies are morphologically distinct from western dwarf mistletoe and that subsp. contortae is the most morphologically differentiated of the subspecies. Overlap in the morphological characters across two of the other three subspecies was evident; yet, subsp. amabilae and subsp. mertensianae were also consistently delimited using female and male plant morphologies. Statistical comparisons of female or male plants via standard and stepwise discriminant function analyses demonstrated that without consideration of host plant, female and male A. tsugense subsp. tsugense are morphologically similar to corresponding plants of subsp. amabilae and mertensianae but not subsp. contortae or A. campylopodum.
Optimal Life Histories Under Age-Specific Predation

If a predator crops prey of certain ages in preference to others, it may be acting as an agent of selection, causing genetic change in the prey population. This paper adapts a model of life-history evolution to investigate some selective consequences of several patterns of age-specific predation. The model allows allocation of resources to reproduction, growth, and maintenance in an age class i to be varied. Subject to several assumptions, it is shown that increasing predation on individuals younger than i leads to selection for lower rates of reproduction at age i. Conversely, increasing predation on individuals older than and/or equal to i leads to selection for greater rates of reproduction. If individuals from both these age ranges are cropped the optimal rate of reproduction may either increase or decrease. The only circumstance under which no change occurs arises if all individuals irrespective of age are liable to be cropped, or if the effects of predation on younger and older age classes exactly cancel one another. The implications of these results to the management of populations exploited by man are discussed.
Whale‐watching trips in Peru lead to increases in tourist knowledge, pro‐conservation intentions and tourist concern for the impacts of whale‐watching on humpback whales

Since the implementation of the commercial whaling ban in the 1980s, whale‐watching has become the most important economic activity involving whales worldwide. Whale‐watching is promoted as a platform for education and conservation awareness of marine biodiversity. In Peru, where cetacean species are still in jeopardy, whale‐watching may play an important part in promoting the protection of these species. This study aimed to determine the degree of whale‐watching tourists' knowledge regarding cetacean ecology and conservation status and to evaluate if whale‐watching tours could serve as platforms for educating the public and raising conservation awareness. The results of 196 closed‐ended questionnaires and 20 open‐ended interviews conducted before and after whale‐watching tours, during the humpback whale season (winter–spring 2014) in northern Peru, revealed an overall lack of knowledge concerning the presence of species of cetaceans in Peruvian waters and threats to marine biodiversity. However, after the whale‐watching excursion, participants said they would be more willing to change their behaviour with respect to cetacean conservation and marine environment protection. This study suggests that whale‐watching platforms, when implemented with adequate interpreters, can serve as a source of environmental education and can raise conservation awareness. This is an important conservation strategy to consider in countries, such as Peru, where by‐catch and direct hunting are decimating local cetacean populations.
Ribosome Profiling: an Insight into the Dynamics of Translating Ribosomes on a coding sequence: A Review Article

Ribosome profiling (RP) is a technique of sequencing of mRNA regions occupied by ribosomes at a given time. This recently invented technique has been well appreciated with regard to our deeper understanding of the phenomenon of codon usage bias in organisms. Along with the information about gene expression, which is studied by the commonly used techniques such as Microarray and RNA sequencing, RP can give information about ribosome speed along a coding sequence. The technique has helped scientists to identify many non-canonical translational initiation sites, pausing events along a coding sequence and stop codon read-through that contribute to the gene expression at the level of translation. In this review, RP methodology, outcomes and software packages available for data analysis are discussed.
Dietary fiber and minearl composition of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Seeds

The seeds of four date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivars, Hillawi, Khadrawi, Shamran and Medjool were analyzed for their dietary fiber and mineral composition. Total dietary fiber (72.27g/100g) and insoluble dietary fiber (63.44g/100g) were highest in seed of variety Hillawi. All the four varieties of date seed differed non-significantly from each other for their total dietary fiber, soluble dietary fiber and insoluble dietary fiber content. The variety Medjool contained highest amount of phosphorus (121.33mg/100g) and iron (1.83mg/100g) while variety Hillawi contained highest amount of zinc (1.49mg/100g). A non-significant (p≤0.05) difference was observed in calcium, potassium and magnesium content of all the varieties. Polyphenol content of date seed from different varieties ranged from 3065 to 2731.67 mg GAE/100g being highest in variety Shamran and lowest in variety Medjool.
Regulation of magnetosome biogenesis by oxygen and nitrogen

Magnetosomes were purified from broken cells of Aquaspirillum magnetotacticum by a magnetic separation technique. Electron microscopic and chemical analyses revealed they consisted of crystalline magnetite (Fe$\sb3$O$\sb4$) cores enclosed by a lipid bilayer membrane containing numerous proteins. Two membrane proteins were absent from the nonmagnetic (membrane or soluble) cell fractions and were absent from cells of non-magnetic mutant strains. Knowledge of their partial sequence is expected to lead to construction of hybridization probes to identify magnetosome-specific DNA sequences. Cells of this organism in laboratory culture typically achieved low cell yields and were variably magnetic or non-magnetic. Therefore better understanding of physiological conditions appropriate for growth and Fe$\sb3$O$\sb4$ production was a prerequisite for studies of molecular biology and membrane biogenesis. The cell and Fe$\sb3$O$\sb4$ yield in batch-cultured denitrifying cells was previously shown to depend upon culture dissolved oxygen tension (D.O.T.). We developed continuous culture methods for this obligate microaerophile and obtained, with D = 0.075$\sp{-}$h (Td = 9.2 h), control of pH (6.8), and D.O. T. control (1-10% of saturation), 10-fold higher cell yields with more predictable and reproducible cell growth and Fe$\sb3$O$\sb4$ production than were previously possible. Our interest has been to use continuous culture to further clarify the effect of D.O. T. in magnetosome biogenesis. Denitrifying magnetic cells (4 mM No$\sb3\sp{-}$ as the limiting nutrient) and non-denitrifying cells (0.1 mM NH$\sb4\sp{+}$ as the limiting nutrient) became non-magnetic as the D.O. T. was increased from 1 to 5%. Although 5% O$\sb2$ was toxic for denitrifying cells and cultures washed out, non-denitrifying cultures again became magnetic when the D.O. T. was decreased to 1%. This reversible transition between magnetic and non-magnetic state, regulated by D.O. T. , provided a reproducible system for examining magnetosome biogenesis.