Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of GRHL3 and Schizophrenia Susceptibility: A Preliminary Case-Control Study and Bioinformatics Analysis

Grainyhead-like (GRHL) transcription factors were recently linked to the etiology of neural tube defects (NTDs). Overlapping patterns in the variation of schizophrenia (SCZ) incidence with that of NTDs suggests the presence of common etiological risk factors. This preliminary study was designed to examine the relationship between two missense variants of GRHL3 gene (rs2486668C/G and rs545809A/T) and SCZ susceptibility among Iranians. Three hundred ninety subjects (192 patients confirmed with SCZ, and 198 healthy controls) were enrolled and genotyped. Statistical and bioinformatics analyzes were performed to determine the effects of the variants. In silico analyzes were performed to determine the effects of the variants on the secondary structure of GRHL3 protein and prediction of silencer motifs for each variation. Statistically significant differences were observed between the studied groups under codominant AA, dominant AT+AA, and recessive AA genetic contrast models for rs545809A/T. The presence of the A allele of rs545809A/T enhanced SCZ risk by 2.33 fold. In contrast, rs2486668C/G was not linked to SCZ susceptibility (P > 0.05). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that both missense SNPs caused substantial changes in the secondary structure of GRHL3-mRNA. Screening of the ﬂanking sequences of rs545809A/T predicted silencer motifs for this SNP. Our results demonstrated that the rs545809A/T of GRHL3 gene could affect the risk of SCZ in Iranian populations. Replication studies are warranted to confirm these results.
Improving Quality in Nanoparticle-Induced Cytotoxicity Testing by a Tiered Inter-Laboratory Comparison Study

The quality and relevance of nanosafety studies constitute major challenges to ensure their key role as a supporting tool in sustainable innovation, and subsequent competitive economic advantage. However, the number of apparently contradictory and inconclusive research results has increased in the past few years, indicating the need to introduce harmonized protocols and good practices in the nanosafety research community. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate if best-practice training and inter-laboratory comparison (ILC) of performance of the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay for the cytotoxicity assessment of nanomaterials among 15 European laboratories can improve quality in nanosafety testing. We used two well-described model nanoparticles, 40-nm carboxylated polystyrene (PS-COOH) and 50-nm amino-modified polystyrene (PS-NH2). We followed a tiered approach using well-developed standard operating procedures (SOPs) and sharing the same cells, serum and nanoparticles. We started with determination of the cell growth rate (tier 1), followed by a method transfer phase, in which all laboratories performed the first ILC on the MTS assay (tier 2). Based on the outcome of tier 2 and a survey of laboratory practices, specific training was organized, and the MTS assay SOP was refined. This led to largely improved intra- and inter-laboratory reproducibility in tier 3. In addition, we confirmed that PS-COOH and PS-NH2 are suitable negative and positive control nanoparticles, respectively, to evaluate impact of nanomaterials on cell viability using the MTS assay. Overall, we have demonstrated that the tiered process followed here, with the use of SOPs and representative control nanomaterials, is necessary and makes it possible to achieve good inter-laboratory reproducibility, and therefore high-quality nanotoxicological data.
The eagle owl Bubo bubo (Aves: Strigidae) in the Eastern Adriatic (Croatia): the study case of a high-density insular population

Abstract The Croatian population of the eagle owl Bubo bubo (Linnaeus, 1758) is estimated at 800–1200 breeding pairs with the majority of population breeding in the Mediterranean region, along the eastern Adriatic coast. The main aims of this work were two-fold: (1) to determine the eagle owl territorial densities in the central part of Mediterranean Croatia; and (2) to examine landscape composition and configuration of the study plots and consider possible reasons for differences in recorded densities. The abundance of the eagle owl was surveyed from 2001 to 2006 within three plots of similar size (a total survey area of 246 km2): two plots were on the mainland and one on the archipelago at about 16 km from the coast. The playback method was used to stimulate eagle owl territorial behaviour and to determine the locations of their territories. Territorial densities ranged from 4.5 to 26.2 pairs/100 km2, with the highest density being recorded on islands. We suggest that this high density is a result of good foraging conditions, especially year-round availability and high abundance of the yellow-legged gull Larus michahellis J. F. Naumann, 1840 and the brown rat Rattus rattus (Linnaeus, 1758), together with low risk of human-induced mortality.
The Relationship between CrossFit® Performance and Laboratory-Based Measurements of Fitness

To date, research has examined the physiological determinants of performance in standardized CrossFit® (CF) workouts but not without the influence of CF familiarity. Therefore, the purpose of this present study was to examine the predictive value of aerobic fitness, body composition, and total body strength on performance of two standardized CF workouts in CF-naïve participants. Twenty-two recreationally trained individuals (males = 13, females = 9) underwent assessments of peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak), ventilatory thresholds, body composition, and one repetition maximum tests for the back squat, deadlift, and overhead press in which the sum equaled the CF Total. Participants also performed two CF workouts: a scaled version of the CF Open workout 19.1 and a modified version of the CF Benchmark workout Fran to determine scores based on total repetitions completed and time-to-completion, respectively. Simple Pearson’s r correlations were used to determine the relationships between CF performance variables (19.1 and modified Fran) and the independent variables. A forward stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed and significant variables that survived the regression analysis were used to create a predictive model of CF performance. Absolute VO2 peak was a significant predictor of 19.1 performance, explaining 39% of its variance (adjusted R2 = 0.39, p = 0.002). For modified Fran, CF Total was a significant predictor and explained 33% of the variance in performance (adjusted R2 = 0.33, p = 0.005). These results suggest, without any influence of CF familiarity or experience, that performance in these two CF workouts could be predicted by distinct laboratory-based measurements of fitness.
The selective dietary accumulation of planar polychlorinated biphenyls in the otter (Lutra lutra)

The decline of the populations of otters in Western Europe is assumed to be related to the accumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in this species. A study was conducted to investigate the trophic transfer of non‐ortho, mono‐ortho‐, and di‐ortho‐substituted PCBs in the food web of the otter (Lutra lutra) in the Oude Venen lake system in the Netherlands, with relatively low PCB contamination. This area was one of the last strongholds of otters in the Netherlands and the species is considered to be virtually extinct since 1988. A marked increase in concentration of chlorinated biphenyls (CBs) was observed with successive trophic levels of the aquatic food web. Mean concentrations of the sum of 28 CB congeners (ΣCB) increased from 142 ng CB/g (organic carbon basis) in sediment and particulate matter to 588 ng CB/g (lipid weight basis) in invertebrates, to 2,450 ng CB/g (lipid weight) in fish, and 70,940 ng CB/g (lipid weight) in otter. A diet‐specific biomagnification factor (BMF) of 14 was calculated from fish to otter based on ΣCB; however, on the basis of toxic equivalent concentrations (ΣTEQ), a BMF of 41 was found. This higher BMF on TEQ basis was mainly due to the enrichment of non‐ortho‐substituted CB 126 in otter, compared to fish. In fish CB 126 contributed 30 to 50% to ΣTEQ, while this congener contributed 60 to 80% in otters. A shift in the CB patterns was found from relatively high concentrations of lowly chlorinated CBs in the abiotic compartments to the higher chlorinated CBs (five to seven chlorine atoms) at the highest trophic level. The relatively low concentrations of CB 77 and CBs with vicinal H‐atoms at the meta‐para position in otter compared to fish indicates that otters can metabolize these CBs and have P4501A‐like and P4502B‐like enzyme systems. It appears that even in an ecosystem with relatively low CB contamination, concentrations of CBs can be relatively high in aquatic top predators. The non‐ortho‐substituted CBs seem to be the most important toxic threat for otters, firstly because of the relatively high BMFs of CB 126 and CB 169 and secondly because of the formation of metabolites of CB 77.
Steps towards spatially resolved single molecule detection in solution

Spatially resolved single molecule detection in solution is a prerequisite for molecule tracking and provides new opportunities in single molecule manipulation, for example in a sample flow. A detector with fast timing properties and high spatial resolution is required for these purposes. We introduce a concept for spatially resolved optical single molecule detection in an epi-illuminated microscope using a novel kind of detector and a new algorithm in configurable hardware for intelligent data processing. The analysis is performed on a parallel hardware interface and includes burst detection. It can be extended to on-line spatial and temporal data analysis. This detector will be used in combination with a molecular sorter where molecules are sorted in a microstructured flow device made of silicon. In a first step towards such sorting in these microstructures, we show that a reliable detection of single molecules in silicon microstructures is possible in zero-dimensional detection volumes. The noise structure of the data is analysed in terms of Poissonian statistics and it is shown that in the smallest structure used (depth 20 μm) a signal-to-noise ratio of 40 is achieved.
Advanced Fitness Assessment & Exercise Prescription

Chapter 1. Physical Activity, Health and Chronic Disease Chapter 2. Preliminary Health Screening and Risk Clarification Chapter 3. Principles of Assessment, Prescription and Exercise Program Adherence Chapter 4. Assessing Cardiorespiratory Fitness Chapter 5. Designing Cardiorespiratory Exercise Programs Chapter 6. Assessing Muscular Fitness Chapter 7. Designing Resistance Training Programs Chapter 8. Assessing Body Composition Chapter 9. Designing Weight Management and Body Composition Programs Chapter 10. Assessing Flexibility Chapter 11. Designing Flexibility and Low Back Care Problems Appendix A. Health and Fitness Appraisal Appendix B. Cardiorespiratory Assessments Appendix C. Muscular Fitness Exercise and Norms Appendix D. Body Composition Assessments Appendix E. Energy Intake and Expenditure Appendix F. Flexibility Exercises, Low Back Care Exercises and Stress Assessment.
Heredity of several characters in Dendranthema grandiflora with small inflorescences

Heredity of some characters in F 1 generation by the 26 cross combinations among 30 varieties of Dendranthema grandiflora was studied.The results showed that crown head and stem height of F 1 plants were weaker than the parents′ mean value.The hybrid′s mean crown head and stem height were 63 2% and 71 8% of parents respectively,and declined from 71 6% to 49 3% and 76 5% to 63 0% respectively as the parents′ mean value increased,but the over parent individuals still emerged due to the large variable spectrum.The heredity of square leaf was bigger than that of rectangular leaf.The heredity of stipule was stable.
Structural Aspects of Cyclopropyl Conjugation: Experimental Studies and Ab Initio Calculations

Low-temperature crystal structural studies of a series of saturated and unsaturated bicyclo[2.2. 1]heptadiene, heptene and heptane compounds with 7-spirocyclopropyl substitution reveal significant differences in the bond lengths of the three-membered rings and in the CC single bonds of the bicyclic fragment. A complex interplay of strain and different types of conjugation influence the molecular structure of the bicycloheptadiene derivative 1, where the difference in the length of the three-membered ring bonds is 0.040 A and all CC single bonds in the bicyclic fragment are lengthened significantly. Ab initio calculations at the HF/6-31G(d) (to a minor extent) and MP2/6-31G(d) levels are in good agreement with the experimental data. Calculated charge distributions and dipole moments further support the relevance of cyclopropyl homoconjugation in the investigated prototype of Walsh and through-space π-orbital interaction. Static difference electron density maps have been derived from the experimental data by multipole refinements which showed exocyclic shifts of electron density in the planes of the three-membered rings and significant bond ellipticities at the CC single bonds in the unsaturated bicyclic units.
BMS-like symmetries in cosmology

Null infinity in asymptotically flat spacetimes posses a rich mathematical structure; including the BMS group and the Bondi news tensor that allow one to study gravitational radiation rigorously. However, FLRW spacetimes are not asymptotically flat because their stress-energy tensor does not decay sufficiently fast and in fact diverges at null infinity. This class includes matter- and radiation-dominated FLRW spacetimes. We define a class of spacetimes whose structure at null infinity is similar to FLRW spacetimes: the stress-energy tensor is allowed to diverge and the conformal factor is not smooth at null infinity. Interestingly, for this larger class of spacetimes, the asymptotic symmetry algebra is similar to the BMS algebra but not isomorphic to it. In particular, the symmetry algebra is the semi-direct sum of supertranslations and the Lorentz algebra, but it does not have any preferred translation subalgebra. Future applications include studying gravitational radiation in FLRW the full nonlinear theory, including the cosmological memory effect, and also asymptotic charges in this framework.
The different roads not taken: Considering dissimilar foregone alternatives motivates future goal persistence

Goal-inconsistent options that people previously considered but did not choose shape how they subsequently pursue their goals. Going beyond previous research, which showed that foregone alternatives influence consumers’ experiences of the chosen option, the current research suggests that how consumers mentally construe foregone goal-inconsistent alternatives impacts how they evaluate their goal-consistent choice, which will in turn impact their motivation to continue goaldirected behaviors. Specifically, we find that when consumers consider having foregone dissimilar (vs. similar) foregone goal-inconsistent alternatives in favor of a goal-consistent action, they believe that they have made a greater sacrifice and had a higher impact on their active goals. As a result, they are then more likely to subsequently make goal-consistent choices. Our findings hold across different types of goals (saving: study 1, healthy eating: studies 2 and 3, exercise: studies 4 and 5), and extend to real choices (studies 3 and 5). We also identify boundary conditions for the observed effect.
Knowledge-infused Mining and Learning for Social Impact Editors :

The talk will present work on novel human-AI interaction, in which humans and AI complement each other in their knowledge and learning. I will discuss examples in autonomous mobile service robots and in the financial domain. I will conclude with a brief discussion of multiple forms of available knowledge for AI systems that continuously learn from experience. Bio: Manuela M. Veloso is the Head of J.P. Morgan AI Research, which pursues fundamental research in areas of core relevance to financial services, including data mining and cryptography, machine learning, explainability, and human-AI interaction. J.P. Morgan AI Research partners with applied data analytics teams across the firm as well as with leading academic institutions globally. Professor Veloso is on leave from Carnegie Mellon University as the Herbert A. Simon University Professor in the School of Computer Science, and the past Head of the Machine Learning Department. With her students, she had led research in AI, with a focus on robotics and machine learning, having concretely researched and developed a variety of autonomous robots, including teams of soccer robots, and mobile service robots. Her robot soccer teams have been RoboCup world champions several times, and the CoBot mobile robots have autonomously navigated for more than 1,000km in university buildings. Professor Veloso is the Past President of AAAI, (the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence), and the co-founder, Trustee, and Past President of RoboCup. Professor Veloso has been recognized with multiple honors, including being a Fellow of the ACM, IEEE, AAAS, and AAAI. She is the recipient of several best paper awards, the Einstein Chair of the Chinese Academy of Science, the ACM/SIGART Autonomous Agents Research Award, an NSF Career Award, and the Allen Newell Medal for Excellence in Research. Professor Veloso earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Instituto Superior Tecnico in Lisbon, Portugal, a Master of Arts in Computer Science from Boston University, and Master of Science and Ph.D. in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University. See www.cs. cmu.edu/~mmv/Veloso.html for her scientific publications.
Sequential delivery of antibiotics and probiotics employing a dual release mechanism

Co-Supervisors: Professor Yahya E. Choonara Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa Professor Sandy F. van Vuuren Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa Dr Lisa C. du Toit Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Actions, actors, and agency in the penalty phase of capital trials

This study critically scrutinizes the discursive practice of state killing in capital trials. The quantitative and qualitative analysis compares the experientially constitutive roles of lexico-grammatical choices in attributing agency to the actions of the defendant and victims in lawyers’ opening and closing speech in the penalty phase of a high-profile capital trial. Integrating Van Leeuwen’s social actor representation framework (2008) into Halliday’s transitivity analysis (1994), the study identifies the prosecution’s and defense’s polarized referential practice for the defendant and victims as well as descriptions of their actions. It is argued that, rather than existing as facts outside the trial discourse, aggravating and mitigating factors are morally and normatively constructed in real-time discursive interaction through these extreme, and at times disturbing, reference and transitivity choices, potentially leading to a death recommendation
Simultaneous signal and ground roll modeling with L2 and L1 constraints

We describe an algorithm to concurrently model seismic reflections (hyperbolic events) and ground roll (dispersive linear noise). We first estimate the coefficients that model hyperbolic and coherent noise. These coefficients are determined by solving an inverse problem. Then, the estimated coefficients synthesize reflections and ground roll. We investigate two algorithms. In the first algorithm, we use least-squares data fitting in the f −x domain and a quadratic regularization term to guarantee the stability of the solution. In the second algorithm, we adopt a l1 regularization term to impose sparsity on the coefficients that model reflections and ground roll. The proposed algorithm operates in the f −x domain. Therefore, it can capture the dispersive nature of the ground roll by estimating its coefficients as a function of frequency and ray-parameter ( f − p). Reflections are modeled by hyperbolic basis functions of unknown amplitude that are described by unknown τ,v pairs. Finally, we apply our algorithms to field data.
Handcrafting Generative Adversarial Networks for Fashion Design Generation

Natural images, particularly, those related to fashion exhibit structural coherence including symmetry. This is also true for natural textures which comprise of a repeating periodic pattern. In this paper, we build on existing work and demonstrate that it is possible to generate images of desired characteristics. We model losses based on symmetry and periodicity to train Generative Adversarial Networks. We extend the notion of a ﬁctional generator that modiﬁes the generated images to those with expected properties. The discriminator is trained to classify them equivalently as real or fake . We also propose a regularizer on the generator to produce images with speciﬁed properties. We use data from fashion catalog to train the models and show that generating high resolution images is feasible. We present numerical results to quantitatively evaluate the methods in comparison to existing ones and include images to qualitatively show they produce images of superior quality.
Decentralization and Inequalities in Asia

In this paper we analyse how decentralization is associated with regional disparities in 19 Asian countries. Fiscal decentralization literature is mixed on the effects on regional inequalities, whereas political decentralization is yet an area for a greater research in the field. Unlike previous literature we examine the effects of different decentralization measures on inequality both individually and in a mix scenario. We find that decentralization increases inequalities, if at all, with fiscal indicators and partially reduces inequalities with political decentralization measures. These results implicate that overall decentralization policies are necessary in reducing inequalities but they are conditional on certain economic and political institutional arrangements.The use of G2SLS instrumental variable estimation technique further confirms our findings. Our results are robust to the use of alternative measures of regional inequalities.
An Improved Template Representation-based Transformer for Abstractive Text Summarization

Text summarization plays an important role in various NLP applications. Using templates with generation methods is an effective way to address abstractive summarization. However, existing template-enhanced generation approaches use templates in a naive way and mainly adopt RNN-based Seq2Seq models, so they cannot make full use of valid information in the templates and suffer from templates’ noise. To mitigate these problems, we propose a new abstractive summarization model called Summarization Transformer with Template-aware Representation (STTR), which uses a template-aware document encoding module and a document representation shifting loss to preserve the useful information and filter the noise of the template. The experiments on the Gigaword and LCSTS datasets show that our method outperforms baseline models and achieves a new state-of-the-art.