Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in the genetic architecture of aggressiveness in a sexually dimorphic spider

Abstract Sex differences in the genetic architecture of behavioral traits can offer critical insight into the processes of sex‐specific selection and sexual conflict dynamics. Here, we assess genetic variances and cross‐sex genetic correlations of two personality traits, aggression and activity, in a sexually size‐dimorphic spider, Nuctenea umbratica. Using a quantitative genetic approach, we show that both traits are heritable. Males have higher heritability estimates for aggressiveness compared to females, whereas the coefficient of additive genetic variation and evolvability did not differ between the sexes. Furthermore, we found sex differences in the coefficient of residual variance in aggressiveness with females exhibiting higher estimates. In contrast, the quantitative genetic estimates for activity suggest no significant differentiation between males and females. We interpret these results with caution as the estimates of additive genetic variances may be inflated by nonadditive genetic effects. The mean cross‐sex genetic correlations for aggression and activity were 0.5 and 0.6, respectively. Nonetheless, credible intervals of both estimates were broad, implying high uncertainty for these estimates. Future work using larger sample sizes would be needed to draw firmer conclusions on how sexual selection shapes sex differences in the genetic architecture of behavioral traits.
Hysteresis in Mexico: A PANIC approach

Nowadays the study of unemployment rates is particularly important as a result of the unusual increase of this variable in recent years. In this way, it is essential to develop specialized and effective public policies focused on reducing this trend. This research analyses the presence of hysteresis in Mexico through the application of PANIC method (Panel Analysis of non stationarity in idiosyncratic and common components) for thirty-two states including Mexico City. The results suggest the presence of hysteresis in the common components of the series as well as in some of the idiosyncratic errors specific to each state.
Impact of chronically alternating light-dark cycles on circadian clock mediated expression of cancer (glioma)-related genes in the brain

Disruption of the circadian rhythm is a risk factor for cancer, while glioma is a leading contributor to mortality worldwide. Substantial efforts are being undertaken to decrypt underlying molecular pathways. Our understanding of the mechanisms through which disrupted circadian rhythm induces glioma development and progression is incomplete. We, therefore, examined changes in the expression of glioma-related genes in the mouse brain after chronic jetlag (CJL) exposure. A total of 22 candidate tumor suppressor (n= 14) and oncogenes (n= 8) were identified and analyzed for their interaction with clock genes. Both the control and CJL groups were investigated for the expression of candidate genes in the nucleus accumbens, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus, and striatum of wild type, Bmal1-/- and Cry1/2 double knockout male mice. We found significant variations in the expression of candidate tumor suppressor and oncogenes in the brain tissues after CJL treatment in the wild type, Bmal1-/- and Cry1/2 double knockout mice. In response to CJL treatment, some of the genes were regulated in the wild type, Bmal1-/- and Cry1/2 similarly. However, the expression of some of the genes indicated their association with the functional clock. Overall, our result suggests a link between CJL and gliomas risk at least partially dependent on the circadian clock. However, further studies are needed to investigate the molecular mechanism associated with CJL and gliomas.
Rethinking and researching transformation in higher education: a meta-study of South African trends

Transformation is often loosely defined. We argue that the reason for this is its inherent complexity. Paradoxically, its lack of definition is an asset, which provides an opportunity to rethink and research transformation in higher education, rather than an urgent problem to be solved. In this article, the possibilities for researching and rethinking transformation are based on an exploration of transformation in higher education and the policy directives that influenced its development in South Africa. A meta-study was used to determine the national publishing trends in the South African Journal of Higher Education and the way transformation in higher education is situated in some of the articles in this journal. The population of the study comprised 1050 articles published between 2005 and 2015 in the South African Journal of Higher Education . These were analysed to determine the broad national publishing trends. Thereafter, an in-depth analysis was conducted on 30 of these articles to determine the approach to transformation in higher education and the context in which it was discussed. Based on the findings of the analysis, we recommend future directions for rethinking and researching transformation in higher education.
A Review on the Phytochemicals of Parkia Speciosa, Stinky Beans as Potential Phytomedicine

Plants pythochemicals are extensively known for their advantageous in health to promote biochemical benefits in the area of reactions, cofactors and inhibitors of enzyme, absorbents/sequestrants that bind to and eliminate undesirable elements in the human body. Some research findings have supported the beneficial role of phytochemicals against cancers, coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation and many other diseases. This review discussed phytochemical compounds properties of Perkia specios (PS) in Malaysia. The plants of focus are smelly legumes/stink beans; commonly grown and cultivated in Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia and in some parts of Northeastern India. The young leaves, flowers and fruits that are collected from the wild are consumed as vegetables and herbal medicines. The seeds are either eaten raw or cooked and half-ripe seeds can also be traditionally prepared as a pickle in brine. The review will be useful for future studies through current knowledge on the phytochemical elements and medicinal functions to a possible magnitude with relevant data as these plants have potential to be developed as phyto-/herbal-/botanical medicine.
Association between Sella Turcica Morphology and Obesity in Adolescents

Sella turcica is an anatomic point in the cephalometric tracing of orthodontic treatment. The formula for body mass index (BMI) is calculated by using the height and weight of an individual. Objective: To evaluate the size and morphology of the sella turcica in healthy, overweight, and obese patients. Methods: The 66 individuals (24 males and 42 females; mean age, 15.05 ± 1.61 years) selected for the study were divided into three groups: obese; overweight; and healthy, according to the BMI percentile classifcation. The length, diameter and dept measurements of the sella turcica were measured on a lateral cephalometric radiograph. Results: No statistically signifcant differences were found among the groups, although the length, diameter, and depth of the sella turcica were higher in healthy individuals ( P > 0.05). Moreover, the normal sella turcica, compared with other sella turcica variations, was more common in 64.7% of the healthy patients, 61.1% of the overweight patients, and 64.3% of the obese patients. Conclusions: Normal sella turcica is more common than other types of sella turcica. In addition, no signifcant difference was found among the groups in terms of length, diameter, and depth of the sella turcica.
DFEnitely different: Genome-wide characterization of differences in mutation fitness effects between populations

The effect of a mutation on fitness may differ between populations, depending on environmental and genetic context. Experimental studies have shown that such differences exist, but little is known about the broad patterns of such differences or the factors that drive them. To quantify genome-wide patterns of differences in mutation fitness effects, we extended the concept of a distribution of fitness effects (DFE) to a joint DFE between populations. To infer the joint DFE, we fit parametric models that included demographic history to genomic data summarized by the joint allele frequency spectrum. Using simulations, we showed that our approach is statistically powerful and robust to many forms of model misspecification. We then applied our approach to populations of Drosophila melanogaster, wild tomatoes, and humans. We found that mutation fitness effects are overall least correlated between populations in tomatoes and most correlated in humans, corresponding to overall genetic differentiation. In D. melanogaster and tomatoes, mutations in genes involved in immunity and stress response showed the lowest correlation of fitness effects, consistent with environmental influence. In D. melanogaster and humans, deleterious mutations showed a lower correlation of fitness effects than tolerated mutations, hinting at the complexity of the joint DFE. Together, our results show that the joint DFE can be reliably inferred and that it offers extensive insight into the genetics of population divergence.
Effects of External and Fiscal Policy Shocks in Japan: Evidence from an Open Economy DSGE Model with Partial Exchange Rate Pass-through 1

This paper develops a small open economy New Keynesian model in which the exchange rate pass-through is neither 100% nor zero, and estimates the model using Japanese data by a Bayesian approach. Our goal is to evaluate importance of external shocks (such as changes in export demand and import prices) and domestic fiscal and monetary policies in Japanese business cycles. We find that external shocks are important for GDP, while domestic policies are not. In particular, despite that we incorporate several features into the model that could potentially make fiscal policy quite effective, our estimates show that its effects are quite limited. Etsuro Shioji TCER and Hitotsubashi University Dept. of Economics 2-1 Naka, Kunitachi, Tokyo 186-8601 shioji@econ.hit-u.ac. jp Hiroko Takeuchi Yokohama National University Graduate Student, IGSSS 2-1 Naka, Kunitachi, Tokyo 186-8601 shioji@econ.hit-u.ac. jp Vu Tuan Khai Seikei University Dept. of Economics * shioji@econ.hit-u.ac. jp
ON THE STRENGTH AND DSM DESIGN OF COLD-FORMED STEEL COLUMNS FAILING DISTORTIONALLY UNDER FIRE CONDITIONS

This paper reports the results of an ongoing shell finite element investigation on the distortional post- buckling behaviour, ultimate strength and design of pinned and fixed cold-formed steel lipped channel and rack- section columns subjected to various (uniform) temperature distributions caused by fire conditions. The columns are axially compressed up to failure, making it possible to assess the influence of the temperature on their ultimate strength. The steel material behaviour at elevated temperatures is described by the model prescribed in Eurocode 3 for cold-formed steel. The failure load data gathered are then used to carry out a preliminary assessment on the applicability of the Direct Strength Method (DSM) to estimate the load-carrying capacity of pinned and fixed lipped channel and rack-section columns failing distortionally under fire conditions.
Ju l 2 01 5 BCVEGPY 2 . 2 : A Newly Upgraded Version for Hadronic Production of the Meson B c and Its Excited States

A newly upgraded version of the BCVEGPY, a generator for hadronic production of the meson Bc and its excited states, is available. In comparison with the previous one [C.H. Chang, J.X. Wang and X.G. Wu, Comput. Phys. Commun. 175, 624 (2006)], the new version is to apply an improved hit-and-miss technology to generating the un-weighted events much more efficiently under various simulation environments. The codes for production of 2S-wave Bc states are also given here.
The Price Impact of Stock Trades: Evidence from the Prague Stock Exchange

Using high-frequency trade and quote data from the Prague Stock Exchange, this paper investigates the price impact of stock trades using a vector autoregressive model. We find that (a) full impact of a trade on the security price is not felt instantaneously but a with a protracted lag, (b) as a function of trade innovation size, the ultimate impact of the innovation on the quote is non-linear, positive, increasing, and convex, and (c) there is a significant causal pattern (acc. to Grange-Sims) running from lagged quote revisions to trades as well as from trades to quote revisions.
Mapping PAH sizes in NGC 7023 with SOFIA

NGC 7023 is a well-studied reflection nebula, which shows strong emission from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules in the form of aromatic infrared bands (AIBs). The spectral variations of the AIBs in this region are connected to the chemical evolution of the PAH molecules which, in turn, depends on the local physical conditions. We use the capabilities of SOFIA to observe a 3.2' x 3.4' region of NGC 7023 at wavelengths that we observe with high spatial resolution (2.7") at 3.3 and 11.2 um. We compare the SOFIA images with existing images of the PAH emission at 8.0 um (Spitzer), emission from evaporating very small grains (eVSG) extracted from Spitzer-IRS spectral cubes, the ERE (HST and CFHT), and H_2 (2.12 um). We create maps of the 11.2/3.3 um ratio to probe the morphology of the PAH size distribution and the 8.0/11.2 um ratio to probe the PAH ionization. We make use of an emission model and of vibrational spectra from the NASA Ames PAHdb to translate the 11.2/3.3 um ratio to PAH sizes. The 11.2/3.3 um map shows the smallest PAH concentrate on the PDR surface (H_2 and extended red emission) in the NW and South PDR. We estimated that PAHs in the NW PDR bear, on average, a number of carbon atoms (N_c) of ~70 in the PDR cavity and ~50 at the PDR surface. In the entire nebula, the results reveal a factor of 2 variation in the size of the PAH. We relate these size variations to several models for the evolution of the PAH families when they traverse from the molecular cloud to the PDR. The PAH size map enables us to follow the photochemical evolution of PAHs in NGC 7023. Small PAHs result from the photo-evaporation of VSGs as they reach the PDR surface. Inside the PDR cavity, the PAH abundance drops as the smallest PAH are broken down. The average PAH size increases in the cavity where only the largest species survive or are converted into C_60 by photochemical processing.
Soil carbon, available nutrients, and iron and aluminium crystallinity vary between boreal closed-canopy forests and open lichen woodlands

At the northernmost extent of the managed forest in Quebec, the boreal forest is currently undergoing an ecological transition between two forest ecosystems. Open lichen woodlands (LW) are spreading southward at the expense of more productive closed-canopy black spruce-moss forests (MF). The objective of this study was to investigate whether soil properties could distinguish MF from LW in the transition zone where both ecosystem types coexist. All the soils studied were typical podzolic soil profiles evolved from glacial till deposits that shared a similar texture of the C layer. However, soil humus and the B layer varied in thickness and chemistry between the two forest ecosystems at the pedon scale. Multivariate analyses of variance were used to evaluate how soil properties could help distinguish the two types at the site scale. MF humus (FH horizons) showed significantly higher concentrations of organic carbon and of the main exchangeable base cations (Ca, Mg) than LW soils, which were nutritionally poorer. The B horizon of LW sites held higher concentrations of total Al and Fe oxides, and particularly greater concentrations of inorganic amorphous Fe oxides than MF mineral soils, while showing a thinner B layer. Overall, our results show that MF store three times more organic carbon in their soils (B + FH horizons, roots apart) than LW. We suggest that variations in soil properties between MF and LW are linked to a cascade of events involving the impacts of natural disturbances such as wildfires on forest regeneration that determines the of vegetation structure (stand density) and composition (ground cover type) and their subsequent consequences on soil environmental parameters (moisture, radiation rate, redox conditions, etc.). Our data underline significant differences in soil biogeochemistry under different forest ecosystems and reveal the importance of interactions in the soil–vegetation–climate system for the determination of soil composition.
Inequality and Economic Growth: Do Natural Resources Matter?

This paper is intended to demonstrate, in theory as well as empirically, how increased dependence on natural resources tends to go along with less rapid economic growth and greater inequality in the distribution of income across countries. On the other hand, public policy in support of education can simultaneously enhance equality and growth by raising the return to working in higher technology (that is, nonprimary) industries and thus counter some of the potentially adverse effects of excessive natural resource dependence. Together, these two variables – natural resources and education – can help account for the inverse relationship between inequality and growth observed in cross-country data. Moreover, the analysis highlights the role of public revenue policy. Taxes and fees can be used to reduce the attractiveness of primary-sector employment, lift the marginal productivity of capital in higher technology industries and thus increase the rate of interest and economic growth, while reducing the inequality of income and wealth.
Automated Processing of Terrestrial Mid-Range Laser Scanner Data for Restoration Documentation at Millimeter Scale

Laser scanning has been shown to be a valuable tool for cultural heritage documentation. Current phase shift scanners produce a huge amount of usually redundant data, which can be hard to handle. Furthermore, with common software packages it is often a time consuming, and thus expensive, process until a satisfactory model of the object is produced. This process typically includes many interactive steps, trial and error and guesswork by the operator. We propose an automated processing chain which takes the raw point clouds from multiple scans as input and outputs a single point cloud, which is much smaller in size, has reduced measurement noise, and a more homogeneous point spacing. Attention is paid at preserving richness in detail as far as possible despite the size reduction. The parameters necessary for the processing are estimated automatically and applied adaptively, taking into account the common properties of panorama scanners and the scan configuration. The result is a point cloud which can easily be handled by common software packages. We tested the method on data from two objects of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria.
Potential Buffer Capacity of Soils with Respect to Potassium (by the Example of the Amur River Region)

Thermodynamic parameters of potassium adsorption have been determined in the main soil types of the Amur River region. Potential buffer capacity with respect to potassium and the content of available potas- sium in a given soil type depend on the soil texture and the degree of soil cultivation. Extensive and thermody- namic parameters of the potassium status of soils are shown to be closely interrelated.
The design of the risk-sensitivity of capital requirements:does it matter for bank business choices?

By employing cross-country variations in the adoption of the Basel I and II capital Accords, we examine how different designs of the risk-sensitivity of capital requirements influence bank business choices. We show that the move to the Basel II regime has not amplified the trends found for the Basel I Accord in the form of a reduction in total lending growth (asset substitution), and increases in lending risk (cherry picking) and noninterest income activities (activity substitution). In fact, Basel II has led to a reduction in bank exposure to non-interest income and, at least in the case of banks opting for the high risk-sensitive Internal Rating Based (IRB) option within Basel II, decreased lending risk. Nevertheless, the adoption of the IRB approach has had the negative consequence of lowering the growth rate of loans to the corporate sector and amplifying its procyclicality.
Considerations and Factors for Consumer Mobile Services Adoption in Populations with Diverse Ages

Research was done to discover what factors prevent or limit consumer adoption of mobile technologies provided by financial institutions. This research continued with a study of what role peers and social interactions have on a person’s intention to adopt mobile financial technology and strived to determine the best method to encourage technology adoption. In the effort to maximize adoption, the research also included why certain users continue to use outdated technology and delivery channels. It was discovered that age, while generally considered a significant factor, is heavily influenced by social factors. This research is has valuable insights into the consumer the resulting conceptual model can be used to formulate a strategy to encourage adoption by incorporating perception management into the technology development cycle. The findings from this study can assist leaders in both information technology and business as they review their future strategic planning in regards to mobile member service technologies. Keywords–Technology adaption, technology acceptance, mobile devices and mobile technologies
Morphological characteristics of donkeys (Equus asinus) in Kabylie area, Algeria.

The survey was to define some morphometric characteristics and body biometric indexes of donkeys sampled in the Kabylie area, Algeria. The study was carried out from February to June 2018 in Bejaia and Tizi-Ouzou province. The study population included 124 males and 2 females. In total, 17 body measures were selected for morphometric characterization including and seven body biometric indexes were calculated. Body weight estimated the two equations was 144.3 ± 23.9 and 171.5 ± 28.8 kg, respectively. Significant higher body weight was recorded in the age group ≤ 5 years and the lower body weight in the age group ≥ 6 - ≤ 10 years and ≥ 11 years. Morphological variables of chest width (CW) and Cannon length (CL) were significant longer (P 0.05). This is a first report on the phenotypic characterization in donkeys in Kabylie area (Algeria) based on corporal measurements. Our comparative analysis of morphometric parameters; such as back length, body length, neck length; suggests that donkeys of Kabylie area are typically invariant among breeds and it has not been changed through the periods.
Tunable self-cleaving ribozymes for modulating gene expression in eukaryotic systems

Advancements in the field of synthetic biology have been possible due to the development of genetic tools that are able to regulate gene expression. However, the current toolbox of gene regulatory tools for eukaryotic systems have been outpaced by those developed for simple, single-celled systems. Here, we engineered a set of gene regulatory tools by combining self-cleaving ribozymes with various upstream competing sequences that were designed to disrupt ribozyme self-cleavage. As a proof-of-concept, we were able to modulate GFP expression in mammalian cells, and then showed the feasibility of these tools in Drosophila embryos. For each system, the fold-reduction of gene expression was influenced by the location of the self-cleaving ribozyme/upstream competing sequence (i.e. 5’ untranslated region (UTR) vs. 3’UTR) and the competing sequence used. Together, this work provides a set of genetic tools that can be used to tune gene expression across various eukaryotic systems.