Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Supplement to “Leave-out estimation of variance components”

Proof of Lemma 4. Define Bp = 1 p ∑n i=1Biiσ 2 i (1− Pii) ( 2 ∑n `6=i P 4 i` − P 2 ii(1− Pii) ) . Letting (θ̂JLA−θ̂)2 be a second order approximation of θ̂JLA−θ̂, we first show that E [ (θ̂JLA−θ̂)2 ] = Bp and V[θ̂]−1 ( V[(θ̂JLA− θ̂)2] ) = O(1/p). Then we finish the proof of the first claim by showing that the approximation error is ignorable. The bias bound follows immediately from the equality ∑n 6̀=i P 2 i` = Pii(1− Pii) which leads to 0 ≤ ∑n `6=i P 4 i` ≤ P 2 ii(1− Pii). We have θ̂JLA − θ̂ = (θ̂JLA − θ̂)2 + AE2 where
Signaling by decorating webs: luring prey or deterring predators?

Many organisms convey false signals to mislead their prey or predators. Some orb-weaving spiders build conspicuous structures on webs called decorations. Web decorations and spider colorations are both suggested to be important signals involved in interactions between spiders and other organisms. There are several hypotheses about the functions of signaling by decorations, among which prey attraction had received much support, but empirical evidence regarding predator defense is controversial. In this study, we conducted field experiments to investigate the effects of spider decoration and coloration on insect interception rates of webs built by Argiope aemula and to evaluate whether presence of decorations may decrease predation risk of spiders. Decorated webs with spiders present had the highest prey interception rate, followed by undecorated webs with spiders, and then undecorated webs without spiders. Such results indicated that decorations of Argiope spiders functioned as visual lures, and so did spiders' bright body colorations. In the field, almost all wasp attack events occurred on medium-sized spiders rather than on large ones. Moreover, medium-sized Arg. aemula on decorated webs received far more attacks than those on undecorated webs. Results of this study thus show that the signals conveyed by decorations can visually lure prey but at the cost of an increased predation risk. Copyright 2007, Oxford University Press.
EFFECTS OF FREQUENCY AND LENGTH OF SEPARATION BOUTS BETWEEN MOTHER AND OFFSPRING ON LATER EXPLORATIVE BEHAVIOUR OF YOUNG GUINEA-PIGS (CAVIA APEREA F.PORCELLUS)

Summary Previous studies have shown that maternal behaviour is correlated with later explorative behaviour of the young. Exploring the eventual effects of maternal behaviour on the explorative behaviour of young guinea pigs, we examined the effectsof frequency and length of separation bouts between mother and offspring. For 39 pups daily duration of contact with the mother was kept constant (17 hours) but the frequency of daily contact (and thus the length of the separation bouts) varied. Using a split-litter design three groups were created that were separated from the mother 3, 6 or 9 times each day from day 3 until day 20. Several precautions were taken to avoid distress of the pups during separation caused by heat loss, social isolation or unfamiliarity with the separation cage. The development of the explorative behaviour was assessed by means of a series of testsrepresenting several aspects of explorative behaviour. All groups showed equal growth during the treatment period. It is shown that the group separated 3 times for a long period scored higher in explorative behaviour than the other
Association of qLTG3-1 with germination stage cold tolerance in diverse rice germplasm from the Indian subcontinent

Low temperature is a major constraint for crop productivity. To cope with this challenge, plants have developed several mechanisms to adapt to low temperature. Developing breeding strategies to enhance cold stress tolerance in crops requires an understanding of the mechanisms by which plants perceive and transmit cold stress-related signals to their cellular machinery, thereby activating adaptive responses. Only one quantitative trait locus for tolerance to low-temperature germination, qLTG3-1, has been narrowed down to the gene level in rice. A 71 bp indel that can be used to distinguish between tolerant and susceptible parents has been identified. We tested the 71 bp indel on 65 diverse rice genotypes including those adapted to colder climates of North and Northeastern India to find evidence of the tolerant allele (insertion) and to see whether it is associated with low-temperature germinability in these genotypes. Our results show that 48% of the rice genotypes tested carried the tolerant allele. The insertion was found to be significantly associated with cold tolerance during germination. Moreover, several landraces/improved varieties known for their superior performance in other abiotic stress conditions such as drought and high salinity conditions, and which were previously never exposed to low temperature, carry the beneficial allele for qLTG3-1, suggesting an additional role of this allele in adverse climatic conditions. This study enhances current understanding of the distribution of the tolerant allele qLTG3-1 in rice germplasm, which could help in the identification of suitable donors for potential marker-assisted breeding programmes.
Bibliography

Adaertising BOGART, L. Psychology in media strategy; Chicago, American marketing association, 1966. 104 pp., bibl. , ill. (Proceedings of a symposium sponsored by the Media Research Committee of the American Marketing Association). HAINES, G. H. Jr. and A. J. SILK. Does consumer advertising increase retail availability of a new product? In: Journal of Advertising Researclt VII/3 (1967), p. g-c5. Theoretical
Architectural plasticity, photosynthesis and growth responses of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medicus) plants to water stress in a semi-arid environment

Plasticity of the phenotypic architecture, growth and photosynthesis of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medicus) was studied in response to water stress. A two-year experiment with three irrigation regimes was carried out in a completely randomized design with four replications. Plants were subjected to three moisture levels: water stress, slight water stress and well-watered. Water stress reduced dry weight of velvetleaf plants. However, root growth was not affected by water stress. Physiological characteristics were significantly influenced by water stress. The highest water-use efficiency, stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rates were found in well-watered plants. Velvetleaf plants flowered early under water stress conditions, whereas plants under well-watered conditions delayed flowering to allocate more biomass to vegetative growth. Finally, our results demonstrate that the leaf angle in velvetleaf is plastic and sensitive to unstable availability of water. This mechanism enables velvetleaf plants to keep leaf temperature at logical levels.
Comparative Acute Oral Toxicity Study of Verona Anti-BPH with Verona Max in Mice

Objective: Benign Prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is hyperplasia of prostate gland and age related diseases in men. 20%-60% men have BPH with the age of 40 to 60 years. The cause is not very well researched however the pharmacological and surgical current treatments have numerous toxic effects on quality of life. Natural medicines are known for its safety as compare to pharmacological choice of medicines. By considering this fact, current experimental study was established to compare and assess the acute oral toxicity of the Verona Anti-PBH with Verona Max in NMRI strain of mice on animal model. Methodology: NMRI mice were obtained for experimental purpose from animal house facility of Herbion Pvt. Ltd. Constant environmental conditions were 25 ± 1 °C with R.H 52 - 61% with 12 hours dark and light cycle. As per desire, food and water were available. Animals were divided into three different groups including two treatment and control group. Treatment group including Verona Anti-BPH and Verona Max however control group were on water. Animal’s age were 6-8 weeks and average body weight were 25-35 g however cage cards were used for identifications between the groups. Mice were treated orally using gastric gavage with doses (1 or 5g/kg) of test product for 14 days and observed daily. Results: The Verona anti-BPH and Verona Max did not cause any sign of ill health and acute toxicity in mice at the given doses of 1 or 5 g/kg. No hair loss, color loss, heart rate (chest expansion and retraction), writhing, stretching and fecal abnormality was observed. No remarkable change in the behavior and no mortality was observed. Conclusion: The present study evaluated that Verona anti-BPH and Verona Max extract is potentially safe and no acute oral toxicity has found.
Survey Sampling

Survey sampling is one of the most commonly used data collection methods for social scientists. We begin by describing the simplest method of survey sampling, called simple random sampling. Suppose that we are conducting election polling and are interested in estimating the proportion of voters who support Obama in a battle ground state, say Florida. There are N voters in this state and we call this population of voters P . Thus, N denotes the population size. We assume that the complete list of N voters is available, allowing us to sample a subset of them from this list. Such a list is called a sampling frame. Before we begin our sampling, we determine the total number of voters we are going to interview. This number represents the sample size and is denoted by n. Simple random sampling refers to the procedure in which a researcher randomly samples n voters from the list of N voters with equal probability. There are two key characteristics of this procedure. First, we are sampling exactly n voters without replacement. That is, every voter gets sampled at most once. Secondly, each voter has an equal probability of being sampled. Clearly, this sampling probability is equal to n/N for every voter on the sampling frame. Below, we introduce two inferential approaches, one design-based and the other model-based, to survey sampling. In the simple case we are considering, both approaches give substantially similar estimation procedures. For example, from both perspectives, the sample proportion of Obama’s supporters in a poll is a good estimate of the population proportion. However, the two approaches are conceptually quite different. The basic idea of the design-based approach is that all statistical properties of one’s estimator are based solely on the actual data collection procedure employed by the researcher (here, simple random sampling). Thus, this approach faithfully follow the research design. In contrast, the model-based approach requires the researcher to specify a probability model. Such a model represents an approximation to the actual data generating process. As described in more detail below, each approach has its advantages and disadvantages.
A study on Catheter related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) in Intensive care unit patients in a tertiary care hospital

Introduction: Catheter related blood stream infections (CRBSI) independently increase hospital costs and length of stay. Knowledge about CRBSIs would help in improving infection control practices and managing nosocomial sepsis. Objectives:To study the prevalence of central venous catheter related blood stream infections and to identify clinical risk factors & the microbiological profile of organisms causing CRBSI. Materials & Methods: This was a prospective observational study carried out in the medical ICU of Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, over a period of one year from March 2014 to February 2015. All adult non-immunocompromised patients admitted to the Intensive care unit(ICU), who had a non-tunnelled Central venous catheter(CVC) insertedwere included. Blood cultures were taken at the time of CVC insertion. At the time of removal, catheters were cultured using semi-quantitative method(SQC) of Makialong with a paired peripheral blood culture. The incidence of BSI was measured per 1000 CVC days. Results: A total of 82 patients with a cumulative 434 CVC days were included. Of this, 17 catheters (20.73 %) were positive for SQC. 3 patients (17.6%) had developed CRBSI, and the same organism with identical antibiogram pattern was isolated from both the blood and CVC tip. 10 patients (58.8%) had only catheter associated infection without bacteremia. 4 patients(23.5%) had positive blood cultures with different organism growing in CVC tip. CRBSI rate was 6.5/1000CVC days. The risk factors were diabetes mellitus, central line in situ for more than 7 days and emergency insertions. Out of the three definite CRBSIs, two patients grew Klebsiella pneumoniae and one patient grew Staphylococcus epidermidis. Of the 17 CVC tips which yielded positive growth, 53% were CoNS, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae, E.coli, Enterococcus spp and Candida. CoNS was penicillin resistant and vancomycin sensitive. Majority of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were ESBL producers. Conc
Causes for variation in digestibility of starch among feedstuffs

Reasons for starch digestibility variations are reviewed by considering starch granule structure, antinutritional factors and access problems in coarse particles. Feed technology treatments that can overcome low starch digestibilities are also reviewed. Before considering these factors, the particular features of the digestive system of chickens are briefly reviewed. The digestive system of chickens for starch hydrolysis is characterised by a high enzymatic potential. However, in contrast with mammals, the potential of chickens for completing starch digestion by microbial degradation in the distal part of the digestive tract is very low. Variations in starch granule structure especially concern legume seeds compared to cereals, with greater resistance observed for the former. Plant mutants may result in variations in amylose contents of starch granules. Those with high amylose content (70%) produce low starch digestibilities. Cereals with no amylose (waxy starch) do not show strong evidence of benefit despite lower resistance of starch granules. In practical conditions, antinutritional factors such as proteinaceous α-amylase inhibitors, condensed tannins and viscous water-soluble non-starch polysaccharides generally result in low effects on starch digestibility. However, viscosity may induce a noticeable effect with high viscosity barleys. There is much less evidence that viscosity can explain the low starch digestibilities (< 94%) which are observed with some wheat samples. Positive effects of enzyme additives on starch digestibility of cereals probably result from effects both on viscosity and on disruption of coarse particles. Access problems in coarse particles are responsible for low starch digestibilities observed with legume seeds. However, mechanical treatments such as fine grinding and pelleting can readily overcome this problem. Access problem in coarse particles is also probably the reason that explains low starch digestibilities in some cereal samples, as shown by negative relationships between hardness and starch digestibility of wheats. However, grinding and pelleting of cereals seem to be less efficient than with legume seeds. Interactions with feeding behaviour and genetic origin of birds have also to be considered for explaining variations in starch digestibility of cereals.
Systematics of North American Species of Sphaeropsocidae (Psocoptera)

Abstract The recent North American sphaeropsocid fauna consists of six species. Four of them are new and are described here. Two new genera are erected for accommodation of three of the new species. These are Prosphaeropsocus n. gen. for Prosphaeropsocus pallidus n. sp. (type species) and Prosphaeropsocus californicus n. sp. , both from central-western California, and Troglosphaeropsocus n. gen. for Troglosphaeropsocus voylesi n. sp. , from a cave in northern Arizona. Sphaeropsocopsis castanea n. sp. is described from northeastern Mexico. Descriptive notes are included on Sphaeropsocopsis argentina (Badonnel) based on the only known whole adult of that species. Sphaeropsocopsis Badonnel was originally based on forms with reduced venation in the forewing, but since the wings are not known for several included species, this genus is regarded here as a holding genus for species with reduced venation or wings not known and with otherwise no important departures from the type species of that genus. A key to the known species of Sphaeropsocopsis is included. New Alaskan records are given for Badonnelia titei Pearman. An evaluation of genitalic characters of both sexes and a brief discussion of phylogeny and biogeography are included.
Steatosis Rates by Liver Biopsy and Transient Elastography With Controlled Attenuation Parameter in Clinical Experience of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus/HCV Coinfection in a Large US Hepatitis Clinic

Abstract Background Steatosis contributes to liver fibrosis in hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV coinfection. Liver biopsy (LB) is the reference standard for grading steatosis and staging fibrosis, yet recent advances in noninvasive modalities have largely supplanted LB, which may limit recognition of steatosis. We evaluated steatosis rates by LB and transient elastography (TE) with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) among HCV-infected and HIV/HCV-coinfected patients in a US clinic. Methods Patients with chronic HCV infection during pretreatment evaluation by LB (n = 421; December 2001 through May 2014) and TE with CAP (n = 1157; May 2016 through May 2017) were included. Fibrosis and steatosis rates by LB and TE with CAP were stratified by HCV versus HIV/HCV coinfection status. Results Steatosis was not reported in 26.1% of LBs. Moderate to severe steatosis (grade ≥S2) was detected more often with CAP than with LB (in 24.0% vs 11.4% of patients, respectively). Median CAP values were higher in patients with HCV monoinfection than in those with coinfection (230 vs 215.5 dB/m, respectively; P < .001). With TE, the rate of advanced fibrosis (values F3–F4) was higher in HCV monoinfection than in coinfection (25.9% vs 14.8%, respectively; P <.001). With both LB and TE, advanced fibrosis (F3–F4) was significantly associated with moderate to severe steatosis (S2–S3) in HCV monoinfection compared with HIV/HCV coinfection (33.3% vs 4.4%, respectively for LB [P = 0.003] and 36.0% vs 29.0% for TE [P = 0.008]). Conclusions In patients with chronic HCV undergoing liver fibrosis staging, steatosis was detected more often with CAP than LB, with median CAP values higher in HCV monoinfection than HIV/HCV coinfection. Steatosis severity may be increasing in the modern HCV treatment era.
Selecting Soybean Cultivars for Dual Resistance to Soybean Cyst Nematode and Sudden Death Syndrome Using Two DNA Markers

DNA markers for genes conditioning resistance to soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] root infection by [Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc. f. sp. glycine (Burk.)] (Rfsl ), sudden death syndrome (SDS), and soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines Ichinohe; Rhg4 and rhg1) were previously identified in 'Essex' X 'Forrest'. This study tests the effectiveness of those markers in selecting for disease resistance among recombinant inbred lines from 'Flyer' × 'Hartwig'. A total of 535 among 739 lines were scored by two markers, providing four genotypes. A stratified random sample of 50 lines was evaluated for SDS by F. solani root infection severity at two locations and SCN race 3 index of parasitism in the greenhouse. Selection with BLT65 identified 281 among 671 lines with the genomic region that underlies Rhg4-derived SCN resistance. Selection with Satt038 identified 230 among 613 lines containing the genomic region that underlies resistance to SDS (rfs1) and rhg1-derived SCN resistance. A total of 93 out of 535 lines had genomic regions that underlie resistance to both SDS and SCN in Essex × Forrest. Segregation of both markers was not random (P ≤ 0.05). Infection severity means for genotypes with the Hartwig allele at Satt038 (28-29%) were lower (P = 0.0001, R 2 = 28%) than with the Flyer allele (31-42%); irrespective of maturity group. BLT65 was not associated with infection severity. Mean SCN index of parasitism was lower (P ≤ 0.05) only for genotypes carrying the Hartwig allele at both Satt038 and BLT65. Therefore, alleles conferring resistance to SDS and SCN in Essex × Forrest are transferable to other populations.
Endogenously Occurring β‐Carboline Induces Parkinsonism in Nonprimate Animals: A Possible Causative Protoxin in Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease

Abstract: To examine whether simple β‐carbolines induce parkinsonian‐like symptoms in vivo via N‐methylation, the simple β‐carbolines norharman (NH), 2‐mono‐N‐methylated norharmanium cation (2‐MeNH+), and 9‐mono‐N′‐methylnorharman (9‐MeNH) were systematically administered to C57BL/6 mice for 7 days. These substances induced bradykinesia with reduction of locomotion activity. NH or 2‐MeNH+ decreased dopamine (DA) contents to 50–70% of values in controls in the striatum and midbrain. 9‐MeNH potently decreased not only DA but also serotonin content in various regions. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that the numbers of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐positive cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta of NH‐ and 9‐MeNH‐treated mice were diminished to 76 and 66% of values in control mice, respectively. The formation of a toxic metabolite, 2,9‐di‐N,N′‐methylated norharmanium cation (2,9‐Me2NH+), was 14 and eight times higher in the brain of mice receiving 9‐MeNH than that in NH‐ and 2‐MeNH+‐treated mice, respectively. In cultured mesencephalic cells from rat embryo, 2,9‐Me2NH+ selectively killed TH‐positive neurons only at a lower dose but was toxic to all neurons at higher doses. Thus, the excess formation of 2,9‐Me2NH+ would induce nonspecific neurotoxicity. These results indicated that 9‐indole nitrogen methylation should be the limiting step in the development of the toxicity. NH, a selective dopaminergic toxin precursor, is sequentially methylated to form 2,9‐Me2NH+, which could be an underlying factor in idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
Arabinogalactan glycosyltransferases: enzyme assay, protein-protein interaction, subcellular localization, and perspectives for application

Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are abundant extracellular proteoglycans that are found in most plant species and involved in many cellular processes, such as cell proliferation and survival, pattern formation, and growth, and in plant microbe interaction. AGPs are synthesized by posttranslational O-glycosylation of proteins and attached glycan part often constitutes greater than 90% of the molecule. Subtle altered glycan structures during development have been considered to function as developmental markers on the cell surface, but little is known concerning the molecular mechanisms. My group has been working on glycosylation enzymes (glycosyltransferases) of AGPs to investigate glycan function of the molecule. This review summarizes the recent findings from my group as for AtGalT31A, AtGlcAT14A-C, and AtGalT29A of Arabidopsis thaliana with a specific focus on the (i) biochemical enzyme activities; (ii) subcellular compartments targeted by the glycosyltransferases; and (iii) protein-protein interactions. I also discuss application aspect of glycosyltransferase in improving AGP-based product used in industry, for example, gum arabic.