Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic Polymorphism in the Amaranthaceae Species in the Context of Stress Tolerance

The adaptive potential and biochemical properties of the Amaranthaceae species make them promising for introduction into agriculture and markets, particularly in arid conditions. Molecular genetic polymorphism analysis is the most powerful tool for studying plant resources; therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the polymorphisms of allelic variations in the ARF and SOD gene families, as well as the genetic diversity of six Amaranthaceae species, using retrotransposon-based fingerprinting with the multi-locus EPIC-PCR profiling approach. Additionally, the iPBS PCR amplification was employed for genome profiling, revealing variations in genetic diversity among the studied Amaranthaceae samples. The observed genetic diversity in Amaranthaceae species contributes to their enhanced tolerance to adverse environmental conditions. The knowledge about the genetic diversity of genes crucial in plant development and stress resistance can be useful for the genetic improvement of cultivated Amaranthaceae species.
Quantified effects of the laser-seeding attack in quantum key distribution

Quantum key distribution (QKD) enables private communications with information-theoretic security. To guarantee the practical security of QKD, it is essential that QKD systems are implemented in accordance to theoretical requirements and robust against side-channel attacks. Here we study a prominent attack on QKD transmitters known as the laser seeding attack (LSA). It consists in injecting photons into the laser of the transmitter in an attempt to modify the outgoing light in some way that is beneficial to the eavesdropper. In this work we measure the response of a QKD transmitter to the LSA as a function of the optical power injected, allowing us to quantify the level of optical attenuation required to mitigate the attack. Further, we employ a laser rate equation model to numerically simulate the effects of the LSA on a gain-switched laser. With this model we are able to reproduce previous experimental results, as well as generate new insight into the LSA by examining the effects of the LSA when the QKD transmitter is operated with different laser current driving parameters.
The Ecosystem Effects Of Cyanobacteria In Oligotrophic Lakes

Climate change scenarios predict that rivers, lakes, and reservoirs will experience increased temperatures, more intense and longer periods of thermal stratification, modified hydrology, and altered nutrient loading. These environmental drivers will have substantial effects on freshwater phytoplankton species composition and biomass, potentially favouring cyanobacteria over other phytoplankton. In this Review, we examine how several cyanobacterial eco-physiological traits, specifically, the ability to grow in warmer temperatures; buoyancy; high affinity for, and ability to store, phosphorus; nitrogen-fixation; akinete production; and efficient light harvesting, vary amongst cyanobacteria genera and may enable them to dominate in future climate scenarios. We predict that spatial variation in climate change will interact with physiological variation in cyanobacteria to create differences in the dominant cyanobacterial taxa among regions. Finally, ______________ *Reprinted by permission from Water Research (Carey, C. C., B. W. Ibelings, E. P. Hoffmann, D. P. Hamilton, and J. D. Brookes. 2012. Eco-physiological adaptations that favour freshwater cyanobacteria in a changing climate. Water Research 46: 13941407). Copyright 2012, Elsevier.
Basal-crevasse-fill origin of laminated debris bands at Matanuska Glacier, Alaska, U.S.A.

The numerous debris bands in the terminus region of Matanuska Glacier, Alaska, U.S.A. , were formed by injection of turbid meltwaters into basal crevasses. The debris bands are millimeter(s)-thick layers of silt-rich ice cross-cutting older, debris-poor englacial ice. The sediment grain-size distribution of the debris bands closely resembles the suspended load of basal waters, and of basal and proglacial ice grown from basal waters, but does not resemble supraglacial debris, till or the bedload of subglacial streams. Most debris bands contain anthropogenic tritium (3H) in concentrations similar to those of basal meltwater and ice formed from that meltwater, but cross-cut englacial ice lacking tritium. Stable-isotopic ratios (δ 18 O and δD) of debris-band ice are consistent with freezing from basal waters, but are distinct from those in englacial ice. Ice petrofabric data along one debris band lack evidence of active shearing. High basal water pressures and locally extensional ice flow associated with overdeepened subglacial basins favor basal crevasse formation.
Trends and variability in surface ozone over the United States

We investigate the observed trends and interannual variability in surface ozone over the United States using the Global Modeling Initiative chemical transport model. We discuss the roles of meteorology, emissions, and transport from the stratosphere in driving the interannual variability in different regions and seasons. We demonstrate that a hindcast simulation for 1991–2010 can reproduce much of the observed variability and the trends in summertime ozone, with correlation coefficients for seasonally and regionally averaged median ozone ranging from 0.46 to 0.89. Reproducing the interannual variability in winter and spring in the western United States may require higher‐resolution models to adequately represent stratosphere‐troposphere exchange. Hindcast simulations with fixed versus variable emissions show that changes in anthropogenic emissions drive the observed negative trends in monthly median ozone concentrations in the eastern United States during summer, as well as the observed reduction in the amplitude of the seasonal cycle. The simulation underestimates positive trends in the western United States during spring, but excluding the first 4 years of data removes many of the statistically significant trends in this region. The reduction in the slope of the ozone versus temperature relationship before and after major emission reductions is also well represented by the model. Our results indicate that a global model can reproduce many of the important features of the meteorologically induced ozone variability as well as the emission‐driven trends, lending confidence to model projections of future changes in regional surface ozone.
The gamma-logging calibration facility at the Australian mineral development laboratories

A facility for the calibration of down-hole radiometric logging instruments has been constructed at the Australian Mineral Development Laboratories in South Australia. Three calibration models of a borehole passing through a zone of homogeneous uranium ore have been completed and are available to users. The radiometric grades determined for the models are 0.209%. 0.920% and 0.054% equivalent U3O8.
Is the climate sensitivity to ozone perturbations enhanced by stratospheric water vapor feedback?

The climate response to a set of idealized ozone perturbations is investigated by integrations with a coupled atmosphere‐ocean model. Although all perturbations, including a homogeneous CO2 increase, induce the same stratosphere adjusted, tropopause radiative forcing, the climate response is quite variable within the set of experiments. Except for an upper tropospheric ozone increase, our model is more sensitive to ozone perturbations than to an equivalent CO2 perturbation. This applies in particular to a lower stratospheric ozone increase. The accompanying changes in the stratospheric water vapor (SWV) distribution are found to impose additional forcings on climate that may well exceed the forcings due to the original perturbations. Without SWV feedback on radiation the climate sensitivity to a lower stratospheric ozone increase draws remarkably near the respective value for equivalent CO2. This emphasizes the crucial role SWV may have in the forcing‐response relationship.
Thermal response of sediment with vertical fluid flow to periodic temperature variation at the surface

[1] Characteristics of thermal responses of sediment with vertical fluid movement to periodic temperature variation at the surface were examined using a one-dimensional analytical solution. The amplitude of the thermal response decays exponentially, and the phase is delayed linearly with increasing depth, but they depend on the direction and velocity of vertical fluid flow, thermal diffusivity of fluid-saturated sediment, and period of surface temperature variation. To examine general characteristics of the thermal response, we defined two nondimensional parameters related to thermal diffusivity of fluid-saturated sediment, vertical fluid flow velocity, period of the surface temperature variation, and specific penetration depth at which the amplitude of the thermal response decays to e−1 of that at the surface. Analysis using these nondimensional parameters shows that there are three heat transport regimes for downward flow: (1) heat transport strongly governed by advection, (2) heat transport strongly governed by conduction, and (3) transition between these regimes. For upward flow, there are also three heat transport regimes: (1) balance of heat transports by advection and conduction, (2) heat transport strongly governed by conduction, and (3) transition between these regimes. The analytical solution is used to estimate the downward fluid velocity and thermal diffusivity of sediment from temperatures measured by long-term temperature monitoring at a site of seafloor hydrothermal circulation.
Sec8 specifically interacts with the PDZ2 domain of synapse associated protein 102 (SAP102)

The exocyst is an evolutionarily conserved protein complex tethering secretory vesicles before their docking and fusion with the plasma membrane. The complex also plays important roles in cell migration, synaptogenesis, and neurite outgrowth. One of its subunits, Sec8, was reported to interact with two major synaptic scaffolding proteins SAP102 and PSD-95 that share high sequence homology and contain three PDZ domains at their N-terminal region. The interaction is via the binding of the C-terminal ITTV motif in Sec8 to the PDZ domains of the two synaptic proteins. However, it remains elusive to which PDZ domain(s) Sec8 binds and how their interaction occurs. Here we reported a 2.5 Å resolution crystal structure of the C-terminal half of rat Sec8 containing the ITTV motif. The structure shows that Sec8 contains an enormously long helix at its C-terminus, which bears a unique long “spacer” of 14 residues to bridge the ITTV motif to the compact core of Sec8. We found that Sec8 preferentially binds PDZ2 over PDZ1 and PDZ3 of SAP102. Deletion of the spacer completely abolished the binding of Sec8 to SAP102. Overall, our structural studies, biochemical data and modeling analyses altogether provide an explanation for how Sec8 interacts with SAP102.
Buoyancy-Driven Circulation in an Ocean Basin with Isopycnals Intersecting the Sloping Boundary

Abstract The dynamics that govern the spreading of a convectively formed water mass in an ocean with sloping boundaries are examined using an isopycnal model that permits the interface between the layers to intersect the sloping boundaries. The simulations presented here use a two-layer configuration to demonstrate some of the pronounced differences in a baroclinically forced flow between the response in a basin with a flat bottom and vertical walls and a more realistic basin bounded by a sloping bottom. Each layer has a directly forced signal that propagates away from the forcing along the potential vorticity (PV) contours of that layer. Paired, opposed boundary currents are generated by refracted topographic Rossby waves, rather than Kelvin waves. It is impossible to decompose the flow into globally independent baroclinic and barotropic modes; topography causes the barotropic (i.e., depth averaged) response to buoyancy forcing to be just as strong as the baroclinic response. Because layer PV contours di.
Biochar improves soil quality prior to prairie restoration

Intensive agriculture has led to widespread losses of native grasslands. Restoration projects are trying to reestablish native communities. However, the poor quality and altered food webs of former agricultural soils act as barriers to establishing diverse plant communities. Soil amendments such as biochar have been used to improve soil quality and increase crop yield, but little research has been on biochar in restoration settings. Eastern Washington University is attempting to restore a former wheat field to native Palouse prairie vegetation. In this study, we compared (1) soil abiotic properties and food webs between Palouse prairie remnants and Eastern Washington University's (EWU) restoration site and (2) tested whether biochar can move soil conditions at EWU's restoration site closer to those of remnant sites. We compared soils from three Palouse prairie remnants and EWU's restoration site, and compared soils at the restoration site that were treated with different levels of biochar. Soil nematodes were extracted and sorted to functional groups as an assay of the structure and functional diversity of the soil food web. The soil at EWU's restoration site had significantly lower nematode abundance, pH, and organic matter compared to prairie remnants. In addition, nematode abundance and pH increased significantly at the EWU site with the addition of biochar, both increasing to conditions similar to what is found at the prairie remnant sites. These results suggest biochar can improve some soil conditions in former agricultural lands even prior to native plant restoration.
Descanned fast light targeting (deFLiT) two-photon optogenetics

Two-photon light-targeting optogenetics allows controlling selected subsets of neurons with near single-cell resolution and high temporal precision. To push forward this approach, we recently proposed a fast light-targeting strategy (FLiT) to rapidly scan multiple holograms tiled on a spatial light modulator (SLM). This allowed generating sub-ms timely-controlled switch of light patterns enabling to reduce the power budget for multi-target excitation and increase the temporal precision for relative spike tuning in a circuit. Here, we modified the optical design of FLiT by including a de-scan unit (deFLiT) to keep the holographic illumination centered at the middle of the objective pupil independently of the position of the tiled hologram on the SLM. This enables enlarging the number of usable holograms and reaching extended on-axis excitation volumes, and therefore increasing even further the power gain and temporal precision of conventional FLiT.
Robust Tracking via Bidirectional Transduction With Mask Information

In the tracking literature, foreground and background information have been extensively investigated to discriminate a target from its surrounding background. However, both foreground and background possess their own spatial-temporal correlation relationship that provide significant information to separate the target from its surrounding background, which has been usually ignored by existing work. To address this issue, we propose a bidirectional transductive network based tracker, which incorporates long-range spatial-temporal and bidirectional constraints. Specifically, our tracker consists of two modules, namely the mask generation module (MGM) and the transduction attention module (TAM). MGM aggregates long-range interdependencies of a target along the history frames for generating accurate target masks. TAM retrieves back to the history frames to find patches similar to the current frame, which are then forwarded along with the target masks generated by MGM. In this manner, each position in the current frame can determine its own identity, whether belonging to either the background or the foreground, hence accurately distinguishing the target from its distractors. We conduct systematically experiments and achieve state-of-the-art performance on several benchmarks, obtaining 69.2% AO on GOT-10k and 82.1% on TrackingNet.
Production of Mineral-Carbon Composites and Activated Carbons as a Method of Used Gear Oil, Ashes, and Low-Quality Brown Coals Management

The main objective of this study was to assess the usefulness of the low-quality brown coal, ash obtained as a result of its combustion, as well as used gear oil for the production of mineral-carbon adsorbents. The adsorbents were characterized in terms of textural parameters, acidic-basic character of the surface, mineral matter contribution to the structure, as well as their suitability for drinking water purification. Adsorption tests were carried out against two synthetic dyes—methylene blue and methyl orange. In order to understand the nature of the organic pollutants adsorption, the effect of the initial dye concentration, temperature, and pH of the system as well as the phase contact time were investigated. The obtained mineral-carbon composite and activated carbons significantly differed not only in terms of the elemental composition and chemical character of the surface (from slightly acidic to strongly alkaline), but also showed a very diverse degree of specific surface development (from 21 to 656 m2/g) and the type of porous structure generated (from micro/mesoporous to typically mesoporous). Adsorption tests showed that the efficiency of organic dye removal from aqueous solutions primarily depends on the type of the adsorbent and adsorbate applied, and, to a lesser extent, on the temperature and pH of the system. In turn, kinetic studies have shown that the sorption of dyes on such materials is consistent with a pseudo-second-order kinetics model, regardless of the type of adsorbed dye.
Burning bright or burning out: a qualitative investigation of leader vitality

Introduction Leaders of organizations have incessant demands placed on them, including cultivating teams, building culture, and increasing the bottom line, in addition to caring for followers’ well-being and thriving. Numerous resources are required to meet these continuous demands, and vitality is one of the most valuable. Methods Through interviewing 20 of the most influential and pressured leaders of Fortune 1,000 companies, this qualitative study answers three important questions: what drains vitality, what fosters it, and how do leaders most effectively utilize vitality for followers? Results The results shed light on psychological mechanisms that drain leaders’ vitality, including emotional labor, self-control, loss of job control, the unproductive mindsets of others, and isolation created from the role. In terms of fostering vitality, several of the pathways of the PERMA+4 model of well-being were highlighted, including fostering relationships, physical health, accomplishment, mindset, meaning, environment, and engagement. Two additional themes that foster vitality included job autonomy and time away from work. Themes emerged that underscore how leaders utilize their vitality for followers, and the potentially detrimental impacts to leadership when leaders are drained. Discussion Overall, results highlight the importance of vitality and self-care as critical for leaders’ ability to maximize their leadership performance.
A rehabilitation robot control framework with adaptation of training tasks and robotic assistance

Robot-assisted rehabilitation has exhibited great potential to enhance the motor function of physically and neurologically impaired patients. State-of-the-art control strategies usually allow the rehabilitation robot to track the training task trajectory along with the impaired limb, and the robotic motion can be regulated through physical human-robot interaction for comfortable support and appropriate assistance level. However, it is hardly possible, especially for patients with severe motor disabilities, to continuously exert force to guide the robot to complete the prescribed training task. Conversely, reduced task difficulty cannot facilitate stimulating patients’ potential movement capabilities. Moreover, challenging more difficult tasks with minimal robotic assistance is usually ignored when subjects show improved performance. In this paper, a control framework is proposed to simultaneously adjust both the training task and robotic assistance according to the subjects’ performance, which can be estimated from the users’ electromyography signals. Concretely, a trajectory deformation algorithm is developed to generate smooth and compliant task motion while responding to pHRI. An assist-as-needed (ANN) controller along with a feedback gain modification algorithm is designed to promote patients’ active participation according to individual performance variance on completing the training task. The proposed control framework is validated using a lower extremity rehabilitation robot through experiments. The experimental results demonstrate that the control scheme can optimize the robotic assistance to complete the subject-adaptation training task with high efficiency.
The Effects of Lipids on α-Synuclein Aggregation In Vitro

The small neuronal protein α-synuclein (αS) is found in pre-synaptic terminals and plays a role in vesicle recycling and neurotransmission. Fibrillar aggregates of αS are the hallmark of Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. In both health and disease, interactions with lipids influence αS’s structure and function, prompting much study of the effects of lipids on αS aggregation. A comprehensive collection (126 examples) of aggregation rate data for various αS/lipid combinations was presented, including combinations of lipid variations and mutations or post-translational modifications of αS. These data were interpreted in terms of lipid structure to identify general trends. These tabulated data serve as a resource for the community to help in the interpretation of aggregation experiments with lipids and to be potentially used as inputs for computational models of lipid effects on aggregation.
Igneous Rocks: A Classification and Glossary of Terms (Recommendations of the IUGS Subcommission on the Systematics of Igneous Rocks).Second edition. Edited by R.W. LeMaitre. Cambridge University Press, New York, N.Y., 2002, 236 + xvi pages. US$65 (ISBN 0–521–66215–X).

A decade ago I evaluated the first edition of this useful book, and I urge the interested reader to consult that review ( Can. Mineral. 30 , 1182) because it applies broadly to the second edition as well. Igneous Rocks: A Classification and Glossary of Terms is a bit wider, higher, and thicker than