Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Convergence of TOR-Nitrogen and Snf1-Glucose Signaling Pathways onto Gln3

ABSTRACT Carbon and nitrogen are two basic nutrient sources for cellular organisms. They supply precursors for energy metabolism and metabolic biosynthesis. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, distinct sensing and signaling pathways have been described that regulate gene expression in response to the quality of carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. Gln3 is a GATA-type transcription factor of nitrogen catabolite-repressible (NCR) genes. Previous observations indicate that the quality of nitrogen sources controls the phosphorylation and cytoplasmic retention of Gln3 via the target of rapamycin (TOR) protein. In this study, we show that glucose also regulates Gln3 phosphorylation and subcellular localization, which is mediated by Snf1, the yeast homolog of AMP-dependent protein kinase and a cytoplasmic glucose sensor. Our data show that glucose and nitrogen signaling pathways converge onto Gln3, which may be critical for both nutrient sensing and starvation responses.
A Theory of Action for MultiAgent Planning

A theory of action suitable for reasoning about events in multiagent or dynamically changing environments is presented. A device called a process model is used to represent the observable behavior of an agent in performing an action. This model is more general than previous models of action, allowing sequencing, selection, nondeterminism, iteration, and parallelism to be represented. It is shown how this model can be utilized in synthesizing plans and reasoning about concurrency. In particular, conditions are derived for determining whether or not concurrent actions are free from mutual interference. It is also indicated how this theory provides a basis for understanding and reasoning about action sentences in both natural and programming languages.
Simulation of three-dimensional bulk forming processes by finite element flow formulation

This paper focuses from the fundamentals of finite element flow formulation to the main aspects of computer implementation and modelling of three-dimensional bulk forming processes. Fundamental research and development is based on a comprehensive analysis of a wide range of theoretical and computational subjects such as selection of elements, solution procedures, contact algorithms, and meshing and remeshing procedures. We also focus on elastic analysis of tooling and a simple algorithm is proposed for transferring the load across the die–workpiece contact interface. The overall study is supported by several specially designed, cold forming experimental parts that were manufactured under laboratory-controlled conditions. Comparisons between theoretical predictions and experimental results comprise a wide range of topics such as material flow, geometry, forming load and strain distribution.
Discoloration in Raw and Processed Fruits and Vegetables

Discoloration in fruits and vegetables is reviewed in relation to the chemical and biochemical causes of black, brown, red, yellow, and green discolorations. In raw materials, only a limited understanding has so far been achieved of the internal black and brown discolorations. The biochemical signaling pathways triggered by wounding or chilling-storage, the nature of the enzymes and reactive oxygen species involved, and the identity of the phenolic compounds oxidized are areas where further information is desirable. In processed materials, a greater comprehension is needed of the role of ascorbic acid reactions in the browning of fruits and “pinking” of Brassicaceous vegetables, and more information is desirable on the structure and properties of the discoloring pigments in many products. It is concluded that a greater knowledge of these areas, and of the naturally-occurring constituents that can accelerate or inhibit the causative reactions, would lead to the development of more efficient methods of controlling fruit and vegetable discolorations.
How Does It Feel? Emotional Interaction with a Humanoid LEGO Robot

We report work on a LEGO robot capable of displaying several emotional expressions in response to physical contact. Our motivation has been to explore believable emotional exchanges to achieve plausible interaction with a simple robot. We have worked toward this goal in two ways. First, acknowledging the importance of physicalmanipulation in children’s interactions, interaction with the robot is through tactile stimulation; the various kinds of stimulation that can elicit the robot’s emotions are grounded in a model of emotion activation based on different stimulation patterns. Second, emotional states need to be clearly conveyed. We have drawn inspiration from theories of human basic emotions with associated universal facial expressions, which we have implemented in a caricaturized face. We have conducted experiments on children and adults to assess the recognizability of these expressions, and observed how people spontaneously interacting with Feelix respond to its emotional displays.
Who Benefits From Gender-Responsive Treatment?

This study explores outcome variation among women offenders who participated in gender-responsive substance abuse treatment (GRT). To identify subgroups of participants that may differentially benefit from this treatment, secondary analyses examined the interaction between randomization into GRT and a history of abuse (physical/sexual) on depression and number of substances used post treatment. The sample consisted of 115 incarcerated women assessed at baseline and 6 and 12 months post parole. Longitudinal regression showed that women reporting abuse randomized into GRT had significantly reduced odds of depression (odds ratio [OR] = .29, p < .05, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.10, 0.86]) and lowered rates of number of substances used (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = .52, p < .05, 95% CI = [0.28, 0.98]), in comparison with those who reported abuse and were randomized to the non-GRT group. Findings suggest that GRT for women offenders who have experienced prior abuse may maximize the benefits of the trauma-informed, gender-sensitive intervention.
State Space Decomposition and Subgoal Creation for Transfer in Deep Reinforcement Learning

Typical reinforcement learning (RL) agents learn to complete tasks specified by reward functions tailored to their domain. As such, the policies they learn do not generalize even to similar domains. To address this issue, we develop a framework through which a deep RL agent learns to generalize policies from smaller, simpler domains to more complex ones using a recurrent attention mechanism. The task is presented to the agent as an image and an instruction specifying the goal. This meta-controller guides the agent towards its goal by designing a sequence of smaller subtasks on the part of the state space within the attention, effectively decomposing it. As a baseline, we consider a setup without attention as well. Our experiments show that the meta-controller learns to create subgoals within the attention.
HR professionals' beliefs about effective human resource practices: Correspondence between research and practice.

Five thousand human resource (HR) professionals were surveyed regarding the extent to which they agreed with various HR research findings. Responses from 959 participants suggest that there are large discrepancies between research findings and practitioners' beliefs in some content areas, especially selection. In particular, practitioners place far less faith in intelligence and personality tests as predictors of employee performance than HR research would recommend. Practitioners are somewhat more likely to agree with research findings when they are at higher organizational levels, have SPHR certification, and read the academic literature. Suggestions are made for more effective dissemination of HR research findings. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The trans-silencing capacity of invertedly repeated transgenes depends on their epigenetic state in tobacco

We studied the in trans-silencing capacities of a transgene locus that carried the neomycin phosphotransferase II reporter gene linked to the 35S promoter in an inverted repeat (IR). This transgene locus was originally posttranscriptionally silenced but switched to a transcriptionally silenced epiallele after in vitro tissue culture. Here, we show that both epialleles were strongly methylated in the coding region and IR center. However, by genomic sequencing, we found that the 1.0 kb region around the transcription start site was heavily methylated in symmetrical and non-symmetrical contexts in transcriptionally but not in posttranscriptionally silenced epilallele. Also, the posttranscriptionally silenced epiallele could trans-silence and trans-methylate homologous transgene loci irrespective of their genomic organization. We demonstrate that this in trans-silencing was accompanied by the production of small RNA molecules. On the other hand, the transcriptionally silenced variant could neither trans-silence nor trans-methylate homologous sequences, even after being in the same genetic background for generations and meiotic cycles. Interestingly, 5-aza-2-deoxy-cytidine-induced hypomethylation could partially restore signaling from the transcriptionally silenced epiallele. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that non-transcribed highly methylated IRs are poor silencers of homologous loci at non-allelic positions even across two generations and that transcription of the inverted sequences is essential for their trans-silencing potential.
A natural interface for multi-focal plane head mounted displays using 3D gaze

In mobile augmented reality (AR), it is important to develop interfaces for wearable displays that not only reduce distraction, but that can be used quickly and in a natural manner. In this paper, we propose a focal-plane based interaction approach with several advantages over traditional methods designed for head mounted displays (HMDs) with only one focal plane. Using a novel prototype that combines a monoscopic multi-focal plane HMD and eye tracker, we facilitate interaction with virtual elements such as text or buttons by measuring eye convergence on objects at different depths. This can prevent virtual information from being unnecessarily overlaid onto real world objects that are at a different range, but in the same line of sight. We then use our prototype in a series of experiments testing the feasibility of interaction. Despite only being presented with monocular depth cues, users have the ability to correctly select virtual icons in near, mid, and far planes in 98.6% of cases.
Curing of Epoxy Matrix Composites

Models were developed which describe the curing process of composites constructed from continuous fiber-reinforced, thermosetting resin matrix prepreg materials. On the basis of the models, a computer code was developed, which for flat-plate composites cured by a specified cure cycle, provides the temperature distribution, the degree of cure of the resin, the resin viscosity inside the composite, the void sizes, the temperatures and pressures inside voids, and the residual stress distribution after the cure. In addition, the computer code can be used to determine the amount of resin flow out of the composite and the resin content of the composite and the bleeder. Tests were performed measuring the temperature distribution in and the resin flow out of composites constructed from Hercules AS/3501-6 graphite epoxy prepreg tape. The data were compared with results calculated with the computer code for the conditions employed in the tests and good agreement was found between the data and the results of the computer code. A parametric study was also performed to illustrate how the model and the associated computer code can be used to determine the appropriate cure cycle for a given application, which results in a composite that is cured uniformly, has a low void content, and is cured in the shortest amount of time.
The different progenitors of type Ib, Ic SNe, and of GRB

Aims. We discuss the properties of the progenitors of core collapse supernovae of type Ib and Ic and of long soft gamma ray bursts, as they can be deduced from rotating stellar models of single stars at various metallicities. Methods. The type of the supernova progenitor was determined from the surface abundances at the pre-supernova stage. The type of the supernova event was obtained from the masses of hydrogen and helium ejected at the time of the core-collapse supernova event. Results. We find that the minimum amount of helium ejected by a core-collapse supernova (of whatever type) is around 0.3 $M_\odot$. There is no difference between the WC and WO stars in the ejected masses of helium, CNO elements, and heavy elements. Also no difference is expected between the chemical composition of a WC star resulting from a normal or a homogeneous evolution. The progenitors of type Ib supernovae are WNL, WNE, or less massive WC stars. Those of type Ic are WC and WO stars. WO stars are produced in a limited mass range (around 60 $M_\odot$) and only at low metallicity (for $Z\le\sim 0.010$) as already found. The WO stars are the progenitors of only a small fraction of type Ic. Present stellar models indicate that, at solar metallicity, there is about 1 type Ib supernova for 1 type Ic, and this ratio rises to 3 type Ic for 1 type Ib SN at twice solar metallicity. At this metallicity, type Ic's are more frequent than type Ib's because most massive stars that go through a WNE stage evolve further into a WC/WO phase. Current models can account for the observed number ratios SN Ib/SN II and SN Ic/SN II and for their observed variation with the metallicity. In case no supernova occurs when a black hole is formed, single-star models can still account for more than half of the observed (SN Ib+SN Ic)/SN II ratio for $Z \ge Z_\odot$. For the gamma ray burst rate, our models produce too large a number for such an event, even if we restrict the progenitor to the WO stars. This confirms that only a fraction of the WC / WO stars evolve toward gamma ray burst event, most likely those arising from stars that were initially very rapid rotators.
Biomechanical effects of semi-constrained integrated artificial discs on zygapophysial joints of implanted lumbar segments

This study aimed to optimize the design and application of semi-constrained integrated artificial discs (SIADs) using a finite element (FE) analysis following implantation, wherein the zygapophysial joints of the segment were biomechanically reconstructed. An FE model of the L4–L5 segment was constructed. Variations in the stresses on the discs and zygapophysial joints were observed during 5° anteflexion, 5° extension and 5° rotation under the 400-N applied axial load. Stresses and load translation analyses of the discs and zygapophysial joints were conducted during anteflexion, extension and rotation under the 400-N applied axial load. Following implantation of the lumbar segments, the stresses on the SIAD zygapophysial joints were not significantly different from those of physiological discs during anteflexion, and these were both marginally greater compared with those of non-constrained artificial discs (NADs). During extension, the increase in the stress on the SIAD zygapophysial joints was less than that on NAD zygapophysial joints. Stresses on the NAD zygapophysial joints were higher than those on SIAD and physiological discs during rotation. The stress on the SIAD zygapophysial joints was not significantly different from that on physiological discs during rotation. For SIADs and NADs, the stresses on the zygapophysial joints and the displacements of the discs were greater compared with those of the physiological discs during extension. The SIADs affected the variations in the stresses on the implanted segment more than the NADs, and the SIADs protected the zygapophysial joints of the implanted segment to a higher degree than the NADs.
Electron-beam-evaporated thin films of hafnium dioxide for fabricating electronic devices

Thin films of hafnium dioxide (HfO2) are widely used as the gate oxide in fabricating integrated circuits because of their high dielectric constants. In this paper, the authors report the growth of thin films of HfO2 using e-beam evaporation, and the fabrication of complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) integrated circuits using this HfO2 thin film as the gate oxide. The authors analyzed the thin films using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction, thereby demonstrating that the e-beam-evaporation-grown HfO2 film has a polycrystalline structure and forms an excellent interface with silicon. Accordingly, the authors fabricated 31-stage CMOS ring oscillator to test the quality of the HfO2 thin film as the gate oxide, and obtained excellent rail-to-rail oscillation waveforms from it, denoting that the HfO2 thin film functioned very well as the gate oxide.
Cisplatin alters the function and expression of N-type voltage-gated calcium channels in the absence of morphological damage of sensory neurons

Platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents, such as cisplatin, are still frequently used for treating various types of cancer. Besides its high effectiveness, cisplatin has several serious side effects. One of the most common side effects is dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurotoxicity. However, the mechanisms underlying this neurotoxicity are still unclear and controversially discussed. Cisplatin-mediated modulation of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) in the DRG neurons has been shown to alter intracellular calcium homeostasis, a process critical for the induction of neurotoxicity. Using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, immunostaining, behavioural experiments and electron microscopy (EM) of rat DRGs, we here demonstrate that cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity is due to functional alteration of VGCC, but not due to morphological damage. In vitro application of cisplatin (0.5 µM) increased N-type VGCC currents (ICa(V)) in small DRG neurons. Repetitive in vivo administration of cisplatin (1.5 mg/kg, cumulative 12 mg/kg) increased the protein level of N-type VGCC over 26 days, with the protein level being increased for at least 14 days after the final cisplatin administration. Behavioural studies revealed that N-type VGCCs are crucial for inducing symptoms of cisplatin-related neuropathic pain, such as thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia. EM and histology showed no evidence of any structural damage, apoptosis or necrosis in DRG cells after cisplatin exposure for 26 days. Furthermore, no nuclear DNA damage in sensory neurons was observed. Here, we provide evidence for a mainly functionally driven induction of neuropathic pain by cisplatin.
Factorization models for context-/time-aware movie recommendations

In the scope of the Challenge on Context-aware Movie Recommendation (CAMRa2010), context can mean temporal context (Task 1), mood (Task 2), or social context (Task 3). We suggest to use Pairwise Interaction Tensor Factorization (PITF), a method used for personalized tag recommendation, to model the temporal (week) context in Task 1 of the challenge. We also present an extended version of PITF that handles the week context in a smoother way. In the experiments, we compare PITF against different item recommendation baselines that do not take context into account, and a non-personalized context-aware baseline.
Hong Kong, China

Growth slowed in 2018 as the external environment became more challenging. Moderate growth should continue this year and next with domestic demand still resilient and the labor market tightening. Inflation will remain subdued, and the current account surplus will narrow further on weaker trade. Innovative policies are needed to raise the rate of labor force participation among women and older workers, toward alleviating the economic challenges posed by a rapidly aging population.
Pore‐scale intermittent velocity structure underpinning anomalous transport through 3‐D porous media

We study the nature of non‐Fickian particle transport in 3‐D porous media by simulating fluid flow in the intricate pore space of real rock. We solve the full Navier‐Stokes equations at the same resolution as the 3‐D micro‐CT (computed tomography) image of the rock sample and simulate particle transport along the streamlines of the velocity field. We find that transport at the pore scale is markedly anomalous: longitudinal spreading is superdiffusive, while transverse spreading is subdiffusive. We demonstrate that this anomalous behavior originates from the intermittent structure of the velocity field at the pore scale, which in turn emanates from the interplay between velocity heterogeneity and velocity correlation. Finally, we propose a continuous time random walk model that honors this intermittent structure at the pore scale and captures the anomalous 3‐D transport behavior at the macroscale.
Unifying the Shift and Narrow Strategies in Focus+Context Exploratory Search

In this paper we discuss two existing exploration strategies -- Shift and Narrow -- employed by Focus+Context techniques, and how they are supported in the user interface of Saffron, a web-based system enabling exploration of academic topics, authors, and publications. The Shift strategy enables the user to shift focus between different resources while the Narrow strategy enables the user to narrow the focus. Current systems typically support only one of these approaches or include them as separate interaction modes. Saffron supports both strategies in a unified user interface. An initial user study indicates that participants use and appreciate both strategies being supported simultaneously.
Trust in virtual healthcare communities: design and implementation of trust-enabling functionalities

Trust in online communities, particularly in the healthcare domain, provides (apart from other success factors) the foundation for a successful implementation and operation of a virtual community (VC). A look at existing communities however leads to the conclusion that many VCs fail to meet requirements upon which trust is established. Based on the researchers' experience, this paper describes how trust-enabling functionalities can be systematically designed and implemented in a virtual community for cancer patients. The presented components support the process of creating trust in the VC and contribute to the successful implementation and maintenance of the community. The paper concludes with a discussion on aspects of trust yet to be implemented and recommendations for further research in this area.
Size mapping of electric field-assisted production of polycaprolactone particles

In this investigation, biodegradable polycaprolactone polymeric particles (300–4500 nm in diameter) were prepared by jetting a solution in an electric field. An extensive study has been carried out to determine how the size and size distribution of the particles generated can be controlled by systematically varying the polymer concentration in solution (and thereby its viscosity and electrical conductivity), and also the selected flow rate (2–50 µl min−1) and applied voltage (0–15 kV) during particle generation. Change in these parameters affects the mode of jetting, and within the stable cone-jet mode window, an increase in the applied voltage (approx. 15 kV) resulted in a reduction in particle size and this was more pronounced at high flow rates (such as; 30, 40 and 50 µl min−1) in the same region. The carrier particles were more polydisperse at the peripheral regions of the stable cone-jet mode, as defined in the applied voltage-flow rate parametric map. The effect of loading a drug on the particle size, size distribution and encapsulation efficiency was also studied. Release from drug-loaded particles was investigated using UV spectrophotometry over 45 days. This work demonstrates a powerful method of generating drug-loaded polymeric particles, with the ability to control size and polydispersivity, which has great potential in several categories of biotechnology requiring carrier particles, such as drug delivery and gene therapy.