Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Party on the Bench: Partisanship, Judicial Selection Commissions, and State High-Court Appointments

This study explores how different institutional configurations affect the impact that partisan considerations have on gubernatorial appointments to state supreme courts. It does this by examining how the incidence of cross-party appointments is affected by various institutional variables. Most significantly, the results show that governors typically appoint judges who are members of the same political party, but that the probability of a cross-party appointment increases if the state uses a judicial nominating commission and if an opposition party controls the body that must confirm the nomination.
Belief Revision towards Long-Series Information

The purpose of the research is to assess the primacy effect of the sequence for the manner of presentation and information formation on the audit decisions in revising the belief when the information is presented differently. The primacy effect is the decision by the auditor when the information is provided in sequence and weighting the larger initial information towards the auditor belief. This research used a 2x2x2 experimental design with 116 participants of the Undergraduate accounting majors (S1). The results of the research showed that: 1) the primacy effect on decision-making occurred when information was presented sequential pattern;2) the decision making audit, the primacy effects occurred in a visual form; 3) there is a primacy effect when the information is presented with a long series order.
Splitting hairs of the three charge black hole

We construct the large radius limit of the metric of three-charge supertubes and three-charge BPS black rings by using the fact that supertubes preserve the same supersymmetries as their component branes. Our solutions reproduce a few of the properties of three-charge supertubes found recently using the Born-Infeld description. Moreover, we find that these solutions pass a number of rather nontrivial tests which they should pass if they are to describe some of the hair of three-charge black holes and three-charge black rings.
Insight into Insulin Secretion from Transcriptome and Genetic Analysis of Insulin-Producing Cells of Drosophila

Insulin-producing cells (IPCs) in the Drosophila brain produce and release insulin-like peptides (ILPs) to the hemolymph. ILPs are crucial for growth and regulation of metabolic activity in flies, functions analogous to those of mammalian insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs). To identify components functioning in IPCs to control ILP production, we employed genomic and candidate gene approaches. We used laser microdissection and messenger RNA sequencing to characterize the transcriptome of larval IPCs. IPCs highly express many genes homologous to genes active in insulin-producing β-cells of the mammalian pancreas. The genes in common encode ILPs and proteins that control insulin metabolism, storage, secretion, β-cell proliferation, and some not previously linked to insulin production or β-cell function. Among these novelties is unc-104, a kinesin 3 family gene, which is more highly expressed in IPCs compared to most other neurons. Knockdown of unc-104 in IPCs impaired ILP secretion and reduced peripheral insulin signaling. Unc-104 appears to transport ILPs along axons. As a complementary approach, we tested dominant-negative Rab genes to find Rab proteins required in IPCs for ILP production or secretion. Rab1 was identified as crucial for ILP trafficking in IPCs. Inhibition of Rab1 in IPCs increased circulating sugar levels, delayed development, and lowered weight and body size. Immunofluorescence labeling of Rab1 showed its tight association with ILP2 in the Golgi of IPCs. Unc-104 and Rab1 join other proteins required for ILP transport in IPCs.
Evaluation of brilliance, fire, and scintillation in round brilliant gemstones

We discuss several illumination effects in gemstones and present maps to evaluate them. The matrices and tilt views of these maps permit one to find the stones that perform best in terms of illumination properties. By using the concepts of the main cutter's line, and the anti-cutter's line, the problem of finding the best stones is reduced by one dimension in the cutter's space. For the first time it is clearly shown why the Tolkowsky cut, and other cuts adjacent to it along the main cutter's line, is one of the best round brilliant cuts. The maps we introduce are a valuable educational tool, provide a basis for gemstone grading, and are useful in the jewelry industry to assess gemstone performance.
Modeling and Control of Flexible Telescoping Manipulators

This paper considers modeling and control of a planar flexible two-link telescoping manipulator. The telescoping interface between the deploying and non-deploying portions of the links is discussed in detail. The equations of motion are derived using Lagrange's equation and constrained using a projection method that eliminates the need to compute Lagrange multipliers explicitly. Passivity-based control of the telescoping manipulator is also investigated. It is shown that several passive input-output maps exist. In particular, by a suitable redefinition of the inputs and outputs, a modified tip-based control is made possible. The model is validated through numerical simulation, and the tip-based control is compared with joint-based control. Simulation results show that tip-based control has better closed-loop performance compared with joint-based control.
Photographing in the Art Museum: Visitor Attitudes and Motivations

ABSTRACT There is an animated debate in popular media about whether or not photography should be allowed in art museums. However, there is limited research that examines how visitors themselves feel about visitor photography and the reasons why they choose to take (or not take) photographs in museums. This research, conducted at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC, uses semistructured, in-depth interviews and photo elicitation with 40 adults to examine visitors' attitudes to using photography inside art museums and their motivations for doing so. The research results suggest that visitors with positive attitudes towards visitor photography see photographic devices as tools that enhance certain aspects of the museum experience, promote further education, and provide entry points to exhibitions and a more interactive, personal experience. Those with negative attitudes see photographic devices as mediating and distracting lenses that have a detrimental effect on intimate experiences with artworks. Many of the participants with negative attitudes still use photographic devices because they believe that the risk of diminishing art experiences in the museum is worth taking, considering the potential uses of photography. The six main motivations for taking photographs in museums are (a) to aid memory, (b) to share, (c) for further research, (d) to inspire, (e) as building material for self-identity, and (f) as an art form in its own right.
Sponge-Associated Microorganisms: Evolution, Ecology, and Biotechnological Potential

SUMMARY Marine sponges often contain diverse and abundant microbial communities, including bacteria, archaea, microalgae, and fungi. In some cases, these microbial associates comprise as much as 40% of the sponge volume and can contribute significantly to host metabolism (e.g., via photosynthesis or nitrogen fixation). We review in detail the diversity of microbes associated with sponges, including extensive 16S rRNA-based phylogenetic analyses which support the previously suggested existence of a sponge-specific microbiota. These analyses provide a suitable vantage point from which to consider the potential evolutionary and ecological ramifications of these widespread, sponge-specific microorganisms. Subsequently, we examine the ecology of sponge-microbe associations, including the establishment and maintenance of these sometimes intimate partnerships, the varied nature of the interactions (ranging from mutualism to host-pathogen relationships), and the broad-scale patterns of symbiont distribution. The ecological and evolutionary importance of sponge-microbe associations is mirrored by their enormous biotechnological potential: marine sponges are among the animal kingdom's most prolific producers of bioactive metabolites, and in at least some cases, the compounds are of microbial rather than sponge origin. We review the status of this important field, outlining the various approaches (e.g., cultivation, cell separation, and metagenomics) which have been employed to access the chemical wealth of sponge-microbe associations.
High Effective MAP Algorithm for MIMO-OFDM Systems

For MIMO-OFDM systems, maximum a posteriori probability (MAP) channel estimation algorithm induces large matrix inversion and product operation when it is applied to multiple-input multiple-output with orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) systems. And the data transmission efficiency will be reduced with the increasing number of transmit antennas. According to these problems, a high effective MAP algorithm for MIMO-OFDM is proposed. This algorithm which uses the characteristic of Expectation maximum (EM) algorithm decrease high complexity. To improve the data transmission efficiency and the performance of channel estimation, joint estimation is carried out over multiple OFDM symbols. Besides, depending on the spatial independence of MIMO channel in angle domain, the dimension-reduced MAP algorithm will be enhanced. Simulation results indicate the proposed algorithm obtains better the performance of estimation and higher data transmission efficiency.
SNAREs are concentrated in cholesterol‐dependent clusters that define docking and fusion sites for exocytosis

During exocytosis, SNARE proteins of secretory vesicles interact with the corresponding SNARE proteins in the plasmalemma to initiate the fusion reaction. However, it is unknown whether SNAREs are uniformly distributed in the membrane or whether specialized fusion sites exist. Here we report that in the plasmalemma, syntaxins are concentrated in 200 nm large, cholesterol‐dependent clusters at which secretory vesicles preferentially dock and fuse. The syntaxin clusters are distinct from cholesterol‐dependent membrane rafts since they are Triton X‐100‐soluble and do not co‐patch with raft markers. Synaptosomal‐associated protein (SNAP)‐25 is also clustered in spots, which partially overlap with syntaxin. Cholesterol depletion causes dispersion of these clusters, which is associated with a strong reduction in the rate of secretion, whereas the characteristics of individual exocytic events are unchanged. This suggests that high local concentrations of SNAREs are required for efficient fusion.
Study of Tacit Knowledge Spread Efficiency Based-On Professional Network Forum

Base on the relation data of question and answer on the forum of China enterprise clusters ,we construct a network model of knowledge spread which consists of 832 users and egos Wang Ji-ci. Comparison study has been conducted between this knowledge spreading network and its social relationship network from the viewpoint of tacit knowledge that takes the communication languages as the carrier. It is discovered that the rates of connectedness, arrival rate of knowledge and extent of diffusion for this knowledge spread network are higher than the social relationship networks. Because of its indescribable features, tacit knowledge can only be communicated through the processes of interactive teaching or correspondence. As the teachers are limited by various school conditions, teaching schedules and class hours while they are trying to establish their tacit knowledge communication networks, they will be able to overcome such weaknesses and improve their communication efficiency through the construction of knowledge spread networks in the form of forums.
Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21)

ABSTRACT The study examined the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the DASS-21. Thirty patients with major depression and 30 patients with anxiety disorders and 250 health controls participated in the study. We tested six alternative models using CFA. We found that tripartite model comprised of anhedonia and physiological hyperarousal along with a general negative affectivity outperformed alternative models. The DASS-21 distinguished clinical groups from healthy controls. The scale had excellent internal reliability, with Cronbach’s alphas ranging from 0.87 to 0.90, and temporal stability, with intra-correlations ranging from 0.82 to 0.93. The Turkish version of the DASS-21 appears to have adequate psychometric properties in clinical and non-clinical samples.
Is There Surplus Labor in Rural India?

We show empirically using panel data at the plot and farm level and based on a model incorporating supervision costs, risk, credit-market imperfections and scale-economies associated with mechanization that small-scale farming is inefficient in India. Larger farms are more profitable per acre, more mechanized, less constrained in input use after bad shocks, and employ less per-acre labor than small farms. Based on our structural estimates of the effects of farm size on labor use and the distribution of Indian landholdings, we estimate that over 20% of the Indian agricultural labor force is surplus if minimum farm scale is 20 acres.
APP is Phosphorylated by TrkA and Regulates NGF/TrkA Signaling

The pathogenic model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) posits that aggregates of amyloid β, a product of amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing, cause dementia. However, alterations of normal APP functions could contribute to AD pathogenesis, and it is therefore important to understand the role of APP. APP is a member of a gene family that shows functional redundancy as documented by the evidence that single knock-out mice are viable, whereas mice with combined deletions of APP family genes die shortly after birth. A residue in the APP intracellular region, Y682, is indispensable for these essential functions of APP. It is therefore important to identify pathways that regulate phosphorylation of Y682 as well as the role of Y682 in vivo. TrkA is associated with both phosphorylation of APP-Y682 and alteration of APP processing, suggesting that tyrosine phosphorylation of APP links APP processing and neurotrophic signaling to intracellular pathways associated with cellular differentiation and survival. Here we have tested whether the NGF/TrkA signaling pathway is a physiological regulator of APP phosphorylation. We find that NGF induces tyrosine phosphorylation of APP, and that APP interacts with TrkA and this interaction requires Y682. Unpredictably, we also uncover that APP, and specifically Y682, regulates activation of the NGF/TrkA signaling pathway in vivo, the subcellular distribution of TrkA and the sensitivity of neurons to the trophic action of NGF. This evidence suggests that these two membrane protein's functions are strictly interconnected and that the NGF/TrkA signaling pathway is involved in AD pathogenesis and can be used as a therapeutic target.
From desktop grid to cloud computing based on BonjourGrid middleware

Desktop Grids provide computing and storage power, with a low economic cost, through the federation of free resources. Their performance relies strongly on the voluntary participation of users who make their machines available when these are unexploited. Several criteria such as number and volatility of resources make the execution of many applications in desktop grid, a great challenge. We attend today the emergence of a new concept: Cloud Computing. Similar to desktop grid, cloud computing provide resources for the execution of HPC (High Performance Computing) applications. In this context, we are interested in designing an approach, with an aim of having a hybrid execution's environment formed by BonjourGrid desktop grid middleware and a cloud computing, to overcome the constraint of lack of resources caused by the volatility of machines.
The efficacy of mindfulness-based intervention for adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity symptoms and externalizing problems on reducing mother–adolescent conflict

Introduction: Employing mindfulness-based intervention in diverse areas of children, adolescents and families’ mental health is growing increasingly. This method, it seems, could be a unique option in controlling parent-child/adolescent conflicts in the families of adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity symptoms and externalizing problems, regarding its effect on the capacity of empathy and emotion regulation, as well as executive functions. Here we examine the efficacy of mindfulness-based intervention for adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity symptoms and externalizing problem on reducing mother-adolescent conflict. Methods: Child behavior checklist (CBCL), Youth self-report (YSR) of Achenbach system of empirically-based assessment (ASEBA) and parent-adolescent conflict questionnaire (PACQ-A) was administered to a sample of 253 adolescent-mother dyads who accepted the project invitation. 24 adolescents who scored borderline in attention problem subscale, high in externalizing problems scale of CBCL and PACQ-A, and their scores had been confirmed in youth self-report, were chosen and randomly assigned to two experimental (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. The experimental group received 8 weekly mindfulness-based intervention sessions, each taking 2 hours. The adolescents of the control group did not received any intervention for the same duration. Quantitative data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Results: The experimental group showed a significant reduction in frequency and intensity of conflict, as compared to control group. The multivariate Ƞ 2 based on Wilks's Λ was strong, 0.44 . Conclusion: The results provided additional and promising evidence for the efficacy of the mindfulness-based intervention in reducing the mother-adolescent conflict in the family of adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity symptoms and externalizing problems, and may be of pr
Hot spacetimes for cold atoms

Building on our earlier work and that of Son, we construct string theory duals of non-relativistic critical phenomena at finite temperature and density. Concretely, we find black hole solutions of type IIB supergravity whose asymptotic geometries realize the Schrodinger group as isometries. We then identify the non-relativistic conformal field theories to which they are dual. We analyze the thermodynamics of these black holes, which turn out to describe the system at finite temperature and finite density. The strong-coupling result for the shear viscosity of the dual non-relativistic field theory saturates the KSS bound.
Scalability, Generality and Temporal Aspects in Automatic Recognition of Predominant Musical Instruments in Polyphonic Music

In this paper we present an approach towards the classification of pitched and unpitched instruments in polyphonic audio. In particular, the presented study accounts for three aspects currently lacking in literature: model scalability to polyphonic data, model generalisation in respect to the number of instruments, and incorporation of perceptual information. Therefore, our goal is a unifying recognition framework which enables the extraction of the main instruments’ information. The applied methodology consists of training classifiers with audio descriptors, using extensive datasets to model the instruments sufficiently. All data consist of real world music, including categories of 11 pitched and 3 percussive instruments. We designed our descriptors by temporal integration of the raw feature values, which are directly extracted from the polyphonic data. Moreover, to evaluate the applicability of modelling temporal aspects in polyphonic audio, we studied the performance of different encodings of the temporal information. Along with accuracies of 63% and 78% for the pitched and percussive classification task, results show both the importance of temporal encoding as well as strong limitations of modelling it accurately.
Effect of early feed restriction on myofibre types and expression of growth-related genes in the gastrocnemius muscle of crossbred broiler chickens

The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate and long-term effects of early feed restriction (ER) on morphology and gene expression of lateral gastrocnemius muscle. Newly hatched crossbred broiler chickens were allocated into control and ER groups, the latter being free-fed on alternate days from hatch to 14 days of age (14 d), followed by ad libitum feeding as the control group until 63 d. The lateral gastrocnemius muscle was taken at 14 and 63 d, respectively for myofibre typing by both myosin ATPase staining and relative quantification of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) mRNA for slow-twitch (SM), red fast-twitch (FRM) and white fast-twitch (FWM) myofibres. The body weight and lateral gastrocnemius weight were significantly lower in the ER group, accompanied by significantly reduced serum triiodothyronine. The ER group exhibited significantly higher SM and FRM MyHC expression at 14 d, but lower SM expression at 63 d. Myosin ATPase staining revealed a similar pattern. The percentage of SM was higher at 14 d while lower at 63 d in the ER group. These morphological changes were accompanied by changes of mRNA expression for growth-related genes. The ER group expressed lower insulin-like growth factoar I (IGF-I) and higher IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) at 14 d, yet significantly increased growth hormone receptor and IGF-IR mRNA at 63 d. These results indicate that ER may delay the slow to fast myofibre conversion as an immediate effect, but would result in a lower percentage of slow fibres owing to compensatory growth in the long term, which involves changes of mRNA expression for the growth-related genes in the muscle.
Consumption-based modeling of long-horizon returns

Numerous studies have documented the failure of consumption-based pricing models to explain observed patterns in stock and bond returns. This failure has sometimes been attributed to frictions, transaction costs or durability. If such frictions are important, they should primarily affect the higher frequency components of asset returns. The long-swings, or lower-frequency comovements should be less affected. Consequently if transaction costs are important, tests of the consumption based asset pricing model which concentrate on lower-frequency components may be more successful.
Interest and agency

The paper argues for the plausibility of Kant's defense of transcendental freedom. The position it attributes to Kant is modest methodological holism: it is modest because it insists on proper boundaries to component enquiries, it is holistic because the theory of freedom is not reducible to the component enquiries, and it is methodological because it describes a way of going about the problem of freedom.