Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional Characterization of Potato UBC13-UEV1s Genes Required for Ubiquitin Lys63 Chain to Polyubiquitination

Ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2s/UBC) are components of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), and the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme variant (UEV) is one of E2s (ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, UBC) subfamily. The UEVs and UBC13 play an auxiliary role in mediating Lys63-linked polyUb chain assembly, which is correlated with target protein non-proteolytic functions, such as DNA repair or response to stress. However, the collaborative mechanism of StUBC13 (homologue of AtUBC13) and StUEVs (the UEVs in potato) involved in potato are not fully understood understood. Here, we identified two StUBC13 and seven StUEVs from potato genome. We analyzed protein motif and conserved domain, gene structure, phylogenetic features, cis-acting elements of StUBC13 and StUEVs. Subsequently, we screened StUBC13 partners protein and verified interaction between StUBC13 and StUEVs using yeast two-hybrid, split luciferase complementation (SLC) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) approach. The expression profile and qRT-PCR analysis suggested that StUBC13 and StUEVs gene exhibited a tissue-specific expression and were induced by different stress. Overall, this investigative study provides a comprehensive reference and view for further functional research on StUBC13 and StUEV1s in potato.
Inferring Tide‐Induced Ephemeral Grounding in an Ice‐Shelf‐Stream System: Rutford Ice Stream, West Antarctica

Antarctic ice shelves play a key role in regulating the rate of ice flow in tributary ice streams. Temporal variations in the associated ice‐shelf buttressing stress are observed to impact ice flow in glaciers and ice streams. Ephemeral grounding induced by tides is an important mechanism for modulating the buttressing stress. Here, we develop an approach to inferring variations in 3‐D surface displacements at an ice‐shelf‐stream system that explicitly accounts for ephemeral grounding. Using a temporally dense nine‐month‐long synthetic‐aperture radar image acquisition campaign collected over Rutford Ice Stream, West Antarctica, by the 4‐satellite COSMO‐SkyMed constellation, we infer the ephemeral grounding zones and the spatiotemporal variation of the fortnightly ice‐flow variability. We find ephemeral grounding zones along the western ice‐shelf margin as well as a few prominent ephemeral grounding points in the central trunk and in the vicinity of the grounding zone. Our observations provide evidence for tide‐modulated buttressing stress and the temporally asymmetric response of ice‐shelf flow to tidal forcing. Long‐term oceanic warming and ice‐shelf thinning will cause the loss of ephemeral grounding and decrease in ice‐shelf buttressing stress.
MODELING DIAMETER DISTRIBUTION OF TREE SPECIES IN A SEMIDECIDUOUS FOREST FRAGMENT

ABSTRACT Modeling diameter distribution in natural forests is an important tool for understanding the native woody species dynamics, supporting decision-making for degraded lands management and restoration. Therefore, this work aimed to fit probabilistic density functions to evaluate the diameter structure of three tree species with economic interest, such as Campomansesia xanthocarpa Marl. Ex. O. Berg, Piptadenia gonoacantha (Mart.) J.F. Macbr. and Zeyheria tuberculosa (Vell.) Bureau ex Verl. , in a Semideciduous Seasonal Forest fragment at São Paulo State, Brazil. The data came from 83 temporary plots of 10 m x 20 m systematically distributed along 164 ha. Log-normal, Gamma, and Weibull functions were fitted to the three species using the fitdistrplus-package in the R program. Kolmogorov-Smirnov's adherence test was used to evaluate the fits at a 5% probability level. The functions were selected employing Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) and Schwarz's Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), in addition to a graphical analysis of the fitted functions. The results indicated that the three species diameter structure is positively asymmetric, representing the exponential pattern, representing continuous natural regeneration. AIC and BIC statistics indicated the Log-normal function to describe the diameter distribution of C. xanthocarpa and Z. tuberculosa, while the Gamma function was the most appropriate for P. gonoacantha. For the three species, the graphical analysis showed the Gamma function results in the best fit without tendency for estimating frequency density per diameter class.
The power of co-optation: The party, political capital, and the development of grassroots non-governmental organizations

In recent years, a growing number of publications has focused on the state–non-governmental organization relationship in China. However, most of these studies regard the state as “the government” and neglect the role of the Communist Party of China, a key player, in shaping the state–non-governmental organization relationship, as well as the difference between the government and the Communist Party of China. As the ruling party, the Communist Party of China exercises a tremendous influence over people's daily life. Current studies indicate that the government tends to use a strategy of categorization to control non-governmental organizations. What remains unclear, however, is whether the Party has a different impact on non-governmental organizations compared to the government and how it influences the relationship between the government and these organizations. This paper examines the emerging role of the Party since the policy implementation of “Strengthening the Party Organization in NGOs” in 2015, which requires all non-governmental organizations to establish Communist Party of China branch units. Two grassroots environmental non-governmental organizations were selected for the comparative case study of this paper, to examine the different mechanisms whereby the Party impacts such organizations. The findings indicate that only the Party is able to co-opt the leaders of non-governmental organizations and give them political credentials and capital that help to expand these organizations’ social networks and create a hospitable regulative environment for growth. The findings suggest that a close tie with the state does not necessarily mean a loss of autonomy. This study is by no means a comprehensive discussion of the impact of the Party on non-governmental organizations, and further research is needed to study the actual impact of this relationship on public governance.
Examining U.S. Newspapers’ Partisan Bias in COVID-19 News Using Computational Methods

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has become a partisan political issue instead of purely a public health issue in the U.S. Partisan media bias leads to conflicting messages and drastic differences in preventive behaviors and risk perceptions between Democrats and Republicans. Guided by partisan media bias literature and framing theory, this study examined partisan media bias in the U.S. national and local newspapers regarding COVID-19 using computational methods. It visualized the trends of COVID-19 news articles published by left-leaning, least biased, and right-leaning media as well as revealed frames that were used in partisan media to report COVID-19. Findings demonstrated that partisan media covered certain COVID-19 frames more frequently than others. Even though left-leaning, least biased, and right-leaning media did not differ in the likelihood of publishing COVID-19 articles and they did not publish a significantly different number of COVID-19 articles, partisan media used each COVID-19 frame significantly differently. Specifically, least biased media was more likely than left-leaning media and right-leaning media to discuss the stay-at-home order. Other frames were not significantly differently applied by different partisan media. Implications for COVID-19 news reporting and message design as well as the lessons for politics and health policy are provided.
Viscoelastic behavior of concentrated spherical suspensions

Experimental results on the linear viscoelastic behavior of concentrated suspensions are presented. The materials studies were prepared by dispersing submicron silica spheres at volume fractions φ ranging from 0.3 to 0.6, in a highly viscous liquid. The response to oscillatory shearing was determined over a wide range of frequency, ω. The zero frequency viscosity η0 and the limiting high‐frequency viscosity η’∞ for all particle radii studied were essentially identical to results previously obtained for suspensions having hard sphere interactions. In this range of concentrations, the frequency dependence of the dynamic moduli, G’ and G‘−ωη’∞, appears to be described by universal functions of ωτw where τw is the mean longest relaxation time proportional to a characteristic (Peclet) time defined as τp=a2/6Ds(φ). Herein a denotes the particle radius and Ds(φ) is a φ dependent short‐time self‐diffusion constant. We also found that at sufficiently high frequencies, G’ has a plateau, G∞, that is given by kT/a3 t.
Does Stochastic and Modulated Wind Turbine Infrasound Affect Human Mental Performance Compared to Steady Signals without Modulation? Results of a Pilot Study

Wind turbines (WT) are a specific type of noise source, with unique characteristics, such as amplitude modulation (AM) and tonality, infrasonic and low frequency (LF) components. The present study investigates the influence of wind turbine infrasound and low frequency noise (LFN) on human well-being. In the between-subjects study design, 129 students performed a cognitive test evaluating attention and filled out questionnaires in three various exposure conditions, including background noise, synthesized LFN (reference noise) and registered WT infrasound (stimulus). No significant differences in test results or in the number of reported post-exposure feelings and ailments in various exposure conditions were found when analyzing them in males and females, separately. However, a significant association between pre-exposure well-being and reported post-exposure complaints was noted and explained by in-depth statistical analysis.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Primary Adult Brain Tumors: State of the Art and Future Perspectives

MRI is undoubtedly the cornerstone of brain tumor imaging, playing a key role in all phases of patient management, starting from diagnosis, through therapy planning, to treatment response and/or recurrence assessment. Currently, neuroimaging can describe morphologic and non-morphologic (functional, hemodynamic, metabolic, cellular, microstructural, and sometimes even genetic) characteristics of brain tumors, greatly contributing to diagnosis and follow-up. Knowing the technical aspects, strength and limits of each MR technique is crucial to correctly interpret MR brain studies and to address clinicians to the best treatment strategy. This article aimed to provide an overview of neuroimaging in the assessment of adult primary brain tumors. We started from the basilar role of conventional/morphological MR sequences, then analyzed, one by one, the non-morphological techniques, and finally highlighted future perspectives, such as radiomics and artificial intelligence.
Simulation and Extension of a Minimum Mean Squared Error Estimator in Comparison with Stein's

We discuss a fixed point solution of the iterative process underlying Farebrother's “minimum mean squared error (MSE) estimator. ” The similarity between our fixed point solution and Stein's shrunken least squares estimator is striking. A simulation study favors Stein's and our fixed point solution over ordinary least, squares and Farebrother's estimator.
Low Temperature Scanning Electron Microscopy (LTSEM) Findings on the Ultrastructure of Trebouxia lynnae (Trebouxiophyceae, Lichenized Microalgae)

The lichenized green microalga Trebouxia lynnae Barreno has been recently described and is considered a model organism for studying lichen chlorobionts. Its cellular ultrastructure has already been studied in detail by light, electron, and confocal microscopy, and its nuclear, chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes have been sequenced and annotated. Here, we investigated in detail the ultrastructure of in vitro grown cultures of T. lynnae observed by Low Temperature Scanning Electron Microscopy (LTSEM) applying a protocol with minimum intervention over the biological samples. This methodology allowed for the discovery of ultrastructural features previously unseen in Trebouxiophyceae microalgae. In addition, original Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images of T. lynnae were reinterpreted based on the new information provided by LTSEM. The nucleolar vacuole, dictyosomes, and endoplasmic reticulum were investigated and reported for the first time in T. lynnae and most likely in other Trebouxia lineages.
Personalized LSTM Models for ECG Lead Transformations Led to Fewer Diagnostic Errors Than Generalized Models: Deriving 12-Lead ECG from Lead II, V2, and V6

Background and Objective: The prevalence of chronic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has risen globally, nearly doubling from 1990 to 2019. ECG is a simple, non-invasive measurement that can help identify CVDs at an early and treatable stage. A multi-lead ECG, up to 15 leads in a wearable form factor, is desirable. We seek to derive multiple ECG leads from a select subset of leads so that the number of electrodes can be reduced in line with a patient-friendly wearable device. We further compare personalized derivations to generalized derivations. Methods: Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM) networks using Lead II, V2, and V6 as input are trained to obtain generalized models using Bayesian Optimization for hyperparameter tuning for all patients and personalized models for each patient by applying transfer learning to the generalized models. We compare quantitatively using error metrics Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), R2, and Pearson correlation (ρ). We compare qualitatively by matching ECG interpretations of board-certified cardiologists. Results: ECG interpretations from personalized models, when corrected for an intra-observer variance, were identical to the original ECGs, whereas generalized models led to errors. Mean performance values for generalized and personalized models were (RMSE-74.31 µV, R2-72.05, ρ-0.88) and (RMSE-26.27 µV, R2-96.38, ρ-0.98), respectively. Conclusions: Diagnostic accuracy based on derived ECG is the most critical validation of ECG derivation methods. Personalized transformation should be sought to derive ECGs. Performing a personalized calibration step to wearable ECG systems and LSTM networks could yield ambulatory 15-lead ECGs with accuracy comparable to clinical ECGs.
Generalized Constraint Neural Network Model System Parameter Identification

By analyzing and deducing generalized constraint neural network (GCNN) with model some present theories, the identification method of the m-input n-output (MINO) and multiple-input multiple–output (MIMO) systems is acquired. It is possible to improve the transparency of the black box through the practical test. This identification method is useful to enhance identification of GCNN model’s parameters, moreover, the identification ability of the neural network black box system model is further made better.
Real-time optoacoustic brain microscopy with hybrid optical and acoustic resolution

Conventional optoacoustic microscopy operates in two distinct modes of optical resolution, for visualization of superficial tissue layers, or acoustic resolution, intended for deep imaging in scattering tissues. Here we introduce a new microscope design with hybrid optical and acoustic resolution, which provides a smooth transition from optical resolution in superficial microscopic imaging to ultrasonic resolution when imaging at greater depths within intensely scattering tissue layers. Experimental validation of the new hybrid optoacoustic microscopy method was performed in phantoms and by means of transcranial mouse brain imaging in vivo.
Lower bounds for the partitioning of graphs

Let a k-partition of a graph be a division of the vertices into k disjoint subsets containing m1 ≥ m2,. , ≥mk vertices. Let Ec be the number of edges whose two vertices belong to different subsets. Let λ1 ≥ λ2, . , ≥ λk, be the k largest eigenvalues of a matrix, which is the sum of the adjacency matrix of the graph plus any diagonal matrix U such that the suomf all the elements of the sum matrix is zero. Then Ec ≥ 1/2Σr=1k-mrλr. A theorem is given that shows the effect of the maximum degree of any node being limited, and it is also shown that the right-hand side is a concave function of U.C omputational studies are madoef the ratio of upper bound to lower bound for the two-partition of a number of random graphs having up to 100 nodes.
The collapse of white dwarfs to neutron stars

The observable consequences of an accreting white dwarf collapsing directly to a neutron star are considered. The outcome depends critically upon the nature of the wind that is driven by neutrino absorption in the surface layers as the dwarf collapses. Unlike previous calculations which either ignored mass loss or employed inadequate zoning to resolve it, a characteristic mass-loss rate of about 0.005 solar mass/s and an energy input of 5 x 10 exp 50 ergs/s is found. Such a large mass-loss rate almost completely obscures any prompt electromagnetic display and certainly rules out the production by this model of gamma-ray bursts situated at cosmological distances. The occurrence of such collapses with the Milky Way Galaxy might, however, be detected and limited by their nucleosynthesis and gamma-ray line emission. To avoid the overproduction of rare neutron-rich isotopes heavier than iron, such events must be very infrequent, probably happening no more than once every thousand years. 46 refs.
Imaging and quantifying mixing in a model droplet micromixer

Rapid mixing is essential in a variety of microfluidic applications but is often difficult to achieve at low Reynolds numbers. Inspired by a recently developed microdevice that mixes reagents in droplets, which simply flow along a periodic serpentine channel [H. Song, J. D. Tice, and R. F. Ismagilov, “A microfluidic system for controlling reaction networks in time,” Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 42, 767 (2003)], we investigate a model “droplet mixer. ” The model consists of a spherical droplet immersed in a periodic sequence of distinct external flows, which are superpositions of uniform and shear flows. We label the fluid inside the droplet with two colors and visualize mixing with a method we call “backtrace imaging,” which allows us to render cross sections of the droplet at arbitrary times during the mixing cycle. To analyze our results, we present a novel scalar measure of mixing that permits us to locate sets of parameters that optimize mixing over a small number of flow cycles.
Identification of mechanical properties of heterogeneous soft bodies using gravity loading

This study investigates the use of multiple gravity‐loaded configurations of a soft heterogeneous body for the identification of its mechanical properties. It is largely motivated by the need for in vivo, non‐invasive determination of the mechanical properties of biological tissue, such as the breast, for the purposes of tracking and predicting tumor locations. In order to validate this approach, experiments were performed on a heterogeneous two‐layered silicone gel cantilever beam, laser scanned in eight different orientations under gravity loading. A finite element model of the beam was constructed and analyzed using non‐linear finite elasticity and a neo‐Hookean stress–strain relationship. The constitutive parameters representing the stiffness of each layer were estimated, using non‐linear optimization techniques, to best fit the laser‐scanned data. Different subsets of the experiments were used for training (parameter fitting), with the remaining experiments being used for validation. In both experimental sets, a cross‐validation study was performed in order to compare and assess the predictive power of the identified parameters. Several determinability criteria were used to assess the objective function in the neighborhood of the identified minimum. We found that individual experiments were not sufficient for reliable parameter identification of heterogeneous soft bodies under gravity loading, but that a small number of gravity‐loaded configurations were sufficient to reliably estimate the parameters within the scale of experimental errors. We also discuss the practical and numerical issues related to both single and multi‐experiment parameter estimation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphology of bar orbits

I study the periodic orbits in a barred galaxy model potential, concentrating on the families that are relevant to the gas flow within the bar. This model has four free parameters, namely its central concentration and the axial ratio, quadrupole moment and pattern speed of its bar. It will be used in a companion paper to study the gas flow in and around the bar. Here I compare its properties to those of barred galaxies. I then describe a typical characteristic diagram and the different families of periodic orbits that constitute it. I discuss the existence and extent of the families x 2 and x 3 , for realistic values of the free parameters of the model, and compare two different definitions of the inner Lindblad resonance in strong bar models
Terrestrial Laser Scanning based deformation monitoring for masonry buildings subjected to ground movements induced by underground construction

Tunnelling and deep excavation activities cause ground movements. Monitoring the influence of these ground movements on nearby surface assets is a major component of urban underground construction projects. Such projects often require large-scale and comprehensive monitoring of nearby buildings to track displacements and identify structural damage. Masonry assets are particularly vulnerable to ground movements due to the low tensile strength of the material; these structures may experience unsightly cracking and structural stability issues. Current monitoring practice for these buildings is labour intensive and cannot fully characterise the response of the assets due to the limited number of measurement points. This paper presents a non-contact monitoring solution using terrestrial laser scan (TLS) data, which develops a modified non-rigid iterative closest point (N-ICP) algorithm. This algorithm optimises the displacement fields by establishing point to point correspondences that penalise non-smooth deformations and deviations from landmarks (i.e. feature points where displacements are known). The algorithm outputs rich 3D displacement fields that can be used in established assessment and decision-making procedures. To demonstrate this algorithm's ability to estimate 3D displacement fields from point clouds, several synthetic datasets are processed in this study. The results demonstrate the algorithm's potential for recovering underlying deformations with the help of landmarks and optimisation weightings.
Interaction of a Cumulus Cloud Ensemble with the Large-Scale Environment, Part I

Abstract A theory of the interaction of a cumulus cloud ensemble with the large-scale environment is developed. In this theory, the large-scale environment is divided into the subcloud mixed layer and the region above. The time changes of the environment are governed by the heat and moisture budget equations for the subcloud mixed layer and for the region above, and by a prognostic equation for the depth of the mixed layer. In the environment above the mixed layer, the cumulus convection affects the temperature and moisture fields through cumulus-induced subsidence and detrainment of saturated air containing liquid water which evaporates in the environment. In the subcloud mixed layer, the cumulus convection does not act directly on the temperature and moisture fields, but it affects the depth of the mixed layer through cumulus-induced subsidence. Under these conditions the problem of parameterization of cumulus convection reduces to the determination of the vertical distributions of the total vertical ma.