Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Heat Stress Affects Pi-related Genes Expression and Inorganic Phosphate Deposition/Accumulation in Barley

Phosphorus (P) in plants is taken from soil as an inorganic phosphate (Pi) and is one of the most important macroelements in growth and development. Plants actively react to Pi starvation by the induced expression of Pi transporters, MIR399, MIR827, and miR399 molecular sponge – IPS1 genes and by the decreased expression of the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 (PHOSPHATE2 – PHO2) and Pi sensing and transport SPX-MFS genes. The PHO2 protein is involved in the degradation of Pi transporters PHT1;1 (from soil to roots) and PHO1 (from roots to shoots). The decreased expression of PHO2 leads to Pi accumulation in shoots. In contrast, the pho1 mutant shows a decreased level of Pi concentration in shoots. Finally, Pi starvation leads to decreased Pi concentration in all plant tissues. Little is known about plant Pi homeostasis in other abiotic stress conditions. We found that, during the first hour of heat stress, Pi accumulated in barley shoots but not in the roots, and transcriptomic data analysis as well as RT-qPCR led us to propose an explanation for this phenomenon. Pi transport inhibition from soil to roots is balanced by lower Pi eﬄux from roots to shoots directed by the PHO1 transporter. In shoots, the PHO2 mRNA level is decreased, leading to an increased Pi level. We concluded that Pi homeostasis in barley during heat stress is maintained by dynamic changes in Pi-related genes expression.
Numerical Analysis of Asymmetric First Price Auctions

Abstract We propose numerical algorithms for solving first price auction problems where bidders draw independent valuations from heterogeneous distributions. The heterogeneity analyzed in this work is what might naturally emerge when subsets of distributionally homogeneous bidders collude. Bid functions and expected revenues are calculated for two special cases. Extensions to more general asymmetric first price auctions are discussed. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: D44, C63, C72, D82.
Evolution in Four Dimensions: Genetic, Epigenetic, Behavioral, and Symbolic Variation in the History of Life

Ideas about heredity and evolution are undergoing a revolutionary change. New findings in molecular biology challenge the gene-centered version of Darwinian theory according to which adaptation occurs only through natural selection of chance DNA variations. In Evolution in Four Dimensions, Eva Jablonka and Marion Lamb argue that there is more to heredity than genes. They trace four "dimensions" in evolution -- four inheritance systems that play a role in evolution: genetic, epigenetic (or non-DNA cellular transmission of traits), behavioral, and symbolic (transmission through language and other forms of symbolic communication). These systems, they argue, can all provide variations on which natural selection can act. Evolution in Four Dimensions offers a richer, more complex view of evolution than the gene-based, one-dimensional view held by many today. The new synthesis advanced by Jablonka and Lamb makes clear that induced and acquired changes also play a role in evolution. After discussing each of the four inheritance systems in detail, Jablonka and Lamb "put Humpty Dumpty together again" by showing how all of these systems interact. They consider how each may have originated and guided evolutionary history and they discuss the social and philosophical implications of the four-dimensional view of evolution. Each chapter ends with a dialogue in which the authors engage the contrarieties of the fictional (and skeptical) "I.M. ," or Ifcha Mistabra -- Aramaic for "the opposite conjecture" -- refining their arguments against I.M. 's vigorous counterarguments. The lucid and accessible text is accompanied by artist-physician Anna Zeligowski's lively drawings, which humorously and effectively illustrate the authors' points.
The Standardization of Linear and Nonlinear Effects in Direct and Indirect Applications of Structural Equation Mixture Models for Normal and Nonnormal Data

The application of mixture models to flexibly estimate linear and nonlinear effects in the SEM framework has received increasing attention (e.g., Jedidi et al., 1997b; Bauer, 2005; Muthén and Asparouhov, 2009; Wall et al., 2012; Kelava and Brandt, 2014; Muthén and Asparouhov, 2014). The advantage of mixture models is that unobserved subgroups with class-specific relationships can be extracted (direct application), or that the mixtures can be used as a statistical tool to approximate nonnormal (latent) distributions (indirect application). Here, we provide a general standardization procedure for linear and nonlinear interaction and quadratic effects in mixture models. The procedure can also be applied to multiple group models or to single class models with nonlinear effects like LMS (Klein and Moosbrugger, 2000). We show that it is necessary to take nonnormality of the data into account for a correct standardization. We present an empirical example from education science applying the proposed procedure.
Enhanced low vision rehabilitation for people with age related macular degeneration: a randomised controlled trial

Aim: To compare the effectiveness of three models of low vision rehabilitation for people with age related macular degeneration (AMD) referred for low vision rehabilitation (LVR): (a) an enhanced low vision rehabilitation model (ELVR) including supplementary home based low vision rehabilitation; (b) conventional low vision rehabilitation (CLVR) based in a hospital clinic; (c) CLVR with home visits that did not include rehabilitation (CELVR), intended to act as a control for the additional contact time with ELVR. Method: A single centre parallel group randomised controlled trial in participants’ homes and the low vision clinic, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. People referred for LVR with a primary diagnosis of AMD and visual acuity worse than 6/18 in both eyes and equal to or better than 1/60 in the better eye. The main outcome measures were vision specific quality of life (QoL) (primary outcome, VCM1) and generic health related QoL (SF-36); psychological adjustment to vision loss; measured task performance; restriction in everyday activities; use of low vision aids (LVAs). Results: 226 participants were recruited (median age 82 years); 194 completed the trial (86%). Except for SF-36 physical and mental component summary scores, arms did not differ significantly for any of the outcomes. Differences for the VCM1 were ELVR v CLVR, 0.06 (95% CI to 0.17 to 0.30, p = 0.60); ELVR v CELVR, 0.12 (95% CI to 0.11 to 0.34, p = 0.31); CELVR v CLVR, –0.05 (95% CI –0.29 to 0.18, p = 0.64). Differences for the SF-36 favoured CLVR compared to ELVR (ELVR v CLVR: physical = –6.05, 95% CI –10.2 to –1.91, p = 0.004; mental = –4.04, 95% CI –7.44 to –0.65, p = 0.02). At 12 months, 94% of participants reported using at least one LVA. Conclusion: ELVR was no more effective than CLVR. Researchers should be wary of proposing new LVR interventions without preliminary evidence of effectiveness, given the manifest lack of effectiveness of the model of enhanced LVR evaluated in the trial.
Coordinated resource allocation with fractional frequency reuse for downlink OFDMA networks

This paper investigates coordinated resource allocation for cell-center and cell-edge users in multicell orthogonal frequency division multiple-access (OFDMA) wireless networks. Here, we assume the data symbols of each user is only known by one base station (BS). Referring to the fractional frequency reuse (FFR) scheme, the resources for cell-center and cell-edge users are partitioned. Based on such resource planning, the objective of our resource allocation scheme is to maximize both of cell-edge and cell-center users' throughput, subject to per base-station power constraints. Moreover, the proposed resource allocation scheme also considers the cell-center users' performance requirement. Note that the ratio of transmit powers for cell-center users to cell-edge users can be adjusted in FFR scheme, which is introduced in the so-called soft frequency reuse (SFR) scheme. We propose a modified dual decomposition method (MDDM) to solve the above-mentioned resource allocation problem, where the joint subcarrier assignment and power allocation are performed. To simplify the computation complexity, a suboptimal algorithm (SOA) is presented to decouple the optimization problem into three sub-problems. Simulation results demonstrate the efficacy of MDDM and SOA.
The variable X-ray spectrum of Markarian 766 - I. Principal components analysis

Aims. We analyse a long XMM-Newton observation of the narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk 766, using the marked spectral variability on timescales >20 ks to separate components in the X-ray spectrum. Methods. Principal components analysis is used to identify distinct emission components in the X-ray spectrum, possible alternative physical models for those components are then compared statistically. Results. The source spectral variability is well-explained by additive variations, with smaller extra contributions most likely arising from variable absorption. The principal varying component, eigenvector one, is found to have a steep (photon index 2.4) power-law shape, affected by a low column of ionised absorption that leads to the appearance of a soft excess. Eigenvector one varies by a factor 10 in amplitude on time-scales of days and appears to have broad ionised Fe K α emission associated with it: the width of the ionised line is consistent with an origin at ~100 gravitational radii. There is also a strong component of near-constant emission that dominates in the low state, whose spectrum is extremely hard above 1 keV, with a soft excess at lower energies, and with a strong edge at Fe K but remarkably little Fe K α emission. Although this component may be explained as relativistically-blurred reflection from the inner accretion disc, we suggest that its spectrum and lack of variability may alternatively be explained as either (i) ionised reflection from an extended region, possibly a disc wind, or (ii) a signature of absorption by a disc wind with a variable covering fraction. Absorption features in the low state may indicate the presence of an outflow.
Evolution of the terrestrial planets (geological and petrological data)

Introduction: Current existing hypotheses dealing with the origin and inner evolution of solid terrestrial planets (Earth, Venus, Mars, Mercury, Moon) are underlain mostly by a diversity of physical and geochemical speculations and simulations. A prince-pal disadvantage of these hypotheses is their abstract nature and complete ignoring of data on the tectono-magmatic evolution of these bodies. However, these data provide an important information about specific mechanisms of planetary formation and development, which is necessary for elaborating a modern theory of their evolution. The Earth has been much better studied compared to the other planets [1], therefore we will discuss the main questions of planetary tectono-magmatic evolution using the Earth as example. Tectonomagmatic evolution of the Earth. Origin of the primordial crust (Pregeological stage): There are two major hypotheses:(1) it initially was basaltic and sialic crust was produced later at conver-gent plate boundaries, and (2) it was initially sialic. Both models require a global melting of chondritic material to form the primordial Earth's (and other planets) crust; such magmatic ocean had some hundred km deep. Due to differences between adiabatic and melting-points gradients, its solidification had to proceed in bottom-top direction [2] and resulted in accumulation of low-temperature derivates in outer shells of the planets. Geological data, namely granite-dominated Archean Earth's crust and results of studying of detrital zircon from Australia [3] supports the primordial-sialic crust hypothesis. Formation of such crust was responsible for primary depletion of the upper mantle matter. The whole gas envelope that surrounded the proto-Earth was likely supplemented with volatiles escaping from the solidifying magmatic ocean. Upon the cooling of the Earth's surface to temperatures <100 o C, water condensed and formed the ocean and primary atmosphere [4]. The Moon which is four times smaller than the Earth has a basic primordial crust. Such a difference can be explained by different depths of their magmatic oceans [5]. Tectonomagmatic processes in the Archean and early Paleoproterozoic: The major Archean tectonic structures were large oval-like granite-greenstone ter-ranes (GGTs) and their separating granulite belts. The GGTs consisting of irregular network of greenstone belts (10-15% of the area) " submerged " in tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) matrix, which, probably , represents strongly reworked primordial crust. GGTs were areas of extension, uplifting and denu-dation, whereas the granulite belts were dominated by compression, sinking and sedimentation. Mantle-derived magmatism, represented by high-Mg komatiite-basaltic and boninite-like melt, was located within greenstone belts, which formed jointly specific large igneous …
A No-reference video quality assessment based on two-pass edge analysis and background subtraction

A novel no-reference video quality assessment is proposed in this paper. The proposed metric is based on the combination of two-pass edge analysis and background subtraction. The two-pass edge analysis is a blur metric we proposed in our previous work, which has gain an efficient performance in image blur assessment and other image processing applications. We apply the two-pass edge analysis to the video quality assessment in order to calculate the quality of each frame in the video. On the other hand, considering that one will pay his most attention on the foreground of the video. So we also apply the background subtraction to get the foreground of the video and only use these foreground to calculate the video quality. Experiments in the last section shows that our proposed no-reference metric has a good performance in the test sequences.
Understanding Dutch visitors’ motivations to concentration camp memorials

This study examined the motivations to visit concentration camp memorial sites in the Netherlands. Nine hundred and seventy-five Dutch respondents participated in a panel survey. The data were analysed by means of an exploratory factor analysis, to yield underlying motivational factors. The findings revealed that potential visitors were motivated to visit Holocaust concentration camp memorial sites for “memory”, “gaining knowledge and awareness”, and “exclusivity”. We generalize the motivations from Dutch concentration camp memorial sites to a universal level and discuss the future stages to achieve a universally valid motivation scale for visits to concentration camp memorial sites.
A Review of Different Stunning Methods for Poultry—Animal Welfare Aspects (Stunning Methods for Poultry)

Simple Summary To avoid unnecessary suffering, poultry and other animals are often made unconscious, i.e., stunned, prior to exsanguination at slaughter. This review describes various stunning methods used for the commercial slaughter of poultry, their mode of action and also the main animal welfare aspects. Furthermore, it includes a short discussion on possible future development of new methods in the field of poultry stunning. Abstract Electrical water bath stunning is the most commonly used method for poultry stunning prior to slaughter, but has been questioned on animal welfare and product quality grounds. Controlled atmosphere stunning (CAS) methods, involving a variety of gas mixtures, have become increasingly common, at least in Europe. CAS methods have been perceived as an improvement from an animal welfare perspective, partly because birds can be stunned without prior shackling, and are generally considered to result in improved product quality compared to water bath stunning. However, there would still be an interest in alternative stunning methods especially for small to medium size poultry slaughterhouses. This review presents an overview of the modes of action and the technical aspects of poultry stunning methods, including novel and emerging stunning technologies.
A demonstration of SHAREK: an efficient matching framework for ride sharing systems

Recently, many ride sharing systems have been commercially introduced (e.g., Uber, Flinc, and Lyft) forming a multi-billion dollars industry. The main idea is to match people requesting a certain ride to other people who are acting as drivers on their own spare time. The matching algorithm run by these services is very simple and ignores a wide sector of users who can be exploited to maximize the benefits of these services. In this demo, we demonstrate SHAREK; a driver-rider matching algorithm that can be embedded inside existing ride sharing services to enhance the quality of their matching. SHAREK has the potential to boost the performance and widen the user base and applicability of existing ride sharing services. This is mainly because within its matching technique, SHAREK takes into account user preferences in terms of maximum waiting time the rider is willing to have before being picked up as well as the maximum cost that the rider is willing to pay. Then, within its course of execution, SHAREK applies a set of smart filters that enable it to do the matching so efficiently without the need to many expensive shortest path computations.
On the Emergence of Rules in Neural Networks

A simple associationist neural network learns to factor abstract rules (i.e., grammars) from sequences of arbitrary input symbols by inventing abstract representations that accommodate unseen symbol sets as well as unseen but similar grammars. The neural network is shown to have the ability to transfer grammatical knowledge to both new symbol vocabularies and new grammars. Analysis of the state-space shows that the network learns generalized abstract structures of the input and is not simply memorizing the input strings. These representations are context sensitive, hierarchical, and based on the state variable of the finite-state machines that the neural network has learned. Generalization to new symbol sets or grammars arises from the spatial nature of the internal representations used by the network, allowing new symbol sets to be encoded close to symbol sets that have already been learned in the hidden unit space of the network. The results are counter to the arguments that learning algorithms based on weight adaptation after each exemplar presentation (such as the long term potentiation found in the mammalian nervous system) cannot in principle extract symbolic knowledge from positive examples as prescribed by prevailing human linguistic theory and evolutionary psychology.
The emission line—radio correlation for radio sources using the 7C Redshift Survey

ABSTRA C T We have used narrow emission-line data from the new 7C Redshift Survey to investigate correlations between the narrow-line luminosities and the radio properties of radio galaxies and steep-spectrum quasars. The 7C Redshift Survey is a low-frequency (151 MHz) selected sample with a flux density limit about 25 times fainter than the 3CRR sample. By combining these samples, we can for the first time distinguish whether the correlations present are controlled by 151-MHz radio luminosity L151 or redshift z. We find unequivocal evidence that the dominant effect is a strong positive correlation between narrow-line luminosity LNLR and L151, of the form LNLR/ L 0:79^0:04 151 . Correlations of LNLR with redshift or radio properties, such as linear size or 151-MHz (rest frame) spectral index, are either much weaker or absent. We use simple assumptions to estimate the total bulk kinetic power Q of the jets in FR II radio sources, and confirm the underlying proportionality between jet power and narrow-line luminosity first discussed by Rawlings & Saunders. We make the assumption that the main energy input to the narrow-line region is photoionization by the quasar accretion disc, and relate Q to the disc luminosity, Qphot. We find that 0:05 & Q=Q phot & 1; so that the jet power is within about an order of magnitude of the accretion disc luminosity. Values of Q=Qphot , 1 require the volume filling factor h of the synchrotron-emitting material to be of the order of unity, and in addition require one or more of the following: (i) an important contribution to the energy budget from protons; (ii) a large reservoir of mildly relativistic electrons; and (iii) a substantial departure from the minimumenergy condition in the lobe material. The most powerful radio sources are accreting at rates close to the Eddington limit of supermassive black holes OMBH * 10 9 M(U, whilst lower power sources are accreting at sub-Eddington rates.
The Role of Metals in the Reaction Catalyzed by Metal-Ion-Independent Bacillary RNase

Extracellular enzymes of intestinal microbiota are the key agents that affect functional activity of the body as they directly interact with epithelial and immune cells. Several species of the Bacillus genus, like Bacillus pumilus, a common producer of extracellular RNase binase, can populate the intestinal microbiome as a colonizing organism. Without involving metal ions as cofactors, binase depolymerizes RNA by cleaving the 3′,5′-phosphodiester bond and generates 2′,3′-cyclic guanosine phosphates in the first stage of a catalytic reaction. Maintained in the reaction mixture for more than one hour, such messengers can affect the human intestinal microflora and the human body. In the present study, we found that the rate of 2′,3′-cGMP was growing in the presence of transition metals that stabilized the RNA structure. At the same time, transition metal ions only marginally reduced the amount of 2′,3′-cGMP, blocking binase recognition sites of guanine at N7 of nucleophilic purine bases.
Actin filament nucleation by the bacterial pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes

Shortly after Listeria is phagocytosed by a macrophage, it dissolves the phagosomal membrane and enters the cytoplasm. 1 h later, actin filaments coat the Listeria and then become rearranged to form a tail with which the Listeria moves to the macrophage surface as a prelude to spreading. If infected macrophages are treated with cytochalasin D, all the actin filaments associated with the Listeria break down leaving a fine, fibrillar material that does not decorate with subfragment 1 of myosin. This material is associated with either the surface of the Listeria (the cloud stage) or one end (the tail stage). If the cytochalasin-treated infected macrophages are detergent extracted and then incubated in nuclei-free monomeric actin under polymerizing conditions, actin filaments assemble from the fine, fibrillar material, the result being that each Listeria has actin filaments radiating from its surface like the spokes of a wheel (cloud form) or possesses a long tail of actin filaments formed from the fine, fibrillar material located at one end of the Listeria. Evidence that the fine fibrillar material is involved in nucleating actin assembly comes from a Listeria mutant. Although the mutant replicates at a normal rate in macrophages, actin filaments do not form on its surface (cloud stage) or from one end (tail stage), nor does the bacterium spread. Furthermore it does not form the fine fibrillar material. Evidence that the nucleating material is a secretory product of Listeria and not the macrophage comes from experiments using chloramphenicol, which inhibits protein synthesis in Listeria but not in macrophages. If chloramphenicol is applied 1 h after infection, a time before actin filaments are found attached to the Listeria in untreated macrophages, actin filaments never assemble on the Listeria even when fixed 3 h later. Furthermore the fine fibrillar material is absent, although there is a coat of dense granular material.