Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Heterologous Expression of the AtDREB1A Gene in Transgenic Peanut-Conferred Tolerance to Drought and Salinity Stresses

Research on genetic transformation in various crop plants using the DREB1A transcription factor has shown better abiotic stress tolerance in transgenic crops. The AtDREB1A transgenic peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. cv. GG 20), which was previously developed, was characterized in terms of its physio-biochemical, molecular and growth parameters. The tolerance of this transgenic peanut to drought and salinity stresses was evaluated at the seedling (18 days old) and maturity stages. Transgenic peanut lines showed improved tolerance to both stresses over wild-type, as observed by delayed and less severe wilting of leaves and by improved growth parameters that were correlated with physio-biochemical parameters such as proline content, total chlorophyll content, osmotic potential, electrolytic leakage and relative water content. The expression pattern of the AtDREB1A gene evaluated using qPCR at different time points demonstrated that transgene expression was induced within two hours of stress imposition. The better performance of transgenic AtDREB1A peanut at the seedling stage and the improved growth parameters were due to the expression of the transgene, which is a transcription factor, and the possible up-regulation of various stress-inducible, downstream genes in the signal transduction pathway under abiotic stress.
Meta model management for (Semi) structured and uncertain models

During the last decades, existing database management systems (DBMSs) have been extended to support more and more kinds of models, such as XML documents, video clips, and images. At the same time, many systems have been developed to manipulate models not traditionally managed by DBMSs, like full text information on the Web. While purely relational DBMSs can be formally described by the relational meta model, of which they are software implementations, other systems are hardly ever supported by formal meta models. In our opinion, one of the main reasons of this mismatch between software and theory is that the definition of new meta models is still a hard and time consuming activity. In this thesis we propose a new approach to simplify the definition of complex meta models, consisting in the composition of simpler ones. Department of Computer Science, University of Bologna, Mura A. Zamboni 7, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
Do Cloud Security Announcements Affect Firm Valuation ?

—Recent years have witnessed unprecedented growth in adoption and offerings of cloud computing services. Security and availability risks have risen to become one of the biggest challenges and concerns for not only businesses that are transitioning into the cloud but also companies offering the cloud services. The focus of this paper is to investigate how announcements in media about security of cloud computing affects the market valuation of firms involved in the announcement. The paper uses event study methodology to analyze impact of the media announcements about cloud security. The paper also examines the impact of these announcements on the market valuation of the competitors of the companies involved in the announcements.
Reconstruction of the 1979–2006 Greenland ice sheet surface mass balance using the regional climate model MAR

Abstract. Results from a 28-year simulation (1979–2006) over the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) reveal an increase of solid precipitation (+0.4±2.5 km3 yr−2) and run-off (+7.9±3.3 km3 yr−2) of surface meltwater. The net effect of these competing factors is a significant Surface Mass Balance (SMB) loss of −7.2±5.1 km3 yr−2. The contribution of changes in the net water vapour flux (+0.02±0.09 km3 yr−2) and rainfall (+0.2±0.2 km3 yr−2) to the SMB variability is negligible. The meltwater supply has increased because the GrIS surface has been warming up +2.4°C since 1979. Sensible heat flux, latent heat flux and net solar radiation have not varied significantly over the last three decades. However, the simulated downward infrared flux has increased by 9.3 W m−2 since 1979. The natural climate variability (e.g. the North Atlantic Oscillation) does not explain these changes. The recent global warming, due to the greenhouse gas concentration increase induced by human activities, could be a cause of these changes. The doubling of surface meltwater flux into the ocean over the period 1979–2006 suggests that the overall ice sheet mass balance has been increasingly negative, given the likely meltwater-induced acceleration of outlet glaciers. This study suggests that increased melting overshadows over an increased accumulation in a warming scenario and that the GrIS is likely to keep losing mass in the future. An enduring GrIS melting will probably affect in the future an certain effect on the stability of the thermohaline circulation and the global sea level rise.
Governance Structures, Voluntary Disclosures and Public Accountability: The Case of UK Higher Education Institutions

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent of voluntary disclosures in UK higher education institutions’ (HEIs) annual reports and examine whether internal governance structures influence disclosure in the period following major reform and funding constraints. Design/methodology/approach - The authors adopt a modified version of Coy and Dixon’s (2004) public accountability index, referred to in this paper as a public accountability and transparency index (PATI), to measure the extent of voluntary disclosures in 130 UK HEIs’ annual reports. Informed by a multi-theoretical framework drawn from public accountability, legitimacy, resource dependence and stakeholder perspectives, the authors propose that the characteristics of governing and executive structures in UK universities influence the extent of their voluntary disclosures. Findings - The authors find a large degree of variability in the level of voluntary disclosures by universities and an overall relatively low level of PATI (44 per cent), particularly with regards to the disclosure of teaching/research outcomes. The authors also find that audit committee quality, governing board diversity, governor independence and the presence of a governance committee are associated with the level of disclosure. Finally, the authors find that the interaction between executive team characteristics and governance variables enhances the level of voluntary disclosures, thereby providing support for the continued relevance of a “shared” leadership in the HEIs’ sector towards enhancing accountability and transparency in HEIs. Research limitations/implications - In spite of significant funding cuts, regulatory reforms and competitive challenges, the level of voluntary disclosure by UK HEIs remains low. Whilst the role of selected governance mechanisms and “shared leadership” in improving disclosure, is asserted, the varying level and selective basis of the disclosures across the surveyed HEIs suggest that the public accountability motive is weaker relative to the other motives underpinned by stakeholder, legitimacy and resource dependence perspectives. Originality/value - This is the first study which explores the association between HEI governance structures, managerial characteristics and the level of disclosure in UK HEIs.
Ghost-free high dynamic range imaging via moving objects detection and extension

High dynamic range imaging(HDRI) techniques are proposed to synthesize high dynamic range (HDR) images from multi-exposure images. However, ghost artifacts may appear if images are synthesized directly when there are moving objects in the scene. This paper presents an algorithm to composite a HDR image from multi-exposure images without ghost artifacts. To remove the ghosts in the final image, the proposed algorithm firstly produces a 0-1 map based on a Markov Random Field(MRF) framework. The moving areas are detected and marked with 1. Then, moving areas are extended and used in the final exposure fusion step. The marked pixels are assigned zero weights to prevent ghost artifacts.
Voluntary running rescues adult hippocampal neurogenesis after irradiation of the young mouse brain

Cranial radiation therapy is commonly used in the treatment of childhood cancers. It is associated with cognitive impairments tentatively linked to the hippocampus, a neurogenic region of the brain important in memory function and learning. Hippocampal neurogenesis is positively regulated by voluntary exercise, which is also known to improve hippocampal-dependent cognitive functions. In this work, we irradiated the brains of C57/BL6 mice on postnatal day 9 and evaluated both the acute effects of irradiation and the effects of voluntary running on hippocampal neurogenesis and behavior 3 months after irradiation. Voluntary running significantly restored precursor cell and neurogenesis levels after a clinically relevant, moderate dose of irradiation. We also found that irradiation perturbed the structural integration of immature neurons in the hippocampus and that this was reversed by voluntary exercise. Furthermore, irradiation-induced behavior alterations observed in the open-field test were ameliorated. Together, these results clearly demonstrate the usefulness of physical exercise for functional and structural recovery from radiation-induced injury to the juvenile brain, and they suggest that exercise should be evaluated in rehabilitation therapy of childhood cancer survivors.
Cilastatin Attenuates Cisplatin-Induced Proximal Tubular Cell Damage

A major area in cancer therapy is the search for protective strategies against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. We investigated the protective effect of cilastatin on cisplatin-induced injury to renal proximal tubular cells. Cilastatin is a specific inhibitor of renal dehydrodipeptidase I (DHP-I), which prevents hydrolysis of imipenem and its accumulation in the proximal tubule. Primary cultures of proximal cells were treated with cisplatin (1–30 μM) in the presence or absence of cilastatin (200 μg/ml). Apoptosis and mitochondrial injury were assessed by different techniques. Cisplatin uptake and DNA binding were measured by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. HeLa cells were used to control the effect of cilastatin on the tumoricidal activity of cisplatin. Cisplatin increased cell death, apoptotic-like morphology, caspase activation, and mitochondrial injury in proximal tubular cells in a dose- and time-dependent way. Concomitant treatment with cilastatin reduced cisplatin-induced changes. Cilastatin also reduced the DNA-bound platinum but did not modify cisplatin-dependent up-regulation of death receptors (Fas) or ligands (tumor necrosis factor α, Fas ligand). In contrast, cilastatin did not show any effects on cisplatin-treated HeLa cells. Renal DHP-I was virtually absent in HeLa cells. Cilastatin attenuates cisplatin-induced cell death in proximal tubular cells without reducing the cytotoxic activity of cisplatin in tumor cells. Our findings suggest that the affinity of cilastatin for renal dipeptidase makes this effect specific for proximal tubular cells and may be related to a reduction in intracellular drug accumulation. Therefore, cilastatin administration might represent a novel strategy in the prevention of cisplatin-induced acute renal injury.
Influence of gravitational sympathetic stimulation on the Surgical Pleth Index

Purpose: Surgical Plethysmographic Index (SPI), calculated from pulse photo-plethysmographic amplitude oscillations, has been proposed as a tool to measure nociception anti-nociception balance during general anaesthesia, but it is affected by several confounding factor that alter the autonomic nervous system (ANS) modulation. We hypotesised that SPI may be mainly affected by sympathetic stimulation independently from nociception. Methods: We studied the effects of two sympathetic stimuli on SPI, delivered through passive head-up tilt at 45 and 90 degrees angles, in nine awake healthy adults. The sympathetic modulation was assessed by means of heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. Results: Mean (SD) SPI significantly increased from baseline to 45 degrees [from 38.6 (13.7) to 60.8 (7.6), p<0.001)] and to 90 degrees angle tilt [82.3 (5.4), p<0.001]. The electrocardiographic mean R-to-R interval significantly shortened during both passive tilts, whereas systolic arterial pressure did not change during the study protocol. HRV changed significantly during the study protocol towards a predominance of sympathetic modulation during passive tilt. Conclusion: Gravitational sympathetic stimulation at two increasing angles, in absence of any painful stimuli, affects SPI in awake healthy volunteers. SPI seems to reflect the sympathetic outflow directed to peripheral vessels.
Interferon-Gamma Release Assays versus Tuberculin Skin Testing for the Diagnosis of Latent Tuberculosis Infection: An Overview of the Evidence

A profusion of articles have been published on the accuracy and uses of interferon-gamma releasing assays. Here we review the clinical applications, advantages, and limitations of the tuberculin skin test and interferon-gamma release assays and provide an overview of the most recent systematic reviews conducted for different indications for the use of these tests. We conclude that both tests are accurate to detect latent tuberculosis, although interferon-gamma release assays have higher specificity than tuberculin skin testing in BCG-vaccinated populations, particularly if BCG is received after infancy. However, both tests perform poorly to predict risk for progression to active tuberculosis. Interferon-gamma release assays have significant limitations in serial testing because of spontaneous variability and lack of a validated definition of conversion and reversion, making it difficult for clinicians to interpret changes in category (conversions and reversions). So far, the most important clinical evidence, that is, that isoniazid preventive therapy reduces the risk for progression to disease, has been produced only in tuberculin skin test-positive individuals.
The HOSPITAL score and LACE index as predictors of 30 day readmission in a retrospective study at a university-affiliated community hospital

Introduction Hospital readmissions are common, expensive, and a key target of the Medicare Value Based Purchasing (VBP) program. Validated risk assessment tools such as the HOSPITAL score and LACE index have been developed to identify patients at high risk of hospital readmission so they can be targeted for interventions aimed at reducing the rate of readmission. This study aims to evaluate the utility of HOSPITAL score and LACE index for predicting hospital readmission within 30 days in a moderate-sized university affiliated hospital in the midwestern United States. Materials and Methods All adult medical patients who underwent one or more ICD-10 defined procedures discharged from the SIU-SOM Hospitalist service from Memorial Medical Center (MMC) from October 15, 2015 to March 16, 2016, were studied retrospectively to determine if the HOSPITAL score and LACE index were a significant predictors of hospital readmission within 30 days. Results During the study period, 463 discharges were recorded for the hospitalist service. The analysis includes data for the 432 discharges. Patients who died during the hospital stay, were transferred to another hospital, or left against medical advice were excluded. Of these patients, 35 (8%) were readmitted to the same hospital within 30 days. A receiver operating characteristic evaluation of the HOSPITAL score for this patient population shows a C statistic of 0.75 (95% CI [0.67–0.83]), indicating good discrimination for hospital readmission. The Brier score for the HOSPITAL score in this setting was 0.069, indicating good overall performance. The Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test shows a χ2 value of 3.71 with a p value of 0.59. A receiver operating characteristic evaluation of the LACE index for this patient population shows a C statistic of 0.58 (95% CI [0.48–0.68]), indicating poor discrimination for hospital readmission. The Brier score for the LACE index in this setting was 0.082, indicating good overall performance. The Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test shows a χ2 value of 4.97 with a p value of 0.66. Discussion This single center retrospective study indicates that the HOSPITAL score has superior discriminatory ability when compared to the LACE index as a predictor of hospital readmission within 30 days at a medium-sized university-affiliated teaching hospital. Conclusions The internationally validated HOSPITAL score may be superior to the LACE index in moderate-sized community hospitals to identify patients at high risk of hospital readmission within 30 days.
Compromise-protection of smart meters in the smart grid using co-dependent authentication

Today, smart meters are being employed on a large scale. However, there exist a number of security threats to smart meters, whereof some can be countermeasured by means of cryptographic techniques, which requires storage of cryptographic keys in smart meters. However, relevant threats include compromise of stored cryptographic keys, which would provision an adversary to control smart meters. In this paper, we propose the novel concept co-dependent message authentication, whose purpose is to prevent such attacks from succeeding. We then show a realization of this by means of threshold cryptography, which distributes the authentication process of received messages and commands to several co-located smart meters. Hence, if a smart meter is compromised, co-dependent message authentication will prevent that smart meter from accepting fraudulent commands originating from an adversary.
Speech Perception Difficulty in Noise in Elderly

Understanding speech in background noise is hard for everyone, but especially for children with language-based learning impairments, individuals with hearing loss, and older adults (I can hear but I cannot understand what was said) [1]. They have particular difficulty understanding rapid speech, especially the rapidly-changing parts of speech contained in consonant-vowel transitions [2]. So older adults (over 65 years old) commonly report having speech understanding difficulty in presence of background noise or simultaneous competing sound sources [3]. Older adults have special problem in cocktail party effect [4]. Peripheral hearing lossexplains some of this difficulty but speech-in-noise (SIN) perception difficulty can be seenin older adults with normal audiometric thresholds [5,6]. Therefore, speech recognition performance especially in noise (signal to noise loss or SNR loss) cannot be predicted simply with audiogram. One of the factors affecting speech perception in noise is cognitive processing problems in older adults [3]. The ability to understand speech in noise is a product of a complex relation of sensory and cognitive factors. Three hypotheses explain the mechanisms of hearing in noise difficulties in elderly: peripheral, central, and cognitive processes [7]. It is said that even lifestyle factors are important for speech perception in noise in elderly (for example effects of exercise on overall health and cognitive health) [8].
Too Many Proposals Pass the Benefit-Cost Test: Reply

We welcome John Quiggin's (1991) comment and the opportunity to reply. While we deny that Quiggin has done any damage to the argument of our article (Hoehn and Randall, 1989), his comment provides an opportunity for us to clarify and extend our argument in useful ways. We first address Quiggin's main points. He asserts that our first result is unrelated to the supporting verbal argument. He then argues that our second result is invalid as stated and can be rescued only by imposing unrealistic restrictions on the nature of the policy agenda. Thus, it is impossible to determine a priori whether too many proposals pass the benefit-cost test as the number of proposals becomes large. In short, Quiggin claims, our theorem 1 is not about what we said it was about, and theorem 2 is wrong.
Genetic Inactivation of the Serotonin1A Receptor in Mice Results in Downregulation of Major GABAA Receptor α Subunits, Reduction of GABAA Receptor Binding, and Benzodiazepine-Resistant Anxiety

Anxiety is a common psychiatric illness often treated by benzodiazepines (BZs). BZs, such as Valium, bind to the α subunit of the pentameric GABAA receptor and increase inhibition in the CNS. There is considerable evidence for abnormal GABAAreceptor function in anxiety, and a significant proportion of anxiety patients has a reduced sensitivity to BZs. Here, we show that serotonin1A (5-HT1A) receptor knock-out mice display BZ-resistant anxiety. Consistent with this finding, binding of both BZ and non-BZ GABAA receptor ligands were reduced and GABAergic inhibition was impaired in mutant mice. These changes were reflected by abnormal α subunit expression in the amygdala and hippocampus, two important limbic regions involved in fear and anxiety. These data suggest a pathological pathway, initiated by a 5-HT1A receptor deficit, leading to abnormalities in GABAA receptor composition and level, which in turn result in BZ-insensitivity and anxiety. This model mechanistically links together the 5-HT and GABA systems, which both have been implicated in anxiety. A related mechanism may underlie reduced BZ sensitivity in certain forms of anxiety.
What Drives the Speed of Job Reallocation During Episodes of Massive Adjustment?

This paper uses individual-level data to characterize economy-wide job creation and destruction during periods of massive structural adjustment. We contrast the gradualist Czech and the rapid Estonian approach to the destruction of the communist economy to provide evidence on selected macroeconomic theories of reallocation with frictions. We find that gradualism (slowing down job destruction) effectively synchronizes job creation and destruction. Drastic job destruction leads to little or no slowdown of job creation. Small newly established firms are the under-researched fountainhead of jobs during the transition from communist to market oriented economies.
Bonntempo-corpus and bonntempo-tools: a database for the study of speech rhythm and rate

Work is currently being carried out on a speech database constructed in order to study speech rhythm in connection with speech rate. The database, BonnTempo-Corpus, and the Praat based analysis tools, BonnTempo-Tools, are a powerful instrument for examining various aspects of recently proposed rhythm measures (e.g. %V, C, nPVI, rPVI, etc.) in relation to speech rate among a wide range of languages and speakers. First observations pose new problems on traditionally not well classifiable languages like Czech.
Replacing “Them” With “Us”: Language Ideologies and Practices of “Purification” on Facebook

ABSTRACT Adopting an online ethnographic approach, we examine the linguistic/semiotic practices and ideologies of “purism” among Tatar and Iranian Azerbaijani Facebook users. We argue that purification practices can be understood as identity work, the outcome of which is often not an etymologically “purer” language but a (perceived) “purer” and more “authentic” identity. We show that top-down standardization in Tatar has resulted in more homogenized ideologies regarding “pure” language and “authentic” identity, compared to the more heterogeneous ideologies among Iranian Azerbaijanis. Furthermore, we argue that since these communities rarely use the written form of their languages in off-line contexts, their purification practices are profoundly limited to metapragmatic discourses; however, social media provides a unique venue to also exercise these ideologies linguistically/semiotically. Finally, unlike previous scholarship that has focused on the informality of language use on social media, we illustrate how social media turns out to be a platform to practice formal language.