Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The CCCH-Type Zinc-Finger Protein GhC3H20 Enhances Salt Stress Tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana and Cotton through ABA Signal Transduction Pathway

The CCCH zinc-finger protein contains a typical C3H-type motif widely existing in plants, and it plays an important role in plant growth, development, and stress responses. In this study, a CCCH zinc-finger gene, GhC3H20, was isolated and thoroughly characterized to regulate salt stress in cotton and Arabidopsis. The expression of GhC3H20 was up-regulated under salt, drought, and ABA treatments. GUS activity was detected in the root, stem, leaves, and flowers of ProGhC3H20::GUS transgenic Arabidopsis. Compared with the control, the GUS activity of ProGhC3H20::GUS transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings under NaCl treatment was stronger. Through the genetic transformation of Arabidopsis, three transgenic lines of 35S-GhC3H20 were obtained. Under NaCl and mannitol treatments, the roots of the transgenic lines were significantly longer than those of the wild-type (WT) Arabidopsis. The leaves of the WT turned yellow and wilted under high-concentration salt treatment at the seedling stage, while the leaves of the transgenic Arabidopsis lines did not. Further investigation showed that compared with the WT, the content of catalase (CAT) in the leaves of the transgenic lines was significantly higher. Therefore, compared with the WT, overexpression of GhC3H20 enhanced the salt stress tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis. A virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) experiment showed that compared with the control, the leaves of pYL156-GhC3H20 plants were wilted and dehydrated. The content of chlorophyll in pYL156-GhC3H20 leaves was significantly lower than those of the control. Therefore, silencing of GhC3H20 reduced salt stress tolerance in cotton. Two interacting proteins (GhPP2CA and GhHAB1) of GhC3H20 have been identified through a yeast two-hybrid assay. The expression levels of PP2CA and HAB1 in transgenic Arabidopsis were higher than those in the WT, and pYL156-GhC3H20 had expression levels lower than those in the control. GhPP2CA and GhHAB1 are the key genes involved in the ABA signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that GhC3H20 may interact with GhPP2CA and GhHAB1 to participate in the ABA signaling pathway to enhance salt stress tolerance in cotton.
Prediction of high-performance concrete compressive strength through novel structured neural network

The difficulties in determining the compressive strength of concrete are inherited due to the various nonlinearities rooted in the mix designs. These difficulties raise dramatically considering the modern mix designs of high-performance concrete. Presents study tries to define a simple approach to link the input ingredients of concrete with the resulted compressive with a high accuracy rate and overcome the existing nonlinearity. For this purpose, the radial base function is defined to carry out the modeling process. The optimal results were obtained by determining the optimal structure of radial base function neural networks. This task was handled well with two precise optimization algorithms, namely Henry’s gas solubility algorithm and particle swarm optimization algorithm. The results defined both models’ best performance earned in the training section. Considering the root mean square error values, the best value stood at 2.5629 for the radial base neural network optimized by Henry’s gas solubility algorithm, whereas the same value for the the radial base neural network optimized by particle swarm optimization was 2.6583 although both hybrid models provided acceptable output results, the radial base neural network optimized by Henry’s gas solubility algorithm showed higher accuracy in predicting high performance concrete compressive strength.
Modification for boundary effects and jump points in nonparametric regression

For the fixed design nonparametric regression, boundary effects on kernel estimators are of two types. One is caused by the fact that the number of observations applied to kernel estimators in boundary regions is smaller than that in the interior. The other is caused by the jump points of the regression function or its derivatives. To deal with boundary effects of these two types, an extrapolation method is proposed to reuse the observations on boundary regions and neighborhoods of the jump points. The resulting regression function estimate is of the same performance as that obtained by a kernel estimator with boundary modification in the case that the regression function has continuous derivatives, in the sense of the mean average square error. If the derivatives of the regression function have jump points, then the resulting regression function estimate shows continuities at these jump points. For applications, a bandwidth selector is proposed. Almost sure convergence and asymptotic normality for the ba.
Porous Media Modeling of Microchannel Cooled Electronic Chips with Nonuniform Heating

Microchannels are used for the cooling of electronic chips. However, the three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics modeling of the large number of channels in a full chip requires a huge number of meshes and computation time. Although porous media modeling of microchannels can significantly reduce the effort of simulation, most previous porous media models are based upon the assumption that the surface heat flux or temperature is uniform on the chip. In reality, the heat flux on the chip is usually highly nonuniform. In the present study, the porous media model considers the simultaneously developing entrance effect at the microchannel inlet and the thermally developing entrance effect due to the severe heat flux variation along the channel. Duhamel’s integral is used to provide the Nusselt number distribution corresponding to the nonuniform heat flux distribution along the channel. The computing cost of this modeling method is only about 1% of the three-dimensional conjugate simulation. This porous .
Disease mapping models: an empirical evaluation

SUMMARY The analysis of small area disease incidence has now developed to a degree where many methods have been proposed. However, there are few studies of the relative merits of the methods available. While many Bayesian models have been examined with respect to prior sensitivity, it is clear that wider comparisons of methods are largely missing from the literature. In this paper we present some preliminary results concerning the goodness-of-"t of a variety of disease mapping methods to simulated data for disease incidence derived from a range of models. These simulated models cover simple risk gradients to more complex true risk structures, including spatial correlation. The main general results presented here show that the gamma-Poisson exchangeable model and the Besag, York and Mollie (BYM) model are most robust across a range of diverse models. Mixture models are less robust. Non-parametric smoothing methods perform badly in general. Linear Bayes methods display behaviour similar to that of the gamma-Poisson methods. Copyright ( 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hall-magnetometry on ferromagnetic micro-rhombs

Micropatterned Hall-sensors are used to measure the magnetic switching of nanopatterned rhombic Ni-elements at temperatures below 1.2 K. The length of the short axis ("waist") was systematically varied between 700 and 100 nm while the length of 2 /spl mu/m of the long axis was kept fixed. The thickness of the Ni-rhombs was 70 nm. Whereas the hysteresis loops of the broader rhombs show many small steps, which seem to be connected to domain wall movement and pinning, the narrowest two only reveal one single step during magnetization reversal. The process of magnetization reversal is additionally studied by Lorentz transmission electron microscopy. Placing Hall-sensors on both ends of acicular Ni elements allows one to investigate the switching process on both sides simultaneously.
Iterative path integral stochastic optimal control: Theory and applications to motor control

Motivated by the limitations of current optimal control and reinforcement learning methods in terms of their efficiency and scalability, this thesis proposes an iterative stochastic optimal control approach based on the generalized path integral formalism. More precisely, we suggest the use of the framework of stochastic optimal control with path integrals to derive a novel approach to RL with parameterized policies. While solidly grounded in value function estimation and optimal control based on the stochastic Hamilton Jacobi Bellman (HJB) equation, policy improvements can be transformed into an approximation problem of a path integral which has no open algorithmic parameters other than the exploration noise. The resulting algorithm can be conceived of as model-based, semi-model-based, or even model free, depending on how the learning problem is structured. The new algorithm, Policy Improvement with Path Integrals (PI), demonstrates interesting similarities with previous RL research in the framework of probability matching and provides intuition why the slightly heuristically motivated probability matching approach can actually perform well. Applications to high dimensional robotic systems are presented for a variety of tasks that require optimal planning and gain scheduling. In addition to the work on generalized path integral stochastic optimal control, in this thesis we extend model based iterative optimal control algorithms to the stochastic
Comparative evaluation of physics‐based and statistical forecasts in Northern California

We perform a retrospective forecast test using Northern California seismicity for the period between 1980 and 2009. We compare 7 realizations of the short‐term clustering epidemic‐type aftershock sequence (ETAS) model, and 21 models combining Coulomb stress change calculations and Rate/State theory (CRS) to forecast seismicity rates in 10 day time intervals. We employ a common learning phase (1974–1980) for CRS models to ensure consistency, and we evaluate the forecasts with log likelihood statistics to detect any spatial inconsistencies and compare the total numbers of forecasts versus observed events. We find that: (1) ETAS models are better forecasters of the spatial evolution in seismicity in the near‐source region, (2) CRS models can compete with ETAS models away from the mainshock rupture, and for short periods after mainshocks, (3) CRS models with optimally oriented receiver fault planes perform better in the first few days after mainshocks, whereas mapped fault planes should be implemented for longer‐term forecasting, and (4) CRS models based on shear stress change calculations have comparable performance with Coulomb stress change models, with the benefit of lesser parameters involved in stress calculations. We conclude that physics‐based and statistical forecast models are complimentary to each other and that future forecasts should be based on statistical models for near‐source regions, and physical models for longer periods and distances. However, the realization of the CRS models involves a number of critical parameters (reference seismicity rates, regional stress field, and loading rates), which should be retrospectively tested to improve the predictive power of physics‐based models.
Is It Safe to Buy Medications from an App? Evaluation of Medication Prescribing Applications Available in Australia

Prescription request applications (apps) have changed the way consumers can obtain prescription-only medications. However, there is a lack of research surrounding such apps and their potential risks to consumers. We conducted an Australian study to (1) identify and characterise prescription request apps available in Australia and (2) assess whether prescription request apps in Australia adhere to guidelines for safe prescribing. Three online platforms (iOS App Store, Google Play store and Google search engine) were searched using 14 different search terms. Prescription request apps were identified based on pre-defined inclusion criteria. To determine whether the prescription request apps adhere to a safe prescribing framework, five medications were selected, and their corresponding consultation questionnaires were assessed against the Australian National Prescribing Service MedicineWise 12 core competencies for safe prescribing. A total of seven prescription request apps were identified. Assessment of the prescription request apps revealed that none of the apps provided prescribers with sufficient information to meet all the competencies required for safe prescribing; rather, they inconsistently adhered to the safe prescribing framework. Thus, consumers and healthcare professionals should consider the implications and safety concerns of obtaining medications via prescription request apps.
Natural Corynanthe-Type Cholinesterase Inhibitors from Malaysian Uncaria attenuata Korth.: Isolation, Characterization, In Vitro and In Silico Studies

The Uncaria genus is notable for its therapeutic potential in treating age-related dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease. A phytochemical study of the leaves of Malaysian Uncaria attenuata Korth. , afforded an undescribed natural corynanthe-type oxindole alkaloid, isovillocarine D (1) together with two known indole alkaloids, villocarine A (2) and geissoschizine methyl ether (3), and their structural identification was performed with extensive mono- and bidimensional NMR and MS spectroscopic methods. The isolated alkaloids were evaluated for their acetylcholinesterase (AChE)- and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)-inhibitory activity. The results indicated that compound (2) was the most potent inhibitor against both AChE and BChE, with IC50 values of 14.45 and 13.95 µM, respectively, whereas compounds (1) and (3) were selective BChE inhibitors with IC50 values of 35.28 and 17.65 µM, respectively. In addition, molecular docking studies revealed that compound (2) interacts with the five main regions of AChE via both hydrogen and hydrophobic bonding. In contrast to AChE, the interactions of (2) with the enzymatic site of BChE are established only through hydrophobic bonding. The current finding suggests that U. attenuata could be a good source of bioactive alkaloids for treating age-related dementia.
Photoluminescent and electroluminescent Zn/sub 2/Si/sub 0.5/Ge/sub 0.5/O/sub 4/:Mn thin films for integrated optic devices

The optical, photoluminescent (PL), and electroluminescent (EL) properties of Zn/sub 2/Si/sub 0.5/Ge/sub 0.5/O/sub 4/:Mn (ZSG:Mn) have been studied in order to determine its viability as a light source for integrated optics systems. ZSG:Mn thin films were deposited at room temperature by RF-sputtering on Si substrates. EL devices (ELDs) were fabricated using transparent indium-tin oxide electrodes. ELDs using as-deposited ZSG:Mn films emitted bright orange light with a broad spectrum at 590-660 nm. Annealing at 700/spl deg/C resulted in a color shift to green emission in a band from 510 to 550 nm and peaking at 520 nm. Ridge waveguides fabricated by induction-coupled plasma etching yielded an optical loss of 3.8 dB/cm at 633 nm. Prism coupling experiments revealed a decrease in the film refractive index as the result of the anneal. The combination of strong PL, EL, and low waveguide loss demonstrates the strong potential of transition metal- and/or rare-earth-doped ZSG as a robust light source for integrated optic systems.
Arrhenius parameters for the rate process leading to catastrophic damage of AlGaAs‐GaAs laser facets

The time dependence of catastrophic optical mirror damage (COMD) is investigated for cw operation of AlGaAs‐GaAs quantum well lasers. The apparent Arrhenius parameters (i.e., the activation energy and pre‐exponential factor) for the rate process leading to COMD are determined. In particular, we compare the rate process for various cleaved facets with and without a subsequent plasma oxidation step. Analysis of the experimental Arrhenius parameters indicates that surface reactions on the corroded facets are responsible for facet degradation accompanied by heating. A tentative model of the facet heating that ultimately leads to COMD is presented.
A tunable ring-type magnetoelectric inductor

An electrostatically tunable magnetoelectric inductor made of ring-type Pb(Zr,Ti)O3(PZT)/MnZn ferrite/Pb(Zr,Ti)O3(PZT) laminated composite has been developed. This tunable inductor worked in converse magnetoelectric effect, and with applying an electric field of 3 kV/cm, it exhibited a large inductance tunability of up to 56.6% in a wide range of frequency. Such a large tunability in inductance was due to the strong electroelastomagnetic coupling between ferrite and piezoelectric layers. An analytical expression on the dependence of permeability μi on applied electric field E was also developed, which predicted the measured results well.
Comparing Simulated and Theoretical Sampling Distributions of the U3 Person-Fit Statistic

The accuracy with which the theoretical sampling distribution of van der Flier’s person-fit statistic U3 approaches the empirical U3 sampling distribution is affected by the item discrimination. A simulation study showed that for tests with a moderate or a strong mean item discrimination, the Type I error rates were either too high or too low to be used in practice. It was concluded that the use of standard normal deviates for the standardized version of the U3 statistic may be problematic. Nevertheless, the U3 statistic is suitable for evaluating the relative likelihood of item score patterns, for example, if one wishes to select a fixed percentage of the most improbable patterns.
Robustness of different regression modelling strategies in epidemiology: a time‐series analysis of hospital admissions and air pollutants in Lisbon (1999–2004)

Studies of the acute health effects of air pollution have used exposure windows of different spans and related them to single‐day responses. Little is known about whether an increased response window span might be a viable alternative to single‐day responses. Our aim is to compare a new model specification where both the exposure and response variables are represented as 7 day moving averages (CMA&CMA model) with the most widely used model specifications in the literature, where the response variable is usually a single‐day, in terms of coefficients and their precision and robustness. To this end, daily series of 12 emergency‐related hospital admissions and 6 air pollutants spanning 5.5 years in Lisbon were analysed through single‐pollutant linear regression and, when necessary M‐estimation. With our data, the CMA&CMA model yields coefficients that are very close to models where only the exposure variable is specified as a moving average whether the latter are estimated by OLS or robust M‐estimation. In addition, the CMA&CMA model leads to more precise and robust estimates than other model specifications. The new model specification is a straightforward tool for adjusting weekend effects and errors. It is also analogous to robust estimation, with the added advantages of being sensitive to extreme values that are clustered in time, and leading to more precise and robust estimates without loss of high‐frequency information. One drawback is the induction of autocorrelation in the residuals. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biophysical contexture of coastal biofilm-sediments varies heterogeneously and seasonally at the centimeter scale across the bed-water interface

Coastal sediments filter and accumulate organic and inorganic materials from the terrestrial and marine environment, and thus provide a high diversity of microbial niches. However, sediment-based analyses typically examine bulk samples and seldom consider variation at a scale relevant to changes in environmental conditions, due to the lack of mid-long term field data which can cover both the seasonal and sediment depth variations. In this study, microbial production and bacterial community structure were determined together with grain parameters over 10 months of intertidal silty sands on Jiangsu Coast, China. We demonstrated that the microbiological effects did not merely present on the surface, but greatly varied and stratified in both physical and biological contexture within the top 4 cm layer. Bacterial community structure showed a clear vertical variation with higher operational taxonomic unit (OTU) numbers at 1~2 cm depth than in the top 2 mm, probably because of the decreasing disturbance by hydrodynamic forces. However, the microbial production rates and metabolic activities, represented by the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), were always higher in the top. Seasonal changes were strongly reflected in the vertical patterns of EPS but could not explain the variation across sites. The overall EPS secretion in spring and summer was generally at high level than that in autumn and winter, with the maximum value of 5~6 times higher. Interestingly, the stratification of biological and physical properties followed a fixed relationship, where with the decrease of the grain size D50 , the EPS content increased exponentially, and this relationship was independent of temporal or spatial variation. Despite the significant seasonal variation of microbial activity and sedimentary grain size individually, the basic function between EPS content and D50 however did not alter. Filling these knowledge gaps will not only help to decipher the fate of grain-biofilm aggregates and organic matter burial under global changes, but also provide field evidence for the development of sediment transport models as well as blue carbon models incorporating microbial processes.
Touched by your words: How touch-related vocabulary prompts charitable behavior by reducing the negative effect of disgust

Getting help is often difficult for people who trigger disgust (e.g., homeless, sick, or disabled people) as well as the charities representing them because of low trust in these groups. Prior research has demonstrated that physical contact can help increase generosity. However, it is difficult to trigger this phenomenon—called Midas Touch Effect—when people feel disgust and are uncomfortable with interpersonal touch. This research examines touch-related vocabulary (e.g., “I would be touched,” “anyone who I can contact”) as an alternative, non-physical way for prompting the Midas Touch Effect. This research examines if such a vocabulary may reduce the negative effects of disgust on trust, and thus increase the willingness to donate. Across two studies, it is shown that while disgust has a negative effect on trust and willingness to donate to a homeless person when no touch-related vocabulary is used, no such negative effect is observed when the message includes touch-related vocabulary.
Magnetic Compton-induced Pair Cascade Model for Gamma-Ray Pulsars

Electrons accelerated to relativistic energies in pulsar magnetospheres will Compton scatter surface thermal emission and nonthermal optical, UV, and soft X-ray emission to gamma-ray energies, thereby initiating a pair cascade through synchrotron radiation and magnetic pair production. This process is proposed as the origin of the high-energy radiation that has been detected from six isolated pulsars. We construct an analytic model of magnetic Compton scattering near the polar cap of isolated pulsar magnetospheres and present approximate analytic derivations for scattered spectra, electron energy-loss rates, and photon luminosities. A Monte Carlo simulation is used to model the pair cascade induced by relativistic electrons scattering photons through the cyclotron resonance. For simplicity, the primary electrons are assumed to be monoenergetic and the nonresonant emission is omitted. Assuming that the angle phi(sub B) between the magnetic and spin axes is approximately equal to the polar-cap angle theta(sub pc), this model can produce both double-peaked and broad single-peaked pulse profiles and account for the trend of harder gamma-ray spectra observed from older pulsars.