Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE ORIGIN OF ALTERNATIVE PHENOTYPES IN FISHES

A basic aim of evolutionary biology is to explain the enormous diversity among animal and plant species. But also within species there is often large genetic and phenotypic variation, and such variation is necessary for evolution to create new reproductively isolated species. The present thesis is directed to explain differentiation within populations highlighting and discussing the significance of phenotypic plasticity as an evolutionary process that leads to the expression of alternative phenotypes within a species. Such phenotypic expressions are particularly interesting, because the process by which new species are formed typically involves a temporary stage within the splitting species, that is, different heritable and distinct types that coexist within the same population. Such phenotypes may be raw material for full species formation, and the study of alternative-phenotype species should therefore be particularly worthwhile in speciation research. When alternative phenotypes are not entirely genetic they may arise as a result of developmental plasticity, when organisms develop in accordance with local abiotic and biotic conditions. Subject to developmental plasticity, alternative phenotypes, take different developmental routes depending on the local selection pressures, or depending on the environmental conditions experienced during development. Here, laboratory experiments showed that three-spined sticklebacks exhibit alternative phenotypes as a plastic response to physical environment and diet, demonstrating and supporting the idea that environmental inputs modulate the expression of traits through phenotypic plasticity during ontogeny. When, morphological differences arise, discrete morphological characteristics are originated and may be reinforced by the continuous presence of same environmental conditions. Here is demonstrated that these discrete morphological characteristics lead the individuals to specialise on specific prey or habitat types. Moreover, it is showed that plasticity may also play a role in the final stages of species formation, when reproductive isolation completes the speciation process. It is shown that diet-induced morphology has an important influence in mate preferences representing a strong potential to generate reproductive isolation via assortative mating, and this mate preferences may be highly efficient to maintaining isolation, thus the hypothesis of ecological speciation is supported. Finally, in this study, two alternative-phenotype lakes are described. It is suggested that the origin of the segregated alternative phenotypes in both lakes is a consequence of ecological traits divergences; however in one of the lakes the alternative phenotypes arose from a founder population, meanwhile in the second lake the alternative phenotypes may arose by the ecological adaptation of the forms in allopatry.
Extracting Skeleton of the Global Terrorism Network Based on m-Modified Topology Potential

Skeleton network extraction is a crucial context in studying the core structure and essential information on complex networks. The objective of this paper is to introduce the novel network extraction method, namely, TPKS-skeleton, for investigating the global terrorism network. Our method aims to reduce the network’s size while preserving key topology and spatial features. A TPKS-skeleton comprises three steps: node evaluation, similarity-based clustering, and skeleton network reconstruction. The importance of skeleton nodes is quantified by the improved topology potential algorithm. Similarity-based clustering is then integrated to allow detecting high incident concentrations and allocating the important nodes according to the event features and spatial distribution. Finally, the skeleton network can be reconstructed by aggregating high-influential nodes from each cluster and their simplified edges. To verify the efficiency of the proposed method, we carry out three classes of a network assessment framework: node-equivalence assessment, network-equivalence assessment, and spatial information assessment. For each class, various assessment indexes were performed using the original network as a benchmark. The results verify that our proposed TPKS-skeleton outperforms other competitive methods in particular node-equivalence by Spearman rank correlation and high network structural-equivalence defined by quadratic assignment procedure. In the spatial perspective, the TPKS-skeleton network preserves reasonably all kinds of spatial information. Our study paves the way to extract the optimal skeleton of the global terrorism network, which might be beneficial for counterterrorism and network analysis in wider areas.
Influence of day length and temperature on number of main stem leaves and time to flowering in lupin

Summary A growth chamber experiment was carried out to investigate the influence of day length and temperature on the development of flowering in eight varieties of the three grain lupin species Lupinus albus (Wat and C3396), L. angustifolius (Gungurru, Polonez and W26) and L. luteus, (Juno, Radames and Teo). The plants were grown at two temperatures, 10°C and 18°C, in combination with five daylength regimes: 10, 14, 18, 24 h day at full light intensity and 10 h full light extended with 8 h low intensity light. Increased daylength decreased days from sowing to flowering in all varieties, but had little effect on thermal time to flowering in most varieties. However, C3396, W26 and Radames had a significantly longer thermal time to flowering at high, non-vernalising temperature (18°C) at short daylengths. Low light intensity daylength extension did not significantly influence thermal time to flowering. For flower initiation, measured as number of leaves on the main stem three types of response were found. All varieties formed fewer leaves on the main stem at 10°C than at 18°C, although the two thermo-neutral varieties of L. luteus, Juno and Teo, gave only a small response to temperature and daylength. In Polonez, Gungurru and Wat, low temperature decreased leaf number, but there was only a small response to changes in daylength. Three varieties, C3396, W26 and Radames, showed longer thermal time to flowering at 18°C with short daylengths. This could be explained by a greater number of main stem leaves formed at short daylength at non-vernalising temperatures. Increased daylength decreased leaf number in these varieties, but never to a smaller number than for plants grown at 10°C. In these varieties, low intensity extension of the daylength had a similar (W26, Radames) or decreased (C3396) effect compared to full light extension. The hastening of time to flowering by long days could be separated into two effects: a high light energy effect hastened development by increasing the rate of leaf appearance in all varieties, while low light energy in thermo-sensitive varieties was able to substitute for vernalisation by decreasing leaf number.
La kinase neuronale PAK 3 : Etude des trois mutations reponsables de retard mental non syndronique et mise en évidence de deux nouveaux variants d'épissage

La p21-activated kinase 3 (PAK3) code pour une serine/threonine kinase dont la mutation est responsable de retard mental non syndromique. Les kinases PAK sont activees par les GTPases Rac1 et Cdc42 et regulent la plasticite neuronale en agissant sur le cytosquelette d'actine. Afin de comprendre le role specifique de PAK3 dans les processus cognitifs, nous avons etudie les mutations responsables de retard mental et caracterise des nouveaux variants d'epissage. Ainsi, nous avons montre: 1) que PAK3 est active preferentiellement par Cdc42 ; 2) que deux mutations suppriment totalement l'activite kinase et entrainent de fortes anomalies de morphologie des epines dendritiques de neurones d'hippocampe ; 3) qu'une autre mutation diminue fortement la liaison de la kinase a la GTPase Cdc42 et induit une forte reduction de la densite des epines. Ces resultats montrent que le module Cdc42/PAK3 joue un role cle dans la formation des epines dendritiques et la plasticite synaptique. Par ailleurs, nous avons identifie deux nouveaux variants d'epissage de PAK3 qui sont constitutivement actifs. Nous proposons un nouveau modele de regulation de leur activite kinase, base sur la formation d'heterodimeres.
Modeling Traders' Behavior with Deep Learning and Machine Learning Methods: Evidence from BIST 100 Index

Although the vast majority of fundamental analysts believe that technical analysts’ estimates and technical indicators used in these analyses are unresponsive, recent research has revealed that both professionals and individual traders are using technical indicators. A correct estimate of the direction of the financial market is a very challenging activity, primarily due to the nonlinear nature of the financial time series. Deep learning and machine learning methods on the other hand have achieved very successful results in many different areas where human beings are challenged. In this study, technical indicators were integrated into the methods of deep learning and machine learning, and the behavior of the traders was modeled in order to increase the accuracy of forecasting of the financial market direction. A set of technical indicators has been examined based on their application in technical analysis as input features to predict the oncoming (one-period-ahead) direction of Istanbul Stock Exchange (BIST100) national index. To predict the direction of the index, Deep Neural Network (DNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Logistic Regression (LR) classification techniques are used. The performance of these models is evaluated on the basis of various performance metrics such as confusion matrix, compound return, and max drawdown.
The maceration of deciduous leaf litter by aquatic hyphomycetes

Isolates of five species of aquatic hyphomycetes were grown in pure culture with hickory leaf material as the sole source of carbon and energy. Enzymatic activity by all five species resulted in the skeletonization of leaves through maceration of the leaf matrix and subsequent release of leaf cells as fine particulate organic matter. Fractionation and analysis of leaf material after incubation indicated that all five species metabolized (degraded) cellulose and two species metabolized (degraded) hemicelluloses. In cultures inoculated with Tetracladium marchalianum, fine particulate release coincided with increases in fungal biomass (ATP) and activity of enzymes in the supernatant which degraded carboxymethylcellulose, xylan, and polygalacturonic acid. Macerating activity increased with increasing pH suggesting involvement of pectin trans-eliminase in the softening of leaf tissue by this fungus.
Wasted fishery resources: discarded by‐catch in the USA

Fishery by-catch, especially discarded by-catch, is a serious problem in the world's oceans. Not only are the stocks of discarded species affected, but entire trophic webs and habitats may be disrupted at the ecosystem level. This paper reviews discarding in the marine fisheries of the USA; however, the type, diversity and regulatory mechanisms of the fisheries are similar to developed fisheries and management programmes throughout the world. We have compiled current estimates of discarded by-catch for each major marine fishery in the USA using estimates from existing literature, both published and unpublished. We did not re-estimate discards or discard rates from raw data, nor did we include data on protected species (turtles, mammals and birds) and so this study covers discarded by-catch of finfish and fishable invertebrates. For some fisheries, additional calculations were required to transform number data into weight data, and typically length and weight composition data were used. Specific data for each fishery are referenced in Harrington et al. (Wasted Resources: Bycatch and discards in US Fisheries, Oceana, Washington, DC, 2005). Overall, our compiled estimates are that 1.06 million tonnes of fish were discarded and 3.7 million tonnes of fish were landed in USA marine fisheries in 2002. This amounts to a nationwide discard to landings ratio of 0.28, amongst the highest in the world. Regionally, the southeast had the largest discard to landings ratio (0.59), followed closely by the highly migratory species fisheries (0.52) and the northeast fisheries (0.49). The Alaskan and west coast fisheries had the lowest ratios (0.12 and 0.15 respectively). Shrimp fisheries in the southeast were the major contributors to the high discard rate in that region, with discard ratios of 4.56 (Gulf of Mexico) and 2.95 (South Atlantic). By-catch and discarding is a major component of the impact of fisheries on marine ecosystems. There have been substantial efforts to reduce by-catch in some fisheries, but broadly based programmes covering all fisheries are needed within the USA and around the world. In response to international agreements to improve fishery management, by-catch and discard reduction must become a regular part of fishery management planning.
Editor’s Introduction

The debate over the “best” methods for studying intimate partner violence is well-known and still rather heated. The litany of criticisms of specific instruments, such as the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS) (Straus, 1979), is recited repeatedly, even by those who continue to use it. Indeed, despite the criticisms of the CTS, it remains the most widely used measure of intimate partner violence. There is little research that actually compares the CTS to other instruments to determine relative accuracy in determining specific interactions within an intimate relationship. In the opening article of this issue of Violence Against Women, however, Gondolf and Beeman undertake such a comparison, looking at how well tacticsbased measures such as the CTS predict recurring violence relative to women’s accounts of violent incidents. The authors analyze the component parts of 536 violent incidents reported by 299 women whose partners attended batterer treatment programs and find that the components of the violent incidents do not correspond to tactics-based outcomes. Gondolf and Beeman reiterate the warning of other researchers that tactics-based measures do not adequately capture the complexity of most violent incidents, making them poor predictors of recurring abuse and reassault. The authors argue for the use of various measures of multiple outcomes, including accounts-based measures. Their point is underlined by Medina-Ariza and Barberet, who report the findings of a national survey of intimate partner violence conducted in Spain. The purpose of the survey was not to predict reassault in men already identified as abusive. Rather, the survey was designed to gauge the incidence and severity of various forms of intimate partner violence experienced by Spanish women. Besides the CTS, Medina-Ariza and Barberet note that open-ended questions were included in the survey. In analyzing the findings, they emphasize the disparity between women’s objective experiences and their subjective perceptions. Many women, especially those who were sexually abused by their partners, did not self-identify as abuse victims. Medina-Ariza and
Growth of the phototrophic purple sulfur bacterium Thiocapsaroseopersicina under oxic/anoxic regimens in the light

Abstract The phototrophic purple sulfur bacterium Thiocapsa roseopersicina was grown in sulfide-limited continuous cultures exposed to oxic/anoxic regimens in continuous light. Synthesis of bacteriochlorophyll a (BChl a ) did not occur during the oxic periods, but started immediately upon the creation of anoxic conditions. In contrast, protein synthesis continued during both oxic and anoxic periods. Consequently, the specific content of BChla fluctuated. Despite the presence of oxygen and the fluctuating BChl a content, growth occurred predominantly in a phototrophic mode and respiration was virtually zero. BChl a synthesis continued at high rates during anoxic periods, thus compensating for the lack of synthesis during oxic periods. When cultivated under regimens with oxic periods shorter than 12 h the highest specific BCh a content was 27 μg·mg − protein. In contrast, when cultivated under regimens with oxic periods longer than 12 h the specific BChl a content was always lower than 27μg·mg − length of the oxic periods. During the anoxic periods, BChl a synthesis occurred at the maximal velocity of 1.2 μg·mg −1 protein·h − , but the length of the anoxic periods was not sufficient to allow the BChl a content to reach the maximum level. Cultivation under continuously oxic conditions eventually resulted in pigmentless cells growing chemolithotrophically. The BChl a synthesizing ability was not lost during prolonged exposure to oxygen. It was concluded that T. roseopersicina is very well adapted to oxic/anoxic cycles.
Annual cycles of water vapour and carbon dioxide fluxes in and above a boreal aspen forest

Water vapour and CO2 fluxes were measured using the eddy correlation method above and below the overstorey of a 21-m tall aspen stand in the boreal forest of central Saskatchewan as part of the Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS). Measurements were made at the 39.5-m and 4-m heights using 3-dimensional sonic anemometers (Kaijo-Denki and Solent, respectively) and closed-path gas analysers (LI-COR 6262) with 6-m and 4.7-m long heated sampling tubing, respectively. Continuous measurements were made from early October to mid-November 1993 and from early February to late-September 1994. Soil CO2 flux (respiration) was measured using a LI-COR 6000-09 soil chamber and soil evaporation was measured using Iysimetry. The leaf area index of the aspen and hazelnut understorey reached 1.8 and 3.3, respectively. The maximum daily evapotranspiration (E) rate was 5–6 mm d−1. Following leaf-out the hazelnut and soil accounted for 22% of the forest E. The estimated total E was 403 mm for 1994. About 88% of the precipitation in 1994 was lost as evapotranspiration. During the growing season, the magnitude of half-hourly eddy fluxes of CO2 from the atmosphere into the forest reached 1.2 mg CO2 m−2 s−1 (33 μmol C m−2 s−1) during the daytime. Downward eddy fluxes at the 4-m height were observed when the hazelnut was growing rapidly in June and July. Under well-ventilated night-time conditions, the eddy fluxes of CO2 above the aspen and hazelnut, corrected for canopy storage, increased exponentially with soil temperature at the 2-cm depth. Estimates of daytime respiration rates using these relationships agreed well with soil chamber measurements. During the 1994 growing season, the cumulative net ecosystem exchange (NEE) was -3.5 t C ha−1 y−1 (a net gain by the system). For 1994, cumulative NEE, ecosystem respiration (R) and gross ecosystem photosynthesis (GEP = R - NEE) were estimated to be -1.3, 8.9 and 10.2 t C ha−1 y−1 respectively. Gross photosynthesis of the hazelnut was 32% of GEP.
Nutrient foraging behaviour of four co‐occurring perennial grassland plant species alone does not predict behaviour with neighbours

Summary The spatial arrangement of nutrients and neighbours in soil influences plant growth and reproduction. Plants often respond to such stimuli through plasticity in root proliferation (root mass per soil volume), or the breadth of their root system. Here, we asked how plants adjust nutrient foraging strategies when grown alone or with neighbours. We asked (i) Does root proliferation into nutrient-rich patches when plants are grown alone predict root proliferation when plants are grown with neighbours? (ii) What factors (nutrients or neighbours) best predict the probability of root placement at different soil locations? (iii) How does the spatial distribution of nutrients alter the degree to which neighbours suppress plant growth? To answer these questions, we grew four grassland species either as individual plants or in competition, in patchy or patch-free soil, in a factorial design. We used genomic DNA to identify the spatial distribution of roots of each species when plants were grown in mixtures. The root foraging behaviour of individuals grown alone did not consistently predict behaviour in mixture. Specifically, (i) the behaviour of individually grown plants predicted behaviour of competing plants inside patches, but not in background soil. We observed over-proliferation of roots in background soil relative to what was expected from plants grown alone. (ii) Neighbours were consistently the most important variable for predicting the placement of roots in soil and caused either an increase in root system breadth, or no change relative to alone. (iii) If a species experienced growth suppression when grown in competition, individuals experienced this more severely in patchy soil compared to patch-free soil. Synthesis. Game theoretic models have predicted that under interspecific competition, over-proliferation of roots in the presence of neighbours might occur for some species but not others. Our data are consistent with these predictions but more work is needed. Nutrient foraging studies have primarily focused on plants grown alone or assumed that plants do not respond separately to neighbours and nutrients. Our data call these practices into question and contribute to a growing understanding that plants integrate information about both nutrients and neighbours when placing roots in soil.
Non-discrete simple locally compact groups

Simple Lie groups and simple algebraic groups over local fields are the most prominent members of the class S of compactly generated non-discrete simple locally compact groups. We outline a new trend, which emerged in the past decade, whose purpose is the study of S as a whole. 2010 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 22D05; Secondary 20E08, 20E15, 20E18, 20E32, 20E42, 20F65, 37B05, 43A07.
Feature-Guided K-Means Algorithm for Optimal Image Vector Quantizer Design

This paper presents an improved K-means algorithm for image vector quantizer design. The main purpose of the proposed algorithm is to obtain a better initial code-book guided by the edge, brightness and contrast features of the training vectors. Based on these features, the training set is divided into 32 subsets, then the initial codewords are randomly selected or deﬁnitely selected based on the maximum distance initialization technique from each subset, where the number of selected codewords is proportional to the number of training vectors in the subset. Experimental results show that, compared with the conventional and modiﬁed K-means algorithms, by and large, our feature-guided K-means algorithm converges to a better locally optimal codebook with a fast convergence speed.
Sound Source Separation and Synthesis for Audio Enhancement based on Spectral Amplitudes of Stereo Signals

A sound source separation algorithm based on the spectral amplitudes of stereo signals has been developed for the up-mixing playback of the contents. Short-term Fourier transforms (STFT) of the signals on the left and right channels are ﬁrst calculated. The coeﬃcients of the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) are used to calculate the ratio of the spectral amplitudes of the left and right channels, which is termed the channel level diﬀerence (CLD). The DFT coeﬃcients are then divided into multiple groups on the basis of the CLD, with each group representing a separated sound source. The signal-to-distortion ratio (SDR) is used to evaluate the signal separation performance. It was found that a rough estimate of the CLD threshold yielding the best SDR could be obtained by cross-correlating the separated sounds. The proposed method allows separation of a mixture of more than two sound sources. For playback on a headset, each separated signal is convolved with head-related transfer functions (HRTF) that represent the direction of that particular sound source. Subjective listening tests showed that the sound synthesized by this method is more realistic than that synthesized with HRTFs that represent only left and right loudspeakers.