Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stickleback Males Increase Red Coloration and Courtship Behaviours in the Presence of a Competitive Rival

In species where females preferentially select the most colourful males, males may strategically invest in courtship and nuptial colour according to the presence of rivals. In this experimental study, we tested this in the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) in which mature males exhibit carotenoid-based red coloration to attract mates and defend their territories against male competitors. We challenged experimental males with either a red-ornamented dummy male or a non-ornamented dummy for five min per day in six-d experimental trial, which was repeated twice during the breeding season. We found that the males presented with a coloured rival exhibited more frequent courtship behaviours (i.e. fanning and gluing) to females than those presented with a non-coloured intruder during the second experimental trial. At the end of each trial, the experimental males also showed a significantly larger area of red coloration in the presence of a coloured intruder. Our findings suggest that male sticklebacks regulate mating effort according to the presence of competitive rivals by increasing their investment in costly signals when successful mating and territory defence is at risk.
A Synoptic Study on the Phosphate and Phytoplankton Relationship in the Hypereutrophicated İzmir bay (Aegean Sea)

Eutrophication has become an important environmental problem in coastal waters and its effects have increased due to the inflow of organic compounds and nutrients as well as the alterations in nutrient ratios. Besides the impact of streams, Izmir Bay, particularly the inner part of the bay, receives mainly continuous domestic and industrial inputs of phosphate. Occasionally, these inputs can reach extreme levels. Consequently, continuous phosphorus enrichment has been occurring. Nevertheless, the fate of phosphate, its effect on the phytoplankton biomass and the species dominancy in this biomass are poorly known. The seasonal patterns of phosphate, chlorophyll-a and abundance distributions of phytoplankton were determined in Izmir Bay between 1993 and 1994 in order to document the relationship between phosphate and phytoplankton. In spring, the increase in phytoplankton abundance associated with the phosphate decline suggested that the phosphorus uptake by phytoplankton was a major process responsible for the phosphate removal. It seemed that the bulk of inorganic phosphate in summer, i.e., June 94, results from the resuspended anthropogenic sediment load in the water column in the inner part of the bay, which is a semi-enclosed coastal basin. Owing to inadequate light conditions caused by high turbidity in this basin, it was assumed that the high amount of phosphate could not be recycled, but rather transported to the middle part of the bay where it enhanced the formation of phytoplankton bloom.
Fresh and Composted Paper Sludges Sustain Soil Productivity

In this 5-yr study, application frequency of fresh (FDS) and composted (CDS) paper sludges was evaluated on soil properties and silage corn (Zea mays L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) yields and N uptake by comparing one application (2000) with repeated applications (2000, 2001, 2002). Treatments consisted of a control with neither amendment nor N fertilizer, a recommended N rate for corn (160 kg N ha−1) and barley (90 kg N ha−1), and FDS and CDS at a rate of 40 Mg ha−1 on wet basis with or without reduced N fertilizer (120 kg N ha−1) on corn. Compared to the control, the FDS or CDS applications significantly increased the proportions of soil larger macroaggregates (>2 mm) and the mean-weight diameter (MWD) of aggregates, regardless their application frequency. Single or three yrs additions of FDS or CDS produced, on average, an increase of 25 to 31% of the soil C and N contents compared to the control and the recommended N fertilizer treatment (160 kg N ha−1). In the first year of their application, the FDS or CDS with or without supplemental N fertilizer (120 kg N ha−1) reduced silage corn and N uptake, compared to the control probably due to N immobilization. However, silage corn yields were increased in the following years with one application or with repeated application of FDS or CDS. Results show that benefits on soil properties and crop yields of single application of FDS and CDS were similar to those of the triple applications and were still noticeable a few years following the last application.
Modern use of 5-aminosalicylic acid compounds for ulcerative colitis

ABSTRACT Introduction: For 30 years, 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) has been the backbone of therapeutic management in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). In the biologic era, it still remains the treatment of choice in mild-to-moderate UC. Positioning of this therapeutic class in moderate-to-severe UC is less clear. Areas covered: Several studies demonstrated the ability of 5-ASA to induce endoscopic remission to a similar extent as anti-TNF therapy on the moderate segment of UC. Histologic remission is achieved after induction in up to 45% of patients treated with topical 5-ASA and 30% with oral formulations. Aminosalicylates offer a favorable safety profile compared to that of immunomodulators and biologics. High-dose 5-ASA therapy may be a valuable option for patients with moderately active disease, and physicians should weigh the pros and cons of this strategy in selected patients. Whether aminosalicylates should be continued in combination with thiopurines or biologic therapy remains under debate. Expert opinion: In the era of biologics, aminosalicylates remain the first-line therapy in patients with mild UC, and have to be considered in case of moderate UC, given their favorable risk-benefit profile. We suggest that 5-ASA should be used in moderate patients without poor prognostic factors, while biologics should be preferred otherwise.
Derivative-Free Semiparametric Bayesian Models for Robot Learning

Model-Based Reinforcement Learning (MBRL) is gaining much interest in the robot learning community; in MBRL, the model serves as a representation which is largely task-invariant, and thus can facilitate transfer of knowledge across multiple tasks in the same domain. Learning reliable models for physical systems, however, remains a challenging problem. This paper summarizes recent semiparametric and derivative-free modelling techniques, and presents some key points for a new methodology to formulate derivative-free semiparametric Bayesian models with applications to robot learning. The modeling technique is demonstrated using a real robotic system, and is shown to consistently perform better than other state-ofthe-art techniques.
Distribution of stone cell in Asian, Chinese, and European pear fruit and its morphological changes

This study was conducted to microscopically verify the distribution and morphological changes occurring in stone cells during fruit growth in order to determine physiological changes occurring in stone cells in pear fruits. European pear (P. communis L. cv. ‘Bartlett’), Chinese pear (P. bretschneideri Rehd. cv. ‘Yali’), and Asian pear (P. pyrifolia Nakai cv. ‘Niitaka’) were collected from three trees of each cultivar for microscopic observation at 60 DAFB. Also, ‘Niitaka’ pear fruits were harvested at development stages of 30, 60, 90 and 150 DAFB. Stone cells were observed via light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The stone cells were found to be clustered less profoundly in the ‘Niitaka’ and ‘Yali’ pears than in ‘Bartlett’ pears, and the sizes of the clusters were smaller. Also, the stone cells were clustered closer to the epidermis in the ‘Niitaka’ and ‘Yali’ pears than in the Bartlett pears. Stone cells appeared in cluster structures beginning at 60 DAFB. The relative decrease in the quantity of stone cell clusters in the flesh was attributed to the fact that stone cells were no longer being generated, and the flesh cells increased dramatically in size. Developing and completed stone cells existed together within the same stone cell cluster.
Program Development for Enhancing Creative Leadership among School Administrators in Local Government Organizations of Thailand

Most schools under the supervision of local government organizations (LGOs) across Thailand face a number of problems; the most important is related to the lack of creative leadership of school administrators. This study explored the existing situation, identified desirable conditions for enhancing creative leadership among school administrators in the LGOs, developed a program for enhancing creative leadership, and assessed the results of the implementation of the program developed. The research used two sample groups. The first group, representing 197 schools under the LGOs, consisted of school administrators at three levels: school directors; deputy directors; and learning area heads. The second group comprised of twelve volunteer school administrators working in the LGO of Udonthani Province who shared self-development. The instruments used were questionnaires and evaluation forms. Statistics used in the data analysis included mean (M), percentage, standard deviation (SD) and a priority needs index (PNI). The study identified three main factors and nine indicators of creative leadership of school administrators. Analysis showed that the three main factors-vision, flexibility and imagination-were currently at a low level among the first sample group. In contrast, the desirable condition expressed for this group was that the three main factors would be at a high level. Following implementation of the program the median was significantly higher than it had been prior to implementation, with a statistical significance level of . 01. A suggestion showed that positive behaviors of school administrators can be developed through cooperation in establishing a creative leadership enhancement program based on need
Phosphate Solubilizing Microbes: An Overview

To meet the demand of overgrowing population it is the need of agrarian community to enhance the yield and future food supply. To overcome these problems, efforts needed to focus the soil biological system and the agro-ecosystem for better understanding the complex processes and their interactions for governing the stability of agricultural land. The green revolution has been proved the most intellectual human activities contributing global food security and, consequently, changes the face of developing countries, such as India, from being fooddeficient to having a food surplus. In present conditions there is an urgent need of second green revolution to increase the food production by around 50% in coming next 20 International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 1 (2017) pp. 844-852 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
N and P fertilization on rangeland production in Midwest Argentina.

Low soil nutrient status may be the major limiting factor to forage production in rangelands of the Mendoza plains 4 years out of 10. We studied vegetation responses to annual applications of N and P on such rangelands. Fertilizer application rates were 0 or 25 N and 0 or 11 P (kg ha-1) in a factorial arrangement. Dry matter production of grasses and palatable shrubs and crude protein (CP) content of grasses were determined annually from 1996 to 1998. Experimental plots received rains of 189, 278, and 346 mm during the 3 study years compared to mean growing season rainfall of 258 mm. Forage production was increased by N+P fertilization only in 1998 (1,390 vs 980 kg ha-1, P < 0.05), producing 16.5 kg forage kg-1 N applied. Crude protein concentration was increased by N fertilization in 1997 (6.3 vs 5.3%, P < 0.05) and N+P application increased in 1998 (6.8 vs 5.7%, P < 0.05). Nitrogen and P application increased seasonal rain-use efficiency when the rainfall exceeded 300 mm. In 1998, the increase of grass production per kg N applied with and without P was 18.4 and 12.4 kg, respectively. The break-even point between rain and nutrients as the main primary production determinant on sandy soils in the central Mendoza plains is around 400 mm year-1 instead of 300 mm in other arid lands of the world. The value of meat increment derived from the N fertilization, with and without P application (US$ 0.07 ha-1 year-1 kg-1 N) was lower than the fertilizer cost (US$ 0.87 kg-1 N). A 5-fold increase in forage yields would be required to offset the cost of fertilizer. Fertilizer application did not increase forage production enough to be profitable for cattle production at present fertilizer and meat prices. DOI:10.2458/azu_jrm_v53i4_guevara
Lymphocyte subset at time of Epstein‐Barr viremia post‐allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children may predict development of post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease: CD8:CD20 ratio as a sensitive predictor

EBV–associated PTLD following allogeneic HSCT is a serious complication associated with significant mortality. In this retrospective study, we evaluated whether lymphocyte subset numbers and CD8:CD20 ratio at time of EBV viremia in children undergoing allogeneic HSCT could predict development of PTLD. Absolute lymphocyte count, lymphocyte subsets, and CD8:CD20 ratio at the time of EBV viremia were analyzed. Patients who were treated preemptively with rituximab for high blood EBV viral load were excluded. Out of 266 patients transplanted during the study period, 26 patients were included in the analysis. Patients were divided into two cohorts; cohort 1 included patients with EBV‐associated PTLD (n = 5; four with proven, one with probable PTLD). Cohort 2 included patients with EBV viremia without PTLD (n = 21). Lymphocyte recovery was slower in the PTLD group. CD8:CD20 ratio was significantly lower in the PTLD group (median 0.15) compared to the non‐PTLD group (median 2.4, P = .012). Using the ROC curve and 1 as the cutoff value, CD8:CD20 ratios were analyzed. In the PTLD group, 4/5 patients (80%) had a ratio <1 whereas in the non‐PTLD group, all 21 patients had a ratio >1. Sensitivity and specificity were 80% and 100%, respectively. Negative and PPVs were 95% and 100%, respectively. Profoundly low T‐cell count and CD8:CD20 ratio may be used to predict development of PTLD in the context of EBV viremia in children post‐allogeneic HSCT. Further studies are needed to validate this finding.
PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LIBERO AND CENTRAL VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

The aim of this study is to determine the intensity of effort in competition of the libero and central players by measuring heart rate and blood lactate. A sample of 30 players from 10 teams was used. Heart rate was measured by telemetry during the matches. Blood samples were obtained when there were substitutions for the players and about 300 samples were taken. Significant differences were observed in mean and maximal heart rate values between the central players and the libero (p<0.01). Mean and maximal heart rate values tended to decrease in the last sets in all the positions analysed. Higher levels have been observed in the libero when the set is lost than when it is won. (p<0.01). With regard to blood lactate, significant differences were found in mean values between the two central players and the libero (p<0.01). It was observed that 40.9% of all the blood lactate concentrations, regardless of the position, corresponded to values higher than 4 mmol·l -1 , and 2.8% were above 8 mmol·l -1 . These values are far higher than those found in earlier studies. (Biol.Sport 22:13-27, 2005)
DIVERSIFICATION OF THE FOREIGN TRADE UNDER THE GLOBAL CHANGES

The article deals with the topical questions, namely, the priorities and challenges that Ukraine faced with on the way to the FTA creation. From the one hand, there were grounded several one-legged trade preferences given to Ukraine. From the other one, there were considered several obstacles that appeared on the way of integration, among them: the combat operations in our country, crisis period without any “universal remedies” for and the other ones. It was grounded on the base of statistic materials that the main trade partners in European Union according to the results of last years are: Germany, Poland, Italy. But can be seen the optionality of our country in the system of the world economic connections because of the import dependence on the external supplies, as the part of export in the structure of GDP in 2014 reached 47 %, import – 55 %. The experience of the country that already passed the stage of integration changes was analyzed, but as we can see on practice it is almost impossible to find the common features of reforms because both Poland and Greece move economy by their own vectors and Ukraine must pay attention to this fact. It was proved, that to use the competitive advantages for a long time Ukrainian economy must concentrate its activity on the existent natural resources potential, intellectual abilities, industrial development and high technologies.
A Multi-Layer Fusion-Based Facial Expression Recognition Approach with Optimal Weighted AUs

Affective computing is an increasingly important outgrowth of Artificial Intelligence, which is intended to deal with rich and subjective human communication. In view of the complexity of affective expression, discriminative feature extraction and corresponding high-performance classifier selection are still a big challenge. Specific features/classifiers display different performance in different datasets. There has currently been no consensus in the literature that any expression feature or classifier is always good in all cases. Although the recently updated deep learning algorithm, which uses learning deep feature instead of manual construction, appears in the expression recognition research, the limitation of training samples is still an obstacle of practical application. In this paper, we aim to find an effective solution based on a fusion and association learning strategy with typical manual features and classifiers. Taking these typical features and classifiers in facial expression area as a basis, we fully analyse their fusion performance. Meanwhile, to emphasize the major attributions of affective computing, we select facial expression relative Action Units (AUs) as basic components. In addition, we employ association rules to mine the relationships between AUs and facial expressions. Based on a comprehensive analysis from different perspectives, we propose a novel facial expression recognition approach that uses multiple features and multiple classifiers embedded into a stacking framework based on AUs. Extensive experiments on two public datasets show that our proposed multi-layer fusion system based on optimal AUs weighting has gained dramatic improvements on facial expression recognition in comparison to an individual feature/classifier and some state-of-the-art methods, including the recent deep learning based expression recognition one.
Smad signaling coincides with epithelial-mesenchymal transition in a rat model of intrauterine adhesion.

PURPOSE Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is a fibrotic disease mainly caused by tissue injury, yet the mechanism is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of TGF-β1/BMP7/Smad signaling coincident with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in IUA. METHODS Twenty-four female SD rats were divided into IUA and sham groups. For each animal, a mechanical injury or sham operation was performed on the left uterus (IUA-L, Sham-L), and the right uterus (IUA-R, Sham-R) was used as the control. Animals were sacrificed in batches on days 7 and 28. The endometrial morphology, number of endometrial glands, microvascular density (MVD), area of endometrial fibrosis and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis of biomarkers of EMT, as well as levels of TGF-β1, phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3), BMP7, phosphorylated Smad1/5 (pSmad1/5) and estrogen receptor (ER) were evaluated. Besides, the correlation between these IHC markers was also analyzed. RT-PCR and western blot were used to test relevant genes. RESULTS Compared with other groups, the IUA-L group showed a significant decrease in the number of glands and MVD. And it also showed a significant increase in the stromal fibrosis rate and a-SMA level. Moreover, in the IUA-L group, TGF-β1 and pSmad3 levels were consistently high, and levels of BMP7, pSmad1/5 and ER were low. EMT markers E-cadherin was decreased, while N-cadherin was increased. Sham and control groups showed no significant difference in these markers. In addition, E-cadherin with a-SMA, fibrosis rate with BMP7, TGF-β1 with pSmad3 and BMP7 with pSmad1/5 showed correlation in IUA-L group, which had statistical significance. The mRNA expression of TGF-β1, a-SMA and ccn2 in 7 d IUA-L was higher than 7 d IUA-R while BMP7 was lower, which had significant difference. The protein expression of BMP7 in 7 d IUA-L was lower than 7 d IUA-R, which had significant difference. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest a potential role of Smad signaling together with EMT in endometrial fibrosis development.
Fiscal reaction function and fiscal fatigue: Evidence for the euro area

This paper estimates a fiscal reaction function (FRF) framework for euro area countries and derives a novel approach to measure fiscal fatigue. As in previous studies, we find evidence that euro area sovereigns abide, on average, by (weak) sustainability constraints. The primary balance improves by about 0.03–0.05 for every 1 percentage point increase in the debt-to-GDP ratio after controlling for other relevant factors. The positive reaction of primary surpluses to higher debt strengthened over the crisis. Based on this framework, we propose a simple, practical measure of fiscal fatigue that can be used to assess the capacity of sovereigns to maintain primary surpluses over extended periods of time. This measure can be derived by comparing simulated primary balance paths in the context of debt sustainability analyses with countries’ track-record, adjusted for the change in debt with the estimated fiscal reaction coefficient. The evidence of fiscal fatigue in non-linear FRF specifications is weaker for our euro area sample. JEL Classification: H60, E62, F41, C33