Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular Cloning and Functional Characterization of a Human Homologue of Centaurin-α

We report here the molecular cloning, expression, and characterisation of a human homologue of rat centaurin-α, which we have termed centaurin-α1. The cDNA contains a single open reading frame, which encodes a 373-amino-acid protein with a calculated molecular weight of 43,429 Daltons. Centaurin-α1 shows high identity at the amino acid level with the other centaurin-α homologues, p42IP4 and PIP3BP. Northern analysis revealed that centaurin-α1 expresses as a single 2.5-kb transcript, mainly in the brain. Recombinant centaurin-α1 binds the inositol head group of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4, with high affinity (Kd 139.7 ± 10.5 nM) and inositol phosphate specificity, consistent with it functioning as a putative PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 receptor. In keeping with this conclusion, we have shown that GFP-tagged centaurin-α1 recruits to the plasma membrane in a PI 3-kinase-dependent manner and the recruitment is inhibited by the PI 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin. These results suggest that centaurin-α1 can function as an in vivo PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 receptor.
Analysis of Teager Energy Profiles for Spoof Speech Detection

The recent advances in the technologies pose a threat to the Automatic Speaker Veriﬁcation (ASV) systems using different spooﬁng attacks, such as voice conversion (VC), speech synthesis (SS), and replay. To enhance the security of the ASV system, the need raised for the development of efﬁcient anti-spooﬁng algorithms to detect spoof speech signals from natural signal. In this paper, we exploit Teager energy-based features for spoof speech detection (SSD) task. The Teager energy proﬁles computed for natural, VC, SS, and replay signals show the changes around the Glottal Closure Instants (GCIs). In particular, for SS signal, the bumps are very smooth compared to the natu-ral signal. These variations around GCI of Teager energy pro-ﬁles helps to discriminate the spoof signal from natural counterparts. The experiments are performed on ASVspoof 2015 and BTAS 2016 challenge databases. The Teager energy-based feature set, i.e., Teager Energy Cepstral Coefﬁcients (TECC) performs well for S1-S9 spooﬁng algorithms obtaining average EER of 0.161 % (however, not for S10, where EER is 58.14 %) whereas state-of-the-art features, namely, Cochlear Filter Cepstral Coefﬁcients-Instantaneous Frequency (CFCC-IF), and Constant-Q Cepstral Coefﬁcients (CQCC) gave an EER of 0.39 % and 0.163 %, respectively. It is interesting to note that significant negative result by proposed feature set to S10 vs. natural speech conﬁrms capability of TECC to represent characteristics of airﬂow pattern during natural speech production. Furthermore, the experiments performed on BTAS 2016 challenge dataset, gave 2.25 % EER on development set. On evaluation set, TECC feature set gave Half Total Error Rate (HTER) of 3.7 % which is the metric provided by the challenge organizers and thus, overcoming the baseline by a noticeable difference of 3.16 %.
Horse Fly Harassment and the Social Behavior of Feral Ponies

Horse flies (Tabanidae) on and around feral ponies in harem groups were counted at Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland, U.S.A. , between June and August 1985. Harem stallions attracted the most flies; adult mares showed intermediate fly numbers, while few flies landed on foals under any circumstances. The use of thermal and chemical cues by flies selecting a host may have helped create this disparity. When flies were abundant, ponies reduced spacing within the group. Ponies in larger groups suffered from fewer flies than ponies in smaller groups. There was, however, no evidence that ponies merged into larger groups in response to fly harassment, suggesting that biting flies play little role in structuring pony social organization.
COLUMN SORPTION OF TOXIC IONS IN VARIOUS QUARTZ SAND - PACKED COLUMNS

In this study the adsorption of As(V), Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions from multi-species model solution was tested in dynamic conditions in sand columns containing a thin layer of bentonite (B), iron-based sludge (IS) and synthetic magnetic particles (MP). Adsorption experiments were performed in order to evaluate the removal efficiency and selectivity of the individual layers in the column. The model solution with concentration of 10 mg/L Cu(II), Zn(II) and As(V) ions of each representing the real wastewater concentration was percolated through the columns of different beddings. In columns filled only with QS/B and QS/IS the removal effect for Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions was comparable while for As(V) ions more efficient column was IS bearing. The columns with B/IS and B/MP layer showed opposite effect for removal of individual ions. While IS layer showed higher affinity towards Cu(II) and Zn(II) the MP layer enhanced the removal of As(V). The highest removal effect for all ions was obtained by QS/B/MP column. For As(V) the removal effect achieved 90 % after 4 percolation cycles. After the third percolation cycle the removal effect of QS/B/IS column decreased from 100% to 58, 90 and 77 %, for As(V), Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions, respectively. By repeating of the percolation cycles the removal of As(V) by QS/B/MP column slight decreased, up to 90 % after four runs. In spite that after the third cycle almost 100 % of As(V) was removed. For Cu(II) and Zn(II) the decrease from 100 % to 76 and 62 % was detected after four cycles, respectively.
Joint Optimization of Offloading and Resources Allocation in Secure Mobile Edge Computing Systems

Mobile edge computing (MEC) has become a promising technology for real-time communications. Mobile devices can reduce the energy consumption and prolong the lifetime significantly via offloading the computing tasks to the MEC server. Moreover, physical layer security techniques can ensure the secure transmission of the offloading data. This paper investigates a MEC system that consists of an access point, multiple mobile devices and a malicious eavesdropper. The tasks allocation, local central processor's frequency, offloading power, and offloading timeslots are optimized jointly to minimize the total energy consumption of the system. A difference of convex algorithm based scheme is proposed to solve the joint optimization problem. Moreover, a Karush Kuhn Tucker conditions based algorithm is also proposed to reduce the computational complexity. Numerical results show that the proposed algorithms are very effective. Moreover, the power consumption for secure offloading decreases with the increase of the distance between the mobile devices and the eavesdropper.
Thermal Lens Astigmatism Induced by the Photoelastic Effect in m3m, 432, and 43m Symmetry Cubic Crystals

The expressions for the thermal lens of linearly polarized radiation arising in m3m, 432 and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\bar {4}3\text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> cubic crystals with arbitrary crystallographic axes orientation in the presence of circular birefringence <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\delta _{\mathbf {c}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> are analyzed. It is shown that the thermal lens may have astigmatism the magnitude of which is proportional to the power of heat generation. The Euler angles determining the crystallographic axes orientation [P] are found and the conditions for the material constant – optical anisotropy parameter <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\xi $ </tex-math></inline-formula> – under which the thermal lens astigmatism in active and magneto-active optical elements can be eliminated, are formulated. It is demonstrated that the orientation [P] depends only on optical anisotropy parameter <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\xi $ </tex-math></inline-formula> of the crystal and on circular birefringence <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\delta _{\mathbf {c}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>.
Genomic DNA methylation profiling indicates immune response following thermal ablation treatment for HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer in China. Thermal ablation is one of the main strategies for HCC treatment. However, few studies have investigated the properties of the immune response following thermal ablation thus far. In the present study, five subjects with HBV-associated HCC were recruited from The Beijing Youan Hospital. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected at three time points: Prior to thermal ablation (PR), 1–3 days post-ablation (P1) and 5–7 days post-ablation (P7). An Illumina 850K methylation microarray was employed to determine the DNA methylation profile of each sample. Data were analyzed using different methylation probes with the Bioconductor package in R. Following annotation of different methylation CG sites (CGs), the associated genes were subjected to an Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. A total of 3,000 significantly different CGs (adjusted P<0.05; |log(fold-change)|>0.5) were identified within the PR, P1 and P7 time points. Of these, 744 (24.8%) sites increased between the PR and P1 time points but gradually decreased at the P7 time point. The remaining 2,256 (75.2%) sites decreased between the PR and P1 time points gradually increased at the P7 time point. Following gene annotation of different CGs on the promoter, signaling pathways analysis demonstrated that ‘p70S6K signaling’, ‘CXCR4 signaling’, ‘dendritic cell maturation’, ‘production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in macrophages’ pathways were activated at the P7 time point. The present study suggested that PBMC DNA methylation had changed soon after thermal ablation for subjects with HBV-associated HCC, and systemic immune responses were activated, particularly at the P7 time point.
Habitat Associations of Grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in the Heterogeneous Cedar Glade Landscape of the Central Basin of Tennessee

Abstract Grasshopper communities were sampled in three associated habitats of the Central Basin of Tennesee: cedar glades, xeric limestone prairies, and cedar hardwood forest. Twenty-five grasshopper species were collected across all three habitats. Eleven species were found in the cedar glades, 12 species were collected in the xeric limestone prairies, and six species were collected from the cedar-hardwood forests. A Principal Component Analysis of the resulting species lists indicated that grasshopper community composition differed significantly between each habitat. Four new state records for Tennessee were documented during this survey. An annotated species list is presented.
Optimal Off-line Experimentation for Games

Many business situations can be called “games” because outcomes depend on multiple decision makers with differing objectives. Yet, in many cases, the payoffs for all combinations of player options are not available, but the ability to experiment off-line is available. For example, war-gaming exercises, test marketing, cyber-range activities, and many types of simulations can all be viewed as off-line gaming-related experimentation. We address the decision problem of planning and analyzing off-line experimentation for games with an initial procedure seeking to minimize the errors in payoff estimates. Then, we provide a sequential algorithm with reduced selections from option combinations that are irrelevant to evaluating candidate Nash, correlated, cumulative prospect theory or other equilibria. We also provide an efficient formula to estimate the chance that given Nash equilibria exists, provide convergence guarantees relating to general equilibria, and provide a stopping criterion called the estimated expected value of perfect off-line information (EEVPOI). The EEVPOI is based on bounded gains in expected utility from further off-line experimentation. An example of using a simulation model to illustrate all the proposed methods is provided based on a cyber security capture-the-flag game. The example demonstrates that the proposed methods enable substantial reductions in both the number of test runs (half) compared with a full factorial and the computational time for the stopping criterion.
Studies of intervarietal hybridization in subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.).

Subterranean clover pollen germinates freely on an agar medium at relative humidities above 95 per cent. and at temperatures between 20 and 25°C. Temperature was not as critical as relative humidity, since pollen germinated freely a t 4°C. Based on these findings an improved technique for the artificial hybridization of subterranean clover varieties was developed. With this technique 35.3 per cent. of the emasculated and cross-pollinated florets set seed in 18 different intervarietal crosses. Varying degrees of compatibility exist between different varieties. The percentage of emasculated florets in Tallarook which set seed from pollinations with different male parents varied from 75 per cent. for Dwalganup to 6.5 per cent. for Wenigup. The characteristics of a number of the F1 hybrids are described. The extent to which different parental characters were dominant in the hybrids is indicated.
Tertiary relict laurophyll vegetation in the Madonie mountains (Sicily)

Abstract: Laurel woodlands in the Madonie mountains (Sicily) are characterized by the presence of Laurus nobilis, Rhamnus lojaconoi and Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris. The results of a phytosociological study are presented, and a new endemic association, Rhamno lojaconoi–Lauretum nobilis, is described. Present Mediterranean laurel communities are the result of an adaptive response by Tertiary laurel forest to the peculiar microclimatic conditions that characterize the refugia where they persist. These refugia have been recently considered as a priority habitat under the Directive 92/43/EEC, and their plant communities are very vulnerable. Protection measures of the studied laurel populations are necessary, with particular reference to the bulking up of R. lojaconoi through in situ and ex situ propagation. A multivariate analysis of 63 relevés from all the Sicilian laurel communities described so far and additional 65 relevés from all over southern Europe and the Mediterranean basin bears out the autonomy of the new association, showing at the same time some floristic affinities between Sicilian, southern Italian, Spanish and Iberian associations. Their syntaxonomic treatment is discussed.
30 Years of space–time covariance functions

In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of space–time covariance functions. As for the spatial domain, we focus on either the d‐dimensional Euclidean space or on the unit d‐dimensional sphere. We start by providing background information about (spatial) covariance functions and their properties along with different types of covariance functions. While we focus primarily on Gaussian processes, many of the results are independent of the underlying distribution, as the covariance only depends on second‐moment relationships. We discuss properties of space–time covariance functions along with the relevant results associated with spectral representations. Special attention is given to the Gneiting class of covariance functions, which has been especially popular in space–time geostatistical modeling. We then discuss some techniques that are useful for constructing new classes of space–time covariance functions. Separate treatment is reserved for spectral models, as well as to what are termed models with special features. We also discuss the problem of estimation of parametric classes of space–time covariance functions. An outlook concludes the paper.
lncRNA LEF1-AS1 Promotes Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis of Non-Small﻿-Cell Lung Cancer Cells by Regulating miR-221/PTEN Signaling

Introduction LEF1-AS1 is a characterized oncogenic lncRNA in oral cancer. Analysis of TCGA dataset revealed the upregulation of LEF1-AS1 in non-small﻿-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study was therefore carried out to investigate the involvement of LEF1-AS1 in NSCLC. Methods A total of 62 NSCLC patients were included to collect paired cancer and non-tumor tissues. RT-qPCR was performed to measure levels of LEF1-AS1 and miR-221 expression. Transient transfections were performed to explore the interactions between LEF1-AS1, miR-221 and PTEN. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed by cell proliferation assay and cell apoptosis assay, respectively. Results We found that LEF1-AS1 was upregulated in NSCLC patients. In addition, expression of LEF1-AS1 was negatively correlated with the expression of PTEN but positively correlated with the expression of miR-221 in NSCLC tissue samples. In NSCLC cells, overexpression of LEF1-AS1 led to downregulated expression of PTEN but upregulated expression of miR-221, which can directly target PTEN. Overexpression of LEF1-AS1 and miR-221 promoted cancer cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis. PTEN played an opposite role and reduced the effects of overexpressing LEF1-AS1 and miR-221. Conclusion LEF1-AS1 may promote the proliferation and induce apoptosis of NSCLC cells by regulating miR-221/PTEN signaling.
The effects of audible feedback as a coaching strategy on golf skill learning for novice players

ABSTRACT Effective golf coaching has been a critical issue for trainees and coaches. We found that most conventional golf coaching systems are insufficiently supported by scientific evidence and require continued development of skill learning processes. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of a novel tagging teaching approach using an audible feedback for novice golfers to improve their kinematic characteristics and golf swing performance. In a controlled experiment, 24 male novice golfers were randomly assigned to either the tagging (n = 13) or the non-tagging (conventional, n = 11) training group, receiving a 1.5-hour training session 3 times per week for 5 consecutive weeks. Kinematic data of downswing trajectories, from the downswing to the follow-through (DF), were collected to examine the between-group differences in the angular velocity of pelvis rotation and clubhead, and the centre of mass (COM) displacement. The results showed that the kinematic characteristics and swing performances (clubhead and ball speed, clubface angle, flight time, and carry distance) of tagging training group were better than non-tagging training group. The study demonstrated the superiority of an audible cueing approach over the traditional approach in effectively enhancing golf swing performance.
Purification and properties of a BT‐glucosidase of Hanseniaspora vineae Van der Walt and Tscheuschner with the view to its utilization in fruit aroma liberation

The β-glucosidase of Hanseniaspora vineae was purified by ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration. Its molecular weight was 295000 PT 15000, its optimum pH was between 6 and 6–5, and its optimum temperature was 55°C. The enzyme was active against different soluble glucosides with β(1–2), β(1–3), β(1–4), β(1–6) and even aP(1–4) configurations. A glucosyltransferase activity appeared in the presence of ethanol. The enzyme was constitutive but its synthesis was repressed by glucose.
Twilight and day length affects the seasonality of entrainment and endogenous circadian rhythms in a fish, Couesius plumbeus

Twilight and day-length portions of the light-dark cycle determine the seasonal course of (i) the phase relationship (ψ) between activity and the daily environmental light–dark cycle, (ii) the duration of activity (α), and (iii) the circadian period (τ) under constant darkness of the lake chub (Couesius plumbeus). With fish held under seasonally appropriate light–dark cycles with twilight (LD + t), the onset of diurnal activity occurred during dawn and its timing (ψonset) followed a bimodal annual pattern that was correlated with seasonal changes in the duration and physical characteristics of twilight. The end of activity occurred during dusk (ψoffset) and followed a unimodal annual pattern that was determined by day length. α followed a sigmoidal annual pattern under LD + t. The circadian period underwent significant seasonal changes with maximum and minimum τ values occurring during summer and winter, respectively. Fish that were entrained to rectangular light–dark cycles that excluded twilights (LD) f.
The effect of various acidulants on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes

The ability of four Listeria monocytogenes strains to initiate growth in brain heart infusion broth adjusted to various pH values with either acetic, lactic, citric or hydrochloric acid was investigated. Acetic acid was the most effective inhibitor tested, since in broth adjusted with this acid a higher minimum pH was required for growth of the various strains at both 4 and 30°C, as compared with broth adjusted with the other acidulants. The minimum pH value required for the initiation of growth of L. monocytogenes ranged from 5·0 to 5·7 at 4°C, and from 4·3 to 5·2 at 30°C, depending upon the acidulant used.
Potential impacts of projected sea‐level rise on sea turtle rookeries

1. Projected sea-level rise (SLR) is expected to cause shoreline erosion, saline intrusion into the water table and inundation and flooding of beaches and coastal areas. Areas most vulnerable to these physical impacts include small, tropical low-lying islands, which are often key habitat for threatened and endemic species, such as sea turtles. 2. Successful conservation of threatened species relies upon the ability of managers to understand current threats and to quantify and mitigate future threats to these species. This study investigated how sea-level rise might affect key rookeries (nesting grounds) (n58) for the northern Great Barrier Reef (nGBR) green turtle population, the largest green turtle population in the world. 3. 3-D elevation models were developed and applied to three SLR scenarios projected by the IPCC 2007 and an additional scenario that incorporates ice melting. Results indicate that up to 38% of available nesting area across all the rookeries may be inundated as a result of SLR. 4. Flooding, as a result of higher wave run-up during storms, will increase egg mortality at these rookeries affecting the overall reproductive success of the nGBR green turtle population. Information provided will aid managers to prioritize conservation efforts and to use realistic measures to mitigate potential SLR threats to the nGBR green turtle population.
First Investigation of The Occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii Oocysts in Urban Soil in Marrakesh, Morocco

abstract: Humans can become infected by Toxoplasma gondii oocysts released in the environment along with felid feces through the accidental ingestion of contaminated raw meat, water, fruits and vegetables, or through direct contact with contaminated soil. Documenting the extent of soil contamination by T. gondii oocysts is necessary to prevent infection caused by this protozoan. The aim of our study is to determine the occurrence of T. gondii oocysts in urban soil in Marrakesh, Morocco. A total of 42 soil samples were collected from 9 sites in the urban area of Marrakesh. Oocysts were extracted by the flotation method, and detected by microscopy using both bright-field and UV. The frequency and spatial distribution of T. gondii in soil were analyzed considering the factors that could affect the mode of contamination, such as the presence of cats and the survival conditions of oocysts. All analyzed soil samples from Marrakesh were negative. The results of the present study are correlated to the sensitivity of our detection method as well as the presence of cats, the main reservoir of this parasite. In addition, temperature, moisture, and soil composition can significantly influence oocysts survival, and consequently affect the probability of human contamination through food.