Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Discovery of facultative parthenogenesis in a new world crocodile

Over the past two decades, there has been an astounding growth in the documentation of vertebrate facultative parthenogenesis (FP). This unusual reproductive mode has been documented in birds, non-avian reptiles—specifically lizards and snakes—and elasmobranch fishes. Part of this growth among vertebrate taxa is attributable to awareness of the phenomenon itself and advances in molecular genetics/genomics and bioinformatics, and as such our understanding has developed considerably. Nonetheless, questions remain as to its occurrence outside of these vertebrate lineages, most notably in Chelonia (turtles) and Crocodylia (crocodiles, alligators and gharials). The latter group is particularly interesting because unlike all previously documented cases of FP in vertebrates, crocodilians lack sex chromosomes and sex determination is controlled by temperature. Here, using whole-genome sequencing data, we provide, to our knowledge, the first evidence of FP in a crocodilian, the American crocodile, Crocodylus acutus. The data support terminal fusion automixis as the reproductive mechanism; a finding which suggests a common evolutionary origin of FP across reptiles, crocodilians and birds. With FP now documented in the two main branches of extant archosaurs, this discovery offers tantalizing insights into the possible reproductive capabilities of the extinct archosaurian relatives of crocodilians and birds, notably members of Pterosauria and Dinosauria.
A Cu2+ triggered reversible photochromic system: the structure photochromic response relationship study and potential applications

Fifteen rhodamine B hydrazide hydrazone (RhBHH) derivatives (compounds a–o) with various substituent groups at different position and their photochromic property triggered by Cu2+ were studied to illustrate the structure photochromic response relationship (SPRR). Three of them (compounds f–h) with a para-position hydroxyl group and two meta-position halogen substituents display Cu2+-triggered photochromic which is significantly different from the previous reports. It was found that halogen atoms, which were generally considered to have no remarkable regulation effect, exhibited great influences on the photochromic behaviour of RhBHH derivatives. Detail photochromic properties of the developed photochromic system were revealed by using compound g as the model substrate, and only Cu2+ displayed high selective trigger effect. Good reversible photochromic phenomenon was observed after stimulated with visible light irradiation and dark (or heat) bleaching consecutively. Furthermore, this photochromic system could be used in the preparation of photochromic glass, special security ink, molecular logic gate and two-dimensional code for security information storage.
Isotopical Band - Gap Opening in Graphene

The new era of nanoelectronics on the graphene basis needs the creation of the semiconducting graphene. Numerous attempts to elaborate the semiconducting graphene creation technology meet several difficulties: firstly it is quite expensive; secondly it is technically difficult to produce. In the present paper the based on principle new nuclear semiconducting graphene creation technology is described. The new method is based on the electronic excitations energy renormalization by the strong (nuclear) interaction. Suggested method provides an alternative way to experimentally tune the band - gap of graphene, which would be more efficient and more controllable than other methods that are used to open band - gap in graphene. This method not only opens the isotopical band - gap in graphene but also may throw light on the massless fermion renormalization in graphene.
Form–function relationships underlie rapid dietary changes in a lizard

Macroevolutionary changes such as variation in habitat use or diet are often associated with convergent, adaptive changes in morphology. However, it is still unclear how small-scale morphological variation at the population level can drive shifts in ecology such as observed at a macroevolutionary scale. Here, we address this question by investigating how variation in cranial form and feeding mechanics relate to rapid changes in diet in an insular lizard (Podarcis siculus) after experimental introduction into a new environment. We first quantified differences in the skull shape and jaw muscle architecture between the source and introduced population using three-dimensional geometric morphometrics and dissections. Next, we tested the impact of the observed variation in morphology on the mechanical performance of the masticatory system using computer-based biomechanical simulation techniques. Our results show that small differences in shape, combined with variation in muscle architecture, can result in significant differences in performance allowing access to novel trophic resources. The confrontation of these data with the already described macroevolutionary relationships between cranial form and function in these insular lizards provides insights into how selection can, over relatively short time scales, drive major changes in ecology through its impact on mechanical performance.
Recent origin and diversification accompanied by repeated host shifts of thallus-mining flies (Diptera: Agromyzidae) on liverworts and hornworts

Despite the vast diversity of phytophagous insects that feed on vascular plants (tracheophytes), insects that feed on bryophytes remain understudied. Agromyzidae, one of the most species-rich phytophagous clades in Diptera, consists mainly of leaf-mining species that feed on tracheophytes. However, a recent discovery of thallus-mining species on liverworts and hornworts within the Liriomyza group of Phytomyzinae provides an opportunity to study host shifts between tracheophytes and bryophytes. This study aimed to explore the origin and diversification of thallus-miners and estimate the pattern and timing of host shifts. Phylogenetic analysis of Phytomyzinae has revealed that the thallus-mining agromyzids formed a separate clade, which was sister to a fern pinnule-miner. The diversification of bryophyte-associated agromyzids since the Oligocene involved multiple host shifts across various bryophyte taxa. The diversification of the thallus-mining Phytoliriomyza may have occurred at the same time as the leaf-mining agromyzid flies on herbaceous plants, indicating a dynamic history of interactions between bryophytes and herbivores in angiosperms-dominated ecosystems.
RaceInjector: Injecting Races to Evaluate and Learn Dynamic Race Detection Algorithms

There exist no sound, scalable methods to assemble comprehensive datasets of concurrent programs annotated with data races. As a consequence, it is unclear how well the multiple heuristics and SMT-based algorithms, that have been proposed over the last three decades to detect data races, perform. To address this problem, we propose —an SMT-based approach which, for any given program, creates arbitrarily many program traces of it containing injected data races. The injected races are guaranteed to follow the given program’s semantics. hence can produce an arbitrarily large, labeled benchmark which is independent of how detection algorithms work. We demonstrate by injecting races into popular program benchmarks and generating a small dataset of traces with races in them. Among the traces generates, we begin to find counterexamples which four state-of-the-art race detection algorithms fail to detect. We thus demonstrate the utility of generating such datasets, and recommend using them to train machine learning-based models which can potentially replace and improve upon existing race-detection heuristics.
Mostly Automated Proof Repair for Verified Libraries

The cost of maintaining formally specified and verified software is widely considered prohibitively high due to the need to constantly keep code and the proofs of its correctness in sync—the problem known as proof repair. One of the main challenges in automated proof repair for evolving code is to infer invariants for a new version of a once verified program that are strong enough to establish its full functional correctness. In this work, we present the first proof repair methodology for higher-order imperative functions, whose initial versions were verified in the Coq proof assistant and whose specifications remained unchanged. Our proof repair procedure is based on the combination of dynamic program alignment, enumerative invariant synthesis, and a novel technique for efficiently pruning the space of invariant candidates, dubbed proof-driven testing, enabled by the constructive nature of Coq’s proof certificates. We have implemented our approach in a mostly-automated proof repair tool called Sisyphus. Given an OCaml function verified in Coq and its unverified new version, Sisyphus produces a Coq proof for the new version, discharging most of the new proof goals automatically and suggesting high-confidence obligations for the programmer to prove for the cases when automation fails. We have evaluated Sisyphus on 10 OCaml programs taken from popular libraries, that manipulate arrays and mutable data structures, considering their verified original and unverified evolved versions. Sisyphus has managed to repair proofs for all those functions, suggesting correct invariants and generating a small number of easy-to-prove residual obligations.
ZipKV: In-Memory Key-Value Store with Built-In Data Compression

This paper studies how to mitigate the speed performance loss caused by integrating block data compression into in-memory key-value (KV) stores. Despite extensive prior research on in-memory KV stores, little focus has been given to memory usage reduction via block data compression (e.g., LZ4, ZSTD) due to potential performance degradation. This paper introduces design techniques to mitigate compression-induced performance degradation by utilizing decompression streaming, latency differences between compression and decompression, and data access locality in real-world workloads. These techniques can be incorporated into conventional hash or B+-tree indexing structures, enabling integration with most in-memory KV stores without altering their core indexing data structures. For demonstration, we implemented ZipKV that incorporates the developed design techniques. Compared with RocksDB (in-memory mode) that employs the log-structured merge tree indexing data structure with natural support of block data compression, ZipKV realizes similar memory usage reduction via block data compression, reduces the point query latency by 68% (LZ4) and 58% (ZSTD), and achieves up to 3.8× (LZ4) and 2.7× (ZSTD) point query throughput.
A Type System for Safe Intermittent Computing

Batteryless energy-harvesting devices enable computing in inaccessible environments, at a cost to programmability and correctness. These devices operate intermittently as energy is available, using a recovery system to save and restore state. Some program tasks must execute atomically w.r. t. power failures, re-executing if power fails before completion. Any re-execution should typically be idempotent—its behavior should match the behavior of a single execution. Thus, a key aspect of correct intermittent execution is identifying and recovering state causing undesired non-idempotence. Unfortunately, past intermittent systems take an ad-hoc approach, using unsound dataflow analyses or conservatively recovering all written state. Moreover, no prior work allows the programmer to directly specify idempotence requirements (including allowable non-idempotence). We present curricle, the first type system approach to safe intermittence, for Rust. Type level reasoning allows programmers to express requirements and retains alias information crucial for sound analyses. Curricle uses information flow and type qualifiers to reject programs causing undesired non-idempotence. We implement Curricle’s type system on top of Rust’s compiler, evaluating the prototype on benchmarks from prior work. We find that Curricle benefits application programmers by allowing them to express idempotence requirements that are checked to be satisfied, and that targeting programs checked with Curricle allows intermittent system designers to write simpler recovery systems that perform better.
Rotation of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) Cultivars and Fallow on Yield and Rotylenchulus reniformis

Abstract A three-year rotation of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) cultivars either resistant (R) or susceptible (S) to Rotylenchulus reniformis and fallow (F) was examined for effect on cotton yield and nematode density. In year 1, 2, and 3, the resistant cultivar (DP 2143NR B3XF) yielded 78, 77, and 113% higher than the susceptible cultivar (DP 2044 B3XF). Fallow in year 1 followed by S in year 2 (F1S2) improved yield in year 2 by 24% compared with S1S2, but not as much as R1S2 (41% yield increase over S1S2). One year of fallow followed by R (F1R2) had lower yield in year 2 (11% reduction) than R1R2. The highest yield after three years of these rotations occurred with R1R2R3, followed by R1S2R3 (17% less yield) and F1F2S3 (35% less yield). Rotylenchulus reniformis density in soil averaged 57, 65, and 70% lower (year 1, 2, 3, respectively) in R1R2R3 compared with S1S2S3. In years 1 and 2, LOG10 transformed nematode density (LREN) was lower in F1, and F1F2, than for all other combinations. In year 3, the lowest LREN were associated with R1R2R3, F1S2F3, and F1F2S3. The highest LREN were associated with F1R2S3, F1S2S3, S1S2S3, R1R2S3, and R1S2S3. The combination of higher yield and lower nematode density will be a strong incentive for producers to use the R. reniformis resistant cultivars continuously.
Root influence on public sector audit committee effectiveness: revisiting methodological and theoretical research dimensions

IMPACT This article identifies six root influence themes of South African public sector audit committee effectiveness. With members’ independence, competence, internal auditing, and knowledge of the business being well documented, the themes of the committee’s own leadership and external leadership are under-explored. Aspects added to the current body of knowledge include accepting accountability for decisions, the chair’s extent of power and having the ability to take a stand against management malpractices for internal leadership. Political interference, the standing of the management team and the interaction between management and the committee are identified as external leadership influencers. Decision-makers, audit professionals and regulators should take note of these six root influences in general and destructive leadership behaviour in particular, to ensure that it is appropriately managed.
Integrated and portable entanglement source used for quantum communication over 100 kilometers

An integrated miniaturized portable entanglement source with high-brightness and high-stability has been designed using quasi-phase matching and Sagnac loop structure. Based on parametric down conversion process of PPKTP crystal,the entanglement source has the brightness of 13. 8 M cps,the polarization contrast better than 98%,the tangle of 0. 935 7,and the jitter of counts rate caused by temperature variation and mechanical vibration less than 5%. The system has been successfully and effectively applied to the field test of 100 km quantum entanglement distribution and lowerlimit measurement of association speed under continuous running,which provides a good trial basis for further realizing the spatial entanglement source load.
Measured and perceived indoor air quality in three low-energy wooden test buildings

ABSTRACT Stricter energy efficiency requirements of buildings have raised concerns about their effects on indoor air quality (IAQ). We studied measured and perceived IAQ in three low-energy wooden test buildings using three ventilation levels (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 (dm3/s)/m2). IAQ measurements included VOC (volatile organic compounds) air sampling and continuous measurements of several IAQ indicators. Perceived air quality (PAQ) was investigated with a sensory panel of untrained volunteers. The results show that the TVOC (Total VOC) concentrations were relatively low in two of the buildings already at the beginning of the study (100–141 µg/m3), and the concentrations decreased in all test buildings when ventilation was increased from the lowest level. The third building made of pinewood timber showed higher VOC concentrations (340–857 µg/m3), especially for terpene compounds that are generally present in pinewood emissions. In the PAQ assessment, the percentage of people dissatisfied (PD) with the air quality decreased with increased ventilation in all studied buildings. However, at the lowest and highest ventilation, the pinewood building had the second-lowest PD despite higher VOC levels. The findings of this study can be utilized in interpreting the effects of ventilation design and material selection on IAQ in low-energy buildings.
Interactions Between the Histone Variant H2Av and the Suppressor of Hairy wing Insulator Influence the DNA Damage Response and Lymph Gland Development in Drosophila

Genome architecture is regulated by chromatin insulator proteins, and misregulation of insulator function is associated with genome instability and transcriptional regulatory defects in both vertebrates and Drosophila. Indeed, mutations of the sole insulator protein in humans, CTCF, are carcinogenic and mutations in the Drosophila insulator protein Suppressor of Hairy wing [Su(Hw)] lead to chromosomal rearrangements. However, the mechanism that links the DNA damage response and the regulation of transcription with insulator function is not yet understood. Here we show that enrichment of Su(Hw) insulator proteins at insulator sites increases after DNA damage. Additionally, Su(Hw) is necessary for phosphorylation of the histone variant H2Av in response to both UV treatment and X-ray irradiation. The requirement of Su(Hw) for H2Av phosphorylation appears to be tissue-specific, since H2Av is phosphorylated in response to DNA damage also in neurons, where Su(Hw) is not normally expressed. Similarly, we provide evidence that Su(Hw) and H2Av work together to ensure proper development of the lymph gland in Drosophila larvae. We show that H2Av regulates formation of the larval lymph gland, and mutation of H2Av causes formation of large melanotic tumors that are rescued by mutation of su(Hw) in the His2Av810 mutant background. Double mutants of su(Hw)- and His2Av810 also form supernumerary lymph gland lobes that are larger than in wild type. Our findings support a role for the Su(Hw) in the DNA damage response through the regulation of H2Av phosphorylation and suggest that Su(Hw) and H2Av also work together to ensure proper development of the lymph gland.
Dependence of Jupiter's decimeter radiation on electron distribution in its Van Allen Belts

Numerical calculations are presented, which relate the intensity and polarization of Jupiter's decimeter radiation to the distribution of synchrotron.radiating electrons in its "Van Allen belts. " The calculations are based on the simple model of a dipole magnetic field centered in the planet but inclined to the axis of rotation. Shadowing by the planet's disk is taken into account. An appropriate choice of the parameters of the model enables one to account for (1) the intensity, (2) the spectrum, (3) . the beaming, and (4) the degree of polarization of Jupiter's decimeter radiation. However, the model cannot account for the observed asymmetries in the beaming and polarization.
Unveiling Convergent and Divergent Intrinsic Brain Network Alternations in Depressed Adolescents Engaged Non-Suicidal Self-Injurious Behaviors with and without Suicidal Attempts

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal attempt (SA) frequently occur during depressed adolescents, but the underlying neurobiological mechanisms are poorly understood. The maturation of network connectivity is a central feature of brain development during adolescence. However, few researchers have used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the similarities and differences in the intrinsic brain networks between NSSI with NSSI+SA in depressed adolescent populations. In this study, we collected self-reported questionnaires and resting-state (fMRI data from a sample of depressed adolescents (N = 114), categorized into three groups: clinical control (non-self-harm), NSSI-only, and NSSI+SA based on their self-harm history. The alternations of FC patterns were identified through support vector machine-based classification, as machine learning approaches can help to overcome the multiple-comparison problems of their multivariate nature. Referring to the convergent alternations between adolescent NSSI with or without a history of SA, the alternations of intra-/inter-network FCs among the Control, SalVAtten, Limbic, and Default networks. Besides, divergent alternations were also observed for depressed adolescents with a history of SA, involving the Limbic, DorsAttn, Visual, and Subcortical networks. Besides, the severity of depressive symptoms only showed a significant correlation with altered FCs in Limbic-DorAttn and Limbic-Visual networks, strengthening the fact that these observed alternations of FC could not all be explained by increased depression severity. The emphasis of this study on the network basis could extend the existing evidence at a circuit level and the observed convergent alternations may explain an underlying neurobiological mechanism pertaining to the continuum of self-destructiveness in adolescents. In addition, our discovery of divergent alternations could help to identify biomarkers that will aid in differentiating those at risk for SA among those engaging in NSSI and contribute to the development of neurobiologically informed interventions.
Black-Box Separations for Non-Interactive Commitments in a Quantum World

Commitments are fundamental in cryptography. In the classical world, commitments are equivalent to the existence of one-way functions. It is also known that the most desired form of commitments in terms of their round complexity, i.e., non-interactive commitments, cannot be built from one-way functions in a black-box way [Mahmoody-Pass, Crypto’12]. However, if one allows the parties to use quantum computation and communication, it is known that non-interactive commitments (to classical bits) are in fact possible [Koshiba-Odaira, Arxiv’11 and Bitansky-Brakerski, TCC’21]. We revisit the assumptions behind non-interactive commitments in a quantum world and study whether they can be achieved using quantum computation and classical communication based on a black-box use of one-way functions. We prove that doing so is impossible unless the Polynomial Compatibility Conjecture [Austrin et al. Crypto’22] is false. We further extend our impossibility to protocols with quantum decommitments. This complements the positive result of Bitansky and Brakerski [TCC’21], as they only required a classical decommit-ment message. Because non-interactive commitments can be based on injective one-way functions, assuming the Polynomial Compatibility Conjecture, we also obtain a black-box separation between one-way functions and injective one-way functions (e.g., one-way permutations) even when the construction and the security reductions are allowed to be quantum. This improves the separation of Cao and Xue [Theoretical Computer Science’21] in which they only allowed the security reduction to be quantum. At a technical level, we prove that sampling oracles at random from “sufficiently large” sets (of oracles) will make them one-way against polynomial quantum-query adversaries who also get arbitrary polynomial-size quantum