Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stock Price Prediction Using a Frequency Decomposition Based GRU Transformer Neural Network

Stock price prediction is crucial but also challenging in any trading system in stock markets. Currently, family of recurrent neural networks (RNNs) have been widely used for stock prediction with many successes. However, difficulties still remain to make RNNs more successful in a cluttered stock market. Specifically, RNNs lack power to retrieve discerning features from a clutter of signals in stock information flow. Making it worse, by RNN a single long time cell from the market is often fused into a single feature, losing all the information about time which is essential for temporal stock prediction. To tackle these two issues, we develop in this paper a novel hybrid neural network for price prediction, which is named frequency decomposition induced gate recurrent unit (GRU) transformer, abbreviated to FDGRU-transformer or FDG-trans). Inspired by the success of frequency decomposition, in FDG-transformer we apply empirical model decomposition to decompose the complete ensemble of cluttered data into a trend component plus several informative and independent mode components. Equipped with the decomposition, FDG-transformer has the capacity to extract the discriminative insights from the cluttered signals. To retain the temporal information in the observed cluttered data, FDG-transformer utilizes hybrid neural network of GRU, long short term memory (LSTM) and multi-head attention (MHA) transformers. The integrated transformer network is capable of encoding the impact of different weights from each past time step to the current one, resulting in the establishment of a time series model from a deeper fine-grained level. We appy the developed FDG-transformer model to analyze Limit Order Book data and compare the results with that obtained from other state-of-the-art methods. The comparison shows that our model delivers effective price forecasting. Moreover, an ablation study is conducted to validate the importance and necessity of each component in the proposed model.
Recent Advances in Surface Modifications of Elemental Two-Dimensional Materials: Structures, Properties, and Applications

The advent of graphene opens up the research into two-dimensional (2D) materials, which are considered revolutionary materials. Due to its unique geometric structure, graphene exhibits a series of exotic physical and chemical properties. In addition, single-element-based 2D materials (Xenes) have garnered tremendous interest. At present, 16 kinds of Xenes (silicene, borophene, germanene, phosphorene, tellurene, etc.) have been explored, mainly distributed in the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth main groups. The current methods to prepare monolayers or few-layer 2D materials include epitaxy growth, mechanical exfoliation, and liquid phase exfoliation. Although two Xenes (aluminene and indiene) have not been synthesized due to the limitations of synthetic methods and the stability of Xenes, other Xenes have been successfully created via elaborate artificial design and synthesis. Focusing on elemental 2D materials, this review mainly summarizes the recently reported work about tuning the electronic, optical, mechanical, and chemical properties of Xenes via surface modifications, achieved using controllable approaches (doping, adsorption, strain, intercalation, phase transition, etc.) to broaden their applications in various fields, including spintronics, electronics, optoelectronics, superconducting, photovoltaics, sensors, catalysis, and biomedicines. These advances in the surface modification of Xenes have laid a theoretical and experimental foundation for the development of 2D materials and their practical applications in diverse fields.
Combined L-Citrulline Supplementation and Slow Velocity Low-Intensity Resistance Training Improves Leg Endothelial Function, Lean Mass, and Strength in Hypertensive Postmenopausal Women

Hypertension is highly prevalent in postmenopausal women. Endothelial dysfunction is associated with hypertension and the age-related decreases in muscle mass and strength. L-citrulline supplementation (CIT) and slow velocity low-intensity resistance training (SVLIRT) have improved vascular function, but their effect on muscle mass is unclear. We investigated whether combined CIT and SVLIRT (CIT + SVLIRT) would have additional benefits on leg endothelial function (superficial femoral artery flow-mediated dilation (sfemFMD)), lean mass (LM), and strength in hypertensive postmenopausal women. Participants were randomized to CIT (10 g/day, n = 13) or placebo (PL, n = 11) alone for 4 weeks and CIT + SVLIRT or PL + SVLIRT for another 4 weeks. sfemFMD, leg LM and muscle strength were measured at 0, 4, and 8 weeks. CIT increased sfemFMD after 4 weeks (CIT: Δ1.8 ± 0.3% vs. PL: Δ−0.2 ± 0.5%, p < 0.05) and 8 weeks (CIT + SVLIRT: Δ2.7 ± 0.5% vs. PL + SVLIRT: Δ−0.02 ± 0.5, p = 0.003). Leg LM improved after CIT + SVLIRT compared to PL + SVLIRT (Δ0.49 ± 0.15 kg vs. Δ0.07 ± 0.12 kg, p < 0.05). Leg curl strength increased greater with CIT + SVLIRT compared to PL + SVLIRT (Δ6.9 ± 0.9 kg vs. Δ4.0 ± 1.0 kg, p < 0.05). CIT supplementation alone improved leg endothelial function and when combined with SVLIRT has additive benefits on leg LM and curl strength in hypertensive postmenopausal women.
RNA-Seq Analysis Identifies Differentially Expressed Genes in the Longissimus dorsi of Wagyu and Chinese Red Steppe Cattle

Meat quality has a close relationship with fat and connective tissue; therefore, screening and identifying functional genes related to lipid metabolism is essential for the production of high-grade beef. The transcriptomes of the Longissimus dorsi muscle in Wagyu and Chinese Red Steppe cattle, breeds with significant differences in meat quality and intramuscular fat deposition, were analyzed using RNA-seq to screen for candidate genes associated with beef quality traits. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the 388 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were involved in biological processes such as short-chain fatty acid metabolism, regulation of fatty acid transport and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway. In addition, crystallin alpha B (CRYAB), ankyrin repeat domain 2 (ANKRD2), aldehyde dehydrogenase 9 family member A1 (ALDH9A1) and enoyl-CoA hydratase and 3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (EHHADH) were investigated for their effects on intracellular triglyceride and fatty acid content and their regulatory effects on genes in lipogenesis and fatty acid metabolism pathways. This study generated a dataset from transcriptome profiling of two cattle breeds, with differing capacities for fat-deposition in the muscle, and revealed molecular evidence that CRYAB, ANKRD2, ALDH9A1 and EHHADH are related to fat metabolism in bovine fetal fibroblasts (BFFs). The results provide potential functional genes for maker-assisted selection and molecular breeding to improve meat quality traits in beef cattle.
Characterization of the Cafeteria Diet as Simulation of the Human Western Diet and Its Impact on the Lipidomic Profile and Gut Microbiota in Obese Rats

The obesity pandemic has been strongly associated with the Western diet, characterized by the consumption of ultra-processed foods. The Western lifestyle causes gut dysbiosis leading to impaired fatty acid metabolism. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate shifts in gut microbiota and correlate these with serum fatty acid profiles in male Wistar rats fed a cafeteria diet. Ten male rats were fed with standard diet (CTL, n = 5) and cafeteria diet (CAF, n = 5) for fifteen weeks. Body weight and food intake were recorded once and three times per week, respectively. At the end of the study, fresh fecal samples were collected, tissues were removed, and serum samples were obtained for further analyses. Gut microbiota was analyzed by sequencing the V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA gene. Serum fatty acid profiles were fractioned and quantified via gas chromatography. The CAF diet induced an obese phenotype accompanied by impaired serum fatty acids, finding significantly higher proportions of total saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and C20:3 n-6, and lower C18:1 n-7 and C18:3 n-3 in the phospholipid (PL) fraction. Furthermore, circulating C10:0, total n-3 and n-7 decreased and total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), including oleic acid C18:1 n-9, increased in the cholesterol ester (CE) fraction. The obesity metabotype may be mediated by gut dysbiosis caused by a cafeteria diet rich in C16:0, C18:0, C18:1 n-9 and C18:2 n-6 fatty acids resulting in a 34:1 omega-6/omega-3 ratio. Therefore, circulating C10:0 was associated with several genera bacteria such as Prevotella (positive) and Anaerotruncus (negative). Two classes of Firmicutes, Bacilli and Erysipelotrichi, were positively correlated with PL- C20:3 n-6 and CE- 18:1 n-9, respectively. TM7 and Bacteroidetes were inversely correlated with PL-SFAs and CE- 18:2 n-6, respectively.
Fighting with their back to the wall: An analysis of one-sided elimination games in National Basketball Association (NBA) playoffs

ABSTRACT In the current study we have used 25 seasons of National Basketball Association (NBA) playoffs and regular season data in order to study human performance under varied incentives. Namely, we have focused on “must win or go home” playoff games to determine if the high pressure experienced by the team playing with its back to the wall (i.e., one-sided elimination game) will boost or undermine performance. Extending existing research, we identified 456 one-sided elimination games, we accounted for regular season performance and controlled for the relative strength of the teams. Our analysis of 11 game parameters failed to observe the anticipated boosting “back to the wall” effect, nor have we detected an overwhelming choking. Instead, current results suggest that when the stakes are already high (i.e., playoffs), additional pressure induced by being in a “back to the wall” situation is only slightly detrimental.
Description and Genome Characterization of Three Novel Fungal Strains Isolated from Mars 2020 Mission-Associated Spacecraft Assembly Facility Surfaces—Recommendations for Two New Genera and One Species

National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) spacecraft assembly facilities are monitored for the presence of any bacteria or fungi that might conceivably survive a transfer to an extraterrestrial environment. Fungi present a broad and diverse range of phenotypic and functional traits to adapt to extreme conditions, hence the detection of fungi and subsequent eradication of them are needed to prevent forward contamination for future NASA missions. During the construction and assembly for the Mars 2020 mission, three fungal strains with unique morphological and phylogenetic properties were isolated from spacecraft assembly facilities. The reconstruction of phylogenetic trees based on several gene loci (ITS, LSU, SSU, RPB, TUB, TEF1) using multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) analyses supported the hypothesis that these were novel species. Here we report the genus or species-level classification of these three novel strains via a polyphasic approach using phylogenetic analysis, colony and cell morphology, and comparative analysis of WGS. The strain FJI-L9-BK-P1 isolated from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory Spacecraft Assembly Facility (JPL-SAF) exhibited a putative phylogenetic relationship with the strain Aaosphaeria arxii CBS175.79 but showed distinct morphology and microscopic features. Another JPL-SAF strain, FJII-L3-CM-DR1, was phylogenetically distinct from members of the family Trichomeriaceae and exhibited morphologically different features from the genera Lithohypha and Strelitziana. The strain FKI-L1-BK-DR1 isolated from the Kennedy Space Center facility was identified as a member of Dothideomycetes incertae sedis and is closely related to the family Kirschsteiniotheliaceae according to a phylogenetic analysis. The polyphasic taxonomic approach supported the recommendation for establishing two novel genera and one novel species. The names Aaosphaeria pasadenensis (FJI-L9-BK-P1 = NRRL 64424 = DSM 114621), Pasadenomyces melaninifex (FJII-L3-CM-DR1 = NRRL 64433 = DSM 114623), and Floridaphiala radiotolerans (FKI-L1-BK-DR1 = NRRL 64434 = DSM 114624) are proposed as type species. Furthermore, resistance to ultraviolet-C and presence of specific biosynthetic gene cluster(s) coding for metabolically active compounds are unique to these strains.
A Study of Ungrading in Upper-level Political Theory Courses

Abstract This paper presents results from qualitative student reflections from three upper-level courses taught using the “ungrading” pedagogy. This is a pedagogy that emphasizes student learning and self-evaluation by omitting quantitative grades, replacing them with a structure where students evaluate themselves and define their own grades for the course. This work draws on comments taken from student reflections and personal accounts of the course design and outcomes presented as a comprehensive reflection on the pedagogy. The goal of these reflections is to present the advantages and challenges of using such a system and a firsthand account for instructors who are interested in alternative grading schemes. Overall, students found ungrading to be initially worrying, but ultimately rewarding. Student work improved and individual students reflected on the innovative nature of the class, providing concrete suggestions for future iterations.
Schiff Base in Ketoamine Form and Rh(η4-cod)-Schiff Base Complex with Z′ = 2 Structure from Pairwise C-H···Metallochelate-π Contacts

Condensation of 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (salicylaldehyde) or 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde with 2-ethylaniline yields the Schiff base compound of (E)-2-(((2-ethylphenyl)imino)methyl)phenol (HL1) or (E)-1-(((2-ethylphenyl)imino)methyl)naphthalen-2-ol (HL2), which in turn react with the dinuclear complex of [Rh(η4-cod)(µ-O2CCH3)]2 (cod = cycloocta-1,5-diene) to afford the mononuclear (η4-cod){(E)-2-(((2-ethylphenyl)imino)methyl)phenolato-κ2N,O}rhodium(I), [Rh(η4-cod)(L1)] (1) or (η4-cod){(E)-1-(((2-ethylphenyl)imino)methyl)naphthalen-2-olato-κ2N,O}rhodium(I), [Rh(η4-cod)(L2)] (2) (L1 or L2 = deprotonated Schiff base ligand). The X-ray structure determination revealed that the HL2 exists in the solid state not as the usual (imine)N···H-O(phenol) form (enolamine form) but as the zwitterionic (imine)N-H+···–O(phenol) form (ketoamine form). 1H NMR spectra for HL2 in different solvents demonstrated the existence of keto-enol tautomerism (i.e., keto ⇆ enol equilibrium) in solution. The structure for 1 and 2 showed that the deprotonated Schiff base ligand coordinates to the Rh(η4-cod)-fragment as a six-membered N^O-chelate around the rhodium atom with a close-to-square-planar geometry. Two symmetry-independent molecules (with Rh1 and Rh2) were found in the asymmetric unit in 1 in a structure with Z’ = 2. The supramolecular packing in HL2 was organized by π-π and C-H···π contacts, while only two recognized C-H···π contacts were revealed in 1 and 2. Remarkably, there were reciprocal or pairwise C-H···π contacts between a pair of each of the symmetry-independent molecules in 1. This pairwise C-H contact to the Rh-N^O chelate (metalloaromatic) ring may be a reason for the two symmetry-independent molecules in 1. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses revealed an irreversible phase transformation from the crystalline-solid to the isotropic-liquid phase and subsequently confirmed the thermal stability of the compounds. Absorption spectra in solution were explained by excited state properties from DFT/TD-DFT calculations.
Rancang Bangun Engine Trainer Mesin Bensin sebagai Media Pembelajaran Motor Bensin

Pembelajaran akan maksimal jika ditunjang dengan media pembelajaran yang baik. Belajar akan dapat membentuk pengalaman yang komprehensif jika ditunjang dengan media pembelajaran yang memadai. Tujuan dari adanya media pembelajaran, antara lain untuk memperjelas penyajian materi/pesan supaya tidak bersifat verbal. Media pembelajaran bertujuan untuk menjembatani keterbatasan waktu, ruang, serta daya tangkap indera. Pada mata kuliah Motor Bensin keberadaan media pembelajaran perlu dilengkapi, baik secara kuantitas maupun kualitas. Untuk memecahkan permasalahan tersebut, maka sebagai solusi dikembangkan engine trainer mesin bensin konvensional, dengan mesin Toyota seri 5K. Metode yang digunakan adalah dengan model Analyze-Design-Development-Implementation-Evaluation (ADDIE). Tahapan dari model ADDIE meliputi analisis kebutuhan pada Capaian Pembelajaran Lulusan (CPL) dan Capaian Pembelajaran Mata Kuliah (CPMK), tahap desain dengan menggunakan perangkat lunak Google Sketchup, tahap development, tahap implementasi dengan melakukan uji fungsionalitas produk dan validitas ahli media, dan tahap evaluasi hasil pengujian sebelum digunakan sebagai media pembelajaran mata kuliah. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa produk engine trainer mesin bensin konvensional dapat berfungsi, dan mencapai skor validitas ahli media mencapai 83,75 atau baik sekali. Berdasarkan skor yang ada, maka dapat ditarik kesimpulan bahwa media pembelajaran engine trainer layak sebagai media pembelajaran. The learning process will be maximized if supported by good learning media. The activity of study will achieves experiences comprehensively, if supported by sufficient learning media. The purpose of learning media is to explain the contents or message, so it is not verbalism. The purpose of learning media to bridging the gap limitation of time, space, and solving the capture of senses limitation. At the Motor Bensin course, the existency of learning media, is need to be completed, either quantity and quality. The solution to solve this problem, is develop gasoline engine trainer, used 5K series Toyota engine. This research used Analyze-Design-Development-Implementation-Evaluation model(ADDIE). The ADDIE model contains needs analysis about profile learning outcomes, and course learning outcomes, designed 3D with Google Sketchup software, the development step of engine frame used SMAW welding method, implementation step with fungtionality test of this product, and media expert judgement, and evaluation of test results before applied as learning media of Motor Bensin course. The result of this research, indicates that the gasoline engine trainer can be operated properly, the score of media expert judgement 83,75 that indicates very good. Based on that score, so it can be concluded that gasoline engine trainer has good feasibility as instructional media.
Glucose Uptake Is Increased by Estradiol Dipropionate in L6 Skeletal Muscle Cells

GLUT4 is an important glucose transporter, which is closely related to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of Estradiol Dipropionate (EDP) on uptake of glucose in L6 skeletal muscle cells. In our study, we confirmed that EDP promoted uptake of glucose in L6 skeletal muscle cells in both normal and insulin resistant models. Western blot indicated that EDP accelerated GLUT4 expression and significantly activated AMPK and PKC phosphorylation; the expression of GLUT4 was significantly inhibited by AMPK inhibitor compound C and PKC inhibitor Gö6983, but not by Wortmannin (Akt inhibitor). Meanwhile, EDP boosted GLUT4 expression, and also increased intracellular Ca2+ levels. In the presence of 2 mM, 0 mM extracellular Ca2+ and 0 mM extracellular Ca2+ + BAPTA-AM, the involvement of intracellular Ca2+ levels contribute to EDP-induced GLUT4 expression and fusion with plasma membrane. Therefore, this study investigated whether EDP promoted GLUT4 expression through AMPK and PKC signaling pathways, thereby enhancing GLUT4 uptake of glucose and fusion into plasma membrane in L6 skeletal muscle cells. In addition, both EDP induced GLUT4 translocation and uptake of glucose were Ca2+ dependent. These findings suggested that EDP may be potential drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Influence of Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Molecular Interaction and Comparative Binding of Azure Dye with Chymotrypsin: Novel Nano-Conjugate for Cancer Phototherapy

Till date, different types of conventional drugs have been used to fight tumors. However, they have significant flaws, including their usage being constrained because of their low bioavailability, poor supply, and serious side effects. The modern combination therapy has been viewed as a potent strategy for treating serious illnesses, including cancer-type feared diseases. The nanoparticles are a promising choice for cancer therapeutic and diagnostic applications because of their fascinating optoelectronic and physicochemical features. Among the metallic nanoparticles, Zinc oxide nanoparticles possess interesting physicochemical and anti-cancer characteristics, such as ROS generation, high retention, enhanced permeability etc., making them attractive candidates for the treatment and diagnosis of cancer. Zinc oxide nanoparticles showed anti-cancer property via excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and by the destruction of mitochondrial membrane. Here, we have synthesized organic/inorganic hybrid nanosystem composed of chymotrypsin protein (Chymo) with AzureC (AzC) conjugated with Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs). The conjugation of AzureC with ZnONPs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta potential, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) experiment. The interaction of Chymo with AzC alone and AzC-ZnONPs was investigated, and it was observed that the interaction was enhanced in the presence of ZnONPs, which was concluded by the results obtained from different spectroscopic techniques such as UV-Visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism in combination with molecular docking. UV-Visible spectroscopic studies and the corresponding binding parameters showed that the binding of AzC-ZnONPs complex with Chymo is much higher than that of AzC alone. Moreover, the fluorescence measurement showed enhancement in static quenching during titration of Chymo with AzC-ZnONPs as compared to dye alone. In addition to this, circular dichroism results show that the dye and dye-NPs conjugate do not cause much structural change in α-Chymo. The molecular docking and thermodynamic studies showed the predominance of hydrogen bonding, Van der Waal force, and hydrophobic forces during the interactions. After correlation of all the data, interaction of Chymo with AzC-ZnONPs complex showed strong interaction as compared to dye alone. The moderate binding with chymo without any alteration in the structure makes it desirable for the distribution and pharmacokinetics. In addition, the in vitro cytotoxicity of the AzC-ZnONPs was demonstrated on A-549 adenocarcinoma cell line. Our findings from physiochemical investigations suggested that the chymotrypsin coated AzC conjugated ZnONPs could be used as the novel nanoconjugates for various cancer phototherapies.
Statistical Model for the Size Effect in Electrical Conduction

A statistical model for the reflection of scalar plane waves from a rough surface leads to a plane wave in the direction of specular reflection and to a contribution with a finite angular spread about that direction, depending on the tangential correlation of the surface asperities. Based upon on this result, a new semiclassical model, which satisfies the requirement of flux conservation, is proposed for the boundary condition for the distribution function of the size effect in the electrical conductivity. In the absence of correlation, the resultant expression replaces the constant specularity parameter p of Fuchs by the function exp[−(4π(h/λ) cosθ0)2] with θ0 the angle of the electron wave vector with the surface normal. Correlation produces an additional forward component within the diffuse contribution. Numerical results of the size effect for zero correlation are compared to the Fuchs model as well as a more recent model, and show a different thickness dependence for thin samples. The effect of corre.