pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
New insights for estimating the genetic value of F1 apple progenies for irregular bearing during the first years of tree production

International audienceBecause irregular bearing generates major agronomic issues in fruit-tree species, particularly in apple, the selection of regular cultivars is desirable. Here, we aimed to define methods and descriptors allowing a diagnostic for bearing behaviour during the first years of tree maturity, when tree production is increasing. Flowering occurrences were collected at whole-tree and (annual) shoot scales on a segregating apple population. At both scales, the number of inflorescences over the years was modelled. Two descriptors were derived from model residuals: a new biennial bearing index, based on deviation around yield trend over years and an autoregressive coefficient, which represents dependency between consecutive yields. At the shoot scale, entropy was also considered to represent the within-tree flowering synchronicity. Clusters of genotypes with similar bearing behaviours were built. Both descriptors at the whole-tree and shoot scales were consistent for most genotypes and were used to discriminate regular from biennial and irregular genotypes. Quantitative trait loci were detected for the new biennial bearing index at both scales. Combining descriptors at a local scale with entropy showed that regular bearing at the tree scale may result from different strategies of synchronization in flowering at the local scale. The proposed methods and indices open an avenue to quantify bearing behaviour during the first years of tree maturity and to capture genetic variations. Their extension to other progenies and species, possible variants of descriptors, and their use in breeding programmes considering a limited number of years or fruit yields are discussed
Influence of time, temperature, confining pressure and fluid content on the experimental compaction of spherical grains

International audienceTheoretical models of compaction processes, such as for example intergranular pressure-solution (IPS), focus on deformation occurring at the contacts between spherical grains that constitute an aggregate. In order to investigate the applicability of such models, and to quantify the deformation of particles within an aggregate, isostatic experiments were performed in cold-sealed vessels on glass sphere aggregates at 200 MPa confining pressure and 350°C with varying amounts of fluid
Matrix gla protein and alkaline phosphatase are differently modulated in human dermal fibroblasts from PXE patients and controls

Mineralization of elastic fibers in pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) has been associated with low levels of carboxylated matrix gla protein (MGP), most likely as a consequence of reduced vitamin K (vit K) availability. Unexpectedly, vit K supplementation does not exert beneficial effects on soft connective tissue mineralization in the PXE animal model. To understand the effects of vit K supplementation and in the attempt to interfere with pathways leading to the accumulation of calcium and phosphate within PXE-mineralized soft connective tissues, we have conducted in vitro studies on dermal fibroblasts isolated from control subjects and from PXE patients. Cells were cultured in standard conditions and in calcifying medium (CM) in the presence of vit K1 and K2, or levamisole, an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) inhibitor. Control and PXE fibroblasts were characterized by a similar dose-dependent uptake of both vit K1 and vit K2, thus promoting a significant increase of total protein carboxylation in all cell lines. Nevertheless, MGP carboxylation remained much less in PXE fibroblasts. Interestingly, PXE fibroblasts exhibited a significantly higher ALP activity. Consistently, the mineralization process induced in vitro by a long-term culture in CM appeared unaffected by vit K, whereas it was abolished by levamisole
Psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory Short Form among divorced adults

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a Portuguese version of the Short Form of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI-SF). Using an online convenience sample of Portuguese divorced adults (N = 482), we confirmed the oblique five-factor structure of the PTGI-SF by confirmatory factor analysis. The results demonstrated the measurement invariance across divorce initiator status groups. Total score and factors of PTGI-SF showed good internal consistency, with the exception of the New Possibilities factor, which revealed an acceptable reliability. The Portuguese PTGI-SF showed a satisfactory convergent validity. In terms of discriminant validity, posttraumatic growth assessed by the Portuguese PTGI-SF was a distinct factor from posttraumatic psychological adjustment. These preliminary findings suggest the cultural adaptation and also psychometric properties of the present Portuguese PTGI-SF to measure posttraumatic growth after personal crisis
User identification using games

There is a significant shift towards a digital identity and yet the most common means of user authentication, username and password pairs, is an imperfect system. In this paper we present the notion of using videogames, specifically Tetris, to supplement traditional authentication methods and provide an additional layer of identity validation. Two experiments were undertaken that required participants to play a modified version of Tetris; the first experiment with a randomly ordered set of pieces and the second with the pieces appearing in a fixed order. The results showed that even simple games like Tetris demonstrate significant complexity in the available game states and that while some users displayed repeatable strategic behaviour, others were effectively random in their behaviours exhibiting no discernible strategy or repeatable behaviour. However, some pieces and gameboard scenarios encouraged users to exhibit behaviours that are more unique than others
An evaluation of Minor Groove Binders as anti-lung cancer therapeutics

A series of 47 structurally diverse MGBs, derived from the natural product distamycin, was evaluated for anti-lung cancer activity by screening against the melanoma cancer cell line B16-F10. Five compounds have been found to possess significant activity, more so than a standard therapy, Gemcitabine. Moreover, one compound has been found to have an activity around 70-fold that of Gemcitabine and has a favourable selectivity index of greater than 125. Furthermore, initial studies have revealed this compound to be metabolically stable and thus it represents a lead for further optimisation towards a novel treatment for lung cancer
Innate lymphoid cells in allergic and nonallergic inflammation

In the last decade, the full picture of the role of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) has been gradually revealed. ILCs are classified into 3 groups based on their transcription factors and cytokine production patterns, which mirror helper T-cell subsets. Unlike T cells and B cells, ILCs do not have antigen receptors. They promptly respond to multiple tissue-derived factors, such as cytokines and alarmins, and produce multiple proinflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines. It has been reported that ILC-derived cytokines are important for the induction and regulation of inflammation. Accumulating evidence suggests that ILCs play substantial roles in protection against infection and the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, such as allergic diseases and autoimmune diseases. Different ILC subsets localize in distinct tissue/organ niches and receive tissue-derived signals on different types of inflammation, which allows them to acquire diverse phenotypes with specialized effector capacities. In this review we highlight the roles of ILCs in a variety of organs, such as the airway, skin, and gastrointestinal tract, in the context of allergic and nonallergic inflammation
Innate lymphoid cells in allergic and nonallergic inflammation

In the last decade, the full picture of the role of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) has been gradually revealed. ILCs are classified into 3 groups based on their transcription factors and cytokine production patterns, which mirror helper T-cell subsets. Unlike T cells and B cells, ILCs do not have antigen receptors. They promptly respond to multiple tissue-derived factors, such as cytokines and alarmins, and produce multiple proinflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines. It has been reported that ILC-derived cytokines are important for the induction and regulation of inflammation. Accumulating evidence suggests that ILCs play substantial roles in protection against infection and the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, such as allergic diseases and autoimmune diseases. Different ILC subsets localize in distinct tissue/organ niches and receive tissue-derived signals on different types of inflammation, which allows them to acquire diverse phenotypes with specialized effector capacities. In this review we highlight the roles of ILCs in a variety of organs, such as the airway, skin, and gastrointestinal tract, in the context of allergic and nonallergic inflammation
Can locus of control compensate for socioeconomic adversity in the transition from school to work?

Internal locus of control is associated with academic success and indicators of wellbeing in youth. There is however less understanding regarding the role of locus of control in shaping the transition from school to work beyond the more widely studied predictors of socioeconomic background and academic attainment. Guided by a socio-ecological model of agency, the current study examines to which extent internal locus of control, understood as an indicator of individual agency, can compensate for a lack of socioeconomic resources by moderating the association between parental disadvantage and difficulties in the transition from school to work. We draw on data collected from a longitudinal nationally representative cohort of 15,770 English youth (48% female) born in 1989/90, following their lives from age 14 to 20. The results suggest that the influence of agency is limited to situations where socioeconomic risk is not overpowering. While internal locus of control may help to compensate for background disadvantage regarding avoidance of economic inactivity and unemployment to some extent, it does not provide protection against long-term inactivity, i.e. more than 6 months spent not in education, employment or training
Purification, identification and characterisation of the active site of a Seprase-like activity from bovine serum

The study and identification for the first time of a soluble form of a Seprase activity from bovine serum is presented. To date, this activity has only been reported to be an integral membrane protease but has been known to shed from its membrane. The activity was purified 30,197-fold to homogeneity, using a combination of column chromatographies, from bovine serum. Inhibition by DFP, resulting in an IC50 of 100nM confirms classification as a serine protease. The protease after separation and visualisation by native PAGE was subjected to tryptic digestion and the subsequent peptides sequenced. Each peptide sequenced was found to be present in the primary structure of Seprase/Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP), a serine gelatinase specific for proline-containing peptides and macromolecules. Substrate specificity studies using kinetic, RP-HPLC and LC-MS analysis of synthetic peptides suggest that this peptidase has an extended substrate-binding region in addition to the primary specificity site S1. This analysis revealed at least five subsites to be involved in enzyme-substrate binding,\ud
1\ud
with the smallest peptide cleaved being a tetrapeptide. A proline residue in position P1 was absolutely necessary therefore showing high primary substrate specificity for the Pro-X bond, while a preference for a hydrophobic residue at the C-terminal end of the scissile bond (P1ʹ′) was evident. The enzyme also showed complete insensitivity to the prolyl oligopeptidase specific inhibitors, JTP-4819, Fmoc-Ala-pyrrCN and Z-Phe-Pro-BT. To date, no physiological substrate has clearly been defined for this protease but its ability to effectively degrade gelatin suggests a candidate protein substrate in vivo and a possible role in extracellular matrix protein degradation
Biochemical evidence of chromosome homoeology among related plant genera.

Biochemical markers associated with homoelogous chromosome groups 3 and 7 of Triticum aestivum L. have been investigated in genetic stocks carrying chromosomes or chromosomal segments of the same homoeology groups from Agropyron elongatum and Secale cereale.\ud
Chromosomes 3Ag of Agropyron and 3R of Secale control proteins a3 and b3 with the same properties as proteins 5, 6 and 7 associated with 3B and 3D of Triticum. It is concluded that genes for proteins 5, a3 and b3 are located in segments proximal to the centromere in the β arms of chromosomes 3D and 3Ag, respectively. Proteins 3, 4 and 11, controlled by 7D-short arm of Triticum, are replaced by proteins a7, b7 and c7, when that chromosome is replaced by 7 Ag. Genes for these proteins are located proximal to the centromere in the short arms of chromosomes 7D and 7 Ag. Finally, a gene that controls sterol esterification is similarly located in the short arms of chromosomes 7D and 7 A
Trial experience, satisfaction and incentive to bring another lawsuit: Does aspiration level influence winners and losers?

This paper used individual level data in Japan to explore how a complainant’s past trial experience influences their satisfaction and incentive to bring a future lawsuit. Controlling for kinds of incidents and a complainant’s individual characteristics, the major findings were; (1) there is a positive relationship between the experience and satisfaction for winners, whereas there is a significant negative relationship for losers, and (2) experience exerts a positive effect on the intention to bring a future lawsuit, not only for winners but also for losers. These results imply that, for losers, a past experience enhances the incentive to bring a future lawsuit, although the experience decreases a complainant’s satisfaction.
Is health wealth? Results of a panel data analysis

The objective of this paper is to determine whether life expectancy at birth contributes to economic growth and the functional form in which it influences per capita income. This links our study to the debate between Neo-classical and endogenous growth theorists on whether investment in human capital can sustain growth indefinitely. Data on 216 countries for the period 1980-2009 has been obtained from World Development Indicators dataset. This enables us to focus on a period characterized by globalization and demographic changes manifested in the form of population graying. Our findings confirm the importance of investment in human capital. But, in contrast to conclusions of endogenous growth models, we find evidence that benefit from increasing longevity tapers off. We conclude by pointing out that it is necessary to extend this study further by incorporating other dimensions of health that are not captured by life expectancy.
The Experimental Program for High Pressure Gas Filled Radio Frequency
  Cavities for Muon Cooling Channels

An intense beam of muons is needed to provide a luminosity on the order of
10$^{34}$ cm$^{-2}$s$^{-1}$ for a multi-TeV collider. Because muons produced by
colliding a multi-MW proton beam with a target made of carbon or mercury have a
large phase space, significant six dimensional cooling is required. Through
ionization cooling - the only cooling method that works within the lifetime of
the muon - and emittance exchange, the desired emittances for a Higgs Factory
or higher energy collider are attainable. A cooling channel utilizing gas
filled radio frequency cavities has been designed to deliver the requisite cool
muon beam. Technology development of these RF cavities has progressed from
breakdown studies, through beam tests, to dielectric loaded and reentrant
cavity designs. The results of these experiments are summarized
Planck 2013 results. IV. Low Frequency Instrument beams and window functions

This paper presents the characterization of the in-flight beams, the beam window functions, and the associated uncertainties for the Planck Low Frequency Instrument (LFI). Knowledge of the beam profiles is necessary for determining the transfer function to go from the observed to the actual sky anisotropy power spectrum. The main beam distortions affect the beam window function, complicating the reconstruction of the anisotropy power spectrum at high multipoles, whereas the sidelobes affect the low and intermediate multipoles. The in-flight assessment of the LFI main beams relies on the measurements performed during Jupiter observations. By stacking the datafrom multiple Jupiter transits, the main beam profiles are measured down to-20 dB at 30 and 44 GHz, and down to-25 dB at 70 GHz. The main beam solid angles are determined to better than 0.2% at each LFI frequency band. The Planck pre-launch optical model is conveniently tuned to characterize the main beams independently of any noise effects. This approach provides an optical model whose beams fully reproduce the measurements in the main beam region, but also allows a description of the beams at power levels lower than can be achieved by the Jupiter measurements themselves. The agreement between the simulated beams and the measured beams is better than 1% at each LFI frequency band. The simulated beams are used for the computation of the window functions for the effective beams. The error budget for the window functions is estimated from both main beam and sidelobe contributions, and accounts for the radiometer bandshapes. The total uncertainties in the effective beam window functions are: 2% and 1.2% at 30 and 44 GHz, respectively (at 600), and 0.7% at 70 GHz (at 1000). © 2014 ESO
Dublin City University at CLEF 2004: experiments in monolingual, bilingual and multilingual retrieval

The Dublin City University group participated in the monolingual, bilingual and multilingual retrieval tasks this year. The main focus of our investigation this year was extending our retrieval system to document languages other than English, and completing the multilingual task comprising four languages: English, French, Russian and Finnish. Results from our French monolingual experiments indicate that working in French is more eﬀective for retrieval than adopting document and topic translation to English. However, comparison of our multilingual retrieval results using diﬀerent topic and document translation reveals that this result does not extend to retrieved list merging for the multilingual task in a simple predictable way
Another Solution to the Problem of Theoretical Terms

In this paper, a solution to the problem of theoretical terms is developed that is based on Carnap's doctrine of indirect interpretation of theoretical terms. This doctrine will be given a semantic, model-theoretic explanation that is not given by Carnap himself as he remains content with a syntactic explanation. From that semantic explanation, rules for the truth-value assignment to postulates, i.\,e.\ sentences that determine the meaning of theoretical terms, are derived. The logical status of postulates will be clarified thereby in such a way that the problem of theoretical terms disappears.\u
How general is the Vale-Maurelli simulation approach?

This is the authors' accepted and refereed manuscript to the articleThe Vale-Maurelli (VM) approach to generating non-normal mul-
tivariate data involves the use of Fleishman polynomials applied to an underly-
ing Gaussian random vector. This method has been extensively used in Monte
Carlo studies during the last three decades to investigate the  nite-sample per-
formance of estimators under non-Gaussian conditions. The validity of con-
clusions drawn from these studies clearly depends on the range of distributions
obtainable with the VM method. We deduce the distribution and the copula
for a vector generated by a generalized VM transformation, and show that it
is fundamentally linked to the underlying Gaussian distribution and copula.
In the process we derive the distribution of the Fleishman polynomial in full
generality. While data generated with the VM approach appears to be highly
non-normal, its truly multivariate properties are close to the Gaussian case.
A Monte Carlo study illustrates that generating data with a di erent copula
than that implied by the VM approach severely weakens the performance of
normal-theory based ML estimates.The Vale-Maurelli (VM) approach to generating non-normal mul-
tivariate data involves the use of Fleishman polynomials applied to an underly-
ing Gaussian random vector. This method has been extensively used in Monte
Carlo studies during the last three decades to investigate the  nite-sample per-
formance of estimators under non-Gaussian conditions. The validity of con-
clusions drawn from these studies clearly depends on the range of distributions
obtainable with the VM method. We deduce the distribution and the copula
for a vector generated by a generalized VM transformation, and show that it
is fundamentally linked to the underlying Gaussian distribution and copula.
In the process we derive the distribution of the Fleishman polynomial in full
generality. While data generated with the VM approach appears to be highly
non-normal, its truly multivariate properties are close to the Gaussian case.
A Monte Carlo study illustrates that generating data with a di erent copula
than that implied by the VM approach severely weakens the performance of
normal-theory based ML estimates.2, Forfatterversjo
Analysis of the surface state of epi-ready Ge wafers

The surface state of Ge epi-ready wafers (such as those used on III-V multijunction solar cells) supplied by two different vendors has been studied using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. Our experimental results show that the oxide layer on the wafer surface is formed by GeO and GeO2. This oxide layer thickness differs among wafers coming from different suppliers. Besides, several contaminants appear on the wafer surfaces, carbon and probably chlorine being common to every wafer, irrespective of its origin. Wafers from one of the vendors show the presence of carbonates at their surfaces. On such wafers, traces of potassium seem to be present too