Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can root electrical capacitance be used to predict root mass in soil?

BACKGROUND Electrical capacitance, measured between an electrode inserted at the base of a plant and an electrode in the rooting substrate, is often linearly correlated with root mass. Electrical capacitance has often been used as an assay for root mass, and is conventionally interpreted using an electrical model in which roots behave as cylindrical capacitors wired in parallel. Recent experiments in hydroponics show that this interpretation is incorrect and a new model has been proposed. Here, the new model is tested in solid substrates. METHODS The capacitances of compost and soil were determined as a function of water content, and the capacitances of cereal plants growing in sand or potting compost in the glasshouse, or in the field, were measured under contrasting irrigation regimes. KEY RESULTS Capacitances of compost and soil increased with increasing water content. At water contents approaching field capacity, compost and soil had capacitances at least an order of magnitude greater than those of plant tissues. For plants growing in solid substrates, wetting the substrate locally around the stem base was both necessary and sufficient to record maximum capacitance, which was correlated with stem cross-sectional area: capacitance of excised stem tissue equalled that of the plant in wet soil. Capacitance measured between two electrodes could be modelled as an electrical circuit in which component capacitors (plant tissue or rooting substrate) are wired in series. CONCLUSIONS The results were consistent with the new physical interpretation of plant capacitance. Substrate capacitance and plant capacitance combine according to standard physical laws. For plants growing in wet substrate, the capacitance measured is largely determined by the tissue between the surface of the substrate and the electrode attached to the plant. Whilst the measured capacitance can, in some circumstances, be correlated with root mass, it is not a direct assay of root mass.
Dramatic response to chemotherapy in oligodendroglial gliomatosis cerebri

According to the World Health Organization classification, gliomatosis cerebri (GC) is defined by diffuse neoplastic glial cell infiltration involving at least two lobes of the brain and preserving the underlying neural structures, without individual tumoral mass.1 Because of the diffuse characteristics of the lesion, surgery is often limited to a diagnostic biopsy. Radiotherapy necessarily involves a large volume (most often the whole brain) and results in substantial toxicity. However, a 38-month median survival time has been reported with this treatment and it has been suggested that it may benefit at least some patients.2,3⇓ Up-front chemotherapy has seldom been tested in GC. Recently, …
Intelligent e‐government services with personalized recommendation techniques

Information overload is becoming one of the problems that hinder the effectiveness of e‐government services. Intelligent e‐government services with personalized recommendation techniques can provide a solution for this problem. Existing recommendation approaches have not entirely considered the influences of attributes of various online services and may result in no guarantee of recommendation accuracy. This study proposes a new approach to handle recommendation issues of one‐and‐only items in e‐government services. The proposed approach integrates the techniques of semantic similarity and the traditional item‐based collaborative filtering. A recommender system named Smart Trade Exhibition Finder has been developed to implement the proposed recommendation approach. The recommender system can be applied in e‐government services to improve the quality of government‐to‐business online services. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Int Syst 22: 401–417, 2007.
Tim-3: An Activation Marker and Activation Limiter of Innate Immune Cells

Tim-3 was initially identified on activated Th1, Th17, and Tc1 cells and induces T cell death or exhaustion after binding to its ligand, Gal-9. The observed relationship between dysregulated Tim-3 expression on T cells and the progression of many clinical diseases has identified this molecule as an important target for intervention in adaptive immunity. Recent data have shown that it also plays critical roles in regulating the activities of macrophages, monocytes, dendritic cells, mast cells, natural killer cells, and endothelial cells. Although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, dysregulation of Tim-3 expression on these innate immune cells leads to an excessive or inhibited inflammatory response and subsequent autoimmune damage or viral or tumor evasion. In this review, we focus on the expression and function of Tim-3 on innate immune cells and discuss (1) how Tim-3 is expressed and regulated on different innate immune cells; (2) how it affects the activity of different innate immune cells; and (3) how dysregulated Tim-3 expression on innate immune cells affects adaptive immunity and disease progression. Tim-3 is involved in the optimal activation of innate immune cells through its varied expression. A better understanding of the physiopathological role of the Tim-3 pathway in innate immunity will shed new light on the pathogenesis of clinical diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, chronic viral infections, and cancer, and suggest new approaches to intervention.
Use of the API rapid NFT system for identifying nonfermentative and fermentative marine bacteria

Thirty-five American Type Culture Collection type strains of marine bacteria were used to evaluate the Rapid NFT system (API Analab Products, Plainview, N.Y.) for use in identifying heterotrophic marine bacteria. The 21 biochemical and assimilation tests on the Rapid NFT test strips were treated according to the manufacturer's protocol, which included use of AUX medium (provided with the Rapid NFT system) for preparing assimilation tests, and by substituting phenol red broth base (BBL Microbiology Systems, Cockeysville, Md.) with and without an oil overlay for the AUX medium. A seven-digit numerical profile was obtained for each NFT test strip from each of the three procedures and matched to its corresponding number in the Rapid NFT identification codebook. Also, all biochemical and assimilation test results were analyzed with SASTAXAN and SAS/GRAPH programs (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, N.C.); similarity matrices were computed for all 35 strains. For comparison purposes, bacterial strains were grouped at a similarity level of 70%. The results indicated a low efficacy of identification for all three procedures. In addition, similarity matrix analysis showed more cohesive grouping based on results of phenol red broth base-treated strains than for the AUX medium provided by the manufacturer. However, none of the three treatments provided exclusive grouping of type strains at the genus level. Thus, the reliability of the data obtained from the NFT system and modifications thereof should be evaluated carefully when environmental isolates are characterized.
A toy model for coupling accretion disk oscillations to the neutron star spin

Lee, Abramowicz & Kluzniak (2004) demonstrated numerically that rotation of neutron star couples with oscillations of its accretion disk, and excites resonances. No specific coupling was assumed, but magnetic field was suggested as the most likely one. Following this idea, we show (Petri 2005) that if the neutron star is non-axially symmetric and rotating, its gravity may provide the coupling and excite resonances. Here, we return to the original suggestion that the coupling is of a magnetic origin, and demonstrate how does it work in terms of a simple, analytic toy-model.
MacA, a Periplasmic Membrane Fusion Protein of the Macrolide Transporter MacAB-TolC, Binds Lipopolysaccharide Core Specifically and with High Affinity

ABSTRACT The Escherichia coli MacAB-TolC transporter has been implicated in efflux of macrolide antibiotics and secretion of enterotoxin STII. In this study, we found that purified MacA, a periplasmic membrane fusion protein, contains one tightly bound rough core lipopolysaccharide (R-LPS) molecule per MacA molecule. R-LPS was bound specifically to MacA protein with affinity exceeding that of polymyxin B. Sequence analyses showed that MacA contains two high-density clusters of positively charged amino acid residues located in the cytoplasmic N-terminal domain and the periplasmic C-terminal domain. Substitutions in the C-terminal cluster reducing the positive-charge density completely abolished binding of R-LPS. At the same time, these substitutions significantly reduced the functionality of MacA in the protection of E. coli against macrolides in vivo and in the in vitro MacB ATPase stimulation assays. Taken together, our results suggest that R-LPS or a similar glycolipid is a physiological substrate of MacAB-TolC.
A Review of Isocyanate Wood Adhesive: A Case Study in Indonesia

The use of isocyanate adhesive for the binding of wood and wood products has been increasing in Indonesia particularly for research needs since wood products bonded by glue-based formaldehyde release formaldehyde emission that have been found to have carcinogenic effect and may lead to sick house syndrome. There are at least two types of isocyanate commonly used in Indonesia, namely isocyanate cross-linker and isocyanate alone. Isocyanate cross-linker is used together with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) forming a water-based polymer-isocyanate emulsion; thus, its application using spreading tech- nique for binding engineered wood products such as glue laminated timber (glulam) and laminated veneer lumber (LVL). For isocyanate alone, because its viscosity is adequate for spraying, it is preferably used for producing wood-based panels, especially particleboard and fiberboard. In this chapter, the characteristics of both types of isocyanate usually used in Indonesia are presented. Some research studies of the authors are also provided.
Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap Technique for Extra Large Macular Holes

Aim: To investigate the outcome of the inverted Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) flap technique for extra large idiopathic macular holes (MHs). Methods: A retrospective non-comparative surgical case series of seven eyes of 7 patients with MHs (base diameter of at least 1000 μm) was conducted. All the MHs were treated using pars plana vitrectomy and brilliant blue G (BBG)-assisted inverted ILM flap technique. Spectral DomainOptical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) images were used to assess the anatomical outcomes of surgery including the macular microstructure, while Best Corrected Snellen Visual Acuity (BCSVA) was used to evaluate the functional outcomes. Results: The average MH size was 1241microns and average symptom duration was nineteen months. All eyes achieved successful anatomical closure and there was no occurrence of a flat open type closure. SD-OCT microstructural study revealed a reconstruction of the Ellispod Zone (EZ) and External Limiting Membrane (ELM), in only 3 eyes. There was an improvement in visual acuity in 5 eyes, while 2 eyes maintained the same as pre operative vision. The largest increase in post operative visual acuity gain was a 4-line improvement in Best Corrected Snellen Visual Acuity (BCSVA) noted in one of the 3 eyes with reconstructed EZ and ELM. The 3 months symptom duration in this patient was the shortest in this series. Conclusion: Inverted ILM flap technique is a safe and effective approach for the management of extra large chronic idiopathic MHs with demonstrably good anatomical and limited functional results in a majority of cases. Postoperative reconstruction of the microstructure is however seen only in a minority of eyes. Despite an absence of the outer retina (EZ and ELM), some eyes still experience an improvement in vision. The symptom duration may play a vital role in functional outcome in this subset of extra large chronic MHs.
IP reuse VLSI architecture for low complexity fast motion estimation in multimedia applications

A novel intellectual property (IP) VLSI architecture for the implementation of real time and low complexity fast motion estimation for multimedia applications is proposed. The motion estimation is a key issue either in H.263/MPEG video coding or in image filtering. Specifically, the algorithms based on the predictive spatio-temporal technique achieve high coding quality at reasonable computational power by exploiting the spatio-temporal correlation of the video motion field. The novel architecture, obtained by a design reuse methodology, is parametric and configurable and hence it allows for the implementation of different predictive algorithms. It also features hardware complexity scalability and it is suitable for the design of ASICs optimized for a wide range of multimedia applications. The IP, synthesized for a 0.25 /spl mu/m CMOS technology, achieves a computational power up to 740/spl times/10/sup 6/ absolute differences per second, for a maximum 0.96 mm/sup 2/ core size, and permits the processing of typical video images at clock frequencies of a few MHz.
Memory modeling for system synthesis

We present our methodology for developing models of on-chip SRAM memory organizations. The models were created to enable the quick evaluation of energy, area, and performance of different memory configurations considered during synthesis. The models are defined in terms of parameters, such as size and mode of operation, which are known at synthesis time. Our methodology does not require knowledge of the underlying memory circuitry and provides models with average percentage errors within 8%. We found that only 10 different memories from a large span of possible memory sizes are needed to obtain reasonably accurate models, with average errors within 15%. We further use these models to evaluate different low power memory organizations and have seen energy reductions of up to 88%. In this paper we present our modeling methodology, discuss the important aspects in developing the models, and show results of using the models in evaluating low power memory organizations.
Visualization of Water Distribution in the Facial Epidermal Layers of Skin Using High-Sensitivity Near-Infrared (NIR) Imaging

Skin moisturization is an important function of cosmetics in dermatology, and acquisition of two-dimensional information about the water content of facial skin is of great interest. Near-infrared (NIR) imaging using the water OH band centered near 1460 nm has been applied to the evaluation of water in skin. However, detection of small changes in the water content of skin water is difficult using this band because of the low absorption coefficient of water at that wavelength and inadequate optical units. We developed a high-sensitivity water imaging system using strong water bands centered near 1920 nm. This system can be used for the entire face. With the water imaging system, time-dependent changes in the water content of moisturizer-treated skin and hair were visualized with high sensitivity. In this study, we performed a water distribution analysis, with the aim of understanding the water distribution in facial skin under different environmental conditions. The water imaging system combines a diffuse illumination unit and an extended-range indium–gallium arsenide NIR camera with a detection range of 1100–2200 nm. The skin water distributions for multiple subjects with different facial shapes and sizes were compared using averaged NIR image data and a mesh partition analysis using a developed algorithm. Changes in the facial skin water content with season and humidity were visualized by the algorithm. The water content decreased in autumn, especially near the eyes and upper-cheek. Compared to other areas on the face, the water content around the eyes decreased more during an 85 min stay in a room at 10% relative humidity. The proposed method for water distribution analysis provides a powerful tool for facial skin hydration research in dermatological and cosmetics fields.
Incidence of Medication Discrepancies and Its Predicting Factors in Emergency Department

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the incidence of medication discrepancies and its related factors using medication reconciliation method in patients admitted to the emergency department of Tehran University of Medical Sciences hospitals. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 200 adult patients with at least one chronic disease that used two regular prescription medications were included in 2015. After 24 h of admission, demographic data and patient’s home medications were collected. Medication discrepancies were assessed through comparison of a best possible medication history list with the physician’s orders. Results: Out of 200 patients (mean age, 61.5 yr; 86 males, 114 women), 77.5% of patients had one or more medication discrepancies. The most common discrepancies were medication omission (35.49%), change (14.22%) and substitution (10.97%), respectively. The relationship between number of comorbid conditions (P=0.025), regular home medications (P=<0.001), high-risk medications (P=0.032), medications pharmacological classes (P=<0.001) and medication discrepancies were statistically significant. Cardiovascular drugs compared to other medications classes showed the highest discrepancies (36.2%). Multiple logistic regression showed that the drug groups, including anti-infective for systemic use (OR=8.43; 95%CI 2.5–28.2; P=0.001), Antineoplastic and Immuno-modulator Agents (OR=0.49; 95%CI 0.27–0.87; P=0.016), Blood and Blood-Forming Organs (OR=0.33; 95%CI 0.21–0.52; P<0.001), Muscular-Skeletal System (OR=2.4; 95%CI 1.13–5.1; P=0.022), Nervous-System (OR=2.75; 95%CI 1.7–4.4; P<0.001), Respiratory-System (OR=0.38; 95%CI 0.22–0.67; P=0.001) were associated with the drug discrepancy. Conclusion: A medication discrepancy occurs commonly at hospital emergency department. Understanding the type and frequency of discrepancies with using structured medication reconciliation process can help clinicians to prevent them.
Base excision repair pathway: PARP1 genotypes as modulators of therapy response in cervical cancer patients

Abstract Context: Genetic polymorphisms in genes of the base excision repair (BER) pathway appear to modulate the therapy response of cancer patients. PARP1 protein recognizes the DNA strand damage and facilitates the subsequent recruitment of BER proteins. Few studies have reported an association between PARP1 Val762Ala polymorphism (rs1136410) and cancer therapy response. Objective: The purpose of our study was to determine whether PARP1 Val762Ala polymorphism have prognostic value in patients with cervical cancer. Materials and methods: Two hundred and sixty adult patients, with histologically confirmed cervical cancer, at FIGO-stages IB2-IVA, primarily treated with concurrent chemotherapy (cisplatin) and radiotherapy. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were the primary end points of the analysis. The PARP1 Val762Ala genetic variants were analyzed by allelic discrimination by real-time PCR. Results: We observed that peri- and postmenopausal women carrying the C-allele present a statistically significant lower OS and DFS (log-rank test, p = 0.008 and p = 0.006, respectively) among those with early stage cervical cancer. Cox regression analysis confirmed these results, after adjustment for other prognostic factors (for OS: HR, 3.70; 95%CI, 1.32–10.38; p = 0.013 and for DFS: HR, 3.97; 95%CI, 1.59–9.93; p = 0.003). Conclusions: This is the first study evaluating the effect of PARP1 Val762Ala polymorphism in treatment response in cervical cancer patients. PARP1 genotypes may contribute as an independent prognostic factor in cervical cancer, being useful in predicting the clinical outcome.
Prescribing patterns in the orthopaedics outpatient department in a teaching hospital in Pokhara, western Nepal.

OBJECTIVES Information on the utilization patterns of drugs in the orthopaedics outpatient department (OPD) are lacking in hospitals in western Nepal. The present study was carried out to obtain demographic information about the respondents selected for analysis, information on the average number of drugs prescribed and the average cost of drugs per prescription. The prescriptions were critically analyzed using predetermined criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was carried out over a four-month period (01.09.2002 to 31.12.2002) at the Manipal Teaching hospital, Pokhara, Nepal. The percentage of encounters with an injection or an antibiotic prescribed was noted. The percentage of drugs prescribed from the Essential drug list of Nepal and the mean cost of drugs per prescription was calculated. RESULTS 1238 patients attended the orthopaedics OPD during the study period. 186 prescriptions were randomly selected for analysis. The mean number of drugs per prescription was 1.9. Low backache was the most common reason for attending the OPD. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were the most commonly prescribed drug group. Diclofenac and meloxicam were the most commonly prescribed drugs. Mean cost of drugs was 166.2 Nepalese rupees. Injections and antibiotics were prescribed in 16 (8.6%) and 7 (3.8%) encounters respectively. 51 prescriptions (27.4%) had various problems. Absence of diagnosis on the prescriptions and the duration of treatment were most commonly observed. CONCLUSIONS Percentage of prescribing by generic name was low. Educational sessions for the doctors at different levels to encourage prescribing by generic names and on correct writing of prescriptions may be considered. Studies covering a larger number of patients and for a longer time period are required. A greater number of patients can be studied, seasonal variations can be overcome and drug utilization can be measured quantitatively.
Large-Scale Localization from Wireless Signal Strength

Knowledge of the physical locations of mobile devices such as laptops or PDA's is becoming increasingly important with the rise of location-based services such as specialized web search, navigation and social network applications; furthermore, location information is a key foundation for high-level activity inferencing. In this paper we propose a novel technique for accurately estimating the locations of mobile devices and their wearers from wireless signal strengths. Our technique estimates time-varying device locations on a spatial connectivity graph whose outdoor edges correspond to streets and whose indoor edges represent hallways. staircases, elevators. etc. Use of a hierarchical Bayesian framework for learning a signal strength sensor model allows us not only to achieve higher accuracy than existing approaches. but to overcome many of their limitations. In particular, our technique is able to (1) seamlessly integrate new access points into the model, (2) make use of negative information (not detecting an access point), and (3) bootstrap a sensor model from sparse training data. Experiments demonstrate various properties of our system.
Imagination and integrity: decision‐making among lesbian couples to use medically provided donor insemination

This paper reports findings from a pilot study of lesbian parents in the UK who used medicalised donor insemination (DI) with unknown donors. It focuses on decision‐making processes in family construction: this includes lesbian parents' experiences with clinicians and their family stories as told to clinicians and to their young children. Findings reveal that parents' understanding of family, particularly the centrality of the lesbian couple as the key parenting relationship, is crucial. We suggest that this group of parents make considered decisions about how their family might be created. It is their perception of what family means and their desire to protect the integrity of their family that leads them to negotiate social questions, particularly in relation to the presence of a ‘father’ and the familial role/relationship of the non‐biological parent. The study calls attention to the process of respondents' reflexivity about family and their ‘doing’ of family and highlights the integrity and imagination central to becoming lesbian parents.