Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MERIS-based ocean colour classification with the discrete Forel–Ule scale

Abstract. Multispectral information from satellite borne ocean colour sensors is at present used to characterize natural waters via the retrieval of concentrations of the three dominant optical constituents; pigments of phytoplankton, non-algal particles and coloured dissolved organic matter. A limitation of this approach is that accurate retrieval of these constituents requires detailed local knowledge of the specific absorption and scattering properties. In addition, the retrieval algorithms generally use only a limited part of the collected spectral information. In this paper we present an additional new algorithm that has the merit of using the full spectral information in the visible domain to characterize natural waters in a simple and globally valid way. This Forel–Ule MERIS (FUME) algorithm converts the normalized multiband reflectance information into a discrete set of numbers using uniform colourimetric functions. The Forel–Ule (FU) scale is a sea colour comparator scale that has been developed to cover all possible natural sea colours, ranging from indigo blue (the open ocean) to brownish-green (coastal water) and even brown (humic-acid dominated) waters. Data using this scale have been collected since the late nineteenth century, and therefore, this algorithm creates the possibility to compare historic ocean colour data with present-day satellite ocean colour observations. The FUME algorithm was tested by transforming a number of MERIS satellite images into Forel–Ule colour index images and comparing in situ observed FU numbers with FU numbers modelled from in situ radiometer measurements. Similar patterns and FU numbers were observed when comparing MERIS ocean colour distribution maps with ground truth Forel–Ule observations. The FU numbers modelled from in situ radiometer measurements showed a good correlation with observed FU numbers (R2 = 0.81 when full spectra are used and R2 = 0.71 when MERIS bands are used).
Effects of metribuzin on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

P < 0.01) of plasma total proteins, triacylglycerols, aspartate aminotransferase, ammonia, calcium, lactate, alkaline phosphatase, erythrocyte count, haematocrit and significantly higher ( P < 0.01) values of erythrocyte haemoglobin compared to the control group. A significant decrease ( P < 0.01) in both the relative and absolute lymphocyte count and a significant increase ( P < 0.01) in both the relative and absolute count of neutrophile granulocytes were also recorded in the experimental group. The histopathological examination revealed mild proliferation of goblet cells of the respiratory epithelium of secondary gill lamellae and hyaline degeneration of epithelial cells of the renal tubules of the caudal kidney. This alteration of kidney resulted in hypoproteinaemia, followed by the formation of transudate in the body cavity. The metribuzin-based Sencor WG 70 pesticide product was classified among substances harmful to fish.
PEDESTRIAN USING CATADIOPTRIC SENSOR 12

We investigate the detection of person in the omnidirectional images, adopting a linear SVM. We have implemented HOG-based descriptors, for omnidirectional and spherical images. In this paper we studied the influence of each parameter in our algorithm on the performances of person detections in catadioptric images. However, few studies have elaborated the problem of human detection using this type of cameras; therefore we have set up our own test base. Our results show that our detector can robustly detect people in omnidirectional images, as soon as the algorithm is adapted to the distortions introduced by the use of the omnidirectional camera.
Molecular Determination of the Phylogenetic Position of a Species in the Genus Colpodella (Alveolata)

Abstract The phylogenetic position of a species of the free-living protist genus Colpodella is assessed using its SSU rDNA gene sequence in the context of a wide array of other alveolate taxa. Phylogenetic analyses indicates that this species is not related to species of Bodo as has previously been suggested. However, SSU rDNA data alone are insufficient to provide a wholly stable hypothesis of relationships for Colpodella sp. among the various alveolate phyla. Much of this instability can be attributed to alignment procedure sensitivity. Analyses of SSU rDNA and actin gene sequences in combination provide strong support for a species of Colpodella as sister group to the ciliates, irrespective of alignment procedure. Moreover, use of SSU rDNA data alone strongly support a recent common ancestry of the genera Perkinsus and Parvilucifera with the dinoflagellates, and not with the apicomplexans. These findings, and the nearly identical ultrastructural characteristics of Colpodella, Perkinsus, and Parvilucifera species, suggest that this morphology is the ancestral condition for all of Alveolata.
A Brief Review on the Principles of Human Cadaver Preservation and Monitoring of Microbial Degradation

Putrefaction and decay of preserved cadaver and body parts is one of the major issues that the faculties of medicines in various third world countries are facing. In this study we focus on the meaning of body preservation, causes of putrefaction and we highlight our personal experiences at the Faculty of Medicine in Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University in KSA, in preserving the body cadavers. We studied different physical and chemical methods of preservation of cadavers and body parts at the faculty and their efficiency in preventing bacteria and fungi that cause putrefaction and decay.
Isotopic variation complicates analysis of trophic relations within the fish community of Plußsee: a small, deep, stratifying lake

Analysis of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes has allowed freshwater ecologists to examine lake food webs in increasing detail. Many such studies have highlighted the existence of separate within-lake pelagic and benthic-littoral food webs but are typically conducted on large (> 10 km2) lakes, whereas the majority of lakes are actually relatively small. We used stable isotope analysis (δ13C & δ15N) to examine trophic interactions between fish and their prey in Plussee, as an example of a small, stratifying lake, and to determine whether separate pelagic/benthic-littoral food webs could be distinguished in such systems. Our results indicate that the Plussee food web was complicated, and due to extensive intra-annual isotopic variation in zooplankton (e.g.cladoceran δ13C annual range = 25.6‰), it may be impossible to definitively assign consumers from small, eutrophic stratified lakes to pelagic or benthic-littoral food webs. We present evidence that some components of the Plussee food web (large bream) may be subsidised by carbon of methanogenic origin.
Spatiotemporal variations of fCO 2 in the North Sea

Abstract. Data from two Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) (2005–2007) augmented with data subsets from ten cruises (1987–2005) were used to investigate the spatiotemporal variations of the CO2 fugacity in seawater (fCO2sw) in the North Sea at seasonal and inter-annual time scales. The observed seasonal fCO2sw variations were related to variations in sea surface temperature (SST), biology plus mixing, and air-sea CO2 exchange. Over the study period, the seasonal amplitude in fCO2sw induced by SST changes was 0.4–0.75 times those resulting from variations in biology plus mixing. Along a meridional transect, fCO2sw normally decreased northwards (−12 μatm per degree latitude), but the gradient disappeared/reversed during spring as a consequence of an enhanced seasonal amplitude of fCO2sw in southern parts of the North Sea. Along a zonal transect, a weak gradient (−0.8 μatm per degree longitude) was observed in the annual mean fCO2sw. Annually and averaged over the study area, surface waters of the North Sea were CO2 undersaturated and, thus, a sink of atmospheric CO2. However, during summer, surface waters in the region 55.5–54.5° N were CO2 supersaturated and, hence, a source for atmospheric CO2. Comparison of fCO2sw data acquired within two 1°×1° regions in the northern and southern North Sea during different years (1987, 2001, 2002, and 2005–2007) revealed large interannual variations, especially during spring and summer when year-to-year fCO2sw differences (≈160–200 μatm) approached seasonal changes (≈200–250 μatm). The springtime variations resulted from changes in magnitude and timing of the phytoplankton bloom, whereas changes in SST, wind speed and total alkalinity may have contributed to the summertime interannual fCO2sw differences. The lowest interannual variation (10–50 μatm) was observed during fall and early winter. Comparison with data reported in October 1967 suggests that the fCO2sw growth rate in the central North Sea was similar to that in the atmosphere.
Nikolaj A. Livanow (1876 - 1974) and the living relict Acanthobdella peledina (Annelida, Clitellata)

The Clitellates are segmented worms (Annelida) that are characterized by a glandular girdle responsible for cocoon production. They are usually classified as the Oligochaeta (earthworms and allies) and the Euhirudinea (true leeches); these carnivorous clitellates use two suckers for attachment and crawling. In 1850, A. E. Grube discovered a primitive leech with only one (posterior) sucker and earthworm-like cephalic chaetae for attachment to its host. The anatomy of this living relict (Acanthobdella peledina) was described by N. A. Livanow in 1906. Our knowledge of A. peledina is based on Livanow's detailed and comprehensive monograph in which this fish parasite is identified as an ancient hirudinean. In this article we describe the life and major scientific works of N. A. Livanow and summarize his contributions to annelid systematics. We also review the life cycle and phylogenetic position of the connecting link, A. peledina, based on anatomical studies and DNA sequence data. It is concluded that both Livanow's hypotheses concerning the phylogenetic relationships within the clitellata and his interpretation of the living fossil A. peledina were correct. In addition, the second Acanthobdella species, A. livanowi Epshtein 1966, is briefly described and commented on.
Rapid Publication Expression of the Dopamine Transporter Gene is Regulated by the 3 0 UTR VNTR : Evidence From Brain and Lymphocytes Using Quantitative RT-PCR

Genetic association studies provide considerable evidence that the 10-repeat allele of a variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) in the 30-untranslated region (30-UTR) of the dopamine transporter gene (DAT1) is associatedwith a rangeof psychiatricphenotypes, most notably, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The mechanism for this association is not yet understood, although several lines of evidence implicate variation in gene expression. In this study, we measured DAT1 messenger RNA levels in cerebellum, temporal lobe, and lymphocytes using quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Relative to a set of four control housekeeping genes (b-actin, GAPD, ribosomal 18S, and b2-microglobulin) we observed that increased levels of DAT1 expression were associated with the number of 10-repeat alleles. These data provide direct evidence that the VNTR, or another polymorphism in linkage disequilibrium with the VNTR, is involved in regulating expression of this gene.
Noninvasive Relative Quantification of [11C]ABP688 PET Imaging in Mice Versus an Input Function Measured Over an Arteriovenous Shunt

Impairment of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) has been implicated with various neurologic disorders. Although mGluR5 density can be quantified with the PET radiotracer [11C]ABP688, the methods for reproducible quantification of [11C]ABP688 PET imaging in mice have not been thoroughly investigated yet. Thus, this study aimed to assess and validate cerebellum as reference region for simplified reference tissue model (SRTM), investigate the feasibility of a noninvasive cardiac image-derived input function (IDIF) for relative quantification, to validate the use of a PET template instead of an MRI template for spatial normalization, and to determine the reproducibility and within-subject variability of [11C]ABP688 PET imaging in mice. Blocking with the mGluR5 antagonist MPEP resulted in a reduction of [11C]ABP688 binding of 41% in striatum (p < 0.0001), while no significant effect could be found in cerebellum (−4.8%, p > 0.99) indicating cerebellum as suitable reference region for mice. DVR-1 calculated using a noninvasive IDIF and an arteriovenous input function correlated significantly when considering the cerebellum as the reference region (striatum: DVR-1, r = 0.978, p < 0.0001). Additionally, strong correlations between binding potential calculated from SRTM (BPND) with DVR-1 based on IDIF (striatum: r = 0.980, p < 0.0001) and AV shunt (striatum: r = 0.987, p < 0.0001). BPND displayed higher discrimination power than VT values in determining differences between wild-types and heterozygous Q175 mice, an animal model of Huntington's disease. Furthermore, we showed high agreement between PET- and MRI-based spatial normalization approaches (striatum: r = 0.989, p < 0.0001). Finally, both spatial normalization approaches did not reveal any significant bias between test-retest scans, with a relative difference below 5%. This study indicates that noninvasive quantification of [11C]ABP688 PET imaging is reproducible and cerebellum can be used as reference region in mice.
Genetic differentiation and regional adaptation among seed origins used for grassland restoration: lessons from a multispecies transplant experiment

Summary One of the key questions in ecosystem restoration is the choice of seed material for restoring plant communities. More and more scientists and practitioners are currently advocating the use of regional seed sources, based on the argument that plants are often adapted to local or regional environmental conditions, and thus, regional seed sources should provide the best restoration success. However, there is still substantial debate about this approach, partly because of a lack of solid empirical data. We conducted a multispecies transplant experiment in which we compared the performance of eight seed origins of seven plant species frequently used in grassland restoration in four common gardens across Germany. We found that, on average, plants of regional origins produced 10% more inflorescences and 7% more biomass than those of foreign origins. There were substantial differences among species in the strength of these effects, but in the majority of the study species fitness decreased with increasing geographical distance of seed origins or with increasing climatic differences between plant origins and experimental sites. In addition to these effects on plant fitness, increasing geographical or climatic distances of origin were often also correlated with increasing differences in plant phenology. Since phenology is important for biotic interactions, especially with pollinators and seed predators, using foreign seed sources may have cascading effects on local ecosystems. Synthesis and applications. Genetic differentiation is widespread in grassland species and often shows the patterns of regional adaptation. Our study thus supports the use of regional seed sources in restoration. Moreover, using non-regional seed sources in grassland restoration may not only decrease the performance of plants, but it will likely also affect their biotic interactions.
Promoting Similarity of Sparsity Structures in Integrative Analysis With Penalization

ABSTRACT For data with high-dimensional covariates but small sample sizes, the analysis of single datasets often generates unsatisfactory results. The integrative analysis of multiple independent datasets provides an effective way of pooling information and outperforms single-dataset and several alternative multi-datasets methods. Under many scenarios, multiple datasets are expected to share common important covariates, that is, the corresponding models have similarity in their sparsity structures. However, the existing methods do not have a mechanism to promote the similarity in sparsity structures in integrative analysis. In this study, we consider penalized variable selection and estimation in integrative analysis. We develop an L0-penalty-based method, which explicitly promotes the similarity in sparsity structures. Computationally it is realized using a coordinate descent algorithm. Theoretically it has the selection and estimation consistency properties. Under a wide spectrum of simulation scenarios, it has identification and estimation performance comparable to or better than the alternatives. In the analysis of three lung cancer datasets with gene expression measurements, it identifies genes with sound biological implications and satisfactory prediction performance. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.
Endophytic Mycoflora of Inner Bark of Prosopis cineraria - a Key Stone Tree Species of Indian Desert

2 Abstract: Endophytic fungi of inner bark of Prosopis cineraria have been investigated. 32 species belonging to 21 genera were isolated. The colonization frequency of the endophytic fungi was reported as 62.55%. Fungus composition included 13.6% zygomycetes 5.6% ascomycetes, 72.8% hyphomycetes, 4% coelomycetes and 4% sterile fungi have been found. Colored colonies of endophytic fungi with pigmented single cell conidia were found in abundance. The sterile endophytic fungi presently reported are expected to add to the list of ne w fungal species. It is concluded that some pathogenic fungi might act as latent pathogen in cortical region of the bark which become active and cause disease leading to sudden death of host tree.
N reveal significant differences in the coastal foodwebs of the seas surrounding Trinidad and Tobago

This study assessed nearshore, marine ecosystem function around Trinidad and Tobago (TT). The coastline of TT is highly complex, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Paria and the Columbus Channel, and subject to local terrestrial runoff and regional riverine inputs (e.g. the Orinoco and Amazon rivers). Coastal organisms can assimilate energy from allochthonous and autochthonous sources. We assessed whether stable isotopes δ13C and δ15N could be used to provide a rapid assessment of trophic interactions in primary consumers around the islands. Filterfeeding (bivalves and barnacles) and grazing organisms (gastropods and chitons) were collected from 40 marine sites during the wet season. The flesh of organisms was analysed for δ13C and δ15N. Results indicate significant variation in primary consumers (by feeding guild and sampling zone). This variation was linked to different energy sources being assimilated by consumers. Results suggest that offshore production is fuelling intertidal foodwebs; for example, a depleted δ13C signature in grazers from the Gulf of Paria, Columbus Channel and the Caribbean and Atlantic coastline of Tobago indicates that carbon with an offshore origin (e.g. phytoplankton and dissolved organic matter) is more important than benthic or littoral algae during the wet season. Results also confirm findings from other studies indicating that much of the coastline is subject to cultural eutrophication. This study revealed that ecosystem function is spatially variable around the coastline of TT. This has clear implications for marine resource management, as a single management approach is unlikely to be successful at a national level.
Effect of Bagging Time on Fruit Yield and Quality of Red Pitaya (Hylocereus spp.) Fruit in Vietnam

The study was performed to evaluate the effect of bagging time on fruit yield and quality of red pitaya H14 cultivar from May to August 2017 at Nguyen Binh District, Cao Bang Province, Vietnam. The experiment design was in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates, including control (without bagging), bagging fruit after 7 days anthesis, bagging fruit after 15 days anthesis by net screen-green bag (NS-GB) with bag size 320 x 260 mm. The physical, biochemical quality characteristics and damage of the fruits were recorded. The results showed that there was no significance in fruit number and fruit yield, fruit size among treatment by application bagging fruit. Moreover, bagging fruit after 7 days anthesis greatly improved flesh fruit weight, fruit edible rate percentage as well as total soluble solid than the control treatment. Furthermore, bagging fruit after 7 days anthesis markedly reduced 10-20% fruit crack, fruit sunburn, fruit fly and fruit blemished as Original Research Article Tuan et al.; IJPSS, 19(6): 1-7, 2017; Article no.IJPSS. 36621 2 compared to control treatment. In conclusion bagging fruit after 7 days anthesis had positive effect on enhancing fruit quality (total solube solid increase 15% as compared untreated control) and reduced fruit from insect pest and diseases for red pitaya cultivar under field condition in Cao Bang province, Vietnam.
Biogeochemical interactions control a temporal succession in the elemental composition of marine communities

Recent studies have revealed clear regional differences in the particulate organic matter composition and stoichiometry of plankton communities. In contrast, less is known about potential mechanisms and patterns of temporal changes in the elemental composition of marine systems. Here, we monitored weekly changes in environmental conditions, phytoplankton abundances, and particulate organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations over a 3‐yr period. We found that variation in the particulate organic matter (POM) concentrations and ratios were related to seasonal oscillations of environmental conditions and phytoplankton abundances. Periods with low temperature, high nutrient concentrations and a dominance of large phytoplankton corresponded to low C : N : P and vice‐versa for warmer periods during the summer and fall. In addition to seasonal changes, we observed a multiyear increase in POM C : P and N : P that might be associated with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Finally, there was substantial short‐term variability in all factors but similar linkages between environmental variability and elemental composition as observed on seasonal and interannual time‐scales. Using a feed‐forward neural network, we could explain a large part of the variation in POM concentrations and ratios based on changes in environmental conditions and phytoplankton abundances. The apparent links across all time‐scales between changes in physics, chemistry, phytoplankton, and POM concentrations and ratios suggest we have identified key controls of the elemental composition of marine communities in this region.