Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Progress Towards an Open-Source, Low-Cost Ultrasound Computed Tomography Research System

Ultrasound Computed Tomography (UCT) systems are typically custom-built, and the high cost and long lead time can be a signiﬁcant barrier to research groups becoming active in the ﬁeld. This work details progress towards FlexUCT: a design framework for a low-cost benchtop UCT system that will allow novel data acquisition protocols and reconstruction algorithms to be tested on a physical system, thereby facilitating progress towards fast and accurate UCT. The design, assembly and testing of 4-element prototypes are described. Field scans of the prototypes have been performed to characterise the beamwidth, element radiation pattern and acoustic cross talk, and the pulse echo behaviour was evaluated. reconstruction data acquisition protocols. This paper describes the initial developmental stages of FlexUCT, an open source design framework for a benchtop UCT research system. The framework uses a toolbox of ﬂexible, low-cost manufacturing techniques which allow the user to choose their own values for key design parameters, such as aperture size and element dimensions, without affecting the assembly processes. The framework is designed to have simple user requirements for manufacture, requiring only standard workshop hand tools, a mill and a 3-D printer, which are commonly available in most research institutions. Our future goal is to distribute the complete speciﬁcation needed to build a custom UCT research system, including parametric CAD models, 3D-printing design ﬁles, Gerber ﬁles for PCB manufacture, a bill of materials and a full assembly procedure. Here, we present the design, assembly, and evaluation of the ﬁrst FlexUCT prototypes.
Modeling Electrical Resistivity in Carbonates Using Micro-CT Scans and Assessing the Influence of Microporosity with MICP, #40953 (2012)

Understanding the complex relationships between resistivity, porosity and pore structure is of fundamental importance to accurately inverse from down-hole log data to permeability and pore fluids. This is especially important in carbonates, where various depositional and diagenetic processes produce a wide range of pore sizes and complex pore structures. This heterogeneity also results in complex electrical behavior, especially in microporous rocks. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influences of microporosity and pore size and number on both electrical and hydraulic behavior with the goal to better understand resistivity logs. These influences are assessed with two different approaches: (A) Micro-CT imaging of pore networks and subsequent resistivity modeling is used to evaluate the influence of the number of pores and (B) MICP measurements are used to investigate pore size controls.
Prevalence of Human Herpes Virus-6 (HHV-6) among Chronic HCV Patients

DOI: 10.21276/sjpm.2018. 3.10. 11 Abstract: Herpes viruses as CMV, EBV and HHV-6 are the most common cause severe morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals. Reactivation of the virus is seen during periods of down-regulation of the immune system, such as coinfection with other pathogens. So, this study was conducted to detect the presence of Human herpes virus-6 infection in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and to point out the effect of HHV 6 -HCV co-infection on Alanine Amino Transferase (ALT) and Aspartate Amino Transferase (AST) liver enzymes. Nested polymerase chain reaction was carried out on extracted DNA from sera of both groups with hepatitis C and control group. Serological investigations were carried out as well. Fifty-three serum samples with HCV-RNA were examined, (25%) were positive HHV-6 DNA, (82%) were positive for HHV-6 IgG antibodies and (22%) were positive for HHV-6 IgM antibodies; among control specimens (18.5%) were positive for HHV-6 DNA infection, (61%) were positive for HHV-6 IgG antibodies and (14.5%) were positive for HHV-6 IgM antibodies. Moreover, the activity levels of ALT and AST liver enzymes were significantly higher in HHV-6 positive patients than that of HHV-6 negative patients. This indicates to the prevalence of HHV-6 infection is common in chronic HCV patients, that increase the severity of liver inflammation.
Organic Cosolutes as Stabilizers of Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase in Storage: an Interpretation of Their Action

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.3 1) is rapidly inactivated in dilute extracts from leaves of the C4 grass Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Physiological osmotica (glycerol, betaine, proline, sorbitol and sucrose) and synthetic inert polymers like polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyethylene glycol prevent inactivation in a concentration-dependent manner. In a partially purified preparation (10.5 µmol CO2 min-1 mg-1), lability to inactivation and the minimum levels of cosolvents needed for complete protection become higher as the protein is diluted. Exogenous protein (bovine serum albumin) was much less effective than native protein in stabilising activity. The results could be interpreted on the basis of the exclusion volume theory and the assumption that the catalytic activity is mainly due to a polymeric form which is maintained only at high concentrations of the enzymic protein.
Ultrastructure of six types of antennal sensilla in Monochamus alternatus

The ultrastructure of different types of antennal sensilla in Monochamus alternatus Hope was investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy.There were six types of sensilla on its antenna,i.e.mechanoreceptor,sensilla basiconica,sensilla trichodea,sensilla auricillica,sensilla chaetica and sensilla styloconica.There was thick wall and no dendrite in mechanoreceptor.There was thin cuticular wall perforated by numerous pores in sensilla basiconica,and more than 50 dendritic branches,each of which contained 1-10 microtubules.Sensilla trichodea were single-walled with relatively fewer pores,and there were 1-8 dendrites,each of which contained different amount of microtubules.There was thin cuticular wall perforated by numerous pores in sensilla auricillica,and less than 5 dendritic branches,each of which contained different amount of microtubules.There were two subtypes in sensilla chaetica,in which subtype I showed grooved surface and no pores,but terminal pores,and subtype II showed no grooved surface and pores,as well as a terminal pore.There was thick non-porous wall in both subtypes,and dendrite sheath up to terminal pore.There were lengthways veins and no pores on the upside of sensilla styloconica,several pores on the downside,and a trifurcate terminal pore.The functions of sensilla were discussed that mechanoreceptor was not chemical sensilla,and sensilla basiconica,sensilla trichodea and sensilla auricillica were olfactory sensilla,but sensilla chaetica and sensilla styloconica were possibly gustatory sensilla.
Structure and Dynamics of Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) Populations in Missouri

Abstract: Comparisons of spatial and temporal variation in demographic rates are crucial to understanding population dynamics. Yet, even well-studied species are often lacking in comparisons of such variability in demographic data, making these contrasts imperative to conduct in population ecology research. We conducted a long-term monitoring study of Spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) at five ponds in Missouri, USA. We sampled populations using drift fences, and monitored breeding immigration dates, adult population sizes, sex ratio, juvenile recruitment, metamorph sizes, and metamorph emigration dates. Generally, we found that our study populations exhibited characteristics similar to other populations across their distribution. We also found spatial and temporal variation among populations in nearly all demographic parameters, however, indicating that multipopulation and multiyear studies will likely improve our inferential abilities in understanding population dynamics. We observed an overall positive relationship between metamorph size and date of metamorphosis, but this pattern was not consistent across ponds or years, indicating that different environmental pressures might influence selection on these traits. Finally, we identified rainfall amounts and frequency as the primary factors that influenced adult and metamorph movement patterns to and from ponds. Overall, the spatial and temporal variation in demographic data we provided can be useful for population modeling or conservation planning, in addition to furthering our understanding of population ecology of Spotted Salamanders.
CIMAR-5: A Snapshot of the Lower Troposphere over the Subtropical Southeast Pacific.

Abstract The extensive and persistent deck of stratocumulus (SCu) off the west coast of subtropical South America plays an important role in the regional and global climate, as well as in coastal weather. As in other subtropical regions, the SCu form at the top of a marine boundary layer (MBL) bounded by a relatively cold ocean and a large–scale subsidence inversion. Nevertheless, details of the structure and variability of the lower troposphere over this region are largely unknown. Ship–based meteorological observations taken along a transect at 27°S from the Chilean coast (71°W) to Easter Island (110°W) during the second half of October 1999 provide a preliminary description of the low–level circulation, thermodynamic structure, and cloudiness over the subtropical southeast Pacific. Three types of observations were made: (a) 15–min average of air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, pressure, and wind by an automatic weather station on the ship deck; (b) 15–min average of vertical reflectivi.
Using a means-end approach to understand the factors that influence greenway use.

A growing and important part of outdoor recreation resource management is the development of greenways in urban and suburban areas (Moore, Scott, & Graefe, 1998). These greenway areas provide recreational amenities, enhance natural features, and are thought to beautify urban environments (Little, 1990). Recognizing that one goal of managers of linear parks (i.e., greenways) is to provide a recreation setting that facilitates satisfying user experiences, this study utilized a means-end approach to test its potential as a tool in aiding recreation resource managers meet the aforementioned goal. Drawn from means-end theory (Gutman, 1982) and adapted for this study, the approach attempts to identify relationships between attributes (i.e., natural and management features), reasons for use (benefits sought), and underlying personal values associated with using a greenway. Founded linkages or “chains” are thought to provide insight into future use behavior. In Fall 1999, a twopage self-administered questionnaire was distributed to users of a greenway system in the southeastern United States in an attempt to identify the attributes, benefits, and values (ABV) perceived as important by them when on the greenway. Three hundred and twenty-five users were systematically approached onsite, with 270 completing the questionnaire for an overall response rate of 83.1%. Multiple-item five-point Likert-scaled measures were developed to examine importance attributed to various ABV. Following reliability and factor analysis, correlational analysis was performed, revealing several significant relationships (p .30) between respective ABV factors. A number of useful ABV chains were determined with one of the three identified attribute factors titled “amenities” (e.g., paved trails, many points of access, level terrain) linked to over 90.0% of the 15 complete chains. Three of the six benefit factors (autonomy, stimulation, escape) accounted for over 85% of the links between attribute and value factors. Based on the findings of this study, the insight gained from a means-end perspective appears to have utility in fostering a better understanding of how greenway features and offerings relate to the enhancement of personal values and meet the needs of users. This understanding of ABV chains may aid greenway managers and planners in the tailoring of promotions, evaluating existing services and features, as well as developing new services desired by their visiting public. In addition, an understanding regarding how reasons for use (i.e., benefits sought) are linked to attributes and features of a greenway may offer recreation resource managers and administrators an opportunity to manage with a benefits-based perspective in mind.
Effect of high temperature on anthocyanin composition and transcription of flavonoid hydroxylase genes in ‘Pinot noir’ grapes (Vitis vinifera)

Summary Anthocyanin accumulation in grape berry skins is influenced by temperature during the maturation period. Although it has been reported that high temperatures result in lower anthocyanin concentrations in berry skins, their effects on anthocyanin composition remain unclear. To study the effect of high temperature on anthocyanin composition, the accumulation of individual anthocyanins in the skin of ‘Pinot noir’ berries was investigated in two experiments: Experiment 1, high morning and evening temperature treatment; Experiment 2, high day-time temperature treatment. High temperatures (30°C) in the morning and evening did not the affect the total anthocyanin content in the skin, but decreased the levels of delphinidin 3-glucosides, petunidin 3-glucosides and malvidin 3-glucosides, which are 3’,5’-hydroxylated, or methylated following 3’,5’-hydroxylation. A high day-time temperature (35°C) also decreased the levels of delphinidin, petunidin and malvidin 3-glucosides. In both Experiments, grape berries grown under high temperature had a low abundance of mRNA for flavonoid 3’, 5’-hydroxylase (F3’5’H) in the skin.These results suggest that changes in the accumulation of individual anthocyanins in the skins of ‘Pinot noir’ grape berries, due to high temperature, are regulated at the level of transcription of the F3’5’H gene.
Evaluation of ( S )-Verbenone Applications for Suppressing Southern Pine Beetle (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) Infestations

Field tests were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of various applications of the beetle-produced, inhibitory compound (S)-verbenone for suppressing infestations of the southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann. Twenty-four expanding infestations (spots), ranging in size from 22 to 140 active trees, and representing a variety of stand conditions, were treated with one of five different applications. Treatments included: (A) (S)-verbenone applied at the rate of 4 ml per tree, (B) (S)-verbenone applied at 8 ml per tree, (C) (S)-verbenone at 8 ml per tree in combination with felling all freshly-attacked trees, and the preliminary treatments; (D) (S)-verbenone in combination with the attractant frontalin, and (E) (S)-verbenone plus frontalin, plus felling all infested trees. In all treatments, (S)-verbenone was mixed with a sustained release liquid polymer and applied to a horseshoeshaped buffer of uninfested trees at the advancing head of the infestation. To draw emerging beetles away from the advancing head, in Treatments D and E, frontalin, a beetle-produced attractant, was applied in the center of the infestation to nonhost trees or to host trees previously infested by beetles. To measure treatment efficacy, rates of spot growth following treatment were compared with pretreatment infestation growth rates. Observed rates of spot growth before and after treatment were compared with spot growth projections generated by a southern pine beetle spot growth prediction model. Results showed that Treatment C was the most effective and practical treatment tested. Spot growth in all five infestations treated with this application was completely halted with few or no additional trees being attacked. Treatment B proved relatively effective in slowing rates of spot growth in small or moderate-sized spots. Treatment E was effective in completely halting spot growth in two large infestations in sawtimber stands, but the treatment required the use of two behavioral chemicals. Treatments A and D were less successful in disrupting spot growth than the other treatments.
Experimentally determined partition coefficients for minor and trace elements in peridotite minerals and carbonatitic melt, and their relevance to natural carbonatites

A laser ablation microprobe coupled to an ICP-MS was used to analyse concentrations of K, Rb, Cs, Sr, Ba, Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb, La, Ce, Sm, Ho, Yb and Lu in experimentally produced garnet, clinopyroxene, amphibole and magnesiocarbonatitic melt. The experiment was conducted at 1050 °C and 2.5 GPa on a synthetic composition designed to simulate natural peridotite melting. Crystal/melt partition coefficients determined from the experiment were used to calculate minor and trace element concentrations in a hypothetical carbonatitic melt equilibrated with a garnet-bearing amphibole lherzolite of primitive mantle composition. The melt is strongly enriched in alkaline earths and rare earths relative to high-field-strength elements and alkalis, and plots within the compositional range of natural carbonatites. However, the fractionation of alkaline earths and REE from alkalis and HFSE is usually larger in natural carbonatites than in the calculated composition. The absolute concentrations of many incompatible elements are also much larger in some natural carbonatites. Because of these features, processes in addition to peridotite melting (such as crystal fractionation, wall rock reactions, and variations in source chemistry) are needed to fully account for the minor and trace element characteristics of carbonatites.
Accounting for the Black-White Wealth Gap: A Nonparametric Approach

This paper notes a potential problem in the method of Blinder and Oaxaca the most popular method in the literature for decomposing the mean difference between groups of a given variable into the portion attributable to differences in the distribution of some explanatory variables and differences in the conditional expectation functions. In its conventional application, the Blinder-Oaxaca method requires that a parametric assumption be made about the form of the conditional expectations function. We show that misspecification is likely to result in non-trivial errors in inference regarding the portion attributable to differences in the distribution of explanatory variables. A nonparametric alternative to the Blinder-Oaxaca method is proposed. Rather than specify an arbitrary functional form for the conditional expectations function, the method re-weights the empirical distribution of the outcome variable using weights that equalize the empirical distributions of the explanatory variable. Applying this method to the large black-white gap in net worth, we document a substantial difference in the estimated role of earnings differences between the two methods. Our estimates suggest that differences in earnings account for roughly two-thirds of the overall wealth gap.
Utilization of Bottle Feeding Practices and Associated Factors among Mothers Who Have Infant Less than 12 Months of Age in Agaro Twon, Jimma Zone South West Ethiopia, 2018

Background: Breast milk substitutes are used commonly worldwide with bottle feeding which should be avoided due to its impact on optimal breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding. Moreover, feeding bottles are associated with diarrheal disease morbidity and mortality as it is difficult to keep it clean especially in developing countries where sanitation is poor. Objectives: To assess the utilization of bottle feeding practices and associated factors among mothers who have infant (from birth-12 months of age) in Agaroo town, Jimma zone Oromia region south west Ethiopia, 2018. Methodology: A community based cross sectional study was conducted from March 15 to 30, 2018 in Agaroo town. A systematic sampling method was applied to select 222 respondents among mothers who have infant (from birth-12 months of age). Data was collected through face to face interview using pretested questionnaire. Data analysis was done by using SPSS and to identify associated factor chi-square was used. The data was presented by graph and tables. Result: From the total of 222 mothers participated in the study the prevalence of bottle feeding was 207 (93.2%). Mothers return to work 104 (46.8) was the main reasons for initiation of bottle feeding reported by the mothers who started bottle feeding practice. The percentage was high among mothers with educational background of illiterate 92 (41.4%) governmental employer 10 (4.8%) and whose monthly family income was 1000-1499 birr 100 (45%). There was significant association between bottle feeding practices and Mothers’ education status, occupational status, place of delivery and family monthly income. Conclusions: The utilizations of bottle feeding was high at the study area. Educational status, monthly family income, employments was associated with utilization of bottle feeding. The provision of formal and information education to the mothers, increasing family monthly income, the number months for maternal leave and institutional delivery could reduce the bottle feeding utilizations among mothers.
Democracy in Divided Societies: Electoral Engineering for Conflict Management. By Benjamin Reilly. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001. 232p. $60.00 cloth, $22.00 paper.

Benjamin Reilly makes an important contribution to the debate on the appropriate institutional design of electoral systems for mitigating conflict and sustaining democracy in ethnically plural societies. The dominant position in this debate posits the importance of proportional representation (PR) systems. An alternative position, less widely accepted largely because of an ostensible absence of empirical examples, posits the importance of majoritarian preferential systems that encourage cross-ethnic vote pooling. Reilly extends this debate by drawing on heretofore unknown or understudied cases to examine the operation of both majoritarian (the alternative vote or AV and the supplementary vote or SV) and proportional (single-transferable vote or STV) preferential systems in different social contexts and in different elections (legislative and presidential).