Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nickel hyperaccumulation in populations of Psychotria grandis (Rubiaceae) from serpentine and non-serpentine soils of Puerto Rico

Metal hyperaccumulators are plants that store heavy metals or metalloids in their leaves, often to concentrations much higher than in the soil. Though most occur exclusively on metalliferous soils, some species are facultative, occurring on both metalliferous and nonmetalliferous soils. Psychotria grandis Sw. (Rubiaceae) occurs from Central America through the Caribbean on many soil types, and hyperaccumulates nickel (Ni) on serpentine soils in several localities. In this study, four Puerto Rican populations of P. grandis – two from serpentine soil and two from non-serpentine soil – were examined to compare Ni accumulation between and within populations. Multiple trees were sampled at most sites, with replicate leaves harvested from each tree. Foliar nickel concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Mean Ni concentration differed significantly among the sites, ranging from 4000 µg g–1 on serpentine soil. There were also significant differences in Ni concentration among trees within sites, with especially wide variation at one of the serpentine sites known to be geologically heterogeneous. Despite these differences in field-collected leaves, a hydroponic common-garden experiment indicated that the Ni accumulation capacities of the populations were approximately equal. Variation in Ni accumulation between and within these populations in the field is likely to result from variation in Ni availability in the soil.
Effects of storage and preservation on the δ13C and δ15N signatures of selected marine organisms

The effects of freezing, oven-drying, and forma- lin and ethanol preservation on stable isotope signatures of 3 unrelated marine species (fish, octopus and kelp) were stud- ied over a period of 3 mo to investigate temporal changes in δ 13 C and δ 15 N. The effects on stable isotope ratios during the short-term confinement of live littorinid snails were also examined. Freezing and oven-drying did not result in a sig- nificant change in the initial isotope ratio for both carbon and nitrogen over the period of investigation. Formalin preser- vation significantly decreased, while ethanol preservation significantly increased δ 13
Graphical types and constraints - second-order polymorphism and inference. (Types et contraintes graphiques - polymorphisme de second ordre et inférence)

MLFest un systeme de types proposant a la fois le polymorphisme implicite mais de seconde classe de ML, et le polymorphisme de premiere classe mais explicite du Systeme F. Nous proposons une representation des types de MLFqui superpose un graphe acyclique oriente du premier ordre (encodant la structure du type avec partage) et un arbre inverse (encodant la structure de lieurs du type). Cela permet une definition simple et directe de l'instance sur les types, qui se decompose en une instance sur la structure du type, des operations simples sur l'arbre de lieurs, et un controle acceptant ou rejettant les operations. En utilisant cette representation, nous presentons un algorithme d'unification sur les types de MLF ayant une complexite lineaire. Nous etendons ensuites les types graphiques en un systeme de contraintes graphiques permettant l'inference de types a la fois pour ML et MLF. Nous proposons quelques transformations preservant la semantique de ces contraintes, et donnons une strategie pour utiliser ces transformations afin de resoudre les contraintes de typage. Nous montrons que l'algorithme resultant a une complexite optimale pour l'inference de types dans MLF, et que, comme pour ML, cette complexite est lineaire sous des hypotheses raisonnables. Enfin, nous presentons une version a la Church de MLF, appelee xMLF, dans laquelle tous les parametres de fonctions, toutes les abstractions de type et toutes les instantiations de types sont explicites. Nous donnons des regles de reduction pour reduire les instantiations de types. Le systeme obtenu est confluent lorsque la reduction forte est autorisee, et verifie la propriete de reduction du sujet. Nous montrons aussi le lemme de progression pour des strategies faibles de reduction, dont l'appel par nom et l'appel par valeur en restreignant ou non le polymorphisme aux valeurs. Nous proposons un encodage de MLF dans xMLFqui preserve les types, ce qui assure la surete de MLF.
Joint production of timber, carbon, and wildlife habitat in the Canadian boreal plains

This study investigates the relationships and trade-offs between forest carbon management, sustained timber yield, and the production of wildlife habitat to provide a more complete picture of the costs and challenges faced by forest managers for a particular case study in Canada’s boreal mixedwood region. The work presented is an extension of a previously published model that analysed the joint production of timber supply and wildlife habitat using a natural disturbance model approach to ecosystem management. The primary contribution of the present study is the detailed incorporation of a carbon budget model into the framework developed previously. Using the Carbon Budget Model of the Canadian Forest Sector, dynamics specific to separate biomass and dead organic matter carbon pools are represented for individual forest cover types. Results indicate the potential for cost thresholds in the joint production of timber supply and carbon sequestration. These thresholds are linked to switch points in the decisi.
Influence of property rights on farmers' willingness to plant indigenous fruit trees in Malawi and Zambia

Despite the important role that indigenous fruit trees play in the food security and livelihood of households in southern Africa, investments in the cultivation and conservation of indigenous fruit trees (IFTs) by farm communities is very low. Through the use of reconnaissance surveys, household surveys and focus group discussions, this study assessed the effects of land and tree tenures and household characteristics on farmers’ willingness to plant and domesticate IFTs in Malawi and Zambia. Results revealed that 98% of land cultivated by smallholder farmers in Malawi and Zambia were under customary land tenure system, and were conducive for tree cultivation as opposed to leasehold land tenure systems. The existing land user-rights of customary land were of private property regime, and provided smallholder farmers much freedom in land utilization. Household tree tenure was observed to account for 96% of tree tenure types, and is favourable to IFTs’ cultivation. Farmers’ resource endowment, cultural practices and socio-economic characteristics had overriding effects on fruit tree planting. The weak extension capacity, lack of knowledge in IFT cultivation, seedling scarcity, cultural norms such as matrilineal inheritance system were identified as major disincentives to fruit tree planting. Household size and formal education increased the probability of farmers to plant fruit trees in the study area. Contrary to popular notion, the existing land and tree tenure systems do not impose constrains on the cultivation of IFT by households.
Management of Cardiovascular Emergencies in Ziguinchor: Difficulties and Prospects in Semi - Urban Areas. About a Prospective Study at the Hospital de La Paix in Ziguinchor

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death in the world. In our countries, they are underestimated because of the insufficiency of the diagnostic means. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the management of cardiovascular emergencies at hospital de la Paix in Ziguinchor, to identify problems related to the caring and to propose solutions to improve it. Methods: We conducted a prospective 18-month study at the Emergency Department of the hospital la Paix in Ziguinchor. We included all hospitalized patients for cardiovascular emergency during the study period. The studied parameters were socio demographic data, antecedents, field, time of consultation, means of transport, time of care, main reason for hospitalization, medical diagnosis and evolutionary modalities. Results: The average age was 57.5 ± 15 years with female predominance (52.9%). Majority of our patients were of low socioeconomic status (53.6%). Transport mode was unsafe in the majority of cases (73.3%). Average consultation time was 10 days and the average time to take care was 2 hours and 30 minutes. Hypertension was the main cardiovascular risk factor (60.1%) and acute dyspnea, the main reason for hospitalization (56%). Cardiomyopathy was the main underlying pathology. A mortality rate of 26.8% and an average ICU length of stay of 4.32 ± 2 days were noticed. Conclusion: Cardiovascular emergencies are common. They are dominated by hypertensive emergencies in our series, the mode of transport is inadequate, consultation time is long and mortality rate is high.
Chromosome walking towards the Ror1 (Required for mlo resistance 1) locus in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

The presence of the seven-transmembrane (7-TM) domain Mlo (mildew resistance locus o) protein is a prerequisite for successful colonization of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) by the biotrophic powdery mildew fungus, Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei (Bgh). The mlo-mediated resistance response is dependent on at least two genes, Ror1 and Ror2 (required for mlo resistance). Double mutant mlo ror1 partially restores susceptibility to the fungus and exhibits reduced spontaneous leaf cell death. The Ror1 gene represents an interesting target for characterization, since its isolation could reveal an unknown pathway or additional molecular components necessary for effective mlo resistance. Nevertheless, despite extensive prior efforts to clone the Ror1 gene, its nature remains unknown. In this project, we pursued an alternative approach to isolate the Ror1 gene performing chromosome walking using a barley YAC library combined with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques. Previously, the Ror1 gene was located on barley chromosome 1H to an interval of 0.15cM between two predicted flanking genes, Cons and Pol. These two genes were used to design primers to screen a barley YAC library by PCR. The isolated YAC clones and additional overlapping ones, discovered by chromosome walking, formed the basis of our YAC contig at the Ror1 region. The YAC clones were paired-end sequenced by Illumina. Thorough analysis of the sequences revealed that we obtained two non-overlapping YAC contigs around the Ror1 locus. Eight annotated genes present in the contigs were selected as candidate genes. However, by “pseudo-mapping” in a Ror1 recombinant population and positioning in the YAC contigs, seven of the eight genes were excluded to encode Ror1. Furthermore, comparative genomics of barley with three other model grasses, Oryza sativa, Brachypodium distachyon and Sorghum bicolor revealed re-arrangements in the Ror1 region. Additionally, for the first time, we could physically locate the Ror1 region on barley chromosome 1H using Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization. Further chromosome walking steps are required to bridge the gap between Pol and Cons and complete the Ror1 YAC contig. The analysis of newly isolated YAC clones/pools that can be used to extend the YAC contigs is currently in progress. Our approach combining classical genetics and second-generation sequencing technologies has opened a new door that can potentially lead to the isolation of the Ror1 gene.
Build confidence and acceptance of AI-based decision support systems - Explainable and liable AI

Artificial Intelligence has known an incredible development since 2012. It was due to the impressive improvement of sensors, data quality and quantity, storage and computing capacity, etc. The promises AI offered led many scientific domains to implement AI-based decision support tool. However, despite numerous amazing results, very serious failures have raised Human mistrust, fear and scorn against AI. In Industries, staff members cannot afford to use tools that might fail them. This is especially true for Transportation operators where security and safety are at risk. Then, the question that arises is how to build Human confidence and acceptance of AI-based decision support system. In this paper, we combine different points of view to propose a structured overview of Transparency, Explicability and Interpretability, with new definitions arising as a consequence. Then we discuss the need for understandable information from the AI system, to legitimate or refute the tool's proposal. To conclude we offer ethical reflexions and ideas to develop confidence in AI.
A microarray cancer classification technique based on discrete wavelet transform for data reduction and genetic algorithm for feature selection

One of the foremost generally utilized implementation for microarray data is to characterize various kinds of diseases according to gene expression profiles. Microarray cancer data classification has been typically a challenging task for machine learning researchers. This occurs due to the complexity and the high dimensionality regarding the associated feature space despite the limited availability of training data. Therefore, reducing the dimensionality of data is an essential strategy to significantly improve the accuracy of microarray data classification. Consequently, this paper will introduce a new approach for reducing the number of features based on the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and a new feature selection technique using a modified genetic algorithm. This suggested methodology is used to identify the minimum set of features with the most relevant impact within a large population of features. To measure the quality and performance of our proposed method, several models of wavelet decomposition levels and different types of wavelet algorithms are adopted. Also, our method is compared to other methods that were recently published using standard data sets. The experimental results demonstrate that the suggested technique outperforms the other published cancer classification techniques within the greater part of the cases that have been investigated.
Ephemeroptera eggs and their contribution to phylogenetic studies of the order1

Eggs of representative genera of all families of Ephemeroptera except the Palingeniidae were studied. Their external morphology is reviewed, and hypotheses have been proposed to explain the evolution of several chorionic features and types of attachment structure. The archetypical Ephemeroptera egg is considered to have been round, with a smooth chorion, non-fibrous adhesive layer, funnelform micropyle, and a suprachorionic sperm guide. Subsequent evolution resulted in several different micropyles and many different chorionic sculpturings and attachment structures. Data obtained from studying the egg stage are utilized as aids to understanding the phytogeny of the Ephemeroptera. The proposed classification divides the order into 21 families arranged into 6 superfamilies.
Historical biogeography of Rhododendron section Vireya and the Malesian Archipelago

Aim Vireya rhododendrons are distinctive and easily recognizable by their general form; however, they are virtually circumscribed geographically, predominantly distributed throughout the biogeographically intriguing Malesian Archipelago. Hypotheses of the evolutionary relationships of the group have been proposed but the biogeography of vireyas has not been analysed based on molecular phylogeny. Recently, the first detailed molecular phylogenetic investigation of section Vireya was completed based on cp‐ and nrDNA sequence data, therefore making this cladistic biogeographic study of vireya rhododendrons possible.
Comparative analysis of cyclin D1 and oestrogen receptor (α and β) levels in human leiomyoma and adjacent myometrium

The aim of these experiments was to investigate the expression of cyclin D1 and of oestradiol receptors as well as the level of [ 3 H]oestradiol binding in leiomyoma and adjacent myometrium from human uteri at different menstrual phases and at an early stage of menopause. [ 3 H]oestradiol binding was determined by saturation analysis, while the oestradiol receptor (ER) α and β and cyclin D1 levels were determined by Western blot analysis of 16 samples of human leiomyomas and corresponding myometria at different hormonal stages. In leiomyomas during all phases of the menstrual cycle, ERα expression, high affinity oestradiol binding and cyclin D1 expression were all elevated in comparison with adjacent myometrium. ERβ expression and low affinity oestradiol binding were enhanced in leiomyomas only during the proliferative phase. During menopause, ERβ expression and low affinity binding were enhanced in leiomyomas, while the ERα expression was not significantly enhanced and cyclin D1 levels were similar to that in myometrium. Only the oestradiol binding exhibited any menstrual cycle-related changes. Our data suggest the involvement of cyclin D1 in the growth of leiomyomas during the menstrual cycle. In menopause, there appears to be a switch from ERα to ERβ expression in leiomyomas, and the induction of cyclin D1 is decreased. The regression of tumour may ensue from these changes at menopause.
Facial Feature as Predictor for Early-Persistence OSAS After Adenotonsillectomy in Children With Moderate to Severe OSAS

Objective: To investigate the early outcomes following adenotonsillectomy (T&A); to explore the role of facial feature and demographic data in predicting early-persistence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) after T&A in children with moderate to severe OSAS. Method: Children were included from Beijing Children's Hospital. Craniofacial photograph analysis was applied to analyze facial features. Enrolled children obtained overnight pulse oximetry monitoring one day after T&A. Result: There were more children with obesity and age < 3.5 years in persistent OSAS group than those in nonpersistent group. Persistent OSAS children have a narrower and longer lower face, as well as thicker and upturned upper lip. The duration of operation, history of snoring, and mouth breathing were correlated with postoperative ODI4. Conclusion: The rate of early-persistence of OSAS is high after T&A in children with moderate to severe OSAS. Routine postoperative monitoring should be applied for those children with above predictors.
Variability in hydraulic architecture and gas exchange of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivars under well-watered conditions: interactions with leaf size

In a greenhouse study, 12 common bean cultivars from a wide geographical range were compared for their morphological, gas exchange and hydraulic architecture characters. Cultivars bred for cultivation in hot and dry regions had significantly smaller leaves and crowns, but higher stomatal conductances and transpiration rates per unit of leaf area. Short-term variability in gas exchange rates was confirmed using leaf carbon isotope discrimination. A literature survey showed that, although previously unnoticed, the strong inverse coupling between leaf size and gas exchange rates was present in three other studies using the same set of cultivars. Several measures of ‘leaf-specific hydraulic conductance’ (i.e. for the whole plant and for different parts of the xylem pathway) were also linearly related to rates of water loss, suggesting that the coupling between leaf size and gas exchange was mediated by a hydraulic mechanism. It is possible that breeding for high production in hot regions has exerted a selection pressure to increase leaf-level gas exchange rates and leaf cooling. The associated reductions in leaf size may be explained by the need to maintain equilibrium between whole-plant water loss and liquid-phase hydraulic conductance.
Physico-chemical conditions in the rumen of Bedouin goats: effect of drinking, food quality and feeding time

Summary In Bedouin goats maintained outdoors during the summer, fed lucerne hay and watered once daily, drinking was followed by a 35% increase in rumen fluid volume, with a concomitant drop in osmolality from 300 to 150 m-osmol/kg. When water was provided to these goats only once every 4 days, a three-fold increase in the rumen fluid volume was recorded and osmolality dropped from 360 to 80 m-osmol/kg. Feeding, which was depressed during the hot hours of the day, resumed in the afternoon and was followed by an expansion of rumen fluid volume. This expansion occurred irrespective of drinking and was sustained throughout the night. On the 1st day of water denial it amounted to 40% of the noontime rumen fluid volume and was less pronounced during the rest of the water deprivation period. An evening increase in the concentrations of volatile fatty acids, along with a compatible increase in the osmolality and a drop in the pH, also followed the afternoon resumption of feeding. In goats maintained on wheat straw, drinking as well as feeding time affected the physico-chemical conditions in the rumen to a lesser degree than in goats maintained on lucerne hay.
Cascaded Multi Level Inverter Using Single-Organize Exchanged-Capacitor Module Topology

An inverter is a force electronic gadget that changes over DC power into an AC power at wanted yield frequency and voltage. Staggered Converters these days have become an intriguing territory with regards to the field of modern applications. A disadvantage of two-phase exchanged capacitor-based staggered inverter with the end goal that switches in the subsequent stage creek higher voltage stress. In this paper, a single organize exchanged capacitor module topology utilized. a single-organize Exchanged-capacitor module topology used for a cascaded Staggered Converters to solve the problem of two-stage switched-capacitor based multilevel inverter. Thirteen voltage levels are generated with the use of a single input dc source and with two capacitors. Also, the input dc source is importantly reduced compared with cascaded H-connect Staggered Converters and Envelop Type symmetric MLI. Also, voltage gain is double. The projected topology carries out switch check reduction. An activity of projected topology is approved through experimental results followed by trial aftereffects of the solitary module (13-level) model.
Optical Gain Characteristics of BGaAs/GaP Quantum Wells

Light emitters integrated with Si platform are highly desirable for photonic integrated circuits, however, manufacturing them remains difficult. In this work, BGaAs/GaP quantum well (QW) structures are proposed as a promising solution of the challenge. These QWs can be grown on GaP/Si templates, which are intensively developed for recent years. An 8-band k·p model, envelope function approximation, self-consistency in solving of Schrödinger and Poisson equations with parabolic approximations of the indirect valleys and Fermi golden rule are used to calculate and analyze the material optical gain spectra of the QWs. A positive material gain is found for the QWs with 10–35% BAs mole fraction, with zinc-blende BGaAs epilayers grown on the GaP(001) substrates as direct gap semiconductors. It is predicted that such structures emit red light with wavelengths from the range of 730–690 nm. Optimal QWs widths for maximal TE and TM gain polarizations are below the critical thickness of BGaAs grown on the GaP(001). Presented results clearly indicate that BGaAs/GaP QW system is a very promising gain medium for Si-compatible photonic integrated circuits.