Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Primed lettuce seeds exhibit increased sensitivity to moisture content during controlled deterioration

The Ellis-Roberts seed viability equation is used to predict seed survival after storage at specified temperatures and moisture contents. Seed priming, which can break dormancy and accelerate germination, can also reduce seed storage life. Because primed seeds were not used in developing the Ellis-Roberts equation, the reciprocal nature of specific seed moisture content (MC, fresh weight basis) and temperatures that applies to nonprimed lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seeds may not apply to primed seeds. To determine how priming affects lettuce seeds in relation to the viability equation, an experiment was conducted using two cultivars, 'Big Ben' and 'Parris Island Cos'. Seeds primed in polyethylene glycol 8000 (-1.45 MPa, 24 h at 15 °C) and nonprimed seeds were first adjusted to 6% and 9% moisture contents and then stored at 48 and 38 °C for up to 30 days, respectively. These storage conditions (6% MC and 48 °C; 9% MC and 38 °C) were predicted by the viability equation to result in equal longevities. Subsequent viability assays at 20 °C revealed that nonprimed seeds in both storage environments exhibited similar losses in viability over time, thus validating the Ellis-Roberts equation and the use of these conditions to apply different but equal aging stress. Primed seeds of both cultivars deteriorated faster than nonprimed seeds as expected. However, primed seeds did exhibit different rates of deterioration between the storage environments. Primed seeds stored at 9% MC and 38 °C deteriorated faster than primed seeds stored at 6% MC and 48 °C. The rate of decline in probit viability percentage was three times greater in primed 'Big Ben' seeds stored at 9% MC and 38 °C than for those stored at 6% MC and 48 °C (-1.34 versus -0.26 probits per day, respectively). 'Parris Island Cos' seeds stored at 9% MC and 38 °C had twice the rate of deterioration that those stored at 6% MC and 48 °C (-1.19 and -0.49 probits per day, respectively). The results indicate that primed lettuce seeds were more sensitive to the adverse effects of higher seed MC than were nonprimed seeds during storage at elevated temperatures.
The moment of inertia of bird wings and the inertial power requirement for flapping flight

The agility and manoeuvrability of a flying animal and the inertial power required to flap the wings are related to the moment of inertia of the wings. The moments of inertia of the wings of 29 bird species and three bat species were determined using wing strip analysis. We also measured wing length, wing span, wing area, wing mass and body mass. A strong correlation (r2=0.997) was found between the moment of inertia and the product of wing mass and the square of wing length. Using this relationship, it was found that all birds that use their wings for underwater flight had a higher than average moment of inertia. Assuming sinusoidal wing movement, the inertial power requirement was found to be proportional to (body mass)0.799, an exponent close to literature values for both metabolic power output and minimum power required for flight. Ignoring wing retraction, a fairly approximate estimate showed that the inertial power required is 11­15 % of the minimum flight power. If the kinetic energy of the wings is partly converted into aerodynamic (useful) work at stroke reversal, the power loss due to inertial effects may be smaller.
Flexible Conformant Graphplan

The conformant planner has enjoyed great success in non-deterministic planning domain. However, the conformant planning problems are still cast in terms of imperative constraints that are either wholly satisfied or wholly violated. It is argued herein that this framework is too rigid to capture the full subtlety of many real problems. This paper introduces the notion of flexible constraint into conformant planning and introduces a novel flexible conformant planning problem, namely conformant flexible planning problem. We also put forward a Graph plan-based algorithm to solve this problem. The method takes into account user's requirement and taste, therefore, it can improve the quality of a plan comprehensively, and make the solution plan more suitable for the needs. In this sense, it can handle the planning problems much closer to the real world.
Modified orbital decompression for dysthyroid orbitopathy.

PURPOSE The transantral approach to orbital decompression remains useful for the management of exophthalmos associated with dysthyroid orbitopathy. However, the risk of postoperative diplopia is a concern. Preservation of the anterior periorbita may help support the orbital contents and decrease the incidence of diplopia. METHODS The medical records were reviewed of 15 consecutive patients who underwent 30 transantral orbital decompressions for proptosis associated with dysthyroid orbitopathy. The procedures were completed in standard fashion, including removal of the inferomedial bony strut between the medial orbital wall and the floor. However, stripping of the periorbita was only done posteriorly; the anterior 10 to 15 mm of periorbita were left intact. RESULTS Six patients had preoperative diplopia that persisted after decompression. Of the nine patients without diplopia preoperatively, none developed diplopia. Proptosis was reduced a mean of 3.5 +/- 2.6 mm. CONCLUSIONS Preservation of the anterior periorbita during transantral orbital decompression reduces the risk of postoperative diplopia. An adequate reduction in proptosis is also achieved.
Electrochemical redox reactions in solvated silica sol-gel glass *

The studies of the electrochemical redox reactions in solvated silica sol–gel glass were reviewed. The methodology of the experiments with emphasis on the direct preparation of the solid electrolyte and the application ultramicroelectrodes was described. Generally, the level of the electrochemical signal is not much below that observed in liquid electrolyte. The current depends on time elapsed after gelation, namely the longer time, the smaller current. The differences between electrochemical behaviour of the redox couples in monoliths and thin layers were described.
Heat Training in the Mongolian Gerbil

Heat avoidance was an effective technique in producing a discriminative response in Mongolian gerbils. Rapid relearning occurred after a series of extinction trials. The animals were able to master a successive-cue reversal task, with heat used as a negative reinforcer. In addition, there seemed to be 36-day retention of the discriminative response acquired through the heat-training procedure.
Construction of broad-host-range plasmid vectors for easy visible selection and analysis of promoters

We have constructed a series of broad-host-range plasmids which use "visual screens" to detect promoter activity. These plasmids contain the pMB1 and pRO1600 origins of replication and are capable of replicating in a wide range of gram-negative bacteria. The genes encoding beta-galactosidase and alkaline phosphatase from Escherichia coli and bacterial luciferase from Vibrio harveyi supply the promoterless indicator genes. The constructs were tested in E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
The production and biological assessment of cervine interferon gamma.

Cervine interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) was cloned and expressed using an Escherichia coli expression system pET-32. The expressed protein contained a 6 histidine purification tag and an 11 kDa thioredoxin fusion partner 5' to the IFN-gamma molecule. The ability of IFN-gamma to inhibit the killing of Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells by Semliki forest virus was used as a measure of the bioactivity of the recombinant cervine IFN-gamma (rIFN-gamma). It was shown that the presence of the thioredoxin fusion partner 5' to the IFN-gamma molecule did not affect its biological activity. As in the mouse model, it was shown that cervine rIFN-gamma was able to down-regulate the transcription of interleukin 10 mRNA while up-regulating the transcription of interleukin 12 mRNA in lipopolysaccharide-sensitized, peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A prototype ELISA was tested for its ability to detect both recombinant and native IFN-gamma. The ELISA was able to detect rIFN-gamma at concentrations greater than 100 pg/ml. It was also used to detect native IFN-gamma produced by peripheral blood lymphocytes from Mycobacterium bovis infected or vaccinated deer after in vitro restimulation with antigen. The rIFN-gamma and the cervine IFN-gamma specific ELISA provide valuable tools with which to study important zoonotic infections in farmed and wild deer.
L’expérience de magasinage sous l’influence du smartphone : une application au secteur de la chaussure

La place prise par le smartphone dans la vie des consommateurs ne cesse d’augmenter avec des usages en mobilite qui s’installent durablement au quotidien. Dote de ce pouvoir technologique et decisionnaire, le consommateur modifie son comportement d’achat. L’objectif de notre recherche est d’analyser l’impact des usages du smartphone sur les comportements de magasinage afin de comprendre quels sont les determinants de la mobilite et de l’usage de la technologie qui jouent un role sur les parcours d’achat. La problematique est centree sur l’analyse du processus d’achat dans sa globalite tout en gardant une approche moins monolithique. Notre recherche est empirique, fondee sur une double etude qualitative : une premiere etude ou nous interrogeons les consommateurs sur leurs pratiques quotidiennes du smartphone et sur leurs experiences d’achats hybrides influencees par cet outil technologique ; une seconde etude ou nous interrogeons des clientes juste apres une experience d’achat vecue dans un point de vente d’une enseigne multicanal de la chaussure. Un premier palier de resultats apporte une meilleure comprehension des usages du smartphone (sur les criteres de frequence et d’intensite d’usage) qui s’inscrivent definitivement dans la continuite du changement « mobiquitaire » des usagers. Un second palier de resultats montre le lien entre ces pratiques et la praxeologie du processus d’achat qui sous l’influence du smartphone devient plus rationnel et plus efficace. Neanmoins, l’experience d’achat vecue en point de vente, telle que nous l’avons etudiee pour un produit particulier, atteste que le magasin doit garder sa singularite. Il doit remplir des fonctions multimodales : des fonctions de commercialite traditionnelles en lien avec un processus d’achat initie sur internet et des fonctions sensorielles et emotionnelles qui renforcent une experience favorisant les achats d’impulsion et evitant une logique trop rationnelle. Nous proposons aux managers des enseignes des pistes d’amelioration pour adapter leur modele de distribution et revisiter le role alloue a leurs points de vente physiques.
Enhanced Generalized Reduced Gradient Method for Optimal Embedded Generation Planning

Recently integrating Embedded Generation units (EGs) in the distribution network gain popularity due to their overall positive impacts on the system they serve. Minimizing the system real power losses and improving the voltage profile of the system are just to name a few. However, suboptimal EG penetration and location might increase the system losses. This paper investigates the EG rating by formulating it as a nonlinear constrained optimization problem. Such problem is handled via an improved version of Generalized Reduced Gradient method, i.e. Fast GRG (FGRG). The conventional GRG is improved by incorporating a matrix-based radial power flow to satisfy the power flow equality constraints. The optimal rating impacts upon the distribution voltage profiles and the system losses are computed and reported. The optimal EG sizing utilizing the proposed FGRG is tested on 69-bus radial distribution system. Key-Words: Embedded Generation, Generalized Reduced Gradient, Nonlinear Programming, Optimization, Distribution Networks.
An active-clamping forward converter with non-linear step-down conversion

This paper propose a forward converter with non-linear step-down conversion ratio, comparison with traditional forward converter, it has more better duty utilization ratio, besides, two output inductors can share the load current naturally, the current stress of inductors and output diodes can be reduced. Thus, the proposed converter is suitable for high step-down application. At primary side, active-clamp control can cancel the voltage spike of main switch, it also achieve zero voltage switching operation of main switch and auxiliary switch, so that the switching loss can be reduced. Detailed analysis and design of this proposed converter are described. Experimental results are recorded for a prototype converter with an AC input voltage ranging from 90 to 264 V, an output voltage of 12 V and an output power of 240 W.
Functionally Heterogeneous CD8+ T-Cell Memory Is Induced by Sendai Virus Infection of Mice

ABSTRACT It has recently been established that memory CD8+ T cells induced by viral infection are maintained at unexpectedly high frequencies in the spleen. While it has been established that these memory cells are phenotypically heterogeneous, relatively little is known about the functional status of these cells. Here we investigated the proliferative potential of CD8+ memory T cells induced by Sendai virus infection. High frequencies of CD8+ T cells specific for both dominant and subdominant Sendai virus epitopes persisted for many weeks after primary infection, and these cells were heterogeneous with respect to CD62L expression (approximately 20% CD62Lhi and 80% CD62Llo). Reactivation of these cells with the antigenic peptide in vitro induced strong proliferation of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. However, approximately 20% of the cells failed to proliferate in vitro in response to a cognate peptide but nevertheless differentiated into effector cells and acquired full cytotoxic potential. These cells also expressed high levels of CD62L (in marked contrast to the CD62Llo status of the proliferating cells in the culture). Direct isolation of CD62Lhi and CD62LloCD8+ T cells from memory mice confirmed the correlation of this marker with proliferative potential. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Sendai virus infection induces high frequencies of memory CD8+ T cells that are highly heterogeneous in terms of both their phenotype and their proliferative potential.
The vascular morphology and in vivo muscle temperatures of thresher sharks (Alopiidae)

The thresher sharks comprise a single family (Alopiidae) of pelagic sharks most easily recognized by the elongate dorsal lobe of their caudal fin. Despite morphological similarities among the alopiids, the common thresher (Alopias vulpinus) is unique in that its red, aerobic myotomal muscle (RM) is medially positioned (i.e., closer to the vertebrae), its systemic blood is supplied through a lateral circulation which give rise to counter‐current heat exchanging retia, and it is capable of regional RM endothermy. Despite this information, it remains unknown if the other two alopiid species (bigeye thresher, Alopias superciliosus and pelagic thresher, Alopias pelagicus) also possess some or all of the characteristics related to regional RM endothermy. Thus, this study aimed to 1) document the presence of vascular specializations necessary for heat retention and RM endothermy and 2) measure the in vivo muscle temperatures of all three alopiid species. Laboratory dissections of the thresher species showed that only A. vulpinus possesses the lateral branching of the dorsal aorta giving rise to a lateral subcutaneous circulation and retial system, and that RM temperatures are elevated relative to ambient temperature. By contrast, both A. pelagicus and A. superciliosus have a similar systemic blood circulation pathway, in which the dorsal aorta and postcardinal vein form the basis for the central circulation and in vivo RM temperature measurements closely matched those of the ambient temperature at which the sharks were captured. Collectively, the vascular anatomy and in vivo temperature data suggest that only one species of thresher shark (A. vulpinus) possesses the requisite vascular specializations (i.e., lateral subcutaneous vessels and retia mirabilia) that facilitate RM endothermy. J. Morphol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Millimeter-Wave Integrated Pyramidal Horn Antenna Made of Multilayer Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Process

Due to the low atmospheric absorption over W-band, numerous applications are expected, which should be developed at low cost. Short wavelength makes the dimension of antennas in this frequency range small, which usually requires sophisticated and expensive fabrication process. This communication presents a class of integrated wideband pyramidal horn antennas which can be made of low-cost multilayered printed circuit board (PCB) process. The proposed horn antenna radiates along the broadside to the substrate and uses substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) as its feeder. Transverse slot on the top metallic surface at the end of SIW is deployed to drive the horn antenna. Metalized via holes are used to synthesize the horn walls. The opening of the horn antenna is discretely flared from the bottom to the top layer. Measured bandwidth of the antenna is 35 GHz (70-105 GHz) while a relatively constant gain of 10 ± 1 dB is obtained over most of the bandwidth.
Wireless charging pad based on travelling magnetic field for portable consumer electronics

Wireless charging platforms are becoming popular due to the elimination of electrical connectors. However, generating a uniform magnetic field over the charging pad is technically a challenging task, and normally it ends up using a charging pad with multi-layers and coils. This paper proposes a novel wireless charging pad based on travelling magnetic field. The moving feature of the proposed magnetic field simplifies the pad to a simple single-layer design, while giving the free positioning of the receiver coil above the pad. The basic principle of operation of the new design is presented in details. A 3D finite element model is developed to study the magnetic coupling property, particularly the uniformity of the magnetic field distribution above the pad. A complete practical set-up is constructed to evaluate the system performance. The simulation results revealed a reasonably uniform magnetic field distribution above the charging pad without any `dead areas' with zero magnetic field. The practical results has demonstrated that the average uncompensated power (Su=Isc.Voc) transferred to the receiver coil is about 1.3 VA, providing a maximum power transfer potential of 6.5W for charging consumer electronic devices such as mobile phones if the pickup circuit is tuned at a quality factor Q of 5.
A Branch-and-Cut Algorithm for the Symmetric Generalized Traveling Salesman Problem

We consider a variant of the classical symmetric Traveling Salesman Problem in which the nodes are partitioned into clusters and the salesman has to visit at least one node for each cluster. This NP-hard problem is known in the literature as the symmetric Generalized Traveling Salesman Problem (GTSP), and finds practical applications in routing, scheduling and location-routing. In a companion paper (Fischetti et al. [Fischetti, M., J. J. Salazar, P. Toth. 1995. The symmetric generalized traveling salesman polytope. Networks 26 113–123.]) we modeled GTSP as an integer linear program, and studied the facial structure of two polytopes associated with the problem. Here we propose exact and heuristic separation procedures for some classes of facet-defining inequalities, which are used within a branch-and-cut algorithm for the exact solution of GTSP. Heuristic procedures are also described. Extensive computational results for instances taken from the literature and involving up to 442 nodes are reported.
Combining Unmanned Aerial Systems and Sensor Networks for Earth Observation

The combination of remote sensing and sensor network technologies can provide unprecedented earth observation capabilities, and has attracted high R&D interest in recent years. However, the procedures and tools used for deployment, geo-referenciation and collection of logged measurements in the case of traditional environmental monitoring stations are not suitable when dealing with hundreds or thousands of sensor nodes deployed in an environment of tenths of hectares. This paper presents a scheme based on Unmanned Aerial Systems that intends to give a step forward in the use of sensor networks for environment observation. The presented scheme includes methods, tools and technologies to solve sensor node deployment, localization and collection of measurements. The presented scheme is scalable—it is suitable for medium–large environments with a high number of sensor nodes—and highly autonomous—it is operated with very low human intervention. This paper presents the scheme including its main components, techniques and technologies, and describes its implementation and evaluation in field experiments.
Typing of polyagglutinable Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from cystic fibrosis patients

The study assesses the reproducibility, typability and discriminatory power of several typing methods for Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from cystic fibrosis patients. 178 polyagglutinable Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from cystic fibrosis patients were serotyped using polyclonal sera and monoclonal antibodies, phage typed, pyocin typed and reverse phage typed. 31 of these polyagglutinable isolates, six monoagglutinable isolates and three nontypable isolates were also typed by means of hybridization using a DNA probe. In a comparison of the methods used, on polyagglutinable isolates only, typability was 0% with polyclonal sera, 90% with monoclonal sera, 94% with phage typing, 85% with pyocin typing, 36% with reverse phage typing and 100% with DNA‐prope typing. Using monoclonal antibodies, the reproducibility was 75%, while that of phage typing was 88%, pyocin typing 53% and reverse phage typing 62%. Typing with the DNA probe was not repeated. Using polyclonal sera, repeated typing showed that 94% of the isolates were polyagglutinable. Using phage typing, 40% of the isolates belonged to phage type 31+, while 60% were distributed amongst 32 phage types. Using monoclonal antibodies, 71% of the isolates belonged to 0‐group 3, and these isolates showed 16 different phage types. Subdisivion of the phage types was further achieved by both pyocin typing and reverse phage typing. The DNA probe typing made it possible in some cases to discriminate between isolates which were otherwise found identical with the conventional typing methods, while in other cases typing with the DNA probe recorded as identical isolates which conventional methods had typed as being different. These differences may be due to a high mutation rate caused by the selection pressure of antibiotics, and by the host immune response. According to our results, investigations of reproducibility and typability of old and new typing methods are essential when they are used in clinical situations. The low reproducibility of some of the typing methods in the present study affects the reliability of epidemiological investigations in cystic fibrosis patients. Usage of only one method may not be sufficient in cases of polyagglutinable strains from cystic fibrosis patients.