Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EXOGENOUS APPLICATION OF GLYCINEBETAINE IMPROVES ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEM IN GREEN BEAN (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS) SEEDLINGS UNDER SALINITY STRESS [10]

Salt stresses collectively are responsible for many crop losses worldwide especially salt sensitive plants. The present study investigates the roles of exogenous application of glycinebetaine (GB, 5 mM) in improving salt stress tolerance in salt sensitive green bean seedlings. Salt stresses (45 mM NaCl for one week) significantly reduced leaf relative water (RWC) and chlorophyll (chl) content and increased percentage of electrolyte leakage, endogenous Proline and lipid peroxidation. Activities of peroxidase(PX), ascorbate peroxidae (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), were significantly increased in shoots and roots of green bean seedlings subjected to salt stress. Exogenous application of GB improves salt tolerance of green been seedlings as shown by increased RWC and chlorophyll contents in leaves and reduced percentage of electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation and proline content. Under salinity stress condition, GB application decreased the activities of PX, CAT, APX and SOD in seedling shoots, whereas, it increased the activities of CAT and AP in roots. The result suggests that exogenous application of GB increased green bean seedlings' tolerance to salt-induced oxidative damage by upregulating their antioxidant defense system where this compatible solute protect plant cell against salinity stress.
Computer Vision-based System for Impaired Human Vision Compensation

—This paper presents a high-level architecture of a computer vision-based system for partial compensation of lost or impaired human vision. It combines standard smartphone device, external deep learning-based image processing infrastructure and audio/tactile user interface. The proposed architecture is based on input from user-centered design process, involving end-users into system development. The paper discusses user needs and expectations for electronic travelling aids for the blind and highlights limitations of the existing solutions. The suggested architecture may be used as a basis for developing computer vision-based tools for visually impaired individuals.
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT FOR AIRBORNE LIDAR DATA FILTERING BASED ON DEEP LEARNING METHOD

Abstract. In this paper, we discuss how to improve the quality of classification results when deep learning is applied for the filtering of airborne LiDAR point cloud. We introduce the baseline method which utilizes convolutional neural network (CNN) based on voxelization, and then we propose three methods to improve the quality of classification result. The first method is data pre-processing that aims to exclude data in advance that is clearly not on the ground surface in order to efficiently extract the ground surface data. Data pre-processing can greatly reduce the number of target points and the subsequent processing can be performed efficiently. It also has the effect of preventing noise-like points floating in the air from being misclassified as the ground surface, as compared to the case without pre-processing. The second method is changing the network structure. In recent years, various networks have been proposed for classifying point clouds. In our study, the baseline is using very simple networks. In order to improve the classification result of the baseline method, the layer depth and the range size of convolution are changed, and we investigated about the improvements of the results. The current discussion can be used as a guidance when considering new networks. The third method is the integration of classification results from multiple networks. We integrated individual results from multiple networks with varying layer depths and convolution sizes, starting with the baseline, and investigated whether the results improved. We observed that even if the individual results were similar, the classification results can be improved by integrating the results.
A new procedure for transmitter attachment : effects on brood attendance and chick feeding rates by male common terns

A transmitter crystal and battery were covered with epoxy and wired to a size 2 USFWS aluminum leg band. The male partners of 10 Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) pairs were captured during late incubation at a Port Colbome, Ontario tern colony and the transmitter units fixed to their legs. The total package weighed an average 1.08 g more than the usual mass of a single band. The brood attendance patterns and feeding frequency rates of transmittered-males and of their female partners were contrasted over a 20-day period with those of non-transmittered males and their partners. No differences were found. Advantages of the attachment procedure are speed of attachment, light mass, rapid loss of antennae following battery exhaustion, and lack of adverse effect on parental behavior.
Analyzing Mass-Independent Data

Physiological ecologists often analyze allometric variables that are correlated because of their mutual association with body mass. Consequently, several methods have been developed to remove, or attempt to remove, the confounding effects of body mass, thereby allowing the examination of massindependent or mass-adjusted relationships. The concept of a mass-independent variable is familiar to most physiological ecologists, but the exact meaning of mass independence is likely to engender considerable debate. As a starting point, we consider a variable to be mass-independent if the product-moment correlation between the variable and mass is zero. Similarly, we consider the test of a relationship to be mass-independent if the effects of mass are removed (i.e., held constant) in an ordinary least-squares (OLS) multiple regression. The first approach that dealt with the confounding effects of body mass was the analysis of mass-specific data (i.e., data for which the original variable is divided by body mass). The rationale behind this approach was that dividing by mass should yield new variables for which the effects of size have been at least partially removed (i.e., the correlation of the mass-specific variable with mass should be reduced or eliminated). However, mass-specific data are not mass-independent unless the relationship between y, the variable before dividing by mass, and mass (M) is y = a * M1.0, where a is a constant (Packard and Boardman 1988). Despite Packard and Boardman's cautions, in the past 2 yr at least eight Physiological Zoology articles report potentially misleading mass-specific analyses. Currently, there are two other common methods used to analyze massindependent data. The first method is multiple regression with mass included as an independent variable. ANCOVA with treatments adjusted for mass is
Rapd analysis of amorphophallus germplasms

The genomic DNAs isolated from 22 Amorphophallus species/accessions were used to analyze the genetic relationship among them by RAPD technique. Of 40 decamer nucleotide primers screened, 9 showed consistent banding patterns and amplifications in all the materials tested and produced 84 bands, of which 77 appeared to be polymorphic. The 22 species/accession were clustered into 5 groups by UPGA (unweighted pair-group average). The classifications tree showed that the topology of the tree portrayed the relationship among the species. Three successions cultivated in Guizhou were most closely related. A. konjac and A. albus were shown to be closely related genetically. A. konjac appeared to be the most distant species from A. tokinensis , followed by A. dunnii . Such results are believed to provide molecular biological information for sorting out Amorphophallus resources in China.
Growth of the Spotted Turtle, Clemmys guttata

Growth of the spotted turtle, Clemmys guttata, was studied in southeastern Pennsylvania. Growth is more rapid in juveniles and slows once maturity is reached, but is not as affected by the attainment of maturity as in Chrysemys picta and Chrysemys scripta. Growth in the first season depends on the date of hatching; hatchlings which overwintered in the nest and emerged the following spring grew larger due to a longer season. The usual growth period in southeastern Pennsylvania is from 1 April to 30 June, or 91 days, and is most limited by water temperature. The growth period is compared to that of Chrysemys picta from the same locality.
The Optical Measurement of Depth

The formula for vertical measurement by means of the fine adjustment of the microscope, n 2 / n 1 x measured depth = real depth, is true, where n 2 is the refractive index of the object and n 1 is that of the immersion medium of the objective lens . The refractive index of the mountant is unimportant. Several additional complications of this method of measurement suggest that it should not be used unless it cannot be avoided, or rough figures are required quickly.
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE XTH GENE FAMILY IN COTTON

Cotton is the single most important crop in Texas agriculture, reaching a value of 4 billion dollars per year. Cotton fiber is the major product in cotton cultivation which is converted into economic revenue. Therefore, most research groups have focused on fiber development and improvement of fiber quality. The xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase gene family has a unique role in plant cell wall elongation and development during plant growth. It can cut and paste xyloglucan fragments into xyloglucan hemicellulose matrix in Type I plant cell wall, allowing cell wall extension and loosening while bearing tension for normal cell metabolism. XTH genes encode enzymes that may play a role in determining fiber length and other fiber qualities during cotton fiber development. Both the structures and functions of the XTH family have been well studied in Arabidopsis. In this research the cotton XTH genes were cloned by using the sequence information of Arabidopsis XTHs. A cotton boll cDNA library and a cotton genomic BAC library were screened and used for cotton XTH gene cloning. The clones of cotton XTHs were classified to three distinctive groups based on their 3′UTR sequences. The three groups were denoted as GhXTH-G1, G2, and G3. The sequences of abnormal transcripts of GhXTH-G1 showed transcription termination in the middle of introns, producing shortened forms of mRNAs. In addition, two GhXTH-G1 genes were analyzed and assigned to A and D sub genomes. Real time quantitative RT-PCR was used to study tissue and development specific patterns of XTH gene expression. GhXTH-G3 appears to be the most important cotton XTHs in cotton fiber development. Also, hormone
Medžimurje horse population in Slovenia

In the nineteenth and early twentieth century the Medžimurje horse played an important role as a draft and working horse in the river Mura region. Nowadays, this area is split between Hungary, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. In the frame of the project "Management of traditional transboundary breeds on example of a nearly forgotten breed the Murinsulaner", we collected data for cold blooded horses similar to the Medžimurje horse. Horses of this type do not exist in Austria anymore, in Croatia they were registered as an authothonous breed »Medjimurje horse«, and in Slovenia and Hungary this horse has a special section in the stud book for cold blooded horses as a Medžimurje type of horse. The Slovenian part of the population of the Medžimurje horse is quite heterogeneous regarding body measures. With respect to the scoring system used in the above mentioned project, the majority of scored animals were classified as »desired« or »satisfactory«. In order to further develop or to preserve this type of horse or to form a consolidated breed we would have to make a breeding program which would prevent mating among related animals and to cooperate with neighbouring countries in the field of breeding and selection. The only hope to preserve this type of horse on the long term in the region is by using it as a tourist attraction for carriage riding and/or as a draft horse in agriculture in marginal regions.
Determination of Some Agronomic Traits and Their Correlation with Yield Components in Cowpea

Cowpea is one of the vital grain legumes used for human and animal nutrition. Due to its rich protein content, cowpea supplies the protein requirement, especially in the African continent. Although cowpea is morphologically similar to common bean, it is a more tolerant species to heat and drought conditions. So, cowpea production has various advantages in semi-arid regions. The aim of this study was to determine some agronomic traits of used cowpea genotypes and evaluate their correlations with yield components. Plant height (PH), stem diameter (SD), leaf surface temperature (LST), total chlorophyll content (TCC), number of pods per plant (NP), number of seeds per plant (NS) and seed yield (SY) changed between 54.6-91.3 cm, 3.1-7.6 mm, 27.9-31.7 °C, 39-56.1%, 25.7-49.1, 307.5-684 and 646-2381 kg ha - , respectively. It is noteworthy that Karagoz produced the maximum SY compared to the other varieties. Besides, it was determined that SY has positive significant correlation with NS (r=0.98**), NP (r=0.96**), TCC (r=0.93**), SD (r=0.91**) and PH (r=0.86**).
Transient Hybridization between Different Hemoglobins Detected by Cross Electrophoresis

In this paper, we aimed to introduce a new method in detecting transient hemoglobin (Hb) hybrids. First, electrophoretic pure HbA, HbA2, HbF and HbA1 were prepared by starch–agar mixed gel, and then cross electrophoresis was performed on 2% starch–agar mixed gel. The slow-moving HbA2 samples were added in the front long slots and the fast-moving HbA, HbF and HbA1 samples were added in the back short slots of the gel. These two rows of slots are all located on the cathode side of the gel and about 1 cm away from each other. After electrophoresis, which was performed at 5V/cm for about 4 h, the gel was stained with Ponceau Red and Benzidine. The results showed that when fast-moving HbA and HbF crossed slow-moving HbA2, the band shape of HbA2 was deformed as a valley, however when fast-moving HbA1 crossed slow-moving HbA2, the band shape of HbA2 was not deformed. This finding demonstrates that HbA and HbF could form transient hybrid with HbA2 during cross electrophoresis; however HbA1 could not form any hybrid with HbA2 because of its chemical modification of Hb subunits.
Filogenia do complexo Caladieae-zomicarpeae (araceae) baseada em seqüências do DNA plastidial

O complexo Caladieae-Zomicarpeae e composto pelos generos Zomicarpa, Zomicarpella, Ulearum, Filarum, Hapaline, Scaphispatha, Caladium, Jasarum, Xanthosoma, Chlorospatha e Syngonium e tem uma distribuicao especialmente neotropical, com excecao do genero asiatico Hapaline. O grupo contem elementos de razoavel importância economica, tanto para fins ornamentais (Caladium e Syngonium) quanto para fins alimenticios (Xanthosoma), mas a sua taxonomia ainda e confusa. Atualmente, a classificacao aceita admitiu a divisao deste complexo em duas tribos distintas: Caladieae e Zomicarpeae. Entretanto, a circunscricao das tribos do complexo e problematica, assim como a propria circunscricao dos generos envolvidos. O genero Xanthosoma e considerado promissor como fonte de alimento em paises em desenvolvimento, mas programas de melhoramento genetico estao hoje impossibilitados pela carencia de conhecimentos basicos sobre as relacoes evolutivas entre as especies cultivadas e seus parentes silvestres. Alem disso, os limites genericos entre Xanthosoma, Caladium e Chlorospatha permanecem em debate ha cerca de 30 anos. Para a reconstrucao filogenetica do complexo, sequencias nucleotidicas dos marcadores: matK, intron trnK e o espacador trnL-trnF foram analisadas para 58 acessos pertencentes ao complexo, incluindo tres grupos externos (Amorphophallus bulbifer, Typhonium roxburghii e Orontium aquaticum). Os metodos de analise filogenetica foram Maxima Parcimonia e Inferencia Bayesiana, com resultados essencialmente similares. Nossos resultados indicam que o complexo Caladieae-Zomicarpeae e parafiletico, compondo clados que reunem Caladium e Zomicarpaeae, contradizendo a classificacao atual, ja que elementos de diferentes tribos mesclam-se no mesmo cladograma. Isto sugere que a tribo Caladieae seja expandida para incluir os generos da tribo Zomicarpeae. Os generos Xanthosoma e Chlorospatha nao surgiram como grupos monofileticos isoladamente, mas juntos formaram um clado bem suportado. Tal resultado sugere que o aspecto compartilhado do grao de polen em tetrades tenha surgido somente uma vez no complexo. Ja as semelhancas entre Caladium e Xanthosoma parecem ter surgido por convergencia evolutiva, ja que os clados contendo esses grupos mostraram-se claramente independentes. Nossos resultados apontam para uma origem evolutiva relativamente recente da maioria das especies cultivadas de Xanthosoma e pode subsidiar programas de melhoramento genetico. Caladium lindenii, uma especie amplamente cultivada do grupo, mostrou-se completamente distinta das outras especies supostamente congeneres, surgindo proxima as especies de Syngonium, devendo ser posteriormente recombinada em um outro genero. O genero Scaphispatha nao parece ser segregavel de Caladium nas nossas analises. Nossos resultados apontam informacoes importantes que podem contribuiur para a classificacao do complexo Caladieae-Zomicarpeae, indicando uma necessidade de redefinicao das tribos e de ajustes nas proprias circunscricoes genericas, incluindo uma ampliacao no genero Xanthosoma para incluir Chlorospatha.
Antigenic Analysis of Asian Aquatic Birnavirus Isolates Using Monoclonal Antibodies

A panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAb) was used in an immunodot assay to investigate the antigenic relationships of a variety of aquatic birnaviruses from Asia. All of the Asian birnaviruses tested shared a serogroup-specific epitope with related viruses from North America and Europe. Six viruses from Taiwan were identical in MAb reaction patterns to European eel virus (EEV) and differed from the European Ab virus only by the presence of a single epitope. A single isolate from Thailand was identical to the European Sp virus. Ten viruses from Taiwan exhibited a variety of MAb reaction patterns that were distinct from those previously reported for the nine known serotypes of North America and Europe.
Indochinese‐Sundaic faunal transition and phylogeographical divides north of the Isthmus of Kra in Southeast Asian Bulbuls (Aves: Pycnonotidae)

For terrestrial organisms, a faunal transition zone between the Indochinese and Sundaic regions is delimited north of the Isthmus of Kra on the Thai‐Malay Peninsula. We used a mitochondrial marker to test the predicted location of intraspecific north–south divides for four species of bulbuls (Pycnonotus). Phylogenetic relationships among Thai‐Malay populations and their closest relatives from the Greater Sundas were reconstructed from a multilocus data set including 35 Pycnonotus species.
Regulation of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 in cholesteryl ester storage disease

Previous studies from the Francis laboratory have determined that regulation of ABCA1 expression is impaired in the lysosomal cholesterol storage disorder Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease, the presumed reason for the low plasma HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels found in the majority of NPC disease patients. Cholesteryl ester storage disease (CESD) is another lysosomal cholesterol storage disorder, resulting from deficiency in lysosomal acid lipase (LAL). CESD patients develop premature atherosclerosis, possibly related to their known low plasma HDL-C levels. We hypothesized that in CESD the reduced activity of LAL also leads to impaired ABCA1 regulation and HDL formation due to the decrease in release of unesterified cholesterol from lysosomes. Our results show that human CESD fibroblasts exhibit a blunted increase in ABCA1 mRNA and protein in response to addition of low density lipoprotein (LDL) to the medium when compared to normal human fibroblasts. Efflux of LDL-derived cholesterol radiolabel and mass to apolipoprotein A-I-containing medium was markedly reduced in CESD fibroblasts compared to normal fibroblasts. Cellular radiolabeled cholesteryl ester derived from LDL and total cell cholesteryl ester mass was increased in CESD compared to normal cells. Delivery of an adenovirus expressing full length human lysosomal acid lipase (Ad-hLAL) results in correction of LAL activity and an increase ABCA1 protein expression, as well as correction of cholesterol and phospholipid release to apoA-I and normalization of cholesteryl ester levels in the CESD fibroblasts. These accumulated results suggest ABCA 1 expression is dependent on lysosomal acid lipase activity, and provide additional support for a major role of the lysosomal pool of unesterified cholesterol as a regulator of ABCA1 expression and HDL formation in humans.
Erratum: Semiconducting Stress Transducers Utilizing the Transverse and Shear Piezoresistance Effects

Principles of a varied group of new semiconducting, piezoresistive stress and strain transducers are outlined. These devices have in common the utilization of the transverse or shear piezoresistive effect. One group of devices consists of gauges in the form of a thin rectangular sheet which is bonded to the test piece, and whose resistance change can be expressed as a simple function of the principal stresses in the gauge. Two special gauges in this group are described. In one, the resistance change is proportional to the sum of the principal biaxial stresses for any orientation of the gauge on the test piece. In the other, the resistance change is proportional only to longitudinal stress components, being independent of transverse stress components. Also described are: a four‐terminal gauge for complete determination of biaxial stresses, full‐bridge gauges made from a single crystal, load cells of low compliance, new torque transducers, and diffusion techniques for making some of the foregoing. The devic.
New records of Lotus (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae: Loteae) from Africa and southwest Asia

Summary. New records of Lotus hebranicus, L. lalambensis, L. laricus, L. torulosus, and L. discolor subsp. mollis are listed. The distribution of other species is discussed. A key to the species of the Lotus arabicus group is presented. While studying Lotus collections in the herbaria at Kew (K) and the Natural History Museum (BM) I found specimens which add to our knowledge of the distribution of several taxa in Africa and southwest Asia. All specimens cited have been seen.