Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding Farmers’ Technology Adoption Decisions: Input Complementarity and Heterogeneity

Agriculture growth in Africa is often characterized by low aggregate levels of technology adoption. Recent evidence, however, points to co-existence of substantial adoption heterogeneities across farm households and a lack of a suitable mix of inputs for farmers to take advantage of input complementarities, thereby limiting the potential for learning towards the use of an optimal mix of inputs. We use a detailed large longitudinal dataset from Ethiopia to understand the significance of input complementarities, unobserved heterogeneities, and dynamic learning behavior of farmers facing multiple agricultural technologies. We introduce a random coefficients multivariate probit model, which enables us to quantify the complementarities between agricultural inputs, while also controlling for alternative forms of unobserved heterogeneity effects. The empirical analysis reveals that, conditional on various types of unobserved heterogeneity effects, technology adoption exhibits strong complementarity (about 70 percent) between chemical fertilizers and improved seeds, and relatively weaker complementarity (between 6 and 23 percent) between these two inputs and extension services. Stronger complementarities are observed between specific extension services (advice on land preparation) and improved seed and chemical fertilizers, as opposed to simple visits by extension agents, suggesting that additional benefits can be gained if the extension system is backed by “knowledge” inputs and not just focus on “nudging” of farmers to use these inputs. The analysis also uncovers substantial unobserved heterogeneity effects, which induce heterogeneous impacts in the effect of the explanatory variables among farmers with similar observable characteristics. We also show that ignoring these behavioral features bears important implications in quantifying the effect of some policy interventions which are meant to facilitate technology adoption. For instance, ignoring these features leads to significant overestimation of the effectiveness of extension services in facilitating technology adoption. We also document strong learning behavior, a process that involves learning-by-doing as well as learning from extension agents.
Dissociation and reassociation of oligomeric viral glycoprotein subunits in the endoplasmic reticulum

The vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) glycoprotein (G) forms noncovalently linked trimers in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) prior to transport to the cell surface. Here we examined the formation of heterotrimers between wild-type and mutant subunits that were retained in the ER by C-terminal retention signals. When G protein was coexpressed with mutant subunits that formed trimers at the wild-type rate and were transported from the ER at the wild-type rate, heterotrimers were readily detected. In contrast, when G protein was coexpressed with mutant subunits that formed trimers at the wild-type rate, but were retained in the ER, heterotrimers were not detected unless transport of the wild-type molecules from the ER was blocked. After removal of transport block, the heterotrimers then dissociated and reassorted to homotrimers of the mutant protein that were retained in the ER and wild-type trimers that were transported to the cell surface. These and other results presented here indicate that there is an equilibrium between G protein trimers and monomers in vivo, at least in the ER. This equilibrium may function to allow escape of wild-type subunits from aberrant retained subunits.
Global transcriptome profile reveals abundance of DNA damage response and repair genes in individuals from high level natural radiation areas of Kerala coast

The high level natural radiation areas (HLNRA) of Kerala coast in south west India is unique for its wide variation in the background radiation dose (<1.0mGy to 45mGy/year) and vast population size. Several biological studies conducted in this area did not reveal any adverse effects of chronic low dose and low dose rate radiation on human population. In the present study, global transcriptome analysis was carried out in peripheral blood mono-nuclear cells of 36 individuals belonging to different background dose groups [NLNRA, (Group I, ≤1.50 mGy/year) and three groups of HLNRA; Group II, 1.51–5.0 mGy/year), Group III, 5.01-15mGy/year and Group IV, >15.0 mGy/year] to find out differentially expressed genes and their biological significance in response to chronic low dose radiation exposure. Our results revealed a dose dependent increase in the number of differentially expressed genes with respect to different background dose levels. Gene ontology analysis revealed majority of these differentially expressed genes are involved in DNA damage response (DDR) signaling, DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, histone/chromatin modification and immune response. In the present study, 64 background dose responsive genes have been identified as possible chronic low dose radiation signatures. Validation of 30 differentially expressed genes was carried out using fluorescent based universal probe library. Abundance of DDR and DNA repair genes along with pathways such as MAPK, p53 and JNK in higher background dose groups (> 5.0mGy/year) indicated a possible threshold dose for DDR signaling and are plausible reason of observing in vivo radio-adaptive response and non-carcinogenesis in HLNRA population. To our knowledge, this is the first study on molecular effect of chronic low dose radiation exposure on human population from high background radiation areas at transcriptome level using high throughput approach. These findings have tremendous implications in understanding low dose radiation biology especially, the effect of low dose radiation exposure in humans.
Fabrication of the main electrodes of the NMIA-BIPM calculable capacitor

The design of the NMIA-BIPM calculable cross capacitor includes the requirement that the main electrodes be geometrically true cylinders to within 100 nm over all but the last 50 mm at each end of their length. After much experimentation, techniques have been developed that result in the fabrication of electrodes that comfortably meet this requirement.
Implications for research.

The abuse of drugs is not solely a medical problem. It is an array of different social, behavioral, and physiological problems in which the manufacturer, distribution, and use of medicinals is involved. While clinical practice presents an incessant panorama of behavioral issues to which the perceptive physician is privy, he usually is only minimally expert or influential in behavioral treatment and legal policy. This certainly is the case in the area of drug abuse. Hopefully, physicians will sharpen the focus of their interest, develop appropriate skills, and seek the expertise of others whose competence is clear. For reliable knowledge, the traditions of scientific medicine require explicit definition of a number of quite different aims. What do we need to know to prevent the spread of drug abuses—about those motives and forces which initiate drug intake, those sustaining it, and those leading either to uncontrolled or controlled intake? What do we
Photoreceptor inner segments in monkey and human retina: Mitochondrial density, optics, and regional variation

The present work quantifies aspects of photoreceptor structure related to mitochondria, inner segment dimensions, and optical properties, as a basis for furthering our understanding of rod and cone function. Electron-microscopic analyses were performed on the retina of one stumptail macaque (Macaca arctoides) to obtain stereological measurements of ellipsoid mitochondrial density, and sizes and shapes of outer and inner segments. In addition, the distribution of mitochondria and the optical properties of human foveal cones were examined with electron microscopy and Nomarski differential interference contrast (NDIC) imaging. Mitochondria comprised 74–85% of cone ellipsoids and 54–66% of rod ellipsoids in macaque. Ellipsoid volume increased with eccentricity by 2.4-fold for rods and more than 6-fold for cones over eccentricities to 12.75 mm, while the volume of the outer segment supported by the ellipsoid was essentially constant for both rods and cones. Per unit volume of outer segment, cones contained ten times as much mitochondria as rods. In human fovea, as in the rest of the retina, most cone mitochondria were located in the distal inner segment. In the foveal center, however, there are also mitochondria in the myoid, as well as in the outer fiber, proximal to the external limiting membrane (ELM). Analyses of the optical aperture of human foveal cones, the point at which their refractive index clearly differs from the extrareceptoral space, showed that it correlated well with the location of mitochondria, except in the foveal center, where the aperture appeared proximal to the ELM. While mitochondria have an important metabolic function, we suggest that the striking differences between rods and cones in mitochondrial content are unlikely to be determined by metabolic demand alone. The numerous cone mitochondria may enhance the waveguide properties of cones, particularly in the periphery.
Identifying workflow disruptions in the cardiovascular operating room

The objectives of this study were to identify the frequency and nature of flow disruptions in the operating room with respect to three cardiac surgical team members: anaesthetists; circulating nurses; and perfusionists. Data collected from 15 cases and coded using a human factors taxonomy identified 878 disruptions. Significant differences were identified in frequency relative to discipline type. Circulating nurses experienced more coordination disruptions (χ2 (2, N = 110) = 7.136, p < 0.028) and interruptions (χ2 (2, N = 427) = 29.743, p = 0.001) than anaesthetists and perfusionists, whereas anaesthetists and perfusionists experienced more layout issues than circulating nurses (χ2 (2, N = 153) = 48.558, p = 0.001). Time to resolve disruptions also varied among disciplines (λ (12, 878) = 5.186, p = 0.000). Although most investigations take a one‐size fits all approach in addressing disruptions to flow, this study demonstrates that targeted interventions must focus on differences with respect to individual role.
DIFFERENTIAL STAINING OF ULTRATHN SECTIONS OF EPON-EMBEDDED TISSUES FOR LIGHT MICROSCOPY

A convenient method is described for the removal of Epon 812 from thin sections, utilizing a saturated solutions of sodium hydroxide. The tissue architecture and ultrastructural details are preserved. Hematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid-Schiff and phosphotungstic-hematoxylin staining modifications are suggested which result in differentiation similar to that seen in paraffin sections. The technique is applicable to ultrathin sections suitable for examination with the electron microscope, allowing comparison of staining characteristics and fine structure of adjacent thin sections.
WELL-BEING AND BELONGING DURING EARLY EDUCATIONAL TRANSITIONS

This study identifies and explores some of the issues surrounding the transition from the Foundation Stage to Key Stage 1 in a school in England (from age 5 to age 6.) Data were gathered from teachers, parents and children through questionnaires, interviews and observation of practice. The conclusions drawn are that personal social and emotional well-being and developing a sense of belonging to the school community are significant factors in the transition process in terms of the impact this has on children’s learning. Informative communication with all those involved is a central element in the transition process if children’s well-being is to be supported effectively and continuity of learning uninterrupted.
Multi-Vth FinFET sequential circuits with independent-gate bias and work-function engineering for reduced power consumption

Brute-force sequential circuits with reduced clock load and simpler circuitry are widely used in the state-of-the-art integrated circuits. In this paper, new multi threshold voltage (multi-Vth) brute-force sequential circuits based on independent-gate bias and work-function engineering are proposed for reducing the power consumption while maintaining similar speed and noise immunity characteristics as compared to the standard single threshold voltage (single-Vth) tied-gate FinFET circuits. With the proposed latches and flip-flops, the total active mode power consumption, the clock power, and the average leakage power are reduced by up to 55%, 29%, and 53%, respectively, while maintaining similar speed and data stability as compared to the circuits with single-Vth tied-gate FinFETs in a 32nm FinFET technology. Furthermore, the area is reduced by up to 21% with the new sequential circuits as compared to the circuits with single-Vth tied-gate FinFETs.
Assessment of the probiotic potential of a dairy product fermented by Propionibacterium freudenreichii in piglets.

Dairy propionibacteria, including Propionibacterium freudenreichii , display promising probiotic properties, including immunomodulation. These properties are highly strain-dependent and rarely studied in a fermented dairy product. We screened 10 strains, grown in a newly developed fermented milk ultrafiltrate, for immunomodulatory properties in vitro. The most anti-inflammatory strain, P. freudenreichii BIA129, was further tested on piglets. P. freudenreichii -fermented product improved food intake and growth of piglets. Colonic mucosa explants of treated pigs secreted less interleukin 8 (-25%, P < 0.05) and tumor necrosis factor α (-20%, P < 0.05), either in basal conditions or after a lipopolysaccharide challenge. By contrast, the gut structure, barrier function (measured ex vivo in Ussing chambers), microbial diversity (assessed by 16S rRNA pyrosequencing), and colonic short-chain fatty acid content were unchanged, assuming maintenance of normal intestinal physiology. In conclusion, this work confirms in vivo probiotic properties of dairy propionibacteria-fermented products, which are promising for the prevention or healing of inflammatory bowel diseases.
Inhibiting purinergic P2X7 receptors with the antagonist brilliant blue G is neuroprotective in an intranigral lipopolysaccharide animal model of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder, which is characterized by the selective and progressive death of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra. Increasing evidence suggests that inflammation is important in the degeneration of DA neurons. The purinergic receptor subtype P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is key in the activation and proliferation of microglia. The present study aimed to examine whether inhibiting purinergic P2X7 receptors is neuroprotective in a rat model of PD, specifically via inhibiting p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). In an intranigral lipopolysaccharide (LPS) rat model of PD, immunohistochemical analysis revealed enhanced expression of P2X7R was observed in microglia. The administration of the P2X7R antagonist, brilliant blue G (BBG), reduced activation of the microglia and the loss of nigral DA neurons. In addition, immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis revealed the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK increased in the microglia of the LPS-injected rats, which was inhibited by BBG treatment. The p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580, reduced microglial activation and the loss of DA neurons. Thus, these findings suggested that inhibition of P2X7R by BBG attenuated microglial activation and the loss of substantia nigra DA neurons via p38 MAPK in the rat LPS model of PD.
Observer-based adaptive FNN control of robot manipulators: PSO-SA self adjust membership approach

In this paper, a novel observer-based adaptive fuzzy-neural network (FNN) control scheme for robotic systems is proposed for tracking performance and to suppress the effects caused by uncertainties, and disturbances. A PSO-SA based adaptive FNN system is used to approximate an unknown system from the manipulation of the model following tracking errors. The proposed scheme uses an observer, which allows for identifying the state of an unknown state in the system, simultaneously. It is shown that the proposed control scheme can guarantee the better tracking performance and suppress internal uncertainties or external disturbance. Simulations are given to show the validity and confirm the performance of the proposed scheme.
Abstract: Open-Source, Customizable, 3D-Printed Ocular Prosthetics as a Viable Alternative to Traditional Ocular Prosthetics

CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that our novel proprietary scaffold can polarize macrophages to the M2 phenotype and deliver supra­physiologic levels of macrophages to wounds to significantly accelerate wound healing in the absence of adverse effects on scar size and quality. Polarizing macrophages on a scaffold in vivo minimizes time in cell culture and is a desirable method for simultaneous directed differentiation and cell delivery. With further studies, this could prove to be a novel therapeutic for wound regeneration.
Human skin transcriptome during superficial cutaneous wound healing

Healing of the epidermis is a crucial process for maintaining the skin's defense integrity and its resistance to environmental threats. Compromised wound healing renders the individual readily vulnerable to infections and loss of body homeostasis. To clarify the human response of reepithelialization, we biopsied split‐thickness skin graft donor site wounds immediately before and after harvesting, as well as during the healing process 3 and 7 days thereafter. In all, 25 biopsies from eight patients qualified for the study. All samples were analyzed by genome‐wide microarrays. Here, we identified the genes associated with normal skin reepithelialization over time and organized them by similarities according to their induction or suppression patterns during wound healing. Our results provide the first elaborate insight into the transcriptome during normal human epidermal wound healing. The data not only reveal novel genes associated with epidermal wound healing but also provide a fundamental basis for the translational interpretation of data acquired from experimental models.
EcoCyc: an encyclopedia of Escherichia coli genes and metabolism

The encyclopedia of Escherichia coli genes and metabolism (EcoCyc) is a database that combines information about the genome and the intermediary metabolism of E.coli. It describes 2034 genes, 306 enzymes encoded by these genes, 580 metabolic reactions that occur in E.coli and the organization of these reactions into 100 metabolic pathways. The EcoCyc graphical user interface allows query and exploration of the EcoCyc database using visualization tools such as genomic map browsers and automatic layouts of metabolic pathways. EcoCyc spans the space from sequence to function to allow investigation of an unusually broad range of questions. EcoCyc can be thought of as both an electronic review article, because of its copious references to the primary literature, and as an in silico model of E.coli that can be probed and analyzed through computational means.
Poster: WiFi-based Device-Free Human Activity Recognition via Automatic Representation Learning

Existing human activity recognition approaches require either the deployment of extra infrastructure or the cooperation of occupants to carry dedicated devices, which are expensive, intrusive and inconvenient for pervasive implementation. In this paper, we propose SmartSense, a device-free human activity recognition system based on a novel machine learning algorithm with existing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) WiFi routers. By exploiting the prevalence of existing WiFi infrastructure in buildings, we developed a novel OpenWrt based firmware for COTS WiFi routers to collect the CSI measurements from regular data frames. To identify different human activities, an automatic kernel representation learning method, namely auto-HSRL, is established to selection informative Hilbert space patterns from time, frequency, wavelet, and shape domains. A new information fusion tool based on multi-view kernel learning is proposed to combine the representations extracted from diverse perspectives and build up a robust and comprehensive activity classifier. Extensive experiments were conducted in an office and the experimental results demonstrate that SmartSense outperforms existing methods and achieves a 98% activity recognition accuracy.
Gene expression and development databases for C. elegans

The nematode worm C. elegans, with its transparent body, is an excellent vehicle for studying developmental gene expression during embryogenesis and throughout its short life. Expression data from in-situ hybridization, immunolocalization and reporter constructs have been put into the ACeDB database, which is used to store and disseminate most types of C. elegans data, and is also widely used for genome-sequencing projects. In the database, the gene-expression patterns are linked to genes, sequences, cells, organs and the developmental stage in which expression occurs. An accessory program 'Angler' can be used to browse sectional Nomarski images of the worm embryo during early development, and to relate these images to overlaid cell lineage data and 3-D schematic views of cell positions.Copyright 1997 Academic Press Limited Copyright 1997Academic Press Limited
PATTERNS OF REPRODUCTIVE ISOLATION IN MEDITERRANEAN DECEPTIVE ORCHIDS

Abstract The evolution of reproductive isolation is of central interest in evolutionary biology. In plants, this is typically achieved by a combination of pre- and postpollination mechanisms that prevent, or limit, the amount of interspecific gene flow. Here, we investigated and compared two ecologically defined groups of Mediterranean orchids that differ in pollination biology and pollinator specificity: sexually deceptive orchids versus food-deceptive orchids. We used experimental crosses to assess the strength of postmating prezygotic, and postzygotic reproductive isolation, and a phylogenetic framework to determine their relative rates of evolution. We found quantitative and qualitative differences between the two groups. Food-deceptive orchids have weak premating isolation but strong postmating isolation, whereas the converse situation characterizes sexually deceptive orchids. Only postzygotic reproductive isolation among food-deceptive orchids was found to evolve in a clock-like manner. Comparison of evolutionary rates, within a common interval of genetic distance, showed that the contribution of postmating barriers was more relevant in the food-deceptive species than in the sexually deceptive species. Asymmetry in prezygotic isolation was found among food-deceptive species. Our results indicate that postmating barriers are most important for reproductive isolation in food-deceptive orchids, whereas premating barriers are most important in sexually deceptive orchids. The different rate of evolution of reproductive isolation and the relative strength of pre- and postmating barriers may have implication for speciation processes in the two orchid groups.
Detection of Sleep Apnea in SWS Stages Using ECG Signal

Sleep apnea syndrome is established so far by analyzing recordings of respiratory rate during a night's sleep. Generally, the recording is done through the experiences of spirometry and pressure sensors located on the abdomen or thorax. This recording type is notably expensive and uncomfortable for the patient. We describe in this paper a new approach for automatically detecting sleep apnea based only on the analysis of respiratory activity estimated from electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings during sleep. In the first part, we present an automatic technique preprocessing of ECG signals. Preprocessing will enable both the identification and the elimination of different artifacts types that contaminate ECG signal and its reconstruction in order to ensure an accurate estimate of respiratory activity from the ECG signal. In the second part, we present our technique of automatic detection of sleep apnea, which is based on the respiratory rate analysis. Keywords—Artifacts, Classification, ECG, Sleep apnea, respiratory rate.