Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Manifold-Net: Using Manifold Learning for Point Cloud Classification

In this paper, we propose a point cloud classification method based on graph neural network and manifold learning. Different from the conventional point cloud analysis methods, this paper uses manifold learning algorithms to embed point cloud features for better considering the geometric continuity on the surface. Then, the nature of point cloud can be acquired in low dimensional space, and after being concatenated with features in the original three-dimensional (3D)space, both the capability of feature representation and the classification network performance can be improved. We pro-pose two manifold learning modules, where one is based on locally linear embedding algorithm, and the other is a non-linear projection method based on neural network architecture. Both of them can obtain better performances than the state-of-the-art baseline. Afterwards, the graph model is constructed by using the k nearest neighbors algorithm, where the edge features are effectively aggregated for the implementation of point cloud classification. Experiments show that the proposed point cloud classification methods obtain the mean class accuracy (mA) of 90.2% and the overall accuracy (oA)of 93.2%, which reach competitive performances compared with the existing state-of-the-art related methods.
The Influence of Rainfall and Grazing on the Demography of Some African Savanna Grasses: A Matrix Modelling Approach

Size-structured matrix models were constructed for the perennial grasses of two African savannas (Aristida bipartita, Bothriochloa insculpta, Digitaria eriantha, Heteropogon contortus, Setaria incrassata and Themeda triandra) separately for each of four 1-year transitions under light or heavy grazing. The asymptotic population growth rate varied between years in relation to rainfall trends, but there were few marked differences between grazing treatments. Aristida had the highest asymptotic growth rate (λ 1 = 1.624) over a single transition period, while the heavily grazed population of Heteropogon had the lowest (λ 1 = 0.552). Most species declined in the final dry year. The stable stage distribution was generally a reversed «J» (.)
Factors Affecting Nitrogen Fixation in Azolla caroliniana

The effects of environmental variables on nitrogen fixation and growth of Azolla caroliniana were studied. Nitrogenase activity was highest at ~25˚C. Nitrogenase activity was highest at photosynthetic photon flux densities of 400-1000 µmol·m -2 ·s -1 and decreased sharply at lower levels. Azolla showed great sensitivity to drying in that nitrogenase activity was approximately halved as moisture concentration decreased from 95% to 87% of total fresh plant mass. A strong diurnal pattern of nitrogenase activity was detected; this pattern was not due to an endogenous rhythm. High plant density decreased specific nitrogenase activity per unit plant mass and per unit area; the optimal plant density for nitrogen fixation on an area basis is approximately 50-100 g dry ·m -2 . Two or 10.0 mg NH 4 -N·l -1 decreased nitrogenase activity; 10.0 mg NO 3 -N·l -1 decreased nitrogenase activity while 10.0 mg urea-N·l -1 was associated with an increase in nitrogenase activity. Ten mg NH 4 -N·l -1 caused a decline in Azolla growth; 10.0 mg NO 3 N·l -1 resulted in an increased growth rate.
Golden mean of the human body

The value of (j) = (/5~ + l)/2, or 1.61803. is referred to as the Golden Ratio or Divine Proportion. Such a ratio is sometimes discovered in nature, one instance being the mean between lengths of some organs of the human body. Leonardo da Vinci found that the total height of the body and the height from the toes to the navel depression are in Golden Ratio. We have confirmed this by measuring 207 students at the Pascal Gymnasium in Munster, where the almost perfect value of 1.618. was obtained. This value held for both girls and boys of similar ages. However, similar measurements of 252 young men at Calcutta gave a slightly different value—1.615. The tallest and shortest subjects in the German sample differed in body proportions, but no such difference was noted among the Indians in the Calcutta sample.
Reproductive traits of Octopus maya (Cephalopoda: Octopoda) with implications for fisheries management

ABSTRACT Octopus maya is the main species caught in Mexico. From September 2007 to June 2008, its sex ratio, reproductive season, frequency of non-vitellogenic and vitellogenic oocytes, reproductive indices, and size and weight at maturity, were evaluated. The monthly sex ratio was significantly different from 1:1. The major reproductive season occurs during February to June (dry season) in Yucatan. May−June is the common reproductive season to both Yucatán and Campeche populations. Higher frequencies of vitellogenic oocytes (> 50%) were found from January-March and in May. From five reproductive indices, only the macroscopic and microscopic maturity indices were the best descriptors of the reproductive season in females, whilst only the reproductive complex index was the best descriptor in males. The weight at sexual maturity (BW50%) was 335 g for females and 242 g for males. The size at sexual maturity (DML50%) was 12.58 cm for females and 7.42 cm for males. It is recommend revising the minimum catch size by following these results. The reproductive traits here evaluated could contribute to the recently created Plan for Management of Octopus Fisheries, in particular action line no. 1.4, which refers to protection of females during breeding, and to their protection throughout the entire reproductive season.
Characteristics of a hunted population of cougars in southwestern Alberta

We studied characteristics of a hunted cougar (Felis concolor) population in southwestern between 1981 and 1989 to support development of a species management plan. Although most cougars did not maintain separate summer and winter home ranges, the size of these ranges varied. Mean summer and winter home ranges for female residents were 87±8.5 (SE) and 97±8.2 km 2 , respectively. Male home ranges were larger (P<0.0001); summer and winter home ranges averaged 314±62.9 and 204±34.0 km, respectively
An In vitro Model for the Study of HIV Infection of Thymocytes

The study of human thymocytes requires an appropriate matrix to enable the proper function of thymocytes. Although OP9-DL1 cells have been well established as an ideal co-culture system for the generation of T-cells from their progenitors; their ability to support a mixed population of mature human thymocytes for in vitro HIV infection studies has yet to be established. We assessed the effects of co-culturing a heterogeneous population of mature human thymocytes with a mouse derived cell line (OP9) transduced with the notch ligand delta like 1 (OP9-DL-1) and compared this to standard co-culture with human thymic epithelial cells (TEC). Co-culturing thymocytes with OP9- DL1 cells resulted in higher viability and lower apoptosis when compared to TEC co-cultures. The subset distribution and CD127 expression of thymocytes varied slightly between conditions. Thymocytes co-cultured with OP9-DL1 cells had a lower proportion of CD3+DP cells and higher proportion of SP4 cells compared to TEC co-cultures. The mature CD3+CD4+CD8- (SP4) cells also had lower levels of CD127 expression in OP9-DL1 cultures when compared to TEC. Interleukin-7 stimulation of thymocytes resulted in a decrease in CD127 expression in OP9-DL1 co-cultures, as previously observed with TEC co-cultures. Thymocytes co-cultured with OP9-DL1 tended to have higher levels of IL-7 induced STAT-5 phosphorylation and had higher levels of Interleukin-7 induced Bcl-2 expression. OP9-DL1 cells provide a microenvironment which is permissive to HIV infection in thymocytes in vitro. Co-culturing thymocytes with OP9-DL1 will facilitate the study of human thymocytes and aid in the study of exogenous stimuli or infection on individual thymocyte subsets.
Distribution and Population Phenetics of the Florida Scrub Lizard, Sceloporus woodi

II. Lizards and Amphisbaenians. Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. 297. PRESCH, W. 1970. The evolution of macroteiid lizards (family Teiidae): an osteological interpretation. Dissertation, Univ. Southern California, Los Angeles. SEBA, A. 1734. Locupletissimi rerum naturalium thesauri accurata descriptio, et iconibus artificiosissimis expressio per universam physices historiam. I vol, Amsterdam. SMITH, A. C. , AND I. M. JOHNSTON. 1945. A Phytogeographic sketch of Latin America. In Verdoorn, F. (ed) 1945. Plants and plant science in Latin America. Ronald Press, New York. izards and Amphisbaenians. Bull. U S. PIX, J. B. DE. 1825. Animalia nova sive species novae lacertarum. Monachii 26 pp. WEBER, H. 1969. Zur Natiirlichen Vegetationsgliederung von Sudameriaka, p. 475-518. In: Biogeography and Ecology in South America, Fittkau et al., eds., 2. W. Junk Publ. , 1969.
FACTORS AFFECTING INTERBREEDING IN SYMPATRIC SPECIES OF SPADEFOOTS (GENUS SCAPHIOPUS)

Field trips were made on the nights immediately following or during rains, if it was judged that approximately onehalf inch or more of rain had fallen. In nearly every instance, a "circuit" trip was made. A circuit trip included both hurteri and couchi localities within a 40 mile radius of Austin. Ecological observations pertinent to reproductive isolation were made in the field. Hybrids were produced and raised to sexual maturity in the laboratory so that their fertility could be tested. Methods on artificial fertilization, induction of ovulation, and raising offspring will be discussed in a separate paper (Wasserman, in manuscript).
Long‐term average speech spectra for normal and hearing‐impaired adolescents

Acoustical aspects of the speech of hearing‐impaired persons are typically examined over brief periods of time for simple utterances. We were interested in whether abnormal acoustical patterns would be observed when speech was examined over relatively longer periods of time. Speech spectra were averaged for hearing‐impaired and normal adolescents using a constant frequency analysis bandwidth of 60 Hz across a 10‐kHz range (integration time approximately 30 s). Comparison of the spectra reveals: (1) hearing‐impaired adolescents with highly intelligible speech and normal adolescents exhibit similar spectra; (2) hearing‐impaired adolescents with speech intelligibility judged to be no higher than 72% yield spectra which are sometimes different from that of the normal adolescent; (3) the most obvious of the abnormal patterns is (a) the general finding of irregularity of the spectra; (b) a reduction in acoustical power between the fundamental speech frequency and the fourth harmonic which is almost twice that s.
Annotated catalogue of the Australian Scoliidae (Hymenoptera)

A catalogue of the Australian Scoliidae based on published literature is presented. The Australian fauna is represented by one subfamily, containing two tribes Campsomerini and Scoliini, 11 genera Australelis, Laevicampsomeris, Phalerimeris, Pseudotrielis, Radumeris, Trisciloa, Austroscolia, Scolia, Diliacos, Laeviscolia, and Liacos and 20 species. Four species have erroneously been recorded from Australia and some confusion surrounds reports of a fifth species. Many names are catalogued with annotations to explain confusing aspects of taxonomy and nomenclature applied by previous authors. elliott, Michael G. , 2011. Annotated catalogue of the Australian Scoliidae (Hymenoptera). Technical Reports of the Australian Museum, Online 22: 1–17.
[6]-Gingerol Ameliorates Cisplatin-Induced Pica by Regulating the TPH/MAO-A/SERT/5-HT/5-HT3 Receptor System in Rats

Purpose [6]-gingerol is a bioactive compound extracted from ginger, a traditional anti-emetic herb in Chinese medicine. Previous studies have demonstrated that [6]-gingerol can ameliorate chemotherapy-induced pica in rats, although the underlying mechanism has not been elucidated. This study is designed to investigate [6]-gingerol’s antiemetic mechanism focusing on the 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin, 5-HT) system by evaluating the synthesis, metabolism and reuptake of 5-HT, as well as the mechanism of 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptor (5-HT3 receptor), in a cisplatin-induced pica model of rats. Methods Rats were randomly divided into control group (vehicle + saline, Con), [6]-gingerol control group (50 mg/kg [6]-gingerol + saline, G-con), ondansetron control group (2.6 mg/kg ondansetron + saline, O-con), cisplatin model group (vehicle + cisplatin, Model), ondansetron-treated group (2.6 mg/kg ondansetron + cisplatin, O-treated), high dosage of [6]-gingerol-treated group (100 mg/kg [6]-gingerol + cisplatin, GH-treated), and low dosage of [6]-gingerol-treated group (50 mg/kg [6]-gingerol + cisplatin, GL-treated). The rats were administered with [6]-gingerol, ondansetron, and vehicle (3% Tween-80) by gavage twice (7:00 AM and 7:00 PM). One hour after the first treatment (8:00 AM), rats in groups Model, O-treated, GH-treated and GL-treated were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 6 mg/kg cisplatin, and the other groups were injected i.p. with saline of equal volume. The consumption of kaolin of the rats were measured. All the rats were anesthetized by i.p. injection of pentobarbital sodium at 24 h post-cisplatin. After blood samples were taken, medulla oblongata and ileum were removed. The levels of 5-HT and its metabolite 5-HIAA in ileum, medulla oblongata and serum were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD). The mRNA expression levels of 5-HT3 receptor, tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) and serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) were detected by real-time PCR. The protein expression levels and distribution of 5-HT3 receptor, TPH and MAO-A in the medulla oblongata and ileum were measured by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results [6]-gingerol treatment significantly reduced the kaolin ingestion and the increase in 5-HT concentration in rats induced by cisplatin. TPH, MAO-A, SERT, and 5-HT3 receptor are important in 5-HT metabolism, and cisplatin-induced alterations in the associated protein/mRNA levels were restored when treated with [6]-gingerol. Conclusion This suggests that the antiemetic effect of [6]-gingerol against cisplatin-induced emesis may be due to 5-HT attenuation via modulating the TPH/MAO-A/SERT/5-HT/5-HT3 receptor system.
Studies on the Relationship of Morphological, Anatomical Characters in Seedling Stage and Juice Sugar, Yield on Sugarcane Genotypes

The morphological and anatomical characters of leaf at seedling stage of 8 sugarcane genotypes were studied. The results showed that the correlation coefficients (0.61 and 0.72) among leaf width, leaf length and vein's number were positive in very significant level. There was an extremely significant negative correlation coefficient (-0.85) between leaf width and average vein width (AVW). The correlation among the first three characters mentioned above and cane juice sugar was negative. The cane yield was negatively correlated with leaf width and vein number and positively correlated with leaf length and AVW, respectively. The path analysis showed that the leaf length directly contributed 0 559 4 value to the cane juice sugar and 0.577 1 value to the cane yield, and the leaf width directly contributed 0.475 1 value to the cane juice sugar and -0.247 5 value to the cane yield. The vein's number had negative contributions to the both cane yield and juice sugar. The results showed that the characters of seedlings, which were more narrow leaf, lower vein's number, can be used as indirect selection indices for higher yield and higher sugar content of cane.
In silico mining of novel microRNAs from coffee (Coffea arabica) using expressed sequence tags

Summary MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression either by causing mRNA cleavage or by translational repression in plants and animals, respectively. We are beginning to understand the functional roles played by miRNAs in various life-forms to regulate growth and development. In this regard, there have been no reports on miRNAs in coffee, Coffea arabica, an economically important cash-crop. The experimental identification and characterisation of spatially and temporally expressed miRNAs have proved to be major challenges. Computational approaches that depend on sequence homology and secondary structure verification are important tools. In the present study, 18 novel miRNAs were identified in C. arabica using computational approaches to analyse the 174,275 expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences available in the NCBI-GenBank database. The construction of phylogenetic trees of five large families of miRNAs (those with ≥ 20 miRNAs) clearly indicated that the C. arabica miRNAs are evolutionarily conserved regulators of gene expression. Forty-one potential mRNA targets were also identified by homology searches for all 18 miRNAs against the C. canephora mRNA dataset using psRNATarget (http://plantgrn.noble.org/psRNATarget/; a plant small RNA target analysis site). Functional characterisation of the 18 newly-identified miRNAs revealed that the majority were involved in transcriptional regulation and signal transduction pathways. Our studies will provide new insights into miRNAs and their functions in C. arabica, and have opened-up new avenues for further functional analyses of the control of gene expression.
Survival of Stroke Patients According to Hypertension Status in Northern Ethiopia: Seven Years Retrospective Cohort Study

Background Globally, stroke appears as a major cause of preventable deaths and disabilities. In Ethiopia, the intra-hospital mortality of stroke is significant; however, epidemiologic data are scarce whether there is a difference in the overall survival time between hypertensive and non-hypertensive adult stroke patients admitted in specialized hospitals. This study was intended to determine the survival of stroke patients according to their hypertension status admitted in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northern Ethiopia from March 1, 2012, to February 28, 2019. Methods and Findings A hospital-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among all cohorts of confirmed first-ever stroke patients admitted in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northern Ethiopia. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was applied to estimate the survival probability of hypertensive and non-hypertensive first-ever stroke patients. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to determine the adjusted hazard ratio of death for each main baseline predictor variable with 95% CI, and P-value <0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. The assumptions of the Cox proportional hazards regression model assessed by the global test, Schoenfeld residuals. There were 503 (323 were hypertensive, 180 Non-hypertensive) confirmed first, ever adult stroke patients, the overall median age of the patients was 65 years, IQR (53–75) years. Seventy-five (14.9%) of them were dead, with a median survival time of 48 days and 428 (85.1%) of them were censored. At any particular point in time, the hazard of death among hypertensive patients was two times higher than non-hypertensive patients, but this was not found to be a statistically significant (adjusted HR=2.13: 95% CI 0.66–6.81). Glasgow Coma Scale 3–8 at admission (adjusted HR=10.12; 95% CI 2.58–40.68), presence of stroke complications (adjusted HR=7.23; 95% CI 1.86–28.26) and borderline high total cholesterol level (adjusted HR=3.57; 95% CI 1.15–11.1) were the only independent predictors of intra-hospital patient mortality. Conclusion The overall survival time difference between hypertensive and non-hypertensive first-ever adult stroke patients was not statistically significant. Early identification and treatment of stroke complications, co-morbidities along strict follow-up of comatose patients may improve the intra-hospital survival of stroke patients, and we also recommend community-based studies using a large sample size.
The Iranian Protocol of Group Reminiscence and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Institutionalized Older People

Purpose Reminiscence has a positive role in improving memory performance. It may increase the attention of the older adults to themselves, helping them to cope with the crises and the process of aging. We aimed to investigate the impacts of memory recalling, sharing life experiences and stories confidently from the past on promoting numerous domains of quality of life (QoL), among institutionalized older people in the Ilam province of Iran. Methods The study was carried out, using a quasi-experimental approach (a pre- and post-one group design). The statistical population consisted of all older people who were institutionalized in nursing homes. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 43 potential participants were recruited, and the status of QoL was assessed, using the Iranian short-form health survey (SF-36) and face to face interviews. Then, eight sessions were designed and implemented. The participants expressed their memories such as bitter and sweet memories at various periods of life, and finally, the QoL of the participants was re-evaluated according to the same questionnaire, three months after the intervention. Results There was a significant difference between the scores of pre- and post-intervention in most of the sub-scales of QoL, including physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health and emotional problems, emotional well-being, social functioning, and general health. Conclusion Reminiscence may, in certain circumstances, be an effective care option for people living in long-term care with the potential to impact positively on the QoL of residents.
Impact of Weight Change in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Literature Review and Critical Analysis

Objective Weight reduction is a key component of diabetes management in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), yet the benefits of weight loss in T2DM patients have been difficult to quantify. We examined the medical literature regarding the relationships between weight change and 1) glycemic control and 2) cost and resource use. Methods Systematic searches were conducted in the electronic databases Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to identify publications regarding the impact of weight change on T2DM outcomes from 2007 onward. Identified publications were screened for relevance against predefined eligibility criteria, and methodological approaches and results were extracted. Evidence for the impact of weight change on outcomes was evaluated and used to identify strengths, limitations, and gaps in the current literature. Results The number of studies meeting eligibility criteria for each outcome was: glycemic control (n=38) and cost and resource use (n=11). The relationship between weight change and glycemic control was dependent on the interplay of multiple factors, eg, the weight loss interventions employed, the antidiabetic medication classes used, the time horizon, and baseline BMI and glycemic control. With respect to cost and resource use, the review indicated that savings were associated with weight loss, and increased costs were associated with weight gain. Conclusion Studies regarding weight change in T2DM patients demonstrated varying effects on glycemic control and a positive association with costs and resource use, where weight loss was associated with decreased costs and resource use. Future studies may be able to clarify these relationships.
Detection of molecular markers linked to Ry genes in potato germplasm for marker-assisted selection for extreme resistance to PVY in AAFC’s potato breeding program

Abstract: Molecular markers reported to be linked to extreme resistance (ER) against Potato virus Y (PVY) were evaluated in potato germplasm. YES3-3A and YES3-3B, markers linked to Ry sto, were detected in ‘Barbara’ and its three descendants that exhibit ER to PVY; RYSC3, a marker linked to Ryadg, was detected in breeding clones NY121 and NY123. Assessment of RYSC3 as a marker for selection for Ryadg-mediated ER validated its efficacy in identification of selections with ER to PVY.