Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lateral Diffusion of CO2 in Leaves Is Not Sufficient to Support Photosynthesis[w]

Lateral diffusion of CO2 was investigated in photosynthesizing leaves with different anatomy by gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence imaging using grease to block stomata. When one-half of the leaf surface of the heterobaric species Helianthus annuus was covered by 4-mm-diameter patches of grease, the response of net CO2 assimilation rate (A) to intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) indicated that higher ambient CO2 concentrations (Ca) caused only limited lateral diffusion into the greased areas. When single 4-mm patches were applied to leaves of heterobaric Phaseolus vulgaris and homobaric Commelina communis, chlorophyll a fluorescence images showed dramatic declines in the quantum efficiency of photosystem II electron transport (measured as Fq′/Fm′) across the patch, demonstrating that lateral CO2 diffusion could not support A. The Fq′/Fm′ values were used to compute images of Ci across patches, and their dependence on Ca was assessed. At high Ca, the patch effect was less in C. communis than P. vulgaris. A finite-volume porous-medium model for assimilation rate and lateral CO2 diffusion was developed to analyze the patch images. The model estimated that the effective lateral CO2 diffusion coefficients inside C. communis and P. vulgaris leaves were 22% and 12% of that for free air, respectively. We conclude that, in the light, lateral CO2 diffusion cannot support appreciable photosynthesis over distances of more than approximately 0.3 mm in normal leaves, irrespective of the presence or absence of bundle sheath extensions, because of the CO2 assimilation by cells along the diffusion pathway.
TDOA and Doppler estimation for cyclostationary sgnals based on multi-cycle frequencies

This paper considers estimation of time-difference-of-arrival (TDOA) and Doppler shift for cyclostationary signals based on multiple cycle frequencies. By fusing multiple single-cycle estimators, a novel method referred to as multicycle estimator is proposed which can overcome the disadvantages that single-cycle estimator has. Performance analyses of the proposed algorithm are also carried out. The performances of different estimators in various environments are tested in numerical simulations. Simulation results indicate that the newly proposed algorithm outperforms the single-cycle estimator and conventional cross-correlation method.
Age of Salpingo-Oophorectomy and Risk of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis in Patients with a BRCA Mutation

Background: Women with BRCA1/2 germline mutations who undergo bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) are left with a residual risk of peritoneal serous carcinoma (PSC). We aimed to identify the incidence and risk factors for the development of PSC after BSO in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. Methods: One-hundred-seventeen BRCA1/2 mutation carriers who underwent BSO were evaluated for further development of PSC. The BSO specimens were evaluated for occult Fallopian tube carcinoma (FTC), ovarian carcinoma (OVC) and serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) in all patients. P53-signature was available in 58 patients. Clinical data was obtained from patients’ charts. We calculated the association between clinical, pathological and molecular risk factors of PSC after BSO. Results: Analysis of BSO specimens revealed occult FTC in 1 woman (0.8%), STIC in 2 women (1.7%), and 6/58 women (10.3%) had a positive “p53 signature”. Older age at menopause (p=0.007) and shorter oral contraceptive use (p<0.001) were associated with FTC and STICs. The incidence of PSC after BSO was 1.7% (two patients). Both were BRCA2 mutation carriers and one had a history of STIC. The only risk factor identified for PSC after BSO was older age at surgery (63.5 years for patients with PSC vs. 48.6 years for patients without PSC, p<0.001). Conclusions: The incidence of PSC after BSO in our series is 1.7% and it is associated with an older age at BSO. Earlier menopause and oral contraceptive use seem to be associated with a decrease in the prevalence of occult FTC and STICs.
[POSTER] Automatic Visual Feedback from Multiple Views for Motor Learning

A system providing visual feedback of a trainee's motions for effectively enhancing motor learning is presented. It provides feedback in synchronization with a reference motion from multiple view angles automatically with only a few seconds delay. Because the feedback is provided automatically, a trainee can obtain it without performing any operations while the memory of the motion is still clear. By employing features with low computational cost, the system achieves synchronized video feedback with four cameras connected to a consumer tablet PC.
Can A Community Evidence-based Asthma Care Program Improve Clinical Outcomes?: A Longitudinal Study

Rationale:Asthma is associated with significant morbidity. Previous studies highlight significant variations in asthma management approaches within primary care settings where the adoption of published asthma guidelines is typically suboptimal. Objective:To determine whether the implementation of an evidence-based asthma care program in community primary care settings leads to improved clinical outcomes in asthma patients. Methods, Measurements, and Main Results:A community-based participatory research project was implemented at 8 primary care practices across Ontario, Canada, consisting of elements based on the Canadian Asthma Consensus Guidelines (asthma care map, program standards, management flow chart and action plan). A total of 1408 patients aged 2–55 years participated. Conditional logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the odds ratios (OR) comparing baseline to follow-up while adjusting for age, gender, socioeconomic status and other covariates. At 12-month follow-up, there were statistically significant reductions in self-reported asthma exacerbations from 77.8% to 54.5% [OR = 0.35; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.28–0.43]; emergency room visits due to asthma from 9.9% to 5.5% (OR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.32–0.62); school absenteeism in children from 19.9% to 10.2% (OR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.25–0.54); productivity loss in adults from 12.0% to 10.3% (OR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.34–0.71); uncontrolled daytime asthma symptoms from 62.4% to 41.4% (OR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.27–0.42); and uncontrolled nighttime asthma symptoms from 46.4% to 25.4% (OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.23–0.37). Conclusions:Development and implementation of a community-based primary care asthma care program led to risk reductions in exacerbations, symptoms, urgent health service use and productivity loss related to asthma.
Exploiting form semantics and validation checks to improve e-form layout

On their route to the electronic era, organisations release on the web more and more complex form-based services, which require users to enter numerous data items interrelated by business rules. In such a context, it is crucial to provide optimal form layouts, in order to present the service users with interfaces that facilitate their work. This paper presents an integrated environment, which exploits data item interrelations manifested by the business rules (or validation checks), to optimise the layout of the web forms comprising a complex service. The approach is validated through its application on a tax return form e-service.
Thermal conduction inhomogeneity of nanocrystalline diamond films by dual-side thermoreflectance

Thin diamond films of thickness near 1 μm can have highly nonuniform thermal conductivities owing to spatially varying disorder associated with nucleation and grain coalescence. Here, we examine the nonuniformity for nanocrystalline chemical vapor deposited diamond films of thickness 0.5, 1.0, and 5.6 μm using picosecond thermoreflectance from both the top and bottom diamond surfaces, enabled by etching a window in the silicon substrate. The extracted local thermal conductivities vary from less than 100 W m−1 K−1 to more than 1300 W m−1 K−1 and suggest that the most defective material is confined to within 1 μm of the growth surface.
Single‐Generation Estimates of Individual Fitness as Proxies for Long‐Term Genetic Contribution

Individual fitness is a central evolutionary concept, but the question of how it should be defined in empirical studies of natural selection remains contentious. Using founding cohorts from long‐term population studies of two species of individually marked birds (collared flycatcher Ficedula albicollis and Ural owl Strix uralensis), we compared a rate‐sensitive (λind) and a rate‐insensitive (lifetime reproductive success [LRS]) estimate of individual fitness with an estimate of long‐term genetic fitness. The latter was calculated as the number of gene copies present in the population after more than two generations, as estimated by tracing genetic lineages and accounting for the fact that populations were not completely closed. When counting fledglings, rate‐insensitive estimates of individual fitness correlated better than rate‐sensitive estimates with estimated long‐term genetic contribution. When counting recruits, both classes of estimates performed equally well. The results support the contention that simple, rate‐insensitive measures of fitness, such as LRS, provide a valid and good estimate of fitness in evolutionary studies of natural populations.
A New Modulation Method with Low Switching Frequency for Cascade Multilevel Current Controlled Converter

Recently cascade multilevel converters have attracted attention for many applications in medium voltage levels, such as STATCOMs and active power filters. The main challenges in these applications are limitation of the switching frequency of semiconductor devices and low harmonic distortion requirement of the current supplied by the current injection device. In this paper a new modulation method is proposed which produces total harmonic distortion of less than 4% with low switching frequency of 300 Hz. The proposed method has very fast dynamic response and can change the supplied current from nominal capacitive to inductive mode in less than 5 msec. The sensitivity of the method in producing a low current distortion to the ripple of the dc capacitors is low, so the current distortion is low even during transient states. Predictive current control is used in current injection loop to determine the required reference value for voltage source converter. A sample design for a 6.6-kV 12-MVAr STATCOM is presented. Simulation results show the feasibility and superiority of the proposed method.
The Petunia MADS Box Gene FBPI 7 Determines Ovule ldentity

In contrast to the wealth of information relating to genes regulating floral meristem and floral organ identity, only limited data are available concerning genes that are involved in determining and regulating the identity and development of an ovule. We have recently isolated the floral binding protein 71 (FBP71) MADS box gene from petunia and found that it is expressed exclusively in ovule primordia and subsequently in the ovules, suggesting a role for this gene in ovule forma.tion. To test this hypothesis, we constructed a recombinant gene in which the full-size FBPl7 cDNA was placed under the control of a strong cauliflower mosaic virus 35s promoter. Transgenic petunia plants expressing this chimeric gene have ovulelike structures on the adaxial side of the sepals and the abaxial side of the petals. Detailed morphological studies showed that these ovulelike structures are true ovules. RNA gel blot analysis was performed to investigate ectopic FBP77 expression in relation to the expression of the closely related FBP7 gene and the putative petunia class C-type homeotic genes FBP6 and pMADS3. Our results indicate that FBP7l represents an ovule identity gene. A new model describing the mode of action of F B P l l as an additional class D MADS box gene is presented.
Construction of a Responsive Web Service for Smooth Rendering of Large SSC Dataset: and the Corresponding Preprocessor for Source Data

This research focuses on a smooth rendering of continuous 2D map based on a smooth 3D vario-scale geographical data structure. A Space Scale Cube (SSC) offers non-redundant geometric data for the different level of details. SSC model represents geographic data as a closed polyhedron, to generate a 2D map; SSC is intersected with the projection plane; resulting in a set of 2D polygons. However, problems emerge when creating maps with a large sized SSC dataset under web environment due to limited bandwidth and decoding speed. Repetitively transmitting data from the server to the client can be time and bandwidth consuming. A preprocess should be applied to a source that allows the follow-up development of an online traffic and time-efficient prototype. After preprocessing, large sized data will be subdivided based on octree algorithm to minimize transmission time from server to the client; moreover, accessible to WebGL. A prototype has been developed which enables smooth and timely vario-scale map rendering against heavy user actions such as fast zooming and panning in a short period. Modified prototype program allows query of only relevant data chunks by current viewport position; it prevents repeated loading of same chunks; what is more, repeated transmission of data from outside to GPU is eliminated. A tree structure is embedded at the client side that facilitates retrieve time. Rendering happens every frame; hence the prototype responses to heavy user actions timely. Also, it can obtain coordinates in RD coordinate system by double clicking. After testing the modified program with a 9km by 9km dataset online, exceptional performance is indicated by a high average frame rate (57 fps) and low main memory occupation (with a network speed at 9MB/s). The prototype performance is significant affected by the client network condition; low network speed can decrease the frame rate. For instance, the web service achieved a frame rate of 47 fps at a network speed at 6MB/s.
An Optimized Segmentation Framework Applied to Glioma Delimitation

In this article we describe our segmentation framework applied to glioma delimitation in multimodal magnetic resonance images. Statistical pattern recognition strategies are applied to create a discriminative function. The discriminative classifier is the result of an automatic learning process based on random forest (RF) algorithm. This algorithm is used for two different purposes as well as in the construction of segmentation classifiers, as in the variable importance evaluation task. In the training phase the most important local image features are selected and the most adequate optimal parameters of the RF classifier are determined. The goal is to find the discriminative model that allows us to obtain the best possible segmentation performances. The segmentation framework obtained was evaluated online using the brain tumor segmentation benchmark system, and the performances were compared to the best ones reported in the literature.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of some new N-fatty acyl derivatives of 4,5-dimethoxy tryptamine

The aim of this study is to synthesize and examine the in vitro anticancer, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of N-fatty acyl derivatives of 4,5-dimethoxy tryptamine. A series of new N-fatty acyl derivatives of 4,5-dimethoxy tryptamine compounds derived from 2,3-dimethoxy benzaldehyde have been prepared. The synthesized compounds have been characterized and screened for anticancer, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The synthesized derivatives have been evaluated for their cytotoxicity on various cell lines. Compounds 9a and 9g have shown promising cytotoxicity, while compounds 9c, 9d and 9e have shown moderate activity for all the tested cancer cell lines. The antioxidant activities have been determined with regard to DPPH radical scavenging activity, superoxide free radical scavenging activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Based on the results, it has been observed that N-fatty acyl derivatives of 4,5-dimethoxy tryptamine exhibit promising antioxidant activity. In particular, the undecenoic acid-based derivative 9d shows good antioxidant activity in all the three assays. Further, the compound 9d exhibits significant antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis MTCC 121 with MIC value of 15.6 μg/mL.
Texture Classification Based on Texton Features

Texture Analysis plays an important role in the interpretation, understanding and recognition of terrain, biomedical or microscopic images. To achieve high accuracy in classification the present paper proposes a new method on textons. Each texture analysis method depends upon how the selected texture features characterizes image. Whenever a new texture feature is derived it is tested whether it precisely classifies the textures. Here not only the texture features are important but also the way in which they are applied is also important and significant for a crucial, precise and accurate texture classification and analysis. The present paper proposes a new method on textons, for an efficient rotationally invariant texture classification. The proposed Texton Features (TF) evaluates the relationship between the values of neighboring pixels. The proposed classification algorithm evaluates the histogram based techniques on TF for a precise classification. The experimental results on various stone textures indicate the efficacy of the proposed method when compared to other methods.
The dominant linear neutralizing antibody-binding site of glycoprotein gp86 of human cytomegalovirus is strain specific

Bacterial fusion proteins, constructed from overlapping fragments of the open reading frame coding for gp86 of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) strain AD169, were used to localize antigenic regions recognized by antibodies from human convalescent sera. A major domain for binding of conformation-independent antibodies was localized on fusion protein AP86, containing amino acids 15 to 142 of gp86. Human antibodies, affinity purified on AP86, neutralized infectious virus in tissue culture. In addition, a mouse monoclonal antibody (AP86-SA4), raised against AP86, also neutralized HCMV. AP86-SA4 was reactive with viral gp86 in immunoblot assays and showed a plasma membrane staining on intact HCMV-infected fibroblasts late in infection. After exonuclease III deletions of the viral gene, the binding site of neutralizing human as well as mouse antibodies was localized between amino acid residues 34 and 43. The domain has sequence variation between laboratory strains AD169 and Towne, and binding of the antibodies was strain specific. To our knowledge, this is the first characterization of a strain-specific neutralizing epitope on HCMV.
The Role of OmpK35, OmpK36 Porins, and Production of β-Lactamases on Imipenem Susceptibility in Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates, Cairo, Egypt.

BACKGROUND OmpK35 and OmpK36 are the major outer membrane porins of Klebsiella pneumoniae. We aimed to study the effect of combined porin loss and production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) on imipenem susceptibility among K. pneumoniae clinical isolates. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study included 91 suspected ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae clinical isolates, isolated from different patient specimens at the Cairo University hospital from January to June 2010. All isolates were subjected to genotypic analysis of the outer membrane protein gene expression using reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and analysis of OmpK35/36 of 38 isolates by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). RESULTS By RT-PCR, loss of Omp35 was detected in 78 (85.7%) isolates, loss of Omp36 was detected in 64 (70.32%), and loss of both porins was detected in 62 (68.1%). Out of 91 isolates, 45 (49.5%) were resistant to cefoxitin, and 17 (18.7%) were confirmed as derepressed AmpC producers. Omp35 was lost in all FOX-resistant isolates, whereas Omp36 was lost in 42 (93.3%) (p-value 0.002). The mean of ceftazidime inhibition zone diameter was significantly decreased among ESBL-producing isolates with loss of Omp35/36 (p-value 0.041 and 0.006), respectively. The mean of imipenem minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was markedly increased to 8.55 μg/ml among AmpC-producing isolates with Omp35/36 loss, while the mean of imipenem MIC among the 66 confirmed ESBL producers was 0.32 μg/ml. CONCLUSION Imipenem MIC was markedly increased among K. pneumoniae isolates showing AmpC production with loss of both porins OmpK35/36. Meanwhile, the association of porin OmpK35/36 loss with ESBL production was not a direct cause of resistance to imipenem.
Wideband Low-Loss Magnetoelectric Dipole Antenna for 5G Wireless Network With Gain Enhancement Using Meta Lens and Gap Waveguide Technology Feeding

In this paper, a wideband magnetoelectric (ME) dipole antenna excited by a slot coupled to a fork-shaped printed ridge gap waveguide is proposed. To enhance the antenna gain, a meta lens consists of three layers of split ring resonators (SRRs) are integrated horizontally in front of the ME dipole antenna. Each slab contains a 3×7 array of SRR unit cells. The matching bandwidth is improved as a secondary effect of the lens. A 1 × 4 array is designed to provide more gain by adjusting the lens between the edge elements of the four-element array. The antenna is fabricated and tested. The measured results show that -10 dB S11 is obtained between 26.5 and 38.3 GHz. The measure realized gain is better than 15 dBi over the frequency range of 28-38 GHz. A 90% radiation efficiency at 30 GHz is achieved.
A smart bushfire monitoring and detection system using GSM technology

This paper describes a smart bushfire monitoring system that can provide an early warning message in case of a bushfire. The system utilises short message service through global system for mobile (GSM) communication technology as a medium of communication. The device is composed of a temperature and humidity sensors that are connected to a microcontroller. The microcontroller also interfaces with a GPS receiver to report the module position and a GSM module to communicate the sensory information. This message can then be collected by either another mobile phone or SMS server for further action or processing. The details of the device architecture, developed algorithms, and performance are provided.
Selecting persuasive strategies for design for energy-saving behavior

Design for energy saving behavior has been applied in many areas such as home energy management systems and information systems provided by utility companies. The purpose of this work is to help designers of the areas select effective persuasive strategies by considering users' differences. The work begins with screening commonly employed persuasive design strategies based on literature and analysis of existing cases for design for energy-saving behavior. Secondly, a questionnaire survey is conducted to investigate possible demographic differences on persuasiveness of the selected persuasive strategies due to different user groups. Thirdly, effective persuasive strategies for different types of target users are recommended based on the results of statistical analysis. The results could help designers choose appropriate design strategies for developing specific products or systems for different target users.
Resonant Reflection From Dipole Arrays Located Very Near To Conducting Planes

Plane-wave reflection from regular arrays of small particles positioned very near to an ideally conducting plane is theoretically studied. It is found that extremely thin (in wavelength) coverings with resonant properties can be realized if the array particles are small dipole antennas loaded by bulk inductances. This offers a possibility to realize an artificial magnetic conductor as a thin covering over conducting bodies. Dependencies of the resonance frequency and the resonant curve width on geometrical parameters are given. The theory is supported by numerical examples.