Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monitoring soil surface roughness under growing winter wheat with low‐altitude UAV sensing: Potential and limitations

Soil surface roughness (SSR) is an important factor in controlling sediment and runoff generation, influencing directly a wide spectrum of erosion parameters. SSR is highly variable in time and space under natural conditions, and characterizing SSR to improve the parameterization of hydrological and erosion models has proved challenging. Our study uses recent technological and algorithmic developments in capturing and processing close aerial sensing data to evaluate how high‐resolution imagery can assist the temporally and spatially explicit monitoring of SSR. We evaluated the evolution of SSR under natural rainfall and growing vegetation conditions on two arable fields in Denmark. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry was used to monitor small field plots over 7 months after seeding of winter wheat following conventional and reduced tillage treatments. Field campaigns were conducted at least once a month from October until April, resulting in nine time steps of data acquisition. Structure from motion photogrammetry was used to derive high‐resolution point clouds with an average ground sampling distance of 2.7 mm and a mean ground control point accuracy of 1.8 mm. A comprehensive workflow was developed to process the point clouds, including the detection of vegetation and the removal of vegetation‐induced point cloud noise. Rasterized and filtered point clouds were then used to determine SSR geostatistically as the standard deviation of height, applying different kernel sizes and using semivariograms. The results showed an influence of kernel size on roughness, with a value range of 0.2–1 cm of average height deviation during the monitoring period. Semivariograms showed a measurable decrease in sill variance and an increase in range over time. This research demonstrated multiple challenges to measuring SSR with UAV under natural conditions with increasing vegetation cover. The proposed workflow represents a step forward in tackling those challenges and provides a knowledge base for future research. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined effects of chemical fertilization and microbial inoculant on nutrient use efficiency and soil quality indicators

Microbial inoculant based on beneficial bacteria is a complementary management tool to increase vegetable production. However, its integration with chemical fertilization has been poorly studied. The present study evaluated the effects of microbial inoculant separately and in combination with chemical fertilization on lettuce under greenhouse conditions. An experiment was performed in pots using a completely randomized design. The microbial inoculant was applied at three fertilization levels. Soil response evaluated variables were: available N and P, total soil bacteria, soil enzymatic activities, and N leaching. Agronomic variables measured were: aerial biomass, chlorophyll content, and nutrient foliar contents. Microbial inoculant had a significant impact on soil total bacteria concentration. The application of reduced chemical fertilization and microbial inoculant had a similar effect in terms of soil nutrient availability and soil enzymatic activities as the complete fertilization. Nitrogen leaching was strongly dependent on chemical fertilization rate. Treatment application decreased chlorophyll concentration compared to the control. The application of microbial inoculant and chemical fertilization increased foliar N and P contents improving their uptake. The combined addition of microbial inoculant with chemical fertilization increases the bacteria concentration without altering enzymatic activities, maintaining similar soil nutrient levels and improving N and P uptake in lettuce. Future studies could be performed in lettuce to determine the impact under different growth stages and different soil conditions.
Contribution of AT1R mechanoactivation to the arterial myogenic response and its regulation by RGS5 protein in skeletal muscle arterioles

Although intracellular mechanisms underlying the arteriolar myogenic response have been well-defined, the mechanotransduction events transducing the mechanical stimulus remain unclear. Recently, ligand-independent activation of G protein-coupled receptors (in particular, the angiotensin II type 1 receptor; AT1R) has been suggested to play a major role in vascular smooth muscle mechanotransduction, thereby contributing to myogenic constriction. However, the downstream pathways following ligandindependent activation of the AT1R have not been clearly elucidated. Our studies provide pharmacological evidence that the mechanically activated AT1R generates diacylglycerol which in turn activates PKC that subsequently induces actin cytoskeleton reorganization for myogenic constriction. In terms of physiological roles, the arterial myogenic response acts to generate vascular tone, prevent capillaries from being damaged, and reduce edema due to high capillary hydrostatic pressure. Thus, an exaggerated AT1R-mediated myogenic constriction could conceivably contribute to vascular disorders. As a result, small arteries likely exhibit negative feedback regulatory mechanisms to prevent such an exaggerated myogenic response. In regard to this, we discovered that ligand-dependent or -independent activation of the AT1R causes trafficking of an important regulatory molecule, RGS5 (Regulators of G protein Signaling) protein, which may modulate Ang II or myogenic-mediated constriction by terminating Gq/11 protein-dependent signaling.
A consistent picture of TRPV1 activation emerges from molecular simulations and experiments

Although the structure of TRPV1 has been experimentally determined in both the closed and open states, very little is known about its activation mechanism. In particular, the conformational changes occurring in the pore domain and resulting in ionic conduction have not been identified yet. Here, we suggest a hypothetical molecular mechanism for TRPV1 activation, which involves the rotation of a conserved asparagine in S6 from the S4-S5 linker toward the pore. This rotation is correlated with the dehydration of four peripheral cavities located between S6 and the S4-S5 linker and the hydration of the pore. In light of our hypothesis, we perform bioinformatics analyses of TRP and other evolutionary related ion channels, analyze newly available structures and re-examine previously reported water accessibility and mutagenesis experiments. Overall, we provide several independent lines of evidence that corroborate our hypothesis. Finally, we show that the proposed molecular mechanism is compatible with the currently existing idea that in TRPV1 the selectivity filter acts as a secondary gate.
G-quadruplex-forming sequences as potential drivers of genetic diversity in primate protein coding genes

While non-coding G-quadruplexes (G4s) act as conserved regulatory elements when located in gene promoter and splice sites, the G4 evolutionary conservation in protein coding regions have been low explored. To address the evolutionary dynamics acting on coding G4, we mapped and characterized potential G4-forming sequences across twenty-four primate’s gene orthologous. We found that potentially more stable G4 motifs exist in coding regions following a species-specific trend. Moreover, these motifs depicted the least conserved sites across primates at both the DNA and amino acid levels and are characterized by an indel-rich mutational pattern. This trend was not observed for less stable G4 motifs. A deeper analysis revealed that [G>=3N1]4 motifs, depicting potentially most stable G4s, were associated with the lowest conservation and highest indel frequencies. This mutational pattern was more evident when G4-associated amino acid regions were analyzed. We discuss the possibility of an overall conservation of less/moderate stability G4, while more stable G4 may be preserved or arises in a species-specific manner, which may explain their low conservation. Since structure-prone motifs, including G4, have the potential to induce genomic instability, this evolutionary trend may contribute to avoid broad deleterious effects driven by stable G4 on protein function while promoting genetic diversity across close-related species.
Photocatalytic activity of magnetic core-shell CoFe2O4@ZnO nanoparticles for purification of methylene blue

Magnetic core–shell CoFe2O4@ZnO nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by using coprecipitation method to provide easy separated nanomaterials and high photocatalytic activity performance. Core–shell nanoparticles with various CoFe2O4-to-ZnO molar ratio (1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5) have been investigated over x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-visible spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. XRD spectra confirm the cubic spinel ferrite phase structure of CoFe2O4 and the hexagonal wurtzite phase of ZnO. The crystallite size is found within the range of 14.9–20.6 nm. TEM measurement confirms the good crystallinity of the samples. The magnetic hysteresis shows that CoFe2O4@ZnO has high saturation magnetization of about 30 emu g−1 and coercivity of about 300 Oe. Photocatalytic investigation was carried out using methylene blue (MB) under UV irradiation. Our result yields the enhancement of MB degradation as ZnO content increases. The maximum photodegradation achieved by the core–shell nanoparticles is 57.2%, 60.5%, 65.5%, and 78.3% for molar ratio of 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5, respectively. The enhancement of MB degradation can be attributed to the formation of internal structure between CoFe2O4 and ZnO in the form of heterojunction structure. The magnetic properties of core–shell lead to the easy separation between the magnetic core–shell nanoparticles and the final degraded solution by permanent magnet.
Biogeochemical attenuation of nitrate in a sandy subterranean estuary: Insights from two stable isotope approaches

The role of permeable sediments and subterranean estuaries as coastal nutrient filters is a question of key interest, particularly in areas with high nitrogen loadings. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness of a sandy subterranean estuary in cycling and removing nitrate using stable isotopes of N and O at natural (δ15N‐NO3− and δ18O‐NO3−) and enriched levels (15N). Isotopes were used in conjunction with flow through reactors under anoxic conditions to quantify (1) the overall enrichment factor (15ε) of nitrate removal processes which was then applied to estimate the in situ percentage of nitrate removal within the subterranean estuary and (2) the potential rates of denitrification, dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium, and anammox. We found that 15ε varied between −24 and −34‰ and were positively correlated with nitrate concentrations and the percentage of organic carbon added to the sediments. Using these 15ε values in a Rayleigh distillation model resulted in an estimated average of 34% ± 14% nitrate removal within the subterranean estuary, less than half of the percentage estimated using the nitrate‐salinity mixing model (66% ± 28%). Denitrification was the most dominant nitrate removal pathway within the subterranean estuary with potential rates among the highest denitrification rates reported for both permeable and cohesive sediments. The contribution of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium showed significant seasonal variation while the rates of anammox were consistent throughout the study. We suggest that the spatial shift of the subterranean estuary is the most likely explanation for the seasonal differences in the rates of denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium.
Comparison between non-immigrant and 2nd generation immigrant youth: Self-Reported Health Status, BMI, and Internal and External Resources

Increasingly evidence suggests that the self-reported health status (SRH) of 2nd generation immigrant youth (native-born youth with at least one parent who was born abroad) may be lower than non-immigrant youth. This cross-sectional study compared the SRH of 2nd generation immigrant to non-immigrant youth (n = 291), accounting for confounders including a clinical measure (i.e., body mass index), internal resources (i.e., diet, exercise, smoking), and external resources (i.e., socioeconomic status, family social support). Regressions showed SRH was associated with socioeconomic status (p < .05), family social support (p < .05) and exercise (p < .05) but not immigrant status. Yet, bivariate analyses, showed that among youth, 2nd generation immigrants had poorer diets (p < .01), were smokers (p < .0001), had lower socioeconomic status (p < .05) and less family social support (p < .05). Thus, although SRH did not differ by immigration status among youth, the differences in internal and external resources by immigrant status may lead to health differences in the future.
Paper de la via de senyalització del receptor de cèl·lules B (BCR) en la interacció entre les cèl·lules de leucèmia limfàtica crònica i el microambient tumoral

La leucemia linfatica cronica (LLC) es la leucemia mas frecuente en adultos en los paises occidentales. El curso clinico de la enfermedad es extremadamente variable y la supervivencia oscila entre pocos meses y varias decadas. Esta neoplasia se caracteriza por la proliferacion y acumulacion progresiva de linfocitos B maduros y clonales con inmunofenotipo caracteristico (CD5+, CD20 debil, CD23+, Ig superficie debil) en sangre periferica, medula osea, ganglios linfaticos y bazo. Concretamente en los ganglios y en la medula osea las celulas de LLC se encuentran en un microambiente que favorece su supervivencia, proliferacion y quimioresistencia. Una de las principales moleculas involucradas en la interaccion entre las celulas de LLC y las celulas accesorias del microambiente es el BCR. La proteina Syk, una tirosina quinasa fosforilada inmediatamente despues de la activacion del BCR, es esencial para la senalizacion de este receptor y por lo tanto es una excelente diana terapeutica. En base a este contexto, el primer trabajo se centra en el estudio de la eficacia de la TAK-659, un nuevo inhibidor altamente especifico de Syk. Los resultados muestran que la TAK-659 es capaz de suprimir de manera eficaz la induccion de la supervivencia, proliferacion y migracion de las celulas de LLC por parte del microambiente contribuyendo de esta manera en el desarrollo clinico de esta terapia en pacientes con LLC. ZAP-70 es una tirosina quinasa homologa a Syk. Su expresion en LLC esta asociada con un incremento de la capacidad de senalizacion del BCR y con un incremento de la capacidad de respuesta a los estimulos del microambiente. Ademas, es un factor de mal pronostico muy bien definido en la LLC. El microRNA-21 (miR-21) se encuentra expresado en muestras procedentes de ganglios linfaticos de pacientes con LLC y esta relacionado con la resistencia a la fludarabina, una menor supervivencia global y una mayor probabilidad de progresion. Por eso el segundo trabajo se basa en el estudio del posible papel de ZAP-70 en la regulacion del miR-21 y la posible influencia del microambiente. Los resultados muestran que el microambiente tumoral es capaz de regular la expresion del miR-21 y de sus genes diana (PTEN, PIAS3 y PDCD4) a traves de la via de senalizacion que involucra las proteinas ZAP-70 y MAPK y el factor de transcripcion STAT3.
Racializing Region: Internal Orientalism, Social Media, and the Perpetuation of Stereotypes and Prejudice against Brazilian Nordestinos

Consideration of the prevalence of regional prejudice in Brazil shows how stereotypical assumptions about culture, race, and socioeconomic class inform regional biases. A comparison of discriminatory social media posts after the 2014 and 2018 presidential elections reveals similarities in most of the racist and xenophobic language in the two election cycles but an increase in references to Venezuela and Cuba and heightened animosity toward the Partido dos Trabalhadores in 2018. Racism directed by social media users against nordestinos is part of a historical continuum of oppression fostered by regional stereotypes and failed public policies that have real-life implications for Brazil’s nordestinos. A consideração da prevalência de preconceito regional no Brasil mostra a centralidade de premissas estereotipadas sobre cultura, raça e classe socioeconômica. Uma comparação de publicações discriminatórias nas mídias sociais após as eleições presidenciais de 2014 e 2018 revela semelhanças na maior parte da linguagem racista e xenofóbica nos dois ciclos eleitorais, mas um aumento nas referências à Venezuela e Cuba e maior animosidade em relação ao Partido dos Trabalhadores em 2018. Racismo dirigido por usuários de mídia social contra os nordestinos faz parte de um continuum histórico de opressão promovida por estereótipos regionais e políticas públicas fracassadas que têm implicações na vida real para os nordestinos do Brasil.
Invertebrate assemblages of hanging and container litter on conifer trees

ABSTRACT Arboreal litter provides a habitat patch for detritus-based invertebrates in the aboveground part of forest ecosystems and exists in two forms. Hanging litter (HL) remains attached to branches and tree trunks after foliage dies, or hangs as intercepted falling litter exposed to the surrounding air. In comparison, litter in container habitats (CL) is deposited in pocket-like structures, such as treeholes and trunk crevices, that are enclosed by woody substrates. In experiments using litter bags and artificial containers, we: (1) compared litter invertebrate assemblages among HL, CL, and forest-floor litter, and (2) evaluated the relative importance of patch size and resource quantity for litter invertebrate assemblages in HL on Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) trees. Our results showed that the moisture content of litter and collembolan density tended to be higher in arboreal container litter (i.e. CL) than in arboreal bag litter (i.e. HL). In the second experiment, the total abundance of invertebrates was influenced more by resource quantity (litter weight) than by patch size (litter bag area). Redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that each major group (oribatid mites, collembolans, and Gamasida) was influenced by different environmental factors in the HL. Our findings indicate that: (1) HL and CL represent different habitat types for litter invertebrates; (2) the major invertebrate groups have different habitat preferences in the HL; and (3) the abundance of invertebrates in HL is influenced more by litter quantity than by litter density (litter weight per area).
Direct Evidence for Fluid Pressure, Dilatancy, and Compaction Affecting Slip in Isolated Faults

Earthquake instability occurs as a result of strength loss during sliding on a fault. It has been known for over 50 years that fault compaction or dilatancy may cause significant weakening or strengthening by dramatically changing the fluid pressure trapped in faults. Despite this fundamental importance, we have no real understanding of the exact conditions that lead to compaction or dilation during nucleation or rupture. To date, no direct measurements of pore pressure changes during slip in hydraulically isolated faults have been reported. We show direct examples of fluid pressure variations during nucleation and rupture using a miniature pressure transducer embedded in an experimental fault. We demonstrate that fluids not only are significant in controlling fault behavior but can provide the dominant mechanism controlling fault stability. The effect of fluid pressure changes can exceed frictional variations predicted by rate‐ and state‐dependent friction laws, exerting fundamental controls on earthquake rupture initiation.
Advanced Techniques for Pilotis RC Frames Seismic Retrofit: Performance Comparison for a Strategic Building Case Study

Pilotis buildings have widely spread out in developed countries since World War II onwards. From the structural point of view, Pilotis RC frames exhibit substantial lack in ductility capacity and shear resistance localized at the first floor, since they have been mainly realized before the seismic codes’ era. The present study shows the performance comparison of four advanced retrofit techniques when applied to typical Pilotis RC frame designed for gravity loads only according to Italian building code of ‘60s. A preliminary investigation has been performed to select non-linear numerical models suitable to describe the considered RC frame behavior, involving flexural inelastic hinges of RC beams and columns and in-plane axial inelastic hinges of masonry infill panels. Two seismic retrofit projects have been designed at a local level, by strengthening the masonry infilled panels with Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) technique and alternatively by replacing infilled panels with prefabricated panels disconnected from the structure, so that no infill/frame interaction occurs. Two more retrofit projects have been designed at a global level, in order to improve the overall structural performance making use of energy dissipation and, alternatively, base isolation techniques. Nonlinear time history analysis and structural assessment have been carried out for the as-built case as well as for the four retrofit solutions according to Eurocode 8 and Italian Building Code, in order to highlight the structural deficiencies and relative improvements, respectively. Performances offered by the proposed retrofit techniques have been finally compared in terms of structural behavior, expected damage, and economic impact.
aspBEEF: Explaining Predictions Through Optimal Clustering

In this paper we introduce aspBEEF, a tool for generating explanations for the outcome of an arbitrary machine learning classifier. This is done using Grover’s et al. framework known as Balanced English Explanations of Forecasts (BEEF) that generates explanations in terms of in terms of finite intervals over the values of the input features. Since the problem of obtaining an optimal BEEF explanation has been proved to be NP-complete, BEEF existing implementation computes an approximation. In this work we use instead an encoding into the Answer Set Programming paradigm, specialized in solving NP problems, to guarantee that the computed solutions are optimal.
A Review on Airborne Microbes: The Characteristics of Sources, Pathogenicity and Geography

Microbes are widespread and have been much more studied in recent years. In this review, we describe detailed information on airborne microbes that commonly originate from soil and water through liquid–air and soil–air interface. The common bacteria and fungi in the atmosphere are the phyla of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroides, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Chytridiomycota, Rozellomycota that include most pathogens leading to several health problems. In addition, the stability of microbial community structure in bioaerosols could be affected by many factors and some special weather conditions like dust events even can transport foreign pathogens to other regions, affecting human health. Such environments are common for a particular place and affect the nature and interaction of airborne microbes with them. For instance, meteorological factors, haze and foggy days greatly influence the concentration and abundance of airborne microbes. However, as microorganisms in the atmosphere are attached on particulate matters (PM), the high concentration of chemical pollutants in PM tends to restrain the growth of microbes, especially gathering atmospheric pollutants in heavy haze days. Moreover, moderate haze concentration and/or common chemical components could provide suitable microenvironments and nutrition for airborne microorganism survival. In summary, the study reviews much information and characteristics of airborne microbes for further study.