Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predicting Tree Attributes and Quality Characteristics of Scots Pine Using Airborne Laser Scanning Data

The development of airborne laser scanning (ALS) during last ten years has provided new possibilities for accurate description of the living tree stock. The forest inventory applications of ALS data include both tree and area-based plot level approaches. The main goal of such applications has usually been to estimate accurate information on timber quantities. Prediction of timber quality has not been focused to the same extent. Thus, in this study we consider here the prediction of both basic tree attributes (tree diameter, height and volume) and characteristics describing tree quality more closely (crown height, height of the lowest dead branch and sawlog proportion of tree volume) by means of high resolution ALS data. The tree species considered is Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), and the field data originate from 14 sample plots located in the Koli National Park in North Karelia, eastern Finland. The material comprises 133 trees, and size and quality variables of these trees were modeled using a large number of potential independent variables calculated from the ALS data. These variables included both individual tree recognition and area-based characteristics. Models for the dependent tree characteristics to be considered were then constructed using either the non-parametric k-MSN method or a parametric set of models constructed simultaneously by the Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) approach. The results indicate that the k-MSN method can provide more accurate tree-level estimates than SUR models. The k-MSN estimates were in fact highly accurate in general, the RMSE being less than 10% except in the case of tree volume and height of the lowest dead branch.
Design Considerations and Residual Offset Analysisfor an Autozero Transconductance Amplifier Topology

This his paper presents a standard topology autozero transconductance (AZT) amplifier systematic design flow and performance analysis. This topology uses two differential pairs; one for the signal path and one for offset compensation. A standard 0.6 mum CMOS technology was used and the residual offset resulted about 17 muV
Stimulation of Somatic Cell Reprogramming by ERas‐Akt‐FoxO1 Signaling Axis

Reprogramming of somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) shares much similarity to the cancer initiation process, and the molecular mechanisms underlying both processes remain to be elucidated. Here, we report that a tumor‐ or embryonic stem cell‐specific Ras gene ERas, which encodes a constitutively active form of GTPase, and its downstream Phosphoinositide‐3 kinase/Akt signaling pathway are important facilitators for the somatic reprogramming process. We found that overexpression of ERas retrovirally enhanced mouse iPSC induction while ERas knockdown repressed it. Modulation of Akt signaling by genetic or chemical means greatly impacted the reprogramming efficiency. Forced expression of a constitutively active Akt1 gene could rescue the reduced efficiency resulting from ERas knockdown, and point‐mutation analyses further revealed that ERas is tightly coupled with Akt signaling to enhance reprogramming. Mechanistically, the forkhead transcription factor FoxO1 can function as a barrier to the iPSC induction, and the inactivation of FoxO1 by Akt‐dependent phosphorylation largely accounts for the enhancing effect of ERas‐Akt signaling on reprogramming. Collectively, these results unravel the significance of the ERas‐Akt‐FoxO1 signaling axis in iPSC generation, suggesting a possibly shared molecular basis for both somatic reprogramming and cancer initiation. Stem Cells 2014;32:349–363
BABCOCK–LEIGHTON SOLAR DYNAMO: THE ROLE OF DOWNWARD PUMPING AND THE EQUATORWARD PROPAGATION OF ACTIVITY

The key elements of the Babcock–Leighton dynamos are the generation of poloidal field through decay and the dispersal of tilted bipolar active regions and the generation of toroidal field through the observed differential rotation. These models are traditionally known as flux transport dynamo models as the equatorward propagations of the butterfly wings in these models are produced due to an equatorward flow at the bottom of the convection zone. Here we investigate the role of downward magnetic pumping near the surface using a kinematic Babcock–Leighton model. We find that the pumping causes the poloidal field to become predominately radial in the near-surface shear layer, which allows the negative radial shear to effectively act on the radial field to produce a toroidal field. We observe a clear equatorward migration of the toroidal field at low latitudes as a consequence of the dynamo wave even when there is no meridional flow in the deep convection zone. Both the dynamo wave and the flux transport type solutions are thus able to reproduce some of the observed features of the solar cycle including the 11-year periodicity. The main difference between the two types of solutions is the strength of the Babcock–Leighton source required to produce the dynamo action. A second consequence of the magnetic pumping is that it suppresses the diffusion of fields through the surface, which helps to allow an 11-year cycle at (moderately) larger values of magnetic diffusivity than have previously been used.
Using Cys-Scanning Analysis Data in the Study of Membrane Transport Proteins

Membrane transport proteins represent a core group of gene products in all known genomes and play crucial roles in either human physiology and disease or diverse environmental adaptations of microorganisms. Despite their importance, analyses of such proteins have long been hindered by a lack of high-resolution models, which reflects the inherent problems of studying membrane transport proteins outside the membrane. Recently, however, progress with crystallography and structural modeling of membrane transport proteins and expanding information on new sequence entries from genome analyses have set the stage for more systematic mutagenesis approaches to link highresolution structural data with functional evidence.
Autophosphorylation of Purified c-Src at its Primary Negative Regulation Site (*)

The phosphorylating and transforming activities of c-Src are negatively regulated by phosphorylation at Tyr-527 near its carboxyl terminus. Previous studies have indicated that c-Src preferentially autophosphorylates Tyr-416, a residue in the middle of the catalytic domain, in vitro, and that Tyr-527 is phosphorylated by the carboxyl-terminal Src kinase, Csk. However, indirect evidence suggests that c-Src may also autophosphorylate Tyr-527 as part of a negative feedback loop. While some in vivo evidence suggests that Tyr-527 can be autophosphorylated in an intermolecular interaction, it has not previously been possible to directly demonstrate significant autophosphorylation in vitro. Here we show that c-Src purified from recombinant bacteria can autophosphorylate Tyr-527 to high levels in vitro when incubated with sufficiently high concentrations of ATP (K(Mg/ATP) ≈ 20 μM) that are well above those that have been used previously. In vitro Tyr-527 autophosphorylation can occur both as an intra- and intermolecular interaction; higher enzyme concentrations are required for intermolecular Tyr-527 phosphorylation than for Tyr-416 autophosphorylation. These results support the possibility that, like G-proteins, c-Src can switch itself off in vivo by its own enzymatic activity.
In vitro wear of nano-composite denture teeth.

PURPOSE Few laboratory tests have been able to substantiate and quantify the wear resistances of polymeric denture teeth. This study evaluated the relative wear resistance of several types of denture teeth using an in vitro wear testing device. MATERIAL AND METHODS Four different types of denture teeth [nano-filled (Veracia) and micro-filled composites (SR-Orthosit, Endura, Duradent, Surpass), cross-linked acrylic (SR-Postaris, Genios-P, Creapearl, Vitapan Physiodens, Premium 8, Integral), and a conventional acrylic (Biotone)] were used. The flattened buccal surface of each denture tooth was subjected to the evaluation of Knoop hardness (n=5) and localized wear for 100,000 cycles (n=10). Wear values were determined in micrometers using a profilometer. The data for the hardness, wear depth, and worn surface areas were individually analyzed by one-way ANOVA. RESULTS Knoop hardness values (KHN) ranged from 28.2 to 29.8 for micro-filled composite, 18.9 to 21.6 for cross-linked acrylic, 22.7 for nano-composite, and 18.6 for conventional acrylic teeth. All micro-filled composite teeth were significantly harder than other teeth (p <0.0001). The wear depth values were 90.5 microm for the nano-composite, 69.8 to 93.0 microm for the micro-filled composite, 80.8 to 104.0 microm for the cross-linked acrylic, and 162.5 microm for conventional acrylic teeth. The worn surface areas were 5.1 mm2 for the nano-composite, 2.6 to 3.6 mm2 for the micro-filled composite, 4.4 to 5.7 mm2 for the cross-linked acrylic, and 10.1 mm2 for conventional acrylic teeth. The wear values of the acrylic control were significantly different from all other denture teeth (p <0.001). CONCLUSION The nano-composite tooth was harder and more wear resistant than the acrylic teeth but not significantly different from most of the cross-linked and micro-filled composite teeth tested.
Left atrial mural endocarditis secondary to mitral valve jet lesion.

A 38-year-old woman with Down syndrome and mitral valve prolapse presented with 2 weeks of fever and cough. She had presented to an outpatient clinic 1 week earlier and was prescribed empirical antibiotics for a suspected respiratory tract infection. Despite this therapy, she continued to have high spiking fevers and developed a fulminant rash, prompting emergent admission for further evaluation. She had previously been healthy without other risk factors for infective endocarditis. On admission to the intensive care unit, she was febrile, confused, tachycardic, and hypotensive. Examination showed peripheral signs of septic embolization, including Janeway lesions (Figure, A), splinter hemorrhages (Figure, B), Osler nodes (Figure, C), and conjunctival petechiae (Figure, D). An IV/VI plateau–shaped holosystolic murmur was heard in the mitral area with radiation to the axilla. Laboratory studies revealed neutrophilic leukocytosis and lactic acidosis. Transthoracic echocardiography showed myxomatous morphology of the mitral valve with holosystolic prolapse of the anterior mitral leaflet (Figure, E and Movie I in the online-only Data Supplement). Color-flow Doppler showed severe eccentric mitral regurgitation with a posteriorly directed regurgitant jet (Figure, F and Movie II in the online-only Data Supplement). Jet velocities in excess of 4 …
Segmentation of human faces in color images using connected operators

In this paper we present a face segmentation algorithm for color images based on connected operators. Using a skin color model, we construct a skin probability image that indicates the probability of each pixel representing skin. Morphological filters are applied to this probability images instead of applying them to the original image. A hierarchy of operators with geometrical criteria (size, compactness, orientation) is employed to simplify the skin probability image and a gray level criterion based on principal components analysis is used for final classification. Using connected operators, regions with different probabilities of being skin are analyzed which leads to a more robust segmentation compared to a single threshold classification.
Differences in β‐adrenergic receptor density and adenylate cyclase activity between normal and leukaemic leukocytes

Abstract. An identical class of high‐affinity binding sites for the 125I‐labelled β‐adrenergic antagonist hydroxybenzylpindolol, was identified on intact human normal and leukaemic peripheral blood leukocytes. On normal unfractionated lymphocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and monocytes, receptor density did not differ significantly (1200–1400 receptors per cell; P > 0.3), but it was higher on B‐ than on T‐lymphocytes (P < 005). In leukaemia, monocytic blast cells expressed highest receptor numbers, whereas very low receptor density was seen on the pathologic B‐cells from chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Among normal leukocytes, adenylate cyclase activation by hormones (isoproterenol, prostaglandin E1, histamine) and sodium fluoride was strongest in plasma membranes from monocytes, but very weak in polymorphonuclear leukocytes either due to uncoupling of hormone receptors from adenylate cyclase or to low catalytic activity. In T‐cells, enzyme activity was significantly lower than in B‐cells. Loss of adenylate cyclase sensitivity to hormones and fluoride occurred in leukaemic cells from chronic and acute lymphocytic leukaemia.
Influence of controlled immediate loading and implant design on peri-implant bone formation.

AIM Tissue formation at the implant interface is known to be sensitive to mechanical stimuli. The aim of the study was to compare the bone formation around immediately loaded versus unloaded implants in two different implant macro-designs. MATERIAL AND METHODS A repeated sampling bone chamber with a central implant was installed in the tibia of 10 rabbits. Highly controlled loading experiments were designed for a cylindrical (CL) and screw-shaped (SL) implant, while the unloaded screw-shaped (SU) implant served as a control. An F-statistic model with alpha=5% determined statistical significance. RESULTS A significantly higher bone area fraction was observed for SL compared with SU (p<0.0001). The mineralized bone fraction was the highest for SL and significantly different from SU (p<0.0001). The chance that osteoid- and bone-to-implant contact occurred was the highest for SL and significantly different from SU (p<0.0001), but not from CL. When bone-to-implant contact was observed, a loading (SL versus SU: p=0.0049) as well as an implant geometry effect (SL versus CL: p=0.01) was found, in favour of the SL condition. CONCLUSIONS Well-controlled immediate implant loading accelerates tissue mineralization at the interface. Adequate bone stimulation via mechanical coupling may account for the larger bone response around the screw-type implant compared with the cylindrical implant.
CYP707A1 and CYP707A2, Which Encode Abscisic Acid 8′-Hydroxylases, Are Indispensable for Proper Control of Seed Dormancy and Germination in Arabidopsis1

Endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) levels are regulated by both biosynthesis and catabolism of the hormone. ABA 8′-hydroxylase is considered to be the key catabolic enzyme in many physiological processes. We have previously identified that four members of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) CYP707A gene family (CYP707A1 to CYP707A4) encode ABA 8′-hydroxylases, and that the cyp707a2 mutants showed an increase in ABA levels in dry and imbibed seeds. In this study, we showed that the cyp707a1 mutant accumulated ABA to higher levels in dry seeds than the cyp707a2 mutant. Expression analysis showed that the CYP707A1 was expressed predominantly during mid-maturation and was down-regulated during late-maturation. Concomitantly, the CYP707A2 transcript levels increased from late-maturation to mature dry seed. Phenotypic analysis of single and double cyp707a mutants indicates that the CYP707A1 is important for reducing ABA levels during mid-maturation. On the other hand, CYP707A2 is responsible for the regulation of ABA levels from late-maturation to germination. Moreover, CYP707A1 and CYP707A3 were also shown to be involved in postgermination growth. Spatial expression analysis suggests that CYP707A1 was expressed predominantly in embryo during mid-maturation, whereas CYP707A2 expression was detected in both embryo and endosperm from late-maturation to germination. Our results demonstrate that each CYP707A gene plays a distinct role during seed development and postgermination growth.
Ubiquitous Document Capturing with Deep Learning

Digital and paper based documents co-exist in our daily lives. Seamless integration of information from both sources is crucial for efficient knowledge management. This paper address the algorithm that can handle the detection of document so that it can be captured easily to convert it into a digital form for automatic integration of relevant information in electronic work flows. It uses the deep learning technique to provide a solution which is more generalized and flexible than other available solutions.
Inhibitory and activatory KIR gene frequencies in the Polish population

Killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) present on natural killer cells and minor subpopulations of T cells recognize class I human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules on the surface of target cells. Human individuals differ by the presence or absence of some KIR genes on their chromosomes (haplotypic polymorphism). As KIRs (especially two‐immunoglobulin‐domain‐like containing, or KIR2D, molecules) are important for the outcome of tissue (particularly for haematopoietic stem cell) transplantation and possibly for pregnancy, the knowledge of KIR gene distribution in a given human population is of practical value. Therefore, we tested 175 healthy individuals from Poland for the presence or absence of these KIR genes which show haplotypic polymorphism and are expressed. Results were compared with those published for other human populations, showing close relations with other Caucasoids.
Adequate Expression of Protective Immunity in the Absence of Granuloma Formation in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-Infected Mice with a Disruption in the Intracellular Adhesion Molecule 1 Gene

ABSTRACT It remains unknown whether the expression of cell-mediated protective immunity and the capacity to mount a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction in tuberculosis infection represent two manifestations of a basic response or are dissociable events. In this study, we present data in favor of the latter hypothesis, by showing that tuberculosis infection in the lungs of mice possessing only a truncated form of intracellular adhesion molecule 1 due to gene disruption was still adequately controlled by the expression of protective immunity in the absence of any sustained influx of macrophages and the lack of formation of appreciable granulomas. These animals also had no detectable DTH response to mycobacterial proteins in the footpad assay, indicating that the accumulation of blood-borne macrophages at sites of mycobacterial infection or antigen deposition is not essential to control of the infection. These data support the hypothesis that the DTH component of the cellular response is not protective but contributes by walling off the sites of infection to prevent dissemination and reactivation disease.
At risk for Huntington disease: The PHAROS (Prospective Huntington At Risk Observational Study) cohort enrolled.

OBJECTIVE To identify the emerging clinical precursors that indicate the early onset of Huntington disease (HD) in a reliable and gene-specific manner. This information is critical for the development of therapeutic trials aimed at postponing clinical onset in HD gene carriers. METHODS Between July 1999 and January 2004, 1001 adults at 50-50 risk for HD agreed to provide longitudinal clinical data and a blood DNA sample under consent provisions that require their individual clinical and genetic information to never be revealed. RESULTS The Prospective Huntington At Risk Observational Study (PHAROS) cohort is characterized by a 2:1 predominance of women to men, high educational attainment, and gainful employment. Despite the gender disparity, the demographic, hereditary, and clinical characteristics of the female and male participants were similar. Investigators, who are unaware of individual gene status, characterized the baseline cohort to be highly functional with minimal motor or cognitive impairment; 92.3% of participants were judged to have no or nonspecific motor abnormalities; 6.7%, to have possible or probable motor signs; and only 1.0%, to have unequivocal HD. CONCLUSION The baseline characteristics of the PHAROS cohort make it well suited to generate objective and prospective data about gene-specific clinical precursors that can be used as outcomes in controlled trials aimed at postponing the onset of HD.
Optimal Power for Testing Potential Cointegrating Vectors With Known Parameters for Nonstationarity

Theory often specifies a particular cointegrating vector among integrated variables, and testing for a unit root in the known cointegrating vector is often required. Although it is common to simply use a univariate test for a unit root for this test, it is known that this does not take into account all available information. We show here that in such testing situations, a family of tests with optimality properties exists. We use this to characterize the extent of the loss in power from using popular methods, as well as to derive a test that works well in practice. We also characterize the extent of the losses of not imposing the cointegrating vector in the testing procedure. We apply various tests to the hypothesis positing that price forecasts from the Livingston data survey are cointegrated with prices, and find that although most tests fail to reject the presence of a unit root in forecast errors, the tests presented here strongly reject this (implausible) hypothesis.
An Adaptive Feedback controller with observer for linearizable Chaotic Systems

In this paper, an adaptive feedback controller with observer is developed for a class of chaotic systems. This controller does not need the availability of state variables. It can be used for tracking a smooth orbit that can be a limit cycle or a chaotic orbit of another system. This adaptive feedback controller is constructed with H∞ control technique. Based on Lyapunov stability theorem, the proposed adaptive feedback control system can guarantee the stability of whole closed-loop system and achieve the H∞ tracking performance as well. To demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed scheme, two well-known chaotic systems namely Duffing-Holmes system and Lur'e-like system are considered as illustrative examples.