Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High effectiveness of tailored flower strips in reducing pests and crop plant damage

Providing key resources to animals may enhance both their biodiversity and the ecosystem services they provide. We examined the performance of annual flower strips targeted at the promotion of natural pest control in winter wheat. Flower strips were experimentally sown along 10 winter wheat fields across a gradient of landscape complexity (i.e. proportion non-crop area within 750 m around focal fields) and compared with 15 fields with wheat control strips. We found strong reductions in cereal leaf beetle (CLB) density (larvae: 40%; adults of the second generation: 53%) and plant damage caused by CLB (61%) in fields with flower strips compared with control fields. Natural enemies of CLB were strongly increased in flower strips and in part also in adjacent wheat fields. Flower strip effects on natural enemies, pests and crop damage were largely independent of landscape complexity (8–75% non-crop area). Our study demonstrates a high effectiveness of annual flower strips in promoting pest control, reducing CLB pest levels below the economic threshold. Hence, the studied flower strip offers a viable alternative to insecticides. This highlights the high potential of tailored agri-environment schemes to contribute to ecological intensification and may encourage more farmers to adopt such schemes.
Myofibroblastic transformation of rat hepatic stellate cells: the role of Notch signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition regulation.

OBJECTIVE The development of liver fibrosis has been shown to be associated with the transition of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into myofibroblastic HSCs, and the Notch signaling system has been shown to be activated in this process. The Notch signaling pathway is also known to regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). MATERIALS AND METHODS In the current study, quiescent HSCs were examined for expression of EMT markers, and experiments were performed to determine whether these markers change as quiescent HSCs transition into myofibroblastic HSCs and whether the process is modulated by Notch signaling. To promote myofibroblastic transition under experimental conditions, enzymatic perfusion and density gradient centrifugation were used to isolate rat HSCs, which were then cultured. A γ-secretase inhibitor was used to inhibit Notch signaling pathway activity in primary rat HSCs. RESULTS Upregulated expression of myofibroblastic markers was observed, but expression of quiescent HSC markers and epithelial markers was downregulated during the transition of HSC in vitro. Data indicate that expression of the classical EMT marker; i.e., E-cadherin, was decreased and that of N-cadherin and snail 1 increased. Notch 2 and Notch 3 receptors and Hey2 and HeyL target genes expression increased significantly as quiescent HSCs transitioned into myofibroblastic HSCs. When Notch signaling was blocked, however, the myofibroblastic transition of HSCs reverted, and epithelial marker expression was restored. CONCLUSIONS Thus, targeting Notch signaling may provide new insights into the mechanism of HSC transition and may offer a possible therapeutic target for the treatment of hepatic injury.
DNA replication initiation is required for mid‐cell positioning of FtsZ rings in Caulobacter crescentus

Polymerization of the GTPase FtsZ to form a structure called the Z‐ring is the earliest known step in bac‐terial cell division. Mid‐cell Z‐ring assembly coincides with the beginning of the replication cycle in the differentiating bacterium Caulobacter crescentus. Z‐ring disassembly occurs at the end of the division cycle, resulting in the complete degradation of FtsZ from both stalked and swarmer progeny cells. New Z‐rings can only form in the replicative stalked cell. Conditional mutants in DNA replication were used to determine what role DNA replication events play in the process of Z‐ring assembly at different stages in the cell cycle. Z‐ring assembly occurred even when early stages of DNA replication were blocked; however, the Z‐rings were localized at a subpolar region of the cell. Z‐rings only assembled at the proper mid‐cell location if DNA replication had initiated. Z‐ring assembly coincided with areas containing little or no DNA, and Z‐rings could not form over an unreplicated chromosome. Overexpressed FtsZ in the absence of DNA replication did not stimulate productive mid‐cell Z‐ring assembly but, instead, caused the ends of cells to constrict over an extended area away from the nucleoid. These results indicate that the state of chromosome replication is a major determinant of Z‐ring localization in Caulobacter.
Better access to math for visually impaired

We propose, “MathReader”, a tool to enable visually impaired students to independently and comfortably study and practice mathematics and science any time, any where. MathReader can automatically read aloud the equations and formulae with mathematical symbols in Thai. MathReader was initially designed to perform the speech generation in four main modules: Phrase Identification, Thai Text Reader, MathEx Reader, and Math Reader. Phrase Identification segments the input string into ordinary Thai text and mathematical expression parts since reading ordinary text is different from reading math. Thai text utilizes a four-level system with consonants, vowels and tone markers. Math expression is a multi-level system with alphabets, symbols and operators. Thai Text Reader generates the speech for the text part while Math-Ex Reader generates the speech for the math expression part. Math Reader combines all separated parts to form a corresponding speech of the original input. In this paper, the initial design of “MathReader” is discussed followed by some illustrative examples.
Structual Change Point Detection for Evolutional Networks

We propose a change point detection algorithm for a sequence of graphs. Our algorithm focuses on the change of the structure of densely connected subgraphs (community structure) rather than the change of the link weights. In contrast to the traditional approaches, the algorithm can identify the structure change more sensitively. Experiments with a synthetic data and a real-world data of graphs showed that our algorithm can accurately locate the changed subgraph compared with some of the state-of-the-art algorithms
Dielectrophoretic integration of nanodevices with CMOS circuitry

We present a novel platform for the development and deployment of nanosensors in integrated systems. The nanosensor technology is based on cylindrical structures grown using porous membranes as templates. These nanostructures are manipulated using dielectrophoretic forces, allowing their individual assembly and characterization. This assembly also enables the development of "mixed-mode" integrated circuits that include readout, signal processing, and communications circuitry, as well as the requisite layout for the post-IC assembly of the nanostructures. We report on the designs of such mixed mode systems whose layouts integrate dielectrophoretic assembly sites with a rudimentary resistance read-out circuitry.
The Global Stratotype Sections and Points for the bases of the Selandian (Middle Paleocene) and Thanetian (Upper Paleocene) stages at Zumaia, Spain

The global stratotype sections and points for the bases of the Selandian (Middle Paleocene) and Thanetian (Upper Paleocene) stages have been defined in the coastal cliff along the Itzurun Beach at the town of Zumaia in the Basque Country, northern Spain. In the hemipelagic section exposed at Zumaia the base of the Selandian Stage has been placed at the base of the Itzurun Formation, ca. 49 m above the Cretaceous/ Paleogene boundary. At the base of the Selandian, marls replace the succession of Danian red limestone and limestone-marl couplets. The best marine, global correlation criterion for the basal Selandian is the second radiation of the important calcareous nannofossil group, the fasciculiths. Species such as Fasciculithus ulii, F. billii, F. janii, F. involutus, F. pileatus and F. Tympaniformis have their first appearance in the interval from a few decimetres below up to 1.1 m above the base of the Selandian. The marker species for nannofossil Zone NP5, F. tympaniformis , first occurs 1.1 m above the base. Excellent cyclostratigraphy and magnetostratigraphy in the section creates further correlation potential, with the base of the Selandian occuring 30 precession cycles (630 kyr) above the top of magnetochron C27n. Profound changes in sedimentology related to a major sea-level fall characterize the Danian-Selandian transition in sections along the margins of the North Atlantic. The base of the Thanetian Stage is placed in the same section ca. 78 m above the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary. It is defined at a level 2.8 m or eight precession cycles above the base of the core of the distinct clay-rich interval associated with the Mid-Paleocene Biotic Event, and it corresponds to the base of magnetochron C26n in the section. The base of the Thanetian is not associated with any significant change in marine micro-fauna or flora. The calcareous nannofossil Zone NP6, marked by the first occurrence of Heliolithus kleinpelli starts ca. 6.5 m below the base of the Thanetian. The definitions of the global stratotype points for the bases of the Selandian and Thanetian stages are in good agreements with the definitions in the historical stratotype sections in Denmark and England, respectively.
Methods of adjusting frequency ratio of a dual-band slot antenna with double t-match stubs

In Y. C. Lin and K. J. Hung (2006), a simple and compact dual-band slot antenna is proposed to reduce the antenna size while keeping the broadband feature for both operational bands. Using the broadband T-match techniques (Balanis, 2005) combined with the design of dual resonant paths, double T-match stubs are employed in Y. C. Lin and K. J. Hung (2006) to realize the broad dual-band operation. Furthermore, in this paper, an extended study on how to adjust the frequency ratio of the antenna is investigated and discussed.
ASSOCIATED WITH HEPATOTOXICITY OF CARBONYL COMPOUNDS

Hepatotoxicity represents a serious adverse health effect caused by a number of xenobiotic chemicals. This effect is generally detected at the later stages of drug development or with in vivo (whole animal) studies. Both the chemical structure and reactivity of an organic compound have significant impact on its mode of action, and, hence, the anticipated hepatotoxic effects. Currently, there is an ongoing interest in the structure-activity relationships in the field of the chemical toxicology. Considering the fact that enzymes, catalyzing the biotransformation of xenobiotics are predominantly concentrated in liver, the latter plays a significant role in the metabolism, detoxification and bioactivation of external chemicals in the living organism. Protein and DNA covalent binding, which represent formation of adducts of the parent chemicals or their active metabolites with the biological macromolecules is considered to be a key initiating step that can be used to predict the potential of a chemical to cause specific harmful effects. The identification of the electrophilic reactivity of xenobiotics and their metabolites towards target biological macromolecules could serve as an important step for the elucidation of many toxic effects, including hepatotoxicity. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify the probable chemical mechanisms, associated with the liver injury, caused by an important class of organic chemicals such as carbonyl compounds.
Automatisation des tâches documentaires dans un catalogue de santé en ligne. (Automation of documentary tasks for an online health catalogue)

La Recherche d'Information a pour objectif de permettre aux utilisateurs d'acceder rapidement et efficacement au contenu d'une collection de document. Dans le domaine de la sante, le nombre de ressources electroniques disponibles augmente de maniere exponentielle, et la necessite de disposer de solutions automatiques se fait sentir a plusieurs etapes de la chaine d'information. Les documents, en particulier les textes, doivent etre selectionnes selon des criteres de qualite pour etre inclus dans des catalogues; ils doivent egalement etre decrits a l'aide de mots cles et categorises en specialites medicales afin de faciliter les recherches effectuees dans les catalogues. Ces taches constituent un defi pour le Traitement Automatique de la Langue Naturelle car elles impliquent une "comprehension" du contenu des documents par un systeme automatique. Ce travail de these engage une reflexion sur la repartition des tâches documentaires entre l'homme et la machine dans le cadre particulier du Catalogue et Index des Sites Medicaux Francophones (CISMeF). A ce titre, il aborde l'automatisation des tâches documentaires dans le catalogue de sante en ligne CISMeF. Cette these apporte une contribution au developpement de ressources linguistiques en francais pour le domaine de la sante, et presente des systemes de veille documentaire et de description automatiques de ressources de sante. Sur ce dernier point, l'accent a ete mis sur l'indexation a l'aide de paires de descripteurs issues du thesaurus MeSH.
General Metasurface Synthesis Based on Susceptibility Tensors

A general method, based on susceptibility tensors, is proposed for the synthesis of metasurfaces transforming arbitrary incident waves into arbitrary reflected and transmitted waves. The proposed method exhibits two advantages: 1) it is inherently vectorial, and therefore better suited for full vectorial (beyond paraxial) electromagnetic problems; 2) it provides closed-form solutions, and is therefore extremely fast. Incidentally, the method reveals that a metasurface is fundamentally capable to transform up to four independent wave triplets (incident, reflected, and refracted waves). In addition, this paper provides the closed-form expressions relating the synthesized susceptibilities and the scattering parameters simulated within periodic boundary conditions, which allows one to design the scattering particles realizing the desired susceptibilities. The versatility of the method is illustrated by examples of metasurfaces achieving the following transformations: generalized refraction, reciprocal and nonreciprocal polarization rotation, Bessel vortex beam generation, and orbital angular momentum multiplexing.
A randomised controlled pilot trial evaluating feasibility and acceptability of a computer-based tool to identify and reduce harmful and hazardous drinking among adolescents with alcohol-related presentations in Canadian pediatric emergency departments

Objective This study piloted procedures and obtained data on intervention acceptability to determine the feasibility of a definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT) of the effectiveness of a computer-based brief intervention in the emergency department (ED). Design Two-arm, multi-site, pilot RCT. Setting and participants Adolescents aged 12–17 years presenting to three Canadian pediatric EDs from July 2010 to January 2013 for an alcohol-related complaint. Interventions Standard medical care plus computer-based screening and personalised assessment feedback (experimental group) or standard care plus computer-based sham (control group). ED and research staff, and adolescents were blinded to allocation. Outcomes Main: change in alcohol consumption from baseline to 1- and 3 months post-intervention. Secondary: recruitment and retention rates, intervention acceptability and feasibility, perception of group allocation among ED and research staff, and change in health and social services utilisation. Results Of the 340 adolescents screened, 117 adolescents were eligible and 44 participated in the study (37.6% recruitment rate). Adolescents allocated to the intervention found it easy, quick and informative, but were divided on the credibility of the feedback provided (agreed it was credible: 44.4%, disagreed: 16.7%, unsure: 16.7%, no response: 22.2%). We found no evidence of a statistically significant relationship between which interventions adolescents were allocated to and which interventions staff thought they received. Alcohol consumption, and health and social services data were largely incomplete due to modest study retention rates of 47.7% and 40.9% at 1- and 3 months post-intervention, respectively. Conclusions A computer-based intervention was acceptable to adolescents and delivery was feasible in the ED in terms of time to use and ease of use. However, adjustments are needed to the intervention to improve its credibility. A definitive RCT will be feasible if protocol adjustments are made to improve recruitment and retention rates; and increase the number of study sites and research staff. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov NCT01146665
High power added efficiency half mode substrate integrated waveguide power amplifier with the second harmonic suppressed

In this paper, for the first time a novel 10W half mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW) power amplifier (PA) with high power added efficiency (PAE) is presented. The matching network (MN) of the HMSIW PA is designed with microstrip-to-HMSIW transition and HMSIW bandpass filter. The HMSIW bandpass filter is employed in both input and output MNs to suppress the 2nd harmonic of 2.14 GHz, according to the measurement, the insertion loss of the HMSIW bandpass filter at 4.28 GHz is 36.1 dB while at 2.14 GHz is 0.5 dB. The impedance matching for the fundamental frequency 2.14 GHz is realized by adding one inductive metalized post in the HMSIW bandpass filter. One high PAE HMSIW-based 10W PA using GaN HEMT at 2.14 GHz is designed, fabricated, and measured. Measured results show that the maximum PAE is 71.9 % with 41.4 dBm output power and the maximum gain is 16.9 dB. At the design frequency of 2.14 GHz, the size of the proposed HMSIW-based PA is comparable with other microstrip-based PAs.
New selective medium for Pseudomonas aeruginosa with phenanthroline and 9-chloro-9-[4-(diethylamino)phenyl]-9,10-dihydro-10- phenylacridine hydrochloride (C-390)

A new selective medium (PC agar) for the isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was developed, consisting of 30 micrograms of 9-chloro-9-[4-(diethylamino)phenyl]-9,10-dihydro-10-phenylacridine hydrochloride (C-390) per ml and 30 micrograms of phenanthroline per ml in Columbia agar. PC agar was superior to phenanthroline, C-390, acetamide, and cetrimide agars for the selective growth of P. aeruginosa.
Performance analysis of WAP packet considering RLP Layer in CDMA wireless system

In this paper, we have analyzed transmission time for wireless application protocol (WAP) over code division multiple access (CDMA). In order for segmentation and reassembly (SAR) to improve the transfer capability, the transmission of messages have been simulated using a fragmentation that begins with the total package and incremental fragmentation for each layer using the wireless transaction protocol (WTP) to define the resultant packet size and the level of fragmentation for each proceeding layer. SAR decreases transmission time of radio link protocol (RLP) baseband packets by sending packets. From the results, we were able to obtain packet transmission time and optimal WTP packet size for WAP over CDMA in a Rician fading channel.
PPARγ2 P12A polymorphism and albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis of case-control studies.

BACKGROUND Insulin resistance has a role in diabetic nephropathy. The A12 variant of the PPARγ2 P121A polymorphism has been firmly associated with reduced risk of insulin resistance, while its role on the risk of albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes is uncertain. This study investigated whether the PPARγ2 P12A polymorphism modulates the risk of albuminuria in these patients. METHODS We tested the association between the A12 variant and albuminuria in three new case-control studies in diabetic patients from Italy (n = 841, n = 623 and n = 714 patients, respectively) and then performed a meta-analysis of all studies available to date. The nine studies we meta-analysed (six previously published and three presented here) comprised a total of 2376 cases and 4188 controls. RESULTS In none of the three new studies was a significant association observed with odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence intervals (95% CI)] being 1.115, 0.799 and 0.849 (P = 0.603, 0.358 and 0.518, respectively). At meta-analysis, the overall OR (95% CI) for association between A12 and albuminuria was 0.694 (0.528-0.912). A significant heterogeneity of the genetic effect was observed (P = 0.026), which was totally explained by the different method of urine collection and albuminuria definition utilized across the studies. In fact, most of the effect was observed in the four studies determining albumin excretion rate rather than in those using albumin concentration in a single spot (OR, 95% CI: 0.529, 0.397-0.706, P = 0.0000164 and 0.919, 0.733-1.153, P = 0.47, respectively). CONCLUSION The present study shows that the PPARγ2 Ala12 variant is significantly associated with a reduced risk of albuminuria among patients with type 2 diabetes.
Phase diagram of the one-dimensional t-J model.

The phase diagram of the one-dimensional {ital t}-{ital J} model is investigated by analyzing the results of exact diagonalization and the exact solutions at {ital J}/{ital t}=0 and 2. Phase separation takes place above a critical value of {ital J} around {ital J}{sub {ital c}}/{ital t}=2.5--3.5 depending on the electron density. In the small-{ital J} region, Tomonaga-Luttinger liquid theory holds and its correlation exponents are calculated as a function of {ital J}/{ital t} and the electron density. Superconducting correlations become dominant in a region between the solvable case ({ital J}/{ital t}=2) and phase separation. A spin-gap region is also found at low density.
The impact of beamforming and coordination on spectrum pooling in mmWave cellular networks

Spectrum pooling is not typically used in current cellular networks, because it only provides a slight performance improvement while requiring heavy coordination among different cellular operators. However, these problems can be potentially overcome in millimeter-wave (mmWave) networks, thanks to the use of beamforming both at base stations and at user equipments. In this paper, we develop a joint beamforming and cell association optimization problem to characterize the performance gain that can be obtained when spectrum pooling is used, as a function of the underlying beamforming and coordination strategies. Our performance analysis reveals that beamforming can substantially reduce the need for coordination and simplify the implementation of spectrum pooling. These benefits are more prominent at higher mmWave frequencies (for example, 73 GHz) due to the possibility of having antenna arrays with more elements within the radome. The results of this paper provides useful insights on the feasibility of spectrum pooling at mmWave networks.