Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hatching and post-hatching performances of Indonesian native chicken eggs infused saline solution

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of infusing sterilized physiological saline on the hatching and post-hatching performances of the eggs of Indonesian native hen aged 60 weeks reared in the University Farm, which included hatchability, weight of newly hatched, hatching time and growth of the chicken up to 8 weeks of age. In accordance with a Completely Randomized Design (2 treatments, with 3 different times of incubation as replication – 20 eggs per treatment per replication), a total of 120 fertile eggs of approximately the same weight (46.53 ± 2.87 g) with live embryos which resulted from candling at d 7 of incubation was used, and 60 eggs were subject for the saline infusion. All eggs were sterilized using 70% ethanol, numbered and weighed before incubation, then incubated according to standard hatchery practices. The saline solution was infused through a small hole made manually at a little bit above the narrow end of the egg. The results indicated that infusing saline was significantly reduced hatchability of the egg from 84.83 ± 1.89 to 79.68 ± 2.71%. Despite the weight (g) of newly hatched chick was not significantly affected by infusing saline, the relative weight of hatched chick (%) was significantly increased from 70.69 ± 1.09 to 73.81 ± 1.18. Infusing saline into the albumin resulted in a shorter time required for hatching processes; even though it mostly occurred between d 20 and d 21 of incubation. Growth performance was indicated by a significantly heavier body weight of male chicken, in particular, resulted from the treated eggs (896.25 ± 30.14 vs 985.62 ± 47.61 g). In conclusion, the present results demonstrate that infusion of sterilized physiological saline into the eggs of the Indonesian native chicken improved hatching and post-hatching performances.
The nuclear status of human sperm cells by TEM image cytometry: nuclear shape and chromatin texture in semen samples from fertile and infertile men.

Changes in nuclear size, shape, and chromatin texture during spermiogenesis and epididymal transport of human sperm were recently analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image cytometry followed by multivariate statistical analysis of data. In the present study, this same methodology was used to investigate the nuclear morphology of spermatozoa in semen samples from fertile and infertile men. Analysis was carried out on a large series of micrographs of sections of sperm nuclei from a donor group with proven fertility and from a patient group with a mean infertility duration of 10 years with no obvious male or female infertility factors (only a slight decrease in the proportion of sperm heads with normal morphology was noted in routine semen tests). For the patient group, it was found that nuclei had a significantly less flattened shape (i.e., increased roundness as a consequence of increased thickness and decreased length). Furthermore, significant differences between donor and patient groups were found for most parameters of chromatin texture. In the patient group, chromatin was less condensed, and there was more homogeneous distribution of the different degrees of chromatin condensation. In addition, the organization of chromatin condensation and distribution along the major axis of the nucleus was found to be significantly different in the two groups. Stepwise linear discriminant analysis indicated a good classification rate of only 66% for nuclei of patients when using the eight major nuclear parameters, thus indicating the striking heterogeneity of nuclear morphology for both patient and donor groups. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
DOA Estimation for Coherent Sources in Unknown Nonuniform Noise Fields

A new algorithm, called generalized covariance differencing (GCD), is proposed for direction of arrival (DOA) estimation in the presence of coherent sources and unknown nonuniform noise. By using the difference between the forward-backward spatial smoothing matrix and its complex conjugation, the GCD method constructs a generalized covariance matrix, which can fully eliminate spatially nonuniform noise and fit for more general noise fields and low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) environments. In addition, it can also resolve coherent and incoherent sources. The GCD covariance matrix is an imaginary-valued matrix which can reduce computational burden. By analyzing the characteristic of GCD, a rapid root-MUSIC method without eigendecomposition is also given which can further reduce computational complexity. Simulation results demonstrate that the GCD method can effectively eliminate nonuniform noise, and it possesses a lower SNR threshold as well as a smaller variance than that of conventional methods.
Kinetic theory of runaway air breakdown.

The kinetic theory for an air breakdown mechanism advanced in a previous paper [Phys. Lett. A 165, 463 (1992)] is developed. The relevant form of the Boltzmann equation is derived and the particle orbits in both velocity space and configuration space are computed. A numerical solution of the Boltzmann equation, assuming a spatially uniform electric field, is obtained and the temporal evolution of the electron velocity distribution function is described. The results of our analysis are used to estimate the magnitude of potential x-ray emissions from discharges in thunderstorms.
Early Reliability Prediction: An Approach to Software Reliability Assessment in Open Software Adoption Stage

Conventional software reliability models are not adequate to assess the reliability of software system in which OSS (Open Source Software) adopted as a new feature add-on because OSS can be modified while the inside of COTS(Commercial Off-The-Shelf) products cannot be changed. This paper presents an approach to software reliability assessment of OSS adopted software system in the early stage. We identified the software factors that affect the reliability of software system when a large software system adopts OSS and assess software reliability using those factors. They are code modularity and code maintainability in software modules related with system requirements. We used them to calculate the initial fault rate with weight index (correlated value between requirement and module) which represents the degree of code modification. We apply the proposed initial fault rate to reliability model to assess software reliability in the early stage of a software life cycle. Early software reliability assessment in OSS adoption helps to make an effective development and testing strategies for improving the reliability of the whole system.
An Incremental Model for Coreference Resolution with Restrictive Antecedent Accessibility

We introduce an incremental model for coreference resolution that competed in the CoNLL 2011 shared task (open regular). We decided to participate with our baseline model, since it worked well with two other datasets. The benefits of an incremental over a mention-pair architecture are: a drastic reduction of the number of candidate pairs, a means to overcome the problem of underspecified items in pairwise classification and the natural integration of global constraints such as transitivity. We do not apply machine learning, instead the system uses an empirically derived salience measure based on the dependency labels of the true mentions. Our experiments seem to indicate that such a system already is on par with machine learning approaches.
Beyond the Whole-Genome Duplication: Phylogenetic Evidence for an Ancient Interspecies Hybridization in the Baker's Yeast Lineage

Whole-genome duplications have shaped the genomes of several vertebrate, plant, and fungal lineages. Earlier studies have focused on establishing when these events occurred and on elucidating their functional and evolutionary consequences, but we still lack sufficient understanding of how genome duplications first originated. We used phylogenomics to study the ancient genome duplication occurred in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae lineage and found compelling evidence for the existence of a contemporaneous interspecies hybridization. We propose that the genome doubling was a direct consequence of this hybridization and that it served to provide stability to the recently formed allopolyploid. This scenario provides a mechanism for the origin of this ancient duplication and the lineage that originated from it and brings a new perspective to the interpretation of the origin and consequences of whole-genome duplications.
Priming Th1 Immunity to Viral Core Particles Is Facilitated by Trace Amounts of RNA Bound to Its Arginine-Rich Domain1

Particulate hepatitis B core Ag (C protein) (HBcAg) and soluble hepatitis B precore Ag (E protein) (HBeAg) of the hepatitis B virus share >70% of their amino acid sequence and most T and B cell-defined epitopes. When injected at low doses into mice, HBcAg particles prime Th1 immunity while HBeAg protein primes Th2 immunity. HBcAg contains 5–20 ng RNA/μg protein while nucleotide binding to HBeAg is not detectable. Deletion of the C-terminal arginine-rich domain of HBcAg generates HBcAg-144 or HBcAg-149 particles (in which >98% of RNA binding is lost) that prime Th2-biased immunity. HBcAg particles, but not truncated HBcAg-144 or -149 particles stimulate IL-12 p70 release by dendritic cells and IFN-γ release by nonimmune spleen cells. The injection of HBeAg protein or HBcAg-149 particles into mice primes Th1 immunity only when high doses of RNA (i.e., 20–100 μg/mouse) are codelivered with the Ag. Particle-incorporated RNA has thus a 1000-fold higher potency as a Th1-inducing adjuvant than free RNA mixed to a protein Ag. Disrupting the particulate structure of HBcAg releases RNA and abolishes its Th1 immunity inducing potency. Using DNA vaccines delivered intradermally with the gene gun, inoculation of 1 μg HBcAg-encoding pCI/C plasmid DNA primes Th1 immunity while inoculation of 1 μg HBeAg-encoding pCI/E plasmid DNA or HBcAg-149-encoding pCI/C-149 plasmid DNA primes Th2 immunity. Expression data show eukaryotic RNA associated with HBcAg, but not HBeAg, expressed by the DNA vaccine. Hence, codelivery of an efficient, intrinsic adjuvant (i.e., nanogram amounts of prokaryotic or eukaryotic RNA bound to arginine-rich sequences) by HBcAg nucleocapsids facilitates priming of anti-viral Th1 immunity.
Trusted kernel-based coalition formation

We define Trusted Kernel-based Coalition Formation as a novel extension to the traditional kernel-based coalition formation process which ensures agents choose the most reliable coalition partners and are guaranteed to obtain the payment they deserve. To this end, we develop an encryption-based communication protocol and a payment scheme which ensure that agents cannot manipulate the mechanism to their own benefit. Moreover, we integrate a generic trust model in the coalition formation process that permits the selection of the most reliable agents over repeated coalition games. We empirically evaluate our mechanism when iterated and show that, in the long run, it always chooses the coalition structure that has the maximum expected value and determines the payoffs that match their level of reliability.
Regulation of algal structure and function by nutrients and grazing in a boreal wetland

Abstract We evaluated the potential for grazers to regulate benthic algal biomass and taxonomic composition in an Alaskan marsh after enrichment with nutrients that are expected to increase in the region with ongoing climate change. We nested caged and uncaged substrates together inside mesocosm enclosures with natural abundances of snails or no snails and with or without nutrient enrichment (NO3 + PO4 + Si). Algal biomass was greater in all nutrient-enriched enclosures than in controls. Algal biomass was greater in enclosures where grazers were present but excluded by a cage than in enclosures where grazers were allowed to graze or where grazers were absent. In the presence of nutrients, grazed communities were dominated by small coccoid green algae and cyanobacteria, which were overgrown by filamentous green algae when grazers were excluded. In the absence of nutrients, grazers had little effect on algal biomass or taxonomic composition. However, grazers recycled a small but potentially important amount of nutrients in their waste, suggesting that consumer-driven nutrient recycling may have played a role in maintaining algal biomass when grazers were present. Our data show that grazers regulate algal responses to nutrients by suppressing algal accumulation but increasing productivity through nutrient recycling in a northern boreal wetland.
Yields of SSB and DSB induced in DNA by Al K ultrasoft X-rays and α-particles: comparison of experimental and simulated yields

Purpose : To compare experimental yields of single strand breaks (SSB) and double strand breaks (DSB) induced in plasmid DNA in aqueous solution by f -particles and Al K ultrasoft X-rays (USX) with the corresponding yields, generated via computer simulations, for a range of mean diffusion distances of the hydroxyl radical (OH). Materials and methods : Aerobic, aqueous solutions of plasmid DNA were irradiated at 277K with 238 Pu f -particles or USX in the presence of 10 -4 to 0.33 mol dm -3 Tris and the yields of SSB and DSB determined by gel electrophoresis. Computer simulations, using Monte Carlo track-structure codes for 1.5keV electrons (CPA100) and 3.2MeV f -particle track segments (PITS), were used to obtain yields of DNA SSB and DSB at different OH scavenger conditions. Results : The experimental yield of SSB and DSB induced by AlK USX and SSB induced by f -particles and the dependences on the mean diffusion distance of the OH are in reasonable agreement with the corresponding simulated yields and their corresponding dependences. However, for DSB induced by f -particles, a significant systematic difference exists between the simulated and experimental yields over the full OH scavenging range, with the simulated yields being a factor of two to three greater than the experimental values. Conclusion : That the simulated yields of strand breaks are generally in reasonable agreement with those determined experimentally over a wide range of OH scavenging capacities, increases confidence in the use of these simulations as a valuable source of quantitative, mechanistic information on DNA damage induced at very low radiation doses.
Comparing the effectiveness of acceptance-based behavior therapy to applied relaxation on worry and generalized anxiety disorder symptoms

Introduction: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is associated with a diminished quality of life and co morbidity with other anxiety and mood disorders. Acceptance-based behavior therapy (ABBT) is a new treatment that introduced for treatment of GAD. The current study compared ABBT to Applied Relaxation (AR) -the most utilized psychological therapy for GAD. Materials and Methods: Thirty two women with GAD who were referred from psychiatrics offices in Isfahan city were recruited to participate in the study. They were then administered the SCID/CV. Â Twenty four subjects who met the criteria for GAD were assigned to two groups (ABBT and AR) randomly. The groups received similar medication. The ABBT and AR participated in 12 weekly therapy sessions. The instruments used in the study at pre and post test included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 item scale (GAD-7) and Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ). The data were analyzed using the multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results: No significant differences were found between ABBT and AR groups in anxiety symptoms and worry (P>0.05). Conclusion: Overall, based on the findings of this study, one can conclude that the acceptance-based behavior therapy does not seem to be different from the applied relaxation therapy for treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Â
Ancestral genetic diversity associated with the rapid spread of stress-tolerant coral symbionts in response to Holocene climate change

Significance Reef corals in the Persian/Arabian Gulf (PAG) withstand exceptionally high salinity and regular summer temperatures of ∼35 °C that kill conspecifics elsewhere. These thermotolerant communities established themselves within only ∼6,000 y under the pressure of rapid climate change and can therefore inform how other coral reefs may respond to global warming. One key to the thermotolerance of PAG corals is their symbiosis with Symbiodinium thermophilum. Phylogeographic evidence indicates that this symbiont represents a stress-tolerant subpopulation of an ancestral taxonomic group with surprising genetic diversity that exists at barely detectable levels outside the PAG. Our results highlight the critical importance of present-day biodiversity for future adaptation to climate change for coral reefs and ecosystems in general. Coral communities in the Persian/Arabian Gulf (PAG) withstand unusually high salinity levels and regular summer temperature maxima of up to ∼35 °C that kill conspecifics elsewhere. Due to the recent formation of the PAG and its subsequent shift to a hot climate, these corals have had only <6,000 y to adapt to these extreme conditions and can therefore inform on how coral reefs may respond to global warming. One key to coral survival in the world’s warmest reefs are symbioses with a newly discovered alga, Symbiodinium thermophilum. Currently, it is unknown whether this symbiont originated elsewhere or emerged from unexpectedly fast evolution catalyzed by the extreme environment. Analyzing genetic diversity of symbiotic algae across >5,000 km of the PAG, the Gulf of Oman, and the Red Sea coastline, we show that S. thermophilum is a member of a highly diverse, ancient group of symbionts cryptically distributed outside the PAG. We argue that the adjustment to temperature extremes by PAG corals was facilitated by the positive selection of preadapted symbionts. Our findings suggest that maintaining the largest possible pool of potentially stress-tolerant genotypes by protecting existing biodiversity is crucial to promote rapid adaptation to present-day climate change, not only for coral reefs, but for ecosystems in general.
Active focus and zoom control used for scene analysis

We propose a visual recognition system for robotic applications in which distance to the visual objects can change a lot (for instance, trying to recognize a distant object learned from a short distance). Our system takes advantage of a single pan-tilt camera controllable in zoom and focus. Focus control allows to detect plans of sharpness in the scene and indirectly to compute a distance. Hence, this information can be used to gain structural information of the visual scene (to segment objects from the ground, to count the number of depth plans in the visual field…) without complex computation. This distance information is then used to control either a software or a hardware zoom to keep the size of the object invariant. The image thus created can be used by view based recognition systems. In a second time we show how by using focus points and neural networks we can improve the detection of sharpness plans in complex scenes. Finally we present a simple method to dynamically control the focus and stabilize it on the plan of sharpness of an object in the scene.
The impact of HIV/AIDS on the health workforce in developing countries

The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this background paper do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement.
Dysphagia in solid malignancies outside the head, neck and upper gastrointestinal tract

s 1. Kenny C, Regan J, Walsh D. Cancer cachexia and dysphagia: A nutritional and therapeutic dilemma? Clinical Nutrition. 2018;37(S1):S77-78. 2. Kenny C, Regan J, Walsh D. Dysphagia in cancer patients: Common, dangerous, and under-diagnosed. Support Care Cancer. 2018;26(S2):S170. 3. Kenny C, Uí Dhuibhír P, O’Donoghue N, Barrett M, Parkes C, Daly S, Thirion P, Walsh D. (2017) Wireless intra-oral measurement of dynamic tongue pressures: A clinical utility pilot study. Dysphagia. (2017);32(1), 147. 4. Kenny C, Regan J, Walsh D. Psychometric properties of screening and evaluation tools for oro-pharyngeal dysphagia in adults with cancer outside the upper GI tract: A systematic review. Dysphagia. (2017);32(1), 133.
Typhoon-induced magnetic disturbance: Cases in the western Pacific

Summary form only given. Three typhoons occurred on the western Pacific in September 2008 and were enhanced beyond category 3 when they approached Taiwan. Geomagnetic total intensity field recorded at 2 local monitor stations in Taiwan and 1 remote station in Japan are utilized to examine magnetic disturbances induced by these typhoons. Analytical results show that changes in the amplitudes in the frequency domain at the monitor and remote stations are consistent even though magnetic storms intensely affect magnetic fields. However, obvious discrepancy can be repeatedly found from the amplitude at the frequency band between 0.0025 and 0.007 Hz, when the typhoons with category > 3 were the closest to the monitor stations. The frequency band is different with those of induction fields from either oceanic stormy waves or swells, and is consistent with that of magnetic pulsations triggered by acoustic waves from upward air motion during typhoons.
Retailing and long-term environmental concerns: The impact of inventory and pricing competition

Abstract Retailers are sources of environmental pollution, 80–90% of which is ultimately due to the processes that retailers set in motion by their orders for the products they carry and sell. The goal of this paper is to investigate environmental consequences of an intertemporal competition between retailers facing demand and price-related uncertainties. In such an environment, mass displays of inventories by a firm stimulate sales while inventory shortages discourage consumers and stimulate the sales of the firm’s competitors. We consider two types of retailers – price setters and price takers – both engaged in an associated inventory competition by selling products that are partially substitutable. While price-taking retailers let the market decide the prices, price-setting retailers compete also on prices. We find that competition by both types of firms does not necessarily increase the expected retail output and, consequently, the ensuing pollution. In particular, though the stocks of the price-taking retailers grow as the competition between them intensifies, their long-term expected output declines. Moreover, the impact of uncertainty implies greater precaution since both output and pollution further decline as the uncertainty grows.
Nuclear matrix proteins

(57) Abstract: providing nuclear matrix proteins characterized by well-defined expression in tissue (NMP). Such NMP is a useful marker when the stage of malignancy of cytology and monitored, to treat cell proliferative disorder associated with NMP. Also provided substantially purified polypeptide and nucleotide sequences encoding the NMP of the present invention.