Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the spatial variability of surface topography and moisture content and its influence on potato crop yield

ABSTRACT Addressing the cause of the spatial variability of crop (Solanum tuberosum L.) yield is of a great importance to farmers who plan to apply precision agriculture techniques. Therefore, a study on two centre pivot irrigated potato fields in Saudi Arabia was conducted to detect and assess the spatial dependencies among three variables (surface topography, moisture content, and potato yield) and to examine the influence of surface topography and moisture on the potato yield. In addition to surface elevation data in the form of digital elevation model, cloud-free satellite images of Landsat-8 with a spatial resolution of 30 m were acquired throughout the study period. Samples of potato yield were collected 2 days prior to the harvest time and upscaled into yield maps using the interpolation technique in ArcGIS software program. Soil field capacity (FC) and permanent wilting point (PWP) were determined for the study area and utilized to generate moisture content maps using thermal inertia method. The study employed the bivariate Moran’s Index (Moran’s I) and the Bivariate Local Indicator of Spatial Autocorrelation in order to measure the strength of the spatial autocorrelation and to quantify the spatial dependency between each two of the acquired variables. The interpretation of the mapped topography, cumulative moisture, and yield revealed a substantial agreement along the spatial distribution of the high moisture and yield values with the adverse value of the surface elevation. Results of the spatial autocorrelation indicated that the spatial patterns of moisture-yield over the two study fields were strongly associated with high-high clustering level covering an area of 42% of field 68-S and 39% of field 44-S, while topography-yield patterns over field 68-S and 44-S covered only 25% and 22% of the areas, respectively, with a confidence level of 0.01 for all patterns at both fields.
Knowledge acquisition and knowledge base refinement problems in developing the KBS legal expert system

In this paper we analize the approach used to solve knowledge acquisition and knowledge base refinement problems in order to improve the performance of a legal expert system (KBS). We will support that in a wide number of questions the limitations of the rule-based approach could be ovemome if the rules of the system are built and refined by using a systematic interaction with the experts.
Effect of Nanoparticles on Protein Folding and Fibrillogenesis

The large surface area and small size of nanoparticles provide properties and applications that are distinct from those of bulk materials. The ability of nanoparticles to influence protein folding and aggregation is interesting, not only because of the potential beneficial applications, but also the potential risks to human health and the environment. This makes it essential that we understand the effect of nanoparticles on fundamental biological process, like protein folding. Here, we review studies that have examined the effect of nanoparticles on protein folding and aggregation, providing insight both into the mechanisms of these processes and how they may be controlled.
Cancer diagnosis and prognosis decoded by blood-based circulating microRNA signatures

In the recent years, circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have garnered a lot of attention and interest in the field of disease biomarkers. With characteristics such as high stability, low cost, possibility of repeated sampling and minimal invasiveness, circulating miRNAs are ideal for development into diagnostic tests. There have been many studies reported on the potential of circulating miRNAs as early detection, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers in cancer. Here, we have reviewed the application of plasma and serum miRNAs as biomarkers for cancer focusing on epithelial carcinomas [prostate, breast, lung, colorectal, and gastric cancer (GC)] and hematological malignancies (leukemia and lymphoma). We have also addressed the common challenges that need to be overcome to achieve a successful bench to bedside transition.
Density of neurons and synapses in the cerebral cortex of the mouse

Quantitative anatomical investigations provide the basis for functional models. In this study the density of neurons and synapses was measured in three different areas (8, 6, and 17) of the neocortex of the mouse. Both kinds of measurements were made on the same material, embedded in Epon/Araldit. In order to determine the synaptic density per mm3, the proportion of synaptic neuropil was also measured; it was found to be 84%. The cortical volume occupied by cell bodies of neurons and glia cells amounted to 12%, that by blood vessels to 4%.
Low-Latency Source-Channel Coding for Fading Channels with Correlated Interference

We investigate the problem of sending a Gaussian source over a Rayleigh fading channel with Gaussian correlated interference known to the transmitter using low-latency codes. For the matched bandwidth case between the source and the channel, we show that among all single-letter codes, the uncoded scheme achieves the lowest mean square error distortion under full correlation between source and interference, and hence it is optimal. To benefit from nonlinear strategies for other scenarios, we derive the necessary conditions for optimality and propose an iterative algorithm based on joint optimization between the encoder and the decoder. A reduced-complexity approach for the implementation of the design algorithm is presented based on Monte-Carlo (at the encoder side) and importance sampling (at the decoder side) techniques. Furthermore, the scalability of our low-latency scheme is improved by modifying the search process at the encoder side using a targeted search method.
Real-time object tracking for moving target auto-focus in digital camera

Focusing at a moving object accurately is difficult and important to take photo of the target successfully in a digital camera. Because the object often moves randomly and changes its shape frequently, position and distance of the target should be estimated at real-time so as to focus at the objet precisely. We propose a new method of real-time object tracking to do auto-focus for moving target in digital camera. Video stream in the camera is used for the moving target tracking. Particle filter is used to deal with problem of the target object’s random movement and shape change. Color and edge features are used as measurement of the object’s states. Parallel processing algorithm is developed to realize real-time particle filter object tracking easily in hardware environment of the digital camera. Movement prediction algorithm is also proposed to remove focus error caused by difference between tracking result and target object’s real position when the photo is taken. Simulation and experiment results in digital camera demonstrate effectiveness of the proposed method. We embedded real-time object tracking algorithm in the digital camera. Position and distance of the moving target is obtained accurately by object tracking from the video stream. SIMD processor is applied to enforce parallel real-time processing. Processing time less than 60ms for each frame is obtained in the digital camera with its CPU of only 162MHz.
Infection avoidance behavior: Viral exposure reduces the motivation to forage in female Drosophila melanogaster

ABSTRACT Infection avoidance behaviors are the first line of defense against pathogenic encounters. Behavioral plasticity in response to internal or external cues of infection can therefore generate potentially significant heterogeneity in infection. We tested whether Drosophila melanogaster exhibits infection avoidance behavior, and whether this behavior is modified by prior exposure to Drosophila C Virus (DCV) and by the risk of DCV encounter. We examined 2 measures of infection avoidance: (1) the motivation to seek out food sources in the presence of an infection risk and (2) the preference to land on a clean food source over a potentially infectious source. While we found no evidence for preference of clean food sources over potentially infectious ones, previously exposed female flies showed lower motivation to pick a food source when presented with a risk of encountering DCV. We discuss the relevance of behavioral plasticity during foraging for host fitness and pathogen spread.
Influence of the Kinesin Neck Domain on Dimerization and ATPase Kinetics*

Motor domains of kinesin were expressed that extend from the N terminus to positions 346, 357, 365, 381, and 405 (designated DKH346-DKH405) to determine if the kinetic differences observed between monomeric DKH340 and dimeric DKH392 (Hackney, D. D. (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 91, 6865-6869) were specific to these constructs or due to their oligomeric state. Sedimentation analysis indicated that DKH346, DKH357, and DKH365 are predominantly monomeric and that DKH381 and DKH405 are predominantly dimeric at 0.01-0.03 μM, the concentrations used for ATPase assays. In buffer with 25 mM KCl, all have high kcat values of 38-96 s−1 at saturating microtubule (MT) levels. Monomeric DKH346, DKH357, and DKH365 have K0.5(MT) values of 17, 9, and 1.4 μM, respectively, but the K0.5(MT) values for the dimeric species are significantly lower, with 0.02 and 0.14 μM for DKH381 and DKH405, respectively. The three new monomers release all of their ADP on association with microtubules, whereas the two new dimers retain approximately half of their ADP, consistent with the half-site reactivity observed previously with dimeric DKH392. Both the kbi(ATPase) (=kcat/K0.5(MT)) values for stimulation of ATPase by MTs and the kbi(ADP) for stimulation of ADP release by MTs were determined in buffer containing 120 mM potassium acetate. The ratio of these rate constants (kbi(ratio) = kbi(ATPase)/kbi(ADP)) is 60-100 for the dimers, indicating hydrolysis of many ATP molecules per productive encounter with a MT as observed previously for DKH392 (Hackney, D. D. (1995) Nature 377, 448-450). For the monomers, kbi(ratio) values of ∼4 indicate that they also may hydrolyze more than one ATP molecule per encounter with a MT and that the mechanism of hydrolysis is therefore fundamentally different from that of actomyosin. DKH340 is an exception to this pattern and may undergo uncoupled ATP hydrolysis.
Scaffolding Environment for е-Learning through Cloud Computing

This paper presents a new approach to the integration of web services for e-learning through cloud computing infrastructure. The primary goal is to improve the performance of the existing e-learning system where group adaptation is applied. The proposed method includes an integration of information, processes, applications and human resources in the e-learning system. Integration is based on a web application we developed for managing the learning environment. The application enables an integration of the Moodle, the OpenLDAP directory for managing user accounts, and the OpenNebula toolkit for managing a cloud computing infrastructure. The major advantage of the suggested approach is that the existing system for adaptive e-learning does not need any changes, while it becomes more available and suitable for ubiquitous learning. We evaluated the implemented environment in an undergraduate course at the E-Business Lab, University of Belgrade.
Analysing adoption of soil conservation measures by farmers in Darjeeling district, India

The study attempts to assess the key determinants of the decision to adopt soil conservation. The study area is Teesta River Watershed, in Darjeeling District in the Eastern Himalayas. In the watershed, there have been soil conservation interventions both by the individual farmers on their own farm and by the government at the sub-watershed level. The data for this study was collected through a primary survey conducted during 2013. The distinguishing features of the analysis are that if explicitly accounts for possible neighborhood effects in influencing adoption. This is captured both by identifying adoption practices among farmers who are immediately upstream, and using spatial econometric techniques that incorporate the spatial distance between neighboring farms.
Thrombolysis in Brain Ischemia (TIBI) Transcranial Doppler Flow Grades Predict Clinical Severity, Early Recovery, and Mortality in Patients Treated With Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator

Background and Purpose— TIMI angiographic classification measures coronary residual flow and recanalization. We developed a Thrombolysis in Brain Ischemia (TIBI) classification by using transcranial Doppler (TCD) to noninvasively monitor intracranial vessel residual flow signals. We examined whether the emergent TCD TIBI classification correlated with stroke severity and outcome in patients treated with intravenously administered tPA (IV-tPA). Methods— TCD examination occurred acutely and on day 2. TIBI flows were determined at distal MCA and basilar artery depths, depending on occlusion site. TIBI waveforms were graded as follows: 0, absent; 1, minimal; 2, blunted; 3, dampened; 4, stenotic; and 5, normal. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores were obtained at baseline and 24 hours after administration of tPA. Results— One hundred nine IV tPA patients were studied. Mean±SD age was 68±16 years; median NIHSS score before administration of tPA (pre-tPA) was 17.5. The tPA bolus was administered 143±58 minutes and the TCD examination 141±57 minutes after symptom onset. Pre-tPA NIHSS scores were higher in patients with TIBI grade 0 than TIBI grade 4 or 5 flow. TIBI flow improvement to grade 4 or 5 occurred in 35% of patients (19/54) with an initial grade of 0 or 1 and in 52% (12/23) with initial grade 2 or 3. The 24-hour NIHSS scores were higher in follow-up in patients with TIBI grade 0 or 1 than those with TIBI grade 4 or 5 flow. TIBI flow recovery correlated with NIHSS score improvement. Lack of flow recovery predicted worsening or no improvement. In-hospital mortality was 71% (5/7) for patients with posterior circulation occlusions; it was 22% (11/51) for patients with pre-tPA TIBI 0 or 1 compared with 5% (1/19) for those with pre-tPA TIBI 2 or 3 anterior circulation occlusions. Conclusions— Emergent TCD TIBI classification correlates with initial stroke severity, clinical recovery, and mortality in IV-tPA–treated stroke patients. A flow-grade improvement correlated with clinical improvement.
The effect of letter spacing on reading speed in central and peripheral vision.

PURPOSE Crowding, the adverse spatial interaction due to proximity of adjacent letters, has been suggested as an explanation for slow reading in peripheral vision. The purpose of this study was to examine whether reading speed can be improved in normal peripheral vision by increasing the letter spacing. Also tested was whether letter spacing imposes a different limit on reading speed of small versus large print. METHODS Six normal observers read aloud single, short sentences presented on a computer monitor, one word at a time, by rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP). Reading speeds were calculated based on the RSVP exposure durations yielding 80% correctly read words. Letters were rendered in Courier, a fixed-width font. Testing was conducted at the fovea, 5 degrees and 10 degrees in the inferior visual field. The critical print size (CPS) was first determined for each observer by measuring reading speeds for four print sizes, using the standard letter spacing (center-to-center separation of adjacent letters; standard Courier spacing: 1.16 times the width of the lowercase x). Text was then presented at 0.8 x or 1.5x CPS, and reading speed was measured for five letter spacings, ranging from 0.5 times to 2 times the standard spacing. RESULTS As expected, reading speed was highest at the fovea, decreased with eccentricity, and was faster for the larger print size. At all eccentricities and for both print sizes, reading speed increased with letter spacing, up to a critical letter spacing, and then either remained constant at the same reading speed or decreased slightly for larger letter spacings. The value of the critical letter spacing was very close to the standard letter spacing and did not depend on eccentricity or print size. CONCLUSIONS Increased letter spacing beyond the standard size, which presumably decreases the adverse effect of crowding, does not lead to an increase in reading speed in central or peripheral vision.
Ecological speciation in sympatric palms: 2. Pre‐ and post‐zygotic isolation

We evaluated reproductive isolation in two species of palms (Howea) that have evolved sympatrically on Lord Howe Island (LHI, Australia). We estimated the strength of some pre‐ and post‐zygotic mechanisms in maintaining current species boundaries. We found that flowering time displacement between species is consistent across in and ex situ common gardens and is thus partly genetically determined. On LHI, pre‐zygotic isolation due solely to flowering displacement was 97% for Howea belmoreana and 80% for H. forsteriana; this asymmetry results from H. forsteriana flowering earlier than H. belmoreana and being protandrous. As expected, only a few hybrids (here confirmed by genotyping) at both juvenile and adult stages could be detected in two sites on LHI, in which the two species grow intermingled (the Far Flats) or adjacently (Transit Hill). Yet, the distribution of hybrids was different between sites. At Transit Hill, we found no hybrid adult trees, but 13.5% of younger palms examined there were of late hybrid classes. In contrast, we found four hybrid adult trees, mostly of late hybrid classes, and only one juvenile F1 hybrid in the Far Flats. This pattern indicates that selection acts against hybrids between the juvenile and adult stages. An in situ reciprocal seed transplant between volcanic and calcareous soils also shows that early fitness components (up to 36 months) were affected by species and soil. These results are indicative of divergent selection in reproductive isolation, although it does not solely explain the current distribution of the two species on LHI.
The Association Between Soil Transmitted Helminth Infections with Nutritional Status in Children (A Cross Sectional Study in Elementary School, Candi Village, Semarang District, Central Java Province, Indonesia)

Elementary school age children are vulnerable group in nutrition issue caused by Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH). The infections of STH can block the nutrient absorbment through body. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between STH infections (Soil Transmitted helminths) with the nutritional status among elementary school age children. This research was a observational analytic with cross sectional design. This study was conducted in elementary schools, located in Candi village, Bandungan District, Semarang Regency. Subjects were selected by random sampling technique, with 71 students as sample. Data was tested with validity and reliability test to determine the data quality. Data was analyzed by Chi-square test, with a 95% confidence level. The Prevalence of Soil Transmitted Helminth infection was 11.3% and the prevalence of underweight nutritional status was 40.8%. The statistical test showed that p value = 1.000 (p> 0.05). This study concluded that there is no statistical relationship between STH infection and nutritional status. Furthermore, to examine the main cause in nutritional status, students need feces observation.
Effects of Bladder Function by Early Tamsulosin Treatment in a Spinal Cord Injury Rat Model

Objective To investigate the effects of early tamsulosin treatment on changes in bladder characteristics after a spinal cord injury. Methods We divided 45 rats into three groups: the control (CON) group, the spinal cord injury (SCI) group, and the SCI+tamsulosin treatment (SCI+TAM) group. Spinal cord transection was performed in the SCI and SCI+TAM groups. Tamsulosin was injected for 7 days in the SCI+TAM group. Intravesical and intra-abdominal catheters were implanted before cord injury. Basal pressure (BP), maximal vesical pressure (MVP), micturition volume (MV), and voiding interval time (VIT) were measured at 7 days after SCI. The bladder was then removed and used for an in vitro organ bath study and Western blot analysis. The percentage changes in contractility from baseline after acetylcholine alone, pretreatment with a muscarinic 2 (M2) receptor blocker (AQ-RA741), and pretreatment with a M3 receptor blocker (4-DAMP) were compared among the groups. Western blot analyses were performed to determine expression levels of pERK1/2 and rho-kinase. Results In cystometry, MVP, BP, MV, and VIT showed changes in the SCI and SCI+TAM groups versus the CON group (p<0.05). In the organ bath study, acetylcholine-induced contractility in the three groups differed significantly (p<0.05). Additionally, acetylcholine-induced contractility with 4-DAMP pretreatment was reduced significantly in the SCI+TAM group versus the SCI group. In Western blotting, pERK1/2 expression was stronger (p<0.05) and rho-kinase expression was weaker in the SCI+TAM group than the SCI group (p<0.05). Conclusion These results suggest that the bladder contraction due to acetylcholine after SCI can be decreased by tamsulosin in the acute stage and this involves changes in pERK1/2 and rho-kinase.
A Rice WRKY Gene Encodes a Transcriptional Repressor of the Gibberellin Signaling Pathway in Aleurone Cells1[w]

The molecular mechanism by which GA regulates plant growth and development has been a subject of active research. Analyses of the rice (Oryza sativa) genomic sequences identified 77 WRKY genes, among which OsWRKY71 is highly expressed in aleurone cells. Transient expression of OsWRKY71 by particle bombardment specifically represses GA-induced Amy32b α-amylase promoter but not abscisic acid-induced HVA22 or HVA1 promoter activity in aleurone cells. Moreover, OsWRKY71 blocks the activation of the Amy32b promoter by the GA-inducible transcriptional activator OsGAMYB. Consistent with its role as a transcriptional repressor, OsWRKY71 is localized to nuclei of aleurone cells and binds specifically to functionally defined TGAC-containing W boxes of the Amy32b promoter in vitro. Mutation of the two W boxes prevents the binding of OsWRKY71 to the mutated promoter, and releases the suppression of the OsGAMYB-activated Amy32b expression by OsWRKY71, suggesting that OsWRKY71 blocks GA signaling by functionally interfering with OsGAMYB. Exogenous GA treatment decreases the steady-state mRNA level of OsWRKY71 and destabilizes the GFP:OsWRKY71 fusion protein. These findings suggest that OsWRKY71 encodes a transcriptional repressor of GA signaling in aleurone cells.