Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The tomato mutant spr1 is defective in systemin perception and the production of a systemic wound signal for defense gene expression.

Wound-induced systemic expression of defensive proteinase inhibitor (PI) genes in tomato plants requires the action of systemin and its precursor protein prosystemin. Although it is well established that systemin induces PI expression through the octadecanoid pathway for jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis, relatively little is known about how systemin and JA interact to promote long-distance signaling between damaged and undamaged leaves. Here, this question was addressed by characterizing a systemin-insensitive mutant (spr1) that was previously identified as a suppressor of prosystemin-mediated responses. In contrast to JA biosynthetic or JA signaling mutants that lack both local and systemic PI expression in response to wounding, spr1 plants were deficient mainly in the systemic response. Consistent with this phenotype, spr1 plants exhibited normal PI induction in response to oligosaccharide signals that are thought to play a role in the local wound response. Moreover, spr1 abolished JA accumulation in response to exogenous systemin, and reduced JA accumulation in wounded leaves to approximately 57% of wild-type (WT) levels. Analysis of reciprocal grafts between spr1 and WT plants showed that spr1 impedes systemic PI expression by blocking the production of the long-distance wound signal in damaged leaves, rather than inhibiting the recognition of that signal in systemic undamaged leaves. These experiments suggest that Spr1 is involved in a signaling step that couples systemin perception to activation of the octadecanoid pathway, and that systemin acts at or near the site of wounding (i.e. in rootstock tissues) to increase JA synthesis to a level that is required for the systemic response. It was also demonstrated that spr1 plants are not affected in the local or systemic expression of a subset of rapidly induced wound-response genes, indicating the existence of a systemin-independent pathway for wound signaling.
An experimental test for genetic constraints in Drosophila melanogaster

In addition to natural selection, adaptive evolution requires genetic variation to proceed. Yet the G-matrix may have limited 'genetic degrees of freedom', with certain combinations of trait values unavailable to evolution. Such limitations are often referred to as genetic constraints. Unfortunately, clear predictions about when to expect constraints are rarely available. Therefore, we developed an experimental system that provides specific predictions regarding constraints. Such tests are important as disagreements persist regarding the evidence for genetic constraints, possibly due to differences in methodology, study system or both. Numerous measures of genetic constraints have been suggested, and generally focus on whether some axes of G have eigenvalues=~0, indicating a lack of genetic variance.The mutation Ultrabithorax1 causes a mild homeotic transformation of segmental identity. We predicted that this mutation would induce a genetic constraint due to this homeosis. We measured genetic co-variation for a set of traits in a panel of strains with and without Ubx1. As expected, Ubx1 induced homeotic transformations, and altered patterns of allometry. Yet, no changes in correlational structure nor in the distribution of eigenvalues of G were observed. We discuss the role of using genetic manipulations to refine hypotheses of constraints in natural systems.
Creative relighting in compositing based on z depth

The faster turnaround times in modern vfx productions force companies and artist to come up with ideas to speed up every part of the pipeline and to be able to change the final image fast. One of the most time consuming steps is the rendering step. Once the parameters are set rendering takes place for a long time. Should lighting and surface properties change re-rendering is veryexpensive and time comsuming. Interactive relighting as a part in compositing is very helpful to archive faster turnarounds. Problems occur because additional data is required to archive visually pleasing results. Antialiasing poses also a problem because image data based on physical properties of the scene and camera cannot be anti-aliased due to resulting in wrong results. The technique we present in this paper is completely based on the depth information of the scene. Depth layers are never anti-aliased and always available because this information is needed for several things like depth of field simulation. We can extract surface normal and point position from a z-Depth and relight the scene with that. More complex effects like refractions can be simulated to a certain extent. Another use for this technique is that depth layers can be extracted with the help of stereoscopic imagining and or optical flow from original footage. Our technique helps to relight even shot live footage.
A Crisis of Authority in Predominantly Black Schools?

Background/Context Black students are no less engaged or more disruptive than other students of similar achievement levels and socioeconomic status. However, because Black students are more likely to have disadvantaged family backgrounds and lower levels of achievement, segregation concentrates the risk factors for problem behavior in predominantly Black schools. As a result of the behavioral climate in predominantly Black schools, teachers may rely on instructional methods that facilitate an orderly classroom and minimize the negative effects of disruptions, possibly resulting in an instructional approach that is less engaging for students in those classrooms. I rely on Metz's typology of developmental versus incorporative instruction and research on classroom discourse to identify instruction that may negatively impact student engagement. Purpose/Objective/Research Question/Focus of Study First, how do reports of problem behavior from teachers and administrators in predominantly Black schools differ from those in integrated and non-Black schools? Second, how does the prevalence of developmental instruction vary across schools with different racial compositions? Research Design This study uses the 2003–2004 Schools and Staffing Survey data to analyze reports of problem behavior from teachers and administrators. Logistic regression models are used to provide estimates of the prevalence of behavioral problems, adjusting for academic performance and socioeconomic status of the student body. The Chicago School Study (CSS) and the Partnership for Literacy Study (Partnership) data are then used to investigate the prevalence of developmental instruction. The CSS data contain student and teacher reports of the incorporation of student ideas into instruction. In the Partnership data, time summary statistics of observational records of teachers’ instructional activities (e.g., lecture, discussion, seatwork) and question property statistics from a coding of classroom discourse are presented. Conclusions/Recommendations Consistent with prior research, teachers are much more likely to report incidences of problem behavior in predominantly Black schools. Consequently, the instructional environment in predominantly Black schools and classrooms is tailored somewhat to reduce classroom disruptions and maintain an orderly environment. Specifically, the result is less interactive discourse and more seatwork. However, the differences in teachers’ instructional approach are relatively modest; there is no “crisis” of authority. Further research is needed on the effects of segregation on social relations in schools and how classroom instruction is affected.
Medical morbidity, mental illness, and substance use disorders.

OBJECTIVE Previous research on the prevalence of medical disorders among adults with mental illness has been inconclusive. In general, studies have found higher rates among persons with mental illness, but these studies did not account for comorbid substance use disorders. The authors examined whether certain medical disorders are more prevalent among adults with severe mental illness and whether a comorbid substance use disorder increases prevalence beyond the effect of severe mental illness alone. METHODS Administrative data from the Massachusetts Division of Medical Assistance were used in a cross-sectional observational study design. The sample consisted of 26,332 Medicaid beneficiaries 18 to 64 years of age. Of these, 11,185 had been treated for severe mental illness. Twelve-month prevalence rates were computed, and logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of a substance use disorder or another mental illness on the risk of having a medical disorder. RESULTS Compared with Medicaid beneficiaries who were not treated for severe mental illness, those with severe mental illness had a significantly higher age- and gender-adjusted risk of the medical disorders considered in the study. Those with a comorbid substance use disorder had the highest risk for five of the disorders. CONCLUSIONS The higher treated prevalence of certain medical disorders among adults with severe mental illness has three implications: substance use disorder is an important risk factor and requires early detection; integration of the treatment of medical disorders and severe mental illness should receive higher priority; and efforts should be made to develop specialized disease self-management techniques.
More on prognostic significance of FLT3/ITD size in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

We read with great interest the paper by Stirewalt et al[1][1] analyzing the prognostic significance of different Fms-like tyrosine kinase (FLT3) gene internal tandem duplication (ITD) size in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). There is a considerable variability in ITD size, and Stirewalt et al[1][1]
An in vitro Comparative Evaluation of Three Remineralizing Agents using Confocal Microscopy.

INTRODUCTION The caries process has been thought to be irreversible, resulting in the permanent loss of tooth substance and eventually the development of a cavity. Recent approaches focused on application of remineralizing agents to incipient carious lesions, aim at controlling demineralization and promoting remineralization. Remineralizing agents create a supersaturated environment around the lesion; thus, preventing mineral loss and forces calcium and phosphate ions in the vacant areas. AIM To compare and evaluate the remineralization potential of Fluoride Varnish, CPP-ACP Paste (Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate) and fTCP Paste (functionalized Tricalcium Phosphate) using confocal microscope. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two windows of 3X3mm were created on the labial cervical and incisal thirds in 60 permanent maxillary central incisors. The teeth were demineralized to create artificial caries and divided into three groups of 20 each. Group I specimens were coated with Fluoride Varnish once whereas those in CPP-ACP paste group and fTCP group were brushed for 2 minutes, twice daily for 20 and 40 days. The specimens were stored in artificial saliva during the study period and were later sectioned and observed under confocal microscope. Data obtained was statistically analyzed using Fischer's exact test, ANOVA and post-hoc Bonferroni's test. RESULTS Fluoride Varnish, CPP-ACP Paste and fTCP Paste showed remineralization of artificial carious lesions at both the time intervals. Fluoride varnish showed the highest remineralization followed by CPP-ACP Paste and fTCP Paste. A statistically significant increase in remineralization potential of CPP-ACP Paste and fTCP Paste was observed at the end of 40 days as compared to 20 days. CONCLUSION Fluoride varnish showed the greatest remineralization potential of artificial carious lesions followed by CPP-ACP Paste and fTCP Paste respectively.
Biomimetics Robots From Bio-inspiration to Implementation

Biomimetics focuses on making nature as a model of inspiration that would immensely help conscious abstraction of new principles and ideas, foster innovative design collections, find out new techniques and functionalities, seek new paradigms and methods, develop new materials, and design new streams of intelligent machines, robots, systems, devices, algorithms, etc. Biomimetics incorporates materials, concepts and techniques drawn from naturally made substances, and resembles biological systems in structure, mechanism and/or function as necessary. Smart materials are the foundation supporting the development of new biomimetic based technology. Wide range of biologically inspired robots and intelligent systems has been developed. However, engineering such biomimetic intelligent creatures were hampered by physical and technological constraints, and it is still a challenge. Making robots and intelligent machines that are actuated by biologically inspired artificial muscles would create new reality with great potentials. This paper provides the concept and the importance of Biomimetic as an interdisciplinary field. In addition, the paper introduces and discusses scientific ideas and directions of research activities in the field. The paper presents key development in the field of Biomimetic robots, and finally it underlines the potential of the field and the challenges facing it.
A Group-Based Ternary Query Splitting Protocol for Tag Identification in RFID Systems

For large scale RFID systems, the tag collision is a significant issue, which can decline the identification efficient and prolong the identify time. In some applications, such as object tracking, locating and monitoring etc., the reader needs to repeatedly identify the same tags existing within its read range, which will bring some new collisions with the random mobility of passive tags. To identify tags fast, we propose a group-based ternary query splitting protocol (GTQS), which is suitable for large scale and mobile RFID systems. Based on the distance between the reader and tags, a grouping structure is built to decrease the number of tags participating in one identification process, which can effectively reduce the occurrence of collisions. Using the blocking and ternary resolution techniques, a new identification process procedure is designed to prevent the collisions from the staying tags and the mobile tags, in which the reader can use one query to identify at most three tags simultaneously. The simulation and performance analysis results show that our protocol has better performance than the existing protocols in shortening identification delay with varying the status ratio and the number of tags.
Electromagnetic mass accelerators

The powerful power supplies system (up to 3 – 4 GW in impulse) was developed for the electromagnetic mass accelerator. Unique blocks of repeated switching rated on high currents (up to 1.2MA and voltage up to 5KV) are considered. In this paper various designs of the mass accelerator system and its power supplies are described.
Spirometry in Asthma Care: A Review of the Trends and Challenges in Pediatric Practice

Background: Given the rising incidence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) globally, especially bronchial asthma, there is the need to reduce the associated morbidity and mortality by adopting an objective means of diagnosis and monitoring. Aim: This article aims to review the trends and challenges in the use of spirometry for managing childhood bronchial asthma especially in developing countries. Methods: We conducted a literature search of published data on the use of spirometry for the diagnosis of childhood bronchial asthma with special emphasis resource-poor countries. Results: Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of childhood asthma recommend the use of spirometry, but this is currently underused in both tertiary and primary care settings especially in developing countries. Lack of spirometers and proper training in their use and interpretation of findings as well as a dearth of asthma guidelines remains core to the underuse of spirometry in managing children with asthma. Targeting education of health care staff was, however, observed to improve its utility, and practical implementable strategies are highlighted. Conclusions: Spirometry is not frequently used for asthma diagnosis in pediatric practice especially in resource-poor countries where the NCD burden is higher. Strategies to overcome the obstacles are implementable and can make a difference in reducing the burden of NCD.
Comparing acute and chronic human cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica focusing on arginase activity

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Iran is mainly caused by Leishmania major (L. major) and L. tropica. Arginase mediated L‐arginine metabolism is an important issue in Leishmania parasite propagation. Arginase activity in human CL due to L. major and L. tropica have not been studied up to now.
Aligning Requirements and Acceptance Tests via Automatically Generated Guidance

Keeping requirements and acceptance test documents aligned and up-to-date plays an important role in the success of software projects. In practice, these documents are not always aligned with each other, nor with the actual system behavior. A previous study showed that even when requirements are updated, acceptance tests might stay outdated, which often leads to quality problems and unintended costs. In order to keep the requirements and test documents in a consistent state, we are developing an approach that automatically generates guidance on how to change impacted acceptance tests when changes in requirements occur. In this paper, we briefly present our approach and a prototype tool that implements it. A preliminary evaluation of our approach yielded encouraging results.
Comparison of Epidemiology, Emergency Care, and Outcomes of Acute Ischemic Stroke between Young Adults and Elderly in Korean Population: A Multicenter Observational Study

Stroke in young adults has been known to show a lower incidence and a better prognosis. Only a few studies have examined the epidemiology and outcomes of ischemic stroke in young adults and compared them with the elderly in Korean population. All consecutive patients with ischemic stroke visiting 29 participating emergency departments were enrolled from November 2007 to October 2009. Patients with less than 15 yr of age and unknown information on age and confirmed diagnosis were excluded. We categorized the patients into young adults (15 to 45 yr) and elderly (46 yr and older) groups. Of 39,156 enrolled all stroke patients, 25,818 with ischemic stroke were included and analyzed (young adult; n=1,431, 5.5%). Young adult patients showed lower prevalence of most chronic diseases but significantly higher prevalence in exercise, current smoking, and alcohol consumption. Hospital mortality was significantly lower in young adults than elderly (1.1% vs. 3.1%, P<0.001). Higher number of patients in elderly group (68.1%) showed worsening change of modified Rankin Scale than young adults (65.2%). Young adults ischemic stroke showed favorable hospital outcomes than the elderly in Korean population. Graphical Abstract
Bone augmentation procedures in implant dentistry.

PURPOSE This review evaluated (1) the success of different surgical techniques for the reconstruction of edentulous deficient alveolar ridges and (2) the survival/success rates of implants placed in the augmented areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS Clinical investigations published in English involving more than 10 consecutively treated patients and mean follow-up of at least 12 months after commencement of prosthetic loading were included. The following procedures were considered: onlay bone grafts, sinus floor elevation via a lateral approach, Le Fort I osteotomy with interpositional grafts, split ridge/ridge expansion techniques, and alveolar distraction osteogenesis. Full-text articles were identified using computerized and hand searches by key words. Success and related morbidity of augmentation procedures and survival/success rates of implants placed in the augmented sites were analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION A wide range of surgical procedures were identified. However, it was difficult to demonstrate that one surgical procedure offered better outcomes than another. Moreover, it is not yet known if some surgical procedures, eg, reconstruction of atrophic edentulous mandibles with onlay autogenous bone grafts or maxillary sinus grafting procedures in case of limited/moderate sinus pneumatization, improve long-term implant survival. Every surgical procedure presents advantages and disadvantages. Priority should be given to those procedures which are simpler and less invasive, involve less risk of complications, and reach their goals within the shortest time frame. The main limit encountered in this literature review was the overall poor methodological quality of the published articles. Larger well-designed long-term trials are needed.
Evolutionary Design of Fuzzy Inference Systems by Means of Fuzzy Partition of Input Space

In this paper, we introduce the evolutionary design methodology of fuzzy inference systems by means of fuzzy partition of input space. The rules of the proposed fuzzy model are realized with the aid of the fuzzy partition of input space generated by fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm. The number of the partition of input space is equal to the number of clusters. And the individual partitioned spaces describe the fuzzy rules. Due to these characteristics, we may alleviate the problem of the curse of dimensionality. The consequence part of the rule is represented by polynomial functions. We also consider the evolutionary optimization to determine the structure and estimate the values of the parameters of the model using realcoded genetic algorithms. Numerical examples are included to evaluate the performance of the proposed model.
Stimulation of bradykinin B(1) receptors induces vasodilation in conductance and resistance coronary vessels in conscious dogs: comparison with B(2) receptor stimulation.

BACKGROUND Constitutive bradykinin B(1) receptors have been identified in dogs; however, their physiological implications involving the coronary circulation remain to be determined. This study examined, in conscious dogs, the coronary response to des-Arg(9)-bradykinin (a B(1) receptor agonist) and the mechanisms involved. METHODS AND RESULTS Eleven dogs were instrumented with a left ventricular micromanometer, a circumflex coronary catheter, a cuff occluder, a Doppler flow probe, and ultrasonic crystals to measure coronary blood flow velocity (CBFv) and coronary diameter (CD). Intracoronary des-Arg(9)-bradykinin (3 to 100 ng/kg) and bradykinin (0.1 to 10 ng/kg) did not modify systemic hemodynamics but dose-dependently increased CBFv and CD. Des-Arg(9)-bradykinin was less potent than bradykinin. Hoe 140 (a B(2) antagonist, 10 microg/kg) abolished the effects of bradykinin but did not influence the effects of des-Arg(9)-bradykinin. When CBFv increase was prevented by the cuff occluder, CD responses to bradykinin and des-Arg(9)-bradykinin were maintained. Intracoronary lisinopril (0. 75 mg) increased the CD response to bradykinin, with only minimal effect on CBFv, and extended the duration of the effect. Lisinopril did not alter des-Arg(9)-bradykinin responses. Intracoronary N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (2 mg/kg) decreased the CD effect of bradykinin and prevented the CBFv and CD effects of des-Arg(9)-bradykinin. The relaxing effect of des-Arg(9)-bradykinin on isolated coronary rings was prevented by des-Arg(9), [Leu(8)]-bradykinin. CONCLUSIONS In the conscious dog, B(1) receptors are present in coronary vessels, and their stimulation produces vasodilation in conductance and resistance vessels, which is mediated essentially by NO but not modulated by angiotensin-converting enzyme. However, the coronary vasodilation induced by B(1) receptor stimulation is not as great as that produced by B(2) receptor stimulation.