Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biocontrol agents promote growth of potato pathogens, depending on environmental conditions

There is a pressing need to understand and optimize biological control so as to avoid over‐reliance on the synthetic chemical pesticides that can damage environmental and human health. This study focused on interactions between a novel biocontrol‐strain, Bacillus sp. JC12GB43, and potato‐pathogenic Phytophthora and Fusarium species. In assays carried out in vitro and on the potato tuber, the bacterium was capable of near‐complete inhibition of pathogens. This Bacillus was sufficiently xerotolerant (water activity limit for growth = 0.928) to out‐perform Phytophthora infestans (~0.960) and challenge Fusarium coeruleum (~0.847) and Fusarium sambucinum (~0.860) towards the lower limits of their growth windows. Under some conditions, however, strain JC12GB43 stimulated proliferation of the pathogens: for instance, Fusarium coeruleum growth‐rate was increased under chaotropic conditions in vitro (132 mM urea) by >100% and on tubers (2‐M glycerol) by up to 570%. Culture‐based assays involving macromolecule‐stabilizing (kosmotropic) compatible solutes provided proof‐of‐principle that the Bacillus may provide kosmotropic metabolites to the plant pathogen under conditions that destabilize macromolecular systems of the fungal cell. Whilst unprecedented, this finding is consistent with earlier reports that fungi can utilize metabolites derived from bacterial cells. Unless the antimicrobial activities of candidate biocontrol strains are assayed over a full range of field‐relevant parameters, biocontrol agents may promote plant pathogen infections and thereby reduce crop yields. These findings indicate that biocontrol activity, therefore, ought to be regarded as a mode‐of‐behaviour (dependent on prevailing conditions) rather than an inherent property of a bacterial strain.
A G ] 1 4 M ar 2 00 7 Curves and vector bundles on quartic threefolds

In this paper we study ACM vector bundles E of rank k ≥ 3 on hypersurfaces Xr ⊂ P 4 of degree r ≥ 1. We consider here mainly the case of degree r = 4, which is the first unknown case in literature. See [15] [27] [4] for the cases r = 1, 2, 3. Under some natural conditions for the bundle E we derive a list of 51 possible Chern classes (c1, c2, c3) which may arise in the cases of rank k = 3 and k = 4, when r = 4. For 16 cases among these we give the corresponding examples, the existence of all the other cases remaining under question.
Quantum Genetic Optimization

The complexity of the selection procedure of a genetic algorithm that requires reordering, if we restrict the class of the possible fitness functions to varying fitness functions, is , where is the size of the population. The quantum genetic optimization algorithm (QGOA) exploits the power of quantum computation in order to speed up genetic procedures. In QGOA, the classical fitness evaluation and selection procedures are replaced by a single quantum procedure. While the quantum and classical genetic algorithms use the same number of generations, the QGOA requires fewer operations to identify the high-fitness subpopulation at each generation. We show that the complexity of our QGOA is in terms of number of oracle calls in the selection procedure. Such theoretical results are confirmed by the simulations of the algorithm.
Targets and Limits for Management of Fisheries: A Simple Probability-Based Approach

Abstract Precautionary fishery management requires that a distinction be made between target and limit reference points. We present a simple probability framework for deriving a target reference point for the fishing mortality rate (F) or biomass (B) from the corresponding limit reference point. Our framework is a generalization of one devised previously by Caddy and McGarvey (1996). Both methods require an a priori management decision on the allowable probability of exceeding the limit reference point; our method removes a major assumption by accounting for the uncertainty in the limit reference point. We present the theory underlying the method, an algorithm for solution, and examples of its application. The new procedure, like the old, requires an estimate of the implementation uncertainty expected in the following year's management, an estimate that might be obtained by a review of the effectiveness of past management actions. Either method can be implemented easily on a modern desktop computer. Our g.
Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Proteins in Fusarium graminearum: Inventory, Variability, and Virulence

The contribution of cell surface proteins to plant pathogenicity of fungi is not well understood. As such, the objective of this study was to investigate the functions and importance of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins (GPI-APs) in the wheat pathogen F. graminearum. GPI-APs are surface proteins that are attached to either the membrane or cell wall. In order to simultaneously disrupt several GPI-APs, a phosphoethanolamine transferase-encoding gene gpi7 was deleted and the resultant mutant characterized in terms of growth, development, and virulence. The Δgpi7 mutants exhibited slower radial growth rates and aberrantly shaped macroconidia. Furthermore, virulence tests and microscopic analyses indicated that Gpi7 is required for ramification of the fungus throughout the rachis of wheat heads. In parallel, bioinformatics tools were utilized to predict and inventory GPI-APs within the proteome of F. graminearum. Two of the genes identified in this screen (FGSG_01588 and FGSG_08844) displayed isolate-specific length variability as observed for other fungal cell wall adhesion genes. Nevertheless, deletion of these genes failed to reveal obvious defects in growth, development, or virulence. This research demonstrates the global importance of GPI-APs to in planta proliferation in F. graminearum, and also highlights the potential of individual GPI-APs as diagnostic markers.
Anisotropic Kuwahara Filtering with Polynomial Weighting Functions

Within the field of non-photorealistic rendering, a classical area of research is the stylization and abstraction of photographs using edge-preserving smoothing and enhancement filters. Prominent techniques in this area have in common to remove detail in low-contrast regions without filtering across discontinuities and thus leave the overall structure of the input image unaffected. Popular examples are the bilateral filter and mean shift. Another popular filter in this field is the Kuwahara filter [Kuwahara et al. 1976]. The general idea behind this filter is to divide the filter kernel into four rectangular subregions which overlap by one pixel. The filter response is then defined by the mean of a subregion with minimum variance. The Kuwahara filter produces clearly noticeable artifacts. These are due to the use of rectangular subregions. In addition, the subregion selection process is unstable if noise is present or subregions have the same variance. This results in randomly chosen subregions and corresponding artifacts. A more detailed discussion of limitations of the Kuwahara filter can be found in [Papari et al. 2007].
GeoCast: Unifying Depth Video with Camera Meta-Data

We present a storage format for placing multiple, dynamic 2.5D point sample streams (e.g. RGBZ video) or color video projections into the context of a common world space. The approach utilizes the concept of projective geometry to let virtual projectors “cast” the data from where it was originally recorded by the involved cameras. We exemplify the data format's versatility by demonstrating how several moving cameras reproduce 3D geometry exported from modeling software, and outline the extension to real-world acquisition. We also explain how this format can act as common interchange format for the camera parameters of lightfield/multi-view video footage.
The Role of Ambient Gas and Pressure on the Structuring of Hard Diamond-Like Carbon Films Synthesized by Pulsed Laser Deposition

Hard carbon thin films were synthesized on Si (100) and quartz substrates by the Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) technique in vacuum or methane ambient to study their suitability for applications requiring high mechanical resistance. The deposited films’ surface morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, crystalline status by X-ray diffraction, packing and density by X-ray reflectivity, chemical bonding by Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, adherence by “pull-out” measurements and mechanical properties by nanoindentation tests. Films synthesized in vacuum were a-C DLC type, while films synthesized in methane were categorized as a-C:H. The majority of PLD films consisted of two layers: one low density layer towards the surface and a higher density layer in contact with the substrate. The deposition gas pressure played a crucial role on films thickness, component layers thickness ratio, structure and mechanical properties. The films were smooth, amorphous and composed of a mixture of sp3-sp2 carbon, with sp3 content ranging between 50% and 90%. The thickness and density of the two constituent layers of a film directly determined its mechanical properties.
ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels CXCR2 Internalization: Role of Molecule Expression and Prevention of Adhesion Migration through Enhancement of Hydrogen Sulfide Augments Neutrophil

In this study, we have addressed the role of H 2 S in modulating neutrophil migration in either innate (LPS-challenged naive mice) or adaptive (methylated BSA (mBSA)-challenged immunized mice) immune responses. Treatment of mice with H 2 S synthesis inhibitors, DL -propargylglycine (PAG) or (cid:1) -cyanoalanine, reduced neutrophil migration induced by LPS or methylated BSA (mBSA) into the peritoneal cavity and by mBSA into the femur/tibial joint of immunized mice. This effect was associated with decreased leukocyte rolling, adhesion, and P-selectin and ICAM-1 expression on endothelium. Predictably, treatment of animals with the H 2 S donors, NaHS or Lawesson’s reagent, enhanced these parameters. Moreover, the NaHS enhancement of neutrophil migration was not observed in ICAM-1-deﬁcient mice. Neither PAG nor NaHS treatment changed LPS-induced CD18 expression on neutrophils, nor did the LPS- and mBSA-induced release of neutrophil chemoattractant mediators TNF- (cid:2) , keratinocyte-derived chemokine, and LTB 4 . Furthermore, in vitro MIP-2-induced neutrophil chemotaxis was inhibited by PAG and enhanced by NaHS treatments. Accordingly, MIP-2-induced CXCR2 internalization was enhanced by PAG and inhibited by NaHS treatments. Moreover, NaHS prevented MIP-2-induced CXCR2 desensitization. The PAG and NaHS effects correlated, respectively, with the enhancement and inhibition of MIP-2-induced G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 expression. The effects of NaHS on neutrophil migration both in vivo and in vitro, together with CXCR2 internalization and G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 expression were prevented by the ATP-sensitive potassium (K ATP (cid:3) ) channel blocker, glybenclamide. Conversely, diazoxide, a K ATP (cid:3) channel opener, increased neutrophil migration in vivo. Together, our data suggest that during the inﬂammatory response, H 2 S augments neutrophil adhesion and locomotion, by a mechanism dependent on K ATP (cid:3) channels. 2008, 181: 4287–4298. ng/ml)-stimulated 0.3 g/10 (cid:4) p (cid:5) 0.05, t test). results suggest that the 2 S is activated during the inﬂammatory process and also regulates neutrophil locomotion.
An Underlay Approach for Layer Fusion

With the wide adoption of wireless communication technologies, the current networking design of the Internet architecture has shown its limitations. Restricted by inherent layering constraints, valuable networking information cannot freely flow inside the network stack and potential operational optimizations are thus impossible to achieve. To overcome these limitations, we extend the current trend of cross-layer approaches with a framework that we call layer fusion: the basic building blocks of current Internet networking are factorized out and merged in a function pool where information sharing and operational optimizations are performed. To illustrate our approach, we present a backward-compatible distributed and decentralized name resolution scheme for wireless ad hoc networks. The particularity of our scheme is that name resolution, linklayer address resolution, as well as routing path establishment are merged in a single operation. Using an underlay approach, we integrate DNS logic at layer 2.5 such that classic Internet applications as well as operating systems settings and libraries do not have to be modified.
Hybrid symbolic-numeric integration in multiple dimensions via tensor-product series

We present a new hybrid symbolic-numeric method for the fast and accurate evaluation of definite integrals in multiple dimensions. This method is well-suited for two classes of problems: (1) analytic integrands over general regions in two dimensions, and (2) families of analytic integrands with special algebraic structure over hyperrectangular regions in higher dimensions.The algebraic theory of multivariate interpolation via natural tensor product series was developed in the doctoral thesis by Chapman, who named this broad new scheme of bilinear series expansions "Geddes series" in honour of his thesis supervisor. This paper describes an efficient adaptive algorithm for generating bilinear series of Geddes-Newton type and explores applications of this algorithm to multiple integration. We will present test results demonstrating that our new adaptive integration algorithm is effective both in high dimensions and with high accuracy. For example, our Maple implementation of the algorithm has successfully computed nontrivial integrals with hundreds of dimensions to 10-digit accuracy, each in under 3 minutes on a desktop computer.Current numerical multiple integration methods either become very slow or yield only low accuracy in high dimensions, due to the necessity to sample the integrand at a very large number of points. Our approach overcomes this difficulty by using a Geddes-Newton series with a modest number of terms to construct an accurate tensor-product approximation of the integrand. The partial separation of variables achieved in this way reduces the original integral to a manageable bilinear combination of integrals of essentially half the original dimension. We continue halving the dimensions recursively until obtaining one-dimensional integrals, which are then computed by standard numeric or symbolic techniques.
Single-Shot Learning and Scheduled Execution of Behaviors for a Robotic Manipulator

In order to introduce robots into the household domain, they must be easy to program and be able to perform various tasks without being reprogrammed every time. In this paper, we address both issues. First, we present a behavior-based architecture, which is capable of storing, executing, and switching between various manipulation tasks of a robotic manipulator. Second, we present a single-shot learning from demonstration, to allow the user to extend the set of known behaviors by guiding the robot through new tasks.
Case report of medical thoracoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy in the workup of giant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura

AbstractSolitary fibrous tumor of the pleura (SFTP) is a rare tumor of fibroblastic origin. It can be quite vascular, and its surgical management carries the risk of a major intra-operative bleed. The pre-operative use of endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) to visualize the vascular supply of the tumor has not been reported.We report a case of a patient presenting with progressive shortness of breath and cough who was found to have a very large pleural-based tumor. We describe the use of medical thoracoscopy and EBUS to establish the diagnosis of SFTP and to characterize the blood supply of the tumor.In the future, EBUS may provide an alternative to conventional angiography for both mapping and embolizing tumor blood supply.
Performance of slurry seals used in paved road maintenance in Malaysia

This paper describes the performance of slurry seals used to maintain asphaltic concrete surfaced roads in Peninsular Malaysia. In the study 22 kilometres of road, having differing surface conditions, were sealed using three types of seal and combinations of seals. A model has been developed that predicts the effectiveness of a general purpose slurry in sealing cracks over a period of 2 years based on the intensity of cracking prior to treatment, commercial traffic flow and pavement deflection. The results show that the seals have performed well when applied to uncracked surfacings but have been only partially successful in sealing even minor cracking. The relative performance of the different types of slurry is also reported. The skid resistance provided by the general purpose slurry was acceptable after two years but on roads with high traffic flows the surface texture had reduced to a value lower than that of the original asphaltic concrete surfacing.
Mitigating the Negative Effects of Customer Anxiety through Access to Human Contact

It is a well-established result in social psychology that when people feel anxious, they seek advice from others. However, increasingly companies that operate in high-anxiety settings (like financial services, health care, and education) are deploying self-service technologies (SSTs), through which anxious customers transact without human contact. The impact of customer anxiety on service relationships is neither well understood, nor consistently factored into service design. In this paper, two laboratory experiments and one field experiment, conducted in financial service contexts, document the negative effects of anxiety on customer choice satisfaction, firm trust, and long-term engagement, and explore the impact of giving self-service consumers the option to interact with a person. Participants engaged in an online investing simulation who are made to feel anxious due to market downturns are less satisfied with their choices and report lower levels of trust in the firm. Providing participants with the opportunity to interact with an expert, or even another participant, dampens anxiety’s negative effects on choice satisfaction and, by extension, firm trust. Interestingly, we find that very few participants who are offered the option to interact with a person take advantage of the opportunity, which is consistent with the idea that it is the mere availability of human contact that mitigates anxiety’s deleterious effects. Finally, in a field experiment conducted with a credit union’s self-service term loan approval process, the incorporation of access to human contact increased customer loan acceptance by 16%, suggesting that access to human contact can improve long-term service engagement.
The Spitzer View of the Extragalactic Universe

The Spitzer Space Telescope was launched in August 2003. Scientists from around the world have applied its orders-of-magnitude gain in imaging and spectroscopic capability to a wide array of topics in extragalactic research. Spitzer studies have found massive galaxies at redshifts greater than 6, resolved the cosmic background at 200 μm > λ > 20 μm into the dusty infrared-luminous galaxies that comprise it, directly detected dust-enshrouded star formation, and measured the star formation history of the universe to z > 3. In this review we examine a small fraction of the extragalactic studies from Spitzer that have been conducted in its first three years of operations.
Securing private housing with a criminal record

Abstract The objective of this analysis is to identify factors that Columbus, Ohio private property owners and managers consider when screening potential tenants with criminal records. This objective is achieved by examining qualitative data derived from an earlier experimental study. Findings indicate that private property owners and managers examine several factors regarding a criminal record such as type of offense, age of offense, number of offenses, and additional positive factors such as consistent work history or demonstration of rehabilitation. Differences also depend on whether the property is a single or multiple-family dwelling and whether the property is located in a disadvantaged neighborhood. From these findings, policy recommendations are presented.
Inversed Temperature Dependence aware clock skew scheduling for sequential circuits

We present an Inversed Temperature Dependence (ITD) aware clock skew scheduling framework. Specifically, we demonstrate how our framework can assist dual-Vth assignment in preventing timing violations arising due to ITD effect. We formulate the ITD aware synthesis problem and prove that it is NP-Hard. Then, we propose an algorithm for synergistic temperature aware clock skew scheduling and dual-Vth assignment. Experiments on ISCAS89 benchmarks reveal that several circuits synthesized by the traditional high-temperature corner based flow with a commercial tool exhibit timing violations in the low temperature range while all circuits generated using our methodology for the same timing constraints have guaranteed timing.
THE BER-PERFORMANCE OF SPACE-TIME BLOCK CODES

In this paper we show that in the case of general Space-Time Block Codes (STBC) not only the Pairwise Error Probabilities (PEPs) between nearest neighboring code words have to be considered to evaluate the total Bit Error Ratio (BER) performance of the STBC. It turns out that code word pairs differing in a rather large large number of positions typically lead to rank deficient Distance Matrices (DMs) causing a severe diversity loss and thus deteriorate the total BER performance in Rayleigh fading wireless Multiple InputMultiple Output (MIMO) channels especially at high Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) levels. In the special case of orthogonal codes from the Generalized Complex Orthogonal Design (GCOD), nearest neighbor code word errors dominate the BER-curve and no diversity loss at high SNR occurs.
A novel differential shape memory alloy actuator for position control

Summary This paper discusses a novel design for a rotary differential NiTi shape memory alloy actuator, which incorporates a mobile heat sink. The new mechanism is described in detail, and its performance in a position control system is compared with that of the same actuator without heat sink. Experimental results are presented which show an improvement in actuator response time, as well as closed-loop bandwidth. The design of the mechanism gives enhanced performance, without the increased power consumption associated with fixed heat sinks.
Le dveloppement de l'valuation en France. Ncessits techniques et exigences politiques

de controverse du debat gouvernemental, mais aussi universitaire, est delimite par, d'un cote, la dimension technique de l'evaluation, concue comme une rationalisation du systeme de decision publique, et de l'autre, la dimension politique, et principalement une amelioration du rapport des citoyens a la chose publique. Les initiatives ministerielles se multiplient au plan institutionnel. Pourtant, le savoir repose sur des premisses theoriques instables et la pratique n'est encore guere developpee.