Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Observing Solute Transport in the Capillary Fringe Using Image Analysis and Electrical Resistivity Tomography in Laboratory Experiments

Five laboratory experiments were conducted to study solute transport in the capillary fringe in a sand‐filled glass tank containing an artificial groundwater zone, an unsaturated zone, and a capillary fringe in between. Dye‐stained water, applied at the soil surface, moved downward through the unsaturated zone and then horizontally in the capillary fringe. The horizontal velocity of the dye plume front was calculated using optical image analysis and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) measurements. Both methods gave similar velocities if an appropriate value of the threshold ratio describing the dye front was used. The hydraulic model HYDRUS‐2D was used to simulate dye movement in the glass tank. After calibrating the dispersivity value in the hydraulic model, the horizontal velocity was found to be in the range −10 to 17% compared with the values measured using image analysis and −12 to 24% compared with the values measured by ERT; the differences could probably be attributed to uncertainties in the hydraulic parameters and soil heterogeneities. Both experimental and numerical results showed that the horizontal velocity of the capillary fringe is more or less identical to the one in the saturated zone. Thus, from a water transport perspective, the results suggest that the capillary fringe should be treated as a part of the saturated zone in hydrologic modeling.
The origin of the early-time optical emission of Swift GRB 080310

We present broad-band multiwavelength observations of GRB 080310 at redshift z= 2.43. This burst was bright and long-lived, and unusual in having extensive optical and near-infrared (IR) follow-up during the prompt phase. Using these data we attempt to simultaneously model the gamma-ray, X-ray, optical and IR emission using a series of prompt pulses and an afterglow component. Initial attempts to extrapolate the high-energy model directly to lower energies for each pulse reveal that a spectral break is required between the optical regime and 0.3 keV to avoid overpredicting the optical flux. We demonstrate that afterglow emission alone is insufficient to describe all morphology seen in the optical and IR data. Allowing the prompt component to dominate the early-time optical and IR and permitting each pulse to have an independent low-energy spectral indices we produce an alternative scenario which better describes the optical light curve. This, however, does not describe the spectral shape of GRB 080310 at early times. The fit statistics for the prompt- and afterglow-dominated models are nearly identical making it difficult to favour either. However one enduring result is that both models require a low-energy spectral index consistent with self-absorption for at least some of the pulses identified in the high-energy emission model.
The Science and Application of Satellite Based Fire Radiative Energy

The accurate measurement of ecosystem biomass is of great importance in scientific, resource management and energy sectors. In particular, biomass is a direct measurement of carbon storage within an ecosystem and of great importance for carbon cycle science and carbon emission mitigation. Remote Sensing is the most accurate tool for global biomass measurements because of the ability to measure large areas. Current biomass estimates are derived primarily from ground-based samples, as compiled and reported in inventories and ecosystem samples. By using remote sensing technologies, we are able to scale up the sample values and supply wall to wall mapping of biomass.
A Dyadic Analysis of Media Synchronicity and Task in Live Chat Online Customer Service (LCOCS)

This study investigates the communication process of Live Chat Online Customer Service (LCOCS), an innovative tool delivering real-time help and on-demand assistance to online customers using live chats and co-browsing windows. The purpose of this study is to examine the differential effects of media synchronicity and task type on the performance of dyadic communication in LCOCS. Data have been collected from 362 transcripts of live chat sessions and coding has begun. This study is intended to help researchers understand the particular communication structures within dyadic partners in the context of virtual collaboration. Furthermore, this study aims to help practitioners increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their online support.
Metallothionein cDNA, promoter, and genomic sequences of the tropical green mussel, Perna viridis.

The primary structure of the cDNA and metallothionein (MT) genomic sequences of the tropical green mussel (Perna viridis) was determined. The complete cDNA sequences were obtained using degenerate primers designed from known metallothionein consensus amino acid sequences from the temperate species Mytilus edulis. The amino acid sequences of P. viridis metallothionein deduced from the coding region consisted of 72 amino acids with 21 cysteine residues and 9 Cys-X-Cys motifs corresponding to Type I MT class of other species. Two different genomic sequences coding for the same mRNA were obtained. Each putative gene contained a unique 5'UTR and two unique introns located at the same splice sites. The promoters for both genes were different in length and both contained metal responsive elements and active protein-binding sites. The structures of the genomic clones were compared with those of other species. J. Exp. Zool. 284:445-453, 1999.
Asynchronous Dual-Rail Transition Logic for Enhanced DPA Resistance

- An Asynchronous Dual–Rail Transition Logic (ADTL) is proposed in this paper. The new logic style can be used in the encryption circuit of cryptography to counter the differential power analysis (DPA) attacks. The resistance to the DPA attacks is achieved by randomizing the power dissipated in the circuit through Manchester input signal coding and unpredictable initial state of the toggle flip-flops (T-FF). The proposed logic uses two wires to transmit the signal, in the form of a single transition on either one of the two wires to indicate the input logic value. T-FFs are employed to randomize the power dissipated by the circuit. The randomizing is made possible by making the initial states of the flip-flops un-deterministic. Furthermore, the clock is completely eliminated in the conceived design, thus realizing increased power randomization and resistance to the DPA attacks. The design is demonstrated through the systematic simulations on a typical encryption circuit. The validation of the ADTL is made through extensive comparisons with the existing Dual-rail Transition Logic (DTL) for power, delay and the DPA resistance. Industry standard EDA tools with 90nm technology libraries provided by the UMC foundry have been employed in the designs.
Design Optimization of High-Speed and Low-Power Operational Transconductance Amplifier Using gm/ID Lookup Table Methodology

We propose a design optimization flow for a high-speed and low-power operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) using a gm/ID lookup table design methodology in scaled CMOS. This methodology advantages from using gm/ID as a primary design parameter to consider all operation regions including strong, moderate, and weak inversion regions, and enables the lowest power design. SPICE-based lookup table approach is employed to optimize the operation region specified by the gm/ID with sufficient accuracy for short-channel transistors. The optimized design flow features 1) a proposal of the worst-case design scenario for specification and gm/ID lookup table generations from worst-case SPICE simulations, 2) an optimization procedure accomplished by the combination of analytical and simulation-based approaches in order to eliminate tweaking of circuit parameters, and 3) an additional use of gm/ID subplots to take second-order effects into account. A gain-boosted folded-cascode OTA for a switched capacitor circuit is adopted as a target topology to explore the effectiveness of the proposed design methodology for a circuit with complex topology. Analytical expressions of the gain-boosted folded-cascode OTA in terms of DC gain, frequency response and output noise are presented, and detailed optimization of gm/IDs as well as circuit parameters are illustrated. The optimization flow is verified for the application to a residue amplifier in a 10-bit 125MS/s pipeline A/D converter implemented in a 0. 18µm CMOS technology. The optimized circuit satisfies the required specification for all corner simulations without additional tweaking of circuit parameters. We finally explore the possibility of applying this design methodology as a technology migration tool, and illustrate the failure analysis by comparing the differences in the gm/ID characteristics.
High-dose vitamin E supplementation normalizes retinal blood flow and creatinine clearance in patients with type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of vitamin E treatment in normalizing retinal blood flow and renal function in patients with <10 years of type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS An 8-month randomized double-masked placebo-controlled crossover trial evaluated 36 type 1 diabetic and 9 nondiabetic subjects. Subjects were randomly assigned to either 1,800 IU vitamin E/day or placebo for 4 months and followed, after treatment crossover, for a further 4 months. Retinal blood flow was measured using video fluorescein angiography, and renal function was assessed using normalized creatinine clearance from timed urine collections. RESULTS After vitamin E treatment, serum levels of vitamin E were significantly elevated (P<0.01) in both type 1 diabetic and control patients. Hemoglobin A1c was not affected by vitamin E treatment. Diabetic patient baseline retinal blood flow (29.1+/-7.5 pixel2/s) was significantly (P = 0.030) decreased compared with that of nondiabetic subjects (35.2+/-7.2 pixel2/s). After vitamin E treatment, diabetic patient retinal blood flow (34.5+/-7.8 pixel2/s) was significantly increased (P<0.001) and was comparable with that of nondiabetic subjects. Additionally, vitamin E treatment significantly (P = 0.039) normalized elevated baseline creatinine clearance in diabetic patients. CONCLUSIONS Oral vitamin E treatment appears to be effective in normalizing retinal hemodynamic abnormalities and improving renal function in type 1 diabetic patients of short disease duration without inducing a significant change in glycemic control. This suggests that vitamin E supplementation may provide an additional benefit in reducing the risks for developing diabetic retinopathy or nephropathy.
Optimality Criteria for Adaptive Waveform Design in MIMO Radar Systems

Adaptive waveform design in MIMO radar can improve the estimation of target parameters. Comparing the relative benefits of known optimality criteria, namely the A-optimal, D-optimal and E-optimal criteria, is important to inform the best implementation of actual MIMO radar adaptive waveform design systems. In this paper we provide such a comparison, both theoretically and by assessing simulated numerical results. Whilst all three criteria are complementary, and thus all potentially could have a role in adaptive waveform design for MIMO radar, our results indicate that a system which generally uses A-optimal design, but switches to E-optimal design in some circumstances may be suitable for practical application.
The Mechanism of Bioluminescence.

Bioluminescent organisms offer unexcelled opportunities for an experimental attack on mechanisms of energy liberation and utilization in biological systems. Although the production of light by living organisms is of occurrence, an actual demonstration of the essential components of the chemical systems involved has been in members of only five of some twenty-one groups of luminous forms which have been these an enzyme, luciferase, and its sub-strate, luciferin, have been been in other organisms, luminous bacteria, that the basic reactions of all bioluminescence enzymatic in the of a and enzyme,
Psychological effects, personality and behavioral changes attributed to marihuana use.

Data from 530 marihuana users on the psychological effects, personality and behavioral changes attributed to their marihuana use are presented. Age, sex, marital status, and educational level are reported. Data were analyzed according to five use patterns: (1) trial users, (2) past users, (3) occasional users, (4) regular users, and (5) daily users. Ss reported on the occurrence of 33 psychological effects of marihuana, changes in 14 behavioral and personality variables, effect on alcohol and tobacco consumption, effect on sexual orientation, and reasons for marihuana use. Results are consistent in that as marihuana use increases, there is an increase in pleasurable effects and beneficial results in personality and behavioral realms and a decrease in negative and untoward sequelae. Trial users report the least pleasant effects and the greatest untoward effects, and past users report considerably less benefits than current users.
Removal of ammonia by clinoptilolite.

The important advantage of zeolite applied to water treatment is its high porosity when comparing to other minerals. The porosity results in good hydrodynamic properties (the increase in the pressure loss on the zeolite filters is 1.5-2.0 times smaller than in the case of sand filters) and adsorption roperties, and in turn high capacity which allows for adsorption of contaminants (a clinoptilolite filter allows for removal of phytoplankton and bacteria). The increase in the application of artificial fertilizers and gradual contamination of water resulted from discharging industrial wastewater into the environment led to the contamination of the environment by nitric compounds. Wastewater contains about 15-50 mg dm of nitric compounds (based on nitrogen) – ammonia salts constitute about 55-60% whereas organic forms of proteins, pesticides and aminoacids about 40-50%. Natural clinoptilolite could be applied to remove ammonium ions from water and wastewater. The ammonium ion uptake behaviour of clinoptilolite is connected to the processes of ion exchange. The main aim of this investigation is to evaluate the adsorption capacity of clinoptilolite towards ammonium ions. According to the obtained results the adsorption capacity of clinoptilolite for the removal of ammonium ions demonstrates its potential application in the treatment of water, wastewater and sanitary landfill leachate contaminated with ammonia. The highest adsorption capacity of clinoptilolite towards ammonium ions of 3.79 mg g was found for the initial concentration of 300 mg L. The highest removal level reached by clinoptilolite for ammonium was of 99.74% for the initial concentration of ammonia of 50 mg L. The effect of exposure time on maximum uptake of ammonia was found to be insignificant.
Semiautomatic registration of digital histopathology images to in vivo MR images in molded and unmolded prostates

To evaluate a semiautomatic software‐based method of registering in vivo prostate MR images to digital histopathology images using two approaches: (i) in which the prostates were molded to simulate distortion due to the endorectal imaging coil before fixation, and (ii) in which the prostates were not molded.
Voltage dependence of sodium‐calcium exchange current in guinea‐pig atrial myocytes determined by means of an inhibitor.

1. Spontaneous transient inward currents (Iti) caused by cyclic release of Ca2+ ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum were studied in cultured atrial myocytes from hearts of adult guinea‐pigs. K+ channel currents were blocked by replacing K+ on both sides of the membrane by Cs+; the L‐type Ca2+ current was inhibited by D600. 2. The voltage dependence of peak Iti and the background current displayed distinct outward‐going rectification. The I‐V curves for both currents approach each other at strongly positive membrane potentials but do not intersect. 3. 3'‐4'Dichlorobenzamil (DCB) causes a concentration‐dependent inhibition of peak Iti and a shift of the holding current (at ‐60 to ‐40 mV) in the inward direction. Inhibition of Iti is half‐maximal at a concentration of 30 microM. 4. DCB reduces the outward‐rectifying component of both peak Iti and the background current. The I‐V curves of the control and DCB‐inhibited currents intersect at ca. +10 mV (peak Iti) and negative to ‐75 mV (background current), suggesting the reversal potential of the DCB‐inhibited current to be shifted by ca. 85 mV in the positive direction if Cai2+ rises following Ca2+ release. 5. The voltage dependence of the DCB‐inhibited currents is highly compatible with the concept of Na+‐Ca2+ exchange being the charge‐carrying mechanism of the outward‐rectifying background current. Ca2+ release from the SR alters the I‐V curve of this current according to the shift of the thermodynamic driving force.
Inside the critical window for cohomology of random k‐complexes

We prove sharper versions of theorems of Linial–Meshulam and Meshulam–Wallach which describe the behavior for (ℤ/2) ‐cohomology of a random k‐dimensional simplicial complex within a narrow transition window. In particular, we show that if Y is a random k‐dimensional simplicial complex with each k‐simplex appearing i.i. d. with probability p=klogn+cn, with k≥1 and c∈ℝ fixed, then the dimension of cohomology βk−1(Y) is asymptotically Poisson distributed with mean e−c/k! In the k = 2 case we also prove that in an accompanying growth process, with high probability, Hk−1(Y,ℤ/2) vanishes exactly at the moment when the last (k−1) ‐simplex gets covered by a k‐simplex, a higher‐dimensional analogue of a “stopping time” theorem about connectivity of random graphs due to Bollobás and Thomason. Random Struct. Alg. , 2015 © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg. , 48, 102–124, 2016
E‐cadherin determines Caveolin‐1 tumor suppression or metastasis enhancing function in melanoma cells

The role of caveolin‐1 (CAV1) in cancer is highly controversial. CAV1 suppresses genes that favor tumor development, yet also promotes focal adhesion turnover and migration of metastatic cells. How these contrasting observations relate to CAV1 function in vivo is unclear. Our previous studies implicate E‐cadherin in CAV1‐dependent tumor suppression. Here, we use murine melanoma B16F10 cells, with low levels of endogenous CAV1 and E‐cadherin, to unravel how CAV1 affects tumor growth and metastasis and to assess how co‐expression of E‐cadherin modulates CAV1 function in vivo in C57BL/6 mice. We find that overexpression of CAV1 in B16F10 (cav‐1) cells reduces subcutaneous tumor formation, but enhances metastasis relative to control cells. Furthermore, E‐cadherin expression in B16F10 (E‐cad) cells reduces subcutaneous tumor formation and lung metastasis when intravenously injected. Importantly, co‐expression of CAV1 and E‐cadherin in B16F10 (cav‐1/E‐cad) cells abolishes tumor formation, lung metastasis, increased Rac‐1 activity, and cell migration observed with B16F10 (cav‐1) cells. Finally, consistent with the notion that CAV1 participates in switching human melanomas to a more malignant phenotype, elevated levels of CAV1 expression correlated with enhanced migration and Rac‐1 activation in these cells.
Oncogenic activities of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (Grm1) in melanocyte transformation

Previously, we reported a transgenic mouse line, TG‐3, that develops spontaneous melanoma with 100% penetrance. We demonstrated that ectopic expression of Grm1 in melanocytes was sufficient to induce melanoma in vivo. In this present study, the transforming properties of Grm1 in two cultured immortalized melanocytes were investigated. We showed that, in contrast to parental melanocytes, these Grm1‐clones have lost their requirement of TPA supplement for proliferation and have acquired the ability to form colonies in semi‐solid medium. Xenografts of these cells formed robust tumors in both immunodeficient nude and syngeneic mice with a short latency (3–5 days). The malignancy of these cells was demonstrated by angiogenesis and invasion to the muscle and the intestine. The requirement of Grm1 expression for the maintenance of transformation was demonstrated by an inducible siRNA system. Induction of expression of siRNA for Grm1 reduced the number of proliferating/viable cells in vitro and suppressed in vivo xenografted tumor growth in comparison with control. Taken together, these results showed that expression of exogeneously introduced Grm1 is sufficient to induce full transformation of immortalized melanocytes.
How to reduce stigma in leprosy--a systematic literature review.

BACKGROUND Interventions to reduce leprosy-related stigma reduce the manifestations of stigma that cause so much suffering to individuals and their families. PURPOSE This systematic review aims to identify interventions that have been used to reduce such stigma and to summarise what is known about their efficacy. METHOD Electronic searches were undertaken using PubMed (Medline), CINAHL and PsycInfo databases. The internet was searched using Google Scholar for papers not published in these databases. All relevant papers written in Thai or English were included. RESULTS After reading 55 papers, three duplications and parallel literatures were removed, 18 were removed on abstract screening and nine after reading the full papers; eventually, 25 were included in this review. Interventions with some evidence of effectiveness in terms of stigma reduction comprise the integration of leprosy programmes into general health care; Information Education and Communication (IEC) programmes; and socio-economic rehabilitation. CONCLUSION More evaluations are needed of the effect of the integration of leprosy programmes into general health services. The design and implementation of IEC interventions need to be preceded by careful study of the target area and population and should be undertaken in combination with other activities.
Manipulating the Attractiveness and Suitability of Hosts for Diamondback Moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

Abstract Ovipositional preference and larval survival of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), were compared among cabbage, Brassica oleracea L. variety capitata; glossy collards, Brassica oleracea L. variety acephala; and yellow rocket, Barbarea vulgaris (R. Br.) variety arcuata in different treatments of planting density, host plant age, intercropping, and water stress in 2003 and 2004. P. xylostella laid nearly twice as many eggs per plant in the high planting densities of glossy collards and yellow rocket than in the standard planting densities. Ovipositional preference was positively correlated with plant age in cabbage, glossy collards, and yellow rocket. Larval survival on cabbage was 1.9 times higher on 6-wk than on 12-wk-old plants, whereas larval survival on collards was 12.1 times higher on the younger plants. No larvae survived on either 6- or 12-wk-old yellow rocket plants. Intercropping cabbage with either tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. , or fava bean, Vicia fava L. , did not reduce the number of eggs laid on cabbage. No significant differences in oviposition were found between water-stressed and well-irrigated host plants treatments. Yet, P. xylostella larval survival on water-stressed cabbage was 2.1 times lower than on well-irrigated cabbage plants. Based on our findings, the effectiveness of trap crops of glossy collards and yellow rocket could be enhanced by integrating the use of higher planting densities in the trap crop than in the main crop and seeding of the trap crop earlier than the main crop.