Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Orientation and recognition of both noisy and partially occluded 3-D objects from single 2-D images

Orientation and Recognition of Both Noisy and Partially Occluded 3-D Objects from Single 2-D Images Diane Patricia Illing This work is concerned with the problem of 3-D object recognition and orientation determination from single 2-D image frames in which objects may be noisy, partially occluded or both. Global descriptors of shape such as moments and Fourier descriptors rely on the whole shape being present. If part of a shape is missing then all of the descriptors will be affected. Consequently, such approaches are not suitable when objects are partially occluded, as results presented here show. Local methods of describing shape, where distortion of part of the object affects only the descriptors associated with that particular region, and nowhere else, are more likely to provide a successful solution to the problem. One such method is to locate points of maximum curvature on object boundaries. These are commonly believed to be the most perceptually significant points on digital curves. However, results presented in this thesis will show that estimators of point curvature become highly unreliable in the presence of noise. Rather than attempting to locate such high curvature points directly, an approach is presented which searches for boundary segments which exhibit significant linearity; curvature discontinuities are then assigned to the junctions between boundary segments. The resulting object descriptions are more stable in the presence of noise. Object orientation and recognition is achieved through a directed search and comparison to a database of similar 2-D model descriptions stored at various object orientations. Each comparison of sensed and model data is realised through a 2-D pose-clustering procedure, solving for the coordinate transformation which maps model features onto image features. Object features are used both to control the amount of computation and to direct the search of the database. In conditions of noise and occlusion objects can be recognised and their orientation determined to within less than 7 degrees of arc, on average.
Effects of climatic factors on the growth and geographical distribution of Oriental fruit fly,Bactrocera dorsalis.

Based on the life history,geographical distribution and requirement for the ecological environment of Oriental fruit fly,Bactrocera dorsalis(Hendel),the relationship between its growth and climatic factors were analyzed in order to clarify the influence of temperature,humidity,rainfall and other climatic factors for the geographical distribution.The results showed that Oriental fruit fly tended to live in the wet and hot environment,but low temperature and drought was detrimental to its growth and development.Temperature was the main factor on the latitudinal distribution,i.e.,low temperature in winter was the major limited factor in middle and high latitudes,and the high temperature in summer was one of the limited factors in the low latitudes.Rainfall may influence the longitudinal range of Oriental fruit fly.
Tree Invasion of Cinnabar Park in Wyoming

A recently published analysis of soil samples from Cinnabar Park in the Medicine Bow Mountains of Wyoming suggested that the meadow is migrating. The age structure and other characteristics of the adjacent forest vegetation evaluated in the present study support the view that one side of the park has been invaded by trees over the last century, but provide no evidence to suggest that the other side of the meadow is advancing into the forest. The earlier interpretation of the park as a migrating unit is replaced with the view that the park is closing through tree invasion on one side.
Induction and Suppression of Oxidative Cell Injuries by Food Components.

Active oxygen species, e. g. , hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion radical (O2-), hydroxyl radical (·OH) and lipid hydroperoxides, have been implicated as mediators of oxidative cell injuries in a variety of clinical conditions. Some metabolites of carcinogenic compounds, cigarette smoke and glucosone, an intermediate of the Maillard reaction, were found to produce H2O2 in their autoxidation processes, and to induce both cytotoxicity and DNA single-strand breaks in mammalian cells. Inhibition of these cell injuries by catalase indicated that H2O2 was the critical species. In contrast to the above prooxidant effects, antioxidant effects of food ingredients on H2O2-induced cytotoxicity were also investigated. Polyphenols, e. g. , caffeic acid ester and flavonoids, were effective for suppression of H2O2-induced cytotoxicity on mammalian cells. A study of the structure-activity relationship revealed that the affinity of polyphenols for cell membranes and the presence of an ortho-dihydroxy moiety in their structure were essential for their protective action.
Foraging Behavior and Habitat Choice of Wintering Northern Shoveler in a Major Wintering Quarter in France

-The behavior of Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) was studied from September 1996 to March 1997 in four protected areas, one artificial and three nature reserves, in the Marshes of Rochefort, Western France. Shoveler numbers exceeded the Ramsar criterion of international importance (i.e., 400 individuals) during most of the winter. Birds concentrated first at sewage works, showing a diel pattern of foraging depth which could be linked to vertical migrations of crustaceans. Zooplankton density decreased over the winter, leading the Shovelers to abandon the site for natural areas. The two sites which hosted most ducks were those where straining the water surface for zooplankton was the most frequent feeding behavior. At the two other sites, straining was gradually replaced by deeper foraging, possibly because Shovelers at least partially turned to benthic invertebrates. This study suggests that food abundance is of crucial importance for winter habitat selection by Shovelers, and that even the sites with abundant foods in autumn may not be able to sustain large concentrations of Shoveler through an entire winter. Our results support previous studies which highlighted the importance of some artificial wetlands for the conservation of this duck species. Management options that enhance zooplankton production and, in the event of invertebrate crashes, the creation of alternative sites at close distance appear to be highly valuable to wintering Northern Shoveler populations. Received 17 February 2000, accepted 4 April 2000.
How to Create Schools that Thrive in Chaotic Times.

E ducators today face a world turned upside down by eco nomic, social, scientific, techno logical, and political changes Vast amounts of new knowledge are cre ated every day, changing and expand ing the knowledge base Current edu cational systems, in a word, are outmoded, requiring shifts in attitudes and perceptions, along with practical changes, that will help students meet the challenges of the 21st century In light of this, schools and school sys tems face a related challenge: to be flexible enough to redefine their goals and operating procedures so as to help students deal with a world in great flux Destined to be a classic in the busi ness management field, Thriving on Chaos: A Revolutionary Agenda for Today's Manager by Tom Peters (Al fred E Knopf, 1987) has momentous theoretical and practical implications for educators as well It is "must" reading for anyone concerned about the ability of schools to meet the curricular and instructional needs of stu dents, as well as the educational needs of modern American society It is one of those rare books that can help educational leaders create organiza tions that will excel in these revolu tionary and chaotic times. Peters begins by discussing the de clining economic situation in the United States—competition from abroad, a ten dency towards mergers and "giantism. ' declining productivity, minimalization
Locations of Raccoons during Flooding in Eastern Kansas

COLLINS, L. R. 1973. Monotremes and marsupials. A reference for zoological institutions. Smithsonian Inst. Press, Washington, D.C. HALL, E. R. 1981. The mammals of North America. Second ed. John Wiley and Sons, New York. HUNSAKER, D. 1977. Ecology of New World marsupials. Pp. 95-156, in The biology of marsupials (D. Hunsaker, ed.). Academic Press, New York. MARSHALL, L. G. 1978. Chiro ectes minimus. Mammalian Species, n . 109:1-6. McCARTHY, T. J. 1982. Chironectes, Cyclopes, Cabassous and probably Cebus in southern Belize. Mammalia, 46:397-400. McLEAN, R. G. , C. H. CALISHER, AND G. L. PARHAM. 1987. Isolation of Cache Valley virus and detection of antibody for selected arborviruses in Michigan horses in 1980. Amer. J. Vet. Res., 48:1039-1041. UBICO, S. R. 1989. Viral infections of bats of Guatemala. Unpubl. M.S. thesis, Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins.
Transcriptomic Research in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: Current State and Future Perspectives

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is increasing in incidence and has a higher prevalence compared with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. So far, no effective treatment of HFpEF is available, due to its complex underlying pathophysiology and clinical heterogeneity. This article aims to provide an overview and a future perspective of transcriptomic biomarker research in HFpEF. Detailed characterisation of the HFpEF phenotype and its underlying molecular pathomechanisms may open new perspectives regarding early diagnosis, improved prognostication, new therapeutic targets and tailored therapies accounting for patient heterogeneity, which may improve quality of life. A combination of cross-sectional and longitudinal study designs with sufficiently large sample sizes are required to support this concept.
Fundamental Adaptations in the Lacertilian Hind Limb: A Partial Analysis of the Sprawling Limb Posture and Gait

Lizards lacking extreme locomotor adaptations exhibit a type of limb posture and locomotion termed 'sprawling. ' Two major mechanical problems inherent in this type of posture can be identified, one concerning the support of the body between laterally projecting limbs, the other focussing on the efficiency of the limb in producing effective locomotor thrust. Analysis of distinct morphological features of the hind limb, including knee and mesotarsal joints, and the geometry of the pes, reveals an integrated set of adaptations which maximize the effective participation of all limb segments in locomotion. It is suggested that the lacertilian pes represents a key innovation potentiating the exploitation of new locomotor niches. Functional demands stimulating the early evolutionary development of the reptilian pes may have preadapted that of lizards for a new role. It is suggested that the prime potential of the sprawling limb posture is in scansorial or arboreal locomotion.
Four‐Dimensional Deoxyribonucleic Acid–Gold Nanoparticle Assemblies

Abstract Organization of gold nanoobjects by oligonucleotides has resulted in many three‐dimensional colloidal assemblies with diverse size, shape, and complexity; nonetheless, autonomous and temporal control during formation remains challenging. In contrast, living systems temporally and spatially self‐regulate formation of functional structures by internally orchestrating assembly and disassembly kinetics of dissipative biomacromolecular networks. We present a novel approach for fabricating four‐dimensional gold nanostructures by adding an additional dimension: time. The dissipative character of our system is achieved using exonuclease III digestion of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fuel as an energy‐dissipating pathway. Temporal control over amorphous clusters composed of spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and well‐defined core–satellite structures from gold nanorods (AuNRs) and AuNPs is demonstrated. Furthermore, the high specificity of DNA hybridization allowed us to demonstrate selective activation of the evolution of multiple architectures of higher complexity in a single mixture containing small and larger spherical AuNPs and AuNRs.
A New Species of Gammarus (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Gammaridae) from the Lower Mississippi River, Louisiana

Gammarus paynei, a new species of amphipod crustacean, is described from the littoral benthos of the lower Mississippi River, West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana. The new species is morphologically similar to species of the Gammarus pecos complex (G. desperatus, G. hyalelloides and G. pecos) of southwestern Texas and southeastern New Mexico. Members of the G. pecos complex occur around the Pecos River, in an area formed by the Permian sedimentation. This area and the type locality of Gammarus paynei were inundated by the Midcontinental Seaway during the Late Cretaceous. It is likely that G. paynei and the G. pecos complex share a common, possibly marine, ancestor and speciated as a result of geographic isolation following recession of the seaway.
Reading "all about" computerization: five common genres of social analysis

Author(s): Kling, Rob | Abstract: This paper examines unstated, but critical, social assumptions which underlie analyses of computerization. It focuses on the popular, professional and scholarly literature which claims to describe the actual nature of computerization, the character of computer use, and the social choices and changes that result from computerization. This literature can be usefully segmented five ideal type genres: utopian, anti-utopian, social realism, social theory, and analytical reduction. Each genre is characterized and illustrated. The strengths and weaknesses of each genre are described. In the 1990s, there will be a large market for social analyses of computerization. Utopian analyses are most likely to dominate the popular and professional discourse. The empirically oriented accounts of social realism, social theory and analytical reduction, are likely to be much less common and also less commonly seen and read by computer professionals and policymakers. These genres are relatively subtle, portray a more ambiguous world, and have less rhetorical power to capture the imagination of readers. Even though they are more scientific, these empirically anchored genres don't seem to appeal to many scientists and engineers. It is ironic that computing -- often portrayed as an instrument of knowledge -- is primarily the subject of discourses whose knowledge claims are most suspect. Conversely, the discourses whose claims as valid knowledge are strongest seems to have much less appeal in the mass media and technological communities.
Novel Small-Molecule Inhibitor for the Oncogenic Tyrosine Phosphatase SHP2 with Anti-Breast Cancer Cell Effects

The oncogenic property of the Src homology phosphotyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2) is well-known, but developing specific inhibitors has been very difficult. Based on our previous reports that showed the importance of acidic residues surrounding SHP2 substrate phosphotyrosines for specific recognition, we have rationally designed and chemically synthesized a small-molecule SHP2 inhibitor named 4,4′-(4′-carboxy)-4-nonyloxy-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3,5-diyl)dibutanoic acid (CNBDA). Molecular modeling predicted that CNBDA packs well into the SHP2 active site and makes extended interactions primarily with positively charged and polar amino acids surrounding the active site. In vitro PTPase assays showed that CNBDA inhibits SHP2 with an IC50 of 5 μM. However, the IC50 of CNBDA toward SHP1, the close structural homologue of SHP2, was 125 μM, suggesting an approximately 25-fold effectiveness against SHP2 than SHP1. Because SHP2 is known for its positive role in breast cancer (BC) cell biology, we tested the effect of SHP2 inhibition with CNBDA in HER2-positive BC cells. Treatment with CNBDA suppressed cell proliferation in 2D culture, anchorage-independent growth in soft agar, and mammosphere (tumorisphere) formation in suspension cultures in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, CNBDA inhibited EGF-induced signaling and expression of HER2 by inhibiting the PTPase activity of SHP2 in BC cells. These findings suggest that CNBDA is a promising anti-SHP2 lead compound with anti-BC cell effects.
Highly Multiplexed Label-Free Imaging Sensor for Accurate Quantification of Small-Molecule Binding Kinetics

Investigating the binding interaction of small molecules to large ligands is a compelling task for the field of drug development, as well as agro-biotechnology, since a common trait of drugs and toxins is often a low molecular weight (MW). Here, we improve the limit of detection of the Interferometric Reflectance Imaging Sensor (IRIS), a label-free, highly multiplexed biosensor, to perform small-molecule screening. In this work, characterization of small molecules binding to immobilized probes in a microarray format is demonstrated, with a limit of detection of 1 pg/mm2 in mass density. First, as a proof of concept to show the impact of spatial and temporal averaging on the system noise, detection of biotin (MW = 244.3 Da) binding to a streptavidin-functionalized chip is performed and the parameters are tuned to achieve maximum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR ≈ 34). The optimized system is then applied to the screening of a 20-multiplexed antibody chip against fumonisin B1 (MW = 721.8 Da), a mycotoxin found in cereal grains. The simultaneously recorded binding curves yield an SNR ≈ 8. Five out of twenty antibodies are also screened against the toxin in a lateral flow assay, obtaining consistent results. With the demonstrated noise characteristics, further sensitivity improvements are expected with the advancement of camera sensor technology.
An experimental test of prey distribution learning in two paruline warblers

Experiments conducted to examine the prey distribution learning of two paruline warbler species showed no significant effect of foliage structure. However, there was significant variation in learning abilities among individuals within each bird species, and between bird species. Black-throated Blue Warblers (Dendroica caerulescens) learned to locate prey more proficiently when prey were distributed on lower leaf surfaces, while Blackthroated Green Warblers (D. virens) learned to locate prey more proficiently when prey were distributed on upper leaf surfaces.
The influence of snakes on the foraging behavior of gerbils

Predation may have profound effects on the behavior of prey individuals with consequences for population dynamics and community structure. Here, we report on an experiment in which we examine the response of two gerbil species (Gerbillus allenbyi and G. pyramidum) to the presence of a snake predator, the desert diadema snake (Spalerosophus diadema), and to added illumination (a factor associated with increased risk of predation from owls). We measured rodent foraging behavior by the number of seed trays foraged in each microhabitat and amount of seed resources left in patches following exploitation by gerbils (giving-up densities; GUDs). Fewer seed trays foraged and higher GUDs are indicative of higher perceived predatory risk
Evaluation of Recovery from Cyclophosphamide Testicular Toxicity in Rats

The testicular toxicity of cyclophosphamide (CP) in rats and recovery of normal spermatogenesis over an 8-week period were assessed. Male rats were administered 40mg/kg CP by gavage daily for 1 week and sacrificed at 1 day, 3 weeks, and 8 weeks after the cessation of treatment. The numbers of seminiferous epithelial cells were counted in the seminiferous tubules in stages II-III, V, VII, and XII of the spermatogenic cycle. Spermatogonia were decreased in number at 1 day after the last treatment, but most of the surviving spermatogonia including type A had proliferative activity, as demonstrated by PCNA staining. After 3-week recovery, the numbers of spermatogonia were improved, but the numbers of spermatocytes and round spermatids were reduced in some stages. Furthermore, focal substantial changes such as atrophy of seminiferous tubules were present in the testis. After 8-week recovery, the numbers of spermatogenic cells up to round spermatids were comparable to those in control specimens, and histopathologically no remarkable changes were observed in the testis. However, lower weights and sperm counts for testis and epididymis were still found at this time. These findings suggested that histopathological changes as subtle as decreased number of spermatogonia should be detected in evaluations of male chemical reproductive toxicity. Our findings also suggested that PCNA staining may be useful for predicting reversibility of testicular toxicity.
Reduction of wireworm (Coleoptera:Elateridae) damage in sweet potato with insecticides applied by chemigation

Chemigation of insecticides was compared with soil incorporation of granular insecticides to reduce feeding damage of wireworm, Conoderus spp. , to sweet potatoes. In 1988, emulsifiable (EC) and oil (EC plus nonemulsifiable oil) formulations of chlorpyrifos chemigated at two water volumes were compared with soil-incorporated chlorpyrifos granules at planting. In 1989 and 1990 EC and oil formulations of chlorpyrifos, chemigated at planting, were followed at root enlargement by chemigated EC and oil formulations of chlorpyrifos, diazinon, ethoprop, or fonofos. These treatments were compared with soil-incorporated chlorpyrifos granules applied at planting followed at root enlargement by soil-incorporated ethoprop or diazinon granules. During all years, there were no significant differences among formulations in total wireworm feeding damage and all treatments resulted in significant reduction of feeding damage compared with the nontreated check. In 1988, chlorpyrifos chemigated in 63.5 kliter/ha of water resulted in significantly less wireworm damage than when applied in 25.4 kliter/ha of water and was as effective as the soil-incorporated granules. In 1989, plots chemigated both at planting and at root enlargement had Significantly less wireworm damage than plots chemigated only at planting. In 1990, when the wireworm population was high, granular chlorpyrifos applied only at planting was more effective than EC of oil formulations of chlorpyrifos chemigated only at planting but was not significantly different from either formulation of chlorpyrifos chemigated at planting followed by EC or oil formulations of ethoprop or diazinon chemigated at root enlargement. Chemigation of insecticides to the soil to control wireworm damage of sweet potato can be an effective, cost-saving alternative to mechanical incorporation of insecticide. Savings include reduction of application costs and less damage to the crop caused by mechanical incorporation of insecticide.
Stratification of Soil Ecological Processes: A Study of the Birch Forest Floor in the Alaskan Taiga

In the forest floor of Alaskan taiga, annual layers of Equisetum (horsetail) litter demarcate cohorts of birch litter. We collected samples of the forest floor monthly during June-September 1993. Forest floor material was separated into each of the three most recent litter cohorts, plus the Oe layer, and the Oa layer. Overall, respiration potential decreased with depth of litter (litter age) and over the growing season. Nitrogen mineralization potential increased with depth, and fluctuated over time. Microbial biomass did not vary with depth, but did increase greatly in September in conjunction with increased litter moisture. Litter C:N ratio decreased with time and varied with depth according to the year-to-year variation in litter chemistry. We present a conceptual model of the forest floor describing microbial activity on a litter cohort as controlled primarily by litter chemistry, but modified by the vertical position in the forest floor and seasonal climatic variation. Litter quality was the main factor associated with changes in microbial activity with season and down the soil profile. Microbial activities occurred within an environment controlled by the climatic buffering of the decomposing leaves themselves. As the quality of litter as a substrate decreased with depth, the quality of the environment for microbial activity increased. Yearly precipitation cycles also played a role in controlling soil biomass and activity.