CNN based Heuristic Function for A* Pathfinding Algorithm: Using Spatial Vector Data to Reconstruct Smooth and Natural Looking Plant Roots

In this work we propose an extension to recent methods for the reconstruction of root architectures in 2-dimensions. Recent methods for the automatic root analysis have proposed deep learned segmentation of root images followed by path finding such as Dijkstra’s algorithm to reconstruct root topology. These approaches assume that roots are separate, and that a shortest path within the image foreground represents a reliable reconstruction of the underlying root structure. This approach is prone to error where roots grow in close proximity, with path finding algorithms prone to taking “short cuts” and overlapping much of the root material. Here we extend these methods to also consider root angle, allowing a more informed shortest path search that disambiguates roots growing close together. We adapt a CNN architecture to also predict the angle of root material at each foreground position, and utilise this additional information within shortest path searchers to improve root reconstruction. Our results show an improved ability to separate clustered roots.

Numerical Solution of Nonlinear Equations in Maple

The main purpose of this paper is to obtain the real roots of an expression using the Numerical method, bisection method, Newton's method and secant method. Root analysis is calculated using specific, precise starting points and numerical methods and is represented by Maple. In this research, we used Maple software to analyze the roots of nonlinear equations by special methods, and by showing geometric diagrams, we examined the relevant examples. In this process, the Newton-Raphson method, the algorithm for root access, is fully illustrated by Maple. Also, the secant method and the bisection method were demonstrated by Maple by solving examples and drawing graphs related to each method.

Unit Root Analysis Method of Actual Crack Behavior of the Concrete Dam Based on Residuals of the Monitoring Model

Analysis on the actual crack behavior is of important significance to evaluate safety of the concrete dam. In this paper, mainly based on the research status on cracks of the concrete dam, the unit root analysis method of actual crack behavior of concrete dam is proposed based on the monitoring data and autoregression model, aiming to enrich the analysis methods of crack behavior of concrete dam and deepen the understanding of crack behavior of concrete dam. Firstly, the feasibility of analyzing actual crack behavior based on residual sequence of the crack opening displacement monitoring model is discussed. Next, the basic principle of the unit root analysis method of crack behavior is elaborated and the unit root analysis method of actual crack behavior is established by studying prior conditions of the autoregression model and parameter estimation methods of the autoregression model, as well as determination criteria of the model order. Finally, the proposed unit root analysis method of actual crack behavior is applied to analyze monitoring data of a concrete gravity-arch dam. The result shows that the unit root analysis method of actual crack behavior is relatively simple and convenient in practical application, which is an available method to evaluate crack behavior based on data in dam health monitoring.

Heterologous Expression of Poplar WRKY18/35 Paralogs in Arabidopsis Reveals Their Antagonistic Regulation on Pathogen Resistance and Abiotic Stress Tolerance via Variable Hormonal Pathways

WRKY transcription factors (WRKY TFs) are one of the largest protein families in plants, and most of them play vital roles in response to biotic and abiotic stresses by regulating related signaling pathways. In this study, we isolated two WRKY TF genes PtrWRKY18 and PtrWRKY35 from Populustrichocarpa and overexpressed them in Arabidopsis. Expression pattern analyses showed that PtrWRKY18 and PtrWRKY35 respond to salicylic acid (SA), methyl JA (MeJA), abscisic acid (ABA), B. cinereal, and P. syringae treatment. The transgenic plants conferred higher B. cinerea tolerance than wild-type (WT) plants, and real-time quantitative (qRT)-PCR assays showed that PR3 and PDF1.2 had higher expression levels in transgenic plants, which was consistent with their tolerance to B. cinereal. The transgenic plants showed lower P. syringae tolerance than WT plants, and qRT-PCR analysis (PR1, PR2, and NPR1) also corresponded to this phenotype. Germination rate and root analysis showed that the transgenic plants are less sensitive to ABA, which leads to the reduced tolerance to osmotic stress and the increase of the death ratio and stomatal aperture. Compared with WT plants, a series of ABA-related genes (RD29A, ABO3, ABI4, ABI5, and DREB1A) were significantly down-regulated in PtrWRKY18 and PtrWRKY35 overexpression plants. All of these results demonstrated that the two WRKY TFs are multifunctional transcription factors in plant resistance.