Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Riparian Ecology and Management in the Pacific Coastal Rain Forest

T last two decades have seen an enormous global research effort focused on understanding the dynamics and managerial uses of riparian zones. Riparius, a Latin word meaning “belonging to the bank of a river,” refers to biotic communities living on the shores of streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, and some wetlands. Riparian zones strongly influence the organization, diversity, and dynamics of communities associated with aquatic ecosystems (Gregory et al. 1991, Décamps 1996). Riparian areas possess distinct ecological characteristics because of their interaction with the aquatic system. Thus, their boundaries can be delineated by changes in soil conditions, vegetation, and other factors that reflect this aquatic–terrestrial interaction (Naiman and Décamps 1990, 1997). Riparian zones vary widely in their physical characteristics, which are vividly expressed by an array of life history strategies and successional patterns. Consequently, these areas are among the biosphere’s most complex ecological systems and also among the most important for maintaining the vitality of the landscape and its rivers (Naiman and Décamps 1990, 1997). The variability of natural riparian zones reflects the inherent physical heterogeneity of the drainage network, the processes shaping stream channels, and the characteristics of the biotic community (Figure 1). In effect, riparian biota are the products of past and present interactions among biophysical factors. In turn, the biota themselves have strong, long-term influences on the geological structures and processes that shape them. The riparian forests of the Pacific Coastal Ecoregion (PCE) of North America are floristically and structurally its most diverse vegetation (Pollock 1998, Pollock et al. 1998), and their maintenance has become an integral component of watershed management strategies (Naiman and Bilby 1998). Since 1990, significant advances in understanding the structure and dynamics of riparian zones in the PCE have led to their being recognized as key components of land and water management. Many of the region’s management guidelines are based on these recent scientific advances as well as on the strong foundation of knowledge built by S.V. Gregory and his colleagues (Gregory et al. 1991). In this article, we summarize the scientific advances of the last decade in understanding the ecology of PCE riparian zones and show how this understanding directly contributes to better stream and watershed management.
Semiconductor gas sensor

FIELD: instrument making. SUBSTANCE: semiconductor gas sensor comprises a body 1 of a reaction chamber 2 made from corrosion-resistant steel. The body 1 closed at the end with a net 3 from stainless steel with wire of diameter 0.03-0.04 mm and pitch of 0.06-0.08 mm. In the body 1 in the centre of the reaction chamber 2 on contact conductors 4 there is a ball-shaped semiconductor sensitive element 5 with the help of wires of a heater 6 and a metering conductor 7. Inside the semiconductor gas sensitive element 5 there is a heater 6 in the form of a cylindrical spring, inside of which along its axis and the diameter of the ball-shaped semiconductor element 5 there is a straight metering conductor 7. The heater 6 and the metering conductor 7 of the gas sensitive element 5 are made of a platinum wire with diameter of 0.01-0.02 mm, the heater 6 has 2-7 turns of the wire, the ball-shaped semiconductor gas sensitive element 2 has the diameter of 0.4-0.8 mm and is made of the mixture of tin oxide SnO 2 : 5-95 wt % and indium oxide In 2 O 3 : 5-95 wt %. EFFECT: higher sensitivity of a semiconductor gas sensor to low concentrations of gas, development of a simple, reliable, comparatively cheap and efficient sensor, capable of long-term operation in non-serviced mode. 7 dwg, 3 tbl
Multiobjective optimization using adaptive Pareto archived evolution strategy

This paper proposes a novel adaptive representation for evolutionary multiobjective optimization for solving a stock modeling problem. The standard Pareto achieved evolution strategy (PAES) uses real or binary representation for encoding solutions. Adaptive Pareto archived evolution strategy (APAES) uses dynamic alphabets for encoding solutions. APAES is applied for modeling two popular stock indices involving 4 objective functions. Further, two bench mark test functions for multiobjective optimization are also used to illustrate the performance of the algorithm. Empirical results demonstrate APAES performs well when compared to the standard PAES,.
A Lie Group Formulation of Robot Dynamics

In this article we present a unified geometric treatment of robot dynamics. Using standard ideas from Lie groups and Rieman nian geometry, we formulate the equations of motion for an open chain manipulator both recursively and in closed form. The recursive formulation leads to an O(n) algorithm that ex presses the dynamics entirely in terms of coordinate-free Lie algebraic operations. The Lagrangian formulation also ex presses the dynamics in terms of these Lie algebraic operations and leads to a particularly simple set of closed-form equations, in which the kinematic and inertial parameters appear explic itly and independently of each other. The geometric approach permits a high-level, coordinate-free view of robot dynamics that shows explicitly some of the connections with the larger body of work in mathematics and physics. At the same time the resulting equations are shown to be computationally ef fective and easily differentiated and factored with respect to any of the robot parameters. This latter feature makes the ge ometric formulation attractive for applications such as robot design and calibration, motion optimization, and optimal control, where analytic gradients involving the dynamics are required.
A SVR based quality metric for depth quality assessment

A depth map generally can be divided into the region with sharp edges and the region consisting of nearly constant or slowly varying samples. In this paper, in order to investigate how the distortion in the two regions affect the perceived 3D quality of synthesized stereopairs, a dataset is first built based on distinctive coding for two regions, and then a subjective test is conducted. Based on the subjective evaluation results, a support vector regression (SVR) based model is built to estimate the perceived 3D quality of the synthesized stereopairs with the features extracted from the depth maps. As a metric for depth quality assessment, the proposed model outperforms the conventional 2D QA metrics applied to the depth maps as well as that applied to the stereopairs.
An Algorithm for Multi-way Distance Join Query

This paper presents K-DJQ algorithms for solving multi-way distance join query, which finds the K n-tuples from n spatial datasets that have the smallest distance value according to query graph. R-tree is used as index structure for each dataset. K-DJQ algorithm is recursive non-incremental approach following depth-first search strategy and synchronously traverses all R-trees, which returns the K n-tuples of the result all together at the end of the algorithm without producing any intermediate result. In addition, distance-based plane-sweep technique is used as optimization techniques for K-DJQ to reduce the total query processing time. Finally, performance and accuracy of K-DJQ algorithm are evaluated in terms of different K value and the number of datasets through experimentation.
Toward accurate composition analysis of GaN and AlGaN using atom probe tomography

With scaling of semiconductor devices showing no signs of abating and three-dimensional structures now being developed, new metrologies to meet these demands are being sought. Atom probe tomography offers the potential to meet these challenges, and here, the authors present an in-depth study focused on finding useable conditions for accurate stoichiometric analysis of GaN and AlGaN. By varying the laser energy/power, changes in the average tip field were induced, and the resulting impact on the measured stoichiometry was investigated. A strong variation in the GaN stoichiometry as a function of the average tip field was found, although a range of conditions that enable accurate stoichiometry were determined. Moreover, the stoichiometric variation as a function of tip field was highly reproducible across instruments and laser wavelengths. However, for AlGaN, the N concentration was always underestimated. To try and establish the underlying cause of the N underestimation, potential loss mechanisms which include N2 sublimation, N2 neutral generation from molecular ion dissociation, and differences in the field of evaporation between the matrix elements and multihits were considered and are reported herein.With scaling of semiconductor devices showing no signs of abating and three-dimensional structures now being developed, new metrologies to meet these demands are being sought. Atom probe tomography offers the potential to meet these challenges, and here, the authors present an in-depth study focused on finding useable conditions for accurate stoichiometric analysis of GaN and AlGaN. By varying the laser energy/power, changes in the average tip field were induced, and the resulting impact on the measured stoichiometry was investigated. A strong variation in the GaN stoichiometry as a function of the average tip field was found, although a range of conditions that enable accurate stoichiometry were determined. Moreover, the stoichiometric variation as a function of tip field was highly reproducible across instruments and laser wavelengths. However, for AlGaN, the N concentration was always underestimated. To try and establish the underlying cause of the N underestimation, potential loss mechanisms which inc.
Action research as an investigative approach within a computer based community of learners

The purpose of this paper is to outline the method of research used in a PhD project where the aim was to determine the extent to which computers enhanced learning when implemented within a distributed learning environment (DLE). When learning is distributed, cognition is not solely an individual pursuit but is shared with mediating resources found within the learning environment. A type of communal environment is developed within which students, together with other students and resources, construct new knowledge and understandings. In this instance, analysis was based on the nature of discourse to emerge from student interactions around the computer. It was essential, therefore, to adopt a research methodology that would carefully detect the discrete levels of understandings evident within these collaborations. Given the capricious nature of social interactions however, the methodology also needed to be flexible and accommodating. As such, a tentative action research plan was devised to manage these issues.
Type Synthesis of Symmetrical Lower-Mobility Parallel Mechanisms Using the Constraint-Synthesis Method

The lower-mobility parallel mechanism (PM) has fewer than six degrees of freedom (DoFs) and requires fewer links, joints and actuators than its 6-DoF counterpart. Hence, the use of the lower-mobility PM may save much cost in those applications requiring less mobility. In this paper, the type synthesis of symmetrical lower-mobility PMs is performed systematically using the constraint-synthesis method. First, some important theoretical fundamentals of type synthesis of lower-mobility PMs are investigated, including a classification of symmetry of lower-mobility PMs, the identification of instantaneous mechanisms and input selection method. Moreover, the difficult problem of how to correctly apply the general Grübler-Kutzbach criterion to lower-mobility PMs is solved. A mobility analysis of PMs with a closed loop in the limbs is also presented to demonstrate the validity. The type synthesis of 5-DoF and 4-DoF PMs is then dealt with in detail. Enumerations of novel 5-DoF and 4-DoF PMs are presented. The characteristics of constraint and structure of 5-DoF and 4-DoF PMs are also proposed. In addition, some novel 3-DoF PMs are presented.
A protease substrate profiling method that links site‐specific proteolysis with antibiotic resistance

Proteases are involved in many biological processes and have become important tools in biomedical research and industry. Technologies for engineering and characterization of, for example, proteolytic activity and specificity are essential in protease research. Here, we present a novel method for assessment of site‐specific proteolysis. The assay utilizes plasmid‐encoded reporters that, upon processing by a co‐expressed protease, confer antibiotic resistance to bacteria in proportion to the cleavage efficiency. We have demonstrated that cells co‐expressing cleavable reporters together with tobacco etch virus protease (TEVp) could be discriminated from cells with non‐cleavable reporters by growth in selective media. Importantly, the resistance to antibiotics proved to correlate with the substrate processing efficiency. Thus, by applying competitive growth of a mock library in antibiotic‐containing medium, we could show that the substrate preferred by TEVp was enriched relative to less‐efficient substrates. We believe that this simple methodology will facilitate protease substrate identification, and hold great promise for directed evolution of proteases and protease recognition sequences towards improved or even new functionality.
A variance-stabilizing transformation for gene-expression microarray data

MOTIVATION Standard statistical techniques often assume that data are normally distributed, with constant variance not depending on the mean of the data. Data that violate these assumptions can often be brought in line with the assumptions by application of a transformation. Gene-expression microarray data have a complicated error structure, with a variance that changes with the mean in a non-linear fashion. Log transformations, which are often applied to microarray data, can inflate the variance of observations near background. RESULTS We introduce a transformation that stabilizes the variance of microarray data across the full range of expression. Simulation studies also suggest that this transformation approximately symmetrizes microarray data.
The regulators of yeast PHO system participate in the transcriptional regulation of G1 cyclin under alkaline stress conditions

The yeast Pho85 kinase oversees whether environmental conditions are favourable for cell growth and enables yeast cells to express only genes that are appropriate for the conditions. Alkaline stress perturbs transport of molecules across the plasma membrane that is vital for cell survival. Progression through the cell cycle is halted until the cells can adapt to the stress conditions. I found that Pho85 is required for CLN2 expression and that overproduction of the transcription factors Pho4, Rim101 and Crz1, all targets of Pho85, inhibited CLN2 expression. CLN2 expression in the absence of Pho85 could be recovered only when all the three transcription factors were deleted. Whi5, a functional homologue of the mammalian Rb protein, represses CLN2 expression and is inactivated when phosphorylated by either of the CDK–cyclin complexes, Cdc28‐Cln3 or Pho85–Pcl9. Under alkaline conditions, the absence of Whi5 caused an increase in CLN2 expression but failed to do so when Pho85 was also absent, or when Pho4 was overproduced. The expression level of CLN2 in a Δpho85 Δpho4 Δrim101 Δcrz1 quadruple mutant was stimulated when the Whi5 activity was repressed by overproduction of Pho85–Pcl9. These results indicate that Whi5 is also under control of alkaline stress. The inhibitory function of Whi5 on CLN2 is dependent on Rpd3 HDAC, and the absence of Rpd3 could also suppress the inhibitory effect of Pho4 overproduction. Based on these findings, a model is presented in which Pho85 and Pho4 functions in CLN2 regulation under alkaline conditions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An estimating the effect of control process variables on kerf width in wire EDM of AZ91 magnesium alloy by Taguchi method

The target of the current research study is to contemplate the impacts of diversecontrol parameters in WEDM, for example, wire tension, wire speed, discharge duration on and Pulse off time over kerf width (KW) and to get the ideal arrangements of process parameters. The trial work comprises of machining of Magnesium AZ91 alloy material utilizing Wire EDM (WEDM). The wire (tool) material was brass wire by means of zinc coated. The observations of the cutting process are based on L27 Taguchi’s array for optimizing the control variables for these composite. The criticalness of each cutting parameters are associated to the most impacting factors which influences the procedure reactions. The ideal cutting variables are selected from the outcomes. Minitab V.18 software are developed for establishing good relationship between machining variables, such as wire feed, pulse duration time, wire tension & pulse off duration with the cutting control process criteria kerf width.
Word-Sense Disambiguation Using Statistical Methods

We describe a statistical technique for assigning senses to words. An instance of a word is assigned a sense by asking a question about the context in which the word appears. The question is constructed to have high mutual information with the translation of that instance in another language. When we incorporated this method of assigning senses into our statistical machine translation system, the error rate of the system decreased by thirteen percent.
Actions of the Biceps Brachii at the Shoulder: A Review

Bi-articular muscles cross more than one joint and contribute to motion at both joints, and the extremities of the human body contain several such muscles. Actions produced by all muscles are determined, to a large extent, by joint moment arms and muscle length. These are transient factors which change as joint angles are altered. Measuring muscle moments while manipulating both joints will produce a better understanding of the actions of bi-articular muscles. This review summarizes investigations which have explored the actions of the biceps brachii as shoulder and elbow joints are moved into various angle combinations. Clinical implications of the findings are discussed.
GAMLSS for high-dimensional data – a flexible approach based on boosting

Generalized additive models for location, scale and shape (GAMLSS) are a popular semi-parametric modelling approach that, in contrast to conventional GAMs, regress not only the expected mean but every distribution parameter (e.g. location, scale and shape) to a set of covariates. Current fitting procedures for GAMLSS are infeasible for high-dimensional data setups and require variable selection based on (potentially problematic) information criteria. The present work describes a boosting algorithm for high-dimensional GAMLSS that was developed to overcome these limitations. Specifically, the new algorithm was designed to allow the simultaneous estimation of predictor effects and variable selection. The proposed algorithm was applied to data of the Munich Rental Guide, which is used by landlords and tenants as a reference for the average rent of a flat depending on its characteristics and spatial features. The net-rent predictions that resulted from the high-dimensional GAMLSS were found to be highly competitive while covariate-specific prediction intervals showed a major improvement over classical GAMs.
Augmenting range data obtained from stereoscopy with model-based image segmentation using planar patches

For any modern 3D vision guided system, it is imperative to have complete range images for 3D model reconstruction. In practice, depth images obtained from a standard stereo camera can be error-prone with missing depth pixels. This paper proposes a method to augment the range data obtained from stereoscopy with model based image segmentation using planar patches. The method integrates both intensity and range data obtained from a standard stereo system. First, edges are extracted and linked to different segments from the intensity image with the embedded confidence edge detection technique and a general edge-linking algorithm respectively. Since edges are where disparity happens, most straight-line edges segmented from linked edges using a line-curvature extraction algorithm will have valid depth data. The planar patches are then defined by the straight-lines edge. With the knowledge of the planar structure, each depth missing pixels in the region is then determined by various 3-D line equations that pass through the pixel in the world coordinate system. Lastly, the range data in the world coordinate system is converted back into the image coordinate system using a pixel-to-pixel project algorithm. Result demonstrates the accuracy of method for filling up the missing depth in a region.
Quantitative analysis of the oxidative DNA lesion, 2,2-diamino-4-(2-deoxy-β-d-erythro-pentofuranosyl)amino]-5(2H)-oxazolone (oxazolone), in vitro and in vivo by isotope dilution-capillary HPLC-ESI-MS/MS

A major DNA oxidation product, 2,2-diamino-4-[(2-deoxy-beta-D-erythro-pentofuranosyl)amino]-5(2H)-oxazolone (oxazolone), can be generated either directly by oxidation of dG or as a secondary oxidation product with an intermediate of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG). Site-specific mutagenesis studies indicate that oxazolone is a strongly mispairing lesion, inducing approximately 10-fold more mutations than 8-oxo-dG. While 8-oxo-dG undergoes facile further oxidation, oxazolone appears to be a stable final product of guanine oxidation, and, if formed in vivo, can potentially serve as a biomarker of DNA damage induced by oxidative stress. In this study, capillary liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) methods were developed to enable quantitative analysis of both 8-oxo-dG and oxazolone in DNA from biological sources. Sensitive and specific detection of 8-oxo-dG and oxazolone in enzymatic DNA hydrolysates was achieved by isotope dilution with the corresponding 15N-labeled internal standards. Both nucleobase adducts were formed in a dose-dependent manner in calf thymus DNA subjected to photooxidation in the presence of riboflavin. While the amounts of oxazolone continued to increase with the duration of irradiation, those of 8-oxo-dG reached a maximum at 20 min, suggesting that 8-oxo-dG is converted to secondary oxidation products. Both lesions were found in rat liver DNA isolated under carefully monitored conditions to minimize artifactual oxidation. Liver DNA of diabetic and control rats maintained on a diet high in animal fat contained 2-6 molecules of oxazolone per 10(7) guanines, while 8-oxo-dG amounts in the same samples were between 3 and 8 adducts per 10(6) guanines. The formation of oxazolone lesions in rat liver DNA, their relative stability in the presence of oxidants and their potent mispairing characteristics suggest that oxazolone may play a role in oxidative stress-mediated mutagenesis.
Immunohistochemical distribution of leptin in kidney tissues of melatonin treated diabetic rats

Abstract We examined using immunohistochemistry the distribution of leptin in kidney tissues of melatonin treated, streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats. The animals were divided into five groups: control, sham, melatonin-treated, diabetic and melatonin-treated diabetic. Kidney sections were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and Crossman's triple staining for histological examination. The immunohistochemical localization of leptin in the kidney tissue was determined using the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase method. We determined that on days 7 and 14, the leptin immunoreactivity of the diabetic and melatonin-treated diabetic groups was weaker than for the other groups. Weak immunoreactivity was found in the proximal and distal tubules of the kidney in the diabetic and melatonin-treated diabetic groups on days 7 and 14, and strong immunoreactivity was found in the control, sham and melatonin groups. Melatonin application had no significant effect on leptin production in the kidney tissues of diabetic rats.