Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Remotely sensed canopy height reveals three pantropical ecosystem states: a comment.

Xu et al. (2016) recently demonstrated the existence of three ecosystem states in the tropics: forest, savanna and ‘treeless’. Using remotely sensed tree cover and canopy height measurements, they conclude that 1) savannas and forest represent alternative states due to their climatic overlap in moist conditions (1,500-2,000 mm mean annual precipitation (MAP)), and 2) that ‘treeless’ and savanna ecosystems do not occur in the same MAP range, and that an abrupt shift from one ecosystem state to the other occurs at 600 mm MAP. While the first conclusion accords with existing studies (Hirota et al. 2011, Staver et al. 2011, Ratajczak and Nippert 2012), the second one contradicts our own observations from Africa and Australia as well as empirical data from published studies (February et al. 2007, Ward et al. 2013, Dohn et al. 2017), all of which indicate that savanna ecosystems certainly do occur within this dry rainfall range (<600 mm) and thus constitute an alternative ecosystem state to the ‘treeless’ one. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
DrugBank 5.0: a major update to the DrugBank database for 2018

Abstract DrugBank (www.drugbank.ca) is a web-enabled database containing comprehensive molecular information about drugs, their mechanisms, their interactions and their targets. First described in 2006, DrugBank has continued to evolve over the past 12 years in response to marked improvements to web standards and changing needs for drug research and development. This year’s update, DrugBank 5.0, represents the most significant upgrade to the database in more than 10 years. In many cases, existing data content has grown by 100% or more over the last update. For instance, the total number of investigational drugs in the database has grown by almost 300%, the number of drug-drug interactions has grown by nearly 600% and the number of SNP-associated drug effects has grown more than 3000%. Significant improvements have been made to the quantity, quality and consistency of drug indications, drug binding data as well as drug-drug and drug-food interactions. A great deal of brand new data have also been added to DrugBank 5.0. This includes information on the influence of hundreds of drugs on metabolite levels (pharmacometabolomics), gene expression levels (pharmacotranscriptomics) and protein expression levels (pharmacoprotoemics). New data have also been added on the status of hundreds of new drug clinical trials and existing drug repurposing trials. Many other important improvements in the content, interface and performance of the DrugBank website have been made and these should greatly enhance its ease of use, utility and potential applications in many areas of pharmacological research, pharmaceutical science and drug education.
Human-of-interest tracking by integrating two heterogeneous vision sensors

Human, especially human-of-interest, detection and tracking is a necessary part for immersive and realistic human-computer interaction. Thus, we propose an intelligent multi-vision-based human detection and tracking system that consists of a visible camera, an infrared camera, a dynamic infrared lighting system, and a cold mirror. The system segments a human region of interest and tracks his/her motion. Experimental results are given for verifying the usefulness of the proposed method.
Propagation of extrinsic perturbation in a negatively auto-regulated pathway

The apparent precision of the output in multi-step biochemical pathways in the face of external and intrinsic perturbations is non-obvious and conceptually difficult. Using a simple three-step negatively auto-regulated model pathway, we show that the effect of perturbation at different steps of the pathway and its transmission through the network is dependent on the context (i.e., the position) of the particular reaction step in relation to the topology of the regulatory network, stoichiometry of reactions, type of nonlinearity involved in the reactions and also on the intrinsic dynamical state of the pathway variables. We delineate the qualitative and quantitative changes in the pathway dynamics for constant (‘bias’) and random external perturbations acting on the pathway steps locally or globally to all steps. We show that constant perturbation induces qualitative change in dynamics, whereas random fluctuations cause significant quantitative variations in the concentrations of the different variables. Thus, the dynamic response of multi-step biochemical pathways to external perturbation depends on their biochemical, topological and dynamical features.
An empirical investigation of RFID adoption and improving process performance in the Manufacturing Supply Chain

Advances in information technology and the globalization of enterprises are both realities and opportunities of the twenty-first century. This article aims to examine the framework of radio frequency identification technology adoption and improving process performance in the Manufacturing Supply Chain. The research based on IT adoption literatures to explore the related factors of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) application. In a word, this study differs crucially from previous research, the study (1) addresses interactive firm behaviors in RFID adoption and highlights the value of performance, (2) identifies related constructs of RFID adoption included the industry competition, innovation characteristics as technological complexity and compatibility and cost, and (3) provides research suggestions in RFID adoption behavior and performance focus on efficiency and value for the data collected with 161 manufacturing firms. Thus, we hope the final result is useful to educational circles and practice.
Ethics commentary: subjects of knowledge and control in field primatology

Our primate kin are routinely displaced from their habitats, hunted for meat, captured for trade, housed in zoos, made to perform for our entertainment, and used as subjects in biomedical testing. They are also the subjects of research inquiries by field primatologists. In this article, we place primate field studies on a continuum of human and alloprimate relationships as a heuristic device to explore the unifying ethical implications of such inter‐relationships, as well as address specific ethical challenges arising from common research protocols “in the field” (e.g. risks associated with habituation, disease transmission, invasive collection of biological samples, etc.). Additionally, we question the widespread deployment of conservation‐ and/or local economic development‐based justifications for field‐based primatological pursuits. Informed by decades of combined fieldwork experience in Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, we demonstrate the process by which the adherence to a particular ethical calculus can lead to unregulated and ethically problematic research agendas. In conclusion, we offer several suggestions to consider in the establishment of a formalized code of ethics for field primatology. Am. J. Primatol. 72:779–784, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Climate controls multidecadal variability in U. S. extreme sea level records

We investigate the links between multidecadal changes in extreme sea levels (expressed as 100 year return water levels (RWLs)) along the United States coastline and large-scale climate variability. We develop different sets of simple and multiple linear regression models using both traditional climate indices and tailored indices based on nearby atmospheric/oceanic variables (winds, pressure, sea surface temperature) as independent predictors. The models, after being tested for spatial and temporal stability, are capable of explaining large fractions of the observed variability, up to 96% at individual sites and more than 80% on average across the region. Using the model predictions as covariates in a quasi nonstationary extreme value analysis also significantly reduces the range of change in the 100 year RWLs over time, turning a nonstationary process into a stationary one. This suggests that the models—when used with regional and global climate model output of the predictors—will also be capable of projecting future RWL changes. Such information is highly relevant for decision makers in the climate adaptation context in addition to projections of long-term sea level rise.
QoE-fair Adaptive Streaming of Free-viewpoint Videos over LTE Networks

Free-viewpoint video (FVV) applications enable viewers to interactively change their viewing point and watch a scene from different angles. Each FVV is composed of multiple streams representing the scene and its geometry from different vantage points. In addition, virtual views can be synthesized from captured views to provide a smoother and more immersive experience to users. Delivering FVV streaming services over cellular networks, while achieving quality-of-experience (QoE) fairness and minimizing fluctuations in perceived quality, is very challenging due to the large bandwidth requirements, the complex relationship between the bitrates of the transmitted streams and the quality of rendered virtual views, and the time-varying channel conditions. In this paper, we formulate FVV adaptive streaming as a multi-objective QoE-fairness problem and propose a heuristic algorithm to solve it efficiently. Our experiments show that the proposed algorithm achieves high QoE-fairness and provide users with high and stable qualities. It reduces quality variations by up to 32% on average while saving up to 18% of cellular bandwidth, compared to state-of-the-art approaches.
Noteworthy Articles in 2014 for Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologists

In 2014, cardiothoracic anesthesiology again generated high-quality scientific work published in highly regarded journals. Our specialty continues to make significant strides in the creation and implementation of protocols to improve outcomes in our patients, which undoubtedly contribute to a safer hospital environment for patients and employees alike. Another theme that stirred a lot of interest in the past year is the search for patient-centered treatment plans. Even though we are still some time away from truly personalized medicine, our specialty starts to ask and answer exciting questions: Would we treat patient A any different from patient B if their genetic profiles were easily accessible? Could individualized treatment choices influence our patients’ immediate and long-term outcomes? For this review, we selected a sample of relevant contributions to the field of cardiothoracic anesthesiology in 2014 with potential impact on our clinical routine.
Cladistic assessment of subtribal affinities within the tribe Moriomorphini with description of Rossjoycea glacialis, gen. n. and sp. n. from the South Island, and revision of Meonochilus Liebherr and Marris from the North Island, New Zealand (Coleoptera, Carabidae)

Abstract Phylogenetic relationships within the tribe Moriomorphini Sloane, 1890 are analyzed cladistically based on 75 morphological characters and 21 ingroup terminal taxa rooted at a Trechus obtusus Erichson outgroup. Based on the resultant cladistic relationships, two subtribes–Moriomorphina and Amblytelina Blackburn, 1892–are recognized, with the following new synonymies proposed: Meonides Sloane, 1898 = Amblytelina (NEW SYNONYMY); Tropopterides Sloane, 1898 = Amblytelina (NEW SYNONYMY); Mecyclothoracitae Jeannel, 1940 = Amblytelina (NEW SYNONYMY). Monophyly of Moriomorphina is based on presence of elongate, parallel-sided and glabrous to nearly glabrous male parameres, whereas Amblytelina are defined most broadly by possession of conchoid parameres with narrowed, setose apices, subtending a clade defined by a more derived parameral configuration whereby elongate styloid parameres terminate in a whip-like apical extension. Representatives of all New Zealand moriomorphine genera are included in the analysis, with cladistic results necessitating description of Rossjoycea glacialis, gen. n. and sp. n. , known from a single locality near the Franz Josef Glacier, Westland, South Island, New Zealand. Monophyly of Meonochilus Liebherr and Marris, 2009 is demonstrated, and its six species are taxonomically revised: Meonochilus amplipennis (Broun), Meonochilus eplicatus (Broun), Meonochilus placens (Broun), Meonochilus bellorum, sp. n. , Meonochilus rectus, sp. n. , and Meonochilus spiculatus, sp. n. Geographic restriction of Meonochilus to the North Island of New Zealand, coupled with its sister-group status to an Australian-based Amblytelus Erichson-Mecyclothorax Sharp clade reinforce the interpretation that Meonochilus was isolated in New Zealand by vicariance along the Norfolk Ridge, subsequent to New Zealand’s initial Cretaceous isolation from Tasmania and southeastern Australia via opening of the Tasman Sea.
Temporal dynamics of deep infralittoral macrobenthic fauna in a subtropical estuarine environment

Seasonal and inter-annual patterns of hydrological variation determine different salinity regimes inside the Patos Lagoon estuarine region, southern Brazil. Throughout two environmentally distinct years (2000 and 2006), macrobenthic samples were taken seasonally from a 14 m deep main channel region, at nine monitoring sites, using a van Veen grab (0.078 m2). In order to keep the Patos Lagoon main access channel at constant navigable depths, the Rio Grande Harbour Superintendence periodically executes maintenance dredging operations on this infralittoral area, but our multivariate analyses evidenced no significant difference between dredged and non-dredged sites regardless the year. Among the abiotic parameters analyzed here (temperature, percentage of fine sediments and salinity), the later was evidenced to be highly correlated to the biological data. Reductions in density and/or changes in the species composition could both be attributed to a natural macrobenthic response related to environmental variations. Along the year 2000 high salinity values decreased constantly through seasons to almost limnetic condition in spring, reducing diversity and abundance of marine species and densities of the dominant gastropod species Heleobia australis. On the other hand, salinity values along the year 2006 revealed the maintenance of brackish waters throughout seasons, favoring the input and survival of marine species from coastal adjacent areas inside the estuary, raising its macrobenthic diversity mainly by mollusks and polychaete worms.
Eye-tracking and Protocol Analysis of Expertise in Air Traffic Control Situation Awareness

Analyses of eye tracking and think-aloud protocol data were performed to examine novice-expert differences in perceptual and cognitive aspects of air traffic controllers’ situation awareness. In Experiment 1, participants were asked to perceive situations that were manipulated by situation complexity. In Experiment 2, protocol analysis was performed to extract different task models and strategy models as a function of expertise. Then delayed-recall task and interviews about air control plans for the recalled situations were also executed. Results showed that expert controllers concentrate only on several critical features and have their own strategies to reduce mental workloads.
Purification and properties of the sigma subunit of Escherichia coli DNA-dependent RNA polymerase.

An improved purification procedure is described for the sigma subunit of escherichia coli DNA-dependent RNA polymerase [ribonucleoside triphosphate:RNA nucleotidyl-transferase, EC 2.7. 7.6]. The method involves chromatography of purified RNA polymerase on single-stranded DNA-agarose, Bio-Rex 70, and finally Ultragel AcA44. The sigma factor obtained is electrophoretically pure with a yield of about 40%. A number of the chemical--physical properties of sigma are presented. A molecular weight of 82,000 was determined by phosphate buffered sodium dodecyl sulfate--polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Ultraviolet absorption spectra were used to determine an E280nm 1% of 8.4. The amino acid composition and 12-residue N-terminal sequence (Met-Glx-Glx-Asx-Pro-Glx-(Ser or Cys)-Glx-Leu-Lys-Leu-Leu) of sigma have been determined. The isoelectric focusing properties of sigma are presented. Denaturation--renaturation studies indicate that sigma is capable of an unusually rapid and complete recovery of activity after being subjected to denaturing conditions. A stable, 40,000-dalton fragment is generated from sigma by mild trypsin treatment.
Design and Analysis for RFID Authentication Protocol

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has been widely used in ubiquitous infrastructures. On the other hand, the low-cost RFID system has potential risks such as privacy and security problems, which would be a big barrier for the application. First of all, we analyze the current security protocols for the RFID system. To protect user privacy and remove security vulnerabilities, we propose a robust and privacy preserving mutual authentication protocol that is suitable for the low-cost RFID environment. Finally, the correctness of the proposed authentication protocol is proved by the BAN logic.
Genetic base and inbreeding of Canadienne, Brown Swiss, Holstein and Jersey cattle in Canada

The narrowing of the genetic base is of major concern to many cattle breeders and this is a consequence of a small effective population size and an increase in the inbreeding coefficient in cattle populations. Studies of pedigrees of cattle populations found in Canada showed that the effective population size and rate of inbreeding over a 12-year period (1983-94) were 123 and 0.412 percent for Canadienne, 975 and 0.054 percent for Brown Swiss, and 2 183 and 0.024 percent for Jersey cattle populations. Over the same period, the year to year trends in inbreeding coefficients based on co-ancestry was 0.11 percent for Canadienne and 0.07 percent for Brown Swiss cattle populations, and 0.37 percent for Holstein bulls used by the artificial insemination industry. Inbreeding was not found to be a major problem in any of the populations examined. However, only 10 bulls of their respective breed sired 61 percent of the Canadienne, 21 percent of the Brown Swiss, and 29 percent of the Jersey cattle populations, and 41 percent of the Holstein bulls in the bull studs. More and more breeders are demanding proven sires to increase milk production from fewer cows resulting in the narrowing of the genetic base of the national cattle populations. Newer technology that provides precise genetic modification could further contribute to the narrowing of the genetic base compromising the ability to sustain current production and respond to changing markets in the long-term.
The CXCL8/IL-8 chemokine family and its receptors in inflammatory diseases

Chemokines are small proteins that control several tissue functions, including cell recruitment and activation under homeostatic and inflammatory conditions. CXCL8 (interleukin-8) is a member of the chemokine family that acts on CXCR1 and CXCR2 receptors. CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL5, CXCL6, and CXCL7 are also ELR+ chemokine members that bind to these receptors, especially CXCR2. The majority of studies on the biology of CXCL8 and their receptors have been performed in polymorphonuclear leukocytes. However, many other cells express CXCR1/CXCR2, including epithelial, endothelial, fibroblasts and neurons, contributing to the biological effects of CXCL8. There is substantial amount of experimental data suggesting that CXCL8 and receptors contribute to elimination of pathogens, but may also contribute significantly to disease-associated processes, including tissue injury, fibrosis, angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. Here, we discuss the biology of CXCL8 family and the potential therapeutic use of antagonists or blockers of these molecules in the context of organ-specific diseases.
Dynamic phosphorylation of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus pp31

Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) pp31 is a nuclear phosphoprotein that accumulates in the virogenic stroma, which is the viral replication center in the infected-cell nucleus, binds to DNA, and serves as a late expression factor. Considering that reversible phosphorylation could influence its functional properties, we examined phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of pp31 in detail. Our results showed that pp31 is posttranslationally phosphorylated by both cellular and virus-encoded or -induced kinases. Threonine phosphorylation of pp31 by the virus-specific kinase activity was sensitive to aphidicolin, indicating that it requires late viral gene expression. We also found that pp31 is dephosphorylated by a virus-encoded or -induced phosphatase(s), indicating that phosphorylation of pp31 is a dynamic process. Analysis of pp31 fusion proteins showed that pp31 contains at least three phosphorylation sites. The amino-terminal 100 amino acids of pp31 include at least one serine residue that is phosphorylated by a cellular kinase(s). The C-terminal 67 amino acids of pp31 include at least one threonine residue that is phosphorylated by the virus-specific kinase(s). Finally, this C-terminal domain of pp31 includes at least one serine that is phosphorylated by either a host or viral kinase(s). Interestingly, site-directed mutagenesis of the consensus threonine phosphorylation sites in the C-terminal domain of pp31 failed to prevent threonine phosphorylation, suggesting that the virus-specific kinase is unique and has an undetermined recognition site.
Variable Body Biasing (VBB) based VLSI Design Approach to Reduce Static Power

The static power consumption is an important parameter concern in IC design due to t for a higher integration numbers of transistor to achieve greater performance in a single chip. Leakage current is the main issues for static power dissipation in standby mode as the size of transistor been scale. Therefore, the subthreshold leakage current rises due to threshold voltage scaling and gate leakage current increases due to scale down of oxide thickness. In this paper, a Variable Body Biasing (VBB) technique was applied to reduce static power consumption in VLSI design. The VBB technique used a DC bias at body terminal to control the threshold voltage efficiently. The Synopsys Custom Designer EDA tools in 90nm MOSFET technology was used to design a 1-bit full adder with VBB technique in full custom methodology. The simulation of 1-bit full adder was carried out with operation voltage supply was compared in conventional technique and VBB technique. The results achieved the reduction in term of peak power, and average power, in static CMOS 1-bit full adder compared with conventional bias and VBB technique.
Molecular characterization of the type-specific gamma-determinant located on the adenovirus fiber

The fiber knob carries the type-specific gamma-antigen which can be demonstrated in hemagglutination inhibition tests. In order to characterize the gamma-determinant we selected subgenus DI adenovirus serotypes 9 and 19 (Ad9 and Ad19) which exhibited 29 amino acid exchanges in the knob domain. Like all subgenus DI adenoviruses they showed a complete hemagglutination pattern with rat and human erythrocytes. We constructed a total of 14 chimeric Ad9/Ad19 and Ad19/Ad9 fiber proteins, which possessed fiber knobs with progressively exchanged Ad9 and Ad19 amino acids. Furthermore, we created 39 fiber proteins with distinct amino acid exchanges in the knob regions by primer-directed mutagenesis. The proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli and tested in hemagglutination and hemagglutination inhibition tests. From our results we can conclude that the type-specific gamma-determinant is not restricted to a distinct region on the adenovirus fiber knob but is composed of at least 17 amino acids. Most of the amino acids contributing to the Ad9 and Ad19 gamma-determinants are located on the fiber knob loops.