Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonal variation of isoprene basal emission in mature Quercus crispula trees under experimental warming of roots and branches

163 Guenther et al., 2006) which models the effects of changing phenological and environmental variables on isoprene and other BVOC given species-specific basal emission rates. The isoprene basal emission rate is defined as a constant emission factor representing the capacity of a given plant species to emit isoprene under standard environmental conditions (30°C, 1000 μmol m–2 s–1 of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD)). It is known that the basal emission rate of isoprene can be altered by the physiology of the plant, growth stage of leaves, etc. (Monson et al., 1994; Xiaoshan et al., 2000). Previous experimental studies have shown that isoprene basal emissions generally increase with increasing temperatures (e.g., Pétron et al., 2001). This temperature response has also been analyzed by comparing emission rates across different seasons (after accounting for differences in light and temperature) (e.g., Monson et al., 1994) or by using potted plants exposed to different temperatures in greenhouses (e.g., Pétron et al., 2001). To our knowledge, no experiments have been performed to date in the mature oak canopies of Japan despite the fact that oaks are the dominant isoprene-emitting trees in JaSeasonal variation of isoprene basal emission in mature Quercus crispula trees under experimental warming of roots and branches
Defining the sequence specificity of DNA-binding proteins by selecting binding sites from random-sequence oligonucleotides: analysis of yeast GCN4 protein

We describe a new method for accurately defining the sequence recognition properties of DNA-binding proteins by selecting high-affinity binding sites from random-sequence DNA. The yeast transcriptional activator protein GCN4 was coupled to a Sepharose column, and binding sites were isolated by passing short, random-sequence oligonucleotides over the column and eluting them with increasing salt concentrations. Of 43 specifically bound oligonucleotides, 40 contained the symmetric sequence TGA(C/G)TCA, whereas the other 3 contained sequences matching six of these seven bases. The extreme preference for this 7-base-pair sequence suggests that each position directly contacts GCN4. The three nucleotide positions on each side of this core heptanucleotide also showed sequence preferences, indicating their effect on GCN4 binding. Interestingly, deviations in the core and a stronger sequence preference in the flanking region were found on one side of the central C . G base pair. Although GCN4 binds as a dimer, this asymmetry supports a model in which interactions on each side of the binding site are not equivalent. The random selection method should prove generally useful for defining the specificities of other DNA-binding proteins and for identifying putative target sequences from genomic DNA.
Multi-hop flocking algorithm for multi-agent system

With the time-delay of multi-hop communication taken into consideration, this paper proposes a multi-hop flocking algorithm for multi-agent system. Driven by the algorithm, agents broadcast both their own and neighbors' information in their communication ranging. The stability of algorithm and velocity matching property are analyzed theoretically. Comparing to the traditional ones, algorithm in this paper takes advantages of the multi-hop information and improves the velocity matching speed. A two-hop flocking algorithm is adopted in the numerical simulation and results give supports to the theoretical deduction.
Treatment of early seropositive rheumatoid arthritis: a two-year, double-blind comparison of minocycline and hydroxychloroquine.

OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of minocycline with that of a conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), hydroxychloroquine, in patients with early seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Sixty patients with seropositive RA of <1 year's duration who had not been previously treated with DMARDs were randomized to receive minocycline, 100 mg twice per day, or hydroxychloroquine, 200 mg twice per day, in a 2-year, double-blind protocol. All patients also received low-dose prednisone. The primary end points of the study were 1) the percentage of patients with an American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 50% improvement (ACR50) response at 2 years, and 2) the dosage of prednisone at 2 years. RESULTS Minocycline-treated patients were more likely to achieve an ACR50 response at 2 years compared with hydroxychloroquine-treated patients (60% compared with 33%, respectively; P = 0.04). Minocycline-treated patients were also receiving less prednisone at 2 years compared with the hydroxychloroquine group (mean 0.81 mg/day compared with 3.21 mg/day, respectively; P < 0.01). In addition, patients treated with minocycline were more likely to have been completely tapered off prednisone (P = 0.03). Trends favoring the minocycline treatment group were seen when outcomes were assessed according to components of the ACR core criteria set, with the differences reaching statistical significance for patient's global assessment of disease activity (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION Minocycline is an effective DMARD in patients with early seropositive RA. Patients treated with minocycline were more likely to achieve an ACR50 response and did so while receiving less prednisone. In addition, minocycline-treated patients were more likely to have discontinued treatment with prednisone at 2 years.
Intelligent eviction strategy for efficient flow table management in OpenFlow Switches

An OpenFlow Switch (OF-Switch) stores the flow entries in a flow table, having confined capacity. The flow table is located in an extremely efficient associative memory called TCAM (Ternary Content Addressable Memory). Typically, a data center with 100 edge switches can generate up to eight million flows per second, whereas, an OpenFlow switch can save around 64K flow entries. A table-miss, generally, causes an exchange of messages between an OF-Switch and the controller. This switch-controller communication (to install flow rule for every new flow) incurs severe overhead. Furthermore, if the flow table is full, then the controller-driven purging of flow entries induces substantial latency. Our objective is to address these critical challenges. In this paper, we propose an efficient flow table management proposition through intelligent autonomous (within OF-Switch) eviction mechanism. Instead of relying entirely on the expiry period alone of a flow entry, our eviction strategy involves smart data logging using highly space-efficient data structure - Multiple Bloom Filters (MBF) to determine candidate flow entries to be purged. The MBF, located in Static RAM (SRAM), is designed in a Column-major order. It constructs the flow's importance based on reference locality and recentness; using simple and near optimal collision-free hash function. We have performed flow logging using a real packet trace, with an error probability of less than 1%. The simulation results show around 37% improvement (on average) in the table-hit ratio compared to Least Recently Used (LRU) method in 2K-size flow table.
An age management challenge: a study on factors affecting senior employees' retirement decisions

This thesis studied the concept of age management, which was developed to meet the various challenges of aging workforce, including the problem defined in this thesis concerning the loss of experienced workforce due to retirements. The objective of this thesis was to specify factors that affect senior employees’ retirement decisions, both from the senior employees’ and managers’ perspective in a financial institution. Based on the results, improvement suggestions were proposed in order to decrease early retirement plans in the target organization. The research material comprised of six focused interviews, which consisted of three senior employee and three service manager interviews. The results revealed that health, monetary factors, ability to adapt to changes in work, relationships with superiors and co-workers, agreeableness of the individual work plan and pleasantness of the work influence senior employees’ retirement decisions. Another finding was that the managers were not fully aware of the extent their behavior affected their senior employees, and that more attention should be paid to taking advantage of senior employees’ skills in order to motivate them to stay in working life. The results also showed that the senior employees did not receive the same career and training opportunities as the younger employees, which implies that age discrimination did exists in the target organization. Based on the results, the conclusion was made that before age management measures can fully be effective in the target organization, ageism need to be weeded out and equal learning and career opportunities need to be provided.
A smartphone based indoor navigation system

Although various solutions have been suggested for indoor navigation systems, most methods require the support of external physical hardware infrastructure. Due to the increase in complexity and cost of set-up of supporting hardware requirements, scalability will always be an issue with such systems. In this paper, we present the design of a smartphone based indoor navigation system. The proposed method uses on-device sensors for Dead-reckoning and is supported by a web based architecture, for easily creating indoor maps and providing an indoor location's information for navigation and localization. The system has been implemented and tested, and the results indicate that the approach is useful for navigation in indoor environments.
Factors affecting the organizational performance of manufacturing firms

Numerous studies have been conducted to explore the individual effects of organizational culture (OC) and supply chain management (SCM) practices on organizational performance (OP) in different settings. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of OC and SCM on OP. The sample of the study consisted of 93 manufacturing firms in Jordan. Data were collected from employees and managers from different divisions using a reliable and valid measurement instrument. The findings confirm that both OC and SCM practices significantly predict OP. The current study is significant in reliably testing the relationship between SCM practices and OP; however, it is necessary to consider cultural assumptions, values and beliefs as the impact of OC on OP is greater than the impact of SCM practices. Based on the results, future studies should consider the moderating and mediating role of OC on the relationship between SCM practices and OP.
Channel capacity distribution of Layer-Division-Multiplexing system for next generation digital broadcasting transmission

Cloud transmission (Cloud-Txn) with Layer-Division-Multiplexing (LDM) was proposed as a candidate Physical Layer (PHY) technology for next generation digital TV broadcasting system. This paper presents a fundamental analysis on the channel capacity allocation among the different layers of a LDM-based transmission system. The analysis reveals that, for delivering fixed and mobile TV services in the same RF channel, by controlling the power allocation among the layers, the LDM-based system provides much better efficient usage of the spectrum as compared to the single-layer Time-Division-Multiplexing (TDM) or Frequency-Division-Multiplexing (FDM)-based systems. The spectrum efficiency of LDM allows the simultaneous delivery of a high-data-rate UHDTV service and a mobile HDTV service within a single 6 MHz channel.
Offshoring R&D: The relationship between transparency, communication structures and knowledge

Companies are increasingly offshoring R&D activities. Many firms, however, experience difficulties related to virtual teamwork across cultures and time zones. The research question is: How does increasing R&D offshoring impact transparency of communication structures and knowledge sharing? Using case studies from Danish multinational corporations with R&D activities in China, India or Eastern Europe this paper analyses the impact observed in these companies in regard to communication structures and knowledge sharing in management of offshored R&D activities. The findings show that companies attempt to increase transparency through formalisation of knowledge and clear communication structures. However, the influence of tacit knowledge, horizontal communication and culture seem largely overlooked. Therefore the authors suggest a context based approach to transparency accustomed to the complexity of the R&D activity. This paper shows that management of offshored R&D activities touches upon many key management dilemmas like trust, control and knowledge sharing.
Calcium–Sensing Receptor: Regulation of Electrolyte Transport in the Thick Ascending Limb of Henle's Loop

A calcium–sensing receptor (CaR) has functionally been described in the cortical thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (CTAL) of rat and mouse. This G protein–coupled receptor activates phospholipase C and increases the intracellular Ca<sup>2+</sup> concentration. We observed that in the mouse CTAL cAMP formation, induced by 10<sup>–8</sup> mol/l AVP, was inhibited by more than 90% when the extracellular Ca<sup>2+</sup> concentration ([Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>e</sub>) was increased from 0.5 to 3 mmol/l. Measurements of transepithelial potential difference (PD<sub>te</sub>) in rat and mouse CTAL and medullary thick ascending limb (mTAL) segments and of transepithelial ion net fluxes in the mouse CTAL (isotonic perfusion conditions: 150 mmol/l NaCl in the lumen and bath) showed that an increase in the [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>e</sub> had no effect on basal and arginine vasopressin (AVP, 10<sup>–10</sup> mol/l)–stimulated transepithelial PD<sub>te</sub>, NaCl and Mg<sup>2+</sup> transport. However, Ca<sup>2+</sup> reabsorption was strongly inhibited by increased [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>e</sub>. Addition of AVP reversed this inhibitory effect of increased [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>e</sub>. Under hypotonic perfusion conditions (lumen 50 mmol/l NaCl; bath 150 mmol/l NaCl), a high [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>e</sub> induced a 50% decrease in Mg<sup>2+</sup> reabsorption which was restored by AVP. Under these conditions, the effects on Ca<sup>2+</sup> transport described above were still observed. In conclusion, activation of the CaR in the mouse TAL has no effect on basal and AVP–stimulated transepithelial NaCl reabsorption despite its large inhibitory effect on cAMP synthesis. The CaR, however, could play a role in the regulation of transepithelial Ca<sup>2+</sup> and Mg<sup>2+</sup> reabsorption.
CD39 improves survival in microbial sepsis by attenuating systemic inflammation

Sepsis remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Excessive inflammation is a major cause of organ failure and mortality in sepsis. Ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1, ENTPDase1 (CD39) is a cell surface nucleotide‐metabolizing enzyme, which degrades the extracellular purines ATP and ADP, thereby regulating purinergic receptor signaling. Although the role of purinergic receptor signaling in regulating inflammation and sepsis has been addressed previously, the role of CD39 in regulating the host's response to sepsis is unknown. We found that the CD39 mimic apyrase (250 U/kg) decreased and knockout or pharmacologic blockade with sodium polyoxotungstate (5 mg/kg; IC50 ã 10 μM) of CD39 increased mortality of mice with polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture. CD39 decreased inflammation, organ damage, immune cell apoptosis, and bacterial load. Use of bone marrow chimeric mice revealed that CD39 expression on myeloid cells decreases inflammation in septic mice. CD39 expression is upregulated during sepsis in mice, as well as in both murine and human macrophages stimulated with Escherichia coli. Moreover, E. coli increases CD39 promoter activity in macrophages. Altogether, these data indicate CD39 as an evolutionarily conserved inducible protective pathway during sepsis. We propose CD39 as a novel therapeutic target in the management of sepsis—Csóka, B. , Németh, Z. H. , Törő, G. , Koscsó, B. , Kókai, E. , Robson, S. C. , Enjyoji, K. , Rolandelli, R. H. , Erdélyi, K. , Pacher, P., Haskó, G. , CD39 improves survival in microbial sepsis by attenuating systemic inflammation. FASEB J. 29, 25–36 (2015). www.fasebj. org
Theory and Evidence on Employer Collusion in the Franchise Sector

Abstract In this work we study the role of covenants in franchise contracts that restrict the recruitment and hiring of employees from other units within the same franchise chain in suppressing competition for workers. On the basis of an analysis of 2016 Franchise Disclosure Documents, we find that “nopoaching of workers” agreements are included in a surprising 58 percent of major franchisors’ contracts, including McDonald’s, Burger King, Jiffy Lube, and H & R Block. The implications of these no-poaching agreements for models of oligopsony are also discussed. No-poaching agreements are more common for franchises in low-wage and high-turnover industries. A postscript explains that as a direct result of an early draft of this paper many, if not all, franchise no-poaching agreements have been forcibly abandoned because of actions by the Washington State Attorney General and others.
Rate of Injury Among Youth Lacrosse Players

Objective:This study describes the rate of injury and the types and mechanisms of injuries incurred by girls and boys during youth recreational lacrosse. Design:Prospective cohort study. Setting:Games were played at a large turf community athletic complex. Participants:Participants included male and female lacrosse players aged 9-15 years. A total of 143 games were played, resulting in 4603 athlete-exposures (AEs). Assessment of Risk Factors:Youth players were grouped based on sex and 3 age categories: under 11 (U11; 9-10 years), under 13 (U13; 11-12 years), and under 15 (U15; 13-14 years). Main Outcome Measures:Certified athletic trainers collected data on type of injury and injury mechanism. Results:There were 6.3 injuries per 1000 AEs for boys and girls combined. Girls had 7 injuries (3.4 per 1000 AEs) and boys had 22 injuries (8.7 per 1000 AEs). Contusions and lacerations were the most frequent injury (n = 13), and body-to-body contact (n = 10) was the most common injury mechanism. There were 4 concussions among boys (U13 and U15) and none among girls. Conclusions:Most injuries evaluated in youth lacrosse were contusions/lacerations; however, serious injuries were observed, including concussions in boys in the age group where body contact is allowed.
HESR lattice with non-similar arcs for stochastic cooling

The advanced HESR lattice with two arcs having the identical layout and the different slip factors are developed. The conception of arcs with three families of quadrupole allows easy adjusting the imaginary transition energy in one arc and the real transition energy in another arc with the absolute value close to the beam energy in whole required region from 3.0 GeV to 14 GeV. The arcs have the special feature, when the high order non-linearities are fully compensated inside of each arc, and therefore the dynamic aperture of the whole machine is conserved. We consider and compare two lattices with the same absolute value of transition energy: the current lattice with the negative momentum compaction factor in both arcs and the lattice having the negative and positive momentum compaction factors in different arcs correspondingly. Simultaneously we analyzed the 4 and 6 fold symmetry arcs machine. It allows making the conclusion that the 4 fold symmetry lattice is more suitable to get the required slip factors. At the lowest energy 3 GeV, it is etaimag/etareaI ap 4divide5 in the imaginary and the real arc correspondingly. For the higher beam energy this ratio is much bigger.
Comparison between Zubieta model of supercapacitors and their real behavior

The supercapacitor is a relatively young electronic component which bases its operation on the principle of the Helmholtz double layer of charge formed on the surface of an activated carbon (with an extremely high equivalent surface) and an electrolyte which allows both a short distance between the electric layers as well as a very large useful area. For optimal use of an EDLC (Electrochemical Double Layer Capacitor) it is necessary to know the time behavior, specific electrical characteristics (discharge current, charge current, voltage variation at the terminals, equivalent series resistance, and especially leakage current (self-discharge current), as well as behavior over a long time - days or even months - under electric charge at different voltages, etc.) and the influence of environmental operating conditions (temperature, humidity, vibration, etc.). For modeling in more detail the behavior of an EDLC in time and voltage a comparison between the Zubieta model and actual behavior was performed. The research is focused on the accuracy of the Zubieta model related to the real behavior of supercapacitors.
Neuropsychological deficits in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

The degree of neuropsychological dysfunction across multiple domains was examined in individuals suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). In this descriptive study, a similar series of neuropsychological tests was administered to a group of CFS patients and healthy participants. More specifically, CFS patients (n = 141) who met the 1994 Case Definition criteria were compared to 76 healthy control participants on tests of memory, attention (concentration), speed of information processing, motor speed, and executive functioning. On the 18 measures administered, CFS patients scored 1 standard deviation below the healthy mean on nine measures and scored 2 standard deviations below the healthy mean on four of the measures. Moreover, results indicated that CFS patients were more likely than healthy controls to fail (1.6 SD below the healthy mean) at least one test in each of the following domains: attention, speed of information processing, and motor speed, but not on measures of memory and executive functioning. Finally, CFS patients demonstrated a greater total number of tests failed across domains. (JINS, 2004, 10, 278–285.)
Valuing Ecotourism in Palutungan Resort, Gunung Ciremai National Park, Indonesia

In this paper, we conducted an empirical study on the economic value of Palutungan Resort, Gunung Ciremai National Park (Indonesia), using an individual travel cost method. Gunung Ciremai is the highest mountain in West Java Province which has high biodiversity and constitutes the home range of the endangered species, Nisaetus bartelsi and leopards. Using the individual travel cost method, we estimated the annual consumer surplus of ecotourism for Palutungan Resort to be approximately $19, while its total economic value was $0.23 million. However, Palutungan Resort does not benefit exclusively, because the total economic value is divided diversely among the central government (non-tax revenue), local government (taxes), and local communities, while the transportation agencies, retailers, and gas station companies also reap some valuable benefits. In regard to the benefit allocation, all of the associated parties should participate in the conservation and preservation of natural resources in Palutungan Resort to improve the ecotourism services.