Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Malate Accumulation in Different Organs of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. Following Age-dependent or Salinity-triggered CAM Metabolism

Different organs of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum exhibit differing levels of CAM (Crassulacean acid metabolism), identifiable by quantification of nocturnal malate accumulation. Shoots and also basal parts of young leaves were observed to accumulate high concentrations of malate. It was typically found in mature leaves and especially prominent in plants subjected to salt stress. Small amount of nocturnal malate accumulation was found in roots of M. crystallinum plants following age-dependent or salinity-triggered CAM. This is an indication that malate can be also stored in non-photosynthetic tissue. Measurements of catalase activity did not produce evidence of the correlation between activity of this enzyme and the level of malate accumulation in different organs of M. crystallinum although catalase activity also appeared to be dependent on the photoperiod. In all material collected at dusk catalase activity was greater than it was observed in the organs harvested at dawn.
Notice of RetractionThe Application of Wavelet Analysis to Water Quality Prediction in Lake Dianchi Watershed

Wavelet analysis and its application to lake water quality are briefly introduced in this paper. The water quality indicator system in Lake Dianchi Watershed was adopted as a case study. The northern part of Lake Dianchi called Lake Caohai is mainly studied. The monitoring water quality indicators, including TN, TP from year 1987 to 2009 are selected to introduce the application of wavelet analysis. After the analysis of the diagram, the wavelet coefficients and wavelet variance showed that for TN and TP indicators, the Lake Caohai variations have a main cycle of 13 years. This means around 2013, the water quality is expected to reach the minimum value of the current cycle. The next planning (particularly after 2013) should pay more attention to the control of TN and TP.
The frequency‐domain grating

It is shown that a complex tone can be analyzed into its harmonics by adding to it a series of N−1 similar complex tones with uniformly spaced fundamental frequencies. The harmonics appear in a time‐ordered sequence, and this is the basis of a computer music effect employed by composer Jean‐Claude Risset. The mathematical derivation involves the summing of a geometric progression to form a slowly varying amplitude factor. The effect is directly analogous to the analysis of white light into its constituent colors by a diffraction grating with N slits. The temporal ordering of the sequence does not depend upon the relative phases of the harmonics of the complex tone, nor upon the number of tones which is summed, nor is it sensitive to amplitude changes. The order can be changed by a progressive delay of any harmonic in the summed complex tones. Calculations are made to investigate the stability of the effect against randomness is the tones to explain why the effect does not normally appear in vocal or instr.
Association between Anesthesiologist Age and Litigation

Background: The threat of being sued is a concern for many anesthesiologists. This paper asks whether litigation brought against anesthesiologists is associated with the age of the anesthesiologist. Methods: Institutional research ethics approval was granted. We obtained billing data for all procedures performed by specialist anesthesiologists stratified into three age groups (less than 51, 51–64, and 65 and older) from British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario for the 10-yr period from Jan. 1, 1993 to Dec. 31, 2002. We also obtained all litigations (including disability weighted claims) handled by the Canadian Medical Protective Association during the same time period in which the Canadian Medical Protective Association experts considered the anesthesiologist cited to be at least partially responsible for the adverse event leading to the complaint. Results: In univariate analysis with the less than 51 age group as the reference category, the litigation rate ratio for the 51–64 age group was 1.14 (95% CI: 0.99–1.32) and for the 65 and older age group was 1.50 (95% CI: 1.14–1.97). Our analyses using disability weighted claims showed the 51–64 group to have 1.31 (95% CI: 0.95–1.80) and 65 and older group to have 1.94 (95% CI: 1.41–2.67) relative increase in disability compared to the less than 51 age group. Conclusions: We found a higher frequency of litigation and a greater severity of injury in patients treated by anesthesiologists in the 65 and older group. The reasons for these findings should become an active field of research.
GIS for Manmade Object Contacts from Sidescan Sonar Images

Abstract -In this paper, we describe a in-house developed software system for manmade object detection and the geo-localization based on sidescan sonar image. The system contains the process of detecting objects in a sidescan sonar image, outlining the detected objects in a mosaic image which is formed by mosaicing several swathes of sonar images, and saving the detected objects in a geo-information data base. The automatic object detection algorithm is based on the reflection strength (highlights), shadows and their properties. Information on detected objects such as the estimated size, shape and their geo-locations are retrieved by the analysis. The localized objects and ancillary information are subsequently loaded into a Geographical Information System (GIS). This enhances the value of the information as they can then be viewed and queried in conjunction with other useful information like bathymetry, currents and seabed sediment types in an interactive map-based display over the Internet.
Real-Time Temperature Estimation for Power MOSFETs Considering Thermal Aging Effects

This paper presents a novel real-time power-device temperature estimation method that monitors the power MOSFET's junction temperature shift arising from thermal aging effects and incorporates the updated electrothermal models of power modules into digital controllers. Currently, the real-time estimator is emerging as an important tool for active control of device junction temperature as well as online health monitoring for power electronic systems, but its thermal model fails to address the device's ongoing degradation. Because of a mismatch of coefficients of thermal expansion between layers of power devices, repetitive thermal cycling will cause cracks, voids, and even delamination within the device components, particularly in the solder and thermal grease layers. Consequently, the thermal resistance of power devices will increase, making it possible to use thermal resistance (and junction temperature) as key indicators for condition monitoring and control purposes. In this paper, the predicted device temperature via threshold voltage measurements is compared with the real-time estimated ones, and the difference is attributed to the aging of the device. The thermal models in digital controllers are frequently updated to correct the shift caused by thermal aging effects. Experimental results on three power MOSFETs confirm that the proposed methodologies are effective to incorporate the thermal aging effects in the power-device temperature estimator with good accuracy. The developed adaptive technologies can be applied to other power devices such as IGBTs and SiC MOSFETs, and have significant economic implications.
Evaluating HCI Design with Interaction Modeling and Mockups - A Case Study

Interactive systems are increasingly present in daily life, but many people still face difficulties to use them. We believe that using models and artifacts to represent the interaction in a systematic way during systems design may prevent such difficulties. In this paper, we investigate the combined use of MoLIC, an interaction modeling language, with user interface mockups. While both artifacts are supposed to promote the understanding of user goals and the designerâs reflection on alternative solutions and decisions regarding the interaction, we have not found evidence of their usage impacts on quality. Thus, this paper presents an experimental study on the joint usage of MoLIC interaction diagrams and mockups during systems design, aiming both to identify participantsâ perceptions on the joint use of the two artifacts and to analyze the quality of the generated artifacts by observing which types of defects would occur. The results show that, although some participants found that MoLIC diagrams were not very easy to build, most participants considered the creation of mockups based on MoLIC diagrams useful. In addition, the number of defects found in the MoLIC diagrams points to the need of developing techniques to evaluate the artifact before proceeding with the design process.
Three Dimensional Short-term Memory Image

We proposed the three dimensional short-term memory image related to human memory and human vision. Three dimensional short-term memory image composed of the three dimensional features reconstructed from the binocular foveated vision. The next fixation point is determined statistically from the feature points in the image projected from the 3D short-term memory image. We show the effectiveness by simulating the binocular eye movements for the virtual world generated computer graphics and for the real world using pan-tilt cameras. It is found that the viewing world does not change suddenly though the eye moves quickly by introducing the 3D short-term memory
Mutated primer binding sites interacting with different tRNAs allow efficient murine leukemia virus replication

Two Akv murine leukemia virus-based retroviral vectors with primer binding sites matching tRNA(Gln-1) and tRNA(Lys-3) were constructed. The transduction efficiency of these mutated vectors was found to be comparable to that of a vector carrying the wild-type primer binding site matching tRNA(Pro). Polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequence analysis of transduced proviruses confirmed the transfer of vectors with mutated primer binding sites and further showed that tRNA(Gln-2) may act efficiently in conjunction with the tRNA(Gln-1) primer binding site. We conclude that murine leukemia virus can replicate by using various tRNA molecules as primers and propose primer binding site-tRNA primer interactions to be of major importance for tRNA primer selection. However, efficient primer selection does not require perfect Watson-Crick base pairing at all 18 positions of the primer binding site.
Feasibility of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for intrathoracic malignancies

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has become an accepted alternative for treating intrathoracic malignancies; however, the incidence and characteristics of peri‐ and postprocedural complications are not well described. The purpose of the study was to assess the safety and technical feasibility of percutaneous RFA in unresectable intrathoracic malignancies.
Spongiform Degeneration in mahoganoid Mutant Mice

mahoganoid is a mouse coat-color mutation whose pigmentary phenotype and genetic interactions resemble those ofAttractin (Atrn). Atrn mutations also cause spongiform neurodegeneration. Here, we show that a null mutation for mahoganoid causes a similar age-dependent neuropathology that includes many features of prion diseases but without accumulation of protease-resistant prion protein. The gene mutated inmahoganoid encodes a RING-containing protein with E3 ubiquitin ligase activity in vitro. Similarities in phenotype, expression, and genetic interactions suggest that mahoganoidand Atrn genes are part of a conserved pathway for regulated protein turnover whose function is essential for neuronal viability.
Controversies in the adjuvant treatment of pancreas cancer: a lack of knowledge or simply a lack of will?

The article by Garofalo et al that appears in this issue of Gastrointestinal Cancer Research (see page 182) is a well-written, comprehensive review of the major adjuvant trials in pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately (as noted by the authors), the optimal adjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer is still debated, despite several decades of studies in this area. Even more discouraging is that despite the progress that has been made in cancer therapy in recent years, the prognosis for pancreas cancer remains largely unchanged. The majority of patients present with disease too advanced to resect. For the few who are able to undergo surgical resection, most experience disease recurrence and ultimately die of pancreas cancer.
Fba, a novel fibronectin‐binding protein from Streptococcus pyogenes, promotes bacterial entry into epithelial cells, and the fba gene is positively transcribed under the Mga regulator

In infection by Streptococcus pyogenes, fibronectin (Fn)‐binding proteins play important roles as adhesins and invasins. Here, we present a novel Fn‐binding protein of S. pyogenes that exhibits a low similarity to other Fn‐binding proteins reported. After searching the Oklahoma Streptococcal Genome Sequencing Database for open reading frames (ORFs) with an LPXTG motif, nine ORFs were found among those recognized as putative surface proteins, and one of them was designated as Fba. The fba gene was found in M types 1, 2, 4, 22, 28 and 49 of S. pyogenes, but not in other serotypes or groups of streptococci. Fba, a 37.8 kDa protein, possesses three or four proline‐rich repeat domains and exhibits a high homology to FnBPA, the Fn‐binding protein of Staphylococcus aureus. Recombinant Fba exhibited a strong binding ability to Fn. In addition, Fba‐deficient mutants showed diminished invasive capabilities to HEp‐2 cells and low mortality in mice following skin infection. The fba gene was located downstream of the mga regulon and analysis using an mga‐inactivated mutant revealed that it was transcribed under the control of the Mga regulator. These results indicate that Fba is a novel protein and one of the important virulence factors of S. pyogenes.
AffectPhone: A Handset Device to Present User's Emotional State with Warmth/Coolness

We developed AffectPhone, a system that detects a user’s emotional state using the GSR, and conveys this state via changes in the temperature (wamrth or coolness) of the back panel of the other handset. Since GSR is a good measure of a user’s level of arousal, we detect the GSR using electrodes attached to the sides of the handset. When the user’s level of arousal increases or decreases, a Peltier module in the back panel of the other device generates warmth or cool-ness. This system does not require special sensors to be attached to the user’s body, and therefore, it does not interrupt the user’s daily use of the mobile phone. Moreover, this system is designed to convey non-verbal information in an ambient manner, and therefore, it would be more efﬁcient than displays or speakers. This system is expected to help enhance existing telecommunication.
Diversity and antimicrobial activity of endophytic fungi isolated from Cephalotaxus hainanensis Li, a well‐known medicinal plant in China

About 1051 endophytic fungi were isolated from leaves, branches, barks and stems of Cephalotaxus hainanensis Li from four sites in Hainan, China. The fungi were identified as 21 genera by morphology and ITS sequences. One dominant species was Phomopsis quercella in Hainan Tropical Botanical Garden and Bawangling Nature Reserve, with relative frequency of 42·06 and 34·88% respectively. Another dominant species was Colletotrichum boninense in Wuzhishan and Jianfengling Nature Reserves, with relative frequency of 36·84 and 46·97% respectively. Among the selected 21 endophytic fungi, 17 strains (80·95%) had activity against at least one pathogenic bacteria, and 14 strains (66·67%) exhibited activity against at least one fungal pathogens. Neonectria macroconidialis showed strong inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (inhibition zone being 20 mm), Bacillus subtilis (14 mm) and Streptococcus agalactiae (28 mm). Xylaria sp. showed strong inhibition against Escherichia coli (20 mm), Rhizoctonia solani (20 mm) and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (17 mm). Verticillium bulbillosum showed great activity against Strep. agalactiae (32 mm) and Fusarium oxysporum (22 mm). These endophytic fungi showed potentials in medicine development.
Testing Strategy To Identify Cases of Acute Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection and To Project HCV Incidence Rates

ABSTRACT Surveillance for hepatitis C virus (HCV) is limited by the challenge of differentiating between acute and chronic infections. In this study, we evaluate a cross-sectional testing strategy that identifies individuals with acute HCV infection and we estimate HCV incidence. Anti-HCV-negative persons from four populations with various risks, i.e., blood donors, Veterans Administration (VA) patients, young injection drug users (IDU), and older IDU, were screened for HCV RNA by minipool or individual sample nucleic acid testing (NAT). The number of detected viremic seronegative infections was combined with the duration of the preseroconversion NAT-positive window period (derived from analysis of frequent serial samples from plasma donors followed from NAT detection to seroconversion) to estimate annual HCV incidence rates. Projected incidence rates were compared to observed incidence rates. Projected HCV incidence rates per 100 person-years were 0.0042 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.0025 to 0.007) for blood donors, 0.86 (95% CI, 0.02 to 0.71) for VA patients, 39.8 (95% CI, 25.9 to 53.7) for young IDU, and 53.7 (95% CI, 23.4 to 108.8) for older IDU. Projected rates were most similar to observed incidence rates for young IDU (33.4; 95% CI, 28.0 to 39.9). This study demonstrates the value of applying a cross-sectional screening strategy to detect acute HCV infections and to estimate HCV incidence.
Extracellular links in Kir subunits control the unitary conductance of SUR/Kir6.0 ion channels

Potassium (K+) channels are highly selective for K+ ions but their unitary conductances are quite divergent. Although Kir6.1 and Kir6.2 are highly homologous and both form functional K+ channels with sulfonylurea receptors, their unitary conductances measured with 150 mM extracellular K+ are ∼35 and 80 pS, respectively. We found that a chain of three amino acid residues N123–V124–R125 of Kir6.1 and S113–I114–H115 of Kir6.2 in the M1–H5 extracellular link and single residues M148 of Kir6.1 and V138 of Kir6.2 in the H5–M2 link accounted for the difference. By using a 3D structure model of Kir6.2, we were able to recognize two independent plausible mechanisms involved in the determination of single channel conductance of the Kir6.0 subunits: (i) steric effects at Kir6.2V138 or Kir6.1M148 in the H5–M2 link influence directly the diffusion of K+ ions; and (ii) structural constraints between Kir6.2S113 or Kir6.1N123 in the M1–H5 link and Kir6.2R136 or Kir6.1R146 near the H5 region control the conformation of the permeation pathway. These mechanisms represent a novel and possibly general aspect of the control of ion channel permeability.
IO based impact analysis: a method for estimating the economic impacts by different transport infrastructure investments in Australia

As a result of the deterioration of economic conditions associated with the global financial crisis and its immediate aftermath, public investment is firmly back on the policy agenda, especially as a means to revitalize Australia's increasingly inadequate land transport infrastructure. There has been much controversy, however, over whether such investments are efficient, or whether public funds are better spent on other projects. It is clear that, for the investment of public funds to have the greatest positive effects, government agencies need to find improved ways of assessing the economic benefits arising from transport projects. This is clearly necessary so as to ascertain whether these projects sufficiently justify their large costs. This paper investigates the impact of alternative investments in road, rail, water and air transport infrastructure in Australia by using an input-output framework. It utilizes 2004-05 ABS national input-output tables as a database for a transport-oriented input-output model of the Australian economy. The analysis involves two steps: one is run for the price model, and the other for the quantity model. These results are then compared across the various transport sectors. Scenario results show that, despite some limiting assumptions, a multi-sectoral input-output model can capture the sectoral difference nature of the economic impacts of different transport infrastructure and thus provide a reliable tool for more effective and strategic transport infrastructure planning.
Pulse-based, on-chip interconnect

This thesis describes the development of an on-chip point-to-point link, with particular emphasis on the reduction of its global metal area footprint. To reduce itsmetal footprint, the interconnect uses a serial transmission approach. 8-bit data is sent using just two wires, through a pulse-based technique, inspired by the GasP interconnect from Sun Microsystems. Data and control signals are transmitted bi-directionally on a wire using this double-edged, pulse-based signalling protocol, and formatted using a variant of dual-rail encoding. These choices enable a reduction in the number of wires needed, an improvement in the acknowledgement overhead of the asynchronous protocol, and the ability to cross clock domains without synchronisation hazards. New, stateful, repeaters are demonstrated, and results from spice simulations of the system show that data can be transferred at over 1Gbit/s, over 1mm of minimum-sized, minimally-spaced metal 5 wiring, on a 180nm (0.18μm) technology. This reduces to only 926Mbit/s, when 10mm of wiring is considered, and represents a channel utilisation of a very attractive 45% of theoretical capacity at this length. Analysis of latencies, energy consumption, and area use are also provided. The point-to-point link is then expandedwith the invention and demonstration of a router and an arbitrated merge element, to produce a Network-on-Chip (NoC) design, called RasP. The full system is then evaluated, and peak throughput is shown to be 763Mbit/s for 1mm of wiring, reducing to 599Mbit/s for 10mm of the narrowmetal 5 interconnect. Finally, RasP is compared in performance with the Chain interconnect from the University of Manchester. Results for the metrics of throughput, latency, energy consumption and area footprint show that the two systems perform very similarly — themaximumabsolute deviation is under 25% for throughput, latency and area; and the energy-efficiency of RasP is approximately twice that of Chain. Between the two systems, RasP has the smaller latency, energy and area requirements and is shown to be a viable alternative NoC design.