Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Foraging intention affects whether willow tits call to attract members of mixed-species flocks

Understanding how individual behaviour influences the spatial and temporal distribution of other species is necessary to resolve the complex structure of species assemblages. Mixed-species bird flocks provide an ideal opportunity to investigate this issue, because members of the flocks are involved in a variety of behavioural interactions between species. Willow tits (Poecile montanus) often produce loud calls when visiting a new foraging patch to recruit other members of mixed-species flocks. The costs and benefits of flocking would differ with individual foraging behaviours (i.e. immediate consumption or caching); thus, willow tits may adjust the production of loud calls according to their foraging intention. In this study, we investigated the link between foraging decisions and calling behaviour in willow tits and tested its influence on the temporal cohesion with members of mixed-species flocks. Observations at experimental foraging patches showed that willow tits produced more calls when they consumed food items compared with when they cached them. Playback experiments revealed that these calls attracted flock members and helped to maintain their presence at foraging patches. Thus, willow tits adjusted calling behaviour according to their foraging intention, thereby coordinating the associations with members of mixed-species flocks. Our findings demonstrate the influence of individual decision-making on temporal cohesion with other species and highlight the importance of interspecific communication in mixed-species flocking dynamics.
Restoration of images degraded by motion blur and noise

This paper considers the restoration of images degraded by a motion blur in the presence of noise. Based on a two-dimensional separable autoregressive image model, a one-dimensional horizontally causal vector state-space model with multiple delays is derived. By the discrete sine transform, the one-dimensional vector state-space model is decomposed into a set of nearly uncorrelated scalar subsystems, to which the Kalman filter is applied to obtain an approximate recursive restoration algorithm for motion degraded images. The same technique is also applied to a semicausal minimum variance image representation in order to derive a related recursive restoration algorithm. The computational efficiency is accomplished by the discrete sine transform and the transform data compression technique. Results of simulation studies are also presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the restoration algorithms developed here.
Defining the Functional Potential and Active Community Members of a Sediment Microbial Community in a High-Arctic Hypersaline Subzero Spring

ABSTRACT The Lost Hammer (LH) Spring is the coldest and saltiest terrestrial spring discovered to date and is characterized by perennial discharges at subzero temperatures (−5ï¿½C), hypersalinity (salinity, 24%), and reducing (≈−165 mV), microoxic, and oligotrophic conditions. It is rich in sulfates (10.0%, wt/wt), dissolved H2S/sulfides (up to 25 ppm), ammonia (≈381 μM), and methane (11.1 g day−1). To determine its total functional and genetic potential and to identify its active microbial components, we performed metagenomic analyses of the LH Spring outlet microbial community and pyrosequencing analyses of the cDNA of its 16S rRNA genes. Reads related to Cyanobacteria (19.7%), Bacteroidetes (13.3%), and Proteobacteria (6.6%) represented the dominant phyla identified among the classified sequences. Reconstruction of the enzyme pathways responsible for bacterial nitrification/denitrification/ammonification and sulfate reduction appeared nearly complete in the metagenomic data set. In the cDNA profile of the LH Spring active community, ammonia oxidizers (Thaumarchaeota), denitrifiers (Pseudomonas spp.), sulfate reducers (Desulfobulbus spp.), and other sulfur oxidizers (Thermoprotei) were present, highlighting their involvement in nitrogen and sulfur cycling. Stress response genes for adapting to cold, osmotic stress, and oxidative stress were also abundant in the metagenome. Comparison of the composition of the functional community of the LH Spring to metagenomes from other saline/subzero environments revealed a close association between the LH Spring and another Canadian high-Arctic permafrost environment, particularly in genes related to sulfur metabolism and dormancy. Overall, this study provides insights into the metabolic potential and the active microbial populations that exist in this hypersaline cryoenvironment and contributes to our understanding of microbial ecology in extreme environments.
Retracted: Transketolase A, an enzyme in central metabolism, derepresses the marRAB multiple antibiotic resistance operon of Escherichia coli by interaction with MarR

Retraction: Francis Domain, Xiaowen R. Bina and Stuart B. Levy, “Transketolase A, an enzyme in central metabolism, derepresses the marRAB multiple antibiotic resistance operon of Escherichia coli by interaction with MarR”, Molecular Microbiology 2007, 66(2), 383‐393 (https://doi/10.1111/j.1365-2958.2007.05928.x). The above article, published online on 14 September 2007 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor in Chief John Helmann, and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed because additional work in the authors' laboratory (L.M. McMurry) failed to confirm that the tktA gene overexpressed from pSPOK–TktA enhanced the expression in vivo of the mar promoter fusion marO–lacZ, or that deletion of chromosomal tktA reduced marO–lacZ expression. The original conclusions probably resulted from a yet unexplained variability of LacZ activity later discovered among different isolates of the marO–lacZ indicator strain SPC105. Moreover, the apparent binding of MarR to TktA‐6H immobilized on NiNTA resin (Fig. 1B) was an artefact caused by non‐specific binding of MarR alone to the resin that occurred when the wash contained no imidazole. Most MarR eluted in 20 mM imidazole without TktA‐6H. Therefore, the conclusion that TktA interacts physically with MarR is not warranted. It is noted that Xiaowen R. Bina was not involved in work related to these errors. Note that previously a corrigendum was published to note these concerns (Molecular Microbiology (2011) 80(3), 853).
Ant queens (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are attracted to fungal pathogens during the initial stage of colony founding

Ant queens that attempt to disperse and found new colonies independently face high mortality risks. The exposure of queens to soil entomopathogens during claustral colony founding may be particularly harmful, as founding queens lack the protection conferred by mature colonies. Here, we tested the hypotheses that founding queens (I) detect and avoid nest sites that are contaminated by fungal pathogens, and (II) tend to associate with other queens to benefit from social immunity when nest sites are contaminated. Surprisingly, in nest choice assays, young Formica selysi BONDROIT, 1918 queens had an initial preference for nest sites contaminated by two common soil entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium brunneum. Founding queens showed a similar preference for the related but non-entomopathogenic fungus Fusarium graminearum. In contrast, founding queens had no significant preference for the more distantly related nonentomopathogenic fungus Petromyces alliaceus, nor for heat-killed spores of B. bassiana. Finally, founding queens did not increase the rate of queen association in presence of B. bassiana. The surprising preference of founding queens for nest sites contaminated by live entomopathogenic fungi suggests that parasites manipulate their hosts or that the presence of specific fungi is a cue associated with suitable nesting sites.
Outage statistics for Beckmann fading channels in non-isotropic scattering environments

In this paper, the outage statistics are studied for non-isotropic Beckmann fading channel model. Non-isotropic scattering generally results in an asymmetrical Doppler power spectral density (PSD). In this context, an expression for the outage probability (OP) (or equivalently the cumulative distribution function (CDF)) of the fading envelope is first derived. Then, the probability density function (PDF) of the rate of change of the fading envelope is investigated. Thereafter, an expression for the average rate of outages (ARO) (or equivalently the level-crossing rate (LCR)) is provided. Finally, by making use of the analytical results of the ARO and OP, an expression for the average duration of outages (ADO) (or equivalently the average duration of fades (ADF)) is attained. The obtained results, which are given in the form of finite-range integrals that can efficiently be computed numerically, are verified to include a variety of already known expressions for models that are special cases of the Beckmann model. Numerical and simulation results are provided to verify the validity of the derivations and to analyze the effect of the fading parameters on the obtained metrics.
Author ’ s personal copy Financial Globalization and Economic Policies

We review the large literature on various economic policies that could help developing economies effectively manage the process of financial globalization. Our central findings indicate that policies promoting financial sector development, institutional quality, and trade openness appear to help developing countries derive the benefits of globalization. Similarly, sound macroeconomic policies are an important prerequisite for ensuring that financial integration is beneficial. However, our analysis also suggests that the relationship between financial integration and economic policies is a complex one and that there are unavoidable inherent tensions in evaluating the risks and benefits associated with financial globalization. In the light of these tensions, structural and macroeconomic policies often need to be tailored to take into account country-specific circumstances to improve the risk-benefit tradeoffs of financial integration. Ultimately, it is essential to see financial integration not just as an isolated policy goal but also as part of a broader package of reforms and supportive macroeconomic policies. JEL Classifications: F02, F21, F36, F4
Defining Transition Rules with Reinforcement Learning for Modeling Land Cover Change

Spatio-temporal modeling provides the opportunity to simulate geographic processes of land use and land cover change (LUCC) by integrating geographic information systems (GIS) with various machine learning approaches to computing. Contemporary models are often developed using a training dataset to define a set of probabilistic transition rules that govern how a landscape changes over time. However, the use of training datasets can be problematic for spatio-temporal modeling, as they can limit the ability to incorporate system complexity and hinder the transferability of the model to different datasets. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a machine learning approach called reinforcement learning (RL) for defining transition rules for GIS-based models of land cover change due to natural resource extraction. Specifically, RL is evaluated based on its potential for constructing models independent of training datasets that can handle different levels of complexity and be transferred across different spatial extents. An RL model for Land Cover Change (RL-LCC) is developed for considering economic and ecological goals involved in natural resource management, and implemented using a hypothetical forest management scenario. Simulation results reveal that agents in the RL-LCC model are able to develop transition rules from their experience in their landscape in a variety of simulation scenarios that allow them to achieve their goals. This study demonstrates the benefits of integrating RL and GIS in order to address important issues of space, time and complexity.
Plasmon excitation in array of adjoining metal nanorods: Field enhancement and optical sensing

The optical response of array of metal nanorods is studied in the case when the cylinders are almost touching by their generatrices. As the cylinders approach each other, the series of the surface plasmon resonances are excited. The resonances result in a huge enhancement of the local electric field in the gap between cylinders at the resonance frequencies. The system of the metal nanorods can be used to create SERS plasmonic sensors.
Understanding the African-American Student Experience in Higher Education Through a Relational Dialectics Perspective

In this study, we sought to understand African-American students' higher-education experiences in predominantly White universities. We utilized Baxter's relational dialectics theory to study components of focus-group discussions in order to understand the discourse and meaning-making process of participants. Our findings provide insight into the intercultural context of higher education in America and suggest strategies for maintaining the relationship between African-American students and the institutions in which they are enrolled.
Results From a Tailored SMS and Behavior-Tracking Pilot Study on Sun-Safe Behaviors in Young Women

Background. The elevated rates of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure and low rates of sun protection in young adult women indicate a need for age- and gender-appropriate interventions that address these behaviors. Aims. To examine the effects of daily behavior tracking and individually tailored text messages on sun protection and UVR exposure behaviors in young adult women at moderate to high risk of developing skin cancer. Method. One hundred and four young adult women at risk of skin cancer were randomized to receive the behavior-tracking intervention only, tailored text messages only, both interventions, or neither. Outcomes were self-reported UVR exposure and sun protection behaviors. Results. Those who received the behavior-tracking intervention reported significantly fewer UVR exposure behaviors at 4-week follow-up, relative to those who did not receive behavior tracking. At 4-week follow-up, those who received daily tailored text messages reported significantly greater UVR exposure behaviors but were more likely to report wearing a hat as a form of sun protection, relative to those who did not receive tailored messages. Discussion. Daily behavior tracking may be repetitive, but repetition may facilitate cognitive processing and the development of healthy habits. Health messages that are less interactive, on the other hand, need to be adequately tailored and delivered with the most advantageous timing to be impactful. Conclusion. Future research should continue to examine how these interventions differentially affect behavior and how they can be adapted to apply to other health behaviors.
Knowledge Based Analysis of Statistical Tools in Attack Detection

With the network playing more and more important effect in the modern society, crimes using computer network are presenting the obvious trend of escalation. In order to ensure network security, one technique adopted for detecting abnormal or unauthorized behavior is the Intrusion Detection System (IDS). Various data mining techniques are applied in an offline environment to add more depth to the network defense in order to determine the various attacks or threats to the network. This work focuses on finding the best classifier with respect to accuracy in detecting various attacks on the tcpdump data so that mechanisms can be incorporated in Intrusion Detection Systems to detect the misclassified types of attacks efficiently. This helps to reduce the rate of misreporting and thus enhancing the efficiency of the Intrusion Detection System.
Nurses and nurse assistants’ experiences with using a design thinking approach to innovation in a nursing home

AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate nurses' and nurse assistants' experiences with a design thinking approach to innovation used in a nursing home in Norway. BACKGROUND A design thinking approach to innovation that focuses on users' needs can be employed to address many of the challenges facing health care providers in a field facing a growing ageing population, complex diseases and financial shortfalls. EVALUATION This study is based on a thematic analysis of four focus group interviews with nurses and nurse assistants (n = 23). KEY ISSUES In the initial phase of developing the new service model, which included defining staff roles and responsibilities, participating nurses and nurse assistants felt engaged and motivated by the designers' inclusive and creative methods. However, during the new model's testing phase, they were critical of management's lack of involvement in the model`s implementation and therefore became less motivated about the project. CONCLUSION The findings of the study highlight the importance of the designers cooperating with management and staff for the duration of the innovation process. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Challenging innovation processes require strong managers who engage with designers, patients, staff and volunteers throughout all phases of an innovation process using a design thinking approach.
Tensorlab 3.0 — Numerical optimization strategies for large-scale constrained and coupled matrix/tensor factorization

We give an overview of recent developments in numerical optimization-based computation of tensor decompositions that have led to the release of Tensorlab 3.0 in March 2016 (www.tensorlab.net). By careful exploitation of tensor product structure in methods such as quasi-Newton and nonlinear least squares, good convergence is combined with fast computation. A modular approach extends the computation to coupled factorizations and structured factors. Given large datasets, different compact representations (polyadic, Tucker,…) may be obtained by stochastic optimization, randomization, compressed sensing, etc. Exploiting the representation structure allows us to scale the algorithms for constrained/coupled factorizations to large problem sizes.
Hepatic and renal contributions to valproic acid‐induced hyperammonemia

Valproic acid (VPA) consistently and reproducibly elevates arterial ammonia in rats injected with an amino acid load. The extent of the hyperammonemia is dependent on the dose of VPA injected or VPA plasma concentration and the amino acid dose. Bilaterally nephrectomized rats injected with VPA and an amino acid load also develop hyperammonemia, which overall approximates 75% of that achieved in non-nephrectomized animals. In non-nephrectomized animals injected with an amino acid load, valproic acid produces a marked reduction in baseline and activated hepatic mitochondrial carbamyl phosphate synthetase I activity. Our results suggest that VPA-induced hyperammonemia after an amino acid load results from inhibition of hepatic intramitochondrial citrullinogenesis with only a limited contribution from the kidneys.
Role of SycD, the chaperone of the Yersinia Yop translocators YopB and YopD

Extracellular Yersinia adhering at the surface of a eukaryotic cell translocate effector Yops across the plasma membrane of the cell by a mechanism requiring YopD and YopB, the latter probably mediating pore formation. We studied the role of SycD, the intrabacterial chaperone of YopD. By producing GST–YopB hybrid proteins and SycD in Escherichia coli, we observed that SycD also binds specifically to YopB and that this binding reduces the toxicity of GST–YopB in E. coli. By analysis of a series of truncated GST–YopB proteins, we observed that SycD does not bind to a discrete segment of YopB. Using the same approach, we observed that YopD can also bind to YopB. Binding between YopB and YopD occurred even in the presence of SycD, and a complex composed of these three proteins could be immunoprecipitated from the cytoplasm of Yersinia. In a sycD mutant, the intracellular pool of YopB and YopD was greatly reduced unless the lcrV gene was also deleted. As LcrV is known to interact with YopB and YopD and to promote their secretion, we speculate that SycD prevents a premature association between YopB–YopD and LcrV.
Vehicle, Road, Tyre and Electronic Control Systems Interaction: Increasing Vehicle Active Safety by Means of a Fully Integrated Model for Behaviour Prediction in Potentially Dangerous Situations

VERTEC is a project belonging to the European Commission thematic programme called “Competitive and Sustainable Growth”; it faces the problem of Land Transport Safety aiming to improve the Vehicle Active Safety by developing an integrated model for the simulation of the road-tyre-vehicle-driver system in the most dangerous situations. The partners involved in this project are: Pirelli Pneumatici Spa, Nokian Tyres Plc, Dr.Ing. h.c. Porsche Aktiengeselfschaft, C.R. F. , Lucas Varity GmbH, Ministere Francais de l’Equipement des Transports e du Logement Centre d’Etudes de l’Equipment de Lyon, TRL limited, Swedisch National Road and Transport Research Institute, Helsinki University of Technology, Università degli studi di Firenze, VOLVO Truck Corporation. The VERTEC project started at 1/12/2002 and will end at 30/11/2005, so in this paper we present what has just be done and introduce the next steps.
SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC EXAMINATION OF HYDROGENASE AND NITROGENASE IN SOYBEAN NODULES AND Azotobacter.

In 1937 Wilson and Umbreit' discovered that molecular hydrogen specifically inhibits nitrogen fixation by the red clover plant in association with its symbiont, Rhizobium trifolii. They suggested that the inhibition might be associated with the presence of the enzyme hydrogenase in the nodule of the host plant, but, efforts to demonstrate the enzyme have been generally negative. Tests for the enzyme have included a variety of possible acceptors and of enzyme preparations consisting of whole nodules, nodular extracts, the rhizobia separated from the nodule, as well as rhizobia grown on artificial media. Nevertheless, the hypothesis that hydrogenase is concerned with nitrogen fixation has been useful particularly with the asymbiotic agents, having led to the demonstration that several previously unsuspected genera can use N2. It has also been helpful in studies of the mechanism of nitrogen fixation.2' 3 Another protein the exact role of which in nitrogen fixation is not established is the hemoglobin found in the nodule. Although most workers agree that probably it is directly concerned with nitrogen fixation, evidence in support of the view has not been extensive, and alternative functions exist.4-6 Using the anaerobic nitrogen-fixing bacterium Clostridium pasteurianum and a spectrophotometric method, Shug, Hamilton, and Wilson3 obtained results that provided important information with respect to the enzyme system concerned with nitrogen fixation in this organism. It was believed that application of this technique to the symbiotic system might aid in deciding the role, if any, for hydrogenase and hemoglobin in fixation by this system. At the same time, the aerobic nitrogen-fixing system in Azotobacter vinelandii, an organism that is believed not to contain hemoglobin, was also examined. This paper describes the results of the investigations.