Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Social status influences microhabitat selection: breeder and floater Eagle Owls Bubo bubo use different post sites

Social status can be reflected in many aspects of an individual’s behaviour and ecology, including habitat use and conspecific interactions. In territorial species where at least two social groups ‐ breeding birds and non-territorial floaters ‐ are recognized, the diverse tasks associated with territorial ownership can lead territory holders to behave differently from the non-territorial part of the population. Territory holders defend their breeding area and reproduce, whereas floating individuals are dispersing and lead a more transient life, during which they do not show any territorial behaviour even when settling in a more or less fixed area (known as the stop phase). As social interactions are based on visual and vocal cues, the use of specific sites for sending and ⁄or receiving signals can be a crucial choice in an animal’s life. By analysing the post-site selection of Eagle Owl Bubo bubo breeders and floaters during their nocturnal activity, we found that: (1) territory holders selected more visible and dominant posts than non-territorial floaters; (2) the choice of posts made by floating individuals did not differ between the wandering and stop phases of dispersal; and (3) floating females intruded more frequently than floating males within a breeder’s home-range. These findings highlight the fact that two social strategies are possible within the same species, depending on an individual’s social status and its related tasks. Breeders could take advantage of visible locations to declare their status as territory holders, whereas floaters could benefit from a more secretive life to wander unnoticed among occupied territories. This secretive life would help floaters to reduce the risks associated with conspecific aggression. Finally, the greater occurrence of floating females within breeders’ home-ranges can be explained by the fact that female incursions in a breeder’s home-range are less risky than male intrusions.
Structural studies of the side chain of outer membrane lipopolysaccharide from Pseudomonas syringae pv. coriandricola W-43

The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was isolated from Pseudomonas syringae pv. coriandricola W-43 by hot phenol-water extraction. Rhamnose and 3-N-acetyl-3-deoxyfucose were found to be the major sugar constituents of the LPS together with N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, heptose, and 3-deoxy-D-manno-octulosonic acid (Kdo). The main fatty acids of lipid A of the LPS were 3-OH-C:10, C12:0, 2-OH-C12:0, and 3-OH-C12:0. The O-specific polysaccharide liberated from the LPS by mild-acid hydrolysis was purified by gel permeation chromatography. The compositional analysis of the O-specific polysaccharide revealed the presence of L-rhamnose and 3-N-acetyl-3-deoxy-D-fucose in a molar ratio of 4:1. The primary structure of the O-specific polysaccharide was established by methylation analysis together with 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, including two-dimensional shift-correlated and one-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy. The polysaccharide moiety was found to consist of a tetrasaccharide rhamnan backbone, and 3-N-acetyl-3-deoxy-D-fucose constitutes the side chain of the branched pentasaccharide repeating unit of the polysaccharide.
BRF1 Protein Turnover and mRNA Decay Activity Are Regulated by Protein Kinase B at the Same Phosphorylation Sites

ABSTRACT BRF1 posttranscriptionally regulates mRNA levels by targeting ARE-bearing transcripts to the decay machinery. We previously showed that protein kinase B (PKB) phosphorylates BRF1 at Ser92, resulting in binding to 14-3-3 and impairment of mRNA decay activity. Here we identify an additional regulatory site at Ser203 that cooperates in vivo with Ser92. In vitro kinase labeling and wortmannin sensitivity indicate that Ser203 phosphorylation is also performed by PKB. Mutation of both serines to alanine uncouples BRF1 from PKB regulation, leading to constitutive mRNA decay even in the presence of stabilizing signals. BRF1 protein is labile because of proteasomal degradation (half-life, <3 h) but becomes stabilized upon phosphorylation and is less stable in PKBα−/− cells. Surprisingly, phosphorylation-dependent protein stability is also regulated by Ser92 and Ser203, with parallel phosphorylation required at these sites. Phosphorylation-dependent binding to 14-3-3 is abolished only when both sites are mutated. Cell compartment fractionation experiments support a model in which binding to 14-3-3 sequesters BRF1 through relocalization and prevents it from executing its mRNA decay activity, as well as from proteasomal degradation, thereby maintaining high BRF1 protein levels that are required to reinstate decay upon dissipation of the stabilizing signal.
Agile methods handling offshore software development issues

Agile methods have emerged as a new set of software development processes and practices, that cater requirements change by delivering the software in multiple small releases, increasing the client confidence and enables him/her to communicate the business requirements change at higher pace. On the other hand, technology world is switching to offshore software development rapidly due to global economic reasons. In this paper, I introduce the agile methods, offshore development activities and issues. After that I elaborate each of the offshore issues finding out how the best practices proposed by agile methods address the issue. The recommendations are based upon experiences gathered from several small to medium sized projects of 'distributed and Web applications ' domain, executed by 'Technology Wisdom ' and a number of research papers.
Genetics of human body size and shape: body proportions and indices

Background : The study of the genetic component in morphological variables such as body height and weight, head and chest circumference, etc. has a rather long history. However, only a few studies investigated body proportions and configuration. Aim : The major aim of the present study was to evaluate the extent of the possible genetic effects on the inter-individual variation of a number of body configuration indices amenable to clear functional interpretation. Subjects and methods : Two ethnically different pedigree samples were used in the study: (1) Turkmenians (805 individuals) from Central Asia, and (2) Chuvasha (732 individuals) from the Volga riverside, Russian Federation. To achieve the aim of the present study we proposed three new indices, which were subjected to a statistical-genetic analysis using modified version of 'FISHER' software. The proposed indices were: (1) an integral index of torso volume (IND#1), an index reflecting a predisposition of body proportions to maintain a balance in a vertical position (IND#2), and an index of skeletal extremities volume (IND#3). Additionally, the first two principal factors (PF1 and PF2) obtained on 19 measurements of body length and breadth were subjected to genetic analysis. Variance decomposition analysis that simultaneously assess the contribution of gender, age, additive genetic effects and effects of environment shared by the nuclear family members, was applied to fit variation of the above three indices, and PF1 and PF2. Results : The raw familial correlation of all study traits and in both samples showed: (1) all marital correlations did not differ significantly from zero; (2) parent-offspring and sibling correlations were all positive and statistically significant. The parameter estimates obtained in variance analyses showed that from 40% to 75% of inter-individual variation of the studied traits (adjusted for age and sex) were attributable to genetic effects. For PF1 and PF2 in both samples, and for IND#2 (in Chuvasha pedigrees), significant common sib environmental effects were also detectable. Conclusion : Genetic factors substantially influence inter-individual differences in body shape and configuration in two studied samples. However, further studies are needed to clarify the extent of pleiotropy and epigenetic effects on various facets of the human physique.
从This is a pen谈起

我国目前的英语教学,尤其是低年级教学,大都采用直观教学法或情景教学法,尽管叫法各不相同,但做法大致相仿。 有的教师指着一枝钢笔说: This is a pen. 或指着一枝铅笔说: That is a pencil. 有的教师一边向课室门口走去一边说:
Psychometric Properties of a Four-Component Norwegian Organizational Justice Scale

Organizational justice has attracted attention as a predictor of employees' mental and physical health as well as commitment and work outcomes. The lack of a Norwegian translation of an organizational justice scale has precluded its use in Norway. Four dimensions of the organizational justice construct were examined in a Norwegian military context, including facet measures of distributional, interpersonal, and informational justice developed by Colquitt in 2001, in addition to procedural justice developed by Moorman in 1991. Confirmatory factor analyses supported a four-dimensional structure with good internal consistency. Follow-up analyses have suggested that the four dimensions were nested beneath a general, latent organizational justice factor. A positive relationship between organizational justice and self-sacrificial behavior was found, indicating satisfactory construct validity. The results demonstrate that the Norwegian Organizational Justice Scale is a reliable and construct-valid measure of organizational justice in a Norwegian setting.
Detection of Bearing Failure in Rotating Machine Using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System

This paper proposes a novel approach for bearing health evaluation using Lempel-Ziv complexity and time domain statistical parameters in conjunction with ANFIS. Compared to conventional techniques the presented approach works well for a non linear physical system and is thus suited for condition monitoring of machine system under varying operating and loading conditions. The performance of this technique is investigated through experimental study of realistic vibration signals. The results demonstrate that complexity analysis and time domain parameters in conjunction with ANFIS provide an effective measure forebearing health evaluation.
Identification of an activity in B-cell extracts that selectively impairs the formation of an immunoglobulin mu s poly(A) site processing complex

The immunoglobulin mu heavy-chain transcription unit is differentially expressed during B-cell development, producing mRNAs that encode secreted (mu s) and membrane-bound (mu m) forms of the heavy-chain polypeptide. Whereas the mu s mRNA and the mu m mRNA are produced in approximately equal abundance in B cells, an increase in the utilization of the mu s poly(A) site contributes to the production of the mu s mRNA as the predominant form in a plasma cell. Previous experiments have demonstrated a correlation between the formation of a stable complex on a poly(A) site and the relative function of the poly(A) site. We have thus investigated the parameters determining the interaction of these factors with the immunoglobulin poly(A) sites. Assays of complex formation involving the two immunoglobulin poly(A) sites by using HeLa cell activities revealed the formation of stable complexes with no apparent difference between the mu s site and the mu m site. In contrast, the mu s-specific complex was markedly less stable when a B-cell extract was used. Fractionation of B-cell extracts has revealed an activity that specifically destabilizes the mu s polyadenylation complex, suggesting that the function of this poly(A) site may be regulated by both positive- and negative-acting factors.
Theory of the Hall effect in quantum wires: Effects of scattering.

La diffusion modifie l'effet Hall a travers un changement dans la distribution du courant parmi les sous-bandes. On effectue des calculs explicites de la distribution du courant et de la resistance Hall. A hauts champs magnetique la resistance Hall presente une pente, fonction du champ, due a l'effet de taille finie
An algorithm of the variable selection for solving SAT problems based on the literal weights

In this paper, we propose a new variable decision strategy for solving SAT problems based on literal weights. The new algorithm makes use of the information from the structure of SAT problems into literal weights. We first consider the short clause can be satisfied, and select the literal of the largest literal weights is assigned. A new operator of literal Weights is designed to prevent conflicting in the process of solving problems. We use multiple attribute factors, combine with the length of the clause and the number of the literal occurrences, analyze the relationship between literals and clauses, and the literal weights is defined. To demonstrate the feasibility and the effectiveness of the new algorithm, we give an example to illustrate to solve the final solution.
Porosity prediction from seismic inversion ,

of Halten Terrace, 15 km south of Smørbukk Field (Figure 1). Exploration in this area has been extremely active, yielding two large gas and condensate discoveries within Petroleum License 199—Lavrans Field to the east and Kristin Field to the west. Combined reserves are approximately 1200 million barrels oil equivalent of gas and condensate. Unique conditions have come together to provide hydrocarbons and preserved porosity at depths greater than 5 km. Hydrocarbon-bearing sandstones at Lavrans have a thickness of 600 m. These reservoirs consist of shallowmarine deposits of Jurassic age. Although the facies can be laterally extensive, the overprint of diagenesis makes prediction of reservoir quality difficult. Seismic inversion provides insight to porosity variations away from limited well control. Thus, seismic inversion can be a valuable tool for reservoir characterization prior to field development. This study developed out of a need to better understand the significance of seismic amplitude variations over the crest of Lavrans Field (Figure 2). Hypotheses examined to explain amplitude variations were fluid effects, porosity, pressure changes, or processing and illumination artifacts.
Alterations in Cerebral Xenobiotic-Metabolizing Enzymes in Iodine and / or Selenium Deficient Rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of iodine and/or selenium deficiency on cerebral enzyme levels/ activities responsible for xenobiotic metabolism on rats. Three-week old male Wistar rats were used and feeding period was 7-weeks. Selenium deficiency was introduced by a diet containing <0.005 mg/kg selenium, and iodine deficiency was produced by sodium perchlorate containing drinking water. The levels of total microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and cytochrome b5 (CYP b5) as well as the activities of microsomal NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (P450R), aniline hydroxylase (CYP2E1), and cytosolic glutathione S-transferase (GST) were determined. Significant decreases in CYP2E1 activity of iodine deficient, and combined iodine/selenium deficient groups, and marked increase in P450R activity of selenium deficient animals were observed. The generated data suggested that cerebral xenobiotic metabolizing system was affected by the iodine and/or selenium deficiency states which might alter the pharmacological response of central nervous system acting drugs and other xenobiotics in rats.
Clustering of Multi-Temporal Fully Polarimetric L-Band SAR Data for Agricultural Land Cover Mapping

Recently, the unique capabilities of Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PolSAR) sensors make them an important and efficient tool for natural resources and environmental applications, such as land cover and crop classification. The aim of this paper is to classify multi-temporal full polarimetric SAR data using kernel-based fuzzy C-means clustering method, over an agricultural region. This method starts with transforming input data into the higher dimensional space using kernel functions and then clustering them in the feature space. Feature space, due to its inherent properties, has the ability to take in account the nonlinear and complex nature of polarimetric data. Several SAR polarimetric features extracted using target decomposition algorithms. Features from Cloude-Pottier, Freeman-Durden and Yamaguchi algorithms used as inputs for the clustering. This method was applied to multi-temporal UAVSAR L-band images acquired over an agricultural area near Winnipeg, Canada, during June and July in 2012. The results demonstrate the efficiency of this approach with respect to the classical methods. In addition, using multi-temporal data in the clustering process helped to investigate the phenological cycle of plants and significantly improved the performance of agricultural land cover mapping.
L-5HTP Treatment in Primary Headaches: An Attempt at Clinical Identification of Responsive Patients

The therapeutic response to L-5HTP, a serotonin precursor, was studied in an attempt to identify clinical subgroups of primary headache patients. The results at the 4th month control in 100 patients under L-5HTP treatment at the dose of 300 mg/day confirm previous observations on the activity profile of the drug, the effects of which are equally distributed between recurrent and daily forms as well as among clinical subtypes. The emerging profile of the responsive patients is characterized by such peculiar traits as prevalence of previous major mood disturbances and minor frequency of anxiety, longer duration of the illness and higher occurrence of some associated symptoms, lower incidence of exogenous and hormonal trigger factors, and previously positive response to pizotifen treatment.
A Comparative Study of Global and Local Feature Representations in Image Database Categorization

Content-based image retrieval systems can automatically extract visual content of images which allow users to query images by their low-level features (such as color and texture). However, users usually prefer querying images based on high-level concepts such as keywords. Classifying images into a number of categories (or image classification) facilitates search in image databases. However, the classification performance is heavily dependent on the use of features. In general, there are three feature representation methods, which are global, block-based, and region-based features. As related work only considers using one of these three methods, this paper aims at comparing each of these methods and their combinations by using a standard classifier (i.e. k-nearest neighbor) over thirty categories. The experimental results show that the combined global and block-based feature representation performs the best. In addition, larger numbers of training examples produce higher classification accuracy.
From 3D scattered data to geometric signal description: invariant stable recovery of straight line segments

Many tasks, such as pose determination, object recognition, and model building rely on a geometrical description of the visible surface derived from 3-D scattered measurements. Even though much effort has been invested in surface description, little attention has been paid to the invariant recovery of geometric information from an actual noisy 3-D signal. In this work, we argue that the local description of a section of a visible surface must be stable with the measurement set gathered from any of the different viewpoints in the scene. Stability can be achieved on sections where constraints are redundant with respect to a polynomial model. A segmentation approach is developed to identify such stable sections. The approach is based on a measurement error model which takes into account the sensor's viewpoint. The case of straight line extraction from 3-D single scan profiles of a surface is presented. Identified stable linear sections are stored in a graph that includes the estimated descriptive parameters for each section and indices of reliability for each description.
Non-parametric covariance methods for incidence density analyses of time-to-event data from a randomized clinical trial and their complementary roles to proportional hazards regression.

The principal response criteria for many clinical trials involve time-to-event variables. Usual methods of analysis for this type of response criterion include product-limit estimators of cumulative survival for the treatment groups, (stratified) logrank tests to compare treatments, and proportional hazards regression models with treatment and relevant covariates. When adjustment for covariates is of some importance, the relative roles of these methods may be of some concern, particularly for confirmatory clinical trials which must provide convincing findings to regulatory agencies. Unadjusted methods may have lower power, but there are issues regarding adjustment for covariates that may be controversial. These issues include applicability of proportional hazards assumptions, whether the correct model has been specified, and whether there is parallelism between treatments for relationships with covariates. One way to address these issues is to use non-parametric analysis of covariance strategies with extensions to log incidence density estimation. The principal basis for this method is no association between covariates and treatment groups as provided by randomized assignment of patients to groups. The background theory and strategies for computation are described for this method. Aspects of its application are illustrated for a clinical trial with two treatment groups and 722 patients. The objective of analysis for this clinical trial is evaluation of treatment effects with and without adjustment for 22 a priori covariates and a stratification for three geographical regions.
Identifying Affirmative Beliefs about English Language Learning: Self-Perceptions of Thai Learners with Different Language Proficiency

Theoretically, beliefs about English language learning have a psychological factor, such as predicting the rate of success or failure among learners in the classroom context. However, learners with different levels of language proficiency may perceive such beliefs in a different way, which may lead to the development of special needs, in terms of emphasizing their sustainable language development. The present study aims a) to investigate self-reported beliefs about English language learning among both low and high proficiency Thai students in university-level Foundation English courses, b) to identify the most prevalent affirmative beliefs among both student groups, and c) to identify the similarities and differences in their beliefs. The findings revealed that for low-proficiency students, vocabulary was an essential aspect of English language learning, while for high-proficiency students, regular practice was the key to their success. They also believed that anybody could speak English, when given the opportunity to practice speaking. The most prevalent affirmative beliefs among both sets of students were a) that anybody can speak English if given the opportunity and the time to practice, b) studying in a country where English is spoken as a native language will increase their language proficiency, and c) they want access to information resources in English. There were ten major differences between their beliefs (i.e. to learn English well, one must know at least one other foreign language, and be good at mathematics and sciences). Such findings would be a valuable resource to assist in the redesigning of English language courses, especially general English at the tertiary level, for learners with different levels of language proficiency.