Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Toward an inordinate fondness for stars, beetles and Lobophora? Species diversity of the genus Lobophora (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) in New Caledonia

Until the recent use of molecular markers, species diversity of Lobophora, an ecologically important brown algal genus with a worldwide distribution in temperate and tropical seas, has been critically underestimated. Using a DNA‐based taxonomic approach, we re‐examined diversity of the genus from New Caledonia in the Southwest Pacific Ocean. First, species were delineated using general mixed Yule coalescent‐based and barcoding gap approaches applied to a mitochondrial cox3 data set. Results were subsequently confirmed using chloroplast psbA and rbcL data sets. Species delimitation analyses agreed well across markers and delimitation algorithms, with the barcoding gap approach being slightly more conservative. Analyses of the cox3 data set resulted in 31–39 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs), four of which are previously described species (L. asiatica, L. crassa, L. nigrescens s.l., L. pachyventera). Of the remaining MOTUs for which we obtained a representative number of sequences and results are corroborated across analyses and genes, we described 10 species de novo: L. abaculusa, L. abscondita, L. densa, L. dimorpha, L. gibbera, L. hederacea, L. monticola, L. petila, L. rosacea, and L. undulata. Our study presents an excellent case of how a traditional morphology‐based taxonomy fails to provide accurate estimates of algal diversity. Furthermore, the level of Lobophora diversity unveiled from a single locality in the Pacific Ocean raises important questions with respect to the global diversity of the genus, the distributions and range sizes of the individual species, as well as the mechanisms facilitating coexistence.
Identification of the Gene Encoding the α1,3-Mannosyltransferase (ALG3) in Arabidopsis and Characterization of Downstream N-Glycan Processing[W]

Glycosyltransferases are involved in the biosynthesis of lipid-linked N-glycans. Here, we identify and characterize a mannosyltransferase gene from Arabidopsis thaliana, which is the functional homolog of the ALG3 (Dol-P-Man:Man5GlcNAc2-PP-Dol α1,3-mannosyl transferase) gene in yeast. The At ALG3 protein can complement a Δalg3 yeast mutant and is localized to the endoplasmic reticulum in yeast and in plants. A homozygous T-DNA insertion mutant, alg3-2, was identified in Arabidopsis with residual levels of wild-type ALG3, derived from incidental splicing of the 11th intron carrying the T-DNAs. N-glycan analysis of alg3-2 and alg3-2 in the complex-glycan-less mutant background, which lacks N-acetylglucosaminyl-transferase I activity, reveals that when ALG3 activity is strongly reduced, almost all N-glycans transferred to proteins are aberrant, indicating that the Arabidopsis oligosaccharide transferase complex is remarkably substrate tolerant. In alg3-2 plants, the aberrant glycans on glycoproteins are recognized by endogenous mannosidase I and N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I and efficiently processed into complex-type glycans. Although no high-mannose-type glycoproteins are detected in alg3-2 plants, these plants do not show a growth phenotype under normal growth conditions. However, the glycosylation abnormalities result in activation of marker genes diagnostic of the unfolded protein response.
Latitudinal clines in sex ratio, bill, and wing length in Least Sandpipers

Differential distribution of nonbreeding Least Sandpipers (Calidris minutilla) according to sex, bill, and wing length was documented using capture data from six locations between California and Ecuador. The distribution of age classes did not vary with latitude. Females, which are slightly larger than males, migrated further south. Wing length increased toward the south for both males and females, which is consistent with the notion that longer wings are adaptive for longer migrations. Bill length also increased in both sexes from north to south. A latitudinal cline in prey burying depth may underlie the clines in bill length as well as in sex ratio. SINOPSIS. Clino latitudinal en la tasa de sexos, y tama˜ no del pico y el ala en Calidris minutilla La distribuci´ on diferencial por sexo, tamadel pico y del ala fue documentada para individuos migratorios de Calidris minutilla, utilizando datos de captura de seis localidades entre California y Ecuador. La distribucide las edades no vario con la latitud. Las hembras, que son algo mgrande que los machos, migran mas al sur. El tama˜ no del ala incrementcon los muestreos mas al sur, en ambos sexos, lo que es consistente con la noci´ on de que las alas mlargas son adaptaciones para migraciones mlejanas. El tamadel pico tambiincrementde norte a sur en ambos sexos. Un clino latitudinal, en la profundidad a la cual se entierran las presas, pudiera ser la explicaci´ on al clino en tama˜ no del pico y en la tasa de sexos de estas aves.
Toll-like receptor 9 and 21 have different ligand recognition profiles and cooperatively mediate activity of CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides in zebrafish

Significance Zebrafish Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9 (zebTLR9) and TLR21 (zebTLR21) have distinct CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN) sequence recognition profiles. The recognition profile of zebTLR9 is more like that of the TLR9s from mouse and rabbit, whereas the recognition profile of zebTLR21 is more similar to that of human TLR9 and TLR9s from domestic animals. These two zebTLRs are requlated by UNC93B1 and cooperatively mediate the immunologic and antimicrobial responses induced by CpG-ODN in zebrafish. Our findings address the molecular basis of CpG-ODN activities in zebrafish and provide information for the rational design of CpG-ODN for use as an antimicrobial agent in fishes. CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs) are potent immune stimuli currently under investigation as antimicrobial agents for different species. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9 and TLR21 are the cellular receptors of CpG-ODN in mammals and chickens, respectively. The avian genomes lack TLR9, whereas mammalian genomes lack TLR21. Although fish contain both of these genes, the biological functions of fish TLR9 and TLR21 have not been investigated previously. In this study, we comparatively investigated zebrafish TLR9 (zebTLR9) and TLR21 (zebTLR21). The two TLRs have similar expression profiles in zebrafish. They are expressed during early development stages and are preferentially expressed in innate immune function-related organs in adult fish. Results from cell-based activation assays indicate that these two zebrafish TLRs are functional, responding to CpG-ODN but not to other TLR ligands. zebTLR9 broadly recognized CpG-ODN with different CpG motifs, but CpG-ODN with GACGTT or AACGTT had better activity to this TLR. In contrast, zebTLR21 responded preferentially to CpG-ODN with GTCGTT motifs. The distinctive ligand recognition profiles of these two TLRs were determined by their ectodomains. Activation of these two TLRs by CpG-ODN occurred inside the cells and was modulated by UNC93B1. The biological functions of these two TLRs were further investigated. The CpG-ODNs that activate both zebTLR9 and zebTLR21 were more potent than others that activate only zebTLR9 in the activation of cytokine productions and were more bactericidal in zebrafish. These results suggest that zebTLR9 and zebTLR21 cooperatively mediate the antimicrobial activities of CpG-ODN. Overall, this study provides a molecular basis for the activities of CpG-ODN in fish.
A Frequency-Agile Compact Array With a Reconfigurable Decoupling and Matching Network

A new frequency-agile compact antenna array incorporating a reconfigurable decoupling and matching network (DMN) is presented. The array consists of two printed monopole antennas, each loaded with a p-i-n diode. By changing the p-i-n diode states through an inductive biasing line, the array operating frequency can be tuned to the 2.5- or 3.5-GHz band. The array interelement spacing is chosen to be as small as 0.05 λ0 at 2.5 GHz, which results in a strong mutual coupling between antenna ports. A reconfigurable DMN is proposed to reduce the mutual coupling when the array frequency is switched. Measured results show that the use of the DMN realizes a matched (S11 ≤ -10 dB) and decoupled (S21 ≤ -20 dB) bandwidth of 150 and 160 MHz in the lower and higher bands, respectively. In addition, compared to the strongly coupled array, at least 9% antenna total efficiency improvement is measured over a 125-MHz bandwidth in both the lower and the higher bands. The effect of the ohmic loss in the DMN on the antenna correlation is also investigated.
Effects of Antidepressants on IP-10 Production in LPS-Activated THP-1 Human Monocytes

Major depressive disorder and cardiovascular disease are common serious illnesses worldwide. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors may reduce the mortality of cardiovascular disease patients with comorbid depression. Interferon-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), a type 1 T helper cell (Th1)-related chemokine, contributes to manifestations of atherosclerosis during cardiovascular inflammations; however, the pathophysiological mechanisms linking cardiovascular disease and effective antidepressants have remained elusive. We investigated the in vitro effects of six different classes of antidepressants on the IP-10 chemokine expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated monocytes, and their detailed intracellular mechanisms. The human monocytes were pretreated with antidepressants (10−8–10−5 M) before LPS-stimulation. IP-10 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and then intracellular signaling was investigated using Western blotting and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Fluoxetine and bupropion suppressed LPS-induced IP-10 expression in monocytes, and they had no cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, fluoxetine inhibited LPS-induced IP-10 expression via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-p38 pathway. Fluoxetine and bupropion could not only treat depression but also reduce Th1-related chemokine IP-10 production in human monocytes. Our results may indicate a possible mechanism related to how particular antidepressants reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The role of software in cultural heritage issues: Types, user needs and design guidelines based on principles of interaction

In most cases, the studied software in the cultural heritage domain has been designed from the perspective of other disciplines, such as forestry engineering, geography or documentation. In the Institute of Heritage Sciences, the cultural heritage is studied as a research topic, with methodologies to study the cultural heritage activities and considering the processing of data derived from these processes like a way to add value and knowledge in these contexts [4]. From this perspective, this paper shows a process of requirement elicitation with cultural heritage professionals and the needs identified by them. It mainly focuses on the identification of interaction human-computer (IHC) needs.
Ocean wave sources of seismic noise

[1] Noise with periods 3 to 10 s, ubiquitous in seismic records, is expected to be mostly generated by pairs of ocean wave trains of opposing propagation directions with half the seismic frequency. Here we present the first comprehensive numerical model of microseismic generation by random ocean waves, including ocean wave reflections. Synthetic and observed seismic spectra are well correlated (r > 0.85). On the basis of the model results, noise generation events can be clustered in three broad classes: wind waves with a broad directional spectrum (class I), sea states with a significant contribution of coastal reflections (class II), and the interaction of two independent wave systems (class III). At seismic stations close to western coasts, noise generated by class II sources generally dominates, but it is intermittently outshined by the intense class III sources, limiting the reliability of seismic data as a proxy for storm climates. The modeled seismic noise critically depends on the damping of seismic waves. At some mid-ocean island stations, low seismic damping is necessary to reproduce the observed high level and smoothness of noise time series that result from a spatial integration of sources over thousands of kilometers. In contrast, some coastal stations are only sensitive to noise within a few hundreds of kilometers. This revelation of noise source patterns worldwide provides a wealth of information for seismic studies, wave climate applications, and new constraints on the possible directional distribution of wave energy.
General network theory

complex web-like structures describe a wide variety of systems of high technological and intellectual importance. For example, the cell is best described as a complex network of proteins and small molecules connected by biochemical reactions; the Internet is a complex network of routers and computers linked by various physical or wireless links; fads and ideas spread on the social network whose nodes are human beings and edges represent various social relationships; the world-wide web is an enormous virtual network of webpages connected by hyperlinks. a system of elements that interact or regulate each other can be represented by a mathematical object called a graph (Bollobás 1979). here graph is not used in its usual meaning of ‘diagram of a functional relationship’, but as ‘a collection of nodes and edges’, in other words, a network. at the simplest level, the system’s elements are reduced to graph nodes (also called vertices) and their interactions are reduced to edges connecting pairs of nodes (see Figure 1, overleaf ). a graph at its simplest is a connection of nodes (a, B, C.) and edges (aC, BC, CD, CJ.). The node arrangement and length of edges does not matter, only which is connected to which. edges can be either directed, specifying a source (starting point) and a target (endpoint), or non-directed. Directed edges are suitable for representing the flow of material or of information, while non-directed edges are used to represent mutual interactions, such as collaborations. Graphs can be augmented by assigning various attributes to the nodes and edges; multi-partite graphs allow representation of different classes of node, and edges can be characterized by signs (positive for activation, negative for inhibition) as well as weights representing the confidence levels, strength or duration of the underlying processes.
The promise of virtual teams: identifying key factors in effectiveness and failure

Purpose – The aim of the investigation is to identify enabling and disenabling factors in the development and operation of virtual teams; to evaluate the importance of factors such as team development, cross‐cultural variables, leadership, communication and social cohesion as contributors to virtual team effectiveness.Design/methodology/approach – A total of 115 employees in virtual teams using an on‐line survey contributed a 55 per cent response rate. An on‐line survey combining both quantitative Likert scale and qualitative explanatory questions measured the following variables in addition to those above: team member roles and responsibilities, relationships and trust and team dynamics.Findings – Results indicated that cross‐cultural communication improvement, managerial and leadership communication, goal and role clarification, and relationship building are most important to virtual team performance.Research limitations/implications – Further research focusing on particular sectors such as knowledge‐ i.
Building More Just Energy Infrastructure: Lessons from the Past

The proposed Keystone XL Pipeline has recently become a major political issue. Many argue that building the pipeline from the Canadian tar sands to refineries on the Gulf Coast will create needed jobs and reduce American dependence on Middle East oil. Others contend that expanding our use of tar sand oil will exacerbate climate change, pose unacceptable risks to Midwestern aquifers, and further entrench our reliance on fossil fuel energy. What is particularly fascinating about these debates is not simply the arguments for and against the pipeline, but the fact that this discussion is happening at all. Pipelines, like all energy transport systems, are easy to take for granted. We rarely think about the vast networks of pipes, tanks, trucks, ships, roads, and rails that bring energy to our homes, factories, or gasoline stations. In part, this is because these systems are designed to be ignored: pipelines and wires are often buried and shipping depots are located on the outskirts of towns. It is also social. As described by historian David Edgerton, modern societies consistently overlook the ongoing importance of older technologies (Edgerton, 2007). We are drawn to the novelty of iPhones, genetically modified organisms, and stem cells, but it usually takes a major system failure like an electricity blackout or the Gulf of Mexico oil spill to direct attention to our energy infrastructures. This inattention is unfortunate. Transport systems do far more than simply move energy. They distribute social costs and benefits, and they do this in profoundly unequal ways. Pipelines, wires, and rails influence who gets access to energy, who profits from it, and which areas suffer environmental degradation. Energy transport systems, in short, have politics (Winner, 1980). Therefore, one Science as Culture, 2013 Vol. 22, No. 2, 157–163, http://dx.doi. org/10.1080/09505431.2013. 786991
Randomness in Virtual Machines

Virtualization technology provided cloud computing with the means to rapidly disseminate throughout the industry and achieve the utility computing long-envisioned era. Efforts on this research area have been focused on assuring isolation between co-resident virtual machines to avoid escaping the sandbox, but less attention has been given to the implications virtualization may pose to the efficiency and quality of random number generation on guests. On Linux distributions, the good provisioning of entropy gathered by the kernel is crucial for the functioning of its random number generator. However, entropy sources may be scarce on virtual machines due to the abstraction implied by the virtualization layer. As a consequence, both the generation speed and the quality of random numbers might drop when compared to hosts. This paper looks into this issue and analyzes the outputs of the /dev/random interface of the Linux kernel on virtual machines. With a well-know statistical library it is shown that the outputs are of high quality and are independently generated, even though they are produced on a slower basis.
CLINICAL STUDIES OF CANNABIS TOLERANCE AND DEPENDENCE *

Statements like cannabis-related “tolerance and physical dependence do not occur” are commonly made in standard pharmacology texts.l The summary report of the National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse, when discussing the “addiction potential” of marijuana concluded that “fact and fancy have become irrationally mixed regarding marijuana’s physiological and psychological properties. Marijuana clearly is not in the same category as heroin insofar as its physiologic and psychological effects are concerned. In a word, cannabis does not lead to physical dependence. ” A recent book that describes extensive chronic marijuana studies in man does not even mention the possibility of dependence.3 Yet, after a comprehensive review of various aspects of cannabis tolerance and dependence, Wikler thinks the evidence indicates that both tolerance and dependence can develop in man.4 For some years, we and others have noted, in outpatient studies, that very frequent cannabis users show diminished drug effects when compared to less frequent users,5though not all investigators agree. Such indirect evidence of tolerance, of course, could be explained by several alternate hypotheses : personality or genetic differences, other drug use, and so on. Clinical reports of an abstinence syndrome associated with cannabis use are rare. Occasionally, very frequent cannabis users tested in our laboratories have reported the sudden onset of irritability, restlessness, insomnia, and perspiration after cessation of regular use.s Other investigators have reported similar signs and symptoms in small groups of cannabis users and in primates after prolonged high doses of c a n n a b i ~ . ~ l ~ Such reports from outpatients should be viewed with some skepticism because of the possibility that these symptoms represent withdrawal from other drugs or concurrent illness. Possible species differences in drug response make the animal data open to question. Williams et al. reported several years ago that experimental subjects given frequent doses of cannabis or synhexyl compound reported a jittery feeling, insomnia, decreased appetite, weight loss, and autonomic symptoms when the experimental drug administration was suddenly st0pped.1~ In more recent studies of chronic marijuana smoking, Mendelson et d ’ s experimental subjects experienced rapid weight loss, decreased appetite, tremor, increased urine specific gravity, and irritability after a 21-day period of frequent marijuana smoking. However, the signs and symptoms were not interpreted
Calcium‐Dependent Action Potentials Produced by Catecholamines in Guinea Pig Atrial Muscle Fibers Depolarized by Potassium

Atrial muscle fibers of the guinea pig were depolarized and rendered inexcitable by elevation of [K+]o to 22 mM. Isoproterenol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine restored propagated action potentials and contractions to atrial cells without changing the resting potential. The peak value of the intracellularly recorded action potentials varied 28 mv for a 10-fold change in [Ca2+]o. Isoproterenol-induced restoration of action potentials was insensitive to large concentrations of tetrodotoxin (3 × 10−6M) but antagonized by Mn2+ (0.2 mM). These data supported the proposal that the catecholamines restored excitability by increasing membrane conductance to Ca2+. In addition to the catecholamines, the divalent cations Ba2+, Sr2+, and Ca2+ restored action potentials to atrial muscle fibers depolarized by elevated K+. The effectiveness of the divalent ions in allowing action potentials was inversely related to the estimated hydrated ionic radii. Like the action potentials observed in the presence of isoproterenol, those permitted by Ba2+, Sr2+, and Ca2+ were prevented by Mn2+ but insensitive to blockade by tetrodotoxin.
Prison Populations: A System out of Control?

The dramatic rise in prison populations characteristic of the last fifteen years results from no single cause. The politicization of imprisonment policy, which began in the 1970s, and the changing age composition of the American population due to the postwar baby boom are important factors. One of the most troublesome aspects of prison populations is the overrepresentation of blacks. This cannot be explained solely or predominantly by racial discrimination in the criminal justice system: the bulk of the differential presence of blacks in prison appears to result from their differential involvement in those kinds of crime for which prison sentences are often imposed. Three basic approaches exist for relieving prison crowding. First, offenders can be diverted from prison by sentencing them to nonincarcerative punishments (a "front-door" approach). Second, prison sentences can be shortened, by a variety of mechanisms (a "back-door" approach). Third, prison capacity can be increased by constructing more facilities. States that are formulating strategies to alleviate prison crowding should consider a mixture of these approaches.