Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mobility management for all-IP mobile networks: mobile IPv6 vs. proxy mobile IPv6

Recently, a network-based mobility management protocol called Proxy Mobile IPv6 (PMIPv6) is being actively standardized by the IETF NETLMM working group, and is starting to attract considerable attention among the telecommunication and Internet communities. Unlike the various existing protocols for IP mobility management such as Mobile IPv6 (MIPv6), which are host-based approaches, a network-based approach such as PMIPv6 has salient features and is expected to expedite the real deployment of IP mobility management. In this article, starting by showing the validity of a network-based approach, we present qualitative and quantitative analyses of the representative host-based and network-based mobility management approaches (i.e., MIPv6 and PMIPv6), which highlight the main desirable features and key strengths of PMIPv6. Furthermore, a comprehensive comparison among the various existing well-known mobility support protocols is investigated. Although the development of PMIPv6 is at an early stage yet, it is strongly expected that PMIPv6 will be a promising candidate solution for realizing the next-generation all-IP mobile networks.
Relations between mass-balance and meteorological variables on Peyto Glacier, Alberta, 1967/1974

The eight-year record of mass balance of Peyto Glacier is correlated to meteorological data measured near the glacier and at Lake Louise 30 km to the south. The period investigated includes the highest and lowest accumulations for the past 40 years. The primary controls of net annual balance are seen to be the depth of the winter snow pack and the temperature record during the summer. Extensive summer snowfalls in the ablation area can slow down melt rates very considerably and affect the net annual balance positively. The variable nature of winter accumulation and its influence on snowline retreat and ice melt is illustrated by three years' data.
Modified sediments and subsurface hydrology in natural and recreated salt marshes and implications for delivery of ecosystem services

Recreation or restoration of salt marsh through the deliberate removal of flood defences (managed realignment or de‐embankment) is a common practice across Europe and the USA, with potential to enhance delivery of ecosystem services. However, recent research suggests that physical, chemical and ecological processes may be impaired in recreated sites as a result of the modified morphology, sediment structure and hydrology associated with both the restoration process and historic land use. This paper compares physical sediment properties and subsurface water levels recorded in paired natural and de‐embanked (recreated) salt marshes in SE England. Using a combination of statistical and time‐series modelling, significant differences between the natural and recreated marshes are identified. Sediment properties (bulk density, moisture content and organic content) within each marsh were statistically different and imply that de‐embanked sediments are compacted, which may affect subsurface water movement. Analysis of hydrological time series reveals that the de‐embanked salt marsh is characterized by a damped response to tidal flooding with elevated and less variable water levels. This, combined with analysis of hydrographs and hysteresis patterns over individual tidal cycles, suggests that fast, horizontal near‐surface flows enhanced by the relict land surface may play a greater role in drainage of the de‐embanked salt marsh. The importance of hydrological functioning in governing many important physical and biogeochemical processes in salt marshes suggests any modifications would have significant implications for the delivery of ecosystem services. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
OBSERVATIONAL ANALYSIS OF TWO CONTRASTING MONSOON YEARS

The Indian summer monsoon rainfall contributes about 75% of the total annual rainfall and exhibits considerable interannual variations. The agricultural economy of the country depends mainly on the monsoon rainfall. The long-range forecast of the monsoon rainfall is, therefore of significant importance in agricultural planning and other economic activities of the country. There are various parameters which influence the amount of rainfall received during the monsoon. Some of the important parameters considered by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) for the study of monsoon are Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR), moisture content of the atmosphere, zonal wind speed, low level vorticity, pressure gradient etc. Compared to the Long Period Average (LPA) value of rain fall, the country as a whole received higher amount of rainfall in June, 2013 (34% more than LPA). The same month showed considerable decrease next year as the amount of rainfall received was around 43% less compared to LPA. This drastic difference of monsoon prompted to study the behaviour of some of the monsoon relevant parameters. In this study we have considered five atmospheric parameters as the indicators of monsoon behaviour namely vertical relative humidity, OLR, aerosol optical depth (AOD), wind at 850 hPa and mean sea level pressure (MSLP). In the initial analysis of weekly OLR difference for year 2013 and 2014 shows positive values in the month of May over north-western parts of India (region of heat low). This should result in a weaker monsoon in 2014. This is substantiated by the rainfall data received for various stations over India. Inference made based on the analysis of RH profiles coupled with AOD values is in agreement with the rainfall over the corresponding stations.
Mapping submergent aquatic vegetation in the US Great Lakes using Quickbird satellite data

Submergent aquatic vegetation (SAV) is a powerful indicator of environmental conditions in both marine and fresh water ecosystems. Quickbird imagery was used to map SAV at three sites across the Great Lakes. Unsupervised classifications were performed at each site using summer Quickbird sensor data. At one site, a multi‐temporal classification approach was added, combining visible red difference (May–August) with August red and green visible band data. Multi‐temporal SAV classification was superior to single‐date results at this site. Muck bottom was not seriously confused with SAV, which was unexpected. Multi‐temporal classification results showed less confusion between deep water and SAV, although spectral variability due to sub‐surface sandbar structure was a source of error in both single‐ and multi‐date classifications. Nevertheless, some of the confounding effects of water column on SAV classification appear to have been mitigated using this multi‐temporal approach. Future efforts would be well served by incorporating detailed, continuous, bathymetry data in the classification process. Quickbird sensor data are very useful for classifying SAV under US Great Lakes conditions. However, regional classification efforts using these data may be impractical at this time, as high cost, rigid tasking parameters and unpredictable water conditions limit availability of suitable imagery.
Identification of genes associated with tongue cancer in patients with a history of tobacco and/or alcohol use

The present study aimed to identify genes associated with tongue cancer in patients with a history of tobacco and/or alcohol use. Microarray dataset GSE42023, including 10 tissue samples of tongue cancer from patients with a history of tobacco and/or alcohol use (habit group) and 11 tissue samples of non-habit-associated tongue cancer (non-habit group), were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) between the habit and non-habit groups were identified using the Linear Models for Microarray Data software package. The enrichment functions and pathways of these genes were subsequently predicted using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. Transcription factors (TFs) and tumor-associated genes (TAGs) were selected from the DEGs using the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements database and the TAG database, respectively. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks for DEGs were constructed using Cytoscape. In addition, functional module analysis was performed using BioNet. This analysis identified 642 DEGs between the habit and non-habit groups, including 200 upregulated and 442 downregulated genes. The majority of upregulated DEGs were functionally enriched in the regulation of apoptosis and the calcium signaling pathway. The majority of downregulated DEGs were functionally enriched in fat cell differentiation and the adipocytokine signaling pathway. In addition, 31 TFs and 42 TAGs were identified from the DEGs. Furthermore, this analysis demonstrated that certain DEGs, including AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), E1A binding protein p300 (EP300), erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ERBB2) and epiregulin (EREG), had high connectivity degrees in the PPI networks and/or functional modules. Overall, DEGs in a functional module, such as AKT1, EP300, ERBB2 and EREG, may serve important roles in the development of tongue cancer in patients with a history of tobacco and/or alcohol use. These DEGs are potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of tongue cancer in these groups.
Resistance to change: Four interpretations

Although the phenomenon of resistance to change has gained considerable attention in organization theory over the years, the meaning of the concept is rarely discussed. In this paper, a conceptual framework is suggested that distinguishes between four interpretations of resistance and builds upon the two variables of changeability and emotionality. Each interpretation is based on various assumptions and theoretical influences, as well as connected to different change management strategies. The framework can facilitate communication pertaining to resistance across different theoretical perspectives and help explain empirical observations related to resistance and change management strategies. Finally, observations from two case studies reveal that assumptions about resistance can shift in the course of a change process, thus indicating a dynamic dimension to the framework. (Less)
Novel compound heterozygous mutations in OCA2 gene were identified in a Chinese family with oculocutaneous albinism

Abstract Background Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a group of rare autosomal recessive disorders characterized by clinical genetic heterogeneity. OCA type II (OMIM: 203200) is the most common subtype among African and African Americans, primarily caused by pathogenic variants in the OCA2 (HGNC ID: 8101) gene. In this study, we presented a Chinese family with OCA and reported two novel variants in the OCA2 gene. Methods Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed to identify pathogenic variants in the proband. The candidate variants were subsequently validated using Sanger sequencing and QPCR assay. Additionally, bioinformatics analyses were employed to predict the deleteriousness and conservation of the identified mutations. Results In the 16‐year‐old male proband, two novel compound heterozygous OCA2 variants, NM_000275. 3: c.1640T>G (NP_000266.2: p.L547R) and an exons 10‐19 deletion variant, were identified. Meanwhile, a reported heterozygous variant c.1441G>A/p.A481T (NM_000275.3, NP_000266.2) in the OCA2 gene was also found in the proband. Sanger sequencing confirmed that the two variants c.1441G>A/p.A481T and c.1640T>G/p.L547R were inherited from his father. Moreover, qPCR assay revealed that the exons 10‐19 deletion was inherited from the mother, his sister also carried this variant. Fortunately, the variant was not detected in the amniotic fluid of the proband's sister. Multiple online bioinformatics tools predicted the variant c.1640T>G to be damaging, leading to the replacement of a highly conserved leucine with an arginine. The gross exon 10‐19 deletion in the OCA2 gene resulted in a truncated, non‐functional protein losing the 3–9 transmembrane α‐helices domains. According to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics classification, these three variants in the OCA2 gene were evaluated as likely pathogenic. Conclusion This study has identified two novel compound variants in the OCA2 gene and a previously reported variant in a Chinese family with OCA. By expanding the mutation spectrum of the OCA2 gene, our findings contribute to a better understanding of the genetic basis of OCA.
Genetic diversity, population structure, and selective signature of sheep in the northeastern Tarim Basin

Local sheep in the northeastern Tarim Basin can adapt to dry and low-rainfall regional environments. In this study, three local sheep breeds in the northeastern Tarim Basin, LOP (LOP) sheep, Bayinbuluke (BYK) sheep, and Kunlun (KUN, also known as the Qiemo sheep) sheep, and three introduced sheep breeds, Suffolk (SUF) sheep, Dorset (APD) sheep, and Texel (TEX) sheep, were analyzed for genetic diversity, population structure, and selective signature using the Illumina OvineSNP50K BeadChip. We found that LOP, BYK, and KUN had lower observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity than TEX, SUF, and ADP, which were differentiated based on geographic distribution. We performed fixation index (FST) analysis on three local sheep breeds in the northeastern Tarim Basin (LOP, BYK, and KUN) and introduced sheep breeds (TEX, SUF, and ADP) to measure genetic differentiation. Nucleotide diversity (PI) analysis was performed on single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data of LOP, BYK, and KUN. A total of 493 candidate genes were obtained by taking the intersection at a threshold of 5%. Among them, SMAD2, ESR2, and HAS2 were related to reproductive traits. PCDH15, TLE4, and TFAP2B were related to growth traits. SOD1, TSHR, and DNAJB5 were related to desert environmental adaptation. Analyzing the genetic patterns of local sheep in the northeastern Tarim Basin can protect the germplasm resources of local sheep and promote the development and utilization of sheep genetic resources.
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Thechancesofraisingcropproductivitytoenhanceglobalfoodsecuritywouldbegreatlyimprovedifwehadacom-pleteunderstandingofallthebiologicalmechanismsthatunderpinnedtraitssuchascropyield,diseaseresistanceor nutrient and water use ef ﬁ ciency. With more crop genomes emerging all the time, we are nearer having the basic information, at the gene-level, to begin assembling crop gene catalogues and using data from other plant species tounderstandhowthegenesfunctionandhowtheirinteractionsgoverncropdevelopmentandphysiology.Unfortunately, the task of creating such a complete knowledge base of gene functions, interaction networks and trait biology is technically challenging because the relevant data are dispersed in myriad databases in a variety of data formats with variable quality and coverage. In this paper we present a general approach for building genome-scale knowledge networks that provide a uni ﬁ ed representation of heterogeneous but interconnected datasets to enable effective knowledge mining and gene discovery. We describe the datasets and outline the methods, work ﬂ owsandtoolsthatwehavedevelopedforcreatingandvisualisingthesenetworksforthemajorcropspecies, wheatandbarley.Wepresenttheglobalcharacteristicsofsuchknowledgenetworksandwithanexamplelinkinga seed size phenotype to a barley WRKY transcription factor orthologous to TTG2 from Arabidopsis, we illustrate the valueofintegrateddatainbiologicalknowledgediscovery.Thesoftwarewehavedeveloped(www.ondex.org)and the knowledge resources (http://knetminer.rothamsted.ac.uk) we have created are all open-source and provide a ﬁ rst step towards systematic and evidence-based gene discovery in order to facilitate crop improvement. © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Narratives of Accessibility and Social Change in Shimshal, Northern Pakistan

Abstract This paper analyzes 35 oral testimonies that were collected in Shimshal through a Panos oral testimony project. The project's goal was to record villagers' perspectives on social change in the community. The link road, which would eventually connect Shimshal to the Karakoram Highway and down-country Pakistan, features prominently as an important vector of sociocultural transformation, despite being 2 years from completion at the time of the interviews. Our analysis delineates 10 narratives that reveal the public discourses that structure Shimshalis' understanding of the road's emerging effects. These narratives contribute to development research and practice related to rural road construction by documenting local representations of the lived experience of a new road and its social and developmental effects, a neglected but vital structuring element of material outcomes. They also constitute an important starting point for tracing shifts in road-related public discourse, as accessibility becomes an increasingly accustomed aspect of everyday life in Shimshal.
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Eﬃcient farm management can be aided by the identiﬁcation of zones in the landscape. These zones can be informed from diﬀerent measured variables by ensuring a sense of spatial coherence. Forming spatially coherent zones is an established method in the literature, but has been found to perform poorly when data are sparse. In this paper, we describe the diﬀerent types of data sparsity and investigate how this impacts the performance of established methods. We introduce a set of methodological advances that address these shortcomings to provide a method for forming spatially coherent zones under data sparsity.
Integrated conceptual ecosystem model development for the Florida Keys/Dry Tortugas coastal marine ecosystem : MARine Estuarine goal Setting (MARES) for South Florida

The overall goal of the MARine and Estuarine goal Setting (MARES) project for South Florida is “to reach a science-based consensus about the defining characteristics and fundamental regulating processes of a South Florida coastal marine ecosystem that is both sustainable and capable of providing the diverse ecosystem services upon which our society depends. ” Through participation in a systematic process of reaching such a consensus, science can contribute more directly and effectively to the critical decisions being made by both policy makers and by natural resource and environmental management agencies. The document that follows briefly describes the MARES project and this systematic process. It then describes in considerable detail the resulting output from the first two steps in the process, the development of conceptual diagrams and an Integrated Conceptual Ecosystem Model (ICEM) for the first subregion to be addressed by MARES, the Florida Keys/Dry Tortugas (FK/DT). What follows with regard to the FK/DT is the input received from more than 60 scientists, agency resource managers, and representatives of environmental organizations beginning with a workshop held December 9-10, 2009 at Florida International University in Miami, Florida.
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Decline-diseases are complex and becoming increasingly problematic to tree health globally. Acute Oak Decline (AOD) is characterized by necrotic stem lesions and galleries of the bark-boring beetle, Agrilus biguttatus and represents a serious threat to oak. Although multiple novel bacterial species and Agrilus galleries are associated with AOD lesions, the causative agent(s) are unknown. The AOD pathosystem therefore provides an ideal model for a systems-based research approach to address our hypothesis that AOD lesions are caused by a polymicrobial complex. Here we show that three bacterial species, Brenneria goodwinii , Gibbsiella quercinecans and Rahnella victoriana , are consistently abundant in the lesion microbiome and possess virulence genes used by canonical phytopathogens that are expressed in AOD lesions. Individual and polyspecies inoculations on oak logs and trees demonstrated that B. goodwinii and G. quercinecans cause tissue necrosis and, in combination with A. biguttatus , produce the diagnostic symptoms of AOD. We have proved a polybacterial cause of AOD lesions, providing new insights into polymicrobial interactions and tree disease. This work presents a novel conceptual and methodological template for adapting Koch ’ s postulates to address the role of microbial communities in disease. The ISME Journal advance online publication, 13
Scalable Computing : Practice and Experience

This article is focused on application of agile principles during adoption of Business Process Management (BPM) in an organization. We propose some agile techniques for gathering requirements and iterative process design. Such techniques help to obtain realistic processes which are easily adaptable to changing business requirements and do not restrict organization’s flexibility. We also discuss general obstacles of BPM adoption process identified by a related research, which confirm the necessity of more systematic approach to BPM adoption process. Further we present an outline of our methodology for agile BPM adoption, which propose a collaborative approach to process design with help of Process Collaboration Environment. At the end we discuss how Cloud technologies can foster BPM agility.
Microbial Diversity and Biogeochemistry of a Shallow Pristine Canadian Shield Groundwater System

An investigation was conducted to assess the microbial diversity and biogeochemistry of a pristine shallow glaciofluvial groundwater system on the Canadian Shield. Vadose zone sands were very fine-grained, consisting mostly of iron oxide-coated quartz. Below the water table in the saturated zone, iron oxide-coating on quartz grains were absent, owing presumably to reductive dissolution by Fe(III)-reducing bacteria and chemical weathering, respectively. Groundwater pH was circumneutral at 6.4 + 0.1, and Eh was slightly reducing at 349 ± 15 mV compared to local surface waters at 417 ± 21 mV; the total dissolved solids concentration in groundwater was 45.2 ± 6.9 mg/L. A total of 269 clones were sequenced and compiled into a 16S rRNA gene library, and representative operational taxonomic units (OTU) were retrieved from basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) analyses at the species-level across 7 phyla, including Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chlorobi, Firmicutes, Planctomycetes, and Proteobacteria. Aerobic, anaerobic, and facultative anaerobic heterotrophs were predominant among the OTU. Lithoautotrophic ammonium- and nitrite-oxidizers were especially prominent, as were diazotrophs, nitrate- and nitrite-reducers. Representative OTU also included Fe(II)-oxidizers and Fe(III)-reducers, whereas those associated with sulfur cycling were rare. These observations suggest that there is considerable potential for biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen and iron within shallow glaciofluvial groundwater systems on the Canadian Shield.
Scalable Computing : Practice and Experience

The paper presents a new approach to parallel image processing using byte addressable, non-volatile memory (NVRAM). We show that our custom built MPI I/O implementation of selected functions that use a distributed cache that incorporates NVRAMs located in cluster nodes can be used for efficient processing of large images. We demonstrate performance benefits of such a solution compared to a traditional implementation without NVRAM for various sizes of buffers used to read image parts, process and write back to storage. We also show that our implementation benefits from overlapping reading subsequent images while processing already loaded ones. We present results obtained in a cluster environment for three parallel implementation of blur, multipass blur and Sobel filters, for various NVRAM parameters such as latencies and bandwidth values.