Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular detection of trophic interactions: emerging trends, distinct advantages, significant considerations and conservation applications

The emerging field of ecological genomics contains several broad research areas. Comparative genomic and conservation genetic analyses are providing great insight into adaptive processes, species bottlenecks, population dynamics and areas of conservation priority. Now the same technological advances in high‐throughput sequencing, coupled with taxonomically broad sequence repositories, are providing greater resolution and fundamentally new insights into functional ecology. In particular, we now have the capacity in some systems to rapidly identify thousands of species‐level interactions using non‐invasive methods based on the detection of trace DNA. This represents a powerful tool for conservation biology, for example allowing the identification of species with particularly inflexible niches and the investigation of food‐webs or interaction networks with unusual or vulnerable dynamics. As they develop, these analyses will no doubt provide significant advances in the field of restoration ecology and the identification of appropriate locations for species reintroduction, as well as highlighting species at ecological risk. Here, I describe emerging patterns that have come from the various initial model systems, the advantages and limitations of the technique and key areas where these methods may significantly advance our empirical and applied conservation practices.
Where Did All the Gps Go? Increasing Supply and Geographical Equity in England and Scotland

Objectives To examine the effect on geographical equity of increases in the total supply of general practitioners (GPs) and the ending of entry restrictions in 2002 and to explore the factors associated with the distribution of GPs across England. Methods Calculation of Gini coefficients to measure geographical equity in GPs per 100,000 population in England and Scotland. Multiple regression of GPs per capita and change in GPs per capita on demographics, morbidity, deprivation and measures of amenity in English Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). Results Equity in England rose between 1974 and 1994 but then decreased, and in 2006 it was below the 1974 level. After 2002, England had a greater percentage increase in GP supply than Scotland and a smaller increase in inequity. The level of GP per capita supply in 2006 was positively correlated with morbidity and PCT amenity, and negatively correlated with unemployment and poor air quality. The increase in per capita supply between 2002 and 2006 was not significantly associated with morbidity, deprivation or amenities. Conclusions Reducing geographical inequity in the provision of GPs requires targeted area level policies.
Capacity-achieving Sparse Regression Codes via approximate message passing decoding

Sparse superposition codes were recently introduced by Barron and Joseph for reliable communication over the AWGN channel at rates approaching the channel capacity. In this code, the codewords are sparse linear combinations of columns of a design matrix. In this paper, we propose an approximate message passing decoder for sparse superposition codes. The complexity of the decoder scales linearly with the size of the design matrix. The performance of the decoder is rigorously analyzed and it is shown to asymptotically achieve the AWGN capacity. We also provide simulation results to demonstrate the performance of the decoder at finite block lengths, and introduce a power allocation that significantly improves the empirical performance.
Modeling nand Flash Memories for IC Design

In this letter, we present a compact model of NAND flash memory strings for circuit simulation purposes. This model is modular and easy to be implemented, and its parameters can be extracted through a simple procedure. It allows accurate simulation of NAND flash memories with a limited computational effort, taking into account capacitive coupling effects which will become extremely important in future technology generations. This model is a very valuable tool for IC designers to optimize NVM circuits, particularly in multilevel applications.
Short intervals induce superior training adaptations compared with long intervals in cyclists – An effort‐matched approach

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 10 weeks of effort‐matched short intervals (SI; n = 9) or long intervals (LI; n = 7) in cyclists. The high‐intensity interval sessions (HIT) were performed twice a week interspersed with low‐intensity training. There were no differences between groups at pretest. There were no differences between groups in total volume of both HIT and low‐intensity training. The SI group achieved a larger relative improvement in VO2max than the LI group (8.7% ± 5.0% vs 2.6% ± 5.2%), respectively, P ≤ 0.05). Mean effect size (ES) of the relative improvement in all measured parameters, including performance measured as mean power output during 30‐s all‐out, 5‐min all‐out, and 40‐min all‐out tests revealed a moderate‐to‐large effect of SI training vs LI training (ES range was 0.86–1.54). These results suggest that the present SI protocol induces superior training adaptations on both the high‐power region and lower power region of cyclists' power profile compared with the present LI protocol.
β‐Catenin (CTNNB1) mutations and clinicopathological features of mesenteric desmoid‐type fibromatosis

Aims and methods: Desmoid‐type fibromatosis (desmoid) is a fibroblastic tumour that shows locally aggressive growth. Mesenteric desmoid is a rare lesion that shares morphological and biological features with fibromatoses occurring in the abdominal wall or in extraabdominal sites, but differs in terms of gross appearance and clinical presentation. We report on a series of 56 cases of mesenteric desmoids from our consultation files and compare them with cases of non‐mesenteric desmoids and retroperitoneal fibrosis.
A priority-based multi-path routing protocol for sensor networks

A priority-based multi-path routing protocol (PRIMP) is proposed for wireless sensor networks to offer extended network lifetime and robust network fault tolerance. Extensive simulations validate that PRIMP exhibits significantly better performance in energy conservation, load-balancing and data delivery than comparable schemes. Moreover, PRIMP addresses the slow startup issue occurring in data-centric routing schemes.
Risk Factors for Pressure Ulcer Development in a Best Practice Surgical Intensive Care Unit

We describe the incidence of and define risk factors for pressure ulcers (PU) in the surgical intensive care unit (ICU). Twelve months of data were collected on all patients admitted to the intensivist-run surgical ICU of a university hospital. PU patients were those who developed a new stage II or greater lesion during or after a surgical ICU stay as identified in Project Impact®, ICD9 discharge, or ICU complications databases. Patients were nursed in pressure-relieving beds with nutrition initiated by 72 hours. χ2, t test, and logistic regression statistics were used. Three percent (25/820) developed PU. Age, ICU length of stay, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Score (APACHE), and gender were not different between those with and without PU. Patients with PU had a higher blood urea nitrogen/creatinine (30.5/2.2 mg/dL vs 22.0/1.6 mg/dL) and were more frequently vascular patients (28 vs 14.1%), diabetics (40 vs 17.2%), paraplegics (8 vs 0.2%) (all P < 0.01), and patients on pressors (28.0 vs 11.8%, P < 0.02). Multivariate analysis revealed that diabetes (odds ratio [OR] 2.7, 95%, confidence interval [CI] 1.1-6.4), spinal cord injury (OR 16.8, 95%, CI 1.5-183), age > 60 years (OR 2.9,95%, CI 1.2-7.1), and a creatinine >3 mg/dL (OR 3.7,95%, CI 1.2-9.3) were independent predictors of PU. Despite universal use of specialty beds and early nutrition, pressure ulcers developed in 3 per cent. Independent risk factors include age greater than 60 years, diabetes, spinal cord injury, and renal insufficiency. Additional modalities, such as aggressive early mobilization, might be warranted in this cohort.
Alphavirus-Based Vaccines

Alphavirus vectors have demonstrated high levels of transient heterologous gene expression both in vitro and in vivo and, therefore, possess attractive features for vaccine development. The most commonly used delivery vectors are based on three single-stranded encapsulated alphaviruses, namely Semliki Forest virus, Sindbis virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Alphavirus vectors have been applied as replication-deficient recombinant viral particles and, more recently, as replication-proficient particles. Moreover, in vitro transcribed RNA, as well as layered DNA vectors have been applied for immunization. A large number of highly immunogenic viral structural proteins expressed from alphavirus vectors have elicited strong neutralizing antibody responses in multispecies animal models. Furthermore, immunization studies have demonstrated robust protection against challenges with lethal doses of virus in rodents and primates. Similarly, vaccination with alphavirus vectors expressing tumor antigens resulted in prophylactic protection against challenges with tumor-inducing cancerous cells. As certain alphaviruses, such as Chikungunya virus, have been associated with epidemics in animals and humans, attention has also been paid to the development of vaccines against alphaviruses themselves. Recent progress in alphavirus vector development and vaccine technology has allowed conducting clinical trials in humans.
Detection of enteroviral RNA by polymerase chain reaction in faecal samples from patients with aseptic meningitis

An assay based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of enteroviral RNA in stool samples was carried out using specimens from 74 patients with aseptic meningitis. The primer pair and probe were derived from the highly conserved 5′ non‐coding enterovirus genomic region. Enteroviral RNA was detected in faeces of all 36 patients in whom an enterovirus was isolated from stool. The PCR assay yielded positive results in additionally 316 cases where enterovirus diagnoses were obtained by virus isolation from cerebrospinal fluid and/or serological tests. Thus, the positive outcome of the PCR assay was 39 (93%) among the 42 patients with enterovirus diagnoses. Furthermore, 7/19 (37%) cases with an etiology that was not established by other means were positive in the test indicating that the PCR assay may give considerable additional etiological information in patients with aseptic meningitis. The limit of RNA detectability in the PCR assay was about 100 TCID, when highly cytopathogenic enterovirus types (coxsackievirus type B5 and echovirus type 11) were tested.
The implications of nongenetic inheritance for evolution in changing environments

Nongenetic inheritance is a potentially important but poorly understood factor in population responses to rapid environmental change. Accumulating evidence indicates that nongenetic inheritance influences a diverse array of traits in all organisms and can allow for the transmission of environmentally induced phenotypic changes (‘acquired traits’), as well as spontaneously arising and highly mutable variants. We review models of adaptation to changing environments under the assumption of a broadened model of inheritance that incorporates nongenetic mechanisms of transmission, and survey relevant empirical examples. Theory suggests that nongenetic inheritance can increase the rate of both phenotypic and genetic change and, in some cases, alter the direction of change. Empirical evidence shows that a diversity of phenotypes – spanning a continuum from adaptive to pathological – can be transmitted nongenetically. The presence of nongenetic inheritance therefore complicates our understanding of evolutionary responses to environmental change. We outline a research program encompassing experimental studies that test for transgenerational effects of a range of environmental factors, followed by theoretical and empirical studies on the population‐level consequences of such effects.
It Takes an Urban Village

This study examined the extent to which an urban village exists, in a sample of 206 African American, European American, and Hispanic American families with an elementary schoolaged child. The urban village was evident in parental social networks with family, friends, and neighbors, although the nature of these networks varied. Multiple regression analyses indicated that parental social networks have an indirect effect on children's socioemotional development, mediated by parenting. Parents who received more emotional support and had less homogeneous social networks were more warm and responsive, provided a more stimulating home environment, and felt more effective as parents. These parenting characteristics, in turn, were associated with fewer behavior problems and more social competence in the children.
An Ontology-Based Approach to Natural Language Generation from Coded Data in Electronic Health Records

The worldwide adoption of the HL7 Clinical Document Architecture (CDA) is promoting the availability of coded data (CDA entries) within sections of clinical documents. At the moment, an increasing number of studies are investigating ways to transform the narratives of CDA documents into machine process able CDA entries. This paper addresses the reverse problem, i.e. obtaining linguistic representations (sentences) from CDA entries. The approach presented employs Natural Language Generation (NLG) techniques and deals with two major tasks: content selection and content expression. The current research proposes a formal semantic representation of CDA entries and investigates how expressive domain ontologies in OWL and SPARQL SELECT queries can contribute to NLG. To validate the proposal, the study has focused on CDA entries from the History of Present Illness sections of CDA consultation notes. The results obtained are encouraging, as the clinical narratives automatically generated from these CDA entries fulfil the clinicians' expectations.
A National Study of Outdoor Wilderness Experience.

AUTHOR Kellert, Stephen R. TITLE A National Study of Outdoor Wilderness Experience. SPONS AGENCY National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. PUB DATE 1998-09-00 NOTE 309p. ; "With the Assistance of Victoria Derr. " Some figures may not reproduce adequately. Also supported by the Richard King Mellon Foundation, the Jonanette Wallerstein Institute, and an anonymous donor. PUB TYPE Numerical/Quantitative Data (110) -Reports Research (143) -Tests/Questionnaires (160) EDRS PRICE MFO1 /PC13 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Adolescents; Attitude Change; Experiential Learning; *Individual Development; *Interpersonal Competence; *Outcomes of Education; *Outdoor Education; Self Esteem; Skill Development; *Wilderness IDENTIFIERS *Environmental Awareness; National Outdoor Leadership School; Outward Bound; Student Conservation Association
Fuzzy logic in Autonomous Robot Navigation - a case study

The development of techniques for autonomous navigation constitutes one of the major trends in the current research on mobile robotics. In this case study, we discuss how fuzzy computation techniques have be used in the SRI International mobile robot Flakey to address some of the diicult issues posed by autonomous navigation: (i) how to design basic behaviors; (ii) how to coordinate behaviors to execute full navigation plans; and (iii) how to use approximate map information. Our techniques have been validated in both in-house experiments and public events. The use of fuzzy logic has resulted in smooth motion control, robust performance in face of errors in the prior knowledge and in the sensor data, and principled integration between diierent layers of control.
Automatic analysis of speedup of MPI applications

The intricacy of high performance computing applications has been growing very fast in the last years. Only skilled analysts are able to determine the factors that are undermining the performance of up-to-date applications. Analyst time is a very expensive resource and, for that reason, a strong effort to develop automatic performance analysis methodologies has been made by the scientific community. In this paper, we propose a methodology that is able to automatically detect the main performance problems of applications. This methodology is based on, first, a size reduction of the performance data obtained from the executions and, second, an analytical model obtained from this performance data which fits the speedup of the applications in terms of several parameters related to several performance issues. The paper also shows results obtained from real up-to-date applications and validates the conclusions automatically derived from the methodology.
TRW: An energy storage capacity model for energy harvesting sensors in wireless sensor networks

Energy provisioning trend in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is shifted towards alternate sources by utilizing available ambient energy, of which solar irradiance harvesting is considered a viable alternative to fixed batteries. However, the energy storage buffer for harvested solar energy should be adaptive to the sporadic nature of the diurnal solar radiation availability. We believe that the typical fixed battery models no longer apply in harvesting enabled sensors. Therefore, we propose a random walk based stochastic model namely; Trinomial Random Walk (TRW) model for the storage capacity of harvesting enabled sensors. We then apply the proposed model on a comprehensive solar radiation data set of four different locations around the globe. Our performance evaluation demonstrates that the proposed model better analyze the sporadic nature of the diurnal solar radiation availability for estimating the required storage capacity. We further investigate an optimal power consumption value for a given energy store size, such that the utilization of harvested energy is maximized and the probability of energy depletion is minimized. For a given energy harvesting scenario, our model better approximates the optimal load with probability of up to a maximum of 98%, compared to a maximum of 37% for the binomial random walk model.
Social Construction, Language, and the Authority of Knowledge: A Bibliographical Essay.

Until a very few years ago, I had never heard the term "social construction. " Much less had I become acquainted with its implications for scholars and instructors of literature and composition, or its implications for those of us interested in broader educational issues such as the future of humanistic studies and liberal education in general. During the past three or four years, pursuing some of these implications, I discovered that social constructionist thought can positively affect the way we address professional issues that increasingly interest many of us today. But I also discovered that attempts to address these issues in this way are limited because many of us-myself included-have not yet read deeply enough the relevant scholarly literature. In this respect we are not alone. Although social construction has a venerable history in twentieth-century thought and although writers in a number of fields are engaged in an effort to develop the disciplinary implications of a nonfoundational social constructionist understanding of knowledge, that history remains largely unacknowledged and the effort fragmented. Terminology proliferates. The result is that in some cases positions not only similar but mutually supportive seem alien to one another. Writers find it difficult to draw upon each other's work to pursue their own more effectively. Many of the most sophisticated and knowledgeable texts that I discuss in this essay-not only work in literary criticism and composition studies but in philosophy and the social sciences-evidence a lack of awareness of fertile, suggestive, parallel work in other fields. One cause of this situation is that there seems to exist no bibliographical guide that brings social constructionist texts together in one place, presents them as a coherent school of thought, and offers guidance to readers wending their way through unfamiliar territory. This is the need I hope this essay will fill.
Vertical integration of capacitive and piezo-resistive sensing units to enlarge the sensing range of CMOS-MEMS tactile sensor

This study presents a tactile sensor design to enlarge the sensing range by vertically integrated capacitive and piezo-resistive sensing units. The lower stiffness membrane with high sensitivity capacitance sensing electrodes is used to detect small force. To avoid the saturation of capacitive sensing, the higher stiffness cantilevers with piezo-resistive sensors are employed to detect larger force. Thus, sensing range of CMOS-MEMS tactile sensor is improved by the proposed two-stage sensing device. The presented design is implemented by the TSMC 0. 18μm 1P6M standard CMOS process and in-house post-CMOS releasing. Measurement results indicate the capacitive sensing could detect loads ranging 0∼0.03N (sensitivity is 1.8fF/mN) and the piezo-resistive sensing could detect loads ranging 0.05∼0.5N (sensitivity is 9mV/N with 2 V input voltage).
A New Computer Architecture for Image Processing

This paper describes a new parallel computer architecture for image processing. The proposed architecture is capable of supporting a wide range of image processing tasks that are diverse in their computational requirements by matching the algorithm with the architecture. This versatility is achieved primarily with the use of a new storage scheme in conjunction with a new multistage interconnection network. This organization allows various partitions of the image data such that the data can be accessed in parallel without memory conflict.
What locals want: Jordanian employees' views on expatriate managers

This paper sheds light on the expatriate–local relationship based on local employees' perspectives of expatriate managers. Drawing on a survey of local employees working in three Western multinational banks in Jordan, the study explores local employees' views on expatriate managers and their performance. The study reveals that local employees are generally indifferent to their manager's nationality as long as the manager has the capability to drive the subsidiary forward. However, one key concern of locals is the ability of expatriates to adapt to the local culture and business environment. The study also points towards a significant gap between the formal rationale for expatriation by multinational companies and what local employees perceive as real reasons behind expatriation.
Kinetics of Inward-Rectifier K+ Channel Block by Quaternary Alkylammonium Ions

We examined block of two inward-rectifier K+ channels, IRK1 and ROMK1, by a series of intracellular symmetric quaternary alkylammonium ions (QAs) whose side chains contain one to five methylene groups. As shown previously, the ROMK1 channels bind larger QAs with higher affinity. In contrast, the IRK1 channels strongly select TEA over smaller or larger QAs. This remarkable difference in QA selectivity between the two channels results primarily from differing QA unbinding kinetics. The apparent rate constant for binding (kon) of all examined QAs is significantly smaller than expected for a diffusion-limited process. Furthermore, a large (∼30-fold) drop in kon occurs when the number of methylene groups in QAs increases from three to four. These observations argue that between the intracellular solution and the QA-binding locus, there exists a constricted pathway, whose dimension (∼9 Å) is comparable to that of a K+ ion with a single H2O shell.