Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distinguishing technology from biology: a critical review of the use of GPS telemetry data in ecology

In the past decade, ecologists have witnessed vast improvements in our ability to collect animal movement data through animal-borne technology, such as through GPS or ARGOS systems. However, more data does not necessarily yield greater knowledge in understanding animal ecology and conservation. In this paper, we provide a review of the major benefits, problems and potential misuses of GPS/Argos technology to animal ecology and conservation. Benefits are obvious, and include the ability to collect fine-scale spatio-temporal location data on many previously impossible to study animals, such as ocean-going fish, migratory songbirds and long-distance migratory mammals. These benefits come with significant problems, however, imposed by frequent collar failures and high cost, which often results in weaker study design, reduced sample sizes and poorer statistical inference. In addition, we see the divorcing of biologists from a field-based understanding of animal ecology to be a growing problem. Despite these difficulties, GPS devices have provided significant benefits, particularly in the conservation and ecology of wide-ranging species. We conclude by offering suggestions for ecologists on which kinds of ecological questions would currently benefit the most from GPS/Argos technology, and where the technology has been potentially misused. Significant conceptual challenges remain, however, including the links between movement and behaviour, and movement and population dynamics.
Genetic susceptibility to Barrett’s oesophagus: Lessons from early studies

Barrett’s oesophagus (BO) is a common condition, predisposing strongly to the development of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC). Consequently, there has been considerable effort to determine the processes involved in the development of BO metaplasia, and ultimately develop markers of patients at risk. Whilst a number of robust acquired risk factors have been identified, a genetic component to these and the apparent increased susceptibility of certain individuals has long been suspected. This has been evidenced in part by linkage studies, but subsequently two recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have suggested mechanisms underlying the heritability of BO, as well as providing the first direct evidence at modern levels of statistical significance. This review discusses BO heritability, in addition to that of individual variants and genes reported to be associated with BO to date. Through this, we identify a number of plausible associations, although often tempered by issues of methodology, and discuss the priorities and need for future research.
Evaluating fatigue resistance of toner-modified asphalt binders using the linear amplitude sweep test

This paper examines the effect of waste toner on fatigue resistance of asphalt binder. Fatigue resistance of toner-modified asphalt binders was studied implementing the linear amplitude sweep test, which has been approved by AASHTO as a provisional standard and is currently being considered as a specification test for evaluating fatigue resistance of original and modified asphalt binders. The linear amplitude sweep is a cyclic torsion test conducted with a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) which uses increasing loading amplitudes to accelerate the damage process. In order to characterise a waste toner as an additive for modifying an original asphalt binder, the XRD test has been done. DSR test results were used to determine fatigue resistance parameters and dissipated energy ratio to investigate fatigue behaviour of toner-modified asphalt binders. This paper argues that the improved fatigue resistance properties of toner-modified asphalt binders are reflected in the enhancement of the number of loading cycles, shortening crack length and degrading dissipated energy which remains in the specimens.
A haptic direction indicator using the gyro effect

The preliminary study described in this paper is about the assessment of the control parameters of a non-grounded haptic device giving kinaesthetic stimuli to indicate to the user a direction to follow to reach a target location. The haptic sensation is created by tilting one or more rotating flywheels along an axis, controlling the direction and the amount of tilt, the velocity of the tilt (during the pulse and the repositioning of the flywheel), the frequency of pulses. The current prototype has only one flywheel and is able to tilt along a single axis, thus indicating only “right” or “left” direction. The experiments performed with the prototype allowed us to define a set of requirements (torque produced, duration of the stimuli) for a more complex prototype (2 flywheels and 2 DOF) to be developed and tested as future work.
Direct mecA Detection from Blood Culture Bottles by Branched-DNA Signal Amplification

ABSTRACT A branched-DNA (bDNA) signal amplification method was used to detect the mecA gene directly from blood culture broth growing staphylococci. BACTEC blood culture bottles with positive growth indices and containing staphylococcus-like organisms as shown by Gram stain were tested for the presence of the mecA gene. Comparison of test results was done among 225 patients (one blood culture from each patient). Compared with PCR, the sensitivity and specificity of the bDNA method are 100 and 99%, respectively. The bDNA test is carried out in a 96-well format and requires approximately 6 h to perform. Our preliminary results suggest that direct detection of the mecA gene by bDNA signal amplification is (i) sensitive enough to detect mecA directly from blood culture bottles without the requirement for subculture and (ii) as sensitive and specific as the PCR-based method.
Progression and generalization of seizure discharge: anatomical and neurochemical substrates

Summary: Seizure activity is generated and propagated by specific subcortical circuits. The substantia nigra (SN) and the area tempestas (AT) have been identified as two exemplary substrates for the control of experimental seizures. In animal models, GABAergic transmission has been shown to protect against seizures of different origins and methods of induction. Neuroactive peptides and excitatory amino acids may work with GABA in the SN to control the propagation of a wide variety of seizure types. In contrast, inhibition of AT pons selectively protects against seizures associated with limbic circuits. The AT is also a site from which bilaterally synchronous convulsions can be triggered in response to manipulations of cholinergic, GABAergic, and excitatory amino acid receptors. Definition of other pathways of seizure development and the effects of pharmacologic treatments on discrete brain regions await further research efforts.
Knowledge-based web service integration for industrial automation

Web services are widely used for enterprise software development. Web service protocols simplify application integration thanks to interface description that can be processed at runtime and, in addition, due to mature and widely used standards for transportation and internetworking. Implementation of service-oriented architecture starts to get acceptance in the field of industrial automation ranging from international research project to the first implementations in industry including first commercial controller devices supporting web service communication protocols and executing deterministic control at the same time. The current research step is to allow knowledge-based integration of industrial automation systems and to exploit full potentials of run-time reconfiguration and adaptation of industrial systems. This paper demonstrates implementation of knowledge-based industrial system, the architecture and ontology model that can be generalized for implementation of other production systems.
Isolation and Characterization of the K1 (L) Antigen of Escherichia coli

Bolaños, Roger (Tulane University, New Orleans, La.), and Charles W. DeWitt. Isolation and characterization of the K1 (L) antigen of Escherichia coli. J. Bacteriol. 91:987–996. 1966. —An acidic polysaccharide with the serological properties of the K1 (L) antigen has been isolated from Escherichia coli O2:K1:H4 by means of phenol-water extraction, fractionation with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (Cetavlon), filtration through Sephadex G-200, and chromatography on anion-exchange cellulose columns. Nucleic acid and protein content were reduced to a nondetectable level. There is no contamination with O antigen. The active material appears in two different positions in the Cetavlon fractionation, each with a slightly different serological specificity, as followed by the inhibition of passive hemagglutination. By paper chromatography, the polysaccharide moiety of the O antigenic fraction is composed of glucose, galactose, hexosamine and rhamnose. The absence of colanic acid in either K1 fraction was not proven, although its participation in our assay system, as well as the participation of the common or cross-reacting antigen, was ruled out by serological means.
Optimal power demand management among consumers with aggregator considering state and control constraints

This paper presents a novel optimal power demand management method for power consumers with an aggregator considering state and control constraints. The aggregator is an organization who manages some consumers to achieve demand response efficiently. This paper proposes a power demand adjustment method for the aggregator to allocate power reduction among consumers in a distributed manner. Specifically, this method simultaneously derives the optimal power reduction of each consumer using a gradient method and determines the control inputs by solving a quadratic programming problem with state and input constraint conditions. This paper also shows the convergence of the proposed algorithm, and finally, numerical simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Co-fermentation with "Pichia Kluyveri" increases varietal thiol concentrations in Sauvignon Blanc

Background and Aims: Volatile varietal thiols are one class of yeast metabolite that add aroma/flavour to Sauvignon Blanc, particularly to the Marlborough style from New Zealand. While various strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are known to liberate such thiols, there are no data examining whether non-Saccharomyces species effect concentrations of these thiols in wine. Methods and Results: We screened a variety of New Zealand wine yeast isolates and found some that were able to liberate either 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol (3MH) or 3-mercaptohexyl acetate (3MHA). We show that co-fermentation with specific commercial strains and an isolate of Pichia kluyveri from New Zealand, at a 1:9 starting ratio, significantly enhances the 3MHA concentrations in Sauvignon Blanc compared with single species ferments. Conclusions: Co-fermentation with this isolate of P. kluyveri may provide a means to elevate 3MHA concentrations in Sauvignon Blanc; the mechanism behind this increase is unknown. Significance of the Study: Techniques that allow the predictable manipulation of varietal thiols potentially provide tools for winemakers to alter wine style without the use of genetically modified organisms. Â© 2008 Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology Inc.
Demystifying autofluorescence with excitation scanning hyperspectral imaging

Autofluorescence has historically been considered a nuisance in medical imaging. Many endogenous fluorophores, specifically, collagen, elastin, NADH, and FAD, are found throughout the human body. Diagnostically, these signals can be prohibitive since they can outcompete signals introduced for diagnostic purposes. Recent advances in hyperspectral imaging have allowed the acquisition of significantly more data in a shorter time period by scanning the excitation spectra of fluorophores. The reduced acquisition time and increased signal-to-noise ratio allow for separation of significantly more fluorophores than previously possible. Here, we propose to utilize excitation-scanning of autofluorescence to examine tissues and diagnose pathologies. Spectra of autofluorescent molecules were obtained using a custom inverted microscope (TE-2000, Nikon Instruments) with a Xe arc lamp and thin film tunable filter array (VersaChrome, Semrock, Inc.) Scans utilized excitation wavelengths from 360 nm to 550 nm in 5 nm increments. The resultant spectra were used to examine hyperspectral image stacks from various collaborative studies, including an atherosclerotic rat model and a colon cancer study. Hyperspectral images were analyzed with ENVI and custom Matlab scripts including linear spectral unmixing (LSU) and principal component analysis (PCA). Initial results suggest the ability to separate the signals of endogenous fluorophores and measure the relative concentrations of fluorophores among healthy and diseased states of similar tissues. These results suggest pathology-specific changes to endogenous fluorophores can be detected using excitationscanning hyperspectral imaging. Future work will expand the library of pure molecules and will examine more defined disease states.
Motion compensated lifting wavelet and its application in video coding

A motion compensated lifting (MCLIFT) framework is proposed for the 3D wavelet video coder. By using bi-directional motion compensation in each lifting step of the temporal direction, the video frames are effectively de-correlated. With proper entropy coding and bitstream packaging schemes, the MCLIFT wavelet video coder can be scalable in frame rate and quality level. Experimental results show that the MCLIFT video coder outperforms the 3D wavelet video coder with the same entropy coding scheme by an average of 1.1-1.6dB, and outperforms MPEG-4 coder by an average of 0.9-1.4dB.
Medium access controlfacing the reality of WSN deployments

Although research on algorithms and communication protocols in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) has yielded a tremendous effort so far, most of these protocols are hardly used in real deployments nowadays. Several reasons have been put forward in recent publications. In this paper, we further investigate this trend from a Medium Access Control (MAC) perspective by analyzing both the reasons behind successful deployments and the characteristics of the MAC layers proposed in the literature. The effort allocated to develop suitable protocols from scratch every new deployment could however be minimized by using already existing contributions which provide code reuse and adaptive protocols. Though we advocate their use for nowadays deployments, we have identified several shortcomings in foreseen scenarios for which we provide guidelines for future researches.
Locking policies in distributed databases

In Distributed Databases the typical problems of Centralized Databases become more difficult. One of them is Concurrency Control. It can be summarized as follows. Users of the Database access it by executing transactions. Different transactions are executed concurrently therefore their actions interleave. Without proper control this interleaving may produce incorrect results, even if individual transactions are correct. The Concurrency Control process has to prevent these situations. There are several possible mechanisms for controlling concurrency, of which the most widely used is Locking. In this paper we examine and analyze Locking as a Concurrency Control mechanism for Distributed Databases. We define Distributed Locking Policies (methods for locking entities in Distributed Databases) and show how existing Policies for a Centralized Database generalize to the Distributed case. We also define a new category of Distributed Locking Policies, D-policies, into which these generalizations fall. An algorithm which determines whether all transactions of a given D-policy are guaranteed to produce only correct interleavings (are safe) is presented. The algorithm is efficient, even though testing an arbitrary set of transactions for safety is coNP-complete. However, we prove that optimal locking of transactions to satisfy the conditions tested by the algorithm is NP-hard even for a Centralized Database.
Muscarinic Type 3 Receptor Induces Cytoprotective Signaling in Salivary Gland Cells through Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Transactivation

Muscarinic type 3 receptor (M3R) plays a pivotal role in the induction of glandular fluid secretions. Although M3R is often the target of autoantibodies in Sjögren's syndrome (SjS), chemical agonists for M3R are clinically used to stimulate saliva secretion in patients with SjS. Aside from its activity in promoting glandular fluid secretion, however, it is unclear whether activation of M3R is related to other biological events in SjS. This study aimed to investigate the cytoprotective effect of chemical agonist-mediated M3R activation on apoptosis induced in human salivary gland (HSG) cells. Carbachol (CCh), a muscarinic receptor-specific agonist, abrogated tumor necrosis factor α/interferon γ-induced apoptosis through pathways involving caspase 3/7, but its cytoprotective effect was decreased by a M3R antagonist, a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor, a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt inhibitor, or an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor. Ligation of M3R with CCh transactivated EGFR and phosphorylated ERK and Akt, the downstream targets of EGFR. Inhibition of intracellular calcium release or protein kinase C δ, both of which are involved in the cell signaling of M3R-mediated fluid secretion, did not affect CCh-induced ERK or Akt phosphorylation. CCh stimulated Src phosphorylation and binding to EGFR. A Src inhibitor attenuated the CCh/M3R-induced cytoprotective effect and EGFR transactivation cascades. Overall, these results indicated that CCh/M3R induced transactivation of EGFR through Src activation leading to ERK and Akt phosphorylation, which in turn suppressed caspase 3/7-mediated apoptotic signals in HSG cells. This study, for the first time, proposes that CCh-mediated M3R activation can promote not only fluid secretion but also survival of salivary gland cells in the inflammatory context of SjS.
Use of IEEE 802.15.4e for a cooperator-assisted wireless body area network

In a wearable wireless body area network (BAN), cooperative relaying, not self-retransmission, enables link connections between a central coordinator and nodes reliable since human postures do not change the states of the links in quite-short duration such as a retransmission interval. In this paper, we discuss MAC protocols suited for a cooperator-assisted BAN, and show two kinds of MAC designs such as a hybrid-TDMA/CSMA and a TDMA realizable on the IEEE 802.15. 4e standard. We evaluate the packet error rate and power consumption by computer simulations where the stored received signal strength indication (RSSI) data are used, which were obtained from experiments with three subjects in a realistic scenario composed of a series of different actions and postures.
BENCHMARKING AUTOMATIC BUNDLE ADJUSTMENT RESULTS

In classical photogrammetry, point observations are manually determined by an operator for performing the bundle adjustment of a sequence of images. In such cases, a comparison of different estimates is usually carried out with respect to the estimated 3D object points. Today, a broad range of automatic methods are available for extracting and matching point features across images, even in the case of widely separated views and under strong deformations. This allows for fully automatic solutions to the relative orientation problem, and even to the bundle triangulation in case that manually measured control points are available. However, such systems often contain random subprocedures like RANSAC for eliminating wrong correspondences, yielding different 3D points but hopefully similar orientation parameters. This causes two problems for the evaluation: First, the randomness of the algorithm has an influence on its stability, and second, we are constrained to compare the orientation parameters instead of the 3D points. We propose a method for benchmarking automatic bundle adjustments which takes these constraints into account and uses the orientation parameters directly. Given sets of corresponding orientation parameters, we require our benchmark test to address their consistency of the form deviation and the internal precision and their precision level related to the precision of a reference data set. Besides comparing different bundle adjustment methods, the approach may be used to safely evaluate effects of feature operators, matching strategies, control parameters and other design decisions for a particular method. The goal of this paper is to derive appropriate measures to cover these aspects, describe a coherent benchmarking scheme and show the feasibility of the approach using real data.
Language Acquisition between Computerized Agents

Through out the most part of the human history, lan guages have been the only tools which can be used t o describe and exchange experiences, knowledge and ab stract concepts effectively and efficiently. With t he complexity and subtlety of languages, it is an amaz ing feat that young children are able to pick up th eir mother tongue fairly quickly . Although the exact cognitive process involved for language acquisition (LA) has yet been determined, there are facts emerging f rom numerous empirical studies.
LTE MIMO performance measurements on trains

Providing passenger internet on board trains with continuous connectivity at high speeds and over large rural distances is a challenging issue. A frequently used solution to the problem is to use an on board WiFi network connected to the 3G or 4G networks deployed outside the train. In order to be able to provide the capacity and the data rates that tomorrow's business travelers are expecting it has been suggested to use a combination of MIMO and carrier aggregation in the LTE-Advance standard. In this study, we practically investigate the plausibility of using MIMO functionality in an 900 LTE system when the receive antennas are mounted at a train roof about 4m above ground and the base stations antennas are on average placed 2.3km away from the track in towers with an average height of 45m and, hence, most of the time in line of site. It is found that along our test route MIMO is in practice supported by the radio channel at around 70% of the time when the train is travelling with an average speed of 185km/h and the MIMO antennas are mounted 10.5m apart.
Biosynthesis and Regulation of Grisemycin, a New Member of the Linaridin Family of Ribosomally Synthesized Peptides Produced by Streptomyces griseus IFO 13350

ABSTRACT Our recent identification and genetic analysis of the biosynthetic gene cluster for production of the ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptide cypemycin revealed a new class of peptide natural products, the linaridins. Here we describe the identification and characterization of grisemycin, a linaridin produced by a previously unidentified gene cluster in Streptomyces griseus IFO 13350. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed that grisemycin possesses at least three of the modifications found in cypemycin, as well as an analogous leader peptidase cleavage site. Expression of putative grisemycin biosynthetic genes in a Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) derivative, combined with deletion of the gene encoding the grisemycin precursor peptide, confirmed the identity of the grisemycin gene cluster. Both grisemycin and cypemycin depend on the transcriptional activator AdpA for wild-type levels of production.