Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LANDSCAPE-LEVEL CORRELATES OF SMALL-MAMMAL ASSEMBLAGES IN FOREST FRAGMENTS OF FARMLAND

Abstract We studied effects of forest fragmentation on 15 species of small mammals, including 6 species of forest-dwelling granivorous rodents, in the Indian Pine watershed of west-central Indiana. Presence–absence and population densities of small mammals were assessed in spring in 35 woodlots of various sizes (0.1–150 ha) and 2 continuous forest sites (>1,000 ha) using live traps in 1992–1996. Presence–absence and population density were related to landscape attributes using logistic and multiple linear regression models, respectively. Species richness of forest-dwelling small mammals increased with area and was highest in continuous forest sites. Nested subsets of the full complement of species were found in smaller woodlots. White-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) were ubiquitous, and eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) were nearly ubiquitous across the landscape; densities of both species were related inversely to forested area. Fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) were found at 84% of study sites, and they did not respond negatively to isolation of forest patches. Red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) were unevenly distributed across the landscape and were found most often in woodlots with large core areas and simple shapes, possibly indicating sensitivity to edge. Southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) and gray squirrels (S. carolinensis) were restricted to continuous forest sites and >4.6-ha woodlots adjacent to other wooded habitat. Species of small mammals differ appreciably in their sensitivities to agriculturally induced fragmentation of forests. Interspecific differences within this assemblage were not due solely, or even primarily, to body size. Rather, differential responses of species to fragmentation likely resulted from variation in habitat breadth and ability to move through an agricultural matrix.
A critical role for tetraspanin CD151 in α3β1 and α6β4 integrin-dependent tumor cell functions on laminin-5

The basement membrane protein laminin-5 supports tumor cell adhesion and motility and is implicated at multiple steps of the metastatic cascade. Tetraspanin CD151 engages in lateral, cell surface complexes with both of the major laminin-5 receptors, integrins α3β1 and α6β4. To determine the role of CD151 in tumor cell responses to laminin-5, we used retroviral RNA interference to efficiently silence CD151 expression in epidermal carcinoma cells. Near total loss of CD151 had no effect on steady state cell surface expression of α3β1, α6β4, or other integrins with which CD151 associates. However, CD151-silenced carcinoma cells displayed markedly impaired motility on laminin-5, accompanied by unusually persistent lateral and trailing edge adhesive contacts. CD151 silencing disrupted α3β1 integrin association with tetraspanin-enriched microdomains, reduced the bulk detergent extractability of α3β1, and impaired α3β1 internalization in cells migrating on laminin-5. Both α3β1- and α6β4-dependent cell adhesion to laminin-5 were also impaired in CD151-silenced cells. Reexpressing CD151 in CD151-silenced cells reversed the adhesion and motility defects. Finally, loss of CD151 also impaired migration but not adhesion on substrates other than laminin-5. These data show that CD151 plays a critical role in tumor cell responses to laminin-5 and reveal promotion of integrin recycling as a novel potential mechanism whereby CD151 regulates tumor cell migration.
Characterization of the Gene Encoding Human Cone Transducin α-Subunit (GNAT2)

The human cone transducin [alpha]-subunit (GNAT2) gene has been completely characterized. The human GNAT2 transcription unit is 9967-bp in length and consists of eight exons with seven introns. The eight exons are identical to the reported cDNA sequence. Northern blot analysis of RNA from human retinas and a retinoblastoma cell line, WERI-RB1, reveals a 1.7-kb transcript for GNAT2. Multiple transcription initiation sites were mapped for human retina and WERI-RB1 RNA by primer extension and S1 nuclease protection assays. This gene has seven initiation sites spanning 31 bp. The sequence upstream of the GNAT2 gene shows a TATA box consensus sequence at -29, a CCAAT box consensus sequence at -58 (reverse orientations), and a sequence (CCATAT) similar to the CCAAT box consensus at -76. The GNAT2 upstream sequence shows no significant identity with the upstream region of the human rod transducin [alpha]-subunit gene (GNAT1) or with the upstream regions of the color visual pigment genes, indicating that the expression of GNAT2 may be regulated differently than these other rod- and cone-specific proteins. 35 refs., 6 figs., 2 tabs.
Testing the Efficacy of Species Richness and Floristic Quality Assessment of Quality, Temporal Change, and Fire Effects in Tallgrass Prairie Natural Areas

Abstract Despite extensive use, few studies have thoroughly tested competency of the Florist Quality Index (FQI) to assess vegetation quality by comparing it with alternative statistics and with independent measures in large data sets. We compared the efficacy of species richness and floristic quality indices in detecting temporal change and fire effects on quality within and among tallgrass prairie remnants. We calculated species richness at small (1/4-m2 plot) and large (total sample) scales, as well from a Species Richness Index (SRI) that integrates these measures. These statistics were compared with FQI, which assesses quality by integrating species richness with estimates of species conservatism (C values) to undisturbed natural vegetation. We made within-site comparisons of temporal change in dry-mesic and mesic prairie vegetation following 22 years of fire exclusion and then after five years of fire management. The among-site comparisons used 33 prairies that were graded as A or B quality and sampled in 1976 by the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory (INAI). We resampled these sites in 2001 and analyzed vegetation change in relation to their fire-management histories. Within-site comparisons found that significant declines in average plot species richness corresponded to independent measures that documented deterioration of vegetation composition and structure. In contrast, lack of significant change in average C values failed to detect these changes. We found that species richness was greatest in mesic habitats, while C values were biased toward higher values assigned to dry prairie species. Among sites, those ranked as grade A by the INAI had greater species richness than grade B sites. Temporal changes in species richness in these sites were also positively correlated with fire frequency, which in turn was negatively correlated with a shift in vegetation structure toward increasing woody vegetation and loss of grasses. Average C values did not differ significantly between the INAI A and B quality grades, nor were they correlated with fire frequency; however, they were negatively correlated with increasing woody dominance. These results indicate that, for tallgrass prairie, measures of species richness can be very sensitive indicators of vegetation change, and can help gauge differences in vegetation quality within vegetation types. In contrast, indexing floristic quality is inconsistent and problematic due to bias and lack of precision in assigning conservatism scores as well as instability in the FQI formula and potential for circular reasoning in validating its effectiveness.
Drawing In Virtual Reality: A Virtual Sketching tool for Designers

In our project we studied the usability of a new multimodal virtual drawing technology and the potential of its artistic expression through the creation of sketching tool for artists. We examined if multimodality encourages more artistic expression from users, and its eﬀect on the user experience. The project was inspired by Pablo Picasso’s projected light drawings from 1949. Picasso couldn’t observe his drawing in real time with the technology available at the time. We have developed a tool with which the drawer can see the strokes of their drawing in real time. An usability test was conducted in a Visualization studio (VIC) at KTH University with real time live feed from a laptop computer back-projected through a projector. The users controlled a 8 LED ﬂashlight to track the light. A piano sound was added as an additional modular, where the diﬀerent coordinates of the light triggered diﬀerent MIDI notes. We studied whether feedback of sound has a positive eﬀect on artistic expression and motivates people to draw more. The project concludes that we were able to make recommendations regarding the possible future studies of hand controlled virtual drawing. Our study found that there was no statistical signiﬁcance between having sound and not having it. This study might give useful information in Virtual Reality Drawing and Augmented reality drawing in the future.
Neural Network Prediction Parameters Quality of Electrical Energy

— A method for predicting physical parameters is proposed. The apparatus is considered and an analysis is made of the need to use a neural network for the problem of predicting the quality of electrical energy. The analysis and the structure of neural networks, which are expedient for using for the estimation and forecasting of the quality of electric energy, are chosen. Neural network models are constructed to calculate additional indicators of the quality of electrical energy. Also mathematical expressions for the description of neural networks and their work are given.
Hatchability of Broiler Breeder Eggs Following Eggshell Sanitization by Repeated Treatment with a Combination of Ultraviolet Light and Hydrogen Peroxide

3 Abstract: Previous research has indicated that a single exposure of eggs to Ultraviolet Light (UV) in combination with 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) results in a greater reduction of eggshell microorganisms compared to eggs treated with either UV or H2O2 alone. The objective of this study was to determine if hatchability would be affected if eggs were treated by repeated applications of UV and H2O2. In the first experiment, eggs receiving H2O2 and UV light for 2 min 6 times yielded the greatest reduction in aerobic plate counts (5.3 log10CFU/egg) when compared to other treatment groups that utilized various repetitions of H2O2 and UV light. The second experiment determined the effect on hatchability when using this combination tested in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, a 4 log10CFU/egg reduction in eggshell aerobic plate counts was observed for eggs treated with UV and H2O2 when compared to untreated control eggs. There were no differences in hatchability, hatch residue, chick weight, residual yolk weight, or egg weight loss between control and treated groups. In conclusion, multiple applications of UV and H2O2 effectively reduced aerobic microorganisms on the eggshell to low levels with no detrimental effects on broiler breeder egg hatchability or chick quality parameters.
General Information of Dielectric Constants for Circuit Design using Rogers High Frequency Materials

Rogers Corporation uses the X-band clamped stripline resonator test method described in IPC-TM-650 2.5. 5.5c as the specification method for the dielectric constant of a high frequency material. This test method has a high degree of repeatability as well as excellent performance for internal quality control to ensure the manufacturing of consistent high frequency laminate products. However, the X-band stripline test method has some differences regarding how the material is tested as compared to how the material may be used in a circuit design. These differences may or may not impact the perceived dielectric constant (Dk or K’) for a particular circuit application. This text is intended to promote better understanding of the Specification Dk and the Design Dk as shown on the Rogers Corporation datasheets and Product Selector Guide. Several common test methods will be discussed and their capabilities and limits outlined. Attention will be given to the apparent Dk determined by circuit performance with regards to some material interactions. A testing scheme which has been adopted to define the Design Dk will be summarized with results. Lastly, the suggested Dk values will be given for the various Rogers’ high frequency materials as it relates to circuit design and modeling.
Virtual And Experimental Optimization Of Cylinder Head Swirl For Emission Reduction In Small Diesel Engine

Three dimensional CFD simulation approach involving Swirl and flow parameter is used for optimizing the cylinder head Swirl and Flow values for a single cylinder light duty LCV application diesel engine. Cylinder head Swirl of the baseline engine was 2.55 with flow coefficient value of 0.314. Engine out emissions for baseline engine were higher particularly NOx emission and is not able to meet the legislative emission limits. It is decided to reduce cylinder head swirl to counter this higher NOx emission also increase flow coefficient to take further benefit in terms of engine performance. CFD simulation approach is used to reduce Swirl in the intake port of Cylinder head with option of increasing the flow area. Inlet port core is extracted from cylinder head and scanned to generate baseline 3D model of intake port to carry out baseline CFD simulation. Three different Swirl options are proposed initially at interval of 0.2 swirl in simulation model to analyze the effect of Swirl reduction on engine performance and emission. Cylinder head intake port profile is modified on 2 different cylinder heads to generate new swirl and flow coefficient values based on simulation suggestions. These modified cylinder heads are used in engine for emission and performance improvement evaluation. The simulation approach has worked successfully for emission reduction as 18% NOx reduction is achieved with performance improvement of around 13% in other parameters.
Theoretical modelling of multiple OWCs along a straight coast/breakwater

Siming Zheng, Alessandro Antonini, Yongliang Zhang, Jon Miles, Gregorio Iglesias a. School of Eng., Univ. of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, United Kingdom b. Department of Hydraulic Eng., Delft Univ. of Technology, The Netherlands c. State Key Laboratory of Hydroscience and Eng., Tsinghua Univ., Beijing, 100084, China d. Centre for Marine and Renewable Energy Ireland (MaREI), Environmental Research Institute & School of Eng., Univ. College Cork, Ireland Email: siming.zheng@plymouth.ac. uk
The Impact of Stability on Design Patterns Implementation

Design patterns are reusable constructs. They are stable and adaptable by definition. Unfortunately, in order to achieve usability, the elegant characteristics displayed in design patterns, such as stability, adaptability and generality are diminished in the implemented models. Thus, a discrepancy is revealed between the design patterns and these models. This paper suggests the use of Software Stability [6] as a solution for resolving the inconsistency between the design patterns and their implementation
Behaviour of cows at the feeding trough and when entering the milking parlour

Observations were made during 2 × 3 days on the behaviour of 29 Holstein-Friesian cows when entering the milking parlour and at the feeding trough. The cows were identified by an electric apparatus on their necks, and by transmitters at the feeding trough in the milking parlour. Milking was done using Alfa-Laval milking apparatus with 2 × 4 milking stalls and an automatic cup-removing gadget. Rank correlation coefficients were calculated between the entrance order and the most important production characteristics. There was no correlation between the entrance order to the milking parlour and the dominance order at the feeding trough. The younger cows were dominant when entering the milking parlour, and the older, heavier cows at the feeding trough.
Somatic Embryos Derived from Cotyledons of Cucumber

Two studies were conducted to test the effects of various tissue culture media on somatic embryogenesis from cotyledon tissue of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). The two best media for embryo initiation were Murashige and Skoog (MS) salts and vitamins containing either 1 or 2 mg 2,4-D/liter and 0.5 mg kinetin/liter. In the second study, embryos developed more normally. More plantlets developed when tissue was removed from the initiation medium after 3 weeks and transferred to MS containing 1 mg NAA/liter and 0.5 mg kinetin/liter for 3 weeks, rather than leaving the embryos on a medium containing 2,4-D. Histological evidence indicated that the embryos were multicellular in origin. Charcoal in the maturation medium inhibited embryo development. Chemical names used: (2,4-dichlorophenoxy) -acetic acid (2,4-D); N-(2-furanylmethyl)-lH-purine-6-amine (kinetin); 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA).
Speed Limits: Harm Reduction for People Who use Stimulants

The report investigates the effectiveness of harm reduction measures for people who use stimulant drugs to a problematic extent. Traditionally, harm reduction programmes have focused on injecting drug use of opioids. Interventions in the use of stimulant drugs such as smokable methamphetamine or cocaine have not yet been comprehensively analysed. The consumption of these stimulants has increased worldwide. The first comprehensive study for harm reduction in this area therefore is of particular importance. The study makes an important contribution to closing the knowledge gap in the field of harm reduction beyond traditional measures. The study consists of two parts: First, it presents the state of research on existing scientific literature. It identifies 12 different harm reduction strategies for stimulant use. These include safer smoking kits, prevention of sexual risks and drug consumption rooms. Second, seven good practice examples from Brazil, the Netherlands, South Africa, Indonesia, Uruguay, Spain and Canada are presented. It becomes clear that there is still great need for further research in the area of appropriate strategies to prevent harms caused by the use of stimulant drugs. This groundbreaking study serves as an important starting point to be able to meet the increasing consumption with proven and evidence-based harm reduction measures in the future.
Origin and migration of wild and escaped farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in oceanic areas north of the Faroe Islands

We examined the distribution, migration and origin of wild and escaped farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. , in the northeast Atlantic ocean north of the Faroe Islands based on individual tagging of salmon in this area. Recoveries of wild salmon were reported from homewaters in nine north Atlantic countries, and in a number of different rivers throughout the distribution range of Atlantic salmon. Most tags were recovered in Norway, but relatively large numbers of returns were observed in Scotland and Ireland as well. No fish were recaptured at Faroes. Fish tagged in the autumn tended to return to areas closer to the tagging site than fish tagged in the winter. This strongly suggests that salmon originating from most areas of the distribution range are at some life stage present in this area, but in variable proportions at different times. Most of the salmon returned home to spawn the next autumn, and the fish that stayed for another year originated from northern areas of Europe. All recoveries of farmed salmon were in Norway except one on the west coast of Sweden, suggesting that they could have escaped mainly from Norwegian fish farms. Assessment of the proportion of wild salmon from different countries present north of the Faroe Islands revealed that 40% of the fish were of Norwegian origin, and Scotland and Russia accounted for about 20% each. Four tags of wild fish were reported from Canada, all in the same year they were tagged. This demonstrates that adult Atlantic salmon can cross the north Atlantic ocean in less than 6 months. 2003 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Enhancing the association in multi‐object tracking via neighbor graph

Most modern multi‐object tracking (MOT) systems for videos follow the tracking‐by‐detection paradigm, where objects of interest are first located in each frame then associated correspondingly to form their intact trajectories. In this setting, the appearance features of objects usually provide the most important cues for data association, but it is very susceptible to occlusions, illumination variations, and inaccurate detections, thus easily resulting in incorrect trajectories. To address this issue, in this study we propose to make full use of the neighboring information. Our motivations derive from the observations that people tend to move in a group. As such, when an individual target's appearance is remarkably changed, the observer can still identify it with its neighbor context. To model the contextual information from neighbors, we first utilize the spatiotemporal relations among trajectories to efficiently select suitable neighbors for targets. Subsequently, we construct neighbor graph for each target and corresponding neighbors then employ the graph convolutional networks (GCNs) to model their relations and learn the graph features. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time to explicitly leverage neighbor cues via GCN in MOT. Finally, standardized evaluations on the MOT16 and MOT17 data sets demonstrate that our approach can remarkably reduce the identity switches whilst achieve state‐of‐the‐art overall performance.
Limits of Effective Material Properties in the Context of an Electromagnetic Tissue Model

Most calibration schemes for reflection-based tissue spectroscopy in the mm-wave/ THz-frequency range are based on homogenized, frequency-dependent tissue models where macroscopic material parameters have either been determined by measurement or calculated using effective material theory. However, as the resolution of measurement at these frequencies captures the underlying microstructure of the tissue, we will investigate the validity limits of such effective material models over a wide frequency range (10 MHz - 200 GHz). Embedded in a parameterizable virtual workbench, we implemented a numerical homogenization method using a hierarchical multiscale approach to capture both the dispersive and tensorial electromagnetic properties of the tissue, and determined at which frequency this homogenized model deviated from a full-wave electromagnetic reference model within the framework of a Monte-Carlo analysis. Simulations were carried out using a generic hypodermal tissue that emulated the morphology of the microstructure. Results showed that the validity limit occurred at surprisingly low frequencies and thus contradicted the traditional usage of homogenized tissue models. The reasons for this are explained in detail and thus it is shown how both the lower “allowed” and upper “forbidden” frequency ranges can be used for frequency-selective classification/identification of specific material and structural properties employing a supervised machine-learning approach. Using the implemented classifier, we developed a method to identify specific frequency bands in the forbidden frequency range to optimize the reliability of material classification.