Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical habitat selection by woodland caribou: its relationship to limiting factors

Habitat selection is a hierarchical process that may yield various patterns depending on the scales of investigation. We employed satellite radio-telemetry to examine patterns of habitat selection by female woodland caribou in central Saskatchewan at both coarse (seasonal range) and fine (daily area) scales. At each scale, we converted spatial data describing compositions of available and used habitat to standardised resource selection indices and examined them with multivariate analyses of variance. Seasonal ranges generally showed preferential inclusion of peatlands and black spruce dominated stands relative to recently disturbed stands and early seral stage forests. In all populations, caribou preferred peatlands and black spruce forests to all other habitat types at the daily area scale. In general, these patterns may reveal the effective avoidance of wolves, the primary factor limiting caribou throughout the boreal forest. In three populations where seasonal ranges showed the selective inclusion of either young jack pine stands or clearcuts along with peatlands and black spruce forests, we found a relative avoidance of the clearcuts and young jack pine stands at the daily area scale. As all caribou populations in the area are thought to be relics of a once more continuous distribution, the seasonal range selection by animals in disturbed areas may better describe historic rather than current habitat selection. We found inter-annual variation in selection at the coarser spatial scale in one population, and inter-seasonal variation in selection at the finer spatial scale in three populations, indicating that the relative grains of the spatial and temporal scales coincide. We were better able to explain the seasonal variations in finer scale selection by considering available forage, a factor less likely than predation to limit woodland caribou populations. The data agree with the theory that the spatial and temporal hierarchy of habitat selection reflects the hierarchy of factors potentially limiting individual fitness.
Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation study of thermal effects on milk proteins

Summary A recently described nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method was evaluated for its usefulness in studying thermal effects on milk proteins. The increase in water proton T2 relaxation rate observed during thermal treatment of aqueous whey protein solutions above the denaturing onset temperature paralleled results obtained with the standard Rowland (1938) method. The influence of milk constituants on NMR characteristics was analysed. The NMR response increased with the ionic strength and the addition of caseinate or casein micelles. The relevance of the T2 relaxation probe for studying thermal modifications of milk proteins is discussed. It is proposed to apply the NMR method for determining either reversible or irreversible thermal denaturation of whey proteins in model Systems.
Guilds, functional types and ecological groups

The terms 'guild', 'functional type', 'functional group', 'structure-function group', 'plant type', 'adaptive syndrome', 'strategy' (sensu Grime 1979), 'species group' and 'ecological group' have all been used to describe ecological groupings of species. Although some workers have tried to make distinctions among these terms, no distinctions have been consistent between workers. Each term has been used in different ways by different
Beyond Backprop: Alternating Minimization with co-Activation Memory

We propose a novel online algorithm for training deep feedforward neural networks that employs alternating minimization (block-coordinate descent) between the weights and activation variables. It extends off-line alternating minimization approaches to online, continual learning, and improves over stochastic gradient descent (SGD) with backpropagation in several ways: it avoids the vanishing gradient issue, it allows for non-differentiable nonlinearities, and it permits parallel weight updates across the layers. Unlike SGD, our approach employs co-activation memory inspired by the online sparse coding algorithm of [17]. Furthermore, local iterative optimization with explicit activation updates is a potentially more biologically plausible learning mechanism than backpropagation. We provide theoretical convergence analysis and promising empirical results on several datasets.
Strategies for enhanced malolactic fermentation in wine and cider maturation

Malolactic fermentation (the conversion of malate to lactate) has been recognised as a desired process in wine and cider making and is being progressively developed. It not only concerns the conversion of malate but also involves flavour-related biotransformations catalysed by malolactic fermentation bacteria. This review considers strategies to improve the reliability and performance of malolactic fermentation and documents the development of cell propagation systems and maturation processes, especially in relation to the physiology and biochemistry of malolactic fermentation bacteria. This includes the use of starter cultures and high cell concentrations for propagation and biotransformation, the types of bioreactors and their operational modes, especially those associated with the process of malolactic fermentation. Oenococcus oeni, the predominant organism associated with malolactic fermentation, is an acidophilic bacterium and is able to grow in wine at pH 3.5 or lower in the presence of ethanol and sulphite. As malolactic fermentation takes place in a highly alcoholic (up to 13% v/v) and highly acidic (pH 3.5 or lower) environment, slow growth and poor yields are frequently encountered when starter cultures are used. As a result, it requires several weeks or even months in such conditions to achieve full maturation. The malolactic fermentation process is also affected by temperature, malate concentration, nutrient composition and cell concentration. With an improved understanding of malolactic fermentation and the use of high cell concentrations, appropriate bioreactor designs and various operational modes, process innovation involving the separation of cell propagation from the maturation process now looks feasible. The review assesses the performance of malolactic fermentation systems and the relative benefits of high-cell-concentration biotransformation systems (free cells, immobilised cells or membrane bioreactor) to achieve malolactic fermentation with high productivity. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
DNA-based Identification of Goose Species from Two Archaeological Sites in Lincolnshire

Species-level identification of goose remains from archaeological sites is confounded by the lack of morphometric criteria by which to differentiate the bones. This results in the loss of both palaeoecological and archaeological information. In order to address this problem we have developed an ancient DNA-based identification system which centres on the amplification of the first domain of the mitochondrial control region. We have used this technique to identify remains from two archaeological sites in Lincolnshire, a post-Mediaeval garderobe deposit from Vicars Court, Lincoln and the Anglo-Saxon settlement at Flixborough. From Vicars Court we have identified domestic goose remains, and from Flixborough we have identified both domestic and pink-footed geese. Biometric analysis of the ancient DNA identified bones from Flixborough confirms that a large degree of size variation occurs within each species, supporting the use of ancient DNA in the identification of the remains. Histological analysis of a subsample of the bones from Flixborough confirms the previously suggested relationship between ancient DNA survival and histological preservation.
Percoll Gradient Optimization for Blood CD133+ Stem Cell Recovery

Circulating CD133+ stem cells from the peripheral blood have been shown to be able to differentiate into numerous cell lineages. However, adults have only a small number of these circulating stem cells. The aim of the present study was to assess a new isolation and enrichment technique for CD133+ stem cells from peripheral blood with the use of Percoll density gradients. Our results demonstrated the presence of two large mononuclear bands when whole blood was centrifuged with 48% and 50% Percoll concentrations. Flow cytometric analysis (FACS) revealed a major CD133+ enrichment at the 48% Percoll concentration in one of the two bands. Further culture of these cells resulted in the formation of multiple colony-forming units. Our results suggest an advantage from using a simple Percoll gradient for successful CD133+ cell recovery, which could aid in differentiation and transplantation protocols.
The pyramidal tract. A fiber and numerical analysis in a series of non‐digital mammals (ungulates)

One of the primary functions ascribed to the pyramidal tract of some mammals is that of control of isolated or digital movement (Foerster in man, '31, '36 ; Pulton in chimpanzee and monkey, '39; and Barron in rat, '34). The object of the present investigation is to make a fiber and numerical analysis of the pyramids in a series of ungulates where digital and skilled movements a rc non-existent. On tlic basis of what is known, no tract in the central nervous spstcm changes in its basic physiology as the mammalian pliylogeiwtic scale is ascended. If it is assurried that thc pyramiclal tract of hoofed animals subscrves a diffei.cnt function than in pi*imutes o r rats, it would be atypical arid would require a contrary neuronal morphology. A complete understanding of thc pyramidal tract may eveiitually depend upon phplogenetic studies. This bundle exists only in mammals and in most lower ranking ones it terminates either in the medulla oblongata or upper cervical cord. There must be an important iicurological reason for this characteristic. The most constant fact regarding the pyramidal tract from the pliplogenetic point of view is that it courses in the pyramids. Still unexplained to the satisfaction of all are the following : its origin, termination and variations in position and length. Lloyd ( '41) has shown by cxpcriniental stimulation that there is a difference iii the velocity of impulses in the pyramidal
Reduced availability of rhizobia limits the performance but not invasiveness of introduced Acacia

The ability to form effective mutualisms with nitrogen‐fixing bacteria (rhizobia) is implicated in the success of introduced leguminous plant species, such as Acacia. While Acacia appear to associate with rhizobia where introduced, there is evidence that the extent of this may limit success during early stages of colonization. We examine three Australian Acacia species that have been introduced to New Zealand and ask whether variation in their ability to form rhizobial associations can explain differences in the degree to which they have established and spread since introduction. In both Australia and New Zealand, we used glasshouse experiments to measure growth and nodulation of Acacia seedlings grown under two soil treatments: soils taken from underneath conspecifics (Host+ soils) and soils taken from the same sites but away from Acacia trees (Host−). We predicted that suitable rhizobia would be widespread in Australia leading to similar growth and nodulation in Host+ and Host− soils. However, we predicted lower growth and nodulation in New Zealand Host− soils, relative to New Zealand Host+ soils, due to limited availability of suitable rhizobia away from established conspecifics. We also predicted that differences between Host+ and Host− soils would be less marked in Acacia that were more widespread in New Zealand. Finally, we examined whether the establishment of one Acacia species might facilitate the establishment of other species by planting seedlings into soils associated with each of the two congeners. As predicted, seedling growth and nodulation were lower in Host− than Host+ soils in New Zealand but there was no significant difference in Australia. In both countries, the difference between Host+ and Host− soils was similar for all three species and in conspecific and congeneric soils. Synthesis. In New Zealand, Acacia seedlings that colonize sites away from established conspecifics or congeners are likely to suffer reduced growth and nodulation, which may limit their ability to establish and spread away from introduction sites. However, this limitation was the same for all three species, implying that interactions with soil biota cannot explain differences in the degree to which these Acacia have spread in New Zealand.
SEASONALITY OF WATER AND HEAT FLUXES OVER A TROPICAL FOREST IN EASTERN AMAZONIA

We used the eddy covariance technique from July 2000 to July 2001 to measure the fluxes of sensible heat, water vapor, and CO2 between an old-growth tropical forest in eastern Amazonia and the atmosphere. Precipitation varied seasonally, with a wet season from mid-December 2000 to July 2001 characterized by successive rainy days, wet soil, and, relative to the dry season, cooler temperatures, greater cloudiness, and reduced incoming solar and net radiation. Average evapotranspiration decreased from 3.96 ± 0.65 mm/d during the dry season to 3.18 ± 0.76 mm/d during the wet season, in parallel with decreasing radiation and decreasing water vapor deficit. The average Bowen ratio was 0.17 ± 0.10, indicating that most of the incoming radiation was used for evaporation. The Bowen ratio was relatively low during the early wet season (December–March), as a result of increased evaporative fraction and reduced sensible heat flux. The seasonal decline in Bowen ratio and increase in evaporative fraction coincided with an increase in ecosystem CO2 assimilation capacity, which we attribute to the growth of new leaves. The evaporative fraction did not decline as the dry season progressed, implying that the forest did not become drought stressed. The roots extracted water throughout the top 250 cm of soil, and water redistribution, possibly by hydraulic lift, partially recharged the shallow soil during dry season nights. The lack of drought stress during the dry season was likely a consequence of deep rooting, and possibly vertical water movement, which allowed the trees to maintain access to soil water year round.
Adsorption, immobilization and activity of cellulase in soil: the impacts of maize straw and its humification

The present work aimed to study some aspects of sorption and immobilization of cellulase molecules on soil components by the analysis of the reactions of cellulase in a soil treated with different levels of maize residue and incubated for 90 days. The analysis of variance showed that the effects of the treatments of maize straw, incubation time and their interaction on cellulase adsorption, desorption and immobilization were statistically significant. The adsorption and immobilization capacities of soil by application of maize straw increased significantly. However they decreased with decreasing the soil organic matter (SOM) after 45 days of incubation. The desorption of adsorbed cellulase molecules from the soil by washing with distilled water depended on the SOM contents and its humification. The binding strength of cellulase molecule with fresh miaze straw was significantly stronger than that with humified maize straw. The immobilized cellulase activity, particularly its specific activity increased significantly by increasing the OC contents in the soil treated with maize straw.
Comparison of the Nonparametric Mokken Model and Parametric IRT Models Using Latent Class Analysis

A nonparametric Mokken analysis of test data generally results in the rejection of different items as misfitting than an analysis with a parametric item response theory model. This is due to differences between the methods of analysis employed. Croon (1991) demonstrated that the assumption of "double monotony" of the nonparametric Mokken model can be tested with a latent class analysis using the EM procedure. This allows a comparison of the Mokken model of double monotony and parametric item response models within the same framework. The Mokken model was compared with parametric models using simulated data. It was demonstrated that latent class analysis provides a consistent comparison of item response models. Index terms: EM algorithm, item fit, item response theory, latent class analysis, model comparisons, Mokken model, Rasch model.
Design and Control of Active Front End Converters for Traction Application

Supply Line disturbances, harmonics in line current, low power factor to electric power system are some of the common problems in traction power supply system. In order to overcome these problems a control structure is proposed which consists of dc link voltage controller and proportional resonant (PR) current controller using phase angle estimator. Current controllers are designed using PR controller to overcome the limitations of PI controller such as steady state errors, limited disturbance rejection capability and unsatisfactorily performance under parameters variations, nonlinearities etc. The simulations are carried out with both PR and DQ model-based controllers and comparative results have been presented. The simulation is carried out in PSIM environment and the results demonstrate fast response and improved power quality in terms of reduced harmonics in AC mains current, high power factor and well-regulated DC output voltage. This model can easily be adopted in the actual system while reducing the overall complexity in design and control of the existing system.
A Multi-centrality Model based on Borda Count Method for Identification of Important Ports in Maritime Networks

This paper aims to build a new multi-centrality model based on Borda count method for identification of important ports in maritime networks. Main contributions of this paper can be concluded as follows. First, it is found that the AsiaEurope routes of the Maersk shipping line is not homogeneous, indicating that a few hubs occupy major shipping lines. Secondly, the multi-centrality model based on Borda count method is conducted to identify vulnerable ports of maritime networks. The proposed analysis framework could contribute to generating valuable managerial implications for the stakeholders such as shipping lines, ports, and port states to ensure the robustness of the investigated maritime supply chains. Keywords—Maritime transport; Complex networks; Network topology; Resilience; Maritime risk
SOME EFFECTS OF POTASSIUM DEFICIENCY ON THE METABOLISM OF THE TOMATO PLANT

The organic and keto acid levels in the leaves of tomato plants grown with varying levels of potassium were examined. As the potassium level was reduced, the levels of malic, oxalic, and sometimes pyruvic acids decreased, while citric, α-ketoglutaric, and glyoxylic acids accumulated. Total organic acids remained almost constant at all potassium levels, while such changes as occurred in cation levels were balanced by phosphate. These relationships held for plants grown under widely different environmental conditions and were not affected by the age of the plants. It is suggested that the changes in acid balance were brought about by changes in the activity of enzymes concerned in pyruvate metabolism and by shifts in equilibrium caused by free amino acids and amides accumulated as a result of deranged protein metabolism.
Mission-Critical Machine-Type Communication: An Overview and Perspectives Towards 5G

The machine-type communication (MTC) plays an essential role in the mobile network society and it has demonstrated its effectiveness to generate significant revenues for mobile network operators. The MTC has become the main communication paradigm for several emerging smart services, such as public safety, health care, industrial automation, drones/robotics, utilities, and transportation. The MTC requires a major model change to cope with the improvement in 5G and imposes various requirements on the enabling technology, such as ultra-reliability, low latency, and availability. The scheme that fulfills such requirements are called a mission-critical MTC (mcMTC). However, the mcMTC is still in the early-standardization phase of 5G new radio and it needs a lot of research efforts to be improved. This paper presents an extensive review and evaluations to highlight diverse challenges and future aspects of mcMTC on 5G-enabling technologies. A number of research opportunities from both academic communities and industrial partners are given as examples for encouragement purposes.
ADHD Methylphenidate Protocol

were applied during a four-week, double-blind, placebocontrolled crossover trial of placebo and two doses of methylphenidate (MPH). Although similar brief, withinsubjects crossover studies with randomized assignment to order and dose are the most common published controlled MPH trials (Spencer et al., 1996), the innovation here was to adapt the method to address titration questions, not efficacy. Also new was the use of a rank-order analysis for comparisons across different scales and domains. The robust drug effects reported in the group analyses makes one eager to learn how this approach might be adapted to making the important clinical decision about whether a particular patient is a responder to MPH, and if so, what the best dose for that patient might be. Unfortunately, only between-group analyses are reported, so that it is not possible to determine if singlesubject approaches might be drawn from data collected in this manner.
Trademark Strategy

Traditionally, trademarks are viewed from the legal perspective, and the responsibility for important trademark decisions rests with top management. Court interpretations, emerging regulatory directions, and proposed legislation have encouraged the extension of trademark strategy in many marketing activities; however, they have also placed limitations on trademark rights and uses. Marketers have the opportunity to develop a strategic orientation for top management decision making by devising an effective trademark strategy. Successful formulation and implementation of this strategy requires that marketers become aware of the legal opportunities and limitations in the use of trademarks.
The Worth of Product Placement in Successful Films: An Event Study Analysis

As a result of the diminishing effectiveness of broadcast advertising, firms are increasingly turning to product placements in films and television to promote their products. A growing stream of product placement research has conducted surveys of consumer and practitioner views on the practice and experiments to gauge product placement's impact on brand awareness, attitudes, and purchase intent. However, there is no evidence of whether firms’ investments in film product placements are worthwhile. The event study of 126 product placements in successful films during 2002 reveals a mean cumulative abnormal return of . 89% during the film's opening, indicating that product placement in a successful film is associated with positive movements in firm stock prices. Cross-sectional analysis of the returns offers new insight into how product, film, and execution factors influence the placement's worth. The authors find that placement abnormal returns are enhanced by tie-in advertising and brand equity but are inhibited by audience absorption, critical acclaim, and violent film content. Placement modality, character associations, and blatancy also significantly affect the placement's value.