Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DNA barcoding for the discrimination of Eurasian yews (Taxus L., Taxaceae) and the discovery of cryptic species

There is currently international interest in the application of DNA barcoding as a tool for plant species discrimination and identification. In this study, we evaluated the utility of five candidate plant DNA barcoding regions [rbcL, matK, trnH‐psbA, trnL‐F and internal transcribed spacer (ITS)] in Eurasian yews. This group of species is taxonomically difficult because of a lack of clear‐cut morphologically differences between species and hence represents a good test case for DNA barcoding. Forty‐seven accessions were analysed, representing all taxa treated in current floristic works and covering most of the distribution range of Taxus in Eurasia. As single loci, trnL‐F and ITS showed the highest species discriminatory power, each resolving 11 of 11 lineages (= barcode taxa). Species discrimination using matK, trnH‐psbA and rbcL individually was lower, with matK resolving 8 of 10, trnH‐psbA 7 of 11 and rbcL 5 of 11 successfully sequenced lineages. The proposed CBOL core barcode (rbcL + matK) resolved 8 of 11 lineages. Combining loci generally increased the robustness (measured by clade support) of the barcoding discrimination. Based on overall performance, trnL‐F and ITS, separately or combined, are proposed as barcode for Eurasian Taxus. DNA barcoding discriminated recognized taxa of Eurasian Taxus, namely T. baccata, T. cuspidata, T. fuana and T. sumatrana, and identified seven lineages among the T. wallichiana group, some with distinct geographical distributions and morphologies, and potentially representing new species. Using the proposed DNA barcode, a technical system can be established to rapidly and reliably identify Taxus species in Eurasia for conservation protection and for monitoring illegal trade.
Wind velocity observation with a CW Doppler radar

We study the problem of gathering information about wind velocity from continuous-wave clear-air Doppler radar measurements. The radar is assumed to be a monostatic fixed-frequency Doppler radar, and the wind velocity as well as the reflectivity are modeled as random fields with statistical parameters depending on the altitude. We seek to reconstruct the hodograph curve of the wind profile, i.e., the projection of the wind velocity profile to the ground plane. We show that under certain assumptions of the wind field, the problem reduces to a well-known problem occurring in classical X-ray tomography. Numerical simulations based on the use of X-ray inversion methods are presented.
Learning Method Using Acetylcholine in Feed Forward Neural Networks with Back Propagation Learning

—In this study, we propose back propagation learning in feed forward Neural Networks using the characteristic of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a major neurotransmitter in the human brain. The main work of acetylcholine is to excite the nerves and enhance motivation for learning and memory. In the neural networks, this function is used to approximate the information processing performed by the human brain. Our purpose is to reduce learning error rate.
Fuzzy bi-objective optimization model for multi-echelon distribution network

It is important for modern businesses to search the ways for continuous improvement in performance of their supply chains. The effective coordination and integrated decision making across the supply chain enhances the performance among its various partners in a multi stage network. The partners considered in this paper are product suppliers, processing points (PP), distribution centres (DC) and retail outlets (RO). The network addresses an uncertain environment threatened by different sources in order to captivate the real world conditions. The uncertain demand of deteriorating products and its dependent costs develop uncertainties in the environment. On the other hand, suppliers and processing points have restricted capacities for the retail outlets’ order amount happened in each period. A bi-objective non-linear fuzzy mathematical model is developed in which the uncertainties are represented by the fuzzy set theory. The proposed model shows cost minimization and best supplier selection coordination under the conditions of capacity constraints, uncertain parameters and product’s deteriorating nature. The fish and fish products give good examples for the proposed model. To solve, the model is converted into crisp form and solved with the help of fuzzy goal programming.
Adaptive Learning in In nite Horizon Decision Problems

Building on Marcet and Sargent (1989) and Preston (2005) this paper shows that for in nite horizon decision problems in which agents optimize but have arbitrary subjective expectations about the evolution of state variables beyond their control optimal decision rules necessarily depend on in nite-horizon expectations. This contrasts with most work on adaptive learning in macroeconomics since Marcet and Sargent (1989) which posit Euler equations as decision rules in which only one-period-ahead forecasts matter. Using the Townsend (1983) investment model and the canonical consumption model various pathologies of the Euler equation approach are adduced. The two modeling approaches are shown to give very di¤erent conclusions about policy in a simple model of output gap and ination determination.
Warmer paleotemperatures for terrestrial ecosystems

Floras of predominantly wet-soil environments show a greater than expected proportion of toothed leaves, affecting the outcome of leaf physiognomically based temperature estimates. New analyses of foliar physiognomy of plants growing in predominantly wet soils in modern forests suggest that current methods of inferring paleotemperatures from fossil floras yield underestimates of 2.5–10°C. The changes we propose bring terrestrial paleotemperature estimates into agreement with temperatures inferred from other biological and geological proxies and strengthen the use of leaf physiognomy as a method for climate reconstruction.
Relative effectiveness of an extension program and a combined program of manipulation and flexion and extension exercises in patients with acute low back syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The relative effectiveness of an extension program and a manipulation program with flexion and extension exercises was examined in patients with low back syndrome. SUBJECTS Forty-nine patients with less than a 3-month history of low back pain were seen at physical therapy clinics in western Pennsylvania, southern Mississippi, and eastern Missouri during a 6-month period. Twenty-seven of the 49 patients were classified a priori into a treatment-oriented category of extension/mobilization and were then randomly assigned to participate in an extension program or a program of manipulation followed by hand-heel rocks (flexion and extension). Two patients dropped out of the study (1 patient returned to work, and the other patient was unable to comply with the treatment schedule), and 1 patient was eliminated from the study because of magnified illness behavior. The remaining 24 patients (15 male, 9 female; mean age = 44 years, SD = 15, range = 14-73) were assigned randomly and equally to the two groups. Eight physical therapists participated in the study. METHODS A randomized clinical trial comparing the two regimens was conducted for a 1-week period. Outcome was assessed using an Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire initially (before treatment) and at 3 and 5 days posttreatment, and data were analyzed using a 2 x 3 (group x time) analysis of variance. RESULTS A significant interaction of the group and time variables was demonstrated, indicating that the rate of positive response was greater in the manipulation/hand-heel rock group than in the extension group. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION In this category of patients with low back pain, the use of manipulation as an adjunct to an ongoing exercise program appears to be warranted.
[Association of chemokines and their receptors genes polymorphisms with risk of myocardial infarction].

OBJECTIVE To assess the association of variations in chemokines (CCL5, CCL2), chemokine receptor (CCR5 and CCR2) genes with susceptibility to myocardial infarction (MI) through a case-control study. METHODS Genotypes of patients with MI (n = 634) were compared with those of controls (n = 601). Genetic polymorphisms of CCL5 rs2107538 (-403G > A), CCL2 rs1024611 (-2518A > G), CCR5 rs333 ( δ 32 ins or del) and CCR2 rs1799864 (190G > A) of 1235 individuals were determined with polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Particular genotypes were confirmed with DNA sequencing. RESULTS No subject was found to carry the CCR5 - δ 32 allele. No association was found between CCL2 rs1024611 and CCR2 rs1799864 polymorphisms and MI. For CCL5 rs2107538 polymorphism, the A allele has occurred at a higher frequency in MI patients than controls, and its AA genotype has been associated with a significantly increased risk of MI independent of conventional risk factors (OR = 3.346, 95%CI = 1.938-5.775, P < 0.01, AA vs. GG). Further analysis indicated that MI patients had significantly more A-403 - A-2518 haplotype (CCL5 -403G > A and CCL2 -2518A > G, 21.8% vs. 26.6%, OR = 1.229, 95%CI = 1.012-1.493, P = 0.038) and AA or AA genotype (CCL5 -403G > A - CCL2 -2518A > G, 5.0% vs. 12.1%, OR = 3.245, 95%CI = 1.780-5.914, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Although our data dose not support an association between CCL2 rs1024611, CCR2 rs1799864 and CCR5 rs333 polymorphisms and MI, genetic variation in CCL5 gene may still be a useful marker for assessing susceptibility to MI in ethnic Han Chinese population.
Effect of continuous aerobic vs. interval training on selected anthropometrical, physiological and functional parameters of adults with Down syndrome.

BACKGROUND A large percentage of adults with Down syndrome (DS) are overweight and have extremely low aerobic capacities compared with the general population and persons with intellectual disability without DS. Previous aerobic training intervention studies showed limited potential to significantly ameliorate anthropometrical and cardiovascular variables. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the effect of continuous aerobic training (CAT) vs. interval training (IT) on selected anthropometrical, health, physical and functional parameters of adults with DS. METHODS Forty-two adults with DS (25 men and 17 women) and a mean age of 33.8 (±8.6) years were randomly allocated to one of three groups (IT, CAT and control). Training was performed for 12 weeks. The IT group performed 10-30 s all out sprints with 90 s (1:3 work-rest ratio) of low cadence, low intensity cycling or walking. The CAT group performed continuous cycling and walking at an intensity of 70-80% of VO2 peak. Heart rate monitors were used for monitoring training intensities. After 6 weeks of training, the intensity of the CAT was increased to 85% of VO2 peak, whilst the intensity of the IT group remained 'all out'. An increase of 5 min in duration was implemented after 6 weeks for both training groups. To evaluate pre-post differences between groups, a repeated analysis of covariance with post hoc Bonferroni test was performed RESULTS: After 12 weeks of training, body weight and body mass index decreased significantly more in the IT group compared with control and CAT (P < 0.05). Participants in the IT group decreased their body weight from 71.4 ± 8 to 69.4 ± 8 kg and their body mass index from 29.3 ± 4 to 28.5 ± 4 kg/m2 . Significant ameliorations for functional parameters and leg strength were shown for CAT compared with control (P < 0.05). Participants in the CAT group improved their performance in the 6 minute walk distance (499 ± 78 to 563 ± 75 m), 8-ft up-and-go (5.9 ± 1.2 to 4.8 ± 0.9) and leg strength (13.1 ± 2 to 15.2 ± 2). VO2 peak and time to exhaustion significantly improved in both the IT and CAT group compared with control (P < 0.01). Moreover, a significant improvement for relative VO2 peak was also determined for IT compared with CAT (P < 0.05). Participants in the IT group increased their VO2 peak from 32 ± 8 to 37 ± 8 mL/min/kg. Submaximal heart rate and VO2 values improved significantly within both exercise groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Interval training and CAT can both be pursued by adults with DS to positively impact on various parameters of anthropometry, fitness and functional ability, with IT more appropriate for improving body weight and aerobic capacity.
Modeling and MPPT control of a Tidal stream generator

This paper deals with the design, modeling and control of a Tidal Stream Generator (TSG) system including a tidal turbine, a rotor shaft and a Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG). Below high tidal speed the system is regulated so that for every tidal velocity reaches the maximum power. A rotational speed control based-Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for a TSG is investigated to provide the suitable rotational speed to the system in order to track the maximum power and thus keeping the pitch angle null. Two study cases were proposed to test the performance of the control strategy. The obtained results show that the proposed control provide satisfactory tracking of the MPPT reference.
Activation of Rho GTPases by DOCK Exchange Factors Is Mediated by a Nucleotide Sensor

Crystal Clear Guanine nucleotide exchange factors stimulate exchange of guanine diphosphate (GDP) for guanine triphosphate (GTP) and activate small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) required for the regulation of many biological processes. Yang et al. (p. 1398) provide a detailed picture of the complete catalytic cycle by which a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, DOCK9, activates the small GTPase, Cdc42. A small region of DOCK9 appears to sense whether GTP or GDP is bound to Cdc42 in a mechanism that is distinct from that observed for other GTPases. Crystal structures reveal the mechanism of a nucleotide exchange factor regulating cytoskeleton and cell signaling networks. Activation of Rho guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) to the guanine triphosphate (GTP)–bound state is a critical event in their regulation of the cytoskeleton and cell signaling. Members of the DOCK family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) are important activators of Rho GTPases, but the mechanism of activation by their catalytic DHR2 domain is unknown. Through structural analysis of DOCK9-Cdc42 complexes, we identify a nucleotide sensor within the α10 helix of the DHR2 domain that contributes to release of guanine diphosphate (GDP) and then to discharge of the activated GTP-bound Cdc42. Magnesium exclusion, a critical factor in promoting GDP release, is mediated by a conserved valine residue within this sensor, whereas binding of GTP-Mg2+ to the nucleotide-free complex results in magnesium-inducing displacement of the sensor to stimulate discharge of Cdc42-GTP. These studies identify an unusual mechanism of GDP release and define the complete GEF catalytic cycle from GDP dissociation followed by GTP binding and discharge of the activated GTPase.
A quantum inspired algorithm for the job shop scheduling problem

The classical job shop scheduling problem (JSP) is typically NP hard. A quantum inspired algorithm is proposed to solve the JSP. Firstly, the JSP is formulated. Secondly, the detail of the quantum inspired algorithm is designed, including the quantum chromosome encoding and decoding mechanism, the updating method with the rotation gate matrix. The elitist strategy is integrated to speed up the convergence. Finally, the experiment with the FT06 instance shows the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed approach.
Detection of Vibrio cholerae O1 and O139 in environmental waters of rural Bangladesh: a flow-cytometry-based field trial

SUMMARY Presence of Vibrio cholerae serogroups O1 and O139 in the waters of the rural area of Matlab, Bangladesh, was investigated with quantitative measurements performed with a portable flow cytometer. The relevance of this work relates to the testing of a field-adapted measurement protocol that might prove useful for cholera epidemic surveillance and for validation of mathematical models. Water samples were collected from different water bodies that constitute the hydrological system of the region, a well-known endemic area for cholera. Water was retrieved from ponds, river waters, and irrigation canals during an inter-epidemic time period. Each sample was filtered and analysed with a flow cytometer for a fast determination of V. cholerae cells contained in those environments. More specifically, samples were treated with O1- and O139-specific antibodies, which allowed precise flow-cytometry-based concentration measurements. Both serogroups were present in the environmental waters with a consistent dominance of V. cholerae O1. These results extend earlier studies where V. cholerae O1 and O139 were mostly detected during times of cholera epidemics using standard culturing techniques. Furthermore, our results confirm that an important fraction of the ponds’ host populations of V. cholerae are able to self-sustain even when cholera cases are scarce. Those contaminated ponds may constitute a natural reservoir for cholera endemicity in the Matlab region. Correlations of V. cholerae concentrations with environmental factors and the spatial distribution of V. cholerae populations are also discussed.
Network Position, Technological Distance and Firm’s Cooperation Innovation

This paper studied the joint effects of network position and technological distance on firm’s cooperation innovation based on the data of firm’s patent cooperation from 2003-2013 in the electronic information, electric power and equipment manufacturing industry. Results show that both network centrality and structure holes have a significant positive impact on the firm’s cooperation innovation output; technological distance and cooperative innovation performance have an inverted u-shaped relationship; the interaction of network centrality and technological distance negatively regulates the cooperative innovation performance; the interaction of technological distance and structure holes can promote cooperative innovation performance.
Consumer engagement on social media: insights from a virtual brand community

Purpose Based on the conceptual model of consumer engagement in a virtual brand community, this study aims to investigate this phenomenon and gauges the validity of the model’s assumptions in the context of a Facebook fan page. Design/methodology/approach The interactions between L’Oréal Paris Brazil and the members of its virtual community were collected for three months using a netnographic approach. The data of these interactions were evaluated using content analysis techniques. Findings The dimensions, processes and sub-processes of the conceptual model of consumer engagement, as proposed in the literature, were confirmed. Furthermore, the results reinforce the perspective that simple participation or involvement does not presume engagement, which reflects a complex psychological state dependent on the context and requiring previous and subsequent processes to manifest. Research limitations/implications The findings were based on an examination of a high-end beauty product brand’s Facebook page. Nevertheless, these findings are not necessarily limited to high-end context consumers. Larger scale research (i.e. involving wider product categories) could endorse the underlying theoretical model of engagement. Practical implications The study contributes to understanding the dynamics of how brands build relationships with consumers through social media and confirms the dynamics of the engagement concept and its role as a tool to increase brand value and competitive advantage. Originality/value This study contributes to the field by bridging the knowledge gap concerning consumer engagement in a social media context with practical and empirical evidence.
A self-referential childlike model to acquire phones, syllables and words from acoustic speech

Speech understanding requires the ability to parse spoken utterances into words. But this ability is not innate and needs to be developed by infants within the first years of their life. So far almost all computational speech processing systems neglected this bootstrapping process. Here we propose a model for early infant word learning embedded into a layered architecture comprising phone, phonotactics and syllable learning. Our model uses raw acoustic speech as input and aims to learn the structure of speech unsupervised on different levels of granularity. We present first experiments which evaluate our model on speech corpora that have some of the properties of infant-directed speech. To further motivate our approach we outline how the proposed model integrates into an embodied multimodal learning and interaction framework running on Hondapsilas ASIMO robot.
Scaleable Single-Photon Avalanche Diode Structures in Nanometer CMOS Technology

Single-photon avalanche photodiodes (SPADs) operating in Geiger mode offer exceptional time resolution and optical sensitivity. Implementation in modern nanometer-scale complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technologies to create dense high-resolution arrays requires a device structure that is scaleable down to a few micrometers. A family of three SPAD structures with sub-100-Hz mean dark count rate (DCR) is proposed in 130-nm CMOS image sensor technology. Based on a novel retrograde buried n-well guard ring, these detectors are shown to readily scale from 32 to 2 μm with improving DCR, jitter, and yield. One of these detectors is compatible with standard triple-well digital CMOS, and the others bring the first low-DCR realizations at the 130-nm node of shallow-trench-isolation-bounded and enhancement SPADs.
Joint TCP congestion control and wireless-link scheduling for wireless internet applications

In this paper, we propose that the keys to Internet cross-layer optimization are the development of nonstandard implicit primal-dual solvers for underlying optimization problems, and design of jointly optimal network protocols as decomposition of such solvers. Relying on this novel approach, we develop joint TCP congestion control and wireless-link scheduling schemes for wireless applications over Internet with centralized and distributed (multi-hop) wireless links. Different from the existing solutions, the proposed schemes can be asynchronously implemented without message passing among network nodes; thus they are readily deployed with current infrastructure. Moreover, global convergence/stability of the proposed schemes to optimal equilibrium is established using the Lyapunov method in the network fluid model. Simulation results are provided to evaluate the proposed schemes in practical networks.