Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gene Flow and Genetic Structure in the Wild-Weedy-Domesticated Complex of Phaseolus lunatus L. in its Mesoamerican Center of Domestication and Diversity

The role of gene flow in autogamous domesticated species diversity and their wild relatives is an issue that requires more field data. Using nine microsatellite loci, an analysis was done of the magnitude and direction of gene flow in the wild–weedy–domesticated complex of Phaseolus lunatus L. under traditional agricultural conditions in four regions on the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, its center of domestication and diversity in Mesoamerica. Two complementary methods were used. The Bayesian genotype assignment approach showed that recent gene flow was low at both the intraregional and interregional levels. The same was found with the frequency method for long-term gene flow (Nm intraregional from 0.31 to 0.51, and Nm interregional 5 0.44). In addition, the gene flow from domesticate to wild populations was three times higher than in the opposite direction. This asymmetry can be explained by regional agricultural practices and seed selection criteria. Domesticate alleles were shown to be entering wild populations of different agricultural regions, suggesting exchange of domesticated seed between farmers of different regions. These results are very important because they show that P. lunatus on the Yucatan Peninsula has a predominantly domesticate to wild gene flow. This situation may lead to genetic assimilation of wild lima bean by its domesticated counterpart and may lead to the possible escape of transgenes in this center of origin and diversity.
Assessment of the relationship between the Photochemical Reflectance Index and Light Use Efficiency : a study of its seasonal and diurnal variation in a sub-arctic birch forest, Abisko, Sweden

Photosynthesis, which describes the uptake of carbon from the atmosphere by vegetation, is key to the natural mitigation of anthropogenic climate change. Its accurate assessment is therefore of vital importance for correct estimates of the global carbon balance and the understanding of global carbon dynamics. This uptake of carbon is referred to as the gross primary productivity (GPP) and can be remotely sensed by utilising models that are based on the concept of light use efficiency (LUE). However, LUE is difficult to derive directly from remote sensing and therefore alternative approaches has been suggested for its derivation. One such approach is the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) which measures the reflectance signal of the photoprotective mechanism of the xanthophyll cycle. Even though the PRI and LUE has been shown to be correlated, no generalised relationship has yet been established and more research needs to be conducted for different species, climates and temporal scales in order for this to be achieved. This report shows that for a birch forest in a sub-arctic climate, PRI does not approximate LUE over diurnal and seasonal time scales. The correlation between PRI and LUE were generally higher over the seasonal time scale compared to the diurnal analysis, which exhibited varying correlations throughout the season. The majority of these correlations were not significant (p<0.05), suggesting that PRI cannot be considered as a proxy for LUE in these environments. This contradicts the few studies conducted for other deciduous forests in sub-arctic climates and the research field of PRI as a whole. Therefore, it is likely that it is the design of the study that gives rise to these results and not that the relationship between PRI and LUE does not hold true. The findings of this study therefore comply with and contribute to the body of evidence that suggest that PRI is a sensitive index, highly influenced by external factors. (Less)
Time-domain homogenization of litz-wire bundles in FE calculations

This paper deals with a time-domain homogenization technique for litz-wire bundles embedded in a finite element (FE) model. An elementary FE model is used to determine dimensionless frequency- and time-domain coefficients regarding the skin and proximity effects in litz-wire bundles. Thanks to these coefficients, litz-wire bundles become homogeneous conductors which are easy to integrate into a FE model of a complete device. The method is validated with the reference solution of the 2-D FE transformer model, which is computed by finely discretizing each conductor. The results agree well with the accurate reference solution.
Band Structure Effects on the Scaling Properties of [111] InAs Nanowire MOSFETs

We have investigated the scaling properties of [111] InAs nanowire MOSFETs in the ballistic limit. The nanowire band structure has been calculated with an sp3d5 s* tight-binding model for nanowire diameters between 2 and 25 nm. Both the effective band gap and the effective masses increase with confinement. Using the atomistic dispersion relations, the ballistic currents and corresponding capacitances have been calculated with a semianalytical model. It is shown that the InAs nanowire MOSFET with diameters scaled below 15-20 nm can be expected to operate close to the quantum capacitance limit, assuming a high-kappa dielectric thickness of 1-1.5 nm. We have also investigated the evolution of ft and the gate delay, both showing improvements as the device is scaled. The very small intrinsic gate capacitance in the quantum limit makes the device susceptible to parasitic capacitances.
Leapfrogging into new territory : How Mascarene

The Mascarene ridged frog, Ptychadena mascareniensis, is a species complex that includes numerous lineages occurring mostly in humid savannas and open forests of mainland Africa, Madagascar, the Seychelles, and the Mascarene Islands. Sampling across this broad distribution presents an opportunity to examine the genetic differentiation within this complex and to investigate how the evolution of bioclimatic niches may have shaped current biogeographic patterns. Using model-based phylogenetic methods and molecular-clock dating, we constructed a time-calibrated molecular phylogenetic hypothesis for the group based on mitochondrial 16S rRNA and cytochrome b (cytb) genes and the nuclear RAG1 gene from 173 individuals. Haplotype networks were reconstructed and species boundaries were investigated using three species-delimitation approaches: Bayesian generalized mixed Yule-coalescent model (bGMYC), the Poisson Tree Process model (PTP) and a cluster algorithm (SpeciesIdentifier). Estimates of similarity in bioclimatic niche were calculated from species-distribution models (MAXENT) and multivariate statistics (Principal Component Analysis, Discriminant Function Analysis). Ancestral-area reconstructions were performed on the phylogeny using probabilistic approaches implemented in BioGeoBEARS. We detected high levels of genetic differentiation yielding ten distinct lineages or operational taxonomic units, and Central Africa was found to be a diversity hotspot for these frogs. Most speciation events took place throughout the Miocene, including ‘‘out-of-Africa” overseas dispersal
Lip detection and tracking

Seeing the talker's lips in addition to audition can improve speech understanding which is rather based on lip shape temporal evolution than on absolute mouth shape. We propose a totally automatic algorithm which can extract lip shape over an image sequence. The algorithm does not require any make-up or markers and works under natural lighting conditions. The lip detection algorithm uses an active shape model to describe the mouth. After a training step, the mouth model is iteratively deformed under constraints according to spatiotemporal energies. The robust prior detection of mouth corners and Cupidon's arch yields the automatic positioning of the initial shape which is very difficult and must be as accurate as possible. Temporal information integration comes from the definition of Kalman filters on the independent mouth parameters. Such filtering gives an initial shape close to the final one which speeds up the convergence rate. We point out on the behaviour of our algorithm when a transition open mouth/closed mouth or closed mouth/open mouth occurs.
Assessment of an in vitro blood-brain barrier model using several [Met5]enkephalin opioid analogs.

Confluent monolayers of primary and continuous passaged cultures of bovine brain microvessel endothelial cells (BMEC) have been suggested to model the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Increased lipophilicity has been previously suggested to increase BBB penetration. The intent of this study was to examine the effect that structural modifications of the [Met5]enkephalin analog DPDPE had on lipophilicity and passage across the BMEC. The BMEC consisted of a monolayer of confluent primary BMEC grown on polycarbonate (10 microns) filters. Permeability coefficients were calculated on the basis of the diffusion of peptides across the BMEC in a Side-Bi-Side diffusion chamber. Lipophilicity of the peptides examined was determined by using reversed-phase HPLC and calculating the capacity factor (k). Diffusion across the BMEC (for all peptides examined) was linear from 15 to 120 min; therefore, these time points were used to calculate permeability coefficients. Permeability coefficients ranged from 14.34 to 92.00 cm/min (x 10(-4), with [rho-ClPhe4,4']biphalin the highest. Analysis of variance coupled with the Newman-Keuls test showed significantly greater (P < .01) passage of select peptide analogs across the BMEC, including [rho-ClPhe4,4']biphalin, [rho-ClPhe4]DPDPE and reduced DPDPE. Interestingly, upon passage across the confluent monolayer, reduced DPDPE was converted to cyclized DPDPE. Calculated HPLC capacity factors ranged from 3.82 to 12.50. The most lipophilic peptide (highest) examined was acetylated Phe0-DPDPE. Analysis of the regression line of permeability coefficients plotted against capacity factors yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.745 (P < .01). The data provided in this study offer strong evidence that increasing peptide lipophilicity enhances passage across the BMEC. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
C 4-derived soil organic carbon decomposes faster than its C 3 counterpart in mixed C 3 / C 4 soils

The large difference in the degree of discrimination of stable carbon isotopes between C3 and C4 plants is widely exploited in global change and carbon cycle research, often with the assumption that carbon retains the carbon isotopic signature of its photosynthetic pathway during later stages of decomposition in soil and sediments. We applied longterm incubation experiments and natural C-labelling of C3 and C4-derived soil organic carbon (SOC) collected from across major environmental gradients in Australia to elucidate a significant difference in the rate of decomposition of C3and C4-derived SOC. We find that the active pool of SOC (ASOC) derived from C4 plants decomposes at over twice the rate of the total pool of ASOC. As a result, the proportion of C4 photosynthesis represented in the heterotrophic CO2 flux from soil must be over twice the proportional representation of C4-derived biomass in SOC. This observation has significant implications for much carbon cycle research that exploits the carbon isotopic difference in these two photosynthetic pathways.
Active Learning through a Debate Series in a First-Year Pharmacy Self-Care Course

Objective. To evaluate the usefulness of formal debates in the pharmacy classroom as a way to learn course material and as a tool for developing competency in essential skills including critical thinking, communication, public speaking, research methods, and teamwork. Design. Debates were incorporated into a self-care course, where students were assigned different debate topics focused on controversial issues. Quantitative analysis was completed to assess debate style learning, knowledge about the subjects presented, and the impact on necessary skills. Assessment. Quizzes given before and after debates showed up to a 36% improvement in grades and up to a 31% change in opinions on the topic. Students assessed themselves as more competent in the skill sets at the completion of the debate series. Conclusion. Incorporation of debates into didactic style courses offers students an opportunity to improve upon skills that will help them succeed as pharmacists.
Soluciones exactas y numéricas de modelos de difusión con retardo en dominios bidimensionales y no acotados

Introduccion y motivacion Las ecuaciones diferenciales constituyen una de las herramientas basicas de la modelizacion matematica. Existen numerosos problemas reales en los que el comportamiento del sistema depende, aunque sea en parte, de su historia previa, de modo que para poder modelizar estos procesos es necesario utilizar ecuaciones diferenciales funcionales. En particular, las ecuaciones diferenciales con retardo y las ecuaciones en derivadas parciales con retardo han merecido un especial interes, debido a que recogen las caracteristicas esenciales de los procesos en los que existen efectos hereditarios o retardados, encontrando multitud de aplicaciones en problemas y campos muy diversos (vease [1]-[8] y las referencias alli incluidas). Uno de los metodos clasicos en la resolucion de ecuaciones en derivadas parciales lineales con coeficientes constantes es el metodo de separacion de variables, que permite reducir el problema a la solucion de ecuaciones diferenciales ordinarias. En los ultimos anos, dentro del grupo de investigacion sobre Ecuaciones diferenciales con retardo de la Universidad de Alicante se han desarrollado distintos trabajos en esta linea, asi como en la obtencion de soluciones numericas de ecuaciones en derivadas parciales con retardo mediante esquemas en diferencias, concretados en tres tesis doctorales ya presentadas y diversas publicaciones ([9]-[15]). Objetivos y resultados En este trabajo de tesis se pretende avanzar en la consideracion de dominios mas generales que pueden ser de interes en las aplicaciones en la modelizacion de procesos de difusion y conduccion del calor en los que se presentan efectos retardados. El objetivo general planteado en el proyecto de esta tesis fue la obtencion de soluciones exactas y analitico-numericas de ecuaciones generalizadas de difusion con retardo en dominios bidimensionales y no acotados. El interes fundamental era extender los resultados obtenidos en una tesis previa y en trabajos anteriores a dominios mas generales de los alli considerados, permitiendo con ello ampliar el rango de problemas y aplicaciones en los que podrian ser de utilidad resultados similares a los obtenidos en dicha tesis. Asimismo, dado el enorme interes registrado en los ultimos anos por los modelos no clasicos de conduccion del calor, debido a la necesidad de considerar fenomenos de conduccion del calor a nivel de microescala en diversas aplicaciones tecnicas recientes (laseres ultrarrapidos, nanofluidos, etc…) entre los objetivos del proyecto de tesis se incluyo la obtencion de soluciones exactas y numericas para algunos de los distintos modelos de conduccion del calor con retardo propuestos en la literatura, que facilitasen el calculo y el estudio comparativo de las propiedades de los distintos modelos.
A COMPARISON OF HORIZONTAL TAKEOFF RLVS FOR NEXT GENERATION SPACE TRANSPORTATION

Andrews Space has developed the "Alchemist" Air Collection and Enrichment System (ACES), which enables a paradigm shift in reusable launch vehicle (RLV) architecture safety and operability while meeting NASA's Next Generation RLV requirements. Horizontal takeoff horizontal landing (HTHL) architectures have been shown to have substantial operational benefits over traditional vertical takeoff rocket systems. In this paper, we present a status report of an in-house study comparing a two stage to orbit (TSTO) RLV using Alchemist ACES with two 3 rd Generation RLV
Association of female reproductive factors with body composition: the Framingham Heart Study.

BACKGROUND Identifying reproductive risk factors in women offers a life course approach to obesity and cardiovascular disease prevention. The association of female reproductive factors with measures of regional body fat distribution has not been comprehensively studied. METHODS We examined the association of female reproductive factors (age at menarche, parity, age at natural menopause, menopausal status) in association with body composition data from women who participated in the Offspring and the Third Generation Framingham Heart Study cohorts. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and sc adipose tissue (SAT) were measured volumetrically by multidetector computerized tomography. We modeled the relationship between each fat depot and female reproductive factors after adjusting for various factors such as age, smoking status, alcohol intake, physical activity index, hormone replacement therapy, and menopausal status. RESULTS Earlier age at menarche was associated with increased body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), VAT, and SAT (P < 0.0001). This association of earlier menarche with adiposity measures was attenuated after adjusting for BMI (all P > 0.70). We observed no association between parity and all parameters of adiposity measurements (all P > 0.24). Similarly, age at natural menopause was not associated with measures of body composition. Despite higher mean BMI among the post- (BMI 27.3 kg/m(2)) compared with the premenopausal women (BMI 25.9 kg/m(2)) in an age-matched analysis, mean VAT was not different between the two groups (P = 0.30). CONCLUSIONS Earlier menarche is associated with overall obesity but not with VAT or SAT after accounting for measures of generalized adiposity. Parity and menopausal age were not associated with adiposity measures. Although postmenopausal women had increased BMI, VAT, and SAT, the association was predominantly due to age.
Macromolecular substructure in nuclear pore complexes by in-lens field-emission scanning electron microscopy.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has produced a wealth of novel images that have significantly complemented our perception of biological structure and function, derived initially from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) information. SEM is a surface imaging technology, and its impact at the subcellular level has been restricted by reduced resolution in comparison with TEM. Recently, SEM resolution has been considerably improved by the advent of high-brightness sources used in field-emission instruments (FEISEM) which have produced resolution of around 1 nm, virtually equivalent to TEM "working resolution. " Here we review our findings in the use of FEISEM in the imaging of nuclear envelopes and their associated structures, such as nuclear pore complexes, and the relationships of structure and function. FEISEM allows the structurally orientated cell biologist to visualise, directly and in three dimensions, subcellular structure and its modulation with a view to understanding its functional significance.
Body composition and metabolic parameters are associated with variation in thyroid hormone levels among euthyroid young men.

OBJECTIVE Thyroid disorders affect metabolism and body composition. Existing literature has been conflicting on whether this is also the case for thyroid hormone levels within the euthyroid range. Therefore, we have investigated the relationship between thyroid hormone concentrations and body composition together with metabolic parameters in a population of healthy euthyroid men. METHODS Healthy male siblings (n=941, 25-45 years, median BMI 24.6) were recruited in a cross-sectional, population-based study; a history or treatment of thyroid disease and thyroid autoimmunity were exclusion criteria. Body composition and muscle cross-sectional area were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Total (triiodothyronine (T(3); TT(3)) thyroxine and (T(4); TT(4))) and free thyroid hormones (FT(3) and FT(4)), TSH, and reverse T(3) (rT(3)) and thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) were determined using immunoassays. RESULTS BMI was positively associated with (F)T(3) (P<0.0001). Whole body fat mass displayed positive associations with TT(3) and with (F)T(4) and TBG (P≤0.0006). Positive associations were further observed between leptin and (F)T(3), TT(4), and TBG (P≤0.0002). Inverse associations between lean mass and muscle cross-sectional area and (F)T(3), (F)T(4), and TBG were observed (P≤0.0003). Higher levels of (F)T(3) and TBG were associated with lower insulin sensitivity, assessed by homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (IR; P≤0.0001). No associations between TSH and body composition or metabolic parameters were seen. CONCLUSION We show that a less favorable body composition (with higher fat and lower muscle mass and accompanying higher leptin concentrations) and IR are associated with higher thyroid hormone levels in healthy young men with well characterized euthyroidism.
Assessing the Effects of Benefits and Institutional Influences on the Continued Use of Environmentally Munificent Bypass Systems in Long-Haul Trucking

Commercial truck driving is an essential part of the national supply chain but one that adversely affects the environment. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of the potential environmental benefits, among other factors, on continued use of bypass systems that can be discontinued at any time by a driver. The results from our study show that (1) economic benefits and industry pressures positively influence drivers' use of bypass systems but (2) the environmental benefits of the technology do not, even though system vendors and state transportation agencies emphasize these benefits of the technology. Based on these findings, we conclude that sustainable information systems can be a viable option in a business context if usage leads to economic benefits. Our results and conclusions support the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's differentiation of public policy versus business perspectives on sustainable technology.
Depletion of abundant plant RuBisCO protein using the protamine sulfate precipitation method

Ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) is the most abundant plant leaf protein, hampering deep analysis of the leaf proteome. Here, we describe a novel protamine sulfate precipitation (PSP) method for the depletion of RuBisCO. For this purpose, soybean leaf total proteins were extracted using Tris‐Mg/NP‐40 extraction buffer. Obtained clear supernatant was subjected to the PSP method, followed by 13% SDS‐PAGE analysis of total, PS‐supernatant and ‐precipitation derived protein samples. In a dose‐dependent experiment, 0.1% w/v PS was found to be sufficient for precipitating RuBisCO large and small subunits (LSU and SSU). Western blot analysis confirmed no detection of RuBisCO LSU in the PS‐supernatant proteins. Application of this method to Arabidopsis, rice, and maize leaf proteins revealed results similar to soybean. Furthermore, 2DE analyses of PS‐treated soybean leaf displayed enriched protein profile for the protein sample derived from the PS‐supernatant than total proteins. Some enriched 2D spots were subjected to MALDI‐TOF‐TOF analysis and were successfully assigned for their protein identity. Hence, the PSP method is: (i) simple, fast, economical, and reproducible for RuBisCO precipitation from the plant leaf sample; (ii) applicable to both dicot and monocot plants; and (iii) suitable for downstream proteomics analysis.