Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular evolution of mitochondrial coding genes in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway in malacostraca: purifying selection or accelerated evolution?

Abstract The mitochondrion is the energy-producing factory of eukaryotic cells, in which oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is the main pathway for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by cellular respiration. Because of their vital role in metabolism, mitochondrial proteins are predicted to evolve primarily under constant purifying selection. However, all mitochondrial coding genes of malacostraca had a significantly higher synonymous nt divergence (Ks) in this study. Complex I (NADH dehydrogenase) and complex V (ATP synthase) had a much higher ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous nt divergence (Ka/Ks) and non-synonymous diversity (πNS), whereas complex III (cytochrome bc1 complex) and complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase) had a significantly lower Ka/Ks and non-synonymous diversity (πNS). The Ka/Ks, πNS, πS, and Ka results revealed that two types of mitochondrial genes, NADH dehydrogenase and ATP synthase, in malacostraca were consistent with accelerated evolution. Furthermore, two other types of mitochondrial genes, cytochrome bc1 complex and cytochrome c oxidase, were consistent with purifying selection. Generally, the evolutionary pattern of all mitochondrial proteins of the OXPHOS pathway in malacostraca was not entirely consistent with purifying selection.
Don't Split, Try To Work It Out: Bypassing Conflicts in Multi-Agent Pathfinding

Conflict-Based Search (CBS) is a recently introduced algorithm for Multi-AgentPath Finding (MAPF) whose runtime is exponential in the number of conflictsfound between the agents' paths. We present an improved version of CBS thatbypasses conflicts thereby reducing the CBS search tree. Experimental resultsshow that this improvement reduces the runtime by an order of magnitude in manycases.
Teaching Science to Non-Science Students with Science Classics

In Dialogue with Nature is a compulsory course on reading science-related classic texts for all students in the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The course aims to provide an opportunity for students to be familiar with the nature of science and develop their critical thinking skills. As the students are from diversified academic background, this situation has provided both positive and negative effects on the pedagogical strategies in this general education foundation course. For instance, while the course has provided a cross-disciplinary environment to stimulate the students to think beyond their own academic specialty, it has been speculated that students without prior scientific knowledge in high school could be disadvantaged in their academic performance. The intention of this paper is to report the current situation of this course and investigate the effectiveness of providing supplementary materials specifically to the non-science students. The preliminary analysis shows positive indicators on the effect.
The Combination Forecasting Model of Grain Production Based on Stepwise Regression Method and RBF Neural Network

In order to improve the accuracy of grain production forecasting, this study proposed a new combination forecasting model, the model combined stepwise regression method with RBF neural network by assigning proper weights using inverse variance method. By comparing different criteria, the result indicates that the combination forecasting model is superior to other models. The performance of the models is measured using three types of error measurement, which are Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Theil Inequality Coefficient (Theil IC) and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE). The model with smallest value of MAPE, Theil IC and RMSE stands out to be the best model in predicting the grain production. Based on the MAPE, Theil IC and RMSE evaluation criteria, the combination model can reduce the forecasting error and has high prediction accuracy in grain production forecasting, making the decision more scientific and rational.
A remote diagnosis system for rotating machinery using virtual reality

It is important to look for alternative forms of physical movement of people and equipment in order to assure diagnosis and maintenance tasks, especially in an environment where workers are subject to danger. An evident and classical solution is the use of tele-operation and tele-robotics. If tele-operation helps to solve real and technical problems, it is still unable to assure appropriate remote diagnosis and maintenance. The use of virtual reality techniques with tele-operation can be the solution for effective remote maintenance and diagnosis. We show that inefficiency occurred with the use of tele-operation only in remote maintenance. We introduce our original new system where we use 2D-3D matching and virtual reality techniques with tele-operation to remotely collect machinery vibration data. We explain its structure, implementation and advantages. We finished by experimenting the system, measuring the different operating times and precision and discussing the results.
Multiple Specific CytR Binding Sites at the Escherichia coli deoP2 Promoter Mediate Both Cooperative and Competitive Interactions between CytR and cAMP Receptor Protein*

Binding of cAMP receptor protein (CRP) and CytR mediates both positive and negative control of transcription from Escherichia coli deoP2. Transcription is activated by CRP and repressed by a multi-protein CRP·CytR·CRP complex. The latter is stabilized by cooperative interactions between CRP and CytR. Similar interactions at the other transcriptional units of the CytR regulon coordinate expression of the transport proteins and enzymes required for nucleoside catabolism. A fundamental question in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene regulation is how combinatorial mechanisms of this sort regulate differential expression. To understand the combinatorial control mechanism at deoP2, we have used quantitative footprint and gel shift analysis of CRP and CytR binding to evaluate the distribution of ligation states. By comparison to distributions for other CytR-regulated promoters, we hope to understand the roles of individual states in differential gene expression. The results indicate that CytR binds specifically to multiple sites at deoP2, including both the well recognized CytR site flanked by CRP1 and CRP2 and also sites coincident with CRP1 and CRP2. Binding to these multiple sites yields both cooperative and competitive interactions between CytR and CRP. Based on these findings we propose that CytR functions as a differential modulator of CRP1 versus CRP2-mediated activation. Additional high affinity specific sites are located at deoP1 and near the middle of the 600-base pair sequence separating P1 and P2. Evaluation of the DNA sequence requirement for specific CytR binding suggests that a limited array of contiguous and overlapping CytR sites exists at deoP2. Similar extended arrays, but with different arrangements of overlapping CytR and CRP sites, are found at the other CytR-regulated promoters. We propose that competition and cooperativity in CytR and CRP binding are important to differential regulation of these promoters.
Psicoterapia positiva grupal en cáncer. Hacia una atención psicosocial integral del superviviente de cáncer

Las enfermedades graves como el cancer pueden vivirse como experiencias traumaticas y/o como impulso para realizar cambios vitales positivos (ej. crecimiento postraumatico). El programa de psicoterapia positiva grupal para supervivientes de cancer que realizamos integra ambos elementos, trauma y crecimiento. Los objetivos del programa no son solo la reduccion de emociones negativas (malestar emocional o sintomatologia postraumatica) sino el trabajo con emociones positivas y la facilitacion de crecimiento postraumatico. Los elementos de trabajo psicoterapeutico que han mostrado evidencia en la consecucion de estos objetivos y que componen los modulos de este programa son: favorecer la expresion y procesamiento emocional, entrenar habilidades de regulacion emocional y estrategias de afrontamiento, trabajo con elementos facilitadores del crecimiento postraumatico y confrontacion con los aspectos existenciales y espirituales que surgen tras el diagnostico y tratamiento oncologico. Ademas de estos aspectos psicoterapeuticos, complementamos el programa con otros factores relevantes en la adaptacion psicosocial tras la el fomento de estilos de vida saludables, la adherencia a los tratamientos oncologicos, la reinsercion laboral y los comportamientos solidarios. Los resultados preliminares del programa muestran mayor reduccion de sintomatologia postraumatica y mayor crecimiento postraumatico en el programa de psicoterapia positiva en el seguimiento a 3 meses al compararlo con un programa anterior centrado unicamente en la reduccion de malestar emocional.
Intensive language work as a catalyst for classroom learning and an antidote for “vocabulary dormancy”

This article is based on research into vocabulary development during an intensive French language period with middle-school pupils at an outdoor centre. In addition to pupils learning new vocabulary the research suggests that some elements of their vocabulary only partially known through classroom learning become activated by intensive work, which is seen as a catalyst for such “dormant vocabulary”.
Networks in Manuel Castells’ theory of the network society

This paper discusses the conceptualization of network in Manuel Castells’ theory of network society. Castells’ early academic works were built on the structural analysis of capitalism and social movements in response to the contradictions of capitalist society, without any explicit connection to network analysis. Networks gradually appeared in Castells’ works in the late 1980s, when he became interested in the configuration of the relationships between technology, economy, and society. The culmination of this phase was his opus magnum, The Information Age trilogy, which introduced network as a key concept of his macro theory, even though he remained laconic about the concept itself. This is paradoxical, for Castells became possibly the most prominent figure globally in adopting network terminology in macro sociological theory, but at the same time made hardly any empirical, theoretical or methodological contribution to social network analysis or network theory in general. This implies that ‘network’ in Castells’ social theory is not an analytical concept but rather a powerful metaphor that served to capture his idea of the new social morphology of late capitalism.
Analysis of Multi-Frequency Polarimetric SAR Data using Different Classification Techniques

ABSTRACT Classification of polarimetric SAR images has become a very important topic after the availability of Polarimetric SAR images through different sensors like SIR-C, ALOS-PALSAR etc. The data over wet regions of India has been processed for classification of various land features like mangrove, ocean water, and clear water. In this study the utility of NASA’s Shuttle Imaging Radar-C (SIR-C) data is evaluated for wet regions of India. Supervised and unsupervised classification techniques are used to classify the data. The SIR-C data is acquired over Kolkata region of West Bengal, India. The results show that multipolarization and multi-frequency SAR data helps to classify wetlands effectively. The combinations of different polarizations from L- and C- band helps to improve the classification accuracy. It was found that the combinations of channels (L-HV, C-HH, C-HV) and (L-HH, C-HH, C-HV) gave the best overall accuracies. These two 3 channel combination can differentiate well the six classes. The five band combination L-HH, L-HV, L-VV, CHH, C-HV gives the highest classification accuracy. It is greater than the three band combinations as given above. By applying enhanced Lee filter the accuracy can be further increased. The enhanced Lee filter removes the speckle effectively. Among all the classifiers Maximum Likelihood classifier gives the best accuracy.
Keeping the Lights On Until the Regulator Makes Up His Mind!

The purpose of this paper is to examine empirically the real options to shutdown, startup, and abandon existing production assets using detailed information for 1,121 individual power plants for the period 2001--2009, a total of 8,189 plant-year observations. We find strong evidence of real options effects. We find that uncertainty about the outcome of ongoing deregulation in retail electricity markets (i) decreases the probability of shutting down operating plants, and, (ii) decreases the probability of starting up plants which were previously shutdown.
Development of multimedia system for supporting education in rural areas

In Indonesia, the condition of education still tends to be unbalanced. The quality of education in urban areas is generally far better than the quality of education in rural areas. Education processes in rural areas face some problems like limited teaching resources, slight teaching tools, and monotonous teaching method. Therefore, an idea is emerged, a thinking to create a system in order to improve the quality of education in rural areas. Virtual Classbox 4.1 is a distance learning system developed to improve the quality of education in rural areas with video conferencing technology. Virtual Classbox 4.1 is designed based on Design Science in Information System Research. In order to produce a great system, a scientific guidance must be used. Remarkable system need astounding design, like a good house needs a strong foundation. Because of that, Design Science in Information System Research, which is very well known in information system design research world, is used.
Efficient Shortest-Path-Tree Computation in Network Routing Based on Pulse-Coupled Neural Networks

Shortest path tree (SPT) computation is a critical issue for routers using link-state routing protocols, such as the most commonly used open shortest path first and intermediate system to intermediate system. Each router needs to recompute a new SPT rooted from itself whenever a change happens in the link state. Most commercial routers do this computation by deleting the current SPT and building a new one using static algorithms such as the Dijkstra algorithm at the beginning. Such recomputation of an entire SPT is inefficient, which may consume a considerable amount of CPU time and result in a time delay in the network. Some dynamic updating methods using the information in the updated SPT have been proposed in recent years. However, there are still many limitations in those dynamic algorithms. In this paper, a new modified model of pulse-coupled neural networks (M-PCNNs) is proposed for the SPT computation. It is rigorously proved that the proposed model is capable of solving some optimization problems, such as the SPT. A static algorithm is proposed based on the M-PCNNs to compute the SPT efficiently for large-scale problems. In addition, a dynamic algorithm that makes use of the structure of the previously computed SPT is proposed, which significantly improves the efficiency of the algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate the effective and efficient performance of the proposed approach.
Moving objects detection and classification based on trajectories of LRF scan data on a grid map

Laser based environment recognition technologies have been developed recently. Especially moving objects detection and classification by laser scanners mounted on a mobility is required for mobile robots and autonomous cars. In this paper, we propose a moving objects detection and classification method based on grid trajectories acquired from sequential laser scan data. Grid trajectories are obtained by voting sequential laser scan points on a grid map, and these trajectories not only work for a correct scan segmentation, but also represent the size and the speed of moving objects. We classify a moving object into either a person, a group of people, a bike, a car based on its grid trajectory. In our experiments, our mobility mounted laser scanners acquired scan data in the university campus, and the experimental results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in outdoor environments.
Specific inhibition of hair follicle formation by epidermal growth factor in an organ culture of developing mouse skin.

Embryonic mouse skin undergoes a drastic morphological change from 13 to 16 gestational days, i.e., formation of rudiments of hair follicles and stratification and cornification of interfollicular epidermis. To investigate underlying molecular mechanisms of the morphogenesis, we established an organ culture system that allows skin tissues isolated from 12.5- or 13.5-days postcoitus embryos to develop in a manner that is histologically and temporally similar to the process in vivo. Expression of differentiation markers of epidermal keratinocytes including cholesterol sulfotransferase and cytokeratin K1 was induced in culture, as it occurs also in vivo. The morphogenic process was observed by time-lapse videomicrography. In this culture system, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor alpha specifically and completely inhibited the hair follicle formation with marginal effects on interfollicular epidermis. The inhibitory action by EGF was reversible and stage specific, i.e., at an early stage of the development of hair rudiments. Among known ligands to the EGF receptor, Schwannoma-derived growth factor and heparin-binding EGF were expressed in in vivo epidermis during the period of the initial formation of hair follicles. EGF receptor is expressed in epidermis throughout the developing period examined. Using an adenovirus vector, we demonstrated that the lacZ gene was transduced into the epidermal and dermal cell layers without appreciable toxicity. These results indicate that the present culture system provides a unique opportunity to investigate molecular mechanisms of skin morphogenesis including the role of EGF signaling under defined experimental conditions.
Effect of a dietary supplement containing glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate and quercetin glycosides on symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND Oral glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, alone and in combination, have been used worldwide for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), but their efficacy is controversial. This clinical study was aimed at investigating the potential of a dietary supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in combination with derivatives of quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, (GCQ supplement) for knee OA care. RESULTS A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 40 Japanese subjects with symptomatic knee OA. Subjects were randomly assigned to GCQ supplement (1200 mg glucosamine hydrochloride, 60 mg chondroitin sulfate and 45 mg quercetin glycosides per day) or placebo and the treatment and follow-up were continued for 16 weeks. The results of symptomatic efficacy assessment based on Japanese Orthopaedic Association criteria showed that scores for two of the four symptom/function subscales, as well as the aggregate scores, were significantly improved at week 16 or earlier in the GCQ group compared to the placebo group. Moreover, analyses of cartilage metabolism biomarkers showed a trend of improvement in type II collagen synthesis/degradation balance in the GCQ group during follow-up. CONCLUSION GCQ supplement was thought to be more effective than placebo in decreasing the intensity of knee OA-associated clinical symptoms.
Detecting Negated and Uncertain Information in Biomedical and Review Texts

The thesis proposed here intends to assist Natural Language Processing tasks through the negation and speculation detection. We are focusing on the biomedical and review domain in which it has been proven that the treatment of these language forms helps to improve the performance of the main task. In the biomedical domain, the existence of a corpus annotated for negation, speculation and their scope has made it possible for the development of a machine learning system to automatically detect these language forms. Although the performance for clinical documents is high, we need to continue working on it to improve the efficiency of the system for scientific papers. On the other hand, in the review domain, the absence of an annotated corpus with this kind of information has led us to carry out the annotation for negation, speculation and their scope of a set of reviews. The next step in this direction will be to adapt it to this domain for the system developed by the biomedical area.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Using a Stand-Alone Polyetheretherketone Cage Packed with Local Autobone : Assessment of Bone Fusion and Subsidence

Objective It remains debatable whether cervical spine fusion cages should be filled with any kind of bone or bone substitute. Cortical and subcortical bone from the anterior and posterior osteophytes of the segment could be used to fill the cage. The purposes of the present study are to evaluate the clinical outcomes and radiological outcomes including bone fusion and subsidence that occurred after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using a stand-alone cage packed with local autobone graft. Methods Thirty-one patients who underwent anterior cervical fusion using a stand-alone polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage packed with local autobone graft from July 2009 to december 2011 were enrolled in this study. Bone fusion was assessed by cervical plain radiographs and computed tomographic scan. Nonunion was evaluated according to the absence of bony bridge on computed tomographic scan. Subsidence was defined as a ≥2 mm decrease of the interbody height at the final follow-up compared to that measured at the immediate postoperative period. Results Subsidence was observed in 7 patients (22.6%). Of 7 patients with subsidence greater 2 mm, nonunion was developed in 3. Three patients with subsidence greater 2 mm were related with endplate damage during intraoperative endplate preparation. Solid bone fusion was achieved in 28 out of 31 patients (90.3%). Conclusion With proper patient selection and careful endplate preparation, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using a stand-alone PEEK cage packed with local autobone graft could be a good alternative to the standard ACDF techniques with plating.