Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Blockage Type Detection Process in Triangular-wave Topology for mmWave Wireless Backhaul

Due to the rapid densification of small cells in 5G and beyond cellular networks, deploying wired high-bandwidth connections to every small cell base station is difficult, particularly in older metropolitan areas where infrastructure for fiber deployment is lacking. For this reason, mmWave wireless backhaul is being considered as a cost-effective and flexible alternative that has potential to support the high-rate transmission needed to accommodate backhaul traffic demands. However, maintaining a high network survivability is extremely important since networks based on mmWave communication are susceptible to short-term blockages or node failures caused by unforeseen events. Therefore, to realize a robust mmWave backhaul network, several works propose to adopt a triangular-wave topology in roadside environments, which can eliminate the mutual interference among backhaul links, and provide robustness to blockage effects. Based on this novel topology, we investigate a blockage type detection scheme, which reacts to blockage effects quickly and assists in various path reconfiguration approaches.
Neural Function Modules with Sparse Arguments: A Dynamic Approach to Integrating Information across Layers

Feed-forward neural networks consist of a sequence of layers, in which each layer performs some processing on the information from the previous layer. A downside to this approach is that each layer (or module, as multiple modules can operate in parallel) is tasked with processing the entire hidden state, rather than a particular part of the state which is most relevant for that module. Methods which only operate on a small number of input variables are an essential part of most programming languages, and they allow for improved modularity and code re-usability. Our proposed method, Neural Function Modules (NFM), aims to introduce the same structural capability into deep learning. Most of the work in the context of feed-forward networks combining top-down and bottom-up feedback is limited to classification problems. The key contribution of our work is to combine attention, sparsity, top-down and bottom-up feedback, in a flexible algorithm which, as we show, improves the results in standard classification, out-of-domain generalization, generative modeling, and learning representations in the context of reinforcement learning.
Overfitting or Underfitting? Understand Robustness Drop in Adversarial Training

Our goal is to understand why the robustness drops after conducting adversarial training for too long. Although this phenomenon is commonly explained as overfitting, our analysis suggest that its primary cause is perturbation underfitting. We observe that after training for too long, FGSM-generated perturbations deteriorate into random noise. Intuitively, since no parameter updates are made to strengthen the perturbation generator, once this process collapses, it could be trapped in such local optima. Also, sophisticating this process could mostly avoid the robustness drop, which supports that this phenomenon is caused by underfitting instead of overfitting. In the light of our analyses, we propose APART, an adaptive adversarial training framework, which parameterizes perturbation generation and progressively strengthens them. Shielding perturbations from underfitting unleashes the potential of our framework. In our experiments, APART provides comparable or even better robustness than PGD-10, with only about 1/4 of its computational cost.
An Indoor Positioning Approach based on Vision and INS

Aiming at the problems of poor real-time performance of indoor visual positioning and low positioning accuracy caused by mismatching, an indoor combined positioning method based on vision and INS (Inertial navigation system) was proposed. The method uses the position information calculated by the INS solution to establish an offline search list, and narrows the search range while suppressing mismatch. Image acceleration points are quickly extracted using accelerated robust features to obtain visual positioning positions. The INS position information and the visual position information are fused by the Kalman filter, and the feedback correction of the INS position information is realized. The experimental results show that the combined positioning method can effectively improve the visual positioning calculation efficiency and indoor positioning accuracy.
PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION AND IN VITRO ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT STUDIES OF LEAF AND STEM BARK EXTRACTS OF POLYALTHIA FRAGRANS (DALZ.) BEDD.–AN ENDEMIC SPECIES OF WESTERN GHATS

Objective: Phytochemical constituents of various solvent extracts of leaf and stem bark of Polyalthia fragrans (Dalz.) Bedd were screened. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated. Methods: Crude extracts of methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform and aqueous of leaf and stem bark were evaluated for antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method and antioxidant activity by DPPH (diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging and reducing power assay. Quantitative analysis of total phenolics was done by the Folin-Ciocalteau method and total flavonoids by aluminum chloride method. Results: The study revealed the presence of several physiologically active phytochemicals such as alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids and tannins. The highest antibacterial activity of methanol extract of the leaf was observed against Bacillus subtilis with 14.33±0.57 mm inhibition zone and water extract of stem bark against Proteus vulgaris with 17.67±1.52 mm inhibition zone among other extracts. The lowest activity of leaf methanol and leaf water extract was observed against Bacillus subtilis . The IC 50 values of 58.18±2.04 µg/ml, 116.58±2.43 µg/ml, 134.78±3.64 µg/ml and 387.28±2.9 µg/ml for DPPH activity were observed in methanol stem bark, ethyl acetate stem bark, methanol leaf and ethyl acetate leaf extracts respectively. The reducing power of extracts was very potent which increased with increasing concentrations of the sample. Conclusion: The results indicate that phytochemicals like alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids and tannins may be responsible for the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The results suggest that P. fragrans can be further researched to be used as a natural source of a potent drug by mankind.
In vitro propagation of some alpine medicinal herbs of the Himalayan region

Aconitum balfourii Stapf. , Podophyllum hexandrum Royle a nd Picrorhiza kurrooa Royle e x Benth. are well known Himalayan alpine plants highly valued for their medicinal properties. These plants have been subjected to uncontrolled collection from the wilds due to ever increasing demand. In vitro culture techniques have been used to d evelop p rotocols for rapid propagation on Murashige a nd Skoog (1962; MS) medium variously supplemented with different plant growth regulators. Axillary bud derived leaf explants of A. balfourii formed callus on medium containing 4.5 μM 6benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 27 . 0 μM α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA); simply by lowering the NAA concentration to 1.4 μM these c alli t urned organogenic, and the shoots thus formed could b e further multiplied. Maximum shoot multiplication occurred on medium supplemented with 1.1 μM BAP alone. These shoots were efficiently rooted on MS medium supplemented with 12.3 μM indole -3-butyric acid (IBA). Excised zygotic e mbryos of P. hexandrum could b e germinated within 7 -8 d ays when cultured on MS medium containing 1.0 μM BAP. Multiple shoots were then induced on medium containing a mixture of cytokinins and auxins, namely BAP and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA; 1.0 μM each). While rooting could b e achieved o n medium containing IAA, maximum rooting occurred when the IAA concentration was reduced to 0.5 μM. The embryogenic potential of callus derived through culture of zygotic embryo was also examined; somatic embryos were formed after 4 months of culture on medium containing 5.0 μM NAA and 0.5 μM BAP. Excised cotyledonary node explants of P. kurrooa were cultured on MS medium supplemented with v arying concentration (1 - 10.0 μM) of cytokinin n amely BAP or kinetin (Kn) in o rder to induce multiple shoots. Maximum explants responded (66.7%) and resulted in good (4.8
Complete mitogenome of Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia (Ciconiiformes: Ardeidae)

Abstract The Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia belongs to family Ardeidae, and it is widely distributed over east Africa across the Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia and Australia. In the present study, the total mitochondrial genome of A. intermedia was determined. The genome is 18,578 bases in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes and 2 non-coding regions (CR and CRR), with a base composition of A 30.8%, G 14.0%, T 24.3% and C 30.9%. The dn/ds values of ten PCGs (ND1, ND2, ATP8, ATP6, Cox3, ND3, ND4L, ND4, ND5 and ND6) are below 1. Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods generated similar topologies. Phylogenies showed that Ardea novaehollandiae and A. intermedia should be assign to Egretta and Ardea, respectively. The mitogenomic data of A. intermedia will be useful in the conservation genetics and phylogeny of the species.
Manipulating the Avian Egg: Applications for Embryo Transfer, Transgenics, and Cloning

In vitro production of germline chimeras and avian cloning may utilise the transfer of avian embryos from their original eggshell to a surrogate eggshell for culture during incubation. Such embryo transfer is valuable for avian cloning as the only alternative would be to transfer the cloned avian embryos into the infundibulum of recipient birds. Given the advances in paleogenomics, synthetic biology, and gene editing, a similar approach might be used to generate extinct species, i.e. de-extinction. One objective of the present research was to examine if ratite eggs could be manipulated via windowing and sham injection, similar to that which could allow for avian genome manipulation and subsequent development. The efficiency of interspecific avian embryo transfer using Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) donor eggs and Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) recipient eggshells was also investigated. Egg windowing and embryo transfer techniques utilised in the present research were adapted from those found in the scientific literature. Presumed fertile eggs from Rhode Island Red (n = 40), Silkie (n = 2), and White Leghorn Chickens (n = 18), Turkey (n = 48), Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) (n = 79), and Ostrich (Struthio camelus) (n = 89) were used in this research. Of the 41 Chicken eggs used for transfers into recipient Turkey eggshells, only one (2.4%) produced a chick. Of 31 windowed Emu eggs, one embryo survived for 25 d but no chicks were produced. Of 36 windowed Ostrich eggs, one embryo survived and hatched. The efficiency of the windowing and embryo transfers to produce chicks was low and further refinements are needed. Importantly, the results herein establish that manipulating ratite embryos is possible.
Nutrient utilisation in grower pigs fed boiled, ensiled or milled cassava roots blended with a high protein concentrate

Cassava is a major pig feed ingredient used by smallholder farmers in tropical countries where it is grown abundantly. Due to its high starch content cassava roots may replace maize or wheat as the energy component of rations fed to pigs. A metabolic experiment was conducted using a 4 × 4 Latin Square design to determine the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, energy and nitrogen balance of cassava roots prepared by boiling (BR45), ensiling (ER45) or milling into dry meal (MR45). The cassava products (55%DM) were blended with a wheat based protein concentrate (Pig Conc. 1 at 45% DM), and compared with a wheat-based standard feed (STD) offered to (Landrace × Large White) × Duroc grower pigs (28.0 ± 0.8 kg). DM intakes of pigs were higher on the cassava diets (P ER45 > STD > MR45. Growth rate (ADG) and feed efficiency (FCR) on MR45 (1138 g/d and 1.81) were better than on STD (847 g/d and 2.41), whereas ER45 (856 g/d and 2.59) was similar to STD (P > 0.05). BR45 was similar to STD for ADG (919 g/d) but not for feed efficiency (3.12). The ATTD of DM, organic matter (OM), calcium and energy utilisation (%) in pigs fed the cassava diets were higher (P 0.05). N digestibility (77.9% intake) and N utilisation (64% digested) were also similar (P > 0.05). N retained by pigs on MR45 (25.1 g/d) was lower than on STD (27.6 g/d). However, higher N retained (P < 0.05) on BR45 (32.0 g/d) and ER45 (31.3 g/d) did not result in improved FCR or ADG, suggesting that high DM intake of soluble dietary fibre may have affected N utilisation, even if energy utilisation was increased by hindgut fermentation. Nevertheless, cassava roots blended with the complementary protein concentrate provided improved nutrition for grower pigs. Ensiling cassava roots allows the option of long term storage of fermented feed with potential benefits to gut health. However, growth performance trials are required to refine the nutrient requirements for local crossbred pigs farmed in tropical climates.
Antagonistic activity of complex cheese surface microbial consortia against food-borne pathogens

Bacterial surface-ripened cheeses are susceptible to a contamination with the human pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. The biodiversity of complex ripening consortia from such cheeses was investigated and proved to be very high (Simpson’s index of diversity up to 0.97). Vibrio casei sp. nov. was detected in two consortia and validly described. 13 of 49 consortia produced substances acting bactericidal or bacteriostatically on L. monocytogenes. The partial purification of a complex culture supernatant applying solid phase extraction and reverse phase HPLC indicated that the small, heat stable, protease-resistant active molecules are different from known bacteriocins.
Online detection of auditory attention with mobile EEG: closing the loop with neurofeedback

Auditory attention detection (AAD) is promising for use in auditory-assistive devices to detect to which sound the user is attending. Being able to train subjects in achieving high AAD performance would greatly increase its application potential. In order to do so an acceptable temporal resolution and online implementation are essential prerequisites. Consequently, users of an online AAD can be presented with feedback about their performance. Here we describe two studies that investigate the effects of online AAD with feedback. In the first study, we implemented a fully automated closed-loop system that allows for user-friendly recording environments. Subjects were presented online with visual feedback on their ongoing AAD performance. Following these results we implemented a longitudinal case study in which two subjects were presented with AAD sessions during four weeks. The results prove the feasibility of a fully working online (neuro)feedback system for AAD decoding. The detected changes in AAD for the feedback subject during and after training suggest that changes in AAD may be achieved via training. This is early evidence of such training effects and needs to be confirmed in future studies to evaluate training of AAD in more detail. Finally, the large number of sessions allowed to examine the correlation between the stimuli (i.e. acoustic stories) and AAD performance which was found to be significant. Future studies are suggested to evaluate their acoustic stimuli with care to prevent spurious associations.
The Zebrafish Model to Study the Role of microRNAs in Glomerular Function and Disease

microRNAs (miRs) are non-coding small RNAs that play an important role in posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. Recent studies indicate that miRs are also mediators in different disease processes. Here we review how the zebrafish model can be used to study the role of miRs in glomerular function and disease. Microinjections of miR mimics were done in zebrafish eggs and larvae. A transgenic zebrafish line which expresses a green fluorescent plasma protein was used to investigate protein loss though the glomerular filtration barrier. Electron microscopy analysis revealed the level and degree of glomerular damage after miR overexpression. MiR- 143-3p seems to be important for glomerular glycocalyx as overexpression of miR-143-3p leads to down regulation of versican, proteinuria and damage on the endothelial and epithelial side of the glomerular filtration barrier. In contrast, overexpression of miR-378a-3p by injection of a specific miR mimic caused proteinuria, edema, podocyte effacement and thickening of the glomerular basement membrane. These findings could be rescued by coinjections of a nephronectin construct with a mutated 3’UTR region where the miR could not bind. Thus, miR mimics can be used in the zebrafish model to study the role of miRs involved in glomerular diseases.
Degeneracy in hippocampal physiology and plasticity

Degeneracy, defined as the ability of structurally disparate elements to perform analogous function, has largely been assessed from the perspective of maintaining robustness of physiology or plasticity. How does the framework of degeneracy assimilate into an encoding system where the ability to change is an essential ingredient for storing new incoming information? Could degeneracy maintain the balance between the apparently contradictory goals of the need to change for encoding and the need to resist change towards maintaining homeostasis? In this review, we explore these fundamental questions with the mammalian hippocampus as an example encoding system. We systematically catalog lines of evidence, spanning multiple scales of analysis, that demonstrate the expression of degeneracy in hippocampal physiology and plasticity. We assess the potential of degeneracy as a framework to achieve encoding and homeostasis without cross-interferences, and postulate that multiscale parametric and interactional complexity could establish disparate routes towards accomplishing these conjoint goals. These disparate routes then provide several degrees of freedom to the encoding- homeostasis system in accomplishing its tasks in an input- and state-dependent manner. Finally, the expression of degeneracy spanning multiple scales offers an ideal reconciliation to several outstanding controversies, through the recognition that the seemingly contradictory disparate observations are merely alternate routes that the system might recruit towards accomplishment of its goals. Juxtaposed against the ubiquitous prevalence of degeneracy and its strong links to evolution, it is perhaps apt to add a corollary to Theodosius Dobzhansky's famous quote and state “nothing in physiology makes sense except in the light of degeneracy”.
Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (Lrrk2): Functional characterization and interactome analysis of a protein kinase associated with Parkinson’s disease

Mutations in the human leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (Lrrk2) have been identified as the most common cause of familial and idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Knowledge on the protein’s physiological role and associated pathways is, however, yet limited. In this study, the RNAi-mediated depletion of Lrrk2 in vitro was shown to interfere with cytoskeleton-based cellular properties, critically affecting the morphology of NIH3T3 cells and outgrowth ability of developing dopaminergic neurites. Systematic analysis of the Lrrk2 interactome from NIH3T3 cells provided the first description of physiological Lrrk2 protein complex partners on an endogenous level which link Lrrk2 to the molecular interaction network that controls actin cytoskeleton dynamics. Participating in actin-based cellular processes, Lrrk2 might thereby be involved in neuronal functioning and integrity.
Actin and Src-family kinases regulate nuclear YAP1 and its export

The transcriptional regulator YAP1 is critical for the pathological activation of fibroblasts. In normal fibroblasts YAP1 is predominantly located in the cytoplasm, while in activated cancer-associated fibroblasts it exhibits nuclear localization and promotes the expression of many genes required for pro-tumorigenic functions. Here, we investigate the dynamics of YAP1 shuttling in normal and activated fibroblasts, using EYFP-YAP1, quantitative photo-bleaching methods, and mathematical modeling. We find that both 14-3-3 and TEAD binding modulate YAP1 shuttling, but neither affects nuclear import. Instead, we find that YAP1 serine phosphorylation is required for nuclear export. Furthermore, YAP1 nuclear accumulation in activated fibroblasts results from Src and actomyosin-dependent suppression of phosphorylated YAP1 export. Finally, we show that nuclear constrained YAP1, upon XPO1 depletion, remains sensitive to blockade of actomyosin function. Together, these data place nuclear export at the center of YAP1 regulation and indicate that the cytoskeleton can regulate YAP1 within the nucleus. Highlights Photo-bleaching coupled with mathematical modeling identifies YAP1 dynamics Regulation of nuclear export is key determinant of YAP1 localization Serine phosphorylation is required for YAP1 nuclear export through XPO1 Nuclear YAP1 remains sensitive to actin and Src-family kinase regulation
Manejo sustentável de florestas secundárias: espécies potenciais no Nordeste do Pará, Brasil.

O nordeste do estado do Para e a regiao de colonizacao mais antiga da Amazonia brasileira com as florestas secundarias respondendo por 90% de sua vegetacao. Neste estudo foi avaliado o potencial de especies de plantas para o manejo de florestas secundarias a partir de dados etnobotânicos de agricultores e de parâmetros ecologicos. Foram citadas 87 especies, das quais 85 identificadas em 41 familias botânicas. Tucuma (Astrocaryum vulgare), inga (Inga heterophylla), sapucaia (Lecythis pisonis), acai (Euterpe oleracea), matamata-vermelho (Lecythis idatimon), tatapiririca (Tapirira guianensis) e sucuuba (Himatanthus sucuuba) podem ter, segundo os agricultores da regiao, uma grande importância economica. Elas apresentaram, naturalmente, altas densidades e frequencias absolutas nas areas estudadas. Sugere-se que estas especies sejam consideradas em planos de manejo para o uso multiplo em florestas secundarias.
Pasture intake and grazing behaviour of growing European wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) and domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus, Landrace×Large White) in a semi-extensive production system

SUMMARY The objective of the present study was to determine the pasture intake of European wild boar and domestic pigs throughout their growth period (from 60 to 207 days of age). The proportion of time that each animal type spent grazing was also determined. Twelve 60-day-old pure-bred European wild boar (six castrated males and six females, average live-weight (±s.e.m.) 6·8 ± 0·37 kg) and 12 70-day-old domestic pigs (Large White × Landrace, six castrated males and six females, average live-weight [ ± s.e.m.] 24·1 ± 0·66 kg) were used in the study. Each day during the study, the animals grazed from 08·00 until 16·00 h, after which they had ad-libitum access to a supplemental diet for 1 h. Every 14 days throughout the study (a total of ten determinations), the pasture consumption was determined as the difference between the pasture dry matter (DM) availability pre- and post-grazing. The supplemental diet consumption was also determined. Three times during the study (age of animals 85, 140 and 198 days), the behaviour of each animal was observed over four consecutive days while grazing. When considered on a metabolic bodyweight basis, the pasture consumption of the European wild boar was greater than that in the domestic pigs. Approximately 0·20 of the total DM intake by the wild boar was pasture, whereas only 0·10 of the total DM intake by the domestic pigs was pasture. However, domestic pigs consumed a greater quantity of supplemental diet than the wild boar. The wild boar obtained 0·20 of their total daily dietary apparent energy intake from pasture, compared with 0·07 in the domestic pigs. Wild boar were more active during 8-h grazing periods spending 0·54 of their time grazing or moving around, compared with 0·32 of the time in domestic pigs.