Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Old wild wolves: ancient DNA survey unveils population dynamics in Late Pleistocene and Holocene Italian remains

Background The contemporary Italian wolf (Canis lupus italicus) represents a case of morphological and genetic uniqueness. Today, Italian wolves are also the only documented population to fall exclusively within the mitochondrial haplogroup 2, which was the most diffused across Eurasian and North American wolves during the Late Pleistocene. However, the dynamics leading to such distinctiveness are still debated. Methods In order to shed light on the ancient genetic variability of this wolf population and on the origin of its current diversity, we collected 19 Late Pleistocene-Holocene samples from northern Italy, which we analyzed at a short portion of the hypervariable region 1 of the mitochondrial DNA, highly informative for wolf and dog phylogenetic analyses. Results Four out of the six detected haplotypes matched the ones found in ancient wolves from northern Europe and Beringia, or in modern European and Chinese wolves, and appeared closely related to the two haplotypes currently found in Italian wolves. The haplotype of two Late Pleistocene samples matched with primitive and contemporary dog sequences from the canine mitochondrial clade A. All these haplotypes belonged to haplogroup 2. The only exception was a Holocene sample dated 3,250 years ago, affiliated to haplogroup 1. Discussion In this study we describe the genetic variability of the most ancient wolf specimens from Italy analyzed so far, providing a preliminary overview of the genetic make-up of the population that inhabited this area from the last glacial maximum to the Middle Age period. Our results endorsed that the genetic diversity carried by the Pleistocene wolves here analyzed showed a strong continuity with other northern Eurasian wolf specimens from the same chronological period. Contrarily, the Holocene samples showed a greater similarity only with modern sequences from Europe and Asia, and the occurrence of an haplogroup 1 haplotype allowed to date back previous finding about its presence in this area. Moreover, the unexpected discovery of a 24,700-year-old sample carrying a haplotype that, from the fragment here obtained, falls within the canine clade A, could represent the oldest evidence in Europe of such dog-rich clade. All these findings suggest complex population dynamics that deserve to be further investigated based on mitochondrial or whole genome sequencing.
Adding Cognition to the Semanticscience Integrated Ontology

The goal of the NIMH RDoC initiative is to establish a biological basis for mental illness that includes linking cognition to molecular biology. A key challenge lies in how to represent such large, complex, and multi-scale knowledge in a manner that can support computational analysis, including query answering. Formal ontologies, such as the Semanticscience Integrated Ontology (SIO), offer a scaffold in which complex domain knowledge such as neurological and cognitive functions can be represented and linked to knowledge of molecular biology. In this article, we explore the use of SIO to represent concepts in molecular biology and in cognition. We extend SIO to traditional cognitive topics by illustrating axioms for both an information-processing and a neuroscience perspective on reading. We next discuss the NIMH RDoC taxonomy and include SIO axioms for the units-of-analysis and functions-of-behavior dimensions. An example demonstrates its use of deductive reasoning to establish causal relations across RDoC dimensions. From a broader perspective this article demonstrates how informatics can assist in integrating work in clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, computer science, molecular biology, and philosophy.
Don’t Blame Distributional Semantics if it can’t do Entailment

Distributional semantics has had enormous empirical success in Computational Linguistics and Cognitive Science in modeling various semantic phenomena, such as semantic similarity, and distributional models are widely used in state-of-the-art Natural Language Processing systems. However, the theoretical status of distributional semantics within a broader theory of language and cognition is still unclear: What does distributional semantics model? Can it be, on its own, a fully adequate model of the meanings of linguistic expressions? The standard answer is that distributional semantics is not fully adequate in this regard, because it falls short on some of the central aspects of formal semantic approaches: truth conditions, entailment, reference, and certain aspects of compositionality. We argue that this standard answer rests on a misconception: These aspects do not belong in a theory of expression meaning, they are instead aspects of speaker meaning, i.e., communicative intentions in a particular context. In a slogan: words do not refer, speakers do. Clearing this up enables us to argue that distributional semantics on its own is an adequate model of expression meaning. Our proposal sheds light on the role of distributional semantics in a broader theory of language and cognition, its relationship to formal semantics, and its place in computational models.
Hardware Implementation of Proposed CAMP algorithm for Pulsed Radar

Article history: Received 18 October 2017 Received in revised form 12 December 2017 Accepted 3 March 2017 Available online 3 April 2018 In this paper, a proposed CAMP algorithm is suggested to reduce the complexity and the processing time imposed by the original CAMP algorithm [1]. Hardware implementation of Compressive Sensing Radar Signal Processing (CS RSP) by using the proposed Complex Approximate Message Passing (proposed CAMP) Algorithm is performed using FPGA processor. The modified CAMP algorithm combines the advantages and avoids the disadvantages of the original CAMP algorithm to achieve the maximum probability of detection, Pd, at the same time with the minimum processing time and less hardware complexity. The implemented schemes are tested experimentally and evaluated with simulated radar signal for different target and noise situations.
ISOLATES OF Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus FROM BULGARIA

Some molecular properties of Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV) isolates, infecting fruit trees in collection and commercial orchards in Bulgaria, were studied. Sequence analysis was performed on the coat protein (CP) and movement protein (MP) coding regions for isolates from peach (R2D43, R1D2P-l), sweet cherry (P1R9D9, P1R6D4) and apple trees (P10R1D3), in order to determine the sequence variability of ACLSV isolates. The similarity in the percentage figures of the sequence variability was between 81.1 and 99.8%; the highest being between the isolates R1D2P-l and P1R6D4, and the lowest between the isolates R2D43 and P1R6D4. Sequences of the studied isolates were also compared with those of genome fragments of ACLSV isolates published in the GenBank database. To check the electrophoretic mobility and CP of six isolates of ACLSV, the following were subjected to Western blotting analysis; P1R9D9, P1R6D4, from sweet cherry, and R2D41, R2D43, R2D49, R1D2P-l from peach. Two different migration rates were found for the CP of these isolates. The coat protein of the R1D2P-l isolate migrated slower than the CP of other isolates.
L 1 -Stability of IMEX-BDF2 Finite Volume Scheme for Convection-Diffusion Equation

In this paper, we propose a ﬁnite volume scheme for solving a two-dimensional convection-diffusion equation on general meshes. This work is based on a implicit-explicit (IMEX) second order method and it is issued from the seminal paper [2]. In the framework of MUSCL methods, we will prove that the local maximum property is guaranteed under an explicit Courant-Friedrichs-Levy condition and the classical hypothesis for the triangulation of the domain.
The Role of Emotion in Multimodal Integration

L’objectif de cette recherche etait de montrer que l’emotion peut faciliter le mecanisme d’integration des differents composants d’une experience stockes au sein des traces mnesiques. Les participants devaient tout d’abord juger le degre d’association entre des images d’objets ou d’animaux et des sons presentes simultanement. Chaque paire d’image/son etait precedee d’une image negative ou neutre. Dans une seconde phase, les memes images d’objets ou d’animaux etaient presentees, soit associees aux memes sons (sons congruents aux images) soit associees a des sons differents (sons non congruents). Les participants devaient indiquer si l’image et le son etaient congruents ou non congruents. Les resultats ont confirme notre hypothese en montrant que lorsqu’une image ancienne etait presentee avec le meme son que lors de l’encodage, elle etait traitee plus rapidement lorsqu’elle avait ete encodee dans la condition negative que dans la condition neutre. Au contraire, lorsqu’une image ancienne etait presentee avec un son different de celui de l’encodage, elle avait tendance a etre traitee plus lentement lorsqu’elle avait ete encode dans la condition negative que dans la condition neutre.
Life Cycle Assessment for the Production Phase of Nano-Silica-Modified Asphalt Mixtures

To combat the rutting effect and other distresses in asphalt concrete pavement, certain modifiers and additives have been developed to modify the asphalt mixture to improve its performance. Although few additives exist, nanomaterials have recently attracted significant attention from the pavement industry. Several experimental studies have shown that the use of nanomaterials to modify asphalt binder results in an improved oxidative aging property, increased resistance to the rutting effect, and improves the rheological properties of the asphalt mixture. However, despite the numerous benefits of using nanomaterials in asphalt binders and materials, there are various uncertainties regarding the environmental impacts of nano-modified asphalt mixtures (NMAM). Therefore, this study assessed a Nano-Silica-Modified Asphalt Mixtures in terms of materials production emissions through the Life Cycle Assessment methodology (LCA), and the results were compared to a conventional asphalt mixture to understand the impact contribution of nano-silica in asphalt mixtures. To be able to compare the relative significance of each impact category, the normalized score for each impact category was calculated using the impact scores and the normalization factors. The results showed that NMAM had a global warming potential of 7.44563 × 103 kg CO2-Eq per functional unit (FU) compared to 7.41900 × 103 kg CO2-Eq per functional unit of the conventional asphalt mixture. The application of LCA to NMAM has the potential to guide decision-makers on the selection of pavement modification additives to realize the benefits of using nanomaterials in pavements while avoiding potential environmental risks.
Dynamic stress analysis of sewage centrifugal pump impeller based on two-way coupling method

Current research on the operational reliability of centrifugal pumps has mainly focused on hydrodynamic instability. However, the interaction between the fluid and structure has not been sufficiently considered; this interaction can cause vibration and dynamic stress, which can affect the reliability. In this study, the dynamic stresses in a single-blade centrifugal pump impeller are analysed under different operating conditions; the two-way coupling method is used to calculate the fluid-structure interaction. Three-dimensional unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations are solved with the SST k-ω turbulence model for the fluid in the whole flow passage, while transient structure dynamic analysis is used with the finite element method for the structure side. The dynamic stresses in the rotor system are computed according to the fourth strength theory. The stress results show that the highest stress is near the loose bearing and that the equivalent stress increases with the flow rate because the dynamic stresses are closely related to the pressure load. The stress distributions on the blade pressure side, suction side, leading edge, and trailing edge are each analysed for different flow rates; the highest stress distribution is found on the pressure side. On the blade pressure side, a relatively large stress is found near the trailing edge and hub side. Based on these results, a stress distribution prediction method is proposed for centrifugal pumps, which considers the interaction between the fluid and structure. The method can be used to check the dynamic stress at different flow rates when optimising the pump design to increase the pump reliability.
Un interrupteur GaN HEMT normally-off grâce à des ions fluor implantés sous l'interface AlGaN/GaN

AlGaN/GaN HEMTs are very promising candidates for high frequency applications with high power and low noise. Unfortunately, while switching applications strongly demand normally-off operation, conventional HEMTs are normally-on. For the sake of achieving normally-off HEMTs, several structures have been proposed. One of the major normally-off HEMTs uses fluorine implantation in the AlGaN layer. We suggest in this work the implantation of fluorine ions under the AlGaN/GaN interface only below the gate electrode rather than implanting in the AlGaN layer. Simulation results show that the proposed method is capable of achieving normallyoff operation and more effective when it comes to the fluorine concentration required to obtain the desired threshold voltage. Neither the vertical breakdown voltage, nor the off-state current are affectedby this approach.
The Impact of the Canada-U.S. Hog/Pork Trade Dispute on the Composition of U.S. Pork Imports

Trade theorists have demonstrated that different trade policy instruments have different effects on the quality and source of imports. Countervailing duties (CVDs), like specific tariffs, should induce quality upgrading. However, the magnitude and timing of the quality adjustments are influenced by the credibility of the duties that can be legally contested and modified after annual administrative reviews. Index numbers are used to assess the timing and magnitude of the product mix and country mix substitution effects in U.S. pork imports in response to the U.S. CVDs on Canadian exports of live hogs and fresh, chilled, and frozen pork.
GENERIC Integrators: Structure Preserving Time Integration for Thermodynamic Systems

Abstract Thermodynamically admissible evolution equations for non-equilibrium systems are known to possess a distinct mathematical structure. Within the GENERIC (general equation for the non-equilibrium reversible–irreversible coupling) framework of non-equilibrium thermodynamics, which is based on continuous time evolution, we investigate the possibility of preserving all the structural elements in time-discretized equations. Our approach, which follows Moser’s [1] construction of symplectic integrators for Hamiltonian systems, is illustrated for the damped harmonic oscillator. Alternative approaches are sketched.
Trench formation and corner rounding in vertical GaN power devices

Trench formation and corner rounding are the key processes to demonstrate high-voltage trench-based vertical GaN devices. In this work, we developed a damage-free corner rounding technology combining Tetramethylammonium hydroxide wet etching and piranha clean. By optimizing the inductively coupled plasma dry etching conditions and applying the rounding technology, two main trench shapes were demonstrated: flat-bottom rounded trench and tapered-bottom rounded trench. TCAD simulations were then performed to investigate the impact of trench shapes and round corners on device blocking capability. GaN trench metal-insulator-semiconductor barrier Schottky rectifiers with different trench shapes were fabricated and characterized. A breakdown voltage over 500 V was obtained in the device with flat-bottom rounded trenches, compared to 350 V in the device with tapered-bottom rounded trenches and 150 V in the device with non-rounded trenches. Both experimental and simulation results support the use of rounded flat-b.
fect of continuous oral suctioning on the development of ntilator-associated pneumonia : A pilot randomized controlled trial yrick

Background: Both continuous and intermittent aspiration of subglottic secretions by means of specially designed endotracheal tubes containing a separate dorsal lumen that opens into the subglottic region have been shown to be useful in reducing ventilatorassociated pneumonia (VAP). However, the high cost of these tubes restricts their use. Objective: The aim of this pilot randomized controlled trial was to test the effect of a lowcost device (saliva ejector) for continuous oral suctioning (COS) on the incidence of VAP in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Methods: The study was conducted in the six-bed medical-surgical ICU of a hospital with over 400 beds that provides comprehensive medical services to the public. The design of this study was a parallel-group randomized controlled trial. While both the experimental and control groups used the conventional endotracheal tube, the saliva ejector was only applied to patients assigned to the experimental group. The device was put between the patient’s cheek and teeth, and then connected to 100 mmHg of suction for the continuous
Identification and characterization of lactic acid bacteria isolated from fruit tree rhizosphere in MARDI, Malaysia

Aims: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have promising applications in the biotechnology industry. As their diversity in soil is largely unexplored, a study was undertaken to collect LAB from the soil, and to characterize the isolates. Methodology and results: Soil samples from around various fruit trees in MARDI were collected for LAB isolation by accumulation/incubation method. The isolates were examined for their morphological and biochemical characteristics, and their 16S rDNA sequences. Morphological and biochemical analysis showed that all isolates are Gram positive with different characteristic for each isolates. Further identification were performed and soil samples was found to contain diverse genera and species of LAB, including Lactobacillus sp. and Bacillus sp. Selected isolates were tested for resistance against six antibiotics using agar dilution method. Widespread antibiotic resistance among the strains tested was found towards ampicillin, kanamycin, rifampicin and penicillin. Conclusion, significance and impact study: LAB have the ability in producing acid and antimicrobial compound which are useful in various industry. Fastidious characteristics of LAB are among the limitations and challenges in industrial applications. Diversity of lactic acid-producing bacteria was encountered in the soil which may be useful and have different characteristics from LAB isolates elsewhere.
Effects of Variable Viscosity on Power-Law Fluids over a Permeable Moving Surface with Slip Velocity in the Presence of Heat Generation and Suction

In this paper, a numerical investigation on the effects of variable viscosity, slip velocity and heat generation or absorption on power-law fluids with heat and mass transfer over a moving permeable surface is carried out. The transformation of the governing boundary layer equations into ordinary differential equations has been performed by applying similarity transformations. The transformed governing equations are numerically solved by using MATLAB BVP solver bvp4c. The obtained results are presented graphically and discussed for various values of the viscosity parameter, the slip parameter, the heat generation or absorption parameter, the Eckert number and Lewis number. The result shows that, the variable viscosity parameter    c  , it is confirmed that the local skin-friction coefficient decreases while heat and mass transfer rates increases. The heat and mass transfer rates increases rapidly on increasing the Prandtl number. The rate of mass transfer is rapidly increased when the Lewis number increased.
REGENERATION OF CHRONIC WOUNDS WITH ALLOGENEIC PLATELET GEL VERSUS HYDROGEL TREATMENT: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

SUMMARY – The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the new method of platelet-rich plasma activation in the form of platelet gel, used in the treatment of non-healing chronic lower leg ulcers. The study was prospectively randomized, double blind and placebo controlled. We treated 60 patients (42 males and 18 females, mean age 69.43 years, SD 14.74) with chronic lower leg ulcers of different etiologies. Thirty patients were treated with allogeneic platelet gel and 30 with hydrogel. Both groups were comparable for duration of ulcer and its size. Treatment was repeated once a week for three consecutive weeks and then the last examination was scheduled at 6 months of the first platelet gel application. The t-test was used to analyze independent samples. Healing of chronic wounds with platelet gel was statistically significantly more effective compared to the treatment with hydrogel (p<0.05). At 6 months of platelet gel application, the mean wound area in the experimental group decreased to 35.01% (SD 53.69) of the initial wound size. In the control group, the wound area decreased to 89.95% (SD 71.82) of the initial wound size (p=0.001). The circumference of the wounds diminished to 54.62% (SD 39.85) of the initial value in the experimental group, compared to 91.28% (SD 29.32) in the control group (p<0.001). Allogeneic platelet gel prepared by the new method used in this study was found to be a good treatment option for non-healing chronic wounds when other methods are ineffective.
A Search for NH3 in the Large Magellanic Cloud

Abstract We report a search for the NH3 (J,K) = (1,1) inversion line in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) using the Parkes 64–m telescope. Candidate positions were chosen with the help of recent H i data from the Australia Telescope Compact Array and published 12CO data from the Swedish–ESO Submillimetre Telescope. No detections of NH3 in emission were found at the positions surveyed. Upper limits are approximately 25 to 74 mK.
Symmetry, spin-texture, and tunable quantum geometry in a 
WTe2
 monolayer

The spin orientation of electronic wavefunctions in crystals is an internal degree of freedom, typically insensitive to electrical knobs. We argue from a general symmetry analysis and a $\vec k \cdot \vec p$ perspective, that monolayer 1T'-WTe$_2$ possesses a gate-activated canted spin texture that produces an electrically tunable bulk band quantum geometry. In particular, we find that due to its out-of-plane asymmetry, an applied out-of-plane electric field breaks inversion symmetry to induce both in-plane and out-of-plane electric dipoles. These in-turn generate spin-orbit coupling to lift the spin degeneracy and enable a bulk band Berry curvature and magnetic moment distribution to develop. Further, due to its low symmetry, Berry curvature and magnetic moment in 1T'-WTe$_2$ possess a dipolar distribution in momentum space, and can lead to unconventional effects such as a current induced magnetization and quantum non-linear anomalous Hall effect. These render 1T'-WTe$_2$ a rich two-dimensional platform for all-electrical control over quantum geometric effects.