Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stable isotopes in fossil hominin tooth enamel suggest a fundamental dietary shift in the Pliocene

Accumulating isotopic evidence from fossil hominin tooth enamel has provided unexpected insights into early hominin dietary ecology. Among the South African australopiths, these data demonstrate significant contributions to the diet of carbon originally fixed by C4 photosynthesis, consisting of C4 tropical/savannah grasses and certain sedges, and/or animals eating C4 foods. Moreover, high-resolution analysis of tooth enamel reveals strong intra-tooth variability in many cases, suggesting seasonal-scale dietary shifts. This pattern is quite unlike that seen in any great apes, even ‘savannah’ chimpanzees. The overall proportions of C4 input persisted for well over a million years, even while environments shifted from relatively closed (ca 3 Ma) to open conditions after ca 1.8 Ma. Data from East Africa suggest a more extreme scenario, where results for Paranthropus boisei indicate a diet dominated (approx. 80%) by C4 plants, in spite of indications from their powerful ‘nutcracker’ morphology for diets of hard objects. We argue that such evidence for engagement with C4 food resources may mark a fundamental transition in the evolution of hominin lineages, and that the pattern had antecedents prior to the emergence of Australopithecus africanus. Since new isotopic evidence from Aramis suggests that it was not present in Ardipithecus ramidus at 4.4 Ma, we suggest that the origins lie in the period between 3 and 4 Myr ago.
New One-Particle Monte Carlo Method for Nanoscale Device Simulation

In this paper we present a new one-particle Monte Carlo iteration scheme to self-consistently take into account generation-recombination processes as well as quantum corrections. The basic idea is to couple the Boltzmann transport equation (or the Boltzmann-Wigner equation) not only with the Poisson equation, but also with the continuity equation by using exact transport coefficients from the Monte Carlo simulation in high-field regions and the known analytical transport coefficients in low-field regions. This approach is useful e.g. for the simulation of floating-body effects [1] in nanoscale double- and multi-gate SOI MOSFETs.
Induction of Bcl-2 Expression by Hepatitis B Virus Pre-S2 Mutant Large Surface Protein Resistance to 5-Fluorouracil Treatment in Huh-7 Cells

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide with poor prognosis due to resistance to conventional chemotherapy and limited efficacy of radiotherapy. Our previous studies have indicated that expression of Hepatitis B virus pre-S2 large mutant surface antigen (HBV pre-S2Δ) is associated with a significant risk of developing HCC. However, the relationship between HBV pre-S2Δ protein and the resistance of chemotherapeutic drug treatment is still unclear. Methodology/Principal Findings Here, we show that the expression of HBV pre-S2Δ mutant surface protein in Huh-7 cell significantly promoted cell growth and colony formation. Furthermore, HBV pre-S2Δ protein increased both mRNA (2.7±0.5-fold vs. vehicle, p = 0.05) and protein (3.2±0.3-fold vs. vehicle, p = 0.01) levels of Bcl-2 in Huh-7 cells. HBV pre-S2Δ protein also enhances Bcl-2 family, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1, expression in Huh-7 cells. Meanwhile, induction of NF-κB p65, ERK, and Akt phosphorylation, and GRP78 expression, an unfolded protein response chaperone, were observed in HBV pre-S2Δ and HBV pre-S-expressing cells. Induction of Bcl-2 expression by HBV pre-S2Δ protein resulted in resistance to 5-fluorouracil treatment in colony formation, caspase-3 assay, and cell apoptosis, and can enhance cell death by co-incubation with Bcl-2 inhibitor. Similarly, transgenic mice showed higher expression of Bcl-2 in liver tissue expressing HBV pre-S2Δ large surface protein in vivo. Conclusion/Significance Our result demonstrates that HBV pre-S2Δ increased Bcl-2 expression which plays an important role in resistance to 5-fluorouracil-caused cell death. Therefore, these data provide an important chemotherapeutic strategy in HBV pre-S2Δ-associated tumor.
LMI-based design method of robust modified repetitive-control systems

An LMI-based method is presented in this paper to design a robust modified repetitive-control system for a class of strictly proper plants. Applying the periodicity and continuity of repetitive control, the system design is converted into the robust stabilization problem of a continuous-discrete 2D system. A LMI-based robust stability sufficient condition is derived by using linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique and Lyapunov stability theory. The condition is used directly to the design of the controller gains. This method has an advantage over other methods of designing robust modified repetitive-control system that it can adjust the control and learning actions individually by adjusting the parameters contained in the LMI. A numerical example is given to shown the effectiveness of the method.
Coupled cavities for motional ground-state cooling and strong optomechanical coupling

Motional ground-state cooling and quantum-coherent manipulation of mesoscopic mechanical systems are crucial goals in both fundamental physics and applied science. We demonstrate that the motional ground state can be achieved in the highly unresolved sideband regime, through coherent auxiliary cavity interferences. We further illustrate coherent strong Rabi coupling between indirectly coupled and individually optimized mechanical resonators and optical cavities through effective dark-mode interaction. The proposed approach provides a platform for quantum manipulation of mesoscopic mechanical devices beyond the resolved sideband limit.
A REGENERATION PROOF OF THE CENTRAL LIMIT THEOREM FOR UNIFORMLY ERGODIC MARKOV CHAINS

Central limit theorems for functionals of general state space Markov chains are of crucial importance in sensible implementation of Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms as well as of vital theoretical interest. Different approaches to proving this type of results under diverse assumptions led to a large variety of CLT versions. However due to the recent development of the regeneration theory of Markov chains, many classical CLTs can be reproved using this intuitive probabilistic approach, avoiding technicalities of original proofs. In this paper we provide a characterization of CLTs for ergodic Markov chains via regeneration and then use the result to solve the open problem posed in [Roberts & Rosenthal 2005]. We then discuss the difference between one-step and multiple-step small set condition.
RAKE reception with unequal power path signals

This letter analytically determines the effects of selective diversity on the performance of a RAKE receiver in dense multipath channels featuring an arbitrary power delay profile. The approach devised permits assessing the symbol-error probability of the RAKE receiver with simple computations, and determining the influence on system behavior of different power delay profiles and number of resolved paths, as well as signal bandwidth.
Estimation of economic losses from tropical cyclones in China at 1.5 °C and 2.0 °C warming using the regional climate model COSMO‐CLM

Adverse impacts and increasing economic losses from tropical cyclones (TCs) are a major focus in respect to the potential global warming of 1.5 °C or even 2.0 °C. Based on observed meteorological data and county‐scale loss records, loss‐inducing rainfall and wind speed thresholds are identified using the regional climate model CCLM to project future TC events in China. An established damage function is combined with future gross domestic product predictions under five shared socio‐economic pathways. At the 1.5 °C warming level, normalized TC losses will be four times higher than in the reference period (1986–2005). At the 2.0 °C warming level, a sevenfold increase is projected. Relative to the 1.5 °C warming level, TCs will become more frequent under the 2.0 °C scenario, especially along the southeast coast of China. Nearly 0.2–0.5% of the increase in gross domestic product might be offset by TC losses between the 1.5 °C and 2.0 °C warming levels, and the single highest TC loss at 2.0 °C may double that at 1.5 °C, with a larger affected area and more severe rainstorms and wind speeds. Rainfall is attributed more often to TC losses than wind speed. Limiting global warming at 1.5 °C would avoid an estimated increase in TC losses of more than 120 billion CNY annually.
Musculotendon parameters estimation by ultrasound measurement and geometric modeling: application on brachialis muscle

Computational modeling for musculoskeletal system provides quantitative insights in analyzing human movement. One of the major challenges in neuromusculoskeletal modeling is to accurately estimate the musculotendon parameters on subject-specific basis. The ultrasound imaging technology presents a new approach to obtain the parameters in vivo. The pennation angle and fascicle length of brachialis (BRA) were measured in vivo with the use of ultrasonography to investigate the relationship between these muscle architecture parameters and elbow joint position. A generic interactive graphics-based geometrical model of the upper limb and BRA was developed to get the musculotendon length and moment arm of the muscle. The results indicate human brachialis architecture is significantly affected by changing of joint angle at passive horizontal movement. These in-vivo measurements provide subjects-specific information and these muscle parameters can be used to set up the neuromusculoskeletal model for the muscle force and torque estimation
DNA polymerase ε encoded by cdc20+ is required for chromosomal DNA replication in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

DNA polymerase II (PolII), the homologue of mammalian DNA polymerase ε, is essential for chromosomal DNA replication in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and also participates in S‐phase checkpoint control. An important issue is whether chromosomal DNA replication in other eukaryotes, including the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe—in which the characteristics of replication origins are poorly defined—also requires DNA polymerase ε. It has been shown that DNA polymerase ε is not required for the in vitro replication of SV40 DNA by human cell extracts.
Environmental Monitoring Robotic System

Robots are being developed and utilized as a fundamental data collection tool for environmental monitoring to meet the standards established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Monitoring of factors such as temperature, humidity, CO levels and etc. is a major concern to businesses, educational institutions, and health organizations because it can significantly impact the health, comfort, well-being and productivity of the individuals. Sensor data collected can provide the necessary Indoor Air Quality information to the designers and the maintenance crew to take the corrective measures to meet the standards of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Furthermore, the environmental monitoring robot with automated machines and sensors can take place of humans to collect data in dangerous environments. To address the issues of environmental factors and to meet the requirement of Senior/Capstone design project course, students worked in a team to design, fabricate and test a mobile Robotic System to monitor and map data from the environmental sensors in a well-defined trajectory in an academic building. The Environmental Monitoring Robotic System consists of Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) supported by the encoders on the Robot base to determine the location of the Robot and a Kinect@ Microsoft Inc. camera to detect objects and obstacles in the trajectory. The proposed systems also consist of the Robot Operating System (ROS) and sensor section for monitoring the environment. The ROS section is used for mapping and localization of the mobile robot. The navigation stack in ROS is used for autonomous operation of the robot to move through a predetermined path to map data from the environmental sensors. The sensor section includes the humidity sensor, temperature sensor and a sensor for detecting the presence of different gases like CO, methane, propane and LPG. This paper discusses the design, fabrication, programming and implementation of a robotic platform to monitor the environmental changes. This paper also introduces an approach which enables students to work in teams to develop hardware/software system.
Implicit Shape Reconstruction of Unorganized Points Using PDE-Based Deformable 3D Manifolds

In this work we consider the problem of shape reconstruction from an unor- ganized data set which has many important applications in medical imaging, scientific computing, reverse engineering and geometric modelling. The reconstructed surface is obtained by continuously deforming an initial surface following the Partial Differen- tial Equation (PDE)-based diffusion model derived by a minimal volume-like variational formulation. The evolution is driven both by the distance from the data set and by the curvature analytically computed by it. The distance function is computed by implicit local interpolants defined in terms of radial basis functions. Space discretization of the PDE model is obtained by finite co-volume schemes and semi-implicit approach is used in time/scale. The use of a level set method for the numerical computation of the sur- face reconstruction allows us to handle complex geometry and even changing topology, without the need of user-interaction. Numerical examples demonstrate the ability of the proposed method to produce high quality reconstructions. Moreover, we show the effectiveness of the new approach to solve hole filling problems and Boolean operations between different data sets. AMS subject classifications: 65D18, 65F10, 65N08
Estudio del mercado de componentes pasivos de comunicaciones en el sector espacio en Europa

This project has carried out a model to estimate the number of passive components found in the payload of a communications satellite. To achieve this goal, it has been necessary to design the block diagram of the payload of different types of satellites. First, we studied the configuration of the different system components and then, apply the characteristics to this particular case and generate the internal structure of the satellites payload. First, the operation of different types of satellites and traditional high capacity HTS (High Throughput Satellite) has been investigated. Finally, the model for estimating the number of passive components that make up the satellite payload has been created. This has been achieved in order to estimate the number of passive components for satellites launched in the 2010-2014 period in Europe.
Sources of uncertainty in the NRCS CN model: Recognition and solutions

The Natural Resources Conservation Service Curve Number model is one of the most recognizable procedures in the field of rainfall–run‐off estimation. It has been widely applied for different purposes in hydrological models. In spite of its widespread use, some uncertainties have not even clarified and must be examined for its proper application. Particularly, choosing the most representative rainfall–run‐off events, and the coefficient λ that relates the parameters of the model (curve number CN and initial abstraction Ia). In this research, an advanced analysis is developed to evaluate the influence of λ for a set of representative watersheds of the Agricultural Research Service of the United Stated Department of Agriculture. They are characterized by different soil properties, land uses, and climatic conditions. Finally, 2 novel methodologies for the selection of the most representative rainfall–run‐off events and for the adaptation of coefficient λ are included, based on the pattern of rainfall distribution.
Practical Feedback Design based OFDM Link Adaptive Communications over Frequency Selective Channels

In ideal OFDM adaptive transmissions, each sub-carrier can get an independent adaptive mode according to the Channel State Information (CSI). The awfully large amount of CSI feedback and signalling transmissions will be a serious problem in adaptive OFDM systems. This paper focuses on the practical feedback and adaptive signalling designs of adaptive OFDM systems. Based on the characteristics of frequency selective channels, a Dynamic Neighboring Subcarrier Grouping Scheme (DNSGS) is proposed to cut down the feedback and adaptive signalling overhead, and to simplify the implementation of adaptive OFDM systems. Then the capacity of DNSGS based OFDM systems is also given. The simulation results powerfully show that the scheme designed in this paper is flexible enough for different kinds of communication environments, and can effectively cut down the feedback and signalling overhead with rather limited performance penalty. Besides, DNSGS outperforms the existing grouping schemes greatly.
Study on the ecological construction of livestock husbandry at county level

In order to find a balance between livestock husbandry and environmental protection, a feasible, mutually beneficial, inclusive and win-win development system should be established. Taking Longxi County in Gansu Province for instance, the paper demonstrates how to establish livestock husbandry ecosystem in all directions by analyzing and studying the current situation of livestock husbandry development, environmental pollution and the relationship between them. The results show as follows: 1) The dialectical relationship between the total output of pollutants produced by livestock and the carrying capacity of the environment is the basis for formulating relevant macroeconomic policies in county administrative regions. The balance and unification of “water-land-grass-livestock” is the prerequisite for sustainable development of livestock husbandry; 2) Livestock husbandry should adjust the development direction within the safety range of critical points of environmental protection; 3) Livestock husbandry should adjust livestock species, breeding quantity, supporting anti-pollution hardware facilities according to local geographical environment and external carrying capacity, and increase input intensity in soft environment, so as to achieve the aim of reducing emissions. The results of this study can provide a powerful theoretical reference and administrative basis for the coordination of livestock husbandry and environmental protection in county administrative regions.
Optimized InfiniBandTM fat‐tree routing for shift all‐to‐all communication patterns

Clustered systems have become a dominant architecture of scalable high‐performance super computers. In these large‐scale computers, the network performance and scalability is as critical as the compute‐nodes speed. InfiniBandTM has become a commodity networking solution supporting the stringent latency, bandwidth and scalability requirements of these clusters. The network performance is also affected by its topology, packet routing and the communication patterns the distributed application exercises. Fat‐trees are the topology structures used for constructing most large clusters as they are scalable, maintain cross‐bisectional‐bandwidth (CBB), and are practical to build using fixed‐arity switches. In this paper, we propose a fat‐tree routing algorithm that provides a congestion‐free, all‐to‐all shift pattern leveraging on the InfiniBandTM static routing capability. The algorithm supports partially populated fat‐trees built with switches of arbitrary number of ports and CBB ratios. To evaluate the proposed algorithm, detailed switch and host simulation models were developed and multiple fabric topologies were run. The results of these simulations as well as measurements on real clusters show an improvement in all‐to‐all delay by avoiding congestion on the fabric. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Twitter in disaster mode: opportunistic communication and distribution of sensor data in emergencies

Recent events (earthquakes, floods, etc.) have shown that users heavily rely on online social networks (OSN) to communicate and organize during disasters and in their aftermath. In this paper, we discuss what features could be added to OSN apps for smart phones -- for the example of Twitter -- to make them even more useful for disaster situations. In particular, we consider cases where the fixed communication infrastructure is partially or totally wiped out and propose to equip regular Twitter apps with a disaster mode. The disaster mode relies on opportunistic communication and epidemic spreading of Tweets from phone to phone. Such "disaster-ready" applications would allow to resume (although limited) communication instantaneously and help distressed people to self-organize until regular communication networks are functioning again, or, temporary emergency communication infrastructure is installed. We argue why we believe that Twitter with its simplicity and versatile features (e.g., retweet and hashtag) is a good platform to support a variety of different situations and present Twimight, our disaster ready Twitter application. In addition, we propose Twimight as a platform for disseminating sensor data providing information such as locations of drinkable water sources. Eventually, we propose to rely on interest matching to scale Twitter hashtag-based searches in an opportunistic environment. The combination of these features make our opportunistic Twitter the ideal emergency kit in situations of disasters. We discuss and define the main implementation and research challenges (both technical and non-technical).
The Way towards Ultrafast Growth of Single‐Crystal Graphene on Copper

The exceptional properties of graphene make it a promising candidate in the development of next‐generation electronic, optoelectronic, photonic and photovoltaic devices. A holy grail in graphene research is the synthesis of large‐sized single‐crystal graphene, in which the absence of grain boundaries guarantees its excellent intrinsic properties and high performance in the devices. Nowadays, most attention has been drawn to the suppression of nucleation density by using low feeding gas during the growth process to allow only one nucleus to grow with enough space. However, because the nucleation is a random event and new nuclei are likely to form in the very long growth process, it is difficult to achieve industrial‐level wafer‐scale or beyond (e.g. 30 cm in diameter) single‐crystal graphene. Another possible way to obtain large single‐crystal graphene is to realize ultrafast growth, where once a nucleus forms, it grows up so quickly before new nuclei form. Therefore ultrafast growth provides a new direction for the synthesis of large single‐crystal graphene, and is also of great significance to realize large‐scale production of graphene films (fast growth is more time‐efficient and cost‐effective), which is likely to accelerate various graphene applications in industry.