Closed-loop Reference Models for Output-Feedback Adaptive Systems

Closed-loop reference models have recently been proposed for states accessible adaptive systems. They have been shown to have improved transient response over their open loop counter parts. The results in the states accessible case are extended to single input single output plants of arbitrary relative degree.Comment: v1 Submitted to European Control Conference 2013, v2 Typos correcte

Connections Between Adaptive Control and Optimization in Machine Learning

This paper demonstrates many immediate connections between adaptive control and optimization methods commonly employed in machine learning. Starting from common output error formulations, similarities in update law modifications are examined. Concepts in stability, performance, and learning, common to both fields are then discussed. Building on the similarities in update laws and common concepts, new intersections and opportunities for improved algorithm analysis are provided. In particular, a specific problem related to higher order learning is solved through insights obtained from these intersections.Comment: 18 page

Phylogenomics reveals ancient and contemporary gene flow contributing to the evolutionary history of sea ducks (Tribe Mergini)

Insight into complex evolutionary histories continues to build through broad comparative phylogenomic and population genomic studies. In particular, there is a need to understand the extent and scale that gene flow contributes to standing genomic diversity and the role introgression has played in evolutionary processes such as hybrid speciation. Here, we investigate the evolutionary history of the Mergini tribe (sea ducks) by coupling multi-species comparisons with phylogenomic analyses of thousands of nuclear ddRAD-seq loci, including Z-sex chromosome and autosomal linked loci, and the mitogenome assayed across all extant sea duck species in North America. All sea duck species are strongly structured across all sampled marker types (pair-wise species ΦST \u3e 0.2), with clear genetic assignments of individuals to their respective species, and phylogenetic relationships recapitulate known relationships. Despite strong species integrity, we identify at least 18 putative hybrids; with all but one being late generational backcrosses. Most interesting, we provide the first evidence that an ancestral gene flow event between long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis) and true Eiders (Somateria spp.) not only moved genetic material into the former species, but likely generated a novel species — the Steller’s eider (Polysticta stelleri) — via hybrid speciation. Despite generally low contemporary levels of gene flow, we conclude that hybridization has and continues to be an important process that shifts novel genetic variation between species within the tribe Mergini. Finally, we outline methods that permit researchers to contrast genomic patterns of contemporary versus ancestral gene flow when attempting to reconstruct potentially complex evolutionary histories

New Primers Reveal the Presence of a Duplicate Histone H3 in the Marine Turtle Leech Ozobranchus branchiatus

Marine leeches, specific to sea turtles, have been implicated as potential vector organisms in the spread of fibropapillomatosis (FP), a pandemic neoplastic disease with green turtles (Chelonia mydas) having the highest affliction rate. Polymerase chain reaction identified two independent, seemingly functional histone H3 loci for marine turtle leeches Ozobranchus branchiatus collected from C. mydas in Florida and Hawaii. Primers were developed to amplify each product separately. These novel markers will be useful in identifying ectoparasites in FP research, evaluating other histone variants, and chromatin dynamics regulation studies. This poster was created and presented by Triet M. Truong at the Wright State University Chemistry Department posters in the hall event on June 1, 2012 and the results were published in Conservation Genetics Resources (2012), 4, 487-490