Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Solation and Characterization of Putative Nitrogen-Fixing Endophytes from Three Distinct Wild Rice Species in Sri Lanka

There are 22 recorded wild rice species on earth, of which 5 are found in Sri Lanka. Knowledgeon the endophytic diazotrophs of wild rice species, which can be adopted for paddy cultivation, is still ata fledgling stage of discovery. The identification of stably maintained endophytic diazotrophic bacteria inthe genus Oryza requires further attention, especially due to skyrocketing global prices of chemicalfertilizers. The main objective of our study was the isolation and characterization of endophytic and rootsurfacecolonizing nitrogen fixers from three distinct wild rice species found in Sri Lanka, namely Oryzaeichingeri, Oryza granulata and Oryza nivara. Endophytic nitrogen fixers were isolated from surface–sterilized stems, leaves, and roots, while root surface colonizing bacteria were isolated from washed roots.There were eleven endophytic bacteria and four root surface colonizing bacteria isolated by using nitrogenfreeyeast mannitol/malate agar plates; six isolates from O. granulata, five isolates from O. eichingeri andfour isolates from O. nivara. Out of the 15 isolates, 13 were Gram negative and 2 stained Gram positive.Six of the eleven isolates secreted three enzymes tested, primarily pectinases, proteases, and cellulases,suggesting their prospective involvement in endophytic lifestyles. Most isolates showed either bulls eyes,dendritic or featureless patterns of swarming chemotaxis for the chemoattractant proline, a commonpromoter of bacterial motility. We also tested the genomes of the isolates for the presence of the nifH gene.DNA from seven isolates gave a PCR amplicon of the expected size (360 bp) using universal nifH primers,which proves that the genetic foundation for the production of nitrogenase reductase subunit was found inthese seven isolates. We also tested each of the bacterial isolates against a devastating fungal pathogen ofrice (Rhizoctonia solani). We found 4 potential candidates that show partial inhibitory activity against thegrowth of this rice sheath blight causative agent.
Non-transformative climate policy options decrease conservative support for renewable energy in the US

Motivated by ongoing partisan division in support of climate change policy, this paper investigates whether, among self-identifying liberals and conservatives, the mere presence of a non-transformative climate policy such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), lowers support for a renewable energy (RE) policy. To interrogate this question, we use a survey experiment asking 2374 respondents about their support for a RE policy when presented with the RE policy alone, and when presented alongside a CCS policy whose funding and implementation leverage independent funding sources. We find that among conservatives, the presence of a CCS policy lowers support for RE. Furthermore, despite the lack of apparent political party cues, when presented with the policy-pair, conservatives tend to view the RE policy in more partisan terms, specifically, less supported by Republicans. Additional experimental conditions with explicit party cues reinforce this interpretation. These findings suggest that the triggering of partisan perceptions even without explicit partisan cues—what we call political anchoring—might be a key impediment to bipartisan support of climate solutions in the U.S. context.
Historical Profiling of Dry Eye Patients – Potential Trigger Factors and Comorbidities

Abstract Purpose Dry eye syndrome (DES) is one of the most common diseases of the ocular surface. Affected persons suffer from different subjective complaints, with sometimes severe impairment in the quality of life. The aetiology and pathogenesis are multifactorial, multifaceted, and not yet fully understood. The present study is intended to provide deeper insights into possible triggering factors and correlating comorbidities. Materials and Methods In German ophthalmological practices, 306 persons (174 women, 132 men, age: 18 – 87 years) were interviewed by questionnaire on concomitant diseases and possible further triggering factors. DES was diagnosed by an ophthalmologist in 170 cases. The statistical comparative analysis between persons with and without DES was carried out using the chi-squared test (SPSS statistical software). Results DES occurred with significantly (p < 0.05) increased frequency in women over 40 years of age, as well as in persons exposed to screen work, air conditioning, persons with chronic ocular inflammation, myomas (hysterectomy), dry skin, arterial hypertonicity in need of medication, cardiac arrhythmias, fatty liver, gastric ulcer, appendicitis, cholecystectomy, depression, hyperlipidaemia, hyperuricaemia, osteoporosis, and nephrolithiasis. Conclusion Some of the known comorbidities and DES risk factors, e.g., computer work or depression, were confirmed. In contrast, the higher prevalence of hyperlipidaemia, hyperuricaemia, osteoporosis, nephrolithiasis, and fibroids among DES patients has not previously been reported. Additional studies should be performed on causal connections between DES and specific comorbidities.
Subharmonic energy-gap structure in superconducting constrictions

A Boltzmann-equation approach for the calculation of the I-V characteristics of superconducting constrictions is presented. This technique allows for the inclusion of normal scattering as well as Andreev reflection processes in the constriction. The computed I-V characteristics exhibit subharmonic gap structure which varies strongly with scattering strength and temperature. For even small scattering strengths, the structure is found to persist to T = 0, and its temperature dependence agrees qualitatively with experimental observations. In the limit of zero scattering, the technique is shown to be equivalent to the trajectory technique of Klapwijk, Blonder, and Tinkham.
Selection of the Space Interferometry Mission Astrometric Grid

We investigate the choice of stellar population for use as the astrometric grid for the Space Interferometry Mission (SIM). SIM depends on the astrometric stability of about 2000 stars, the so‐called grid, against which the science measures are referenced. Low‐metallicity and thus relatively high luminosity K giants are shown to be the population of choice, when available. The alternative, nearby G dwarfs, is shown to be susceptible to unmodeled motions induced by gas‐giant planetary companions, should there be a significant population of such companions. Radial velocity filtering is quite efficient in selecting grid members from the K giants with yields exceeding 50% if filtering at 30 m s−1 (1 σ) is available. However, if the binary fraction of the G dwarfs approaches 100% as some studies suggest, the yield of stable systems would be in the range of 15% at best (with 10 m s-1 filtering). Use of the initial SIM measurement as a final filter is shown not to be critical in either case, although it could improve the yield of stable grid members. For a grid composed of weak‐lined K giants, the residual contamination by large unmodeled motions will amount to about 3% (and rises to about 10% if a 60 m s-1 radial velocity criterion is used). The selective introduction of quadratic terms in the proper motion solutions during the postmission phase of data reduction can reduce contamination to a remarkable 1% or better in either case. Analytic estimates based on circular orbits are developed that show how these results come about.
Resolution to a three‐dimensional physical oceanographic problem using the non‐linear Galerkin method

This paper presents the numerical results concerning the adaptation of the non-linear Galerkin method to three-dimensional geophysical fluid equations. This method was developed by Marion and Temam to solve the Navier-Stokes two-dimensional equations. It allows a substantial decrease in calculation costs due to the application of an appropriate treatment to each mode based on its position in the spectrum. The large scales involved in the study of geophysical flow require that the earth's rotational effects and the existence of a high degree of stratification be taken into account. These phenomena play an important role in the distribution of the energy spectrum. It is shown here that the non-linear Galerkin method is very well-suited to the treatment of these phenomena. First, the method for the particular situation of a rigid-lid with a flat bottom is validated, for which the functional basis used is particularly well-adapted. Then the more general case of a domain exhibiting variable bathymetry is presented, which necessitates the use of the transformation a, thus providing a study domain with a cylindrical configuration.
Novel High-Pressure Nanocomposites for Cathode Materials in Sodium Batteries

A new nanocomposite material was prepared by high pressure processing of starting glass of nominal composition NaFePO4. Thermal, structural, electrical and dielectric properties of the prepared samples were studied by differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS). It was demonstrated that high-pressure–high-temperature treatment (HPHT) led to an increase in the electrical conductivity of the initial glasses by two orders of magnitude. It was also shown that the observed effect was stronger than for the lithium analogue of this material studied by us earlier. The observed enhancement of conductivity was explained by Mott’s theory of electron hopping, which is more frequent in samples after pressure treatment. The final composite consisted of nanocrystalline NASICON (sodium (Na) Super Ionic CONductor) and alluaudite phases, which are electrochemically active in potential cathode materials for Na batteries. Average dimensions of crystallites estimated from XRD studies were between 40 and 90 nm, depending on the phase. Some new aspects of local dielectric relaxations in studied materials were also discussed. It was shown that a combination of high pressures and BDS method is a powerful method to study relaxation processes and molecular movements in solids. It was also pointed out that high-pressure cathode materials may exhibit higher volumetric capacities compared with commercially used cathodes with carbon additions.
Molecular constitutive equations for a class of branched polymers: The pom-pom polymer

Polymer melts with long-chain side branches and more than one junction point, such as commercial low density polyethylene (LDPE), have extensional rheology characterized by extreme strain hardening, while the shear rheology is very shear thinning, much like that of unbranched polymers. Working with the tube model for entangled polymer melts, we propose a molecular constitutive equation for an idealized polymer architecture, which, like LDPE, has multiple branch points per molecule. The idealized molecule, called a “pom-pom,” has a single backbone with multiple branches emerging from each end. Because these branches are entangled with the surrounding molecules, the backbone can readily be stretched in an extensional flow, producing strain hardening. In start-up of shear, however, the backbone stretches only temporarily, and eventually collapses as the molecule is aligned, producing strain softening. Here we develop a differential/integral constitutive equation for this architecture, and show that it predicts rheology in both shear and extension that is qualitatively like that of LDPE, much more so than is possible with, for example, the K-BKZ integral constitutive equation.
Dynamical Control of Pacific Oceanic Low-frequency Variability on Western Boundary and Marginal Seas

The adjustment of sea surface height (SSH) around the coasts of the Japan/East Sea (JES) and the South China Sea (SCS) basins subjected to extratropical Pacific Oceanic low frequency variability is studied using a Kelvin-planetary wave model and a high resolution numerical model. It is found that the modulation of SSH around the coast of Japan is mainly determined by slow adjustment of planetary waves, which radiate from the west coast of Honshu and Hokkaido due to the coastal Kelvin wave. In contrast, the SSH modulation around the cost of the South China Sea basin is mainly determined by the coastal Kelvin wave, which transfers the anomalous SSH into the SCS via the Luzon Strait and out via the Mindoro Strait. The planetary waves radiating from the west coast of Palawan establish a nearly uniform SSH anomaly in the southern part of the SCS, bounded by an eastward jet at the latitude of the Mindoro Strait. Along the western boundary, SSH anomaly decreases almost linearly toward the south, in accordance with the changing local deformation radius. In these two marginal seas, the mean subtropical Pacific gyre circulation enhances SSH modulation induced by extratropical Pacific low frequency variability. Overall, the SSH adjustment in the JES and the SCS predicted by the analytical model agrees well with the numerical model simulation. Application of this model to interaction between these marginal seas and the open ocean is discussed.
Classes réalisables par des extensions métacycliques non abéliennes et éléments de Stickelberger

Resume Letkbe a number field,Okits ring of integers,Γa nonabelian metacyclic group of orderlq, wherel,qare prime numbers. Assume thatkand thelqth cyclotomic field of Q are linearly disjoint over Q . Let M be a maximalOk-order ink[1] containingOk[Γ], Cl ( M ) its class group. We determine the set of elements of Cl ( M ) which are realizable by some tamely ramified extensions with Galois groups isomorphic toΓusing some Stickelberger elements, and we prove that it is a subgroup of Cl ( M ).
Locally Adaptive Bandwidth Choice for Kernel Regression Estimators

Abstract Kernel estimators with a global bandwidth are commonly used to estimate regression functions. On the other hand, it is obvious that the choice of a local bandwidth can lead to better results, because a larger class of kernel estimators is available. Evidently, this may in turn affect variability. The optimal bandwidths depend essentially on the regression function itself and on the residual variance, and it is desirable to estimate them from the data. In this article, a local bandwidth estimator is studied. A comparison with its global bandwidth equivalent is performed both in theory and in simulations. As the main result it is shown that the possible gain in mean integrated squared error of the resulting regression estimator must be paid for by a larger variability of the estimator. This may lead to worse results if the sample size is small. An algorithm has been devised that puts special weight on stability aspects. Our simulation study shows that improvements over a global bandwidth estimator .
Clinical, Dermoscopic, Ultrasonographic, and Histopathologic Correlations in Kaposi’s Sarcoma Lesions and Their Differential Diagnoses: A Single-Center Prospective Study

(1) Background: Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative neoplasm typically appearing as angiomatous patches, plaques, and/or nodules on the skin. Dermoscopy and ultrasonography have been suggested as an aid in the diagnosis of KS, but there is little evidence in the literature, especially regarding its possible differential diagnoses. Our aim is to describe and compare the clinical, dermoscopic, and ultrasonographic features of KS and KS-like lesions. (2) Methods: we conducted a prospective study on 25 consecutive patients who were first referred to our tertiary care center from January to May 2021 for a possible KS. (3) Results: 41 cutaneous lesions were examined by means of dermoscopy, Doppler ultrasonography, and pathology, 32 of which were KS-related, while the remaining 9 were lesions with clinical resemblance to KS. On dermoscopy, a purplish-red pigmentation, scaly surface, and the collarette sign were the most common features among KS lesions (81.3%, 46.9%, and 28.1%, respectively). On US, all 9 KS plaques and 21 KS nodules presented a hypoechoic image. Dermoscopic and Doppler ultrasonographic findings of KS-like lesions, such as cherry angioma, venous lake, glomus tumor, pyogenic granuloma, and angiosarcoma were also analyzed. (4) Conclusions: dermoscopy and Doppler ultrasonography can be useful to better assess the features of KS lesions and in diagnosing equivocal KS-like lesions.
Social Jet Lag, sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in university students: A cross-sectional study

The objective was to verify the difference in sleep quality and daytime sleepiness between university students with and without JLS. This is a field, descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional study carried out with 105 university students, selected by convenience. The JLS was measured by calculating the discrepancy between the times of sleeping and waking up on usual weekdays and weekends, individuals with an average sleep point >1 hour were classified as having JLS. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to analyze sleep quality and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale for daytime sleepiness. The JAMOVI statistical package was used, the comparison between the midpoints was performed using the paired t test, Comparison between sleep quality and daytime sleepiness scores among university students with and without JLS was performed using the independent t test, adopting an alpha of 0.05 in all analyses. The results indicate that JLS exists in about 1/3 of university students (38;36.2%). The data showed a statistically significant difference between the weekly midpoint and the weekend midpoint (p<0.001). Most college students (78; 74.3%) had poor sleep quality and levels of excessive daytime sleepiness (77; 73.3%). Independent t-test shows that college students with JLS have higher scores for poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness. It is concluded that college students with JLS have worse sleep quality and higher levels of excessive daytime sleepiness.
QED effects in a cavity with a time-dependent thin semiconductor slab excited by laser pulses

We consider the problem of the creation of quanta of an electromagnetic field from the initial vacuum (or thermal) state in a closed high-Q cavity due to periodical variations of conductivity of a thin semiconductor boundary layer excited by short laser pulses. Fast changes of conductivity from practically a zero value to a high one and then again to zero simulate periodical displacements of the cavity wall. This scheme has been chosen to model the non-stationary Casimir effect in the experiment which is under preparation at Padua University. We provide analytical and numerical evaluations for the number of photons which could be created under realistic experimental conditions. We show the importance of taking into account intrinsic losses in the semiconductor slab caused by the finite conductivity during the intermediate part of the excitation–recombination cycle. We analyse the influence of different parameters, such as the diffusion and mobility coefficients of carriers, surface recombination velocity, absorption coefficient of laser radiation, thickness of the slab and geometry of the cavity. We conclude that a significant amount (>103) of ‘Casimir photons’ with a frequency of 2.5 GHz can be produced from vacuum in a cavity with dimensions of the order of 10 cm, if one can arrange several thousand strongly periodical laser pulses with a duration of the order of 1 ps, periodicity close to 200 ps and energy ∼10−3 J, illuminating the semiconductor slab of thickness ∼1 mm and the mobility ∼1 m2 V−1 s−1, provided the recombination time can be reduced below the critical value ∼30 ps.
A trio of heteroclinic bifurcations arising from a model of spatially-extended Rock–Paper–Scissors

One of the simplest examples of a robust heteroclinic cycle involves three saddle equilibria: each one is unstable to the next in turn, and connections from one to the next occur within invariant subspaces. Such a situation can be described by a third-order ordinary differential equation (ODE), and typical trajectories approach each equilibrium point in turn, spending progressively longer to cycle around the three points but never stopping. This cycle has been invoked as a model of cyclic competition between populations adopting three strategies, characterised as Rock, Paper and Scissors. When spatial distribution and mobility of the populations is taken into account, waves of Rock can invade regions of Scissors, only to be invaded by Paper in turn. The dynamics is described by a set of partial differential equations (PDEs) that has travelling wave (in one dimension) and spiral (in two dimensions) solutions. In this paper, we explore how the robust heteroclinic cycle in the ODE manifests itself in the PDEs. Taking the wavespeed as a parameter, and moving into a travelling frame, the PDEs reduce to a sixth-order set of ODEs, in which travelling waves are created in a Hopf bifurcation and are destroyed in three different heteroclinic bifurcations, depending on parameters, as the travelling wave approaches the heteroclinic cycle. We explore the three different heteroclinic bifurcations, none of which have been observed in the context of robust heteroclinic cycles previously. These results are an important step towards a full understanding of the spiral patterns found in two dimensions, with possible application to travelling waves and spirals in other population dynamics models.
Quantum-transport simulations with the Wigner-function formalism: Failure of conventional boundary-condition schemes

We shall revisit the conventional treatment of open quantum devices based on the Wigner-Function formalism. Our analysis will show that the artificial spatial separation between device active region and external reservoirs—properly defined within a semiclassical simulation scheme—is intrinsically incompatible with the non-local character of quantum mechanics. More specifically, by means of an exactly-solvable semiconductor model, we shall show that the application of the conventional boundary-condition scheme to the Wigner transport equation may produce highly non-physical results, like thermal injection of coherent state superpositions and boundary-driven negative probability distributions.
Integrable Hamiltonian Systems With Velocity Dependent Potentials

The integrability of a two‐dimensional Hamiltonian in which the potential depends explicitly on the momenta is investigated. Hamiltonians of this kind are encountered in the description of the motion of a particle in a magnetic field. Two integrable classes of potentials are identified and the second integral of motion is constructed for each of them. The singularity analysis of the equations of motion is also performed, confirming once more the relation between the (weak) Painleve property and integrability.
Zero-sets of complex homogeneous polynomials

In this paper we study the zero-sets of continuous n-homogeneous polynomials on complex nonseparable Banach spaces. We prove that the zero-set of any complex n-homogeneous polynomial P is a subspace if, and only if, there is a functional ϕ such that P(x)=ϕ (x)n for every x. We give sufficient conditions on the Banach space to ensure that every continuous 2-homogeneous polynomial is identically zero on a nonseparable subspace. Also, we prove that, in the 2-homogeneous case, one of the following three properties holds: P −1(0) is a subspace; P −1(0) is the union of two different subspaces; and P −1(0) is the union of infinitely many different subspaces.