Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Roads to Haploid Embryogenesis

Although zygotic embryogenesis is usually studied in the field of seed biology, great attention has been paid to the methods used to generate haploid embryos due to their applications in crop breeding. These mainly include two methods for haploid embryogenesis: in vitro microspore embryogenesis and in vivo haploid embryogenesis. Although microspore culture systems and maize haploid induction systems were discovered in the 1960s, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying haploid formation. In recent years, major breakthroughs have been made in in vivo haploid induction systems, and several key factors, such as the matrilineal (MTL), baby boom (BBM), domain of unknown function 679 membrane protein (DMP), and egg cell-specific (ECS) that trigger in vivo haploid embryo production in both the crops and Arabidopsis models have been identified. The discovery of these haploid inducers indicates that haploid embryogenesis is highly related to gamete development, fertilization, and genome stability in ealry embryos. Here, based on recent efforts to identify key players in haploid embryogenesis and to understand its molecular mechanisms, we summarize the different paths to haploid embryogenesis, and we discuss the mechanisms of haploid generation and its potential applications in crop breeding. Although these haploid-inducing factors could assist egg cells in bypassing fertilization to initiate embryogenesis or trigger genome elimination in zygotes after fertilization to form haploid embryos, the fertilization of central cells to form endosperms is a prerequisite step for haploid formation. Deciphering the molecular and cellular mechanisms for haploid embryogenesis, increasing the haploid induction efficiency, and establishing haploid induction systems in other crops are critical for promoting the application of haploid technology in crop breeding, and these should be addressed in further studies.
Comprehensive Degradation Analysis of NCA Li-Ion Batteries via Methods of Electrochemical Characterisation for Various Stress-Inducing Scenarios

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries with Ni-based cathodes are leading storage technology in the fields of electric vehicles and power-grid applications. NCA (LiNiCoAlO2) batteries are known for their troublesome degradation tendencies, and this susceptibility to degradation raises questions regarding the safety of their usage. Hence, it is of vital importance to analyse the degradation of NCA batteries via methods which are applicable to onboard systems, so that the changes in the battery’s state of health can be addressed accordingly. For this purpose, it is crucial to study batteries stressed by various conditions which might induce degradation of different origins or magnitudes. Methods such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT), and incremental capacity analysis (ICA) have been used in battery research for years, however, there is a lack of published studies which would analyse the degradation of NCA batteries by simultaneous usage of these methods, which is essential for a comprehensive and confirmatory understanding of battery degradation. This study intends to fill this research gap by analysing the degradation of NCA batteries via simultaneous usage of EIS, GITT, and ICA methods for common stress-inducing operating conditions (over-charge, over-discharge, and high-current charging).
Multiple tolerance checkpoints suppress low-affinity germline precursor B cells of high affinity anti-dsDNA antibody-producing cells in BCR knock-in mice

Previously, we revealed that disease-associated dsDNA-reactive high-affinity antibodies evolve from ssDNA-reactive low-affinity germline precursors through clonal expansion and affinity maturation in acute systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Our findings raise questions whether low-affinity precursors of anti-dsDNA antibody producing cells are subjected to immune tolerance, and under what conditions they expand and undergo affinity maturation in vivo. To address these questions, we generated G9gl, a site-directed knock-in (KI) mouse line carrying reverse mutated forms of VH-DH-JH and Vk-Jk regions of an acute SLE patient-derived high-affinity anti-dsDNA antibody. G9gl heterozygous mice had reduced numbers of B cells in their periphery, and half of peripheral B cells expressed endogenous IgH from non-KI allele due to receptor editing. G9gl-expressing B cells exhibited several anergic phenotypes, including reduced surface BCR and shorter life span. Yet, they underwent class-switching and produced antibodies following CD40 and IL-4 in vitro stimulation. G9gl B cells responded to ssDNA, but not dsDNA in vitro, and were selectively excluded from germinal center reaction in several conditions such as Treg depletion and DNA-conjugated mBSA immunization in vivo. However, some of G9gl-expressing B cells differentiated to somatically mutated IgG+ memory B cells when immunized with bacterial DNA-conjugated mBSA. Therefore, multiple tolerance checkpoints prevent low-affinity anti-DNA precursor B cells from undergoing clonal expansion and affinity maturation in germinal centers. However, G9gl-expressing B cell might undergo class-switching and somatic hypermutation through the extra-follicular pathway.
Investigating the beliefs and attitudes of teachers towards students who stutter

With the study reported on here we aimed to investigate teachers’ beliefs and attitudes towards students who stutter. These aspects were investigated through a questionnaire developed for the study. A total of 382 Saudi teachers from public and private schools from different educational levels were included in this questionnaire-based study. The results show that most respondents believed that there was a high prevalence of stuttering in the general population. Male teachers had a better understanding of persons who stutter (PWS) than female teachers. Senior teachers had better insight into stuttering. The teachers commonly had a positive opinion of PWS. Participants reported that few sources on education about and experiences with PWS were available to them. The results confirm that the teachers had reasonably good knowledge about stuttering. The results show that the teachers knew about stuttering, that they also knew about the consequences of stuttering and the way in which these children should be treated in class. The teachers possessed knowledge and had a positive attitude towards children who stutter (CWS). The findings show a change in perspectives towards CWS as a positive impact of the media.
ASPHERICAL NUCLEOSYNTHESIS IN A CORE-COLLAPSE SUPERNOVA WITH 25 M☉ STANDARD PROGENITOR

The problem of nucleosynthesis was studied within an aspherical supernova model. The explosive burning was computed in a star of 25 M☉ initial mass on its final stage of evolution. The chemical composition of a presupernova was taken from realistic evolutionary computations. A piecewise parabolic method on a local stencil was applied to simulate the hydrodynamics of the explosion. The gravity was recomputed by a Poisson solver on a fine grid as the explosion developed. A detailed yield of chemical elements was performed as a post-processing step using the tracer particles method. The produced nuclei formed a layer-like structure enclosing large fragments of nickel and iron-group isotopes that were pushed away from the central region by an explosion along the polar direction. The light nuclei were preferentially moving along the equatorial plane forming a torus-like structure.
Molecular Evolution of RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Region in Norovirus Genogroup I

Norovirus is the leading viral agent of gastroenteritis in humans. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is essential in the replication of norovirus RNA. Here, we present a comprehensive evolutionary analysis of the norovirus GI RdRp gene. Our results show that the norovirus GI RdRp gene can be divided into three groups, and that the most recent common ancestor was 1484. The overall evolutionary rate of GI RdRp is 1.821 × 10−3 substitutions/site/year. Most of the amino acids of the GI RdRp gene were under negative selection, and only a few positively selected sites were recognized. Amino acid substitutions in the GI RdRp gene accumulated slowly over time. GI.P1, GI.P3 and GI.P6 owned the higher evolutionary rates. GI.P11 and GI.P13 had the faster accumulation rate of amino acid substitutions. GI.P2, GI.P3, GI.P4, GI.P6 and GI.P13 presented a strong linear evolution. These results reveal that the norovirus GI RdRp gene evolves conservatively, and that the molecular evolutionary characteristics of each P-genotype are diverse. Sequencing in RdRp and VP1 of norovirus should be advocated in the surveillance system to explore the effect of RdRp on norovirus activity.
Effective magnetic permeability of Ni and Co micro- and nanoparticles embedded in a ZnO matrix

Current trends in the miniaturization of microwave devices have prompted considerable interest in studying electromagnetic transport in nanoscale systems. Understanding the effect of physical structure and the role of interfaces is critical for gaining insight into the electromagnetic and magnetic properties of nanostructures and their behavior in microwave devices such as circulators and isolators. Previously, we have described the electromagnetic characteristics at microwave frequencies and the static magnetic properties of γ–Fe2O3∕ZnO micro- and nanocomposites fabricated via powder processing. Here we present systematic effective permeability measurements of magnetically structured granular systems composed of magnetic grains embedded in a nonmagnetic matrix using broadband microwave spectroscopy. Using the transmission∕reflection waveguide method, the effective complex permeability was measured in the frequency range of 0.01–10GHz. The results were compared for composites consisting of micrometer-size.
Penalty method for the KdV equation

This article is the first part of a work in progress, related to the numerical simulation of hyperbolic equations with non-compatible data. The Korteweg–de Vries equations with non-homogeneous incompatible data are considered here. In this article we are able to prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions for the KdV equation despite the lack of regularity (compatibility) of the data. However, the lack of regularity is known to produce, for hyperbolic equations, large numerical errors which propagate within the whole domain. A method is proposed to replace the KdV equation with incompatible data by a system with compatible data using a penalty method. In this article we prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions of the exact and approximate problems and the convergence of the approximate solutions to the exact ones. The numerical simulations which justify the procedure will be presented elsewhere [N. Flyer, Z. Qin, and R. Temam, Numerical simulations of the penalty method for the KdV and Schrodinger equations, in preparation].
The Correlation between Proliferative Immunohistochemical Markers and Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Aggressiveness

Background and Objectives: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is one of the most common malignancies of the endocrine system. In order to improve the ability to predict tumor behavior, several studies have been conducted to search for surrogate prognostic immunohistochemical tumor markers. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between the intensity of different immunohistochemical marker staining in PTC and the risk for extrathyroidal extension and metastases. Materials and Methods: The study comprised patients who underwent hemi- or total thyroidectomy. Thyroid tissues were immunohistochemically stained for different tumor proliferative markers: Minichromosome maintenance proteins 2 (MCM2), Ki-67 labeling index, E-Cadherin, Neuropilin-1 and Metallothionein. The correlation between the intensity of each marker staining and the final diagnosis (benign neoplasm and PTC) and the correlation between the intensity of each staining and tumor extrathyroidal extension and metastases were evaluated. Results: The study included 66 patients. Staining for Metallothionein, E-Cadherin and MCM2 significantly differed between benign neoplasm (n = 22) and thyroid-confined PTC (n = 21) (p = 0.002, 0.004 and 0.005, respectively), between benign neoplasm and PTC with extrathyroidal extension (n = 11) (p = 0.001, 0.006 and 0.01, respectively), and between benign neoplasm and PTC with metastases (n = 12) (p = 0.01, <0.001 and 0.037, respectively). No staining correlated with extrathyroidal extension. The intensity of E-Cadherin staining was significantly lower in PTC with metastases than thyroid confined PTC and PTC with extrathyroidal extension (p = 0.028 and 0.021, respectively). Conclusions: Immunohistochemical staining for Metallothionein, E-Cadherin and MCM2 significantly distinguished between benign thyroid tumor and PTC. E-Cadherin staining significantly and inversely correlated with the presence of metastases.
Numerical simulation of mass transport in internal solitary waves

A computational study of mass transport by large-amplitude, mode-2 internal solitary waves propagating on a pycnocline between two layers of different densities was conducted. The numerical model is based on the simulation of a vorticity-based formulation of the two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations in the Boussinesq limit. Numerical experiments are conducted of the collapse of an initially mixed region, which leads to the generation of a train of internal solitary waves. The peak wave amplitude, a, is achieved by the leading wave, which encloses an intrusional bulge. The wave amplitude decays as it moves away from the collapsing mixing region. When the amplitude drops below a critical value, the wave is no longer able to transport mass and sharp-nosed intrusion is left behind. Mass transport by the leading wave, and by the trailing wave train and intrusion, is analyzed by tracking the motion of Lagrangian particles initially concentrated in the mixed region. Results indicate that for moderate wave ampl.
A test statistic to choose between Liu-type and least-squares estimator based on mean square error criteria

In this study, the necessary and sufficient conditions for the Liu-type (LT) biased estimator are determined. A test for choosing between the LT estimator and least-squares estimator is obtained by using these necessary and sufficient conditions. Also, a simulation study is carried out to compare this estimator against the ridge estimator. Furthermore, a numerical example is given for defined test statistic.
Electron acceleration by the reconnection outflow shock during solar flares

During solar flares a large amount of nonthermal electromagnetic radiation up to the γ -ray range is emitted from the corona, which implies that energetic electrons are generated. Within the framework of the magnetic reconnection scenario, jets appear in the outflow region and can establish standing fast-mode shocks if they penetrate the surrounding plasma at super-Alfvenic speed. These shocks can be a source of energetic electrons. During the solar event on October 28, 2003, an enhanced flux of hard X- and γ -rays up to 10 MeV as observed by the INTEGRAL spacecraft indicates the generation of relativistic electrons. The radio signature of a standing shock wave appeared simultaneously with the enhanced hard X- and γ -ray fluxes. Here, we assume this shock is the source of the highly energetic electrons needed for the hard X- and γ -ray, as well as for the nonthermal radio radiation. The electrons are energized by shock drift acceleration, which is treated in a fully relativistic manner. After acceleration, the electrons travel along the magnetic field lines towards the denser chromosphere, where they emit hard X- and γ -ray radiation via bremsstrahlung. The observed photon fluxes in the range 7.5-10 MeV are explained by these theoretical results that adopt the coronal conditions found for the event on October 28, 2003.
Forward volume wave microwave envelope solitons in yttrium iron garnet films: Propagation, decay, and collision

Magnetostatic forward volume wave (FVW) microwave magnetic envelope solitons in 7.2 μm thick, single‐crystal yttrium iron garnet films have been studied at 5.6–6.0 GHz. Rectangular input pulses with peak powers up to 3 W and pulse widths 5–50 ns were used. Single soliton output pulses with a characteristic increase in amplitude and pulse narrowing are observed when the power or width of the rectangular input microwave pulse exceeds threshold levels. Above these levels, output pulse peak power versus input power or pulse width exhibits a nonlinear increase and shows saturation effects. Multiple peak output profiles are observed for pulse powers and widths well above threshold. Solitons could be formed for all frequencies within the usable, low transmission loss portion of the magnetostatic FVW band. The use of reflected pulses from the film edge made it possible to study soliton decay and soliton collisions. The soliton decay rate was found to be approximately twice the linear rate, as expected from theory.
Fractional Quantum Hall Effect:. Construction of the Hartree-Fock State by Using Translational Covariance

The formalism introduced in a previous paper is used for discussing the Coulomb interaction of many electrons moving in two space-dimensions in the presence of a strong magnetic field. The matrix element of the Coulomb interaction is evaluated in the new basis, whose states are invariant under discrete translations (up to a gauge transformation). This paper is devoted to the case of low filling factor, thus we limit ourselves to the lowest Landau level and to spins all oriented along the magnetic field. For the case of filling factor νf = 1/u we give an Ansatz on the state of many electrons which provides a good approximated solution of the Hartree–Fock equation. For general filling factor νf = u′/u a trial state is given which converges very rapidly to a solution of the self-consistent equation. We generalize the Hartree–Fock equation by considering some correlation: all quantum states are allowed for the u′ electrons with the same translation quantum numbers. Numerical results are given for the mean energy and the energy bands, for some values of the filling factor (νf = 1/2, 1/3, 2/3, 1/4, 3/4, 1/5, 2/5, 3/5, 4/5). Our results agree numerically with the Charge Density Wave approach. The boundary conditions are shown to be very important: only large systems (degeneracy of Landau level over 200) are not affected by the boundaries. Therefore results obtained on small scale systems are somewhat unreliable. The relevance of the results for the Fractional Quantum Hall Effect is briefly discussed.
Managing Knowledge in Romanian KIBS during the COVID-19 Pandemic

KIBS are increasingly important organizations for ensuring sustainable development. Their core asset is knowledge, manifested in many ways and managed in a complex manner, sometimes jointly with clients. Like other organizations, KIBS companies have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, they could provide support to their customers to better cope with the challenges associated with the pandemic. Therefore, the present paper investigates how Romanian KIBS coped with the pandemic by developing 16 interviews with key persons from four different organizations, covering a range of specializations (technical, professional, and creative). The purpose of the present study is to identify the challenges for knowledge management caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and how the pandemic influenced knowledge management performance within Romanian KIBS. The investigation reveals that the pandemic was an opportunity for organizational development and adopting more formal knowledge management practices, as well as for developing the digital profile of companies.
Hydromechanics of lunate-tail swimming propulsion. Part 2

This paper investigates the propulsive performance of the lunate tails of aquatic animals achieving high propulsive efficiency (the hydromechanical efficiency being defined as the ratio of the work done by the mean forward thrust to the mean rate at which work is done by the tail movements on the surrounding fluid). Small amplitude heaving and pitching motions of a finite flat-plate wing of general planform with a rounded leading edge and a sharp trailing edge are considered. This is a generalization of Chopra's (1974) work on model rectangular tails. This motion characterizes vertical oscillations of the horizontal tail flukes of some cetacean mammals. The same oscillations, turned through a right angle to become horizontal motions of side-slip and yaw, characterize the caudal fins of certain fast-swimming fishes; viz. wahoo, tunny, wavyback skipjack, etc., from the Percomorphi and whale shark, porbeagle, etc., from the Selachii. Davies’ (1963, 1976) method of finding the loading distribution on the wing and generalized force coefficients, through approximate solution of an integral equation relating the loading and the upwash (lifting-surface theory), is used to find the total thrust and the rate of working of the tail, which in turn specify the hydromechanical swimming performance of the animals. The physical parameters concerned are the tail aspect ratio ((span)2/planform area), the reduced frequency (angular frequency x typical length/forward speed), the feathering parameter (the ratio of the tail slope to the slope of the path of the pitching axis), the position of the pitching axis, and the curved shapes of the leading and trailing edges. The variation of the thrust and the propulsive efficiency with these parameters has been discussed to indicate the optimum shape of the tail. It is found that, compared with a rectangular tail, a curved leading edge as in lunate tails gives a reduced thrust contribution from the leading-edge suction for the same total thrust; however, a sweep angle of the leading edge exceeding about 30° leads to a marked reduction of efficiency. Another implication of the present analysis is that no negative work is involved in the actual oscillation of the tail. The present results are used to obtain an estimate of the drag coefficient for the motion of the animals, based on observed data and the computed thrust. The results show some evidence of differences between the CD's for cetacean mammals and scombroid fish respectively. Some discussion of this difference is also given.