Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endophytic fungi associated with lichens in Baihua mountain of Beijing, China

Endophytic fungi of seven lichen species belonging to five families were investigated in Baihua mountain of Beijing. Various colonization rates (56.3-100%) of endophytic fungi were found among the lichens. A total of 32 taxa from 488 thallus segments were obtained, with 14 ascomycetes, 16 hyphomycetes, one ceolomycetes and one yeast. Scopulariopsis sp. was distributed in six out of seven lichens and was the dominant species in five lichens. Geniculosporium serpens was the dominant species in the lichen, Dermatocarpon miniatum. Sporormiella species only occurred in Xanthoria mandschurica. Thielavia fungi as endophytes were first reported. Different Shannon-Weiner diversity indices (0.48-1.85) for endophytic fungi were found in the seven lichens. Low endophyte composition similarities (Cs: 0-0.55) were obtained among the seven lichens. Results of this study suggest that abundant endophytic fungi are distributed within lichen thalli and endophyte composition is different among the lichens.
Distribution Channel Management and the Control of Fake/Counterfeit Products in Selected Pharmaceuticals Companies in Benue State.

This study evaluated distribution channel management and control of counterfeit products in Nigeria with specific reference to selected pharmaceutical industries in Benue State. The study used mainly primary data obtained by the use of a well-structured questionnaire. The study used multiple regression analysis to test the two hypotheses of the study. The result shows that a negative relationship exist between distribution management and its effect on consumer's accessibility and it is statistically significant (p<0.05) and in line with a priori expectation. Also, the study found that the source of fake and counterfeit product is positively related to distribution channel management but it is not statistically significant (p>0.05). It was concluded therefore that efficient distribution channel management could help to greatly reduce the proliferation of counterfeit products in the health sector. In view of this, it was recommended that laws guiding the regulation of imported and manufactured products should be strengthened to ensure effectiveness by regulatory authorities. Hence, the distribution channels management policies should be an approach to control counterfeit products by instituting on a clear post market surveillance system that will aid the fast identification of counterfeit and other substandard drugs while consumer's access to counterfeit product should be restricted through an efficient distribution channel management.
"N,N-Bis(phosphonomethyl) Glycine, Zn 2+ and Tartrate" - A New Ternary Inhibitor Formulation for Corrosion Control of Carbon Steel

Studies on inhibition of corrosion of carbon steel in aqueous environment using N,N -Bis(phosphonomethyl) glycine (BPM G), zinc ions and tartrate are presented. The investigations revealed that tartrate acts as an excellent synergist in corrosion inhibition. Optimu m concentrations of all the three co mponents of the ternary formu lation are established by gravimetric studies. Potentiodynamic polarization studies indicate that the new ternary system is a mixed inhib itor. Results of the impedance studies show that a protective film is formed on the metal surface in presence of the inhibitor formu lation. Analysis of the protective film us ing X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and reflect ion absorption Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy infer the presence of Zn(OH)2, o xides and hydroxides of iron and the inhibitor mo lecules in the surface film probably in the form of a co mplex, (Zn(II)-BPM G-tartrate). A plausible mechanism o f corrosion inhibit ion is proposed.
Stable continuous orthonormalization : techniques for linear boundary value problems

An investigation is made of a hybrid method inspired by both Riccati transformations and marching algorithms employing (parts of) orthogonal matrices, both being decoupling algorithms. It is shown that this so called continuous orthonormalization is stable and practical as well. Nevertheless, if the problem is stiff and many output points are required the method does not give much gain over, say, multiple shooting.
The Effects of Steel Fibre on the Mechanical Strength and Durability of Steel Fibre Reinforced High Strength Concrete (SFRHSC) Subjected to Normal and Hygrothermal Curing

This paper presents the experimental investigation into the mechanical strength and durability of steel fibre high strength concrete (SFHSC). In the experimental investigation, the properties of the steel fibre high strength concrete were assessed through two types of curing regimes, the normal water curing and the hygrothermal curing treatment, with the results of the tests being taken at 7 days and 7 days + 24 hours. The steel fibres were added at volume fractions of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% and 3.0%. The tests that were performed for the mechanical strength and durability were the compressive and flexural strength test, the modulus of elasticity test, the ultrasonic pulse velocity test, the water absorption test, the air permeability test and the porosity test. The compressive and flexural strength of the steel fibre high strength concrete reached their maximum of 70.7 MPa and 11.45 MPa, respectively during normal curing for the 3.0% volume fraction of steel fibre. The experimental results of this study indicate that the inclusion of steel fibres enhances the mechanical strength of high strength concrete cured in normal water curing as compared to the hygrothermal curing treatment.
Silent Mutation: Characterization of its Potential as a Mechanism forSterol 14ÃÂ±-Demethylase Resistance in Cercospora beticola Field Isolatesfrom the United States

Sterol demethylation inhibitors (DMIs) are considered among the most effective fungicides used to control Cercospora leaf spot (CLS), caused by Cercospora beticola Sacc. , in sugar beet. Resistance to DMI fungicides has been reported in the C. beticola population from the United States, but the molecular mechanism is not known. It is considered that genetic changes in the C. beticola 14α-demethylase (CbCyp51) gene may be contributing to DMI resistance. The study investigated a silent mutation (GAG to GAA) at codon 170 as a potential mechanism for C. beticola DMI resistance. The CbCyp51 gene was obtained from DMI-sensitive and -resistant isolates, cloned into a plasmid vector, transformed in an isogenic yeast R-1, and tested for DMI sensitivity. Transformed yeast showed low ED50 values (0.02 - 0.09 μg ml–1) as compared to high ED50 values from C. beticola DMI-resistant isolates (21 - 65 μg ml–1). The finding did not support our hypothesis that a silent mutation in the CbCyp51 gene may be associated with C. beticola DMI resistance. Furthermore, genetic analysis of the CbCyp51 gene found no mutation in 2 C. beticola DMI-resistant isolates from the Central High Plains. Further studies will be required to investigate additional mechanisms which have been associated with DMI resistance in fungi. Thus, we could not develop a molecularbased assay for the rapid detection of C. beticola DMI resistance, because no mutation was found in the CbCyp51 gene. Currently, fungicide sensitivity assay could be the best method screen for C. beticola DMI resistance.
The Media and the Diffusion of Information in Financial Markets: Evidence from Newspaper Strikes

The media are increasingly recognized as key players in financial markets. I investigate their causal impact on trading and price formation by examining national newspaper strikes in several countries. Trading volume falls 12% on strike days. The dispersion of stock returns and their intraday volatility are reduced by 7%, while aggregate returns are unaffected. Moreover, an analysis of return predictability indicates that newspapers propagate news from the previous day. These findings demonstrate that the media contribute to the efficiency of the stock market by improving the dissemination of information among investors and its incorporation into stock prices.
Use of Content Based Instruction and Socratic Discussion for ESL Undergraduate Biomedical Science Students to Develop Critical Thinking Skills

Content based language instruction can assist English as a second language (ESL) students to achieve better learningand teaching outcomes, however, it is primarily used to understand content, and may not help to develop criticalanalysis skills. Here we describe a pilot study that used a ‘Socratic’ small-group discussion in addition to contentbased instruction, to enhance critical thinking skills in ESL Biomedical Science students. Students were provided adetailed protocol for the analysis of a research journal manuscript and participated in a Socratic discussion. Studentswrote evaluative pieces to summarize the manuscript’s topics, both before and after the small-group discussion.Overall, a third of all students displayed an improved critical thinking score based on Bloom’s taxonomy. However,only 20% of ESL students improved their critical thinking score, while 42% of non-ESL students improved. Despitethis, students agreed that the Socratic discussion improved their understanding of science and enhanced their abilityto review scientific literature. Importantly, ESL students believed that the discussion made them feel positive abouttheir ability to read scientific literature. Thus, specific tools for enhancing critical thinking in the ESL student groupshould further be developed, with investigation of the retention of these skills warranted.
[Anatomical and finite element analysis of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction within biomechanical insertion].

OBJECTIVE To provide new concepts of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction by anatomical gross observation of ACL tibial insertion and finite element analysis of distribution of ACL mechanical insertion. METHODS In the anatomical study, ten fresh adult cadaveric knees were dissected, including 6 males and 4 females, all knees were generally observed through standard medial parapatellar approaches, paying attention to the close anatomical relationship of tibial insertion and anterior horn of lateral meniscus, and ACL was exposed and gradually removed from the inside. The shape of tibial insertion of ACL was observed and recorded, and anterior-posterior diameters and left-right diameters of tibial insertion were measured with vernier caliper. For the study of finite element analysis, three-dimensional thin-layer magnetic resonance imaging of normal knee joint was used to establish knee joint model. Three-dimensional reconstruction software MIMICS and finite element analysis software ANSYS were used to establish knee joint model, subsequently, clinical physical examination Lachman test and pivot-shift test were simulated to observe the force distribution of ACL tibial insertion and femoral insertion. RESULTS The ACL tibial mechanical insertion was rather flat and long similar as an arc shape without a clear separation between anterior medial bundle (AMB) and posterolateral bundle (PLB) in gross observation. The dense fibers lies belonged to the medial intercondylar ridge and ended up anterior with the osseous landmark of anterior ridge. Its average anterior-posterior diameter was (13.8±2.0) mm, the average left-right diameter of midsubstance was (5.3±0.6) mm, and the average left-right diameter of anterior margin was (11.5±1.2) mm. The finite element analysis showed that distribution on the femoral side was oval shape mainly below the residents' ridge, while the tibial side was rather flat mainly along the medial intercondylar ridge, which was consistent with the anatomical observation. The biomechanical characteristics of ACL attachments were verified theoretically. CONCLUSION Anatomical study and finite element analysis have confirmed the flat arc shape of ACL tibial insertion. The ideal reconstruction technique of ACL should be based on its biomechanical insertion. Based on anatomical study and biomechanical analysis, we have proposed the idea of ACL biomechanical insertion reconstruction (BIR) and established a surgical model with oval femoral tunnel and rounded-rectangle tibial tunnel.
Downlink calibration requirements for the TSUNAMI (II) adaptive antenna testbed

The TSUNAMI (II) project is an investigation into the use of adaptive antenna technology. The field trial system has been developed for the purposes of investigating the feasibility of implementing such a system using a GSM-1800 base station system. The field trial system uses a digital baseband beamforming technique (DBF) which, like all DBF systems, relies on the accurate transfer of weighted signals to and from the antenna array elements. As such, an accurate and reliable calibration system is required to combat effects arch as temperature and humidity on the individual antenna array paths. In this paper, results are presented of studies made on the field trial system, with regard to the operational temperature variations over an extended period of time. Investigations are presented of the TSUNAMI (II) downlink calibration technique and the implications for future adaptive antenna array calibration systems.
The Study and Applications of Sparse Methods Technology in Yunnan Mountain Substation

As one of the divisions in China Southern Power Grid, Yunnan Power Grid Corporation has conducted research and demonstration projects on multiple smart grid technologies to improve the power system reliability, save operation cost and enhance measurement accuracy. In this paper, we will introduce The Study of Yunnan Mountain Substation Data Aggregation Technology based on Sparse Methods. Most substations are built in the mountain, the complex geological conditions and poor natural conditions put forward higher requirements on the substation running and real-time comprehensive monitoring of substation system. Processing and polymerization research of large amounts of the monitoring data and information is studied in this article. This paper introduces the sparse methods and then explains the thinning algorithm, especially new algorithm is proposed. Finally, the substation sparse method architecture is put forward and the simulation experiment was carried out to prove the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Impact of patient comfort on diagnostic image quality during PET/MR exam: A quantitative survey study for clinical workflow management

Abstract Background PET/MR is transferring from a powerful scientific research tool to an imaging modality in clinical routine practice. Whole body PET/MR screening usually takes 30–50 minutes to finish, during which a few factors might induce patient discomfort and further cause degraded image quality. The aim of this report is to investigate the patients' perception of the imaging procedure and its correlation with image quality. Methods One hundred and twenty patients (63 males and 57 females, average age = 51.3 years, range 22–70 years) who had been diagnosed with cancer or had previous history of cancer were recruited and scanned with a simultaneous PET/MR system. A questionnaire was given to all patients retrospectively after the PET/MR scan, which has nine questions to assess patients' feeling of the scan on a Likert scale scoring system (1–5, 1 as most satisfied). All PET/MR images were also visually examined by two experts independently to evaluate the quality of the images. Six body locations were assessed and each location was evaluated also with a Likert scale scoring system (1–5, 5 as the best quality). Mann–Whitney Utest was used for statistical analysis to check if there is significant correlation between image quality and patient perceptions. Results With a total of 120 patients, 118 questionnaires were filled and returned for analysis. The patients’ characteristics were summarized in Table 4. The statistics of the patients’ perception in the questionnaire were illustrated in Tables 5–7. Statistical significant correlations were found between MR image quality and patients’ characteristics/perception. Conclusion Our results show that PET/MR scanning is generally safe and comfortable for most of the patients. Statistical analysis does not support the hypothesis that bad patient’s perception leads to degraded image quality.
A numerical method for Mean Field Games on networks

We propose a numerical method for stationary Mean Field Games defined on a network. In this framework a correct approximation of the transition conditions at the vertices plays a crucial role. We prove existence, uniqueness and convergence of the scheme and we also propose a least squares method for the solution of the discrete system. Numerical experiments are carried out.
Title Poverty and Economic Inequality in Tanzania ' sKagera Region

This study addresses poverty, economic inequality, determinants of consumption, determinants of poverty, and decomposition analyses using a dataset collected in Tanzania’s Kagera region from 1991 to 1994. In the entire Kagera region, the share of the betweengroup inequality had increased between Waves 2 and 4, although all three inequality indices had decreased between Waves 2 and 4. Our regression decomposition analyses confirm that the households in the rural area of the Kagera region are poorer than the households in the urban area of the Kagera region mainly due to the difference in the returns to their endowments.
Classification of hepatic metastasis in enhanced CT images by dipolar decision tree

In the paper, computer-aided decision support system for hepatic metastasis diagnosis based on dynamic CT scans is presented. Analyzed image database contains 4 types of pathological lesions and normal tissue in typical acquisition time moments of dynamic CT of the liver: without contrast material and after injection, in arterial and portal phases. In the proposed approach, texture analysis of drawn ROI-s is combined with a new classification method dipolar decision tree. In this method, each node of the binary tree corresponds to a multivariate test (hyper-plane). Searching for an optimal position of the hyper-plane is based on separation of mixed dipoles (pairs of input feature vectors from different classes). Experimental results show that the proposed approach allowed obtaining the competitive classification quality. Furthermore, it could be improved by taking into account the acquisition time of CT images.
Regional NO x emission strength for the Indian subcontinent and the impact of emissions from India and neighboring countries on regional O 3 chemistry

[1] This study examines the regional NOx emission strength and influence of external emissions on O3-related chemistry over the Indian subcontinent based on a threedimensional chemistry transport model and space-based observations, following up on our earlier work on NOx chemistry over southern Asia. NOx mass and emissions from Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME) and Model of Atmospheric Transport and Chemistry–Max Planck Institute for Chemistry Version (MATCH-MPIC) over India are compared, and the uncertainties in the estimates are briefly discussed. This study also employs the concept of small-perturbation tendencies to compute the scaled sensitivities with modified NOx emissions for India and the neighboring continents. The sensitivities of NOx, O3, OH, and reservoir species of NOx over India to NOx emission from India, Southeast Asia, Africa, China, and the Middle East are discussed with respect to the photochemistry and the regional meteorology. Our study suggests that the mean regional NOx emission strength for India is close to 2.5 Tg(N)/yr with a seasonal maximum ( 3 Tg(N)/yr) during April and minimum ( 1.6 Tg(N)/yr) during winter. The changes in the O3 concentrations with respect to NOx and nonmethane hydrocarbon emissions from India show that southern India is relatively more sensitive to local emission.
Interactive comment on “Subsiding shells and vertical mass flux in warm cumulus clouds over land” by Christian Mallaun et al

Both referees thus claim the lack of novelty. This is, strictly speaking, indeed true if only one data set is considered to be ‘original’ (and thus publishable) for anyone topic and thus a confirmation of earlier findings is not considered to be publishable. If ‘novelty’, however, includes analysis methods and research focus, it doesn’t apply for the present paper. The overall goal of the present paper was to confirm (or otherwise) the existence of a subsiding shell – which were first postulated based on Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) results in real clouds. Furthermore, the study was aimed at investigating the cloud-to-cloud variability of the subsiding shell characteristics and the associated mass transfer. The first aspect has indeed previously been done. To our knowledge the existence of the subsiding shell has experimentally been investigated by Heus et al. (2009), Wang et al. (2009), Katzwinkel et al. (2014). And indeed, Wang et al. (2009) include also shallow convection over land in their analysis. We feel that a confirmation of those results over land would be a valuable additional contribution to the field. In our study, we investigated target clouds under different conditions throughout their life-cycle and carefully selected the cloud transects. Therefore, our results first confirm earlier results and second add further information about the characteristics of the different transect classes.
Sieve maximum likelihood estimation for a general class of accelerated hazards models with bundled parameters

In semiparametric hazard regression, nonparametric components may involve unknown regression parameters. Such intertwining effects make model estimation and inference much more difﬁcult than the case in which the parametric and nonparametric components can be separated out. We study the sieve maximum likelihood estimation for a general class of hazard regression models, which include the proportional hazards model, the accelerated failure time model, and the accelerated hazards model. Coupled with the cubic B-spline, we propose semiparametric efﬁcient estimators for the parameters that are bundled inside the nonparametric component. We overcome the challenges due to intertwining effects of the bundled parameters, and establish the consistency and asymptotic normality properties of the estimators. We carry out simulation studies to examine the ﬁnite-sample properties of the proposed method, and demonstrate its efﬁciency gain over the conventional estimating equation approach. For illustration, we apply our proposed method to a study of bone marrow transplantation for patients with acute leukemia.
Development of a Non-Local Neoclassical Transport Code for Helical Configurations

The progress in a 3-dimensional, non-local neoclassical transport simulation code “FORTEC-3D” is described. The main purpose of the code is to solve the drift-kinetic equation in general a 3-dimensional configuration using the δf Monte Carlo method, and to calculate neoclassical fluxes and the time evolution of the ambipolar radial electric field simultaneously. This article explains new numerical schemes adopted in FORTEC-3D in order to overcome numerical problems, which happen especially in the cases where the bifurcation of radial electric field occurs. Examples of test simulation for an LHD magnetic field configuration with a bifurcated electric field are also shown. With improved numerical schemes, FORTEC-3D can calculate neoclassical fluxes and trace the time evolution stably for several ion collision times, which is sufficiently long to observe GAM damping and formation of the ambipolar electric field.