Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The complete chloroplast genome sequence of the medicinal plant, Dracocephalum rupestre (Lamiaceae)

Abstract Dracocephalum rupestre (tribe Mentheae; Lamiaceae) is a perennial herb from Korea and China with high ornamental and medicinal value. Here, we report its complete chloroplast genome to provide insight into the phylogenetic relationships of Dracocephalum. The genome is 151,230 bp long, with two inverted repeat regions (25,643 bp each) that separate a large single-copy region (82,536 bp) and a small single-copy region (17,408 bp). It contains 133 genes that encode 88 proteins, eight rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs. The maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis strongly supported Dracocephalum monophyly, showing that the genus forms a sister group with the subtribe Menthinae in the tribe Mentheae.
Compound-Nucleus Decay along the Mass-Asymmetry Coordinate and the Role of the Businaro-Gallone Point

Fragments with atomic numbers covering the entire range of the mass-asymmetry coordinate (Z = 1 to Z = Z/sub CN//2) were observed from the decay of compound nuclei (CN) produced in reactions of 7.4- and 8.4-MeV/nucleon /sup 74/Ge, /sup 93/Nb, and /sup 139/La with /sup 9/Be and /sup 12/C. The evolution of the charge distribution with increasing mass of the compound nucleus (A = 83 to 151) reflects the topological change in the potential-energy surface associated with crossing the Businaro-Gallone point. 7 references, 4 figures, 1 table.
The Effect of Publicly Available COVID-19 Information on the Functioning of Society, Businesses, Government and Local Institutions: A Case Study from Poland

The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously affected many world regions’ societies and economies. The pandemic and the restrictions introduced in response to it have impacted social behaviour and the operation of businesses in various ways. The present study aimed to verify the impact of information on the COVID-19 outbreak in Poland on the frequency with which residents of Rybnik and the surrounding areas chose to stay in their houses or apartments, as well as the functioning of businesses. The originality of the study lies in the use of mediation modelling, in which the following were used as variables describing the epidemic in Poland: new cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Poland; the number of deaths caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection in Poland; and the number of people quarantined due to the COVID-19 epidemic in Poland. On the other hand, data on tap water consumption were used as variables describing the frequency with which residents of Rybnik and the surrounding areas chose to stay in their houses or apartments, the operation of businesses in and around the city, and the operation of government and local government institutions. The study’s conclusions confirm that publicly available information about the COVID-19 outbreak in Poland affected the frequency of residents of Rybnik and the surrounding areas staying in their houses or apartments as well as the functioning of businesses in Rybnik and the surrounding areas. The increasing number of people who died due to SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with the limited functioning of government and local government institutions in and around Rybnik, which contributed to restrictions on the functioning of service industry companies in the city and surrounding areas.
Topology in two dimensions – IV. CDM models with non-Gaussian initial conditions

We use the results of N-body simulations on gravitational clustering in CDM models with both Gaussian and non-Gaussian initial conditions to generate projected galaxy catalogues with the same selection criteria as the Shane-Wirtanen counts of galaxies. We apply the technique for measuring 2D topology (the EP characteristic) discussed in the previous papers of this series to compare the statistical nature of the projected galaxy clustering in these simulated data sets with that of the observed galaxy catalogue. We find that all our models produce a topology dominated by a meatball shift when normalized to the known small-scale clustering properties of galaxies
Decoding of the (31, 16, 7) quadratic residue code

Abstract An algebraic decoding algorithm is proposed to correct all error patterns of up to three errors in the binary (31, 16, 7) Quadratic Residue (QR) code with reducible generator polynomial. The decoding technique, a modification of the decoding algorithm given by Reed et al., is based on the application of the decoding algorithm proposed by Truong et al. The computation of all syndromes is done in a small field, namely, GF(25). Thus, the computational complexity can be reduced. A full simulation shows that this novel decoding method is superior to the algebraic decoding algorithm given by Reed et al.
Performance Analysis of Spectrum Sharing Radar in Multipath Environment

Radar based sensing and communication systems sharing a common spectrum have become a potential research problem in recent years due to spectrum scarcity. The spectrum sharing radar (SSR) is a new technology that uses the total available bandwidth (BW) for both radar based sensing and communication. Unlike traditional radar, the SSR divides the total available BW into radar-only and mixed-use bands. In a radar-only band, only radar sensor signals can be transmitted and received. In contrast, radar and communication signals can both be transmitted and received in the mixed-use band. Taking such BW sharing into account, this paper investigates the performance of SSR in an information-theoretic sense. To evaluate performance, mutual information (MI), spectral efficiency (SE) and capacity (C) metrics are used. Initially, this paper considered a clean environment (no multipath) in order to evaluate performance metrics in the mixed-use band with and without successive interference cancellation. Following that, this paper addresses the performance of BW allocation by allocating low to high BW in mixed-band. Furthermore, the performance metrics are extended to account for the multipath environment, and the same analogy as in a clean environment is used. In addition, the MI and SE of traditional radar system is taken into account when comparing the performance of SSR with and without the use of the SIC. Finally, MI and capacity results show that using the SIC scheme in a mixed-use band yields performance comparable to traditional radar and communication system. In terms of SE, the SSR with SIC scheme outperforms traditional radar and communication system.
The Magellanic Stream and other hydrogen remnants of strong tidal disruption of the Magellanic Clouds

A review results from recent surveys of neutral-hydrogen, high-velocity clouds reveals the connection of the Magellanic Stream with a widespread population of clouds with large infalling motions toward the Galaxy. The tidal disruption of the Magellanic Clouds during their last close encounter with the Milky Way produced, along with the Megallanic Stream, a population of high-velocity clouds scattered throughout the first and second quadrants of the southern galactic hemisphere.
Inference and model comparison for species accumulation functions using approximating pure birth processes

Soberon and Llorente proposed using the mean S(t; ϕ) of a pure birth process as a model for species accumulation functions and obtained ordinary least squares point estimates for the vector of parameters ϕ. They provided useful biological interpretations for S(t; ϕ) as well as for the birth rates of the process; they also expressed the strong need for an objective tool to compare different models for a given species accumulation data set. We show that the functions S(t; ϕ) proposed by Soberon and Llorente are generally not means of pure birth processes but that they can be well approximated by the mean of a suitable nonhomogeneous pure birth process B(t). We suggest using S(t; ϕ) and an upper bound for the (unknown) variance of the approximating pure birth process to make statistical inferences about ϕ. A nonlinear regression model with mean S(t; ϕ) and normal errors, possibly correlated, is proposed using a likelihood approach. This model can be compared with other relevant models under consideration by means of their corresponding likelihood ratio, providing a useful, objective, and quantitative tool for comparing different models in the light of the observed data. The suggested approach is exemplified with two species accumulation data sets.
Characterization of a Disease-Suppressive Isolate of Lysobacter enzymogenes with Broad Antagonistic Activity against Bacterial, Oomycetal and Fungal Pathogens in Different Crops

Although synthetic pesticides play a major role in plant protection, their application needs to be reduced because of their negative impact on the environment. This applies also to copper preparations, which are used in organic farming. For this reason, alternatives with less impact on the environment are urgently needed. In this context, we evaluated eight isolates of the genus Lysobacter (mainly Lysobacter enzymogenes) for their activity against plant pathogens. In vitro, the investigated Lysobacter isolates showed broad antagonistic activity against several phytopathogenic fungi, oomycetes and bacteria. Enzyme assays revealed diverse activities for the tested isolates. The most promising L. enzymogenes isolate (LEC) was used for further detailed analyses of its efficacy and effective working concentrations. The experiments included in vitro spore and sporangia germination tests and leaf disc assays as well as ad planta growth chamber trials against Alternaria solani and Phytophthora infestans on tomato plants, Pseudoperonospora cubensis on cucumbers and Venturia inaequalis on young potted apple trees. When applied on leaves, dilutions of a culture suspension of LEC had a concentration-dependent, protective effect against the tested pathogens. In all pathosystems tested, the effective concentrations were in the range of 2.5–5% and similarly efficacious to common plant protection agents containing copper hydroxide, wettable sulphur or fenhexamid. Thus, the isolate of L. enzymogenes identified in this study exhibits a broad activity against common plant pathogens and is therefore a promising candidate for the development of a microbial biocontrol agent.
De Novo Assembly and Annotation of 11 Diverse Shrub Willow (Salix) Genomes Reveals Novel Gene Organization in Sex-Linked Regions

Poplar and willow species in the Salicaceae are dioecious, yet have been shown to use different sex determination systems located on different chromosomes. Willows in the subgenus Vetrix are interesting for comparative studies of sex determination systems, yet genomic resources for these species are still quite limited. Only a few annotated reference genome assemblies are available, despite many species in use in breeding programs. Here we present de novo assemblies and annotations of 11 shrub willow genomes from six species. Copy number variation of candidate sex determination genes within each genome was characterized and revealed remarkable differences in putative master regulator gene duplication and deletion. We also analyzed copy number and expression of candidate genes involved in floral secondary metabolism, and identified substantial variation across genotypes, which can be used for parental selection in breeding programs. Lastly, we report on a genotype that produces only female descendants and identified gene presence/absence variation in the mitochondrial genome that may be responsible for this unusual inheritance.
Treatment of Gingival Recession Defects with Pouch and Tunnel Technique Using Connective Tissue Graft and Lyophilized Chorion Membrane in Smokers

Background The chorion membrane has been used for several decades as an allograft in tissue repair and various periodontal regenerative procedures. The present study, conducted at a single center in India, aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of 26 gingival recession sites in chronic smokers treated using a pouch and tunnel technique with connective tissue graft (CTG) and lyophilized chorion membrane (LCM). Material/Methods The study included 22 smokers with 26 sites of recession defect, with Miller’s class I and class II gingival recession, which were allotted into control and test groups. The control group (13 sites) was treated with CTG, and the test group (13 sites) was treated with LCM. Clinical parameters like recession depth, recession width, relative clinical attachment level (RCAL), relative gingival position, width of attached gingiva, and width of keratinized gingiva were recorded at baseline and 6 months postoperatively. Visual analogue scores for pain and wound-healing index scores were assessed in the first week after surgery. Results All clinical parameters showed significant improvements from baseline to 6 months postoperatively in the control and test groups. Recession width, RCAL, width of attached gingiva, and width of keratinized gingiva demonstrated significant differences, whereas mean root coverage percentage and recession depth did not show any significant differences between the study groups at 6 months postoperatively. Conclusions This study supports the role of LCM allograft as a scaffold to promote soft tissue regeneration and has demonstrated a favorable role for its use in root coverage procedures in patients who smoke.
Aircraft Load Alleviation During Maneuvers Using Optimal Control Surface Combinations

Control laws in aeronautics are designed to ensure, above all, good handling qualities. However, during extreme maneuvers, which have to be taken into account for aircraft certification, a number of critical structural load limits cannot be guaranteed by this baseline controller. To avoid some modifications of the control law, a solution consists of judiciously exploiting the redundancy of the control surfaces. The aim of this paper is first to find an optimal strategy of the control surface use, which leaves the initial flight behavior unmodified but alleviates a structural load during a selected maneuver. Model predictive control theory solves this offline control allocation problem under actuator saturation constraints. In addition, an identification procedure is proposed to synthesize a new mixing unit that can reproduce this optimal strategy. This methodology is applied to a flexible transport aircraft to alleviate the bending moment at the external wing during a sudden and strong roll maneuver.
Mode estimation and adaptive feedforward control for stabilization of a flexible gun tube

In this paper we describe an approach for designing a pointing and stabilization system for an unbalanced, flexible gun. Our approach is based upon classical control techniques as well as system identification and adaptive feedforward techniques. Adaptive algorithms identify the flexible modes of the system and estimate the dynamics unbalance. This information is used to update the control law in order to improve the stabilization accuracy of the system.
Bioinspired strontium magnesium phosphate cement prepared utilizing the precursor method for bone tissue engineering

Bioinspired strontium magnesium phosphate cements for bone tissue engineering were prepared using a new, facile, environmentally friendly and high yielding (98.5%) precursor method. The bioinspired SMPCs have uniform particle distributions, excellent mechanical strengths and high biocompatibilities. The in vitro responses of bone marrow stromal cells to the SMPCs, including viability, osteogenic differentiation and alkaline phosphatase activity, were evaluated. The results show that the SMPC containing 0.5 mol of strontium (referred to as SMPC-2) has a higher degradation rate and biological activity than magnesium phosphate cements and the other SMPCs. In addition, the synergistic effect of strontium and magnesium ion release from SMPC-2 creates a conducive environment for cell proliferation, mineralized calcium deposition and new bone formation. These observations demonstrate the feasibility of using the new precursor method to generate SMPCs and the utility of these biologically compatible and highly effective cements for bone tissue engineering. Graphical Abstract
Probing the subsurface ocean processes using ocean LIDARS

Subsurface profiling LIDAR systems extend our understanding of ocean processes "below" the ocean surface of SST and ocean color. Time-gated LIDAR backscattering intensity has been shown to define the bio-optical ocean layers and characterize subsurface processes. The interaction between the mixed layer depth (MLD) using vertical temperature structures and LIDAR optical layers provides a critical link between physical and bio-optical processes. We evaluated the capability of LIDAR penetration to reach the MLD on a global basis. Penetration depths of LIDAR were estimated using attenuation depths derived from global monthly ocean color averages which were assumed vertically homogenous. Climatology of LIDAR penetration depth was combined with the monthly mixed layer depth determined from the Global NCOM ocean circulation model. Global NCOM output was used to construct monthly averaged MLD climatologies from 2002 to 2010. Results show how monthly changes in MLD and LIDAR penetration depths are coupled for different regions of the global ocean. For example, the time-lag in LIDAR penetration depths is linked to shallowing of the MLD in the North Atlantic Bloom. We estimate the percentage of global ocean waters where different LIDAR system configurations can reach below the MLD. Results illustrate the potential performance of LIDAR systems to "probe" the subsurface for global waters which help in LIDAR design. Subsurface processes such as mixing and biological growth and decay have significant impact on what we observe at the ocean surface. LIDAR profiling should provide the new dimension for monitoring global ocean processes.
Silicon nanowires prepared by laser ablation at high temperature

Silicon nanowires have been synthesized in high yield and high purity by using a high-temperature laser-ablation method with growth rates ranging from 10 to 80 μm/h. Transmission electron microscopic investigation shows that the nanowires are crystalline Si, and have diameters ranging from 3 to 43 nm and length up to a few hundreds microns. Twins and stacking faults have been observed in the Si core of the nanowires. The lattice structure and constant of the nanowires as determined from x-ray diffraction (XRD) are nearly identical to those of bulk Si, although the relative XRD peak intensities are different from those of randomly oriented Si crystallites. Raman scattering from the nanowires shows an asymmetric peak at the same position as that of bulk crystalline silicon.
THE SPECTRAL INDEX PROPERTIES OF FERMI BLAZARS

In this paper, a sample of 451 blazars (193 flat spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs), 258 BL Lacertae objects) with corresponding X-ray and Fermi γ-ray data is compiled to investigate the correlation both between the X-ray spectral index and the γ-ray spectral index and between the spectral index and the luminosity, and to compare the spectral indexes αX, αγ, αXγ, and αγXγ for different subclasses. We also investigated the correlation between the X-ray and the γ-ray luminosity. The following results have been obtained. (1) Our analysis indicates that an anti-correlation exists between the X-ray and the γ-ray spectral indexes for the whole sample. However, when we considered the subclasses of blazars (FSRQs, the low-peaked BL Lacertae objects (LBLs) and the high-peaked BL Lacertae objects (HBLs)) separately, there is not a clear relationship for each subclass. For the average values, , we have ; and (2) For the correlations between the X-ray and the γ-ray luminosities, we have log νLγ = (1.033 ± 0.002)log νLX + (0.213 ± 0.094) for the whole sample, log νLγ = (0.741 ± 0.004)log νLX + (12.378 ± 0.162) for HBLs, and log νLγ = (1.032 ± 0.003)log νLX + (0.643 ± 0.138) for the LBLs and FSRQs; the correlation slope for HBLs is different from that for FSRQs and LBLs. For the average values, , we have , , and for the X-ray luminosity; and , , and for the γ-ray luminosity. (3) There is an anti-correlation between the effective spectral index, αXγ, and log νLγ for the whole sample, and the subclasses (FSRQs, LBLs, and HBLs). The effective spectral index shows that (4) For the spectral index difference, αγXγ(=αXγ − αγ) of the effective spectral index, αXγ, and the γ-ray spectral index, αγ, we obtain (5) Based on the Fermi-detected sources, we can say that the HBLs are different from FSRQs, while the LBLs are similar to FSRQs.
A Survey on Humanoids Robots: Perception. Mechanism, and Control

Anthropomorphic robots, also known as humanoids, have a structure based on the human body, with limbs and movements designed for better mobility that allows the robot to perform various tasks, mainly to assist people in daily activities, for entertainment, or to perform risky tasks. The development of this document aims to present some of the results obtained in the research conducted on the state-of-the-art study about humanoid robots based on some of the main articles related to their study, highlighting some of their characteristics of perception systems, control, and physical configurations.
High‐resolution simulation of a major West African dust‐storm: comparison with observations and investigation of dust impact

This study focuses on the radiative impacts of dust on the thermodynamics and dynamics of a major Saharan dust‐storm that occurred between 7 and 15 March 2006. The implementation of a dust module within the convective‐scale operational model AROME permitted a 10‐day simulation at high resolution (5 km) over a large domain (6.5–30°N; 3°W–33°E). The model is able to represent most of the life cycle of this dust‐storm and of the principal dust sources. According to the comparison with a complete and comprehensive set of measurements obtained within the framework of the AMMA field campaign in 2006, the simulation succeeds in representing the main thermodynamic and radiative features of the storm both qualitatively and quantitatively. As compared with a simulation without the dust, the coupling with the dust module provides signatures of the storm that are in better agreement with radiation and temperature observations. The intense heating in the core of the dust plume (more than 2°C) resulted in a large vertical dipole of potential vorticity anomaly with higher values at low levels and weaker values at mid levels, either in the lower and the upper part of the dust plume respectively. This shows that the coupling with dust reinforces the intensity of the cold extratropical outbreak with more ascent at the cold front, more cyclonic convergence near the surface, and more anticyclonic divergence aloft. Also, the subsidence is increased at the rear of the outbreak with more northerly winds. A major result is the acceleration of the easterly along‐front flow (∼3 m s−1) at low levels and in the African Easterly Jet, increasing the emission of dust and its westward long‐range transport. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Full information maximum likelihood estimation in factor analysis with a large number of missing values

We consider the problem of full information maximum likelihood (FIML) estimation in factor analysis when a majority of the data values are missing. The expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm is often used to find the FIML estimates, in which the missing values on manifest variables are included in complete data. However, the ordinary EM algorithm has an extremely high computational cost. In this paper, we propose a new algorithm that is based on the EM algorithm but that efficiently computes the FIML estimates. A significant improvement in the computational speed is realized by not treating the missing values on manifest variables as a part of complete data. When there are many missing data values, it is not clear if the FIML procedure can achieve good estimation accuracy. In order to investigate this, we conduct Monte Carlo simulations under a wide variety of sample sizes.