Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Software-Deﬁned Radio Test-Bed for Measuring Efﬁciency of Multisine Waveforms in RF Power Transfer

In this paper, we investigate the efﬁcacy of multisine waveforms for radio-frequency (RF) wireless power transfer (WPT). We present a test-bed developed for experimentally assessing the end-to-end efﬁciency of waveforms in RF WPT. The test-bed primarily comprises a software-deﬁned radio (SDR) transmitter and an energy harvesting receiver. We examine how the transmitter distorts digital multisine waveforms with high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR), and measure the effect of varying the PAPR of clipped multisines on the end-to-end efﬁciency. The results reﬂect the poor performance of high-PAPR multisines in RF power transfer and hint towards low-PAPR signals being ideal for RF WPT.
Linear Antisymmetric Recurrent Neural Networks

Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) have a form of memory where the output from a node at one timestep is fed back as input the next timestep in addition to data from the previous layer. This makes them highly suitable for timeseries analysis. However, standard RNNs have known weaknesses such as struggling with long-term memory. In this paper, we suggest a new recurrent network structure called Linear Antisymmetric RNN (LARNN). This structure is based on the numerical solution to an Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) with stability properties resulting in a stable solution, which corresponds to long-term memory. Three different numerical methods are suggested to solve the ODE: Forward and Backward Euler and the midpoint method. The suggested structure has been implemented in Keras and several simulated datasets have been used to evaluate the performance. In the investigated cases, the LARNN performs better or similar to the Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) network which is the current state of the art for RNNs.
Microscale patchiness in microphytobenthos distributions: evidence for a critical state

The two-dimensional microscale (for scales ranging from 5 cm to 1 m) distribution of microphytobenthic biomass is investigated from superficial sediment samples taken on two intertidal flats characterized by sharp differences in terms of hydrodynamic exposure, sediment nature and biotic properties. Microphytobenthos biomass exhibited a very intermittent behaviour at both study sites, with the occurrence of sharp local fluctuations. The exposed sandy and the muddy flats are nevertheless respectively dominated by high-density and low-density patches, leading to significantly positively and negatively skewed distributions. It is also shown that the patch patterns exhibit specific power-law behaviours, involving the appearance of a selforganized critical state. The implications of critical versus subcritical states in microphytobenthos distributions are theoretically investigated on the basis of very simple numerical models, and a mechanistic explanation for the emergence of criticality in microphytobenthic populations is introduced.
Confocal single-molecule fluorescence as a tool for investigating biomolecular dynamics in vitro and in vivo

Confocal single-molecule fluorescence is a powerful tool for monitoring conformational dynamics, and has provided new insight into the enzymatic activities of complex biological molecules such as DNA and RNA polymerases. Though useful, such studies are typically qualitative in nature, and performed almost exclusively in highly purified, in vitro settings. In this work, I focus on improving the methodology of confocal single-molecule fluorescence in two broad ways: (i) by enabling the quantitative identification of molecular dynamics in proteins and nucleic acids in vitro , and (ii) developing the tools needed to perform these analyses in vivo . Toward the first goal, and together with several colleagues, I have developed three novel methods for the quantitative identification of dynamics in biomolecules: (i) Burst Variance Analysis (BVA), which unambiguously identifies dynamics in single-molecule FRET experiments; (ii) Dynamic Probability Density Analysis (PDA), which hypothesis-tests specific kinetic models against smFRET data and extracts rate information; and (iii) a novel molecular counting method useful for studying single-molecule thermodynamics. We validated these methods against Monte Carlo simulations and experimental DNA controls, and demonstrated their practical application in vitro by analyzing the “fingers-closing” conformational change in E.coli DNA Polymerase I; these studies identified unexpected conformational flexibility which may be important to the fidelity of DNA synthesis. To enable similar studies in the context of a living cell, we generated a nuclease-resistant DNA analogue of the Green Fluorescent Protein, or “Green Fluorescent DNA,” and developed an electroporation method to efficiently transfer it into the cytoplasm of E.coli . We demonstrate in vivo confocal detection of smFRET from this construct, which is both bright and photostable in the cellular milieu. In combination with PDA, BVA and our novel molecular counting method, this Green Fluorescent DNA should enable the characterization of DNA and protein-DNA dynamics in living cells, at the single-molecule level. I conclude by discussing the ways in which these methods may be useful in investigating the dynamics of processes such as transcription, translation and recombination, both in vitro and in vivo .
The impact of the megafauna extinctions on savanna woody cover in South America

Has land surface cover in South America been impacted by the loss of most large herbivores following the severe Pleistocene and Early Holocene megafauna extinctions on this continent? Here, we estimate how mean savanna woody biomass may have changed in the Americas following these extinctions by creating an empirical model to understand how large herbivores impact savanna woody biomass. To create this empirical model, we combine a large recently published dataset of savanna woody cover from Lehmann et al. (2014) (n = 2154 plots) with estimates of mammals ranges and weights from the IUCN database. We evaluate how variables such as number of megaherbivores (mammal species ≥ 1000 kg), log10 sum species weights, and total number of mammal species predict changes to woody cover by using both ordinary least squares regression analysis (OLS) and simultaneous auto-regressive (SAR) analysis to control for spatial autocorrelation. Both number of megaherbivores and log10 sum species weights, which both disproportionately weight for megaherbivores, significantly explained much (∼ 5–13%) variance in woody cover, but the third variable weighting all animals equally, did not. We then combined these biotic variables with abiotic variables such as temperature, precipitation, and fire frequency to create a model predicting 36% of the variance of savanna woody cover. We used this model combined with estimated range maps of extinct South American megafauna to estimate that had those South American megafauna not gone extinct, total savanna woody cover in South America could possibly have decreased by ∼ 29% and that savannas would likely have been more open like current African savannas.
Tremorgenic mycotoxicosis caused by Paspalum paspaloides (Michx.) Scribner infected by Claviceps paspali: a case report

A natural poisoning case caused by ingestion of Paspalum paspaloides (Michx. ) Scribner infected by Claviceps paspali in a bovine herd in Huelva (Spain) is described. This kind of intoxication, frequently described in South Africa and America is rare in Europe and this is the first description in Spain. Clinical signs, which affected 23 calves out of a total of 130 animals, consisted in a nervous syndrome characterized by tremor, hyperexcitability, incoordination, ataxia, depression and paralysis, signs that were aggravated when animals were subjected to cer - tain types of exercises. The most relevant lesions were detected in the brain and consisted in microhaemorrhages diffused through the parenchyma of the brain, neuronal degeneration, satellitosis, neuronophagia, gliosis, and moderate neuropil degeneration in the peripheral zones of the brain.
Host range expansion of Distatrix papilionis (Viereck) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a gregarious endoparasitoid of lepidopterous pests, in India

Distatrix papilionis (Viereck) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is reported to parasitize caterpillars of Graphium nomius (Esper) (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) in southern India. This is the first association of D. papilionis being recorded as a gregarious endoparasitoid of G. nomius, hitherto commonly collected from Papilio demoleus L. in Bengaluru. The number of wasp cocoons per host caterpillar ranged from 21−34 which is directly proportional to the host size. In the present study an illustrated account of parasitism with diagnostic details are presented.
Issues and options for future dairy farming in New Zealand

Abstract The dairy industry in New Zealand is a significant contributor (7% of GDP) to the national economy. Major current issues for the industry are the lack of cheap, highly‐nutritive value feed for cows of high genetic merit for milk yield; the poorer reproductive capacity of these high merit Holstein‐Friesian cows; the quantity and skill of farm labour; and the environmental consequences of intensive dairy farming. The industry has responded to these challenges in the following ways. Increased nitrogen fertiliser use has given increased pasture yields, but also increased nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide emission from farms, which in turn has led to research on wintering pads, diet modification and nitrification inhibitors to reduce N losses to the environment. Increased use of supplementary feeds has given improved milk yield per cow, but also increased total farm variable costs, labour requirements and nutrient losses, which in turn have fostered research for cheaper feeds and rumen modifiers to improve feed utilisation. The poorer reproductive performance of Holstein‐Friesian cows with overseas genetics initially led to greater reproduction intervention treatments, but a greater awareness of welfare issues has encouraged increased use of crossbred Holstein‐Friesian × Jersey cows to improve reproductive performance through heterosis. The use of larger herds and dairies initially allowed more efficient use of labour, but continuing problems with the cost and availability of labour has seen the adoption of once‐daily milking on some farms and the experimental evaluation of automatic milking systems for pastoral systems. Future developments will include continued improvements in both quantity and quality of feed for cows of higher breeding worth, but more emphasis will be placed on traits such as feed conversion efficiency, health and survival in the herd. Automation of all farm tasks to reduce labour costs will be a major feature of future farms. Costs of environmental compliance will increase in the short‐term until research delivers ways to reduce the carbon and nitrogen losses from grazing and cropping systems.
Studies on the genus Descolea Sing

Eight species of Descolea, four of which—D. pallida, D. majestatica, D. phlebophora, and D. pretiosa —are new, are keyed out and fully described. The area of distribution today stretches from S. America over New Zealand and Australia to India and Japan. According to present knowledge the specific centre of the genus seems to be in New Zealand (three species), but it is presumed that more species occur in the surrounding Pacific area. The generic range of Descolea is discussed and compared with closely related genera belonging to the Cortinariaceae.
Ovipositional Responses of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) to Certain Susceptible and Resistant Maize Genotypes

The ovipositional responses of the stem-borer, Chilo partellus, to the susceptible maize genotype, inbred A, are higher than to the resistant genotype, ICZ1-CM. These responses are elicited by certain characters of the plants that are perceivable prior to the moths’ arrival on the plants (distance-perceivable) as well as those perceivable after arrival on the plant (contact-perceivable). Distance-perceivable characters were not found to be responsible for the differences in the oviposition on the two genotypes tested.The contact-perceivable characters of the two genotypes differ markedly in eliciting oviposition by moths. Contact with the resistant ICZ1-CM elicits much less oviposition than with the other genotype. RésuméLes réactions d’oviposition du rongeur de tige, Chilo partellus, au génotype du mais susceptible, inbred A, sont plus importantes que celles du génotype résistant, ICZ1-CM. Ces réactions sont provoquées par certaines charactéristiques des plantes qui sont perceptibles avant l’arrivée des insectes sur les plantes (perceptiblité à distance) ainsi que ceux qui sont perceptibles après l’arrivée sur la plante (perceptibilité aprés contact). Il a été observe que les charactéristiques perceptibles à distance ne sont pas responsables des differences dans l’oviposition sur les 2 génotypes testés. Les charactéristiques perceptibles après contact des deux génotypes diffèrent considérablement quant à la provocation de l’oviposition par les insectes. Le contact avec le résistant ICZ1-CM provoque beaucoup moins d’oviposition qui avec l’antre génotype.
Modeling effects of herbicide drift on the competitive interactions between weeds

Herbicides may drift onto road verges or natural areas adjacent to arable fields and affect nontarget plants. The effect of low doses of mecoprop‐P on the competitive interactions and plant community dynamics was investigated in a model system using Capsella bursa‐pastoris and Geranium dissectum as test plants. Dose–response experiments on single species showed that compared to G. dissectum, C. bursa‐pastoris was more affected by mecoprop‐P. Consequently, we expected that G. dissectum would outcompete C. bursa‐pastoris when mecoprop‐P was applied at a low dose in the competition experiment. Indeed, mecoprop‐P had a significant effect on the interspecific competitive ability of both C. bursa‐pastoris and G. dissectum. Our previous expectation, however, was not met: The interspecific competitive ability of both species increased significantly with the dose of the herbicide, and it was predicted that C. bursa‐pastoris and G. dissectum are more likely to coexist in natural habitats with low concentrations of the herbicide compared to natural habitats with relatively high concentrations. The results from the dose–response experiments on the single species and the more laborious competition experiment approach, which is assumed to mimic the dynamics of plant communities more closely, show considerable discrepancies even though the experiments were performed at the same time and in the same greenhouse. This finding generally reduces the credibility of using single‐species tests in ecological risk assessment of herbicide use.
Growth Velocity and Branch Length of Fingering Pattern Using Two Viscous Oils

We study the fingering pattern development, which arise because of the instability at the interface of two gear oils of different viscosities in Hele-Shaw cell. Fingering is a very instant process, is last for few seconds only, it is recorded using digital camera and movie frames extracted and selected for certain interval of time . We focus here on the development of fingering pattern for different pressure of the two gear oils HP90 and Veedol140.To compare their branch length and growth velocity at different interval of time. It is interesting to note that there is appreciable change in the fingering length and fingering growth velocity of the pattern with two oils at the approximately same pressure. In this paper details are presented and
Image2StyleGAN++: How to Edit the Embedded Images? -Supplementary Material-Rameen

To evaluate the results quantitatively, we use three standard metrics, SSIM, MSE loss and PSNR score to compare our method with the state-of-the-art Partial Convolution [2] and Gated Convolution [4] methods. As different methods produce outputs at different resolutions, we bi-linearly interpolate the output images to test the methods at three resolutions 1024 × 1024, 512 × 512 and 256× 256 respectively. We use 7 masks (Fig. 1) and 10 ground truth images (Fig. 2) to create 10 defective images (i.e. images with missing regions) for the evaluation. These masks and images are chosen to make the inpainting a challenging task: i) the masks are selected to contain very large missing regions, up to half of an image; ii) the ground truth images are selected to be of high variety that cover different genders, ages, races, etc. Table 1 shows the quantitative comparison results. It can be observed that our method outperforms both Partial Convolution [2] and Gated Convolution [4] across all the metrics. More importantly, the advantages of our method can be easily verified by visual inspection. As Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show, although previous methods (e.g. Partial convolution) perform well when the missing region is small, both of them struggle when the missing region covers a significant area (e.g. half) of the image. Specifically, Partial Convolution fails when the mask covers half of the input image (Fig. 3); due to the relatively small resolution (256 × 256) model, Gated Convolution can fill in the details of large missing regions, but of much lower quality compared to the proposed method (Fig. 4).
Variation in the social calls of little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus)

The social calls of 14 Myotis lucifugus (5 adult males; 5 adult females; 2 subadult males; 2 subadult females) produced under controlled conditions were more variable than echolocation calls made by hunting individuals in the wild. The social calls contained lower frequencies and in some cases were of longer duration than the echolocation calls. Careful examination of sound spectrographs of the calls indicated tremendous variability in details of frequency and time. Although several types of calls can be recognized, a discrete classification is not feasible because of the variability. The possible significance of the variation in the calls of these bats is discussed in the context of recognition of individuals by their vocalizations.
Temporal variability and community composition of zooplankton at station L4 in the Western Channel: 20 years of sampling

DAMIEN ELOIRE1,2*, PAUL J. SOMERFIELD1, DAVID V. P. CONWAY3, CLAUDIA HALSBAND-LENK1, ROGER HARRIS1 AND DELPHINE BONNET2 1 PLYMOUTH MARINE LABORATORY, PROSPECT PLACE, THE HOE, PLYMOUTH, DEVON PL1 3DH, UK, LABORATOIRE ECOSYSTEME LAGUNAIRE, UMR 5119, CNRS – UNIVERSITE MONTPELLIER II – IRD –IFREMER, CC093, PLACE EUGENE BATAILLON, 34095 MONTPELLIER CEDEX 05, FRANCE AND MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, CITADEL HILL, THE HOE, PLYMOUTH, DEVON PL1 2PB, UK
Chinese Prescription Kangen-karyu in Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is defined as a disease state complicated by multiple metabolic diseases such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes. Even when each individual component disease is mild, the risk of metabolic syndrome is high. Over the past decade, different organizations have been proposed various diagnostic criteria. The use of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of metabolic syndrome is becoming increasingly popular due to its wide availability. In this paper, we report a case of metabolic syndrome improved when a 64-year-old woman with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity administered 7.5 g of Kangen-karyu extract per day. After 6 months, serum lipid levels were improved. The abdominal circumference, body weight, and blood pressure were decreased following administration. At that time, the physical and subjective symptoms had partially disappeared. On tongue diagnosis, there was a notable improvement in vessels below the tongue. Herein, we present evidence supporting the use of Kangen-karyu extract against metabolic syndrome.
Prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility, and virulence factors of Yersinia enterocolitica isolated from raw milk in Basrah, Iraq

A total of one hundred and fifty cow, buffalo, and sheep milk samples were collected from several markets in Basrah, Iraq (50 samples from each species). All milk samples were subjected to enrichment in TSB and cold enrichment in PBS, then cultured on YSA agar in order to obtain Yersinia species. The highest growth obtained by TSB enrichment was seen in cow milk (24%) followed by buffalo milk (22%) and sheep milk (12%). The results of PBS enrichment showed the highest growth in cow milk (14%) followed by buffalo (8%) and sheep milk (2%). The results showed that both cow and buffalo milk samples were contaminated by Y. enterocolitica at 8% while the prevalence in sheep milk was 4%. Ten isolates from different sources in the current study were examined for their susceptibility to 10 antibiotics. The highest susceptibility (100%) was found towards streptomycin, azithromycin and gentamicin, followed by ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol, 93.3% for each. Low susceptibility was found toward vancomycin (6.66%) and cloxacillin (33.3%). 16S rRNA sequencing showed homology with previously annotated strains at GenBank of National Centre for Biotechnology (NCBI). Multiple sequence alignments exhibited one difference between the sequences at the locus 764. The phylogenic tree of the results demonstrated that the local isolates were closely related to strains previously reported from China. All Yersinia enterocolitica strains had the inv gene. In contrast, the ail gene was found in one strain (10%) while the yad gene appeared in 50% of the investigated strains.
The Effect of Perimeter on Characteristics of Frequency-Agile Tunable Capacitors

In this work, tunable capacitors using a finger-type electrode are designed and characterized for frequency-agile RF circuit applications. Their top electrodes with different area and line width are designed in types of the finger for a long conducting perimeter which results in enhanced fringing-electric fields in order to improve their tunability. The tunable varactors were fabricated on a quartz substrate employing a multi-layer dielectric of a para/ferro/para-electric thin film. Compared to the conventional capacitor, finger-type capacitors are characterized in terms of effective capacitance and tunablility. Their effective capacitance and tunability with the long perimeter increase 24~40% and 7~12%, respectively, due to enhanced fringing electric fields from 1 to 2.5 GHz, compared to the conventional ones.
Causality of Interest Rate, Exchange Rate and Stock Prices inThe Chicago Board Options and Exchange

This paper explores the Granger causality test and the bivariate as well as the multivariate cointegration test to determine the interactions between interest rates, exchange rates, and the composite stock volatilities of different traded contracts under the Chicago Board Options and Exchange. Using the daily sector data for all observed variables from the St.Louis Fed over the period of 2007-2017 and introducing the method of simple vector autoregression, this study examines various aspects of the integration where the current and the previous values of volatility indices, interest rates, and exchange rates have shown significant Granger causality effects to the return behavior of those volatility indices, interest rates, and exchange rates. The estimated result indicates that, under the absence of any long-run relationships, interest rates have more unidirectional and bi-directional causal effects with the stock market volatility indices than in comparison with the exchange rates, whereasboth are identified as significant determinants of stock price volatility.