Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Drought tolerance of Aspergillus violaceofuscus and Bacillus licheniformis and their influence on tomato growth and potassium uptake in mica amended tropical soils under water-limiting conditions

Drought is a significant abiotic stress that alters plant physiology and ultimately affects crop productivity. Among essential plant nutrients, potassium (K) is known to mitigate the deleterious effect of drought on plant growth. If so, K addition or inoculation of potassium solubilizing microorganisms (KSMs) that are tolerant to drought should promote plant growth during water stress. Therefore, in this study, K solubilizing Aspergillus violaceofuscus and Bacillus licheniformis, isolated from saxicolous environments, were tested for their capacity to tolerate drought using different molecular weights (~4000, 6000, and 8000 Da), and concentrations (0, 250, 500, 750, 1000, and 1250 mg/L) of polyethylene glycol (PEG) under in vitro conditions. The results showed that high concentrations (750 and 1000 mg/L) of PEG with different molecular weight considerably improved bacterial cell numbers/fungal biomass and catalase (CAT) and proline activities. Moreover, the ability of KSMs alone or in combination to impart drought tolerance and promote plant growth in the presence and absence of mica (9.3% K2O) supplementation was tested in Alfisol and Vertisol soil types under greenhouse conditions. The results revealed that the tomato plants inoculated with KSMs individually or dually with/without mica improved the physiological and morphological traits of the tomato plants under drought. Generally, tomato plants co-inoculated with KSMs and supplemented with mica were taller (2.62 and 3.38-fold) and had more leaf area (2.03 and 1.98-fold), total root length (3.26 and 8.86-fold), shoot biomass (3.87 and 3.93-fold), root biomass (9.00 and 7.24-fold), shoot K content (3.08 and 3.62-fold), root K content (3.39 and 2.03-fold), relative water content (1.51 and 1.27-fold), CAT activity (2.11 and 2.14-fold), proline content (3.41 and 3.28-fold), and total chlorophyll content (1.81 and 1.90-fold), in unsterilized Alfisol and Vertisol soil types, respectively, than uninoculated ones. Dual inoculation of the KSMs along with mica amendment, also improved the endorrhizal symbiosis of tomato plants more than their individual inoculation or application in both soil types. These findings imply that the A. violaceofuscus and B. licheniformis isolates are promising as novel bioinoculants for improving crop growth in water-stressed and rainfed areas of the tropics in the future.
Flow and heat transfer in a turbulent boundary layer through skewed and pitched jets

A study was carried out of longitudinal vortices in a low speed turbulent boundary layer due to small jets. The jet was pitched at 45 deg and skewed between 0 and 120 deg. The effects of jet velocity ratio (0≤λ j ≤3.0) and skew angle (0≤θ≤120 deg) were addressed. Mass-averaged Navier-Stokes equations were solved using computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer. Turbulence closure was achieved using k-e model. Three types of vortex production were noted at various jet velocity ratios
Editorial: Stem cell transplantation in autoimmune diseases (AID)

COPYRIGHT © 2023 Schmalzing, Henes, van Laar and Sullivan. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. TYPE Editorial PUBLISHED 01 March 2023 DOI 10.3389/fimmu.2023. 1150664
Editorial: Novel insights into the pathophysiology of diabetes-related complications: Implications for improved therapeutic strategies

COPYRIGHT © 2023 Ma, Jiang, Fu, Chen, Hu and Yuan. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. TYPE Editorial PUBLISHED 01 March 2023 DOI 10.3389/fendo.2023. 1157807
A tunable multi-wavelength laser based on a Mach–Zehnder interferometer with photonic crystal fiber

In this paper a tunable multi-wavelength erbium doped fiber laser, based on a Mach–Zehnder interferometer, is presented. Here the interferometer is achieved by splicing a piece of photonic crystal fiber (PCF) between two segments of a single-mode fiber. The laser can emit a single, double, triple or quadruple line, which can be tuned from 1530 to 1556 nm by controlling the polarization state. Finally it is shown, by experimental results, that the laser has high stability at room temperature.
Retrospective Study of Tick Bites Associated with Neurological Disease in a Level Three University Hospital in Switzerland

Background: Ticks represent very important vectors of human and zoonotic pathogens, and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are diagnosed with increasing frequency. Therefore, the aim of this retrospective study was to describe patients presenting with a complaint of tick bite in the emergency department (ED) of a large university hospital in Switzerland. Methods: Data were collected by searching for keywords in the routine clinic database to identify cases from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2020. The patients’ data were screened for preexisting diseases and demographic and clinical characteristics. Results: We included 415 patients collected over a period of 8 years, with highest admission frequencies from May to July. Of these, 82% were outpatients, 15.9% admitted to a hospital ward, and five to intensive care. The patients were allocated to three groups. The first group represented patients with erythema chronica migrans (ECM), which is pathognomonic for Lyme borreliosis (n = 45). Accordingly, 89% of cases in this group of patients were treated with antibiotics. The second group represented patients with other tick bite-associated erythema (n = 139). In this group, no particular clinical symptoms or laboratory findings were found. Finally, the largest group represented patients in which the tick bite was no longer visible (n = 201). This group of patients had significantly more evidence of neurological disorders (52%) and were treated at a higher rate with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (29%) or antiviral (13%) drugs. Although the vaccination status for tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) was not systematically evaluated, at least 10% of the latter group was vaccinated, indicating another source for neurological disease. Furthermore, only 14% of the tested patients were positive for IgM or IgG against TBEV. Conclusion: This retrospective study indicates the presence of many undiagnosed neurological diseases following tick bites that could be caused by TBEV or an unknown infectious agent. Taken together, although tick bites were not very frequently seen in the present tertiary ED, the frequent presence of neurological symptoms demands a more systematic assessment of vaccination status and TBEV serology as well as further diagnostic evaluations in patients that report tick bites and neurological symptoms.
On Vortex Methods

We give error estimates for fully discretized two- and three-dimensional vortex methods and introduce a new wy of evaluating the stretching of vorticity in three-dimensional vortex methods. The convergence theory of Beale and Majda is discussed and a simple proof of Cottet’s consistency result is presented. We also describe how to obtain accurate two-dimensional vortex methods in which the initial computational points are distributed on the nodes of nonrectangular grids, and compare several three-dimensional vortex methods.
In vivo infrared tomographic imaging of laser-heated blood vessels

We demonstrate a method for infrared tomographic imaging of the initial three-dimensional (3-D) temperature increase of in vivo blood vessels following pulsed laser exposure. Using a time-sequence of infrared images recorded by a fast focal plane array camera as input data, a reconstruction algorithm is used to compute the initial 3-D temperature increases in the chick chorioallantoic membrane and port wine stain in human skin. The noncontact tomographic imaging method is relevant to various laser therapies that rely on a photothermal mechanism for selective modification of tissue and may find diagnostic application to determine optimal laser dosimetry, position, and size of targeted subsurface chromophores.
A Model for the High-Energy Power-Law Component Observed in the X-Ray Spectra of Low-Mass X-Ray Binaries

According to recent observations, an X-ray spectrum of a low-mass X-ray binary (LMXB) is well approximated by a power-law for E greater than 10 keV when the luminosity is very low. A model is proposed for this high-energy component. In an LMXB, a neutron star accretes gas from its companion through an accretion disk. The gas accreted from the inner edge of the accretion disk has angular momentum and rotates with roughly the Keplerian velocity on the neutron star surface. X-ray photons from the neutron star are scattered in the rapidly rotating surface layer named the boundary layer. The scattered X-ray photons change their energy by the Compton effect. Some of the X-ray photons are scattered repeatedly between the boundary layer and the neutron star and observed as high-energy X-ray photons. The model reproduces the observational feature of the high-energy power-law component. The photon index of the model spectrum is expressed as a function of the model parameters. 21 refs.
THE HYDROMAGNETIC NATURE OF SOLAR CORONAL MASS EJECTIONS

▪ Abstract Solar coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are a major form of activity on the Sun. A CME takes 1015-16 g of plasma from the low corona into the solar wind, to disturb the near-Earth space if the CME direction is favorable. We summarize current observations and ideas of CME physics to provide a hydromagnetic view of the CMEs as the products of continual magnetic flux emergence and an interplay between magnetic reconnection and approximate magnetic-helicity conservation in the corona. Each flux emergence brings helicity to accumulate additively in a coronal structure while excess magnetic energy is flared away by reconnection. Self-confinement eventually fails with a CME shedding the accumulated helicity out of the low corona to enable the field to reach the minimum-energy state. Similar evolutionary processes may occur in other magnetic stars and galaxies.
1986-1987 Performance of Replacement Beef Heifers in 76 Ontario Cow-Calf Herds

Analyses at both the herd and individual heifer level were considered necessary to understanding replacement heifer performance and both will be reported in this introductory paper. In particular, a study of the role of weaning weight and yearling weight as a determinant of beef heifer productivity was a major part of the project. A description of the selection, breeding, and calving strategies employed by managers and the calculation of monitors of replacement heifer production from breeding to weaning of their first progeny should provide useful comparisons for Ontario farmers and their advisors.
Research progress in molecular pathology markers in medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the commonest primary malignant brain cancer. The current treatment of MB is usually surgical resection combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Although great progress has been made in the clinical management of MB, tumor metastasis and recurrence are still the main cause of death. Therefore, definitive and timely diagnosis is of great importance for improving therapeutic effects on MB. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) divided MB into four subtypes: wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site (WNT), sonic hedgehog (SHH), non-WNT/non-SHH group 3, and group 4. Each subtype of MB has a unique profile in copy number variation, DNA alteration, gene transcription, or post-transcriptional/translational modification, all of which are associated with different biological manifestations, clinical features, and prognosis. This article reviewed the research progress of different molecular pathology markers in MB and summarized some targeted drugs against these molecular markers, hoping to stimulate the clinical application of these molecular markers in the classification, diagnosis, and treatment of MB.
A Methodology to Quickly Perform Opinion Mining and Build Supervised Datasets Using Social Networks Mechanics

Social Networking Sites (SNS) offer a full set of possibilities to perform opinion studies such as polling or market analysis. Normally, artificial intelligence techniques are applied, and they often require supervised datasets. The process of building these is complex, time-consuming and expensive. In this paper, we propose to assist the labelling task by taking advantage of social network mechanics. In order to do that, we introduce the co-retweet relation to build a graph that allows us to propagate user labels to their similarity neighbourhood. Therefore, it is possible to iteratively build supervised datasets with significant less human effort and with higher accuracy than other weak-supervision techniques. We tested our proposal with 3 datasets labelled by an expert committee, and results shows that it outperforms other weak-supervision techniques. This methodology may be adapted to other social networks and topics, and it is relevant for applications like informed decision-making (e.g., content moderation), specially when interpretability is required.
Lignin-Based Admixtures: A Scientometric Analysis and Qualitative Discussion Applied to Cement-Based Composites

The development of lignin-based admixtures (LBAs) for cement-based composites is an alternative to valorizing residual lignins generated in biorefineries and pulp and paper mills. Consequently, LBAs have become an emerging research domain in the past decade. This study examined the bibliographic data on LBAs through a scientometric analysis and in-depth qualitative discussion. For this purpose, 161 articles were selected for the scientometric approach. After analyzing the articles’ abstracts, 37 papers on developing new LBAs were selected and critically reviewed. Significant publication sources, frequent keywords, influential scholars, and contributing countries in LBAs research were identified during the science mapping. The LBAs developed so far were classified as plasticizers, superplasticizers, set retarders, grinding aids, and air-entraining admixtures. The qualitative discussion revealed that most studies have focused on developing LBAs using Kraft lignins from pulp and paper mills. Thus, residual lignins from biorefineries need more attention since their valorization is a relevant strategy for emerging economies with high biomass availability. Most studies focused on production processes, chemical characterizations, and primary fresh-state analyses of LBA-containing cement-based composites. However, to better assess the feasibility of using different LBAs and encompass the multidisciplinarity of this subject, it is mandatory that future studies also evaluate hardened-sate properties. This holistic review offers a helpful reference point to early-stage researchers, industry professionals, and funding authorities on the research progress in LBAs. It also contributes to understanding the role of lignin in sustainable construction.
On the Metamethodological Dimension of the "Expectancy Paradox"

When an experimenter uses the experimental method to investigate the effects of the experimenter's expectancy it may be that this research, too, is affected by his expectancy and thus there is an expectancy paradox. To the extent that the experimenter expectancy effect accounts for the variation in the dependent variable and is general, that is to say, universal in psychological research, the expectancy paradox is ineluctable. However, an analysis of the research reviews extant in this area yields the conclusion that expectancy effects are neither inexorable nor highly general in psychological research and this provides the basis for its extrication from the expectancy paradox.
Monte Carlo study of spin relaxation in AlGaAs/GaAs quantum wells

An original approach is developed to investigate the electron spin dynamics in III–V quantum wells using a particle Monte Carlo transport model. We study the spin precession related to the D’yakonov–Perel’ mechanism, which is believed to be the predominant spin relaxation phenomenon in AlGaAs/GaAs quantum wells at room temperature. Using a Monte Carlo approach, the effect of electron/crystal scatterings on the D’yakonov–Perel’ mechanism can be both simply and accurately taken into account. Finally, including interface roughness in the calculation leads to spin relaxation times in good agreement with the experimental data.
High-Performance, Robust, Bank-to-Turn Missile Autopilot Design

Subjects related to a robust multivariable autopilot design are examined in this paper. First, a canonical robust control design formulation is introduced and is illustrated by formulating an integrated autopilot design problem. This formulation addresses the considerations of missile command following, model parameter variations, actuator dynamics, flexible dynamics, and parasitic feedback effects. Then, three robust autopilot designs for the HAVE DASH II missile system are executed. The controllers are solved using the generalized Hamiltonian approach which unifies a class of robust control designs in the same framework in terms of the formulation, data structure, and solution algorithm. The simulation shows that the designs achieve good response against significant kinematic and inertia couplings and aerodynamic parameter variations.
Modeling the switching kinetics in ferroelectrics

The switching process in ferroelectrics with a maximum in time for the switching current as observed by Merz [Phys. Rev. 95, 690 (1954)] is simulated. To this end, the Weiss molecular mean-field model is combined with the fluctuation of dipoles in double-well potentials. A first-order rate equation for the polarization with time-dependent coefficients results. This equation is solved for the time-dependent switching process, as well as for the static polarization hysteresis loop.
Modeling of organic thin film transistors of different designs

We report on modeling of direct current (DC) characteristics of organic pentacene thin film transistors of different designs. Our model incorporates a gate-voltage dependent mobility and highly nonlinear drain and source contact series resistances. The contact nonlinearities are especially pronounced in bottom source and drain contact thin film transistors. The model successfully reproduced both below- and above-threshold characteristics of top source and drain contact and bottom source and drain contact organic pentacene thin film transistors.
D-Optimality and D L -optimality criteria for incomplete block designs

The adequacy of an experimental design can be determined from the information matrix. The D-optimality criterion is based on the determinant of the information matrix M(ξ) (ξ is any design measure) of a design, that is it maximizes the determinant of the information matrix M(ξ) or, equivalently, minimizes the determinant of inverse of the information matrix M−1(ξ ) . There are cases where the information matrix M(ξ) of a design degenerates (that is, the determinant is zero). In this situation, we introduce the use of the loss of information matrix designated as L(ξ) matrix. The loss of information matrix L(ξ) is a symmetric positive definite matrix that has exactly the same diagonal elements as those of the information matrix M(ξ) and the off-diagonal elements lying between zero and one. D L -optimality criterion measures the determinant of the loss of information matrix.In this paper, we consider the correspondence between the D-and D L -optimality criteria, that is whether a D-optimal design is also D L -optimal, in a block or more than one block using a regular and irregular experimental region. An optimal design is selected with the aid of the combinatorial algorithm developed by Onukogu and Iwundu (2008). Breaking of ties existing in Doptimality criterion using the DL-optimality criterion is also considered. KEYWORDS: Loss of information; D L -optimality criterion; Incomplete block design; Regular and irregular experimental region
CONVERGENCE OF ITERATIVE SCHEMES FOR NONEXPANSIVE MAPPINGS

Let K be a nonempty closed convex subset of a real uniformly convex Banach space X and suppose T : K → K is a nonexpansive mapping with the nonempty fixed point set Fix(T). Let , and be sequences in [0, 1] such that for some constants a, b, α, β, and γ. Let x0 ∈ K be any initial point. Then it is proved that the implicit iteration defined by converges weakly to a fixed point of T. Furthermore, it is generalized that if is a finite family of nonexpansive self-mappings of K with the nonempty common fixed points set and if the parameters , , and satisfy the conditions (0.1), (0.2), (0.3), and for some constant c, then the modified implicit iteration defined by where Tn = Tn(modN), converges weakly to a common fixed point of the family . The results presented in this paper improve and extend the corresponding results of Z. Opial [11], S. Reich [13], H. -K. Xu and R. G. Ori [20], and Zhao et al. [21].
Disentangling the sources of variation in the survival of the European dipper

The population growth rate of the European dipper has been shown to decrease with winter temperature and population size. We examine here the demographic mechanism for this effect by analysing how these factors affect the survival rate. Using more than 20 years of capture-mark-recapture data (1974-1997) based on more than 4000 marked individuals, we perform analyses using open capture-mark-recapture models. This allowed us to estimate the annual apparent survival rates (probability of surviving and staying on the study site from one year to the next one) and the recapture probabilities. We partitioned the variance of the apparent survival rates into sampling variance and process variance using random effects models, and investigated which variables best accounted for temporal process variation. Adult males and females had similar apparent survival rates, with an average of 0.52 and a coefficient of variation of 40%. Chick apparent survival was lower, averaging 0.06 with a coefficient of variation of 42%. Eighty percent of the variance in apparent survival rates was explained by winter temperature and population size for adults and 48% by winter temperature for chicks. The process variance outweighed the sampling variance both for chick and adult survival rates, which explained that shrunk estimates obtained under random effects models were close to MLE estimates. A large proportion of the annual variation in the apparent survival rate of chicks appears to be explained by inter-year differences in dispersal rates.