Mercury's resonant rotation from secular orbital elements

We used recently produced Solar System ephemerides, which incorporate two years of ranging observations to the MESSENGER spacecraft, to extract the secular orbital elements for Mercury and associated uncertainties. As Mercury is in a stable 3:2 spin-orbit resonance these values constitute an important reference for the planet's measured rotational parameters, which in turn strongly bear on physical interpretation of Mercury's interior structure. In particular, we derive a mean orbital period of 87.96934962 $\pm$ 0.00000037 days and (assuming a perfect resonance) a spin rate of 6.138506839 $\pm$ 0.000000028 degree/day. The difference between this rotation rate and the currently adopted rotation rate (Archinal et al, 2011) corresponds to a longitudinal displacement of approx. 67 m per year at the equator. Moreover, we present a basic approach for the calculation of the orientation of the instantaneous Laplace and Cassini planes of Mercury. The analysis allows us to assess the uncertainties in physical parameters of the planet when derived from observations of Mercury's rotation

Discovery of functional elements in 12 Drosophila genomes using evolutionary signatures

Sequencing of multiple related species followed by comparative genomics analysis constitutes a powerful approach for the systematic understanding of any genome. Here, we use the genomes of 12 Drosophila species for the de novo discovery of functional elements in the fly. Each type of functional element shows characteristic patterns of change, or 'evolutionary signatures', dictated by its precise selective constraints. Such signatures enable recognition of new protein-coding genes and exons, spurious and incorrect gene annotations, and numerous unusual gene structures, including abundant stop-codon readthrough. Similarly, we predict non-protein-coding RNA genes and structures, and new microRNA (miRNA) genes. We provide evidence of miRNA processing and functionality from both hairpin arms and both DNA strands. We identify several classes of pre- and post-transcriptional regulatory motifs, and predict individual motif instances with high confidence. We also study how discovery power scales with the divergence and number of species compared, and we provide general guidelines for comparative studies

Towards chemical structure resolution with nanoscale nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has approached the limit of single molecule sensitivity, however the spectral resolution is currently insufficient to obtain detailed information on chemical structure and molecular interactions. Here we demonstrate more than two orders of magnitude improvement in spectral resolution by performing correlation spectroscopy with shallow nitrogen-vacancy (NV) magnetic sensors in diamond. In principle, the resolution is sufficient to observe chemical shifts in $\sim$1 T magnetic fields, and is currently limited by molecular diffusion at the surface. We measure oil diffusion rates of $D = 0.15 - 0.2$\,nm$^2/\mathrm{\mu}$s within (5 nm)$^3$ volumes at the diamond surface

Clock transition by continuous dynamical decoupling of a three-level system

We present a novel continuous dynamical decoupling scheme for the construction of a robust qubit in a three-level system. By means of a clock transition adjustment, we first show how robustness to environmental noise is achieved, while eliminating drive-noise, to first-order. We demonstrate this scheme with the spin sub-levels of the NV-centre's electronic ground state. By applying drive fields with moderate Rabi frequencies, the drive noise is eliminated and an improvement of 2 orders of magnitude in the coherence time is obtained compared to the pure dephasing time. We then show how the clock transition adjustment can be tuned to eliminate also the second-order effect of the environmental noise with moderate drive fields. A further improvement of more than 1 order of magnitude in the coherence time is expected and confirmed by simulations. Hence, our scheme prolongs the coherence time towards the lifetime-limit using a relatively simple experimental setup.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figure

Functional Sites in Structure and Sequence. Protein Active Sites and miRNA Target Recognition -

The number of protein three-dimensional structures is increasing steeply, and structural genomics projects aim to solve the structures for all proteins as a means to understanding function. In the first part of my thesis, I developed a method for the comparison of local structural patterns (e.g. enzyme active sites) that provides a reliable statistical measure to discern meaningful matches from noise. The method is complementary to structural alignment as it is able to confirm functional similarities suggested by an overall similar structure but also detects functional similarities between different folds. An easy-to-use interface is available on the Internet for functional annotation of protein structures (http://pints.embl.de). In the second part of my thesis, I present a computational screen for microRNA (miRNA) targets in Drosophila. miRNAs are short RNAs that inhibit translation of target messenger RNAs in animals by binding to complementary sites in their 3� untranslated regions. Target predictions were urgently needed as targets were known for only three of the more than 700 miRNAs. Of my predictions, six were validated experimentally and others are likely to be functional, making the results a useful resource for miRNA research. The screen extended miRNA function to pathway control, nervous system development and regulation of metabolism, and revealed that one miRNA typically regulates several targets but also that one gene is likely to be targeted by several miRNAs

Cupping: A Healing Method in West Sumatra (Indonesia) A Semiotic Perspective

This article investigates cupping a widespread traditional healing method in West Sumatra. However, the way cupping is used in some areas of the Malay-speaking region is unique in the sense that it uses buffalo horns during the cupping process. The author argues that for the matrilineal society of the Minangkabau in West Sumatra, the buffalo horn has a special connotation as it is crucial in many elements of their culture. By considering a semiotic research approach, the author wants to offer a new perspective on the Minangkabau and their culture. By doing so, the author intends to participate in the discussion about signs and symbols in the field of Minangkabau studies. In qualitative research that comprised fieldwork, traditional healers were observed and interviewed. The peculiar cupping technique was analysed, and a semiotic perspective seemed most fitting. It was detected that the usage of horns contains a specific meaning for the Minangkabau culture

A Structural Perspective on Faith and Values in Hamka’s Literary Body of Work

Da’wah, derived from Arabic, refers to the act of extending an invitation. Consequently, it encompasses the notion of persuading individuals to embrace the Islamic faith. Da’wah also seeks to encourage Muslims to adhere steadfastly to religious tenets. This invitation can be conducted using a multitude of methods. In this essay, the researchers contend that novels can serve as a potent means of da’wah. As an example, the works of Indonesian author Hamka were examined. The study of Hamka’s writings in relation to da’wah was conducted through the application of a structuralist and semiotic approach. We have found that these novels have a substantial readership and that they aim to conceptualise the world’s sufferings by creating binary pairs of oppositions. Within numerous narratives, the juxtaposition of opposing elements often reaches its climax in the concept of mortality, thus accentuating the true significance of existence. The readers will comprehend that their earthly existence is nearing its conclusion. Additionally, it was found that Hamka utilised a nuanced approach to imparting Islamic ideas: The primary figures in his literary works often provide guidance or communicate religious knowledge