Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Meso-Scale Simulation of Concrete Uniaxial Behavior Based on Numerical Modeling of CT Images

It is important to study the failure mechanism of concrete by observing the crack expansion and capturing key structures at the mesoscale. This manuscript proposed a method for efficiently identifying aggregate boundary information by X-ray computed tomography technology (CT) and a discrete element modeling method (DEM) for equivalent random polygon aggregates. This method overcomes the shortcomings of the Grain Based Model (GBM) which is impossible to establish a mesoscopic model with a large difference in grain radius. Through the above two methods, the CT slice images were processed in batches, and the numbers of edges, axial length, elongation of the aggregate were identified. The feasibility of the method was verified by the comparison between experimental and simulating results. Three mesoscopic models for different porosities were established. Based on aggregate statistics, this manuscript achieved the meso-model recovery to the maximum extent. The test results show that the crack appeared at the tip of the aggregate firstly, and then the broken boundary was applied in the direction of the applied load and around the pores. Finally, the crack was selectively expanded under the axial force. During the loading process, the minor principal stress was normally distributed. As the porosity and loading time increased, the heterogeneity increased.
Understanding decisions to use e-cigarettes or behavioural support to quit tobacco: a qualitative study of current and ex-smokers and stop smoking service staff.

AIM To examine factors influencing current and ex-smokers' decisions to use e-cigarettes or behavioural support, including potential impacts of any differences in perspectives between smokers and their local stop smoking services (SSSs). DESIGN Semi-structured qualitative interviews followed by framework analysis, with the 'capability', 'opportunity', 'motivation' and 'behaviour' (COM-B) model of behaviour change used to frame findings. SETTING SSSs and surrounding local areas in England. Participants Interviewees (n=46) were current or recent smokers (n=29) and SSS staff or stakeholders (n=17). Measurements Interview topic guides explored influences on smokers' choice of quit method and characteristics of support offered by local SSSs. FINDINGS Current and ex-smokers showed a range of views on potential risks from long-term vaping, which appeared to be particularly relevant for the capability dimension of COM-B. These different attitudes to vaping appeared to be linked to variations in people's perceived capability to assess evidence around e-cigarettes' safety. Motivations for using or avoiding e-cigarettes and SSSs often appeared to overlap: attitudes to both e-cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapy from SSSs often reflected personal experiences and views on whether switching from smoking to these alternatives represented successful quitting or simply ongoing nicotine addiction. For smokers, opportunities to use e-cigarettes or SSSs appeared to be largely determined by perceived time requirements. Interviews with SSS professionals furthermore suggested that opportunities to access SSSs, for ex-smokers who were now regular vapers, may be being influenced by different e-cigarette policies adopted in individual areas. CONCLUSIONS In England, smokers' decisions to use e-cigarettes and local stop smoking services (SSSs) appear to be determined by varied influences across the 'capability', 'opportunity', 'motivation' and 'behaviour' (COM-B) framework. Both smokers and SSS professionals display diverse views about potential risks from e-cigarettes, which has relevance for the provision of behavioural support as well as the uptake of vaping.
Whole‐body heat exchange in black‐African and Caucasian men during exercise eliciting matched heat‐loss requirements in dry heat

What is the central question of this study? Black‐African descendants are thought, by some, to possess genotypic adaptations conducive to survival in hot climates. We therefore assessed whether Canadian residents of black‐African descent display enhanced whole‐body total heat loss (evaporative plus dry heat exchange) in comparison to Caucasian Canadians during exercise eliciting matched heat‐loss requirements in dry heat. What is the main finding and its importance? Neither whole‐body total heat loss nor body heat storage differed significantly between groups, irrespective of the exercise intensity. Our findings indicate that genotypic adaptations associated with ethnicity do not appreciably modify whole‐body heat exchange during exercise–heat stress.
Bioimpedance Spectroscopy‐Based Fluid Status in Combined Dialysis Compared With Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Combination therapy with peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis (PD+HD) is widely used in Japan for PD patients with decreased residual renal function. However, fluid status in PD+HD patients has not been well studied. In this cross‐sectional study, we compared fluid status in 41 PD+HD patients with that in 103 HD and 92 PD patients using the bioimpedance spectroscopy. Extracellular water normalized to patient height (NECW, kg/m) was the highest in pre‐HD (8.3 ± 1.6) followed by PD (7.9 ± 2.7), PD+HD (7.5 ± 2.5), and post‐HD patients (6.9 ± 1.5) (P < 0.01). By multiple linear regression analysis, PD+HD was associated with a significantly lower NECW than pre‐HD (β = −0.8, P = 0.03) and similar to PD (β = −0.5, P = 0.24) and post‐HD (β = 0.6, P = 0.08) after adjustment for age, sex, diabetic nephropathy, ischemic heart disease, dialysis period, and daily urine volume. There was no correlation between NECW and daily urine volume in all dialysis groups. Average daily fluid removal (a sum of urine volume and ultrafiltration volume by dialysis) was positively correlated with NECW in PD+HD and pre‐HD, but not in PD and post‐HD patients. Our results suggest that fluid status in PD+HD patients with decreased residual renal function is acceptable as compared with that in HD and PD patients.
A Novel Enzootic Nasal Tumor Virus Circulating in Goats from Southern China

Enzootic nasal tumor virus (ENTV) has two types, ENTV-1 in sheep and ENTV-2 in goats, respectively. In China, the incidence of ENTV-2 related diseases has increased year by year. In this study, we reported an outbreak of ENTV-2 in a commercial goat farm in Qingyuan city, Guangdong province, southern China. A full-length genome of ENTV-2 (designated GDQY2017), with 7479 base pairs, was sequenced. Although GDQY2017 shared the highest nucleotide identity with a Chinese ENTV-2 isolate (ENTV-2CHN4, GenBank accession number KU258873), it possesses distinct genome characteristics undescribed, including a non-continuous 21-nucleotide insertion in the gag gene and a non-continuous 12-nucleotide deletion in the env gene. Notably, most of these indel nucleotide sequences were originated from a Chinese jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) isolate (GenBank accession number DQ838494). In the gag and env genes, GDQY2017 was phylogenetically related to those Chinese ENTV-2 isolates and a Chinese JSRV isolate (DQ838494). For GDQY2017-like viruses, more surveillance work should be made to explain their pathogenicity in goat herds. To our knowledge, this study represents the first to demonstrate the circulating pattern of ENTV-2 in Guangdong province, China, which will help to better understand the epidemiology and genetic diversity of ENTV-2.
Candidate Gene Networks for Acylsugar Metabolism and Plant Defense in Wild Tomato Solanum pennellii[OPEN]

Comparative transcriptomics of different accessions of Solanum pennellii reveals modules of coexpressed genes and allows identification of two genes that provide straight-chain fatty acids for acylsugar production. Many solanaceous plants secrete acylsugars, which are branched-chain and straight-chain fatty acids esterified to Glu or Suc. These compounds have important roles in plant defense and potential commercial applications. However, several acylsugar metabolic genes remain unidentified, and little is known about regulation of this pathway. Comparative transcriptomics between low- and high-acylsugar-producing accessions of Solanum pennellii revealed that expression levels of known and novel candidate genes (putatively encoding beta-ketoacyl-(acyl-carrier-protein) synthases, peroxisomal acyl-activating enzymes, ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters, and central carbon metabolic proteins) were positively correlated with acylsugar accumulation, except two genes previously reported to be involved in acylglucose biosynthesis. Genes putatively encoding oxylipin metabolic proteins, subtilisin-like proteases, and other antimicrobial defense proteins were upregulated in low-acylsugar–producing accessions. Transcriptome analysis after biochemical inhibition of biosynthesis of branched-chain amino acids (precursors to branched-chain fatty acids) by imazapyr showed concentration-dependent downregulation of known and most acylsugar candidate genes, but not defense genes. Weighted gene correlation network analysis identified separate coexpressed gene networks for acylsugar metabolism (including six transcription factor genes and flavonoid metabolic genes) and plant defense (including genes putatively encoding NB-ARC and leucine-rich repeat sequences, protein kinases and defense signaling proteins, and previously mentioned defense proteins). Additionally, virus-induced gene silencing of two trichomes preferentially expressed candidate genes for straight-chain fatty acid biosynthesis confirmed their role in acylsugar metabolism.
Aldosterone Reduction Rate After Saline Infusion Test May Be A Novel Prediction In Patients With Primary Aldosteronism.

OBJECTIVE Accurate assessment and localization of aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) is essential for the treatment of primary aldosteronism (PA). Although adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is the standard method of reference for subtype diagnosis in PA, controversy exists concerning the criteria for its interpretation. This study aims to determine better indicators that can reliably predict subtypes of PA. METHOD Retrospective single-cohort analysis including 209 patients with PA who were subjected to AVS. 82 patients whose plasma aldosterone concentrations (PAC) were normalized after surgery were histopathologically or genetically diagnosed with APA. The accuracy of image findings was compared to AVS results. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis between the operated and no apparent laterality groups was performed using AVS parameters and loading test for diagnosis of PA. RESULT Agreement between image findings and AVS results was 56.3%. ROC curve analysis revealed that lateralization index (LI) after ACTH stimulation cutoff value was 2.40, with 98.8% sensitivity and 97.1% specificity. The contralateral suppression index (CSI) cutoff value was 1.19, with 98.0% sensitivity and 93.9% specificity. All patients over the LI and CSI cutoff values exhibited unilateral subtypes. Among the loading test, the best classification accuracy was achieved using the PAC reduction rate after saline infusion test (SIT) >33.8%, which yielded 87.2% sensitivity or PAC after SIT <87.9 pg/mL 86.2% specificity for predicting bilateral PA. CONCLUSION The combined criterion of the PAC reduction rate and PAC after SIT can determine which subset of patients with APA who should be performed AVS for validation.
Strong ergodicity around countable products of countable equivalence relations.

This paper deals with countable products of countable Borel equivalence relations and equivalence relations "just above" those in the Borel reducibility hierarchy. We show that if $E$ is strongly ergodic with respect to $\mu$ then $E^\mathbb{N}$ is strongly ergodic with respect to $\mu^\mathbb{N}$. We answer questions of Clemens and Coskey regarding their recently defined $\Gamma$-jump operations, in particular showing that the $\mathbb{Z}^2$-jump of $E_\infty$ is strictly above the $\mathbb{Z}$-jump of $E_\infty$. We study a notion of equivalence relations which can be classified by infinite sequences of "definably countable sets". In particular, we define an interesting example of such equivalence relation which is strictly above $E_\infty^\mathbb{N}$, strictly below $=^+$, and is incomparable with the $\Gamma$-jumps of countable equivalence relations. We establish a characterization of strong ergodicity between Borel equivalence relations in terms of symmetric models. The proofs then rely on a fine analysis of the very weak choice principles "every sequence of $E$-classes admits a choice sequence", for various countable Borel equivalence relations $E$.
A generalization of Rasmussen’s invariant, with applications to surfaces in some four-manifolds

We extend the definition of Khovanov-Lee homology to links in connected sums of $S^1 \times S^2$'s, and construct a Rasmussen-type invariant for null-homologous links in these manifolds. For certain links in $S^1 \times S^2$, we compute the invariant by reinterpreting it in terms of Hochschild homology. As applications, we prove inequalities relating the Rasmussen-type invariant to the genus of surfaces with boundary in the following four-manifolds: $B^2 \times S^2$, $S^1 \times B^3$, $\mathbb{CP}^2$, and various connected sums and boundary sums of these. We deduce that Rasmussen's invariant also gives genus bounds for surfaces inside homotopy 4-balls obtained from $B^4$ by Gluck twists. Therefore, it cannot be used to prove that such homotopy 4-balls are non-standard.
Pricing and hedging performance on pegged FX markets based on a regime switching model

This paper investigates the hedging performance of a pegged foreign exchange market in a regime switching (RS) model introduced by Drapeau et al. We compare two prices, an exact solution and first-order approximation and provide bounds for the error. We provide exact RS delta, approximate RS delta as well as mean variance hedging strategies for this specific model and compare their performance. To improve the efficiency of the pricing and calibration procedure, a Fourier approach to this regime-switching model is developed in our work. It turns out that: (1) the calibration of the volatility surface with this regime switching model outperforms the classical SABR model on real data; (2) the Fourier approach is significantly faster than the direct approach; (3) in terms of hedging, the approximate RS delta hedge is a viable alternative to the exact RS delta hedge while significantly faster.
Asymptotic Symmetries in the Gauge fixing Approach and the BMS group

These notes are an introduction to asymptotic symmetries in gauge theories, with a focus on general relativity in four dimensions. We explain how to impose consistent sets of boundary conditions in the gauge fixing approach and how to derive the asymptotic symmetry parameters. The different procedures to obtain the associated charges are presented. As an illustration of these general concepts, the examples of four-dimensional general relativity in asymptotically (locally) (A)dS$_4$ and asymptotically flat spacetimes are covered. This enables us to discuss the different extensions of the Bondi-Metzner-Sachs-van der Burg (BMS) group and their relevance for holography, soft gravitons theorems, memory effects, and black hole information paradox. These notes are based on lectures given at the XV Modave Summer School in Mathematical Physics.
Neutrino-nucleus cross sections for 
W
-boson and trident production

The physics of neutrino-nucleus cross sections is a critical probe of the Standard Model and beyond. A precise understanding is also needed to accurately deduce astrophysical neutrino spectra. At energies above $\sim 5$ GeV, the cross section is dominated by deep inelastic scattering, mediated by weak bosons. In addition, there are subdominant processes where the hadronic coupling is through virtual photons, $\gamma^\ast$: (on-shell) $W$-boson production (e.g., where the underlying interaction is $\nu_\ell + \gamma^\ast \rightarrow \ell^- + W^+$) and trident production (e.g., where it is $\nu + \gamma^\ast \rightarrow \nu + \ell_1^- + \ell_2^+$). These processes become increasingly relevant at TeV--PeV energies. We undertake the first systematic approach to these processes (and those with hadronic couplings through virtual $W$ and $Z$ bosons), treating them together, avoiding common approximations, considering all neutrino flavors and final states, and covering the energy range $10\,$--$10^8$ GeV. In particular, we present the first complete calculation of $W$-boson production and the first calculation of trident production at TeV--PeV energies. When we use the same assumptions as in prior work, we recover all of their major results. In a companion paper, we show that these processes should be taken into account for IceCube-Gen2.
VariBAD: A Very Good Method for Bayes-Adaptive Deep RL via Meta-Learning

Trading off exploration and exploitation in an unknown environment is key to maximising expected return during learning. A Bayes-optimal policy, which does so optimally, conditions its actions not only on the environment state but on the agent's uncertainty about the environment. Computing a Bayes-optimal policy is however intractable for all but the smallest tasks. In this paper, we introduce variational Bayes-Adaptive Deep RL (variBAD), a way to meta-learn to perform approximate inference in an unknown environment, and incorporate task uncertainty directly during action selection. In a grid-world domain, we illustrate how variBAD performs structured online exploration as a function of task uncertainty. We further evaluate variBAD on MuJoCo domains widely used in meta-RL and show that it achieves higher online return than existing methods.
On the perturbation series for eigenvalues and eigenprojections

A standard perturbation result states that perturbed eigenvalues and eigenprojections admit a perturbation series provided that the operator norm of the perturbation is smaller than a constant times the corresponding eigenvalue isolation distance. In this paper, we show that the same holds true under a weighted condition, where the perturbation is symmetrically normalized by the square-root of the reduced resolvent. This weighted condition originates in random perturbations where it leads to significant improvements.
q-Difference Systems for the Jackson Integral of Symmetric Selberg Type

We provide the explicit expression of first order $q$-difference system for the Jackson integral of symmetric Selberg type, which is generalized from the $q$-analog of contiguity relations for the Gauss hypergeometric function. As a basis of the system we use a set of the symmetric polynomials introduced by Matsuo in his study of the $q$-KZ equation. Our main result is the explicit expression of the coefficient matrix of the $q$-difference system in terms of its Gauss matrix decomposition. We introduce a class of symmetric polynomials called the interpolation polynomials, which includes Matsuo's polynomials. By repeated use of three-term relations among the interpolation polynomials via Jackson integral representation of symmetric Selberg type, we compute the coefficient matrix.
Gradual Typing for Extensibility by Rows

This work studies gradual typing for row types and row polymorphism. Key ingredients in this work are the dynamic row type, which represents a statically unknown part of a row, and consistency for row types, which allows injecting static row types into the dynamic row type and, conversely, projecting the dynamic row type to any static row type. While consistency captures the behavior of the dynamic row type statically, it makes the semantics of a gradually typed language incoherent when combined with row equivalence which identifies row types up to field reordering. To solve this problem, we develop consistent equivalence, which characterizes composition of consistency and row equivalence. Using consistent equivalence, we propose a polymorphic blame calculus for row types and row polymorphism. In our blame calculus, casts perform not only run-time checking with the dynamic row type but also field reordering in row types. To simplify our technical development for row polymorphism, we adopt scoped labels, which are employed by the language Koka and are also emerging in the context of effect systems. We give the formal definition of our blame calculus with these technical developments and prove its type soundness. We also sketch the gradually typed surface language and type-preserving translation from the surface language to the blame calculus and discuss conservativity of the surface language over typing of a statically typed language with row types and row polymorphism.
Detecting multiple change-points in the time-varying Ising model

This work focuses on the estimation of change-points in a time-varying Ising graphical model (outputs $-1$ or $1$) evolving in a piecewise constant fashion. The occurring changes alter the graphical structure of the model, a structure which we also estimate in the present paper. For this purpose, we propose a new optimization program consisting in the minimization of a penalized negative conditional log-likelihood. The objective of the penalization is twofold: it imposes the learned graphs to be sparse and, thanks to a fused-type penalty, it enforces them to evolve piecewise constantly. Using few assumptions, we then give a change-point consistency theorem. Up to our knowledge, we are the first to present such theoretical result in the context of time-varying Ising model. Finally, experimental results on several synthetic examples and a real-world dataset demonstrate the empirical performance of our method.
Minimalistic Scotogenic Scalar Dark Matter

We reexamine the minimal Singlet + Triplet Scotogenic Model, where dark matter is the mediator of neutrino mass generation. We assume it to be a scalar WIMP, whose stability follows from the same $\mathbb{Z} _{2}$ symmetry that leads to the radiative origin of neutrino masses. The scheme is the minimal one that allows for solar and atmospheric mass scales to be generated. We perform a full numerical analysis of the signatures expected at dark matter as well as collider experiments. We identify parameter regions where dark matter predictions agree with theoretical and experimental constraints, such as neutrino oscillations, Higgs data, dark matter relic abundance and direct detection searches. We also present forecasts for near future direct and indirect detection experiments. These will further probe the parameter space. Finally, we explore collider signatures associated with the mono-jet channel at the LHC, highlighting the existence of a viable light dark matter mass range.
Single boron atom anchored on graphitic carbon nitride nanosheet (B/g-C2N) as a photocatalyst for nitrogen fixation: A first-principles study*

Photocatalytic nitrogen reduction is the promising way for ammonia production, the question now is that the search of highly active and low active catalysts. Based on the first-principles calculation, single boron atom is anchored on the g-C$_2$N to form B/g-C$_2$N, the results show that B/g-C$_2$N can serve as a potential photocatalyst for N$_2$ fixation. The introduction of B atom to g-C$_2$N, the energy gap will reduce from 2.45 eV to 1.21 eV, and also show strong absorption in the visible light region. In addition, N$_2$ can be efficiently reduced on B/g-C$_2$N through the enzymatic mechanism with low onset potential of 0.07 V and rate-determing barrier of 0.50 eV. The "acceptance-donation" interaction between B/g-C$_2$N and N$_2$ plays a key role to active N$_2$, the BN$_2$ moiety of B/g-C$_2$N acts as active and transportation center. And the activity originates from the strong interaction between 1$\pi$1$\pi$* orbitals of N$_2$ and molecular orbitals of B/g-C$_2$N, the ionization of 1$\pi$ orbital and the filling of 1$\pi$* orbital can increase the N$\equiv$N bond length greatly, making the activation of N$_2$. Overall, this work demonstrates B/g-C$_2$N is a promising photocatalyst for N$_2$ fixation.