Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The imprint of the thick stellar disc in the mid-plane of three early-type edge-on galaxies in the Fornax cluster

Galactic stellar discs, such as that of the Milky Way consisting of a thin and a thick component, have usually a complex structure. The study of galactic disc substructures and their differences can shed light on the galaxy assembling processes and their evolution. However, due to observational difficulties there is a lack of information about the stellar population of the thick disc component in the external galaxies. Here we investigate three edge-on early-type disc galaxies in the Fornax cluster (IC 335, NGC 1380A, NGC 1381) by using publicly available photometrical data and our new deep long-slit spectroscopy along galactic mid-planes obtained with the 10-m SALT telescope. We report that significant changes of the stellar population properties beyond the radius where photometrical profiles demonstrate a knee are caused by an increasing thick disc contribution. Stellar population properties in the the outermost thick-disc dominated regions demonstrate remarkably old ages and low metallicity. We interpret these findings as a consequence of star formation quenching in the outermost regions of the discs due to the ram pressure gas stripping from the disc periphery at the beginning of the cluster assembly while subsequent star formation occurring in the inner discs being gradually extinguished by the starvation.
Do We Know of Any Maunder Minimum Stars?

Most stars previously identified as Maunder minimum stars are old and evolved off the main sequence. Analysis of activity measurements from the California and Carnegie Planet Search program stars and Hipparcos parallaxes implies that the canonical relation between age and chromospheric activity breaks down for stars older than ∼6 Gyr when activity is calculated from Mount Wilson S-values. Stars only 1 mag above the main sequence exhibit significantly suppressed activity levels, which have been mistaken for examples of Maunder minimum behavior.
Multi-sensor monitoring and data integration reveal cyclical destabilization of the Äußeres Hochebenkar rock glacier

Abstract. This study investigates rock glacier destabilization based on the results of a unique in situ and remote-sensing-based monitoring network focused on the kinematics of the rock glacier in Äußeres Hochebenkar (Austrian Alps). We consolidate, homogenize, and extend existing time series to generate a comprehensive dataset consisting of 14 digital surface models covering a 68-year time period, as well as in situ measurements of block displacement since the early 1950s. The digital surface models are derived from historical aerial imagery and, more recently, airborne and uncrewed-aerial-vehicle-based laser scanning (ALS and ULS, respectively). High-resolution 3D ALS and ULS point clouds are available at annual temporal resolution from 2017 to 2021. Additional terrestrial laser scanning data collected in bi-weekly intervals during the summer of 2019 are available from the rock glacier front. Using image correlation techniques, we derive velocity vectors from the digital surface models, thereby adding rock-glacier-wide spatial context to the point-scale block displacement measurements. Based on velocities, surface elevation changes, analyses of morphological features, and computations of the bulk creep factor and strain rates, we assess the combined datasets in terms of rock glacier destabilization. To additionally investigate potential rotational components of the movement of the destabilized section of the rock glacier, we integrate in situ data of block displacement with ULS point clouds and compute changes in the rotation angles of single blocks during recent years. The time series shows two cycles of destabilization in the lower section of the rock glacier. The first lasted from the early 1950s until the mid-1970s. The second began around 2017 after approximately 2 decades of more gradual acceleration and is currently ongoing. Both destabilization periods are characterized by high velocities and the development of morphological destabilization features on the rock glacier surface. Acceleration in the most recent years has been very pronounced, with velocities reaching 20–30 m a−1 in 2020–2021. These values are unprecedented in the time series and suggest highly destabilized conditions in the lower section of the rock glacier, which shows signs of translational and rotational landslide-like movement. Due to the length and granularity of the time series, the cyclic destabilization process at the Äußeres Hochebenkar rock glacier is well resolved in the dataset. Our study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary, long-term, and continuous high-resolution 3D monitoring to improve process understanding and model development related to rock glacier rheology and destabilization.
Single-cell transcriptomics of peripheral blood reveals anti-tumor systemic immunity induced by oncolytic virotherapy

Rationale: Oncolytic virus (OV) therapy as a cancer therapy that improves immune status makes it a favorable candidate for optimizing immunotherapy strategies. Existing studies have focused on characterizing the disturbance of the tumor microenvironment (TME) by OV therapy. However, the changes in systemic immunity induced by OV were largely ignored, which would prevent the further understanding and optimization of oncolytic viruses. Methods: The HSV-2-based oncolytic virus OH2 was used to treat tumor-bearing mouse models. The peripheral blood samples were then collected for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). The scRNA-seq data were analyzed using Cell Ranger, Seurat, and other bioinformatics tools. Key findings were further validated by ELISA, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, in vivo experiments, and clinical samples. Results: Our data showed that OH2 therapy effectively activated systemic immunity and induced a sustained anti-tumor immune response. One major impact of OH2 on systemic immunity was to boost Ccl5 production, which correlated with clinical response. Besides, the cytotoxic ability of peripheral cytotoxic Cd8+ T cells and mature NK cells was elevated by OH2. Further analysis revealed that the interaction of monocytes with T cells and NK cells was critical for systemic immune remodeling and activation. We also found that systemic immune responses induced by OH2 could effectively reshape the microenvironment of distant tumor lesions and inhibit their progression. Conclusions: This study is the first to comprehensively characterize the effects of OV therapy on systemic immunity, which not only sheds new light on the anti-tumor mechanisms of OH2, but also contributes to the establishment of companion diagnostics for OH2 treatment and the improvement of oncolytic therapy strategies.
An efficient use of waste material for development of cost-effective broadband radar wave absorber

Very few literatures are available on the utilization of natural waste composite materials for radar wave absorption. The main objective of this paper was to achieve good absorption with wide bandwidth corresponds to reflection loss (RL) ≤ −10 dB for less absorber layer thickness (≤2.0 mm) for a cost-effective production of radar wave absorber. In this study, mineral dust and beach sand-based waste composite material is critically analyzed for its application as broadband radar wave absorber in the frequency range of 8.2–12.4 GHz. A multilayer approach is applied for obtaining the good absorption, where thickness of different layers is optimized by genetic algorithm. The effective absorption bandwidth for two- and three-layer composite absorber is 3.5 and 2.8 GHz for the optimized thickness 1.9 and 1.8 mm, respectively. The two-layer absorber possesses measured RL of −27.20 dB at 10.8 GHz and for a three-layer absorber, RL reaches up to −32.58 dB at 11.2 GHz. The measured RL values agree quite well with the calculated ones, which show the effectiveness of absorber for various practical EM wave absorption applications.
The Mass-to-Light Ratios of the Draco and Ursa Minor Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxies. II. The Binary Population and its Effects on the Measured Velocity Dispersions of Dwarf Spheroidals

We use a large set of radial velocities in the Ursa Minor and Draco dwarf spheroidal galaxies to search for binary stars and to infer the binary frequency. Of the 118 stars in our sample with multiple observations, six are velocity variables with $\chi^2$ probabilities below 0.001. We use Monte Carlo simulations that mimic our observations to determine the efficiency with which our observations find binary stars. Our best, though significantly uncertain, estimate of the binary frequency for stars near the turnoff in Draco and UMi is 0.2--0.3 per decade of period in the vicinity of periods of one year, which is 3--5$\times$ that found for the solar neighborhood. This frequency is high enough that binary stars might significantly affect the measured velocity dispersions of some dwarf spheroidal galaxies according to some previous numerical experiments. However, in the course of performing our own experiments, we discovered that this previous work had inadvertently overestimated binary orbital velocities. Our first set of simulations of the effects of binaries is based on the observed scatter in the individual velocity measurements for the multiply-observed Draco and Ursa Minor stars. This scatter is small compared to measured velocity dispersions and, so, the effect of binaries on the dispersions is slight. This result is supported by our second set of experiments, which are based on a model binary population normalized by the observed binary frequency in Draco and Ursa Minor. We conclude that binary stars have had no significant effect on the measured velocity dispersion and inferred mass-to-light ratio of any dwarf spheroidal galaxy.
X‐ray bright optically inactive galaxies in XMM–Newton/Sloan Digital Sky Survey fields: more diluted than absorbed?

We explore the properties of X-ray bright optically inactive galaxies (XBONGs) detected in the 0.5-8 keV spectral band in 20 public XMM-Newton fields overlapping with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). We constrain our sample to optically extended systems with log f X /f opt > -2 that have spectroscopic identifications available from the SDSS (r < 19.2 mag). The resulting sample contains 12 objects with L X (0.5-8 keV) = 5 x 10 41 -2 x 10 44 erg s -1 in the redshift range 0.06 < z < 0.45. The X-ray emission in four cases is extended, suggesting the presence of hot gas associated with a cluster or group of galaxies. The X-ray spectral fits show that two additional sources are best fit with a thermal component emission (kT ∼ 1 keV). Three sources are most likely associated with active galactic nuclei (AGNs): their X-ray spectrum is described by a steep photon index r ∼ 1.9 typical of unobscured AGNs, while they are very luminous in X-rays [L X (0.5-8 keV) 10 43 -10 44 erg s -1 ]. Finally, three more sources could be associated with either normal galaxies or unobscured low-luminosity AGNs (L X < 10 42 erg s -1 ). We find no evidence for significant X-ray absorbing columns in any of our XBONGs. The above suggest that XBONGs, selected in the total 0.5-8 keV band, comprise a mixed bag of objects primarily including normal elliptical galaxies and type 1 AGNs whose optical nuclear spectrum is probably diluted by the strong stellar continuum. Nevertheless, as our sample is not statistically complete we cannot exclude the possibility that a fraction of optically fainter XBONGs may be associated with heavily obscured AGNs.
Quarks and Antiquarks in Nuclei

The Chiral Quark-Soliton model provides the quark and antiquark substructure of the nucleon, which is embedded in nuclear matter. This provides a new way to asses the effects of the nuclear medium on the nucleon. We calculate nuclear binding and saturation, describe the European Muon Collaboration (EMC) effect consistently with Drell-Yan experiments, and predict modifications to the polarized parton distributions. We also calculate the electromagnetic form factors of a bound proton, and find significant modifications of the electromagnetic form factors in the nuclear environment. In every case, the properties of the sea of quark-antiquark pairs in the nucleon are very important, and serve to mitigate the valence quark effect. The changes in the sea quarks when the nucleon is immersed in the nuclear medium are the primary mode by which consistency is maintained with experimental constraints (Drell-Yan data, magnetic moment), while still maintaining a significant effect needed to explain the deep inelastic scattering and polarization transfer data.
The potential for nitrate removal during infiltration: Mapping with machine learning informed by field and laboratory experiments

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) can increase groundwater supply and, under some conditions, improve groundwater quality simultaneously. However, the conditions under which water quality improvements can be achieved during infiltration for MAR have not been systematically examined in a spatially explicit manner. This work aims to address that gap by synthesizing observations from laboratory tests, field experiments and operational facilities at four MAR sites within the Pajaro Valley, California, USA to develop a predictive model of nitrate removal during infiltration. We compare two machine learning approaches; random forest and boosted regression trees, to multiple linear regression. The preferred model uses boosted regression trees, with four predictor variables (initial nitrate concentration of infiltrating water, residence time in the soil, soil organic carbon content, and soil percent clay). We apply this model to simulate the spatial distribution of potential nitrate removal (NRp) across a heterogeneous and mixed‐use landscape, finding that >87% of the region has the potential to remove nitrate during infiltration. To link potential nitrate removal capacity to available water for MAR, we combine a map of NRp with independently simulated hillslope runoff, and find that potential load reduction is highest in urban areas (median = 18.8 kg‐N/yr) where large runoff volumes are collocated with soils having high nutrient cycling capacity compared to forested and agricultural areas (median = 1.6 and 3.5 kg‐N/yr, respectively). We analyse potential load reduction across dry, normal, and wet precipitation scenarios, which shows that urban areas have the potential to yield large load reductions (median = 11.3 kg‐N/yr) even under relatively dry conditions. However, much of the generation of elevated nitrate in runoff is associated with agricultural activity. These results suggest that the urban–agricultural interface represents a crucial link between hydrologic and biogeochemical cycles where water supply and quality goals may be met simultaneously. The technical approach used in this study is highly flexible and can help guide decisions in resource management and identify promising MAR sites. More broadly, this approach also elucidates heterogeneity in biogeochemical cycling across complex landscapes.
Narrow Band Imaging versus White Light for the Detection of Sessile Serrated Colorectal Lesions: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer. The detection of pre-malignant lesions by colonoscopy is associated with reduced CRC incidence and mortality. Narrow band imaging has shown promising but conflicting results for the detection of serrated lesions. Methods: We performed a randomized clinical trial to compare the mean detection of serrated lesions and hyperplastic polyps ≥10 mm with NBI or high-definition white light (HD-WL) withdrawal. We also compared all sessile serrated lesions (SSLs), adenoma, and polyp prevalence and rates. Results: Overall, 782 patients were randomized (WL group 392 patients; NBI group 390 patients). The average number of serrated lesions and hyperplastic polyps ≥10 mm detected per colonoscopy (primary endpoint) was similar between the HD-WL and NBI group (0.118 vs. 0.156, p = 0.44). Likewise, the adenoma detection rate (55.2% vs. 53.2%, p = 0.58) and SSL detection rate (6.8% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.502) were not different between the two study groups. Withdrawal time was higher in the NBI group (10.88 vs. 9.47 min, p = 0.004), with a statistically nonsignificant higher total procedure time (20.97 vs. 19.30 min, p = 0.052). Conclusions: The routine utilization of narrow band imaging does not improve the detection of serrated class lesions or any pre-malignant lesion and increases the withdrawal time.
Real-World Usage of Sacubitril/Valsartan in Korea: A Multi-Center, Retrospective Study

Background and Objectives Differences in drug prescriptions exist between clinical trials and real-world practice. We evaluated the real-world treatment patterns of sacubitril/valsartan in Korean patients with heart failure (HF). Methods In this retrospective, multicenter cohort study, 600 patients with HF with reduced left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF <40%) with ≥1 sacubitril/valsartan prescription were identified by reviewing patient-level medical records at six academic tertiary hospitals in Korea between February 2017 and April 2019. Results At baseline, 59.2%, 28.3%, 4.8%, and 7.7% of the patients received low (50 mg bid), moderate (100 mg bid), target (200 mg bid), and unconventional dose of sacubitril/valsartan, respectively. Patients with low and moderate doses experienced either ‘no-titration’ (39.8%) or ‘stable up-titration’ (41.5%). At 12 months, 31.7%, 28.5%, 24.8%, and 15% received low, moderate, target doses, and unconventional dose, respectively. On follow-up, 31 (5.2%) patients discontinued sacubitril/valsartan. The time-averaged N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level decreased from 879.6 to 406 pg/mL (ratio, 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.4–0.5). The mean LVEF increased by 10.4±12.2% from 27.2±5.8 to 36.3±11.1%, whereas LV end-diastolic volume index decreased by 18.7±26.1 mL/m2 from 114.5±37.7 mL/m2 to 98.9±42.3 mL/m2 at baseline and follow-up, respectively. Conclusions In real-world practice, 95% patients started with low and moderate doses of sacubitril/valsartan. Many patients experienced dose up-titration during follow-up; 30% reached the target dose. Cardiac reverse remodelling was reflected by a profound NT-proBNP level and LV size reduction, and LVEF increment. This study confirms the gap in treatment patterns between clinical trials and real-world practice.
Decorin promotes decidual M1-like macrophage polarization via mitochondrial dysfunction resulting in recurrent pregnancy loss

Rationale: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a distressing disorder that seriously affects the physical and psychological health of women. RPL is also a sentinel risk marker for future obstetric complications and warrants in-depth investigation. Abnormal polarization and functions of decidual macrophages are associated with RPL; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Methods: Decorin expression, localization, and content in the decidua of women with normal pregnancy (NP) and those with RPL were measured using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blotting, immunofluorescence, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The profiles of decidual macrophage subsets were determined using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence in both groups. The correlation between decorin content and the proportion of decidual macrophage subsets in the decidua of early NP women was determined using Pearson analysis. The effects of decorin on the polarization and functions of macrophages were assessed in an in-vitro model of Raw264.7 cells via flow cytometry, western blotting, and RT-qPCR. Moreover, the mitochondrial metabolism in Raw264.7 cells under decorin administration was measured via flow cytometry, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Thirty-three pregnant mice were included in the in vivo model and underwent different treatments. The embryo abortion rate, macrophage phenotype in the spleen and uteri, and placental development were evaluated using flow cytometry and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Results: Decorin, derived from decidual stromal cells, was highly expressed in the decidua of women with RPL. A positive correlation between decorin content and the proportion of M1-like macrophages was also observed in the decidua of early NP women. In vitro studies showed that decorin treatment inhibited macrophage polarization to M2-like subsets and boosted the inflammatory response, which was related to enhanced anaerobic glycolysis, increased mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, reduced mitochondrial mass, and activation of the myeloid differentiation primary response 88-nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway. Adoptive transfer of decorin-treated bone marrow-derived macrophages in pregnant C57BL/6 mice increased the embryo absorption, accompanied by impaired fetal vascularization. Conclusions: Decidual stromal cell-derived decorin can polarize decidual macrophages toward the M1 phenotype by regulating mitochondrial metabolism, resulting in the occurrence of RPL.
Forecasting time series with multivariate copulas

Abstract In this paper we present a forecasting method for time series using copula-based models for multivariate time series. We study how the performance of the predictions evolves when changing the strength of the different possible dependencies, as well as the structure of the dependence. We also look at the impact of the marginal distributions. The impact of estimation errors on the performance of the predictions is also considered. In all the experiments, we compare predictions from our multivariate method with predictions from the univariate version which has been introduced in the literature recently. To simplify implementation, a test of independence between univariate Markovian time series is proposed. Finally, we illustrate the methodology by a practical implementation with financial data.
The Geminga Pulsar: Soft X-Ray Variability and an EUVE Observation

We observed the Geminga pulsar with the EUVE satellite, detecting pulsed emission in the Deep Survey imager. Joint spectral fits of the EUVE flux with ROSAT PSPC data are consistent with thermal plus power-law models in which the thermal component makes the dominant contribution to the soft X-ray flux seen by EUVE and ROSAT. The data are consistent with blackbody emission of T = (4-6) × 105 K over most of the surface of the star at the measured parallax distance of 160 pc. Although model atmospheres are more realistic, and can fit the data with effective temperatures a factor of 2 lower, current data would not discriminate between these and blackbody models. We also find evidence for variability of Geminga's soft X-ray pulse shape. Narrow dips in the light curve that were present in 1991 had largely disappeared in 1993/1994, causing the pulsed fraction to decline from 32% to 18%. If the dips are attributed to cyclotron resonance scattering by an e± plasma on closed magnetic field lines, then the process that resupplies that plasma must be variable.