Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Near-infrared observations of the Be/X-ray binary pulsar A0535+262

We present the results obtained from extensive near-infrared (IR) spectroscopic and photometric observations of the Be/X-ray binary A0535+262/HDE 245770 at different phases of its ∼111 d orbital period. This observation campaign is part of the monitoring program of selective Be/X-ray binary systems aimed at understanding X-ray and near-IR properties at different orbital phases, especially during the periastron passage of the neutron star. The near-IR observations presented here were carried out using the 1.2 m telescope at the Mt. Abu IR Observatory. Though the source was relatively faint for spectroscopic observations with the 1.2 m telescope, we monitored the source closely during the 2011 February—March giant X-ray outburst to primarily investigate whether any drastic changes in the near-IR J H K spectra took place at the periastron passage. Changes of such a striking nature were expected to be detectable in our spectra. Photometric observations of the Be star show a gradual and systematic fading in the J H K light curves since the onset of the X-ray outburst, which could suggest a mild evacuation/truncation of the circumstellar disk of the Be companion. Near-IR spectroscopy of the object shows that the J H K spectra are dominated by the emission lines of hydrogen Brackett and Paschen series and HeI lines at 1.0830, 1.7002 and 2.0585 μm. The presence of all the hydrogen emission lines in the J H K spectra, along with the absence of any significant change in the continuum of the Be companion during X-ray quiescent and X-ray outburst phases, suggests that the near-IR line emitting regions of the disk are not significantly affected during the X-ray outburst.
THE UBIQUITY OF COEVAL STARBURSTS IN MASSIVE GALAXY CLUSTER PROGENITORS

The universe’s largest galaxy clusters likely built the majority of their massive >1011 M galaxies in simultaneous, short-lived bursts of activity well before virialization. This conclusion is reached based on emerging data sets for proto-clusters and the characteristics of their member galaxies, in particular, rare starbursts and ultraluminous active galactic nuclei (AGN). The most challenging observational hurdle in identifying such structures is their very large volumes, ∼104 comoving Mpc3 at , subtending areas of approximately half a degree on the sky. Thus, the contrast afforded by an overabundance of very rare galaxies in comparison to the background can more easily distinguish overdense structures from the surrounding, normal density field. Five proto-clusters from the literature are discussed in detail and are found to contain up to 12 dusty starbursts or luminous AGN galaxies each, a phenomenon that is unlikely to occur by chance even in overdense environments. These are contrasted with three higher-redshift ( ) dusty star-forming galaxy (DSFG) groups, whose evolutionary fate is less clear. Measurements of DSFGs’ gas depletion times suggest that they are indeed short-lived on ∼100 Myr timescales, and accordingly the probability of finding a structure containing more than 8 such systems is ∼0.2%, unless their “triggering” is correlated on very large spatial scales, ∼10 Mpc across. The volume density of DSFG-rich proto-clusters is found to be comparable to all of the >1015 M galaxy clusters in the nearby universe, which is a factor of five larger than expected in some simulations. Some tension still exists between measurements of the volume density of DSFG-rich proto-clusters and the expectation that they are generated via short-lived episodes, as the latter suggests that only a fraction ( ) of all proto-clusters should be rich with DSFGs. However, improved observations of proto-clusters over large regions of sky will certainly shed more light on the assembly of galaxy clusters, and whether or not they build their galaxies through episodic bursts as suggested here.
Modular hierarchical and power-law small-world networks bear structural optima for minimal first passage times and cover time

Networks that are organized as a hierarchy of modules have been the subject of much research, mainly focusing on algorithms that can extract this community structure from data. The question of why modular hierarchical (MH) organizations are so ubiquitous in nature, however, has received less attention. One hypothesis is that MH topologies may provide an optimal structure for certain dynamical processes. We revisit a MH network model that interpolates, using a single parameter, between two known network topologies: from strong hierarchical modularity to an Erdős–Rényi random connectivity structure. We show that this model displays a similar small-world effect as the Kleinberg model, where the connection probability between nodes decays algebraically with distance. We find that there is an optimal structure, in both models, for which the pair-averaged first passage time (FPT) and mean cover time of a discrete-time random walk are minimal, and provide a heuristic explanation for this effect. Finally, we show that analytic predictions for the pair-averaged FPT based on an effective medium approximation fail to reproduce these minima, which implies that their presence is due to a network structure effect.
Quantitative photospheric spectral analysis of the Type IIP supernova 2007od

We compare and analyse a time series of spectral observations obtained during the first 30 d of evolution of SN 2007od with the non-local thermodynamic equilibrium code phoenix. Despite some spectroscopic particularities in the Balmer features, this supernova appears to be a normal Type II, and the fits proposed are generally in good agreement with the observations. As a starting point, we have carried out an analysis with the parametrized synthetic spectrum code synow to confirm line identifications and to highlight differences between the results of the two codes. The analysis computed using phoenix suggests the presence of a high-velocity feature in Hβ and an Hα profile reproduced with a density profile steeper than that of the other elements. We also show a detailed analysis of the ions velocities of the six synthetic spectra. The distance is estimated for each epoch with the spectral-fitting expanding atmosphere method. Consistent results are found using all the spectra which give the explosion date of JD 245 4403 (2007 October 29) and a distance modulus μ= 32.2 ± 0.3.
Predominance of Escherichia-Shigella in Gut Microbiome and Its Potential Correlation with Elevated Level of Plasma Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha in Patients with Tuberculous Meningitis

As the most severe form of tuberculosis, the pathogenesis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is still unclear. Gut microbiota dysbiosis plays an important role in a variety of central nervous system diseases. ABSTRACT Tuberculous meningitis (TBM), the most lethal and disabling form of tuberculosis (TB), may be related to gut microbiota composition, warranting further study. Here we systematically compared gut microbiota compositions and blood cytokine profiles of TBM patients, pulmonary TB patients, and healthy controls. Notably, the significant gut microbiota dysbiosis observed in TBM patients was associated with markedly high proportions of Escherichia-Shigella species as well as increased blood levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Next, we obtained a fecal bacterial isolate from a TBM patient and administered it via oral gavage to mice in order to develop a murine gut microbiota dysbiosis model for use in exploring mechanisms underlying the observed relationship between gut microbial dysbiosis and TBM. Thereafter, cells of commensal Escherichia coli (E. coli) were isolated and administered to model mice by gavage and then mice were inoculated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). Subsequently, these mice exhibited increased blood TNF-α levels accompanied by downregulated expression of tight junction protein claudin-5, increased brain tissue bacterial burden, and elevated central nervous system inflammation relative to corresponding indicators in controls administered PBS by gavage. Thus, our results demonstrated that a signature dysbiotic gut microbiome profile containing a high proportion of E. coli was potentially associated with an increased circulating TNF-α level in TBM patients. Collectively, these results suggest that modulation of dysbiotic gut microbiota holds promise as a new strategy for preventing or alleviating TBM. IMPORTANCE As the most severe form of tuberculosis, the pathogenesis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is still unclear. Gut microbiota dysbiosis plays an important role in a variety of central nervous system diseases. However, the relationship between gut microbiota and TBM has not been identified. In our study, significant dysbiosis in gut microbiota composition with a high proportion of E. coli and increased levels of TNF-α in plasma was noted in TBM patients. A commensal E. coli was isolated and shown to increase the plasma level of TNF-α and downregulate brain tight junction protein claudin-5 in the murine model. Gavage administration of E. coli aggravated the bacterial burden and increased the inflammatory responses in the central nervous system after M. tuberculosis infection. Dysbiosis of gut microbiota may be a promising therapeutic target and biomarker for TBM prevention or treatment.
HIGH RESOLUTION TRANSMISSION SPECTROSCOPY AS A DIAGNOSTIC FOR JOVIAN EXOPLANET ATMOSPHERES: CONSTRAINTS FROM THEORETICAL MODELS

We present high resolution transmission spectra of giant planet atmospheres from a coupled three-dimensional (3D) atmospheric dynamics and transmission spectrum model that includes Doppler shifts which arise from winds and planetary motion. We model Jovian planets covering more than two orders of magnitude in incident flux, corresponding to planets with 0.9–55 day orbital periods around solar-type stars. The results of our 3D dynamical models reveal certain aspects of high resolution transmission spectra that are not present in simple one-dimensional (1D) models. We find that the hottest planets experience strong substellar to anti-stellar (SSAS) winds, resulting in transmission spectra with net blueshifts of up to 3 km s−1, whereas less irradiated planets show almost no net Doppler shifts. We find only minor differences between transmission spectra for atmospheres with temperature inversions and those without. Compared to 1D models, peak line strengths are significantly reduced for the hottest atmospheres owing to Doppler broadening from a combination of rotation (which is faster for close-in planets under the assumption of tidal locking) and atmospheric winds. Finally, high resolution transmission spectra may be useful in studying the atmospheres of exoplanets with optically thick clouds since line cores for very strong transitions should remain optically thick to very high altitude. High resolution transmission spectra are an excellent observational test for the validity of 3D atmospheric dynamics models, because they provide a direct probe of wind structures and heat circulation. Ground-based exoplanet spectroscopy is currently on the verge of being able to verify some of our modeling predictions, most notably the dependence of SSAS winds on insolation. We caution that interpretation of high resolution transmission spectra based on 1D atmospheric models may be inadequate, as 3D atmospheric motions can produce a noticeable effect on the absorption signatures.
Neutral meson tests of time-reversal symmetry invariance

The laws of quantum physics can be studied under the mathematical operation T that inverts the direction of time. Strong and electromagnetic forces are known to be invariant under temporal inversion, however the weak force is not. The BaBar experiment recently exploited the quantum-correlated production of pairs of B0 mesons to show that T is a broken symmetry. Here we show that it is possible to perform a wide range of tests of quark flavour changing processes under T in order to validate the Standard Model of particle physics covering b to u, d, s, and c transitions as well as c to u, d and s transitions using entangled B and D pairs created in Y(4S) and psi(3770) decays. We also note that pseudoscalar decays to two spin one particle final states provide an additional set of CP filter bases to use for T violation tests.
Protocol for iSISTAQUIT: Implementation phase of the supporting indigenous smokers to assist quitting project

Introduction About 44% of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women smoke during pregnancy compared to 12% of their general population counterparts. Evidence-based quit smoking advice received from health care professionals (HCPs) can increase smoking cessation rates. However, HCPs lack culturally appropriate smoking cessation training, which is a major barrier to provision of smoking cessation care for this population. Methods and analysis iSISTAQUIT is a multicentre, single arm study aiming to implement and evaluate the evidence-based, culturally competent iSISTAQUIT smoking cessation training among health practitioners who provide support and assistance to pregnant, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Australia. This project will implement the iSISTAQUIT intervention in Aboriginal Medical Services and Mainstream Health Services. The proposed sample size is 10 of each of these services (total N = 20), however if the demand is higher, we will aim to accommodate up to 30 services for the training. Participating sites and their HCPs will have the option to choose one of the two iSISTAQUIT packages available: a) Evaluation- research package b) Training package (with or without continued professional development points). Training will be provided via an online eLearning platform that includes videos, text, interactive elements and a treatment manual. A social media campaign will be conducted from December 2021 to September 2022 to raise brand and issue awareness about smoking cessation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in pregnancy. This national campaign will consist of systematic advertising and promotion of iSISTAQUIT and video messages through various social media platforms. Analysis We will use the RE-AIM framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance) to plan, evaluate and report the intervention impact of iSISTAQUIT. Effectiveness of social media campaign will be assessed via social media metrics, cross-sectional surveys, and interviews. Discussion This innovative research, using a multi-component intervention, aims to practically apply and integrate a highly translatable smoking cessation intervention in real-world primary care settings in Aboriginal Medical Services and Mainstream services. The research benefits Aboriginal women, babies and their family and community members through improved support for smoking cessation during pregnancy. The intervention is based on accepted Australian and international smoking cessation guidelines, developed and delivered in a culturally appropriate approach for Aboriginal communities.
Germline selection of PTPN11 (HGNC:9644) variants make a major contribution to both Noonan syndrome's high birth rate and the transmission of sporadic cancer variants resulting in fetal abnormality

Some spontaneous germline gain‐of‐function mutations promote spermatogonial stem cell clonal expansion and disproportionate variant sperm production leading to unexpectedly high transmission rates for some human genetic conditions. To measure the frequency and spatial distribution of de novo mutations we divided three testes into 192 pieces each and used error‐corrected deep‐sequencing on each piece. We focused on PTPN11 (HGNC:9644) Exon 3 that contains 30 different PTPN11 Noonan syndrome (NS) mutation sites. We found 14 of these variants formed clusters among the testes; one testis had 11 different variant clusters. The mutation frequencies of these different clusters were not correlated with their case‐recurrence rates nor were case recurrence rates of PTPN11 variants correlated with their tyrosine phosphatase levels thereby confusing PTPN11's role in germline clonal expansion. Six of the PTPN11 exon 3 de novo variants associated with somatic mutation‐induced sporadic cancers (but not NS) also formed testis clusters. Further, three of these six variants were observed among fetuses that underwent prenatal ultrasound screening for NS‐like features. Mathematical modeling showed that germline selection can explain both the mutation clusters and the high incidence of NS (1/1000–1/2500).
Theoretical fit of Cepheid light an radial velocity curves in the Large Magellanic Cloud cluster NGC 1866.

We present a theoretical investigation of multifilter (U,B,V, I and K) light and radial velocity curves of five Classical Cepheids in NGC 1866, a young massive cluster of the Large Magellanic Cloud. The best fit models accounting for the luminosity and radial velocity variations of the five selected variables, four pulsating in the fundamental mode and one in the first overtone, provide direct estimates of their intrinsic stellar parameters and individual distances. The resulting stellar properties indicate a slightly brighter Mass–Luminosity relation than the canonical one, possibly due to mild overshooting and/or mass loss. As for the inferred distances, the individual values are consistent within the uncertainties. Moreover, their weighted mean value corresponds to a distance modulus of 18.56±0.03 (stat) ±0.1 (syst) mag, in agreement with several independent results in the literature.
MicroRNAs: diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic role in heart failure—a review

Heart failure is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with relevant social and economic burden on global healthcare system. Although the development of novel diagnostic tools and the advance in therapies have deeply influenced the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, improving both prognosis and life expectancy of patients, hospitalization is still high, and mortality remains considerable. MicroRNAs are small endogenous RNA molecules that post‐transcriptionally regulate gene expression in both physiological and pathological processes. In recent years, microRNA have arisen as attractive therapeutic targets in the treatment of a wide spectrum of pathologies, including heart failure. In cardiac pathology, deregulation of microRNAs expression and function is associated to adverse outcome and heart failure progression. Circulating levels of specific microRNAs have emerged as useful biomarkers for the diagnosis of heart failure or as prognostic indicators. In the present review, we summarize the state of current research on the role of miRNAs as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis in patients with heart failure and their use as potential therapeutic targets for this condition.
Channeling in direct dark matter detection II: channeling fraction in Si and Ge crystals

The channeling of the ion recoiling after a collision with a WIMP changes the ionization signal in direct detection experiments, producing a larger signal than otherwise expected. We give estimates of the fraction of channeled recoiling ions in Si and Ge crystals using analytic models produced since the 1960's and 70's to describe channeling and blocking effects. We used data obtained to avoid channeling in the implantation of dopants in Si crystals to test our models.
HIGH JET EFFICIENCY AND SIMULATIONS OF BLACK HOLE MAGNETOSPHERES

This Letter reports on a growing body of observational evidence that many powerful lobe-dominated (FR II) radio sources likely have jets with high efficiency. This study extends the maximum efficiency line (jet power ≈25 times the thermal luminosity) defined in Fernandes et al. so as to span four decades of jet power. The fact that this line extends over the full span of FR II radio power is a strong indication that this is a fundamental property of jet production that is independent of accretion power. This is a valuable constraint for theorists. For example, the currently popular “no-net-flux” numerical models of black hole accretion produce jets that are two to three orders of magnitude too weak to be consistent with sources near maximum efficiency.
Diffusion of hydrogen within idealized grains of bcc Fe: A kinetic Monte Carlo study

Structural defects in materials such as vacancies, grain boundaries, and dislocations may trap hydrogen and a local accumulation of hydrogen at these defects can lead to the degradation of the materials properties. An important aspect in obtaining insight into hydrogen-induced embrittlement on the atomistic level is to understand the diffusion of hydrogen in these materials. In our study we employ kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) simulations to investigate hydrogen diffusion in bcc iron within different microstructures. All input data to the kMC model, such as available sites, solution energies, and diffusion barriers, are obtained from first-principles calculations. We find that hydrogen mainly diffuses within the interface region with an overall diffusivity that is lower than in pure bcc Fe bulk. The concentration dependence of the diffusion coefficient is strongly nonlinear and the diffusion coefficient may even decrease with an increasing hydrogen concentration. To describe the macroscopic diffusion coefficient we derive an analytic expression as a function of hydrogen concentrations and temperatures which is in excellent agreement with our numerical results for idealized microstructures.
FLARES ON A-TYPE STARS: EVIDENCE FOR HEATING OF SOLAR CORONA BY NANOFLARES?

We analyzed the occurrence rates of flares on stars of spectral types K, G, F, and A, observed by Kepler. We found that the histogram of occurrence frequencies of stellar flares is systematically shifted toward a high-energy tail for A-type stars compared to stars of cooler spectral types. We extrapolated the fitted power laws toward flares with smaller energies (nanoflares) and made estimates for total energy flux to stellar atmospheres by flares. We found that, for A-type stars, the total energy flux density was at least four-times smaller than for G stars. We speculate that this deficit in energy supply may explain the lack of hot coronae on A-type stars. Our results indicate the importance of nanoflares for heating and formation of the solar corona.
Reduction of mean-square advection in turbulent passive scalar mixing

Direct numerical simulation data show that the variance of the coupling term in passive scalar advection by a random velocity field is smaller than it would be if the velocity and scalar fields were statistically independent. This effect is analogous to the “depression of nonlinearity” in hydrodynamic turbulence. We show that the trends observed in the numerical data are qualitatively consistent with the predictions of closure theories related to Kraichnan's direct interaction approximation. The phenomenon is demonstrated over a range of Prandtl numbers. In the inertial-convective range the depletion is approximately constant with respect to wavenumber. The effect is weaker in the Batchelor range.