Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A SINFONI view of the nuclear activity and circumnuclear star formation in NGC 4303

RAR acknowledges support from FAPERGS (project no. 2366-2551/14-0) and CNPq (project no. 470090/2013-8 and 302683/2013-5). LC acknowledges support from CNPq special visitor fellowship PVE 313945/2013-6 under the Brazilian programme Science without Borders. LC, JP and SA are supported by grants AYA2012-32295, AYA2012-39408 and ESP2015-68964 from the Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad of Spain. DAS, RR and TSB thank CNPq for financial support.
Discussion of the adiabatic hypothesis in control schemes using exceptional points

We present calculations for the action of laser pulses on vibrational transfer within the H and Na2 molecules in the presence of dissipation due to photodissociation of the molecule. The laser fields perform closed loops surrounding exceptional points in the laser parameter plane of intensity and wavelength. In principle the process should produce controlled vibrational transfers due to an adiabatic flip of the dressed eigenstates. We directly solve the Schrödinger equation with the complete time-dependent field instead of using the adiabatic Floquet formalism which initially suggested the design of the laser pulses. Results given by wavepacket propagations disagree with predictions obtained using the adiabatic hypothesis. Thus we show that there are large non-adiabatic exchanges and that the dissipative character of the dynamics renders the adiabatic flip very difficult to obtain. Using much longer durations than expected from previous studies, the adiabatic flip is only obtained for the Na2 molecule and with strong dissociation.
High-Level Mobility of Trans-Tibial Prosthesis Users Wearing Commercial and sPace Energy-Storing Prosthetic Feet

Outcomes of users provided with a commercial ESR Vari-Flex foot (Össur, Reykjavik, Iceland) and a locally designed sPace foot were investigated. Step activity with users’ own prosthetic foot compared to the sPace foot was explored. Methods: Eleven individuals with unilateral trans-tibial amputation participated and were provided with an sPace and Vari-Flex foot. Ten- and twenty-meter walk tests (10/20MWT) at comfortable and fast walking speeds (CWS/FWS), the two-minute walk test (2-MWT) and Comprehensive High-Level Activity Mobility Predictor (CHAMP) were administered. A subgroup was provided a pedometer to record their steps over a 7-day period in their own foot and later the sPace. Results: The sPace foot performed well in a battery of high-level mobility outcome measures. On CHAMP, participants scored 16.94 ± 5.41 and 16.72 ± 6.09 with the sPace and Vari-Flex feet, respectively. Subgroup testing of step activity showed 4490 ± 3444 steps in users’ own feet and 3115 ± 1967 in the sPace foot, p = 0.176. Conclusions: Participants using the sPace foot were capable of performing walking, high-level mobility and activity outcome measures.
Nilpotent orbits and codimension-two defects of 6d N=(2,0) theories

We study the local properties of a class of codimension-2 defects of the 6d N=(2,0) theories of type J=A,D,E labeled by nilpotent orbits of a Lie algebra \mathfrak{g}, where \mathfrak{g} is determined by J and the outer-automorphism twist around the defect. This class is a natural generalisation of the defects of the 6d theory of type SU(N) labeled by a Young diagram with N boxes. For any of these defects, we determine its contribution to the dimension of the Higgs branch, to the Coulomb branch operators and their scaling dimensions, to the 4d central charges a and c, and to the flavour central charge k.
Sneaky copulations by subordinate males suggest direct fitness benefits from male–male associations in spotted bowerbirds (Ptilonorhynchus maculatus)

Abstract Male spotted bowerbirds (Ptilonorhynchus maculatus) build and defend a structure of sticks and straw—the bower—decorated with colourful objects to attract mates during the breeding season. Specific non‐territorial, subordinate males are tolerated by resident males at bowers over multiple breeding seasons. Prior research showed that these male–male associations exhibit attributes of coalitionary behaviour and that subordinate males gain delayed benefits from associating with bower owners, namely future bower inheritance. Yet, it remained unclear whether subordinate males may additionally gain direct fitness benefits from attending established bowers. Here, we report on four separate instances of sneaky copulations (or attempts of copulating) by subordinate males at resident males' bowers. Multiple non‐resident males disrupted the ongoing copulations between the bower owner and a receptive female, and these events were followed by violent aggressive interactions. These observations shed new light on same‐sex social dynamics in spotted bowerbirds and support the hypothesis that subordinate males are sexually mature individuals that occasionally obtain access to females while attending established bowers. We discuss these findings in light of the literature on male courtship coalitions and agonistic behaviour in bowerbirds, and highlight further aspects of subordinate behaviour that require empirical investigation.
Impacts of Mesoscale Eddies on Biogeochemical Variables in the Northwest Pacific

Mesoscale eddies play an important role in regulating biogeochemical cycles. However, the response of biogeochemical variables to cold and warm eddies has not been well elucidated, mainly due to most previous studies relying on remote sensing techniques and lacking in situ observations below the surface water. Here, we used hydrographic and biochemical data from one survey in the northwestern Pacific to document the vertical biogeochemical structure of one cold and two warm eddies. We first compared the changes of key variables in the eddy core relative to eddy outside, explained the role of key layers (the mixing depth, pycnocline, nutricline, euphotic) in causing these changes, and then analyzed the main environmental factors affecting chlorophyll a (Chla) and phytoplankton communities. Finally we focused on the response mechanisms of key biogeochemical variables to the cold and warm eddies. The results showed that biological variables (Chla, microphytoplankton, picophytoplankton), salinity, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), dissolved inorganic phosphate (DIP), and dissolved inorganic silicate (DSi) in the cold eddy core increased by 0.2–134%, while in the warm eddy core, they decreased by 0.2–70% relative to the eddy outside. The cold and warm eddies were able to force the deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM), which rose or fell with the pycnocline, nutricline and euphotic depth (Zeu) as a whole. Cold eddies with a raised thermocline could lead to about 20 m elevated DCM and enhanced phytoplankton biomass when the nutricline and thermocline were coincident. In contrast, warm eddies drove isopycnals downward, resulting in a 10–25 m drop in DCM and a decrease in nutrient and Chla concentrations at the center of the eddies. The significant difference in the vertical structure of the phytoplankton community between the center and the outside of the eddy might be explained by the direct influence of both nutrient concentrations and stoichiometry changes. The contribution of microphytoplankton to total biomass was much smaller than that of picophytoplankton in oligotrophic waters where the DIN:DIP and DSi:DIN ratios are significantly low. Compared to nutrients, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) might not be the main factor controlling phytoplankton biomass and abundance attributed to Zeu being consistently deeper than the mixed depth (Zm), whereas it was likely to be the key limiting factor affecting the vertical distribution of the phytoplankton community.
Prognostic nomogram for female patients suffering from non-metastatic Her2 positive breast cancer: A SEER-based study

This paper aimed at constructing and validating a novel prognostic nomogram, so that physicians forecast the overall survival (OS) rates of female patients suffering from non-metastatic human epidermal growth element receptor-2 (HER2) positive breast. Information of primary female her2 positive breast cancer patients without metastasis was obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database with given inclusion and exclusion standards. Independent variables were obtained greatly by performing univariable and multivariate analyses. Based on those independent predictors, a novel prognostic nomogram was constructed for predicting the survival of those with 3- and 5-year OS. Then, concordance index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), and calibration plot were adopted for the assessment of the predictive power of the nomogram. A total of 36,083 eligible patients were classified into a training cohort (n = 25,259) and a verification cohort (n = 10,824) randomly. According to the identification of multivariate analysis, survival was predicted by age at diagnosis, marital status, race, site, T stage, N stage, progesterone receptor (PR) status, estrogen receptor (ER) status, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy independently. A nomogram was established by applying the training cohort. The nomogram displayed excellent discrimination and performance as indicated by the C-index (0.764, 95% confidence interval: 0.756–0.772), and the 3- and 5-year area under the curve of ROC (AUC) values (0.760 and 0.692 respectively). The calibration plots for forecasting the 3- and 5-year OS were in great agreement. The OS for female her2 positive breast cancer patients without metastasis was predicted by constructing a nomogram on basis of the SEER database. A precise survival prediction could be offered for each patient.
Orbital evolution and search for eccentricity and apsidal motion in the eclipsing HMXB 4U 1700–37

In the absence of detectable pulsations in the eclipsing high-mass X-ray binary 4U 1700-37, the orbital period decay is necessarily determined from the eclipse timing measurements. We have used the earlier reported mid-eclipse time measurements of 4U 1700-37 together with the new measurements from long-term light curves obtained with the all sky monitors RXTE-ASM, Swift-BAT and MAXI-GSC, as well as observations with RXTE-PCA, to measure the long-term orbital evolution of the binary. The orbital period decay rate of the system is estimated to be (P)over dot/P = -(4.7 +/- 1.9) x 10(-7) yr(-1), smaller compared to its previous estimates. We have also used the mid-eclipse times and the eclipse duration measurements obtained from 10-years-long X-ray light curve with Swift-BAT to separately put constraints on the eccentricity of the binary system and attempted to measure any apsidal motion. For an apsidal motion rate greater than 5 deg yr(-1), the eccentricity is found to be less than 0.008, which limits our ability to determine the apsidal motion rate from the current data. We discuss the discrepancy of the current limit of eccentricity with the earlier reported values from radial velocity measurements of the companion star.
Sudden Occurrence of Pacemaker Capture Failure during Irreversible Electroporation Ablation for Prostate Cancer in Post-COVID-19 Patient: A Case Report

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) ablation is a novel treatment option for localized prostate cancer. Here, we present a case of an abrupt and fatal arrhythmia during the IRE procedure in a prostate cancer patient with an implanted permanent pacemaker. A 78-year-old male patient with a pacemaker due to sick sinus syndrome and syncope was scheduled for IRE prostate ablation surgery under general anesthesia. He had a history of recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after having been vaccinated against it and recovered without sequalae. Pacemaker interrogation and reprogramming to asynchronous AOO mode was carried out before surgery, however, sinus pause occurred repeatedly during ablation pulse delivery. After the first sinus pause of 2.25 s there was a decrease in continuous arterial blood pressure (ABP). During the delivery of the second and third pulses, identical sinus pauses were observed due to failure to capture. However, the atrial-paced rhythm recovered instantly, and vital signs became acceptable. Although sinus pause recovered gradually, the duration thereof was increased by the delivery of more IRE pulses, with a subsequent abrupt decrease seen in blood pressure. The pacemaker was urgently reprogrammed to DOO mode, after which there were no further pacing failures and no hemodynamic adverse events. For patients with pacemakers, close cardiac monitoring in addition to the interrogation of the pacemaker during the electromagnetic interference (EMI) procedure is recommended, especially in the case of having a disease that may aggravate cardiac vulnerability, such as COVID-19.
Retractable Locking System Driven by Shape Memory Alloy Actuator for Lightweight Soft Robotic Application

Shape memory alloy actuators (SMA) are widely used in robots owing to their flexibility and light weight. However, there is a drawback in that SMAs need to be used as a bundle owing to their lower force density than the motor. In addition, SMAs require continuous current to maintain a contracted state, which results in the overheating of the actuator, causing breakdown and excessive energy consumption. This study presents a new locking system that can mechanically hold the contracted state of an actuator without consuming energy to overcome the disadvantages of a spring-type SMA. The locking mechanism was designed with a ratchet structure and pawl to prevent the actuator from stretching in the opposite direction when locked. In addition, to switch the locking and unlocking states with a single one-way actuation, a bistable retractable mechanism was applied to the system. Repeatability experiments and an analysis of the locking system resolution were conducted to validate the performance of the proposed mechanism. Furthermore, an underactuated finger applied to the proposed locking system was fabricated, and its feasibility is experimentally presented.
Using field theory to construct hybrid particle–continuum simulation schemes with adaptive resolution for soft matter systems

We develop a multiscale hybrid scheme for simulations of soft condensed matter systems, which allows one to treat the system at the particle level in selected regions of space, and at the continuum level elsewhere. It is derived systematically from an underlying particle-based model by field theoretic methods. Particles in different representation regions can switch representations on the fly, controlled by a spatially varying tuning function. As a test case, the hybrid scheme is applied to simulate colloid–polymer composites with high resolution regions close to the colloids. The hybrid simulations are significantly faster than reference simulations of a pure particle-based model, and the results are in good agreement.
The Involvement of Smooth Muscle, Striated Muscle, and the Myocardium in Scleroderma: A Review

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by heterogeneous changes involving numerous organs and systems. The currently available data indicate that muscle injury (both smooth and striated muscles) is widespread and leads to significant morbidity, either directly or indirectly. From the consequences of smooth muscle involvement in the tunica media of blood vessels or at the level of the digestive tract, to skeletal myopathy (which may be interpreted strictly in the context of SSc, or as an overlap with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies), muscular injury in scleroderma translates to a number of notable clinical manifestations. Heart involvement in SSc is heterogenous depending on the definition used in the various studies. The majority of SSc patients experience a silent form of cardiac disease. The present review summarizes certain important features of myocardial, as well as smooth and skeletal muscle involvement in SSc. Further research is needed to fully describe and understand the pathogenic pathways and the implications of muscle involvement in scleroderma.
An Efficient Method for Antenna Design Based on a Self-Adaptive Bayesian Neural Network-Assisted Global Optimization Technique

Gaussian process (GP) is a very popular machine learning method for online surrogate-model-assisted antenna design optimization. Despite many successes, two improvements are important for the GP-based antenna global optimization methods, including: 1) the convergence speed (i.e., the number of necessary electromagnetic (EM) simulations to obtain a high-performance design) and 2) the GP model training cost when there are several tens of design variables and/or specifications. In both aspects, the state-of-the-art GP-based methods show practical but not desirable performance. Therefore, a new method, called the self-adaptive Bayesian neural network surrogate-model-assisted differential evolution (DE) for antenna optimization (SB-SADEA), is presented in this article. The key innovations include: 1) the introduction of the Bayesian neural network (BNN)-based antenna surrogate modeling method into this research area, replacing GP modeling, and 2) a bespoke self-adaptive lower confidence bound (LCB) method for antenna design landscape making use of the BNN-based antenna surrogate model. The performance of SB-SADEA is demonstrated by two challenging design cases, showing considerable improvement in terms of both convergence speed and machine learning cost compared with the state-of-the-art GP-based antenna global optimization methods.
Cloning of Maize TED Transposon into Escherichia coli Reveals the Polychromatic Sequence Landscape of Refractorily Propagated Plasmids

MuDR, the founder member of the Mutator superfamily and its MURA transcripts, has been identified as toxic sequences to Escherichia coli (E. coli), which heavily hindered the elucidation of the biochemical features of MURA transposase and confined the broader application of the Mutator system in other organisms. To harness less constrained systems as alternatives, we attempted to clone TED and Jittery, two recently isolated autonomous Mutator-like elements (MULEs) from maize, respectively. Their full-length transcripts and genomic copies are successfully cloned when the incubation time for bacteria to recover from heat shock is extended appropriately prior to plating. However, during their proliferation in E. coli, TED transformed plasmids are unstable, as evidenced by derivatives from which frameshift, deletion mutations, or IS transposon insertions are readily detected. Our results suggest that neither leaky expression of the transposase nor the presence of terminal inverse repeats (TIRs) are responsible for the cloning barriers, which were once ascribed to the presence of the Shine–Dalgarno-like sequence. Instead, the internal sequence of TED (from 1250 to 2845 bp), especially the exons in this region, was the most likely causer. The findings provide novel insights into the property and function of the Mutator superfamily and shed light on the dissection of toxic effects on cloning from MULEs.
Estimating parameters of binary black holes from gravitational-wave observations of their inspiral, merger and ringdown

We characterize the expected statistical errors with which the parameters of black-hole binaries can be measured from gravitational-wave (GW) observations of their inspiral, merger and ringdown by a network of second-generation ground-based GW observatories. We simulate a population of black-hole binaries with uniform distribution of component masses in the interval $(3,80)~M_\odot$, distributed uniformly in comoving volume, with isotropic orientations. From signals producing signal-to-noise ratio $\geq 5$ in at least two detectors, we estimate the posterior distributions of the binary parameters using the Bayesian parameter estimation code LALInference. The GW signals will be redshifted due to the cosmological expansion and we measure only the "redshifted" masses. By assuming a cosmology, it is possible to estimate the gravitational masses by inferring the redshift from the measured posterior of the luminosity distance. We find that the measurement of the gravitational masses will be in general dominated by the error in measuring the luminosity distance. In spite of this, the component masses of more than $50\%$ of the population can be measured with accuracy better than $\sim 25\%$ using the Advanced LIGO-Virgo network. Additionally, the mass of the final black hole can be measured with median accuracy $\sim 18\%$. Spin of the final black hole can be measured with median accuracy $\sim 5\% ~(17\%)$ for binaries with non-spinning (aligned-spin) black holes. Additional detectors in Japan and India significantly improve the accuracy of sky localization, and moderately improve the estimation of luminosity distance, and hence, that of all mass parameters. We discuss the implication of these results on the observational evidence of intermediate-mass black holes and the estimation of cosmological parameters using GW observations.
ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS OF A FOREST-LIVESTOCK INTEGRATION SYSTEM IN ALTA FLORESTA, MATO GROSSO STATE, BRAZIL

This study investigates the economic feasibility of a livestock-forest integration system between Nellore cattle and teak species implemented in Fazenda Bacaeri, in the municipality of Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso state, Brazil. The economic analysis was based on the dataset provided by the Embrapa Agrossilvipastoril and used to elaborate a cash flow, as well as on the following selected criteria, Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return, and Profitability Index, for a Minimum Attractive Rate of 4.15% annually. The risk analysis was also carried out using the Monte Carlo probabilistic method, considering seven variables, such as the clearcut and thinning wood price, lean cattle selling price, animal acquisition and forest harvesting costs, thinning and clearcutting yield. The calculated analyzed economic indexes are as follows R$ 4,083,307.77 NPV, 6.48% IRR and 21.36% PI, which indicates the economic feasibility of the studied integration system. The risk analysis shows that this is a low-risk project since the probability of NPV being negative was calculated as 14.4%. However, no matter how efficient the risk prediction tools are, producers must have technical assistance from trained professionals to adequately interpret and mitigate the risks. The studied forest-livestock integration system is economically feasible and low risk.
Foreign Currency Exposure and the Financial Channel of Exchange Rates

Exchange rate movements affect the economy through changes in net exports, i.e. the trade channel, and through valuation changes in assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, i.e. the financial channel. In this paper, I investigate the macroeconomic and financial effects of U.S. dollar (USD) exchange rate fluctuations in small open economies. Specifically, I examine how the financial channel affects the overall impact of exchange rate fluctuations and assess to what extent foreign currency exposure determines the financial channel’s strength. My empirical analysis indicates that, if foreign currency exposure is high, an appreciation of the domestic currency against the USD is expansionary and loosens financial conditions, which is consistent with the financial channel of exchange rates. Moreover, I estimate a small open economy New Keynesian model, in which a fraction of the domestic banks’ liabilities is denominated in USD. In line with the empirical results, the model shows that an appreciation against the USD can be expansionary depending on the strength of the financial channel, which is linked to the level of foreign currency exposure. Finally, the model indicates that the financial channel amplifies the effects of foreign monetary policy shocks. JEL Classification: E44, F31, F41