Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The work function of the elements and its periodicity

A new compilation, based on a literature search for the period 1969–1976, is made of experimental data on the work function. For these 44 elements, preferred values are selected on the basis of valid experimental conditions. Older values, which are widely accepted, are given for 19 other elements on which there is no recent literature, and are so identified. In the data for the 63 elements, trends that occur simultaneously in both the columns and the rows of the periodic table are shown to be useful in predicting correct values and also for identifying questionable data. Several illustrative examples are given, including verifications of predictions published in 1950.
Experimental investigation into the routes to bypass transition and the shear-sheltering phenomenon

The objective of this investigation is to give experimental support to recent direct numerical simulation (DNS) results which demonstrated that in bypass transition the flow first breaks down to turbulence on the low-speed streaks (or so-called negative jets) that are lifted up towards the boundary-layer edge region. In order to do this, wall-normal profiles of the streamwise fluctuation velocity are presented in terms of maximum positive and negative values over a range of turbulence intensities (1.3–6%) and Reynolds numbers for zero pressure gradient flow upstream of, and including, transition onset. For all turbulence intensities considered, it was found that the peak negative fluctuation velocity increased in magnitude above the peak positive fluctuations and their positions relative to the wall shifted as transition onset approached; the peak negative value moved towards the boundary-layer edge and the peak positive value moved toward the wall. An experimental measure of the penetration depth (PD) of free-stream disturbances into the boundary layer has been gained through the use of the skewness function. The penetration depth (measured from the boundary-layer edge) scales as PD ∝ (ω Rexτw)−0.3), where ω is the frequency of the largest eddies in the free stream, Rex is the Reynolds number of the flow based on the streamwise distance from the leading edge and τw is the wall shear stress. The parameter dependence demonstrated by this scaling compares favourably with recent solutions to the Orr–Sommerfeld equation on the penetration depth of disturbances into the boundary layer. The findings illustrate the importance of negative fluctuation velocities in the transition process, giving experimental support to suggestions from recent DNS predictions that the breakdown to turbulence is initiated on the low-speed regions of the flow in the upper portion of the boundary layer. The representation of pre-transitional disturbances in time-averaged form is shown to be inadequate in elucidating which disturbances grow to cause the breakdown to turbulence.
Limit theorems for a class of diffusion processes

We consider a diffusion process {x(t)} on a compact Riemannian manifold with generator δ/2 + b. A current‐valued continuous stochastic process {X t} in the sense of Ito [8] corresponds to {x(t)} by considering the stochastic line integral X t(a) along {x(t)} for every smooth 1-form a. Furthermore {X t} is decomposed into the martingale part and the bounded variation part as a current-valued continuous process. We show the central limit theorems for {X t} and the martingale part of {X t}. Occupation time laws for recurrent diffusions and homogenization problems of periodic diffusions are closely related to these theorems
An Eco-Friendly Modification of a Walnut Shell Biosorbent for Increased Efficiency in Wastewater Treatment

Herein, we report the performance of some low-cost biosorbents developed by environment-friendly modification of walnut shells. Two types of biosorbents were prepared by ecological modification of walnut shell surfaces: (1) biosorbents obtained by hot water treatment (WSH2O) and (2) biosorbents produced by mercerization (WSNaOH). Different techniques were used to evaluate the morphological, elemental, and structural modification of the biosorbents, by comparison with raw materials. These characterization techniques involved scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The biosorbents were employed for the removal of methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV) cationic dyes (as model organic pollutants) from aqueous solutions. The kinetic adsorption data mainly followed the pseudo-first-order model. The maximum adsorption capacities of the produced biosorbents ranged from 102 to 110 mg/g and were observed at 330 K. Equilibrium data for adsorption were fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The calculated values of thermodynamic parameters suggested that the investigated adsorption processes were exergonic (ΔG < 0) and exothermic (ΔH < 0). In addition, a possible valorization of the cost-effective and eco-friendly spent biosorbents was tested by performing secondary adsorption of the anionic dyes.
Italian Cohort of Nivolumab Expanded Access Program in Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Results from a Real-World Population.

BACKGROUND Nivolumab has shown a survival benefit compared with docetaxel as second-line treatment for patients with previously treated advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in a randomized phase III trial. The experiences of patients and physicians in routine clinical practice are often different from those in a controlled clinical trial setting. We present data from the entire Italian cohort of patients with squamous NSCLC enrolled in a worldwide nivolumab NSCLC expanded access program. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with pretreated advanced squamous NSCLC received nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks for up to 24 months. Safety was monitored throughout; efficacy data collected included objective tumor response, date of progression, and survival information. RESULTS The Italian cohort comprised 371 patients who received at least one dose of nivolumab. In the overall population, the objective response rate (ORR) was 18%, the disease control rate (DCR) was 47%, and median overall survival (OS) was 7.9 months (95% confidence interval 6.2-9.6). In subgroup analyses, ORR, DCR, and median OS were, respectively, 17%, 48%, and 9.1 months in patients previously treated with two or more lines of therapy (n = 209) and 8%, 40%, and 10.0 months in patients treated beyond disease progression (n = 65). In the overall population, the rate of any-grade and grade 3-4 adverse events was 29% and 6%, respectively. Treatment-related adverse events led to treatment discontinuation in 14 patients (5%). There were no treatment-related deaths. CONCLUSION To date, this report represents the most extensive clinical experience with nivolumab in advanced squamous NSCLC in current practice outside the controlled clinical trial setting. These data suggest that the efficacy and safety profiles of nivolumab in a broad, real-world setting are consistent with those obtained in clinical trials. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Nivolumab is approved in the U.S. and Europe for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after failure of prior platinum-based chemotherapy. In this cohort of Italian patients with previously treated, advanced squamous NSCLC treated in a real-world setting as part of the nivolumab expanded access program, the efficacy and safety of nivolumab was consistent with that previously reported in nivolumab clinical trials.
Simplicial structures and normal forms for mapping class groups and braid groups

In this paper we show that the mapping class groups of any surface with nonempty boundary form a simplicial group as the number of marked points varies. This extends the simplicial structure on braid groups of surfaces found by Berrick, Cohen, Wong and Wu. We use the simplicial maps to construct compatible normal forms for elements of the braid groups and mapping class groups of surfaces with boundary.
A rabbit model of tracheal collapse for optimal self-expanding metal stents

Investigating the characteristics of tracheas can help the understanding of diseases related to the trachea, particularly tracheal collapse (TC) in dogs. This study aimed to compare the mechanical properties of tracheas from New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits and dogs and to introduce a method for inducing a model of TC in the normal trachea. Tracheal samples were obtained from NZW rabbit cadavers (n=5) weighing 3.62–3.92 kg and from dog cadavers (n=5) weighing 2.97–3.28 kg. Three live NZW rabbits weighing 3.5–4.0 kg were used to establish the model. The radial forces of both sample sets were measured using a digital force gauge and statistically compared. Subsequently, TC was surgically induced in three female NZW rabbits by physically weakening their tracheal cartilage under general anesthesia. Their clinical signs were monitored for 3 months, and radiographic examinations were performed monthly for 3 months. The mean radial forces of the two sample sets were comparable (P>0.05). The clinical signs, radiographic examinations, and macroscopic examinations were all comparable to those of dogs with TC. The cadaveric study between the rabbits and dogs demonstrated that the surgically induced rabbit model of TC is an excellent candidate for the experimental study of dogs with TC. This study also provides a reference of tracheal radial force values to enable selection of appropriate mesh types and wire diameters of self-expanding metal stents.
Picosecond-pulse wavelength conversion based on cascaded sum-frequency generation/difference-frequency generation in PPLN waveguides

The wavelength conversion technique based on the cascaded sum-frequency generation/difference-frequency generation (SFG/DFG) process has an advantage of no pump occupation in the communication band, compared to the mostly adopted second-harmonic generation (SHG)/DFG process. In the SFG/DFG-based wavelength conversion, two pump waves and a signal wave are required. The pulsed wave, as a carrier of information, can be applied to the signal or one of the two pump waves. Though the converted wave has the form of pulses, its temporal and spectral characteristics are dependent on the arrangement of the input pulsed wave. Based on numerical simulation, the temporal and spectral characteristics of the pump, signal, converted and sum-frequency waves during their propagations in PPLN waveguides are systematically investigated in this work. In particular, temporal pulse shapes, optical spectra and conversion efficiency are emphasized and compared when picosecond pulse trains are used as the signal and pump waves, respectively.
A 4H–SiC betavoltaic battery based on a 63 Ni source

A 4H–SiC– 63 Ni p–n-junction-based betavoltaic battery is investigated. The Monte Carlo method is used to simulate the self-absorption effect of the 63 Ni source, the backscattering process, and the transport of beta particles in 4H–SiC material. The main factors that affect the energy conversion efﬁciencies of the cell are analyzed. Based on the simulation results, it can be calculated that, when the thickness of the 63 Ni source increases from 2 (cid:2) 10 (cid:3) 3 to 10 l m, the theoretical maximum device conversion efﬁciency increases from 16.77 to 23 : 51 % and the total conversion efﬁciency decreases from 16.73 to 1 : 48 % . Furthermore, a feasible design with a maximum output power density of 0 : 36 l W = cm 2 and an optimal device conversion efﬁciency of 23 : 5 % is obtained.
Design criteria for mode size optimization in diode-pumped solid-state lasers

Based on space-dependent rate equation analysis, design and optimization criteria for the mode size of diode-pumped solid-state lasers are proposed, assuming an TEM/sub 00/ single transverse mode in the resonator and circular or elliptic Gaussian pump beam. The optimum ratio between mode and pump spot size increases with input power and ellipticity of the pump beam. Simple plots may be used as guidelines to determine, in addition to the optimum spot size, the corresponding laser threshold, slope efficiency, and expected output power. Experimental examples are given for an end-pumped Nd:YAG laser, showing good agreement with the design predictions. >
Current Accumulation at a Three-Dimensional Magnetic Null

The cold, linear, resistive, magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations are used to study the dynamics of current accumulation at a three-dimensional magnetic null. The particular null under study is axisymmetric about its so-called spine axis, allowing a decomposition into azimuthal modes labeled by mode number m. Analysis shows that the axisymmetric perturbations (m=0) can lead to a current parallel to the spine axis at the null, while the m=1 mode produces currents orthogonal to the spine axis at the null (in the so-called fan plane). For all the modes with m > 1, there is no current accumulation at the null. The dynamic processes involved in producing these currents are revealed using numerical simulations. In particular, it is found that the m=1 mode leads to motions across both the fan plane and the spine axis regardless of whether the initially imposed disturbances are restricted to be across either the fan plane or the spine axis. The m=1 mode efficiently focuses the excess magnetic energy in toward the null, and therefore we consider it to be the prime reconnective mode in three dimensions. In attempting to understand magnetic reconnection at a three-dimensional null, it is clearly important to detail the currents that can be produced. This we have done within the framework of the linear theory. We discuss the implications of these results for reconnection in the solar corona in the presence of finite-amplitude fields and flows.
Linearized and rational approximation method for solving non‐linear Burgers' equation

A new numerical method called linearized and rational approximation method is presented to solve non‐linear evolution equations. The utility of the method is demonstrated for the case of differentiation of functions involving steep gradients. The solution of Burgers' equation is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the technique for the solution of non‐linear evolution equations exhibiting nearly discontinuous solutions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ADAPTIVE TESTING IN CONTINUOUS-TIME DIFFUSION MODELS

We propose an optimal test procedure for testing the marginal density functions of a class of nonlinear diffusion processes. The proposed test is not only an optimal one but also avoids undersmoothing. An adaptive test is constructed, and its asymptotic properties are investigated. To show the asymptotic properties, we establish some general results for moment inequalities and asymptotic distributions for strictly stationary processes under the α-mixing condition. These results are applicable to some other estimation and testing of strictly stationary processes with the α-mixing condition. An example of implementation is given to demonstrate that the proposed model specification procedure is applicable to economic and financial model specification and can be implemented in practice. To ensure the applicability and implementation, we propose a computer-intensive simulation scheme for the choice of a suitable bandwidth involved in the kernel estimation and also a simulated critical value for the proposed adaptive test. Our finite sample studies support both the proposed theory and the simulation procedure.The authors thank the co-editor and three anonymous referees for their constructive comments and suggestions. The first author also thanks Song Xi Chen for some constructive suggestions, in particular the suggestion on using the local linear form instead of the Nadaraya–Watson kernel form in equation (2.6), and Yongmiao Hong for sending a working paper. The authors acknowledge comments from seminar participants at the International Chinese Statistical Association Meeting in Hong Kong in July 2001, the Western Australian Branch Meeting of the Statistical Society of Australia in September 2001, the University of Western Australia, and Monash University. Thanks also go to the Australian Research Council for its financial support.
Experimental and numerical investigation of inertial particle clustering in isotropic turbulence

This paper presents the first detailed comparisons between experiments and direct numerical simulations (DNS) of inertial particle clustering in nearly isotropic ‘box turbulence’. The experimental system consists of a box 38cm in each dimension with fans in the eight corners that sustain nearly isotropic turbulence in the centre of the box. We inject hollow glass spheres with a mean diameter of 6 μm and measure the locations of several hundred particles in a 1 cm3 volume in the centre of the box using three-dimensional digital holographic particle imaging. We observe particle concentration fluctuations that result from inertial clustering (sometimes called ‘preferential concentration’). The radial distribution function (RDF), a statistical measure of clustering, has been calculated from the particle position field. We select this measure because of its relevance to the collision kernel for particles. DNS of the equivalent system, with nearly perfect parameter overlap, have also been performed. We observe good agreement between the RDF predictions of the DNS and the experimental observations, despite some challenges in the interpretation of the experiments. The results provide important guidance on ways to improve the measurement.
Deciphering the Assembly Processes of the Key Ecological Assemblages of Microbial Communities in Thirteen Full-Scale Wastewater Treatment Plants

Limited information is currently available on the assembly processes (deterministic vs. stochastic) shaping the compositions of key microbial communities in activated sludge (AS). The relative importance of deterministic and stochastic processes for key bacterial and archaeal assemblages (i.e., core-satellite and habitat generalist-specialist) in AS from 13 wastewater treatment plants in China was investigated using 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing. The results obtained indicated 1,388 and 369 core operational taxonomic units (OTUs), 1,038 and 1,683 satellite OTUs, 255 and 48 habitat generalist OTUs, and 192 and 111 habitat specialist OTUs for Bacteria and Archaea, respectively. The proportions of shared OTUs between core and habitat specialist communities were similar to or higher than those between core and habitat generalist communities, suggesting a stronger inter-linkage between the former two groups. Deterministic processes, indicated by abundance-based β-null models, were responsible for shaping core communities, in which NH4-N, OrgC/OrgN, Cr, and Ni were the main controlling factors. In contrast, satellite communities were predominantly influenced by stochastic processes. Moreover, we found that deterministic and stochastic processes were mainly responsible for shaping the assembly of habitat specialists and generalists, respectively. However, the influence of deterministic factors on habitat specialists remains unclear. The present study provides novel insights into the assembly mechanisms of AS microbial communities.
Single-agent chemotherapy in low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

Background: Low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia could be cured in the case of appropriate management with single-agent chemotherapy. This study was carried out to compare the efficacy of single-dose methotrexate versus Actinomycin-D in low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia to analyze the most effective agent. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted on the medical record of 170 cases with the diagnosis of low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia from 2012 to 2019 to evaluate the response rate of single-dose weekly-methotrexate versus biweekly-Actinomycin-D. Results: Single agent chemotherapy was required in 170 patients with final risk score of less than 7. Among the 100 cases under weekly-methotrexate therapy, 29 patients were required second-line chemotherapy with Actinomycin-D and combination therapy which means complete remission of 71% with methotrexate, in comparison with 78.5% in the other group. Resistance was mostly seen in patients with documented choriocarcinoma in histology who had not received timely diagnosis and treatment. Conclusion: Individualized decision in the management of low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia cases, based on histology, HCG, and history is the corn stone in successful treatment.
Comparative evaluation of serum zinc level in head and neck cancer patients before and after radiation therapy

Background: Head and neck cancers (HNCs) include 5.3% of all cancers and they are the cause of the same 5.3% of cancer deaths. Oxidative stress has a crucial role in cancer progression and cancer therapy. Ionizing radiation causes cell malfunction and death by creating reactive oxygen species. Due to its antioxidant activity, immune system power enhancement and role in apoptosis, zinc is a crucial trace element in oncology including HNCs. We decided to compare serum zinc level of HNC patients before and after RT, to assess the potential effects of ionizing radiation therapy on serum zinc. Methods: Fifty-seven HNC patients, who were candidates for curative radiation therapy (RT), were enrolled and their serum zinc level just before and 2 months after completion of RT were checked in a single laboratory. RT was prescribed by linear accelerator with 60 to 70 Gy by conventional method. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20. Results: Mean serum zinc prior to RT and following RT were 77.64±13.45 mg/dl and 68.28±11.93 mg/dl, respectively, which was lower following RT (p<0.001). Patients’ sex, age and duration from diagnosis to treatment and site of disease didn’t have any impact on serum zinc difference. Conclusion: This study showed that RT of HNCs leads to serum zinc reduction, which is greater in nodal disease because of either larger field or higher dose of radiation. Taking zinc supplements while being treated by RT, may be necessary.
Fat embolism in sickle-cell disease: A case report with literature review

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with an under-recognized and well-known complication of bone marrow necrosis known as cerebral fat embolism (CFE). Case Presentation: We report a case of successfully treated SCD patient suffering from non-traumatic cerebral fat embolism (NCFE) who came with initial manifestation of localized pain followed by loss of consciousness and absence of cardiac shunt. This was an unusual case of fat embolism in SCD patient with the absence of right-to-left cardiac shunt indicating the biochemical etiology. Patient initially showed localized pain followed by loss of consciousness, suggesting that any such initial manifestation in patient of SCD should be suspected for CFE. MRI served as an accurate diagnostic tool showing the characteristic neuroradiologic sign. Treatment with exchange-transfusion recovered the patient successfully. Conclusion: Overall, this case suggested that prompt diagnosis using MRI and treatment with RBC exchange could lead to better outcomes in SCD patients suffering from CFE.