Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Stellar Population of M17

The stellar content of M17 has been investigated by multicolor photometry and spectroscopy. Various independent estimates yield a distance of 2.1 ± 0.2 kpc. The ratio of total-to-selective extinction is R = 3.9. Within a projected area of 3.6 × 3.7 pc, there are several thousand stars. About 74% of them show infrared excess suggesting the presence of dense circumstellar material; the excess frequency is higher for fainter stars. The number of spectroscopically classified exciting stars could be enlarged from 13 to 46. The two central O4 stars are both spectroscopic binaries; multiplicity of other early O-type stars could also be established, increasing the number of high-mass stars even further. Our data suggest at least two episodes of star formation: There are about 500 ZAMS sources (2 < AV < 7)—among them many spectroscopically classified OB stars and a significant fraction of lower mass sources with infrared excess (~25%) and X-ray emission (~6%). About 3350 heavily reddened sources with 10 < AV < 40) are most likely deeply embedded pre-main-sequence objects with an age of less than 5 × 105 yr. This group contains about 47% sources with infrared excess and 12% X-ray emitters. Cluster members later than about A0 have not yet reached the main sequence. In addition, a group of 647 protostellar candidates (1.5 < K − L < 6.9) has been detected in the cluster center as well as in the northern and southwestern bar. This population of accreting protostars argues in favor of ongoing star formation triggered by the central O stars in M17.
Heliospheric modulation of galactic electrons: Consequences of new calculations for the mean free path of electrons between 1 MeV and ∼10 GeV

With several new incentives, revisiting electron modulation using a comprehensive numerical model is appropriate. First, one has better confidence in the galactic electron spectrum at energies ≤ 300 MeV, second, several good independent observations of modulated electron spectra at 1 AU at solar minimum and along the Ulysses trajectory have been made, and third, progress has been made about theoretical predictions for mean free paths in the heliosphere. In this work, as a first approach, an assessment of the various new predictions for electron parallel mean free paths at 1 AU, especially their rigidity dependencies, is made by looking at the effects of these predictions on heliospheric modulation of galactic electron at energies below ∼300 MeV. Electron modulation is most suitable at these energies because adiabatic energy changes are still negligible and drift effects become less important. Several spectra are shown together with the radial dependence in the equatorial plane of the electron fluxes associated with each approach that was used. It was found that a damping turbulence model with composite slab, two-dimen-sional geometry gave parallel mean free paths that resulted in reasonable electron modulation at these energies. However, several other important modulating parameters have to be considered of which diffusion perpendicular to the averaged magnetic field is arguably the most important.
Influence of swirl on the initial merging zone of a turbulent annular jet

This paper presents an extensive study of the influence of swirl on the initial region of an annular jet. A total of five different swirl numbers S are investigated: one at zero swirl, one at low swirl (S=0.18), two at intermediate swirl (S=0.37 and 0.57), and one at high swirl (S=0.74). The flow fields are measured using the stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique. A detailed study on the accuracy of the PIV measurements is presented, including a validation with laser Doppler anemometry data. In this way a detailed set of accurate data is presented of the three components of velocity and the root-mean square value of their fluctuations in a plane through the central axis of the geometry. Despite its simple geometry, the immediate flow field of an annular jet is very complex. The concentric central tube of the nozzle acts as a bluff body to the flow, thus creating a central recirculation zone (CRZ) behind it. At low swirl numbers the swirl induced pressure gradients alter the structure of .
Strategies to Reduce the Rate of Plate Waste in Hospitalized Patients: A Scoping Review

There is evidence that hospital waste is indisputably high, and various strategies have been used to reduce the hospital’s rate of plate waste. This study aimed to map the currently implemented strategies in lowering the rate of plate waste in hospitals and categorize the different types of strategies used as interventions, as well as determine their impact based on specific parameters. The scoping review method included a search of three databases using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-SCR). The duplicate articles (n = 80) were removed. A total of 441 articles remained for the title and abstract screening. After 400 were excluded, 41 articles were reviewed for eligibility. Thirty-two full articles were eliminated due to a lack of focus on plate waste evaluation. Finally, nine accepted studies were grouped into five categories: menu modification, room service implementation, menu presentation, meal-serving system, and dietary monitoring tool. In conclusion, results showed that the majority of the studies implemented either of the five strategies to reduce plate waste; however, the cook-freeze system and staff training for both kitchen and ward staff were not yet part of any intervention strategy. The potential of this method should be explored in future interventions.
A study of the Taurus dark cloud complex

A near-infrared survey has been conducted of nearly 20 square degrees of the Taurus dark cloud complex. Additional observations have been made of selected objects detected in this survey. These observations show that recently formed stars are spread throughout the cloud and that these stars are primarily T Tauri stars or T Tauri-like stars. Two luminous objects are identified embedded in the reflection nebulae IC 359 and IC 2087. A new Herbig-Haro object is also described. The reddening law of the dark cloud material is discussed; it does not appear to be unusual in the infrared. Comparison of the young stellar population in Taurus with that in Ophiuchus suggests that the star formation mechanisms in the two regions are qualitatively different
Noninvasive absorption and scattering spectroscopy of bulk diffusive media: An application to the optical characterization of human breast

A time-resolved reflectance and transmittance spectrophotometer was developed and used to evaluate noninvasively and simultaneously the absorption and transport scattering spectra of bulk turbid media. The experimental setup, based on mode-locked dye and titanium:sapphire lasers and on an electronic chain for time-correlated single photon counting, was fully automated to make in vivo measurements on biological tissues feasible. The optical characterization of breast, of interest for the development of optical mammography, was performed in vivo on a wide spectral range (610–1010 nm). In particular, the absorption spectral features of the main tissue components (hemoglobin, water, and lipids) were recognized with different relative weight, depending on the age and the measurement position. Best fit with the absorption spectra of the main constituents was performed to evaluate their relative concentration in tissues.
Obtaining 2,3-Dihydrobenzofuran and 3-Epilupeol from Ageratina pichinchensis (Kunth) R.King & Ho.Rob. Cell Cultures Grown in Shake Flasks under Photoperiod and Darkness, and Its Scale-Up to an Airlift Bioreactor for Enhanced Production

Ageratina pichinchensis (Kunth) R.King & Ho.Rob. is a plant used in traditional Mexican medicine, and some biotechnological studies have shown that its calluses and cell suspension cultures can produce important anti-inflammatory compounds. In this study, we established a cell culture of A. pichinchensis in a 2 L airlift bioreactor and evaluated the production of the anti-inflammatory compounds 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran (1) and 3-epilupeol (2). The maximum biomass production (11.90 ± 2.48 g/L) was reached at 11 days of culture and cell viability was between 80% and 90%. Among kinetic parameters, the specific growth rate (µ) was 0.2216 days−1 and doubling time (td) was 3.13 days. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of extracts showed the maximum production of compound 1 (903.02 ± 41.06 µg/g extract) and compound 2 (561.63 ± 10.63 µg/g extract) at 7 and 14 days, respectively. This study stands out for the significant production of 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran and 3-epilupeol and by the significant reduction in production time compared to callus and cell suspension cultures, previously reported. To date, these compounds have not been found in the wild plant, i.e., its production has only been reported in cell cultures of A. pichinchensis. Therefore, plant cell cultured in an airlift reactor can be an alternative for the improved production of these anti-inflammatory compounds.
Association between Beta Oscillations from Subthalamic Nucleus and Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping in Deep Gray Matter Structures in Parkinson’s Disease

This study aimed to investigate the association between beta oscillations and brain iron deposition. Beta oscillations were filtered from the microelectrode recordings of local field potentials (LFP) in the subthalamic nucleus (STN), and the ratio of the power spectral density of beta oscillations (PSDXb) to that of the LFP signals was calculated. Iron deposition in the deep gray matter (DGM) structures was indirectly assessed using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). The Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), part III, was used to assess the severity of symptoms. Spearman correlation coefficients were applied to assess the associations of PSDXb with QSM values in the DGM structures and the severity of symptoms. PSDXb showed a significant positive correlation with the average QSM values in DGM structures, including caudate and substantia nigra (SN) (p = 0.008 and 0.044). Similarly, the PSDXb showed significant negative correlations with the severity of symptoms, including axial symptoms and the gait in the medicine-off state (p = 0.006 for both). The abnormal iron metabolism in the SN and striatum pathways may be one of the underlying mechanisms for the occurrence of abnormal beta oscillations in the STN, and beta oscillations may serve as important pathophysiological biomarkers of PD.
Liposomes or Extracellular Vesicles: A Comprehensive Comparison of Both Lipid Bilayer Vesicles for Pulmonary Drug Delivery

The rapid and non-invasive pulmonary drug delivery (PDD) has attracted great attention compared to the other routes. However, nanoparticle platforms, like liposomes (LPs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs), require extensive reformulation to suit the requirements of PDD. LPs are artificial vesicles composed of lipid bilayers capable of encapsulating hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances, whereas EVs are natural vesicles secreted by cells. Additionally, novel LPs-EVs hybrid vesicles may confer the best of both. The preparation methods of EVs are distinguished from LPs since they rely mainly on extraction and purification, whereas the LPs are synthesized from their basic ingredients. Similarly, drug loading methods into/onto EVs are distinguished whereby they are cell- or non-cell-based, whereas LPs are loaded via passive or active approaches. This review discusses the progress in LPs and EVs as well as hybrid vesicles with a special focus on PDD. It also provides a perspective comparison between LPs and EVs from various aspects (composition, preparation/extraction, drug loading, and large-scale manufacturing) as well as the future prospects for inhaled therapeutics. In addition, it discusses the challenges that may be encountered in scaling up the production and presents our view regarding the clinical translation of the laboratory findings into commercial products.
Self-Assembled Synthesis of Porous Iron-Doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanostructures for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution and Nitrogen Fixation

In this study, Fe-doped graphitic carbon nitride (Fe-MCNC) with varying Fe contents was synthesized via a supramolecular approach, followed by thermal exfoliation, and was then used for accelerated photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and nitrogen fixation. Various techniques were used to study the physicochemical properties of the MCN (g-C3N4 from melamine) and Fe-MCNC (MCN for g-C3N4 and C for cyanuric acid) catalysts. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images clearly demonstrate that the morphology of Fe-MCNC changes from planar sheets to porous, partially twisted (partially developed nanotube and nanorod) nanostructures. The elemental mapping study confirms the uniform distribution of Fe on the MCNC surface. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS) results suggest that the Fe species might exist in the Fe3+ state and form Fe-N bonds with N atoms, thereby extending the visible light absorption areas and decreasing the band gap of MCN. Furthermore, doping with precise amounts of Fe might induce exfoliation and increase the specific surface area, but excessive Fe could destroy the MCN structure. The optimized Fe-MCNC nanostructure had a specific surface area of 23.6 m2 g−1, which was 8.1 times greater than that of MCN (2.89 m2 g−1). To study its photocatalytic properties, the nanostructure was tested for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and nitrogen fixation; 2Fe-MCNC shows the highest photocatalytic activity, which is approximately 13.3 times and 2.4 times better, respectively, than MCN-1H. Due to its high efficiency and stability, the Fe-MCNC nanostructure is a promising and ideal photocatalyst for a wide range of applications.
Development of a Novel Predictive-Prognostic Scoring Index for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become the standard of care for the treatment of patients with driver mutation absent advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The present study aimed to develop a reliable, reproducible, and practical scoring system to prognosticate and predict response to ICI response in patients with advanced NSCLC. Patients and methods: All patients who were diagnosed as having unresectable/advanced stage NSCLC and were treated with at least one cycle of ICIs at the Medical Oncology Departments of Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital (Nicosia, Cyprus) and Near East University Hospital (Nicosia, Cyprus) were included in the study. ﻿ The association between variables and OS was evaluated using a Cox ﻿proportional hazards regression model. Variables with a P-value less than 0.05 in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariate model. A prognostic scoring system was developed. ﻿ Survival estimates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The value of the Concordance index (C-index) and the area under the curve ﻿(AUC) was used to evaluate the discriminative ability of scoring systems. Results: One hundred fifty consecutive patients with unresectable/metastatic NSCLC who received PD-1 inhibitors ﻿between March 2017 and November 2022 were included. In the multivariate Cox regression model, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) were significantly associated with OS. We generated a new score using CRP ³1. 0 mg/dL, ECOG PS ³2, and LDH level >ULN. Relative weight was based on the HRs of multivariate analyses (CRP ³1.0 mg/dL 2 points, ECOG PS ³2 2.5 points, and LDH level >ULN 1.5 points). The cohort was divided into three risk groups based on the sum of factors present: 0-2.5 (good risk), 3.5-4.5 (intermediate risk), or 6 (poor risk). The median OS was 18.9, 7.4, and 2.9 months for good, intermediate, and poor risk categories, respectively (log-rank test, p<0.001). The Harrell C-index of CEL to predict OS and PFS was 0.73 and 0.69, respectively, indicating significant predictability. The AUC of the scoring index for predicting the responses was 0.765 (95% CI: 0.685-0.845). Conclusion: The CEL score is a promising prognostic and predictive index consisting of serum CRP levels (C), ECOG PS (E), and serum LDH levels (L). This represents another step forward in the treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC.
Notes on the declining American institutions in university rankings: a trend against the Germany–Britain–America shift?

Previous research has outlined the ongoing decline of British universities, just as the decline of German universities before it. By revisiting the performances of the ‘top’ universities worldwide in multiple rankings and grading systems, this study outlines an ongoing decline of American universities in university rankings. The falls of the USA’s public universities are especially notable. Normally, scholars believe the shift of the world’s scientific center is from the European continent to Britain, and then to America. However, the performance of universities worldwide in recent decades just showcases a different picture, in which American universities are declining at a faster speed than those in Britain and the European continent.
Vector bundles of rank 2 and linear systems on algebraic surfaces

Let S be a smooth complex algebraic surface and let L be a divisor on S. It is well-known that the linear system IL + KsI, where Ks is the canonical divisor, plays an important role in understanding the geometry of S. Several authors (see, for example, [8], [11]) studied various properties of this system. Our paper treats the same subject, but the point of view is different from the works mentioned above. The philosophy underlying our approach is almost classical: Points on S (more generally, effective 0-cycles) in special position with respect to IL + KsI (see definition below) contain information about the geometry of S. This point of view was recently revived in [5] (also [10]). In fact, this paper contains the technique of going from the effective 0-cycle Z in special position with respect to IL + KsI to the geometry of S. For the sake of completeness we give a definition and state a theorem which can be found in [5], [10].
A review of memristor: material and structure design, device performance, applications and prospects

ABSTRACT With the booming growth of artificial intelligence (AI), the traditional von Neumann computing architecture based on complementary metal oxide semiconductor devices are facing memory wall and power wall. Memristor based in-memory computing can potentially overcome the current bottleneck of computer and achieve hardware breakthrough. In this review, the recent progress of memory devices in material and structure design, device performance and applications are summarized. Various resistive switching materials, including electrodes, binary oxides, perovskites, organics, and two-dimensional materials, are presented and their role in the memristor are discussed. Subsequently, the construction of shaped electrodes, the design of functional layer and other factors influencing the device performance are analyzed. We focus on the modulation of the resistances and the effective methods to enhance the performance. Furthermore, synaptic plasticity, optical-electrical properties, the fashionable applications in logic operation and analog calculation are introduced. Finally, some critical issues such as the resistive switching mechanism, multi-sensory fusion, system-level optimization are discussed. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Modulation analysis of nonlinear beam refraction at an interface in liquid crystals

A theoretical investigation of solitary wave refraction in nematic liquid crystals is undertaken. A modulation theory based on a Lagrangian formulation of the governing optical solitary wave equations is developed. The resulting low-dimensional equations are found to give solutions in excellent agreement with full numerical solutions of the governing equations, as well as with previous experimental studies. The analysis deals with a number of types of refraction from a more to a less optically dense medium, the most famous being the Goos-H¨ anchen shift upon total internal reflection.
Particle acceleration at oblique shock fronts

L'indice spectral des particules au niveau des fronts de choc obliques est calcule en etendant la methode developpee pour l'acceleration des particules au niveau des fronts de choc paralleles par Kirk J.G. et Schneider P. (1987, Astrophys. J., 315). En supposant que les particules conservent leur moment magnetique en traversant le choc et sont diffusees en angle d'attaque par la turbulence, on montre que les fronts de choc obliques conduisent a des spectres plus plats que ceux des chocs paralleles
QUALITY ATTRIBUTES OF TOMATO GENOTYPES UNDER PROTECTED ENVIRONMENT

Tomatoes are an important part of a healthy human diet. The productivity and quality of the produce are being measured by using advanced production technologies. Protected cultivation is an advanced agrotechnology that is utilized all over the world to generate high quality output. Indeterminate tomato is a growing crop though, still, in Punjab, no systemic work has been done for the evaluation of quality attributes of indeterminate tomato genotypes under the protected environment. Inherent diversity is a chief concern for the improvement of quality attributes in tomato. Considering the importance of tomatoes, there is an urgent need to screen out genotypes of indeterminate tomato for a best quality production and for higher nutritive value. The investigation was carried out at the Department of Vegetable Science of Agriculture, Khalsa College, Amritsar, Punjab, India and the experiment were conducted under modified naturally ventilated polyhouse following Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications, consisting twelve genotypes including standard check during spring-summer season, 2020-2021. The data exhibited significant variation in twelve genotypes for different characters. Based on mean performance, the result let out that Punjab Gaurav and JC-165 was superior for all the quality attributes. Whereas, pericarp thickness and fruit shape index were maximum in KCA-2 while Punjab Sartaj was sophisticated for TSS, lycopene and ascorbic acid although greater titrable acidity was recorded in Arka Vikas. Significantly, the result was higher due to the favorable conditions provided in a protected environment during the growing period with the interaction of genes of genotype.
Nutrient competition as a determinant for cancer growth

Competition for available nutrients is known to be crucial for cancer development. Based on this fact, a model is proposed that can describe the manifold of morphologies and growth rates characteristic of tumoral growth. The formulation of a consistent set of rules governing the microscopic interactions leads to st system of coupled nonlinear iteration equations. These equations contain both deterministic and stochastic terms and are amenable to direct numerical simulation. They allow us to test the effects of such parameters as the availability, diffusivity, and binding rate of nutrients and the mobility, death, and multiplication rates of cancer cells on tumor morphology and development. Detailed numerical solutions are presented. [S1063-651X(99)03402-9].