Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fast and slow pressure waves electrically induced by non-linear coupling in Biot-type porous medium saturated by a Nematic Liquid Crystal

Liquid Crystals are mostly known for their electro-optic properties. However, since a Liquid Crystal is usually assumed to be an incompressible fluid, very few researchers investigated the acoustooptic properties of these materials. However, some experiments conducted by Kim and Patel [1] show without any doubt that this interactions occur, and that further investigations on this phenomenon are needed. The non linear nature of Nematic Liquid Crystals (NLCs) and the presence of bifurcations make the analysis particularly challenging. In [2, 3] a non linear constitutive equation for pressure in nematic crystals is derived for describing this experimental evidence. In the present paper we consider a solid deformable porous matrix with interconnected pores, saturated with a nematic liquid crystal. From a mechanical point of view we assume that such a system can be described by means of a Biot-type model, limiting ourselves to the case of a solid matrix that has a negligible electric susceptibility and high porosity. We prove that an electrical stimulus applied on the NLC specimen may induce both type of Biot waves, fast and slow, along with shear waves in the porous matrix. This effect may be of use when one may wish to damp mechanically induced pressure waves using Darcy dissipation. Description of the model Let us consider a domain C with boundary ∂C , filled by a solid deformable porous matrix with interconnected pores, saturated with a Nematic Liquid Crystal (NLC) and let us denote with r a point inside C . The starting point of our modeling procedure will the well established static theory of Nematics [4, 5], and the classic theory of poroelasticity [6], integrated with the results presented in [2, 3] for what concerns the coupling between the nematic director and the fluid density. In fact the NLC will be treated as a compressible fluid, with the addition of the constitutive equation which takes into account for the coupling among the distortion of the nematic field, the density of the liquid crystal and the deformation of the porous matrix. We will consider that electromagnetic-nematic evolution is quasi-static (still using standard Frank energy density), but when varying in time the applied external voltage we include mechanical inertial effects. These choice will allow us to observe numerically the initiation of coupled acoustic waves. The state of the system is characterized by the following time varying spatial fields: the nematic director n(r, t), the electric potential φ(r, t), the displacement of the solid matrix u(r, t) and the pressure of the fluid p f (r, t).
Polarization-induced Fano resonances using wire-grid metasurfaces for the THz region

Metamaterials and, more recently, metasurfaces have been the focus of extensive research activities, as they play an ever-increasing role in the design of integrated photonics platform. Stacked metasurfaces are also currently investigated as an alternative route to design devices with enhanced optical properties or to propose exotic effects that cannot be achieved in single-layered metasurfaces. In this study, we theoretically show and experimentally demonstrate that stacked Metallic Wire-Grid Metasurfaces (MWGMs) can exhibit polarisation-induced Fano resonances owing to the basic polarisation properties of MWGM. We first present an original model based on an extended Jones formalism together with a circulating field approach, which reveals the underlying principle of polarisation-induced Fano resonances. Then, an experimental proof of concept was realised in the THz region to support the theoretical investigations using commercially available MWGMs, which shows good agreement with the model’s numerical results.
Design and testing of ultrafast plasmonic lens nanoemitters

Nanoscale electron pulses are increasingly in demand, including as probes of nanoscale ultrafast dynamics and for emerging light source and lithography applications. Using electromagnetic simulations, we show that gold plasmonic lenses as multiphoton photoemitters provide unique advantages, including emission from an atomically at surface, nanoscale pulse diameter regardless of laser spot size, and femtosecond-scale response time. We then present fabrication of prototypes with sub-nm roughness via e-beam lithography, as well as electro-optical characterization using cathodoluminescence spectromicroscopy. Finally, we introduce a DC photogun at LBNL built for testing ultrafast photoemitters. We discuss measurement considerations for ultrafast nanoemitters and predict that we can extract tens of pA photocurrent from a single plasmonic lens using a Ti:Sa oscillator. Altogether, this lays the groundwork to develop and test a broad class of plasmon-enhanced ultrafast nanoemitters.
Factors Influencing Quantitative Frugivory Among Avian Species in a Cool Temperature Forest

Abstract We investigated avian frugivory during bird visits to fruiting Prunus verecunda and Swida controversa trees in Ogawa Forest Reserve, Japan, to: (1) quantitatively determine rates of frugivory by each species in a cool temperate forest, and (2) identify how three factors (location at forest edge or interior, crown area, and quantity of mature fruits) affect frugivory. We identified potential frugivores by means of bird fauna censuses and directly observed the frequency of visits to trees (FVT) and the number of fruits removed per visit (NFR) from 15 P. verecunda and six S. controversa trees. Based on our censuses, 18 bird species were predicted to visit P. verecunda during its fruiting period; however, 10 species actually visited, and only four removed fruits. Whereas we predicted that 22 species would visit fruiting S. controversa, 13 species actually visited, and only eight removed fruits. FVT and NFR differed significantly among bird species, and the potential number of fruits removed per hour differed among bird species and between tree species. Different factors affected FVT and NFR and also differed between tree species, probably because of seasonal changes in bird behavior. This study suggests that direct observation is useful for calculating how frugivory differs quantitatively among avian or tree species.
STAT1 Isoforms Differentially Regulate NK Cell Maturation and Anti-tumor Activity

Natural killer (NK) cells are important components of the innate immune defense against infections and cancers. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) is a transcription factor that is essential for NK cell maturation and NK cell-dependent tumor surveillance. Two alternatively spliced isoforms of STAT1 exist: a full-length STAT1α and a C-terminally truncated STAT1β isoform. Aberrant splicing is frequently observed in cancer cells and several anti-cancer drugs interfere with the cellular splicing machinery. To investigate whether NK cell-mediated tumor surveillance is affected by a switch in STAT1 splicing, we made use of knock-in mice expressing either only the STAT1α (Stat1α/α) or the STAT1β (Stat1β/β) isoform. NK cells from Stat1α/α mice matured normally and controlled transplanted tumor cells as efficiently as NK cells from wild-type mice. In contrast, NK cells from Stat1β/β mice showed impaired maturation and effector functions, albeit less severe than NK cells from mice that completely lack STAT1 (Stat1–/–). Mechanistically, we show that NK cell maturation requires the presence of STAT1α in the niche rather than in NK cells themselves and that NK cell maturation depends on IFNγ signaling under homeostatic conditions. The impaired NK cell maturation in Stat1β/β mice was paralleled by decreased IL-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Rα) surface levels on dendritic cells, macrophages and monocytes. Treatment of Stat1β/β mice with exogenous IL-15/IL-15Rα complexes rescued NK cell maturation but not their effector functions. Collectively, our findings provide evidence that STAT1 isoforms are not functionally redundant in regulating NK cell activity and that the absence of STAT1α severely impairs, but does not abolish, NK cell-dependent tumor surveillance.
Synthetic Alkaloid Treatment Influences the Intestinal Epithelium and Mesenteric Adipose Transcriptome in Holstein Steers

Holstein steers (n = 16) were used to determine if a synthetic alkaloid, bromocriptine, would alter the transcriptome of the small intestine and adjacent mesenteric adipose. On d 0, steers were assigned to one of two treatments: control (CON; saline only) or bromocriptine (BROMO; 0.1 mg/kg BW bromocriptine mesylate injected intramuscularly every 3 d for 30 d). Steers were slaughtered and midpoint sections of jejunal epithelium and associated mesenteric fat were collected for RNA isolation. Transcriptome analysis was completed via RNA-Seq to determine if BROMO differed compared with CON within intestinal epithelium or mesenteric adipose mRNA isolates. Differential expression thresholds were set at a significant P-value (P < 0.05) and a fold change ≥ 1.5. Only two genes were differentially expressed within the intestinal epithelium but there were 20 differentially expressed genes in the mesenteric adipose tissue (six up regulated and 14 down regulated). Functions related to cell movement, cell development, cell growth and proliferation, cell death, and overall cellular function and maintenance were the top five functional molecular categories influenced by BROMO treatment within the intestinal epithelium. The top molecular categories within mesenteric adipose were antigen presentation, protein synthesis, cell death, cell movement, and cell to cell signaling and interaction. In conclusion, BROMO treatment influenced the intestinal epithelium and mesenteric adipose transcriptome and identified genes and pathways influential to the effects associated with alkaloid exposure which are important to beef production.
The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on asset-price discovery: Testing the case of Chinese informational asymmetry

The circumstances surrounding the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic have generated substantial international political strain as governments attempt to mitigate the widespread associated social and economic repercussions. One theory has focused on the potential for Chinese informational asymmetry. Using Chinese financial market data, we attempt to establish the scale and direction of information flows during multiple distinct phases of the development of the pandemic. Two specific results are identified. Firstly, the majority of domestically-traded Chinese stocks present evidence of significant information flows at a far earlier stage than internationally-traded comparatives, suggesting that domestic investors recognised the dangers associated with COVID-19 far in advance of the rest of the world. One potential explanation surrounds the view that the severity of domestically-reported Chinese news was not appropriately recognised by international investors. Secondly, while evidence of safe-haven and flight-to-safety behaviour is evident throughout traditional energy and precious metal markets, cryptocurrencies became informationally-synchronised with Chinese equity markets, indicating their use as an investor safe-haven. This is a particularly concerning outcome for international policy-maker and regulatory authorities due to the fragility of these developing markets.
Measuring the Concentration of Spermatozoa from Honey Bees with Spectrophotometry

technique was derived for measuring the concentration of sperm in honey bees, Apis melifera L. , by spectrophotometric absorbance. A positive linear correlation (r = 0.957) existed between absorbance at 230 nm and sperm concentration in 0.5 M NaCl. With our spectrophotometer, the formula correlating milions of sperm per 5 ml (x) to absorbance (y) was y = -0.0096 + 0.1224x.
Influence of the mating system of the Eurasian dipper on sex-specific local survival rates

The mating system of the Eurasian dipper (Cinclus cinclus) involves males defending resources, such as nesting sites or food, and females choosing sites based on quality. Strong territoriality and unequal quality of sites may induce polygyny. Depending on stream flow, external factors such as floods or drought may alter the quality of some breeding territories, leading to breeding dispersal. Emigration resulting from breeding dispersal should he reflected in annual local adult survival rates. In a study of the Eurasian dipper in northeastern France from 1981 to 1998, I verified that pairing and territoriality may influence local survival and that site choice may be mediated significantly by variation in extrinsic factors using mark-resighting data and selection of models using an information-theoretic framework. I found a decrease of about 0.09 in the annual adult local survival rates for both sexes of Eurasian dippers during flood years. During dry years and for monogamous dippers settled along <2m-wide brooks, female annual local survival rate decreased from 0.56 to 0.39, possibly reflecting permanent emigration, whereas the male resighting probability fell from 0.97 to 0.59, indicating delays in male breeding or temporary emigration. Unlike monogamous breeders, polygamous birds had constant local survival estimates and resighting probabilities, suggesting that they bred in sites secure from both flood and drought. Because the Eurasian dipper adapts poorly to environmental stress, 1 encourage managers to shorten stream diversions and other water management practices affecting stream flow.
The relationship between the brain and spirituality with respect to aging and neurodegenerative diseases: clinical and research implications

ABSTRACT This article reviews and synthesizes the current data on the relationship between the brain and religion and spirituality, with regard to aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Specifically, we consider how religious and spiritual beliefs, attitudes, and practices might be affected by the aging process on the brain, particularly when neurodegenerative diseases occur. Various practices such as meditation or prayer also are associated with brain processes and such a relationship could have clinical implications for the use of these practices to help the elderly improve anxiety, depression, or cognition. Finally, we consider potential negative relationships such as religious struggle that can be part of the relationship between the brain and religious or spiritual beliefs as people age. In the end, it is hoped that this neurotheological approach, combining an understanding of brain processes with religious and spiritual phenomena, can be useful in deepening our knowledge regarding the impact of aging and neurogenerative diseases on brain function, and concomitantly on religiousness and spirituality in the elderly population.
The effectiveness of spiritual reminiscence therapy for older people with loneliness, anxiety and depression in Malaysia

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to determine if an SRT program is effective in reducing loneliness, anxiety and depression for older people living in a residential aged care facility in Malaysia. A randomized controlled trial design was used. The primary outcome measures were the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Geriatric Anxiety Scale (GAS) and the Malay version of the 14-item Geriatric Depression Scale (M-GDS-14). Of 180 residents, 34 participated. The within-group analysis revealed significant mean differences for loneliness and depression. The findings suggest the value of group-based interventions for older people with loneliness and depression but were inconclusive on the effectiveness of SRT specifically.
CrispRVariants: precisely charting the mutation spectrum in genome engineering experiments

CRISPR-Cas9 and related technologies efficiently alter genomic DNA at targeted positions and have far-reaching implications for functional screening and therapeutic gene editing. Understanding and unlocking this potential requires accurate evaluation of editing efficiency. We show that methodological decisions for analyzing sequencing data can significantly affect mutagenesis efficiency estimates and we provide a comprehensive R-based toolkit, CrispRVariants and accompanying web tool CrispRVariantsLite, that resolves and localizes individual mutant alleles with respect to the endonuclease cut site. CrispRVariants-enabled analyses of newly generated and existing genome editing datasets underscore how careful consideration of the full variant spectrum gives insight toward effective guide and amplicon design as well as the mutagenic process.
A Randomized Study of Food Pictures-Influenced Decision-Making Under Ambiguity in Individuals With Morbid Obesity

Background and Aims In addition to craving responses to salient food cues, the anticipation of short-term rewarding consumption of palatable food may overrun the anticipation of long-term negative consequences of obesity. The present investigation addressed the potential interplay of food cravings and decision-making abilities in individuals with obesity. Method Study 1 included 107 bariatric surgery candidates with class 2/3 obesity (OB-group) and study 2 included 54 individuals with normal weight/pre-obesity (nonOB-group). In both studies, standardized questionnaires concerning food cravings, food addiction, and psychopathology were administered. A cue-reactivity paradigm was used to measure craving responses toward semi-individualized images of highly palatable, processed food/fruit (appetitive food cues) compared to images of raw vegetables (non-appetitive food cues). Decision-making was measured with a modified computerized version of the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) with food pictures. Both groups were divided into two subgroups that were randomized to different IGT conditions. In one IGT condition the advantageous IGT card decks were covered by pictures of palatable, processed food or fruit and the disadvantageous decks by images of raw vegetables (= congruent condition), and in the other IGT condition vice versa. Results Participants in the OB-group admitted on average higher craving responses toward palatable, processed food or fruit cues compared to pictures of raw vegetables. This was not the case in the nonOB-group. Contrary to our hypothesis, decision-making performance in both groups was worse when pictures of palatable, processed food or fruit were associated with advantageous IGT card decks compared to performance when those pictures were linked to the disadvantageous decks. The interference effect of food pictures processing on advantageous decision-making has been observed particularly in those individuals of the OB-group who exhibited high craving responses toward palatable, processed food cues or high levels of food addiction. Discussion The results indicate that food pictures processing interferes with decision-making, regardless of weight status. Opposed to the hypothesis, stronger tendencies to avoid than to approach pictures presenting processed, tasty food were observed. Further research should examine how cognitive avoidance tendencies toward processed, high energy food and approach tendencies toward healthy food can be transferred to real life situations.
Cardiorespiratory and Neuromuscular Demand of Daily Centrifugation: Results From the 60-Day AGBRESA Bed Rest Study

Purpose Long stays in space require countermeasures for the degrading effects of weightlessness on the human body, and artificial gravity (AG) has been proposed as an integrated countermeasure. The aim of this study was to assess the cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular demand of AG elicited via daily centrifugation during 60 days of bed rest. Methods Twenty four participants (33 ± 9 y, 175 ± 9 cm, 74 ± 10 kg, 8 female) were subjected to 60 days of strict six-degree head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest and were randomly allocated to one of three experimental groups: 30 min of daily centrifugation with an acceleration of 1 g at the center of mass and 2 g at the feet applied continuously (cAG) or intermittently in 6 epochs of 5 min each, separated by 3 min breaks (iAG), or non-centrifuged control (CTRL). Cardiorespiratory demand during centrifugation was assessed at the beginning (HDT3) and end (HDT60) of the bed rest phase via spirometry and heart rate monitoring, leg muscle activation was monitored via electromyography. Results On average, analyses of variance revealed that heart rate during centrifugation increased by 40% (iAG) and 60% (cAG) compared to resting values (p < 0.001), while oxygen uptake did not change significantly (p = 0.96). There was a preference for calf over knee extensor muscle activation (active time soleus 57 ± 27%, gastrocnemius medialis 45 ± 27% and vastus lateralis 27 ± 27%, p < 0.001), with large inter-individual differences in leg muscle active time. AG could not prevent the increase in resting heart rate after bed rest. For most of the recorded parameters, there were little differences between cAG and iAG, with the increase in heart rate during centrifugation being a notable exception (greater increase for cAG, p = 0.01). Conclusion Daily 30 min bouts of artificial gravity elicited by centrifugation put a substantial demand on the heart as a pump without increasing oxygen consumption. If centrifugation is to be used as a countermeasure for the deteriorating effects of microgravity on physical performance, we recommend combining it with strenuous exercise.
CHAPTER 4 93 Anomalous seafloor backscatter patterns in methane venting areas

The relation between acoustic seafloor backscatter and seep distribution is examined by integrating multibeam backscatter data and seep locations detected by single‐beam echosounder. This study is further supported by side scan sonar recordings, high‐resolution 5 kHz seismic data, pore‐water analysis, grain‐size analysis and visual seafloor observations. The datasets were acquired during the 2003 and 2004 expeditions of the EC‐funded CRIMEA project in the Dnepr paleo‐delta area, northwestern Black Sea. More than 600 active methane seeps were hydro‐acoustically detected within a small (3.96 km by 3.72 km) area on the continental shelf of the Dnepr paleo‐delta in water depths ranging from ‐72 m to ‐156 m. Multibeam and side scan sonar recordings show backscatter patterns that are clearly associated with seepage or with a present dune area. Seeps generally occur within medium‐ to high‐ backscatter areas which often coincide with pockmarks. High‐resolution seismic data reveal the presence of an undulating gas front, i.e. the top of the free gas in the subsurface, which domes up towards and intersects the seafloor at locations where gas seeps and medium‐ to high‐backscatter values are detected. Pore‐water analysis of 4 multi‐cores, taken at different backscatter intensity sites, shows a clear correlation between backscatter intensity and dissolved methane fluxes. All analyzed chemical species indicate increasing anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) from medium‐ to high‐backscatter locations. This is confirmed by visual seafloor observations, showing bacterial mats and authigenic carbonates formed by AOM. Grain‐size analysis of the 4 multi‐cores only reveals negligible variations between the different backscatter sites. Integration of all datasets leads to the conclusion that the observed backscatter patterns are the result of ongoing methane seepage and the precipitation of methane‐derived authigenic carbonates (MDACs) caused by AOM. The carbonate formation also appears to lead to a gradual (self‐)sealing of the seeps by cementing fluid pathways/horizons followed by a relocation of the bubble‐releasing locations.