Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Strange quark suppression and strange hadron production in pp collisions at energies available at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the CERN Large Hadron Collider

The parton and hadron cascade model PACIAE based on PYTHIA is utilized to systematically investigate strange particle production in pp collisions at energies available at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) and the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Globally speaking, the PACIAE results of the strange particle rapidity density at midrapidity and the transverse momentum distribution are better than those of PYTHIA (default) in comparison with STAR and ALICE experimental data. This may represent the importance of the parton and hadron rescatterings, as well as the reduction mechanism of strange quark suppression, added in the PACIAE model. The K/{pi} ratios as a function of reaction energy in pp collisions from CERN Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) to LHC energies are also analyzed in this paper.
Interpreting the star formation efficiency of nearby molecular clouds with ionizing radiation

We investigate the origin of observed local star formation relations using radiative magnetohydrodynamic simulations with self-consistent star formation and ionising radiation. We compare these clouds to the density distributions of local star-forming clouds and find that the most diffuse simulated clouds match the observed clouds relatively well. We then compute both observationally-motivated and theoretically-motivated star formation efficiencies (SFEs) for these simulated clouds. By including ionising radiation, we can reproduce the observed SFEs in the clouds most similar to nearby Milky Way clouds. For denser clouds, the SFE can approach unity. These observed SFEs are typically 3 to 10 times larger than the "total" SFEs, i.e. the fraction of the initial cloud mass converted to stars. Converting observed to total SFEs is non-trivial. We suggest some techniques for doing so, though estimate up to a factor of ten error in the conversion.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE "RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS FOR PRESCHOOLERS" PROGRAM ON THE CULTURE OF MOVEMENT IN 5-6-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN

Existing educational programs for preschool children do not consider the movement culture as a component in the development of child’s general culture. In physical culture and health-improving classes in preschool educational institutions, much attention is paid to quantitative indicators that characterize motor qualities. Teachers pay less attention to the technique and beauty of the movement performance. The purpose of the study is to experimentally confirm the effectiveness of the "Rhythmic gymnastics for preschool children" program on the movement culture of children aged 5-6 years. An analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical observation and experiment, testing, methods of mathematical statistics. The study involved 80 children who were divided into 2 groups, experimental and control group, 40 children in each. The effectiveness of "Rhythmic gymnastics for preschoolers" was determined on the basis of different results in each component before and after the experiment in each group. The children in the control group improved their results. However, this increase is not reliable (p> 0.05). The physical component improved for all children in the experimental group, but not in all tests for each child. We discovered that authors do not share their views on the concept of "movement culture". The "Rhythmic gymnastics for preschoolers" program is an effective tool to develop preschoolers’ movement culture.
Response of Skin-Derived and Metastatic Human Malignant Melanoma Cell Lines to Thymoquinone and Thymoquinone-Loaded Liposomes

Thymoquinone has been proved to be effective against neoplasms, including skin cancer. Its high lipophilicity, however, may limit its potential use as a drug. Melanoma remains the deadliest of all skin cancers worldwide, due to its high heterogeneity, depending on the stage of the disease. Our goal was to compare the anti-cancer activity of free thymoquinone and thymoquinone-loaded liposomes on two melanoma cell lines that originated from different stages of this cancer: skin-derived A375 and metastatic WM9. We evaluated the proapoptotic effects of free thymoquinone by flow cytometry and Western blot, and its mitotoxicity by means of JC-1 assay. Additionally, we compared the cytotoxicity of free thymoquinone and thymoquinone in liposomes by WST-1 assay. Our results revealed a higher antiproliferative effect of TQ in WM9 cells, whereas its higher proapoptotic activity was observed in the A375 cell line. Moreover, the thymoquinone-loaded liposome was proved to exert stronger cytotoxic effect on both cell lines studied than free thymoquinone. Differences in the response of melanoma cells derived from different stages of the disease to thymoquinone, as well as their different responses to free and carrier-delivered thymoquinone, are essential for the development of new anti-melanoma therapies. However, further research is required to fully understand them.
Stability of satellite planes in M31 II: effects of the dark subhalo population

The planar arrangement of nearly half the satellite galaxies of M31 has been a source of mystery and speculation since it was discovered. With a growing number of other host galaxies showing these satellite galaxy planes, their stability and longevity have become central to the debate on whether the presence of satellite planes are a natural consequence of prevailing cosmological models, or represent a challenge. Given the dependence of their stability on host halo shape, we look into how a galaxy plane's dark matter environment influences its longevity. An increased number of dark matter subhalos results in increased interactions that hasten the deterioration of an already-formed plane of satellite galaxies in spherical dark halos. The role of total dark matter mass fraction held in subhalos in dispersing a plane of galaxies present non trivial effects on plane longevity as well. But any misalignments of plane inclines to major axes of flattened dark matter halos lead to their lifetimes being reduced to 40% of total dark mass in subhalos in the overall dark matter distribution results in a plane of satellite galaxies that is prone to change through the 5 Gyr integration time period.
Identification, Characterization, and Expression of a β-Galactosidase from Arion Species (Mollusca)

β-Galactosidases (β-Gal, EC 3.2.1.23) catalyze the cleavage of terminal non-reducing β-D-galactose residues or transglycosylation reactions yielding galacto-oligosaccharides. In this study, we present the isolation and characterization of a β-galactosidase from Arion lusitanicus, and based on this, the cloning and expression of a putative β-galactosidase from Arion vulgaris (A0A0B7AQJ9) in Sf9 cells. The entire gene codes for a protein consisting of 661 amino acids, comprising a putative signal peptide and an active domain. Specificity studies show exo- and endo-cleavage activity for galactose β1,4-linkages. Both enzymes, the recombinant from A. vulgaris and the native from A. lusitanicus, display similar biochemical parameters. Both β-galactosidases are most active in acidic environments ranging from pH 3.5 to 4.5, and do not depend on metal ions. The ideal reaction temperature is 50 °C. Long-term storage is possible up to +4 °C for the A. vulgaris enzyme, and up to +20 °C for the A. lusitanicus enzyme. This is the first report of the expression and characterization of a mollusk exoglycosidase.
A Numerical Investigation of Sweeping Air/Mist Jet Film Cooling Through a Passive Fluidic Oscillator, Part I: Steady vs. Sweeping Air-Only Jets

The sweeping jet can be a promising candidate in film cooling applications since it has a large lateral jet spreading which can be considered an advantage when compared to the regular steady jet film cooling. Fluidic oscillators can generate a sweeping jet without the need for any moving parts. In addition, they can be more conveniently manufactured by additive manufacturing techniques. This two-part paper presents a numerical study to investigate the application of using air/mist sweeping jets in film cooling for protecting turbine airfoils. Part I focuses on validating the computational mode by comparing the thermal-flow and heat transfer behavior between steady and sweeping air-only jets to ensure they are consistent with published information. Part II focuses on the mist behavior and its effect on heat transfer enhancement in the sweeping jet film cooling by adding micro-liquid droplets. An unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) simulation accompanied by the k-ω SST turbulence model was used in this study. A comparison is made between steady and sweeping jets at two blowing ratios (BR = 1 and 2). The results show that the steady jet provided better film cooling performance along the centerline compared to that of the sweeping jet for both blowing ratios. However, the sweeping jet provided better and more uniform film cooling performance in the spanwise direction. Both jets experienced a significant jet-liftoff when the blowing ratio was 2. The entrainment was significant in the sweeping jet case for both blowing ratios. The sweeping jet caused an increase of 9.5% in total pressure losses compared to the steady jet. It was found that, for the sweeping jet, a pair of counter-rotating vortices is inward-rushing toward the wall in the center rather than outward-rushing as in a typical steady jet film cooling flow field. A detailed analysis is presented to understand the instantaneous vortex dynamics of the sweeping jet that leads to the inward rotating CRVP. The result shows that the pair of counter-rotating vortices is just a time-averaged image of a single vortex sweeping back and forth in the domain; it does not actually exist in real time.
Effects of Heavy Ion Irradiation on the Thermoelectric Properties of In2(Te1−xSex)3 Thin Films

Ion irradiation is an exceptionally effective approach to induce controlled surface modification/defects in semiconducting thin films. In this investigation, ion-irradiated Se–Te-based compounds exhibit electrical transport properties that greatly favor the transformation of waste heat into electricity. Enhancements of both the Seebeck coefficient (S) and the power factor (PF) of In2(Te0.98Se0.02)3 films under 120 MeV Ni9+ ion irradiation were examined. The maximum S value of the pristine film was about ~221 µVK−1. A significantly higher S value of about ~427 µVK−1 was obtained following irradiation at 1 × 1013 ions/cm2. The observed S values suggest the n-type conductivity of these films, in agreement with Hall measurements. Additionally, Ni ion irradiation increased the PF from ~1.23 to 4.91 µW/K2m, demonstrating that the irradiated films outperformed the pristine samples. This enhancement in the TE performance of the In2(Te0.98Se0.02)3 system is elucidated by irradiation-induced effects that are revealed by structural and morphological studies.
Effects of defects and dephasing on charge and spin currents in two-dimensional topological insulators

Using the non-equilibrium Keldysh Green's function formalism, we investigate the effect of defects on the electronic structure and transport properties of two-dimensional topological insulators (TI). We demonstrate how the spatial flow of charge changes between the topologically protected edge and bulk states and show that elastically and inelastically scattering defects that preserve the time reversal symmetry of the TI lead to qualitatively different effects on the TI's local electronic structure and its transport properties. Moreover, we show that the recently predicted ability to create highly spin-polarized currents by breaking the time-reversal symmetry of the TI via magnetic defects [Phys. Rev. B 93, 081401 (2016)] is robust against the inclusion of a Rashba spin-orbit interaction and the effects of dephasing, and remains unaffected by changes over a wide range of the TI's parameters. We discuss how the sign of the induced spin currents changes under symmetry operations, such as reversal of bias and gate voltages, or spatial reflections. Finally, we show that the insight into the interplay between topology and symmetry of the magnetic defects can be employed for the creation of novel quantum phenomena, such as highly localized magnetic fields inside the TI.
Bisphenols A and F, but not S, induce apoptosis in bovine granulosa cells via the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway

With the gradual decline in global fertility rates, there is a need to identify potential contributing factors, their mechanisms of actions and investigate possible solutions to reverse the trend. Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), such as bisphenol A (BPA), are environmental toxicants that are known to negatively impact reproductive functions. As such, the use of BPA in the manufacturing industry has slowly been replaced by analogs, including bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF), despite limited knowledge available regarding their impact on health and their safety. The following study investigates the effects of BPA, BPS and BPF at a concentration of 0.5 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL on bovine granulosa cell apoptosis, with the ultimate goal of determining how they may impact oocyte competence and, thus, overall fertility. The underlying hypothesis is that bisphenols disrupt the granulosa cell environment surrounding the oocyte inducing excessive apoptosis via the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. To test this hypothesis, apoptosis was measured following a time- and dose-dependent exposure to all three bisphenols by flowcytometry paired with annexin V/PI staining as well as by quantification of key genes belonging to the intrinsic apoptotic pathway both at the mRNA and protein levels. The results of this study report that BPA and BPF reduce cell viability through reduced cell counts and increased apoptosis. This increase is due, in part, to the induction of apoptotic genes of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Additionally, this study also suggests that BPS may not act on the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in bovine granulosa cells. Overall, this study allows us to establish potential apoptotic pathways activated by bisphenols as well as compare the relative apoptotic activities of BPA to its most widespread analogs.
Elastographic Evaluation of Thyroid Nodules in Children and Adolescents with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Nodular Goiter with Reference to Cytological and/or Histopathological Diagnosis

There are data indicating the coexistence of papillary thyroid carcinoma and autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) in children. The aim of the study was elastographic evaluation of thyroid nodules in children and adolescents with AIT and nodular goiter in relation to cytological and/or histopathological diagnosis. We examined 215 children (57 boys and 158 girls) with 261 thyroid nodules (143 non-AIT and 118 AIT). All study participants underwent a conventional ultrasound examination with elastography followed by fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Abnormal Strain Ratio (SR ≥ 5) was observed in 36 non-AIT nodules and 15 AIT nodules. Papillary thyroid carcinoma was diagnosed in 5 patients (2% of all investigated nodules). SR of malignant thyroid nodules was statistically higher in comparison to SR of benign nodules both in the group of non-AIT (6 ± 4 vs. 3.67 ± 2.62, p = 0.024) and AIT nodules (6.3 ± 0.01 vs. 2.92 ± 1.89, p = 0.047). Comparison of non-AIT and AIT benign nodules revealed that SR was higher in non-AIT nodules (3.67 ± 2.62 vs. 2.92 ± 1.89, p = 0.01). We observed a strong positive correlation (R = 1) between TSH concentration and SR ratio in the group of all malignant thyroid nodules. Autoimmune inflammatory process of the thyroid gland does not limit the use of elastography in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules in children.
Efficient Dynamic Proof of Retrievability for Cold Storage

—Storage-as-a-service (STaaS) permits the client to outsource her data to the cloud, thereby reducing data management and maintenance costs. However, STaaS also brings signiﬁcant data integrity and soundness concerns since the storage provider might not keep the client data intact and retrievable all the time (e.g., cost saving via deletions). Proof of Retrievability (PoR) can validate the integrity and retrievability of remote data effectively. This technique can be useful for regular audits to monitor data compromises, as well as to comply with standard data regulations. In particular, cold storage applications (e.g., MS Azure, Amazon Glacier) require regular and frequent audits
Social Factors as Major Determinants of Rural Development Variation for Predicting Epidemic Vulnerability: A Lesson for the Future

There have been changes in social attitudes in recent years. These changes have been a consequence of a new societal view of the common good, which manifests itself in social responsibility for a clean and healthy environment. The outbreak and spread of the COVID-19 epidemic has highlighted the socio-spatial variation across regions and countries. The epidemic necessitated restrictive measures by state authorities. In the initial period in many countries, the actions of the authorities were identical throughout the country. This was mainly due to a lack of information about the differentiation of areas in relation to the epidemic risk. The aim of the research was to present a model for classifying rural areas taking into account vulnerability to epidemic threats. The model takes into account demographic, social, economic and spatial-environmental development factors. A total of 33 indicators based on public statistics that can be used to determine the area’s vulnerability to epidemic threats were identified. The study showed that for Poland, 11 indicators are statistically significant to the developed classification model. The study found that social factors were vital in determining an area’s vulnerability to epidemic threats. We include factors such as average number of persons per one apartment, village centers (number), events (number), number of people per facility (cultural center, community center, club, community hall), residents of nursing homes per 1000 inhabitants, and the number of children in pre-school education establishments per 1000 children aged 3–5 years. The research area was rural areas in Poland. The results of the classification and the methods used should be made available as a resource for crisis management. This will enable a better response to threats from other epidemics in the future, and will influence the remodeling of the environment and social behavior to reduce risks at this risk, which has a significant impact on sustainable development in rural areas.
A Numerical Investigation of Sweeping Air/Mist Jet Film Cooling Through a Passive Fluidic Oscillator, Part II: Sweeping Air/Mist Jets

An ongoing research effort has been conducted for years to investigate the feasibility of mixing the air with mist (micron-level water droplets) to enhance heat transfer. It becomes very interesting to investigate how these tiny droplets behave in conjunction with the periodic sweeping jets. Will they move synchronously with the fluid or asynchronously with a phase lag? How would the interaction between the droplets and the sweeping jets affect the film cooling effectiveness? To answer these questions, Part II of this paper specifically focuses on investigating the droplet dynamics and thermo-flow behavior of droplet evaporation on film cooling effectiveness in a sweeping jet. An unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) simulation accompanied by the k-ω SST turbulence model is used in this study. The multiphase CFD model employs an Eulerian-Lagrangian approach. The Eulerian method is used for the continuous phase including air and water vapor and the Lagrangian method in terms of the discrete phase model (DPM) is used to simulate the dispersed phase (e.g., liquid droplets) in a continuous phase (e.g., air). A mist ratio of 10% with a droplet size of 10 microns were used in this study. The results show that, for a blowing ratio of 1, using mist provides better film cooling performance with an average enhancement of 50–90% in comparison to that without mist. Using a mist ratio of 10% could save approximately 50% of the cooling air. It is observed that the liquid droplets mostly follow the main sweeping flow and its vortical structure and horseshoe vortices, but with a phase lag between the droplets and the main sweeping jet. This phase lag further enhances both temporal and spatial film cooling surface protection during the sweeping motion.
Transport properties of the one-dimensional Hubbard model at finite temperature

We study finite-temperature transport properties of the one-dimensional Hubbard model using the density matrix renormalization group. Our aim is two-fold: First, we compute both the charge and the spin current correlation function of the integrable model at half filling. The former decays rapidly, implying that the corresponding Drude weight is either zero or very small. Second, we calculate the optical charge conductivity sigma(omega) in presence of small integrability-breaking next-nearest neighbor interactions (the extended Hubbard model). The DC conductivity is finite and diverges as the temperature is decreased below the gap. Our results thus suggest that the half-filled, gapped Hubbard model is a normal charge conductor at finite temperatures. As a testbed for our numerics, we compute sigma(omega) for the integrable XXZ spin chain in its gapped phase.
Robust and accurate electric field sensing with solid state spin ensembles.

Electron spins in solids constitute formidable quantum sensors. Individual defect centers in diamond were used to detect individual nuclear spins with nanometer scale resolution, and ensemble magnetometers rival SQUID and vapor cell magnetometers when taking into account room temperature operation and size. NV center spins can also detect electric field vectors, despite their weak coupling to electric fields. Here, we employ ensembles of NV center spins to measure macroscopic ac electric vector fields with high precision. We utilize low strain, 12C enriched diamond to achieve maximum sensitivity and tailor the spin Hamiltonian via proper magnetic field adjustment to map out the ac electric field strength and polarization and arrive at refined electric field coupling constants. For high precision measurements we combine classical lock-in detection with aspects from quantum phase estimation for effective suppression of technical noise. Eventually, this enables t^-1/2 uncertainty scaling of the electric field strength over extended averaging periods, enabling us to measure electric fields down to 10^-7 V/μm for an AC electric field with a frequency of 2 kHz and an amplitude of 0.012 V/µm.