Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Sulfonated Polyphenylene Block Copolymers via In Situ Generation of Ni(0)

Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) fabricated from sulfonated polyphenylenes (sPP) exhibit superior proton conductivity and electrochemical performance. However, the Ni(0) catalyst required for Colon’s cross-coupling reaction for the synthesis of sPP block copolymers is expensive. Therefore, in this study, we generated Ni(0) in situ from an inexpensive Ni(II) salt in the presence of the reducing metal Zn and NaI. The sPP block copolymers were synthesized from neopentyl-protected 3,5- and 2,5-dichlorobenzenesulfonates and oligo(arylene ether ketone) using the catalyst NiBr2(PPh3)2. The block copolymers synthesized using our strategy and the Ni(0) catalyst exhibited comparable polydispersity index values and high molecular weights. Thin, transparent, and bendable PEMs fabricated using selected high-molecular-weight sPP block copolymers synthesized via our strategy exhibited similar proton conductivities to those of the block copolymers synthesized using the Ni(0) catalyst. We believe that our strategy will promote the synthesis of similar multifunctional block copolymers.
Frequency of Peripheral CD8+ T Cells Expressing Chemo-Attractant Receptors CCR1, 4 and 5 Increases in NPC Patients with EBV Clearance upon Radiotherapy

Simple Summary The post-radiotherapy (RT) clearance of tumor-derived plasma EBV DNA is associated with a better prognosis in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). T cells may play a critical role in the clearance of plasma EBV DNA in NPC. We explored the dynamic changes in circulating T-cell profiles during RT and observed that a temporal increase in the frequency of CD8+ T cells expressing CCR1, 4 and/or 5 was associated with plasma EBV DNA clearance. Moreover, differences in the plasma levels of the corresponding chemo-attractants are related to clinical outcome. Our study demonstrated correlation between plasma EBV DNA clearance post-RT and T-cell chemotaxis, which requires validation in larger cohorts. Markers of T-cell chemotaxis may be prognostic biomarkers in patients with NPC undergoing RT. Abstract Radiotherapy (RT) is the standard-of-care for Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), where the post-RT clearance of plasma EBV DNA is prognostic. Currently, it is not known whether the post-RT clearance of plasma EBV DNA is related to the presence of circulating T-cell subsets. Blood samples from NPC patients were used to assess the frequency of T-cell subsets relating to differentiation, co-signaling and chemotaxis. Patients with undetectable versus detectable plasma EBV DNA levels post-RT were categorized as clearers vs. non-clearers. Clearers had a lower frequency of PD1+CD8+ T cells as well as CXCR3+CD8+ T cells during RT compared to non-clearers. Clearers exclusively showed a temporal increase in chemo-attractant receptors CCR1, 4 and/or 5, expressing CD8+ T cells upon RT. The increase in CCR-expressing CD8+ T cells was accompanied by a drop in naïve CD8+ T cells and an increase in OX40+CD8+ T cells. Upon stratifying these patients based on clinical outcome, the dynamics of CCR-expressing CD8+ T cells were in concordance with the non-recurrence of NPC. In a second cohort, non-recurrence associated with higher quantities of circulating CCL14 and CCL15. Collectively, our findings relate plasma EBV DNA clearance post-RT to T-cell chemotaxis, which requires validation in larger cohorts.
TNFα Activates the Liver X Receptor Signaling Pathway and Promotes Cholesterol Efflux from Human Brain Pericytes Independently of ABCA1

Neuroinflammation and brain lipid imbalances are observed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and the liver X receptor (LXR) signaling pathways are involved in both processes. However, limited information is currently available regarding their relationships in human brain pericytes (HBP) of the neurovascular unit. In cultivated HBP, TNFα activates the LXR pathway and increases the expression of one of its target genes, the transporter ATP-binding cassette family A member 1 (ABCA1), while ABCG1 is not expressed. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) synthesis and release are diminished. The cholesterol efflux is promoted, but is not inhibited, when ABCA1 or LXR are blocked. Moreover, as for TNFα, direct LXR activation by the agonist (T0901317) increases ABCA1 expression and the associated cholesterol efflux. However, this process is abolished when LXR/ABCA1 are both inhibited. Neither the other ABC transporters nor the SR-BI are involved in this TNFα-mediated lipid efflux regulation. We also report that inflammation increases ABCB1 expression and function. In conclusion, our data suggest that inflammation increases HBP protection against xenobiotics and triggers an LXR/ABCA1 independent cholesterol release. Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating this efflux at the level of the neurovascular unit remains fundamental to the characterization of links between neuroinflammation, cholesterol and HBP function in neurodegenerative disorders.
Effect of switching to erenumab in non-responders to a CGRP ligand antibody treatment in migraine: A real-world cohort study

Background Therapeutic options for migraine prevention in non-responders to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) and its receptor are often limited. Real-world data have shown that non-responders to the CGRP-receptor mAb erenumab may benefit from switching to a CGRP ligand mAb. However, it remains unclear whether, vice versa, erenumab is effective in non-responders to CGRP ligand mAbs. In this study, we aim to assess the efficacy of erenumab in patients who have previously failed a CGRP ligand mAb. Methods This monocentric retrospective cohort study included patients with episodic or chronic migraine in whom a non-response (< 30% reduction of monthly headache days during month 3 of treatment compared to baseline) to the CGRP ligand mAbs galcanezumab or fremanezumab led to a switch to erenumab, and who had received at least 3 administrations of erenumab. Monthly headache days were retrieved from headache diaries to assess the ≥30% responder rates and the absolute reduction of monthly headache days at 3 and 6 months of treatment with erenumab in this cohort. Results From May 2019 to July 2022, we identified 20 patients who completed 3 months of treatment with erenumab after non-response to a CGRP ligand mAb. Fourteen patients continued treatment for ≥6 months. The ≥30% responder rate was 35% at 3 months, and 45% at 6 months of treatment with erenumab, respectively. Monthly headache days were reduced from 18.6 ± 5.9 during baseline by 4.1 ± 3.1 days during month 3, and by 7.0 ± 4.8 days during month 6 compared to the month before treatment with erenumab (p < 0.001, respectively). Responders and non-responders to erenumab did not differ with respect to demographic or headache characteristics. Conclusion Switching to erenumab in non-responders to a CGRP ligand mAb might be beneficial in a subgroup of resistant patients, with increasing responder rates after 6 months of treatment. Larger prospective studies should aim to predict which subgroup of patients benefit from a switch.
Forward calculation of earth-ionosphere model based on quadrature-with-extrapolation algorithm

The influence of ionosphere and displacement current can not be ignored in earth-ionosphere mode.This leads to a highly oscillating kernel function and it’s hard to get accurate results using traditional fast Hankel transform(FHT) method.This paper attempts to solve this problem using quadrature with extrapolation(QWE) method which Kerry Key proposed in 2012.First,this paper uses analytical solution of CSAMT in uniform half-space to verify the accuracy of this algorithm, then compares calculation results of three-layer model in earth-ionosphere mode with several groups of filter coefficients.It is found that the effect of QWE is much better than FHT. Keywords—earth-ionosphere mode; fast Hankel transform; quadrature with extrapolation
Absolute and convective instability of a relaxational plane liquid jet

The stability of a plane relaxational liquid jet has been studied theoretically and experimentally through linear stability analysis and flow visualizations. The relaxational liquid jet is obtained by the outflow of a liquid from a plane channel with an upstream fully developed Poiseuille flow into an ambient stagnant gas. Linear spatial stability calculations show that there are five convectively unstable modes, three sinuous and two dilatational. The spatial stability calculations are compared to experimental results for wavenumber variation and the growth of waves found in the visualizations. These variations have been quantified with a wavelet transform and through a comparison with the spatial stability results the type of mode observed in the visualizations has been determined. For this type of mode the calculated wavenumber variation is in good agreement with the experimental results. Also, in the experiments the breakup of the jet has been observed when the Reynolds number reaches a certain value, and as the Reynolds number increases this breakup moves closer to the channel exit. This upstream movement of the breakup can be explained by the linear stability results. Finally the relaxational liquid jet is shown to be absolutely unstable for a certain parameter region. Close to the nozzle both a sinuous mode and a dilatational mode are shown to be absolutely unstable. As the jet profile relaxes to uniform, the sinuous mode is shown to be the only unstable mode. This occurs for Weber numbers ${\it We} < 1$, which is in agreement with the theory for liquid jets with uniform velocity profile. The frequency selection for the observed waves is believed to be related to the region of absolute instability located closest to the channel exit.
Further remarks on potentially global stabilizability

Given a control system with a nonlinear drift term, it is proved that a linear-like criterion for almost-global stabilizability can be stated, at least for control systems of the form x'=f(x)+Bu, where f is a polynomial but not necessarily homogeneous vector field. These stability criteria also allow for the control of the size of the region of attraction. >
Time-Resolved Observations of Jupiter's Far-Ultraviolet Aurora

Simultaneous imaging and spectroscopic observations of Jupiter's far-ultraviolet aurora covering half a jovian rotation were made on 31 May 1994. The Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 images revealed dramatic and rapidly changing auroral features, including discrete longitudinal structures along the auroral ovals, with variable contrast; a poleward offset in a north oval sector, showing equatorward motion near dusk; emissions polewards of the ovals, apparently co-rotating; and a bright event developing near the dawn limb. Viewing geometry effects explain the rotational intensity modulation observed by the International Ultraviolet Explorer, without intrinsic longitudinal asymmetries.
Annealing Behavior and Phase Noise Performance of SAW Resonators

Mechanical and structural aspects of SAW device transducer metallization were investigated in a series of experiments. The center frequency of a SAW resonator on ST Quartz was found to increase by up to several hundred ppm during heat treatment. This behavior was studied as a function of transducer metal thickness and device center frequency for a range of annealing times. Alternative explanations of the phenomenon in terms of the change in the properties of the substrate during the anneal were considered. Resistivity of A1 and CuAl films were characterized as a function of thickness and annealing time. Finally, a correlation is found between SAW device phase noise and structural details of the transducer thin films.
Fabrication of micropressure sensor using SU-8/silver as piezoresistor and overhead projector transparency as substrate

Abstract. This paper proposes a low-cost SU-8 pressure sensor fabricated using a piezoresistive material, SU-8/silver composite (SU-8/Ag), and a substrate material, overhead projector (OHP) transparency. SU-8/Ag has higher gauge factor (26.3) but shows a lower stiffness (2 GPa) compared with doped silicon. The OHP transparency substrate is cheap, easily forms the desired shape, is transparent to light (allows backside exposure), and allows for the dry release method through OHP transparency. Fabrication and characterization in this study were carried out using a typical semiconductor lab setup. The fabricated sensor showed high sensitivity (21.5 μV/Pa), low linearity error (Pearson’s correlation coefficient=0.994937), and no apparent hysteresis response. The fabricated sensor with SU-8/Ag as the piezoresistive material exhibited 41 times higher sensitivity compared to that found in a previous study based on SU-8 and doped polysilicon.
A ‘hurricane‐like’ polar low fuelled by sensible heat flux: high‐resolution numerical simulations

An unusually deep (961 hPa) hurricane‐like polar low over the Barents Sea during 18–21 December 2002 is studied by a series of fine‐mesh (3 km) experiments using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The simulated polar low was similar to hurricanes and similar previous case‐studies in that it had a clear, calm and warm eye structure surrounded by moist convection organized in spiral cloud bands, and the highest surface wind speeds were found in the eye wall. The proximity to the sea ice and the high surface wind speeds (about 25 m s−1) during the deepening stage triggered extremely high surface sensible and latent heat fluxes at the eye wall of about 1200 and 400 W m−2, respectively. As the polar low moved eastward and weakened, maximum surface sensible and latent heat fluxes dropped to about 600 and 300 W m−2, respectively. Two types of sensitivity experiments were designed to analyse the physical properties of the polar low. Firstly, physical processes such as condensational heating and sensible and/or latent heat fluxes were switched off–on throughout the simulation. In the second type, these processes were turned off–on after the polar low had reached its peak intensity, which minimized the deformation of the polar‐low environment, making it suitable to study the direct effect of physical processes on the mature vortex. The experiments suggest that the deepening stage of the polar low was dominated by baroclinic growth and that upper‐level potential vorticity forcing contributed throughout its life cycle. After the deepening stage, the baroclinicity vanished and the polar low was fuelled by surface sensible heat fluxes while latent heat fluxes played a minor role. Condensational heating was not essential for the energetics of the polar low. Surprisingly, in experiments where condensational heating was turned off throughout the simulation, the polar low intensified. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Modified Newtonian Dynamics: A Falsification of Cold Dark Matter

The only viable alternative to dark matter is one in which Newtonian dynamics or gravity breaks down in the limit of low accelerations, as in modified Newtonian dynamics (MONDs). This hypothesis, suggested by Milgrom, has been successful in explaining systematic properties of spiral and elliptical galaxies and predicting in detail the observed rotation curves of spiral galaxies with only one additional parameter—a critical acceleration which is on the order of the cosmologically interesting value of 𝑐𝐻𝑜. MOND may be viewed as an algorithm for calculating the distribution of force in an astronomical object from the observed distribution of baryonic matter. The fact that it works very well on the scale of galaxies is problematic for cold dark matter (CDM). Here I present evidence in favor of this assertion and claim that this is, in effect, a falsification of CDM on the scale of galaxies.
Analysis of a panel of UK macroeconomic forecasts

We report an exploratory analysis of an interesting and important type of forecast data set. As is common for macroeconomic variables, forecasts from a large panel are available for annual macroeconomic aggregates. Although only a few years of accumulated experience are at hand, the data set is enriched by the presence of month-to-month revisions, over a period of 24 months, of forecasts for each predicted annual outcome. We analyse the evolution of summary cross-section statistics, and most notably we find excess smoothness to be displayed in the consensus (mean) forecast. This observation is confirmed by a test for forecast efficiency. The relationship between forecaster variability and forecast errors is also examined.
Regional climate models add value to global model data, A Review and Selected Examples

An important challenge in current climate modeling is to realistically describe small-scale weather statistics, such as topographic precipitation and coastal wind patterns, or regional phenomena like polar lows. Global climate models simulate atmospheric processes with increasingly higher resolutions, but still regional climate models have a lot of advantages. They consume less computation time because of their limited simulation area and thereby allow for higher resolution both in time and space as well as for longer integration times. Regional climate models can be used for dynamical down-scaling purposes because their output data can be processed to produce higher resolved atmospheric fields, allowing the representation of small-scale processes and a more detailed description of physiographic details (such as mountain ranges, coastal zones, and details of soil properties). However, does higher resolution add value when compared to global model results? Most studies implicitly assume that dynamical down.
VHF propagation experiment-polarization dependence of forward sea scatter near grazing incidence

In February of 1993, working at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) in Kauai, Hawaii, Science Applications International Corporation fielded an experiment designed to measure electromagnetic propagation loss over the ocean. The objective of the experiment was to measure the effect of the ocean surface on a transmitted electromagnetic wave as function of transmission frequency (20 frequencies from 50 to 250 MHz and 2 UHF frequencies), polarization (complete scatter matrix), grazing angle (1 and 3 degrees), and height above the ocean surface (0 to 8 meters). We present the results of analysis performed on data collected at 53.2 MHz comparing propagation at horizontal and vertical polarization. At 53.2 MHz, as predicted by the Rayleigh roughness criterion, ocean roughness has no observable impact on loss at either polarization. The spectral content of the propagation loss has been demonstrated to be different for horizontal and vertical polarization suggesting a different scattering mechanism for the two polarizations as predicted by perturbation theory.
The Combined Treatment of Glutathione Sodium Salt and Ascorbic Acid for Preventing Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Primary PCI: A Hypothesis to Be Validated

The occurrence of Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury (CA-AKI) in patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) has a negative impact on the length of hospital stay and mortality. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) release, along with vasoconstriction and hypoperfusion, play a key role in its development. To date, there is still no validated prophylactic therapy for this disease. The use of antioxidants, based on experimental and clinical studies, looks promising. Taking into consideration previous literature, we speculate that an early, combined and prolonged intravenous administration of both Glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid in STEMI patients undergoing primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (pPCI) may be of value in counteracting the occurrence of CA-AKI. We aimed at evaluating this hypothesis by applying a multicenter research protocol, using a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled trial design. The primary endpoint will be to test the efficacy of this combined antioxidant therapy in reducing the occurrence of renal damage, in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with pPCI. Furthermore, we will investigate the effect of the study compounds on changes in oxidative stress markers and platelet activation levels through bio-humoral analyses.
The differences between broad bean koji fermented in laboratory and factory conditions by an efficient Aspergillus oryzae

Broad bean paste-meju was fermented by a mixture of broad bean koji and saline; koji fermentation is an essential process for the production of broad bean paste-meju. Aspergillus oryzae was the most widely used in sauce fermentation. The purpose of this study was to research the factory adaptability of the highly efficient A. oryzae PNM003 and further evaluate the effect of fermentation conditions and fermentation strains on koji. A. oryzae PNM003 was compared with the widely used strain HN 3.042 not only in the laboratory but also in factory conditions (large scale). Results showed that the koji made with the same starter in the factory had a greater amount of fungi than that in the laboratory. Bacteria and yeast levels in HN_L koji were higher than in PN_L koji. As for fungi constitution, almost only Aspergillus survived in the end through the microorganism self-purification process during koji fermentation. As for the bacterial constitution, koji was grouped by fermentation conditions instead of fermentation starter. PN koji had higher protease activity and a higher content of total acids, amino acid nitrogen, amino acids, and organic acids in the laboratory conditions. Nevertheless, in factory conditions, PN koji and HN koji had similar indexes. As for volatile flavor compounds, koji made with the two starters in the same condition was grouped together. As for the same starter, there were more flavor compounds metabolized in the factory condition than in the laboratory condition, especially esters and alcohols. The results showed PN was a highly efficient strain to ferment koji, but the advantages were expressed more remarkably in laboratory conditions. In brief, the fermented condition had a greater influence than the fermentation starter for broad bean koji.
Kinetic and thermal energy dissipation rates in two-dimensional Rayleigh-Taylor turbulence

The statistical properties of the kinetic eu and thermal eθ energy dissipation rates in two-dimensional Rayleigh-Taylor (RT) turbulence are studied by means of direct numerical simulations at small Atwood number and unit Prandtl number. Although eθ is important but eu can be neglected in the energy transport processes, the probability density functions of eu and eθ both show self-similarity properties during the RT evolution. The distributions are well fitted by a stretched exponential function and found to depart distinctly from the log-normal distribution for small amplitudes. Within the turbulent range, the intense dissipation events occur near the interfaces of hot and cold fluids, leading to a strong positive correlation between eu and eθ. Our results further reveal that although there is no constant fractal dimension for the fluid interfaces within the inertial range, the local fractal dimensions obtained at different times share similar scale-dependence.