Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Secure Communication via Novel Double-Faced Active RIS

Although the reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) technology is envisioned promising to enhance communication from all aspects, including physical-layer security, increasing concerns have lately been cast onto its defects—the severe “double-fading” loss and its confined-to-half-space coverage. Diverse novel RIS architectures have recently emerged to partially overcome these shortcomings, yet perfect solution is still absent. This paper proposes a novel double-faced active (DFA)-RIS structure to surmount the above two prominent defects simultaneously. Furthermore, we utilize the DFA-RIS to promote secrecy performance via jointly designing access point (AP)’s beamforming and DFA-RIS configuration towards maximizing sum secrecy rate (SR). The optimization problem is highly challenging due to the constraints deriving from the DFA-RIS architecture, especially the presence of power splitting parameters. By leveraging majorization–minimization (MM) and penalty dual decomposition (PDD) methods, we develop an efficient solution that updates all variables via convex optimization techniques. Our proposed solution is significant and general as it is applicable to all other cutting-the-edge RIS architectures to maximize sum SR, which has not yet been thoroughly worked out. Numerical results verify the convergence and effectiveness of our proposed algorithm and demonstrate that our proposed DFA-RIS architecture outperforms all other state-of-the-art RIS techniques to enhance communication security.
CT Characteristics of the Thymus in Adult Dogs with Non-Thymic Neoplasia Compared to Young Dogs

Simple Summary The thymus is a lymphatic organ located in the cranial mediastinum. Both in humans and dogs, the thymus is largely changing with age, becoming smaller with time and also undergoing replacement of the active tissue with fat. Computed tomography is the imaging modality of election for the visualization and characterization of the thymus in human patients, and the characteristics of this organ with regard to the age of the patients are well described. On the contrary, in dogs, detailed description of the computed tomographic appearance of the thymus in adult and young patients is so far lacking. The results of this study show the different appearance of the thymus in two populations: adult dogs with diagnosed neoplasia and young dogs. Abstract The thymus is a lymphatic mediastinal organ that is largely subject to changes with age. In human patients, the CT characteristics of the thymus in children and adults is well described. Furthermore, it is known in human medicine that stress can lead to a reduction in the size of the thymus, followed by a phase of hyperplasia (called the ‘rebound effect’). The visualization of thymic tissue in the cranial mediastinum of adult dogs with neoplasia is possible and could be related to a similar effect. In this study, we aimed to describe the CT characteristics of the thymus in adult dogs with neoplasia and to compare the aspect of the thymus in these dogs to juvenile dogs with a presumed normal thymus. A total of 11 adult dogs with neoplasia and 20 juvenile dogs were included. Several CT features of the thymus were evaluated, including the size, shape, and pre- and post-contrast attenuation values. The overall appearance was lobulated in all of the adult dogs and homogeneous in all of the juvenile dogs; it was left-sided in all of the adult dogs, while it was located in the midline in a few of the juvenile dogs (right-sided only in one). The thymus was less attenuating in adult dogs, in some cases with negative minimum pre-contrast attenuation values. In some dogs with neoplasia, the thymus can be detected at CT examination despite their age.
Segmental Tissue Resistance of Healthy Young Adults during Four Hours of 6-Degree Head-Down-Tilt Positioning

(1) Background: One effect of microgravity on the human body is fluid redistribution due to the removal of the hydrostatic gravitational gradient. These fluid shifts are expected to be the source of severe medical risks and it is critical to advance methods to monitor them in real-time. One technique to monitor fluid shifts captures the electrical impedance of segmental tissues, but limited research is available to evaluate if fluid shifts in response to microgravity are symmetrical due to the bilateral symmetry of the body. This study aims to evaluate this fluid shift symmetry. (2) Methods: Segmental tissue resistance at 10 kHz and 100 kHz was collected at 30 min intervals from the left/right arm, leg, and trunk of 12 healthy adults over 4 h of 6° head-down-tilt body positioning. (3) Results: Statistically significant increases were observed in the segmental leg resistances, first observed at 120 min and 90 min for 10 kHz and 100 kHz measurements, respectively. Median increases were approximately 11% to 12% for the 10 kHz resistance and 9% for the 100 kHz resistance. No statistically significant changes in the segmental arm or trunk resistance. Comparing the left and right segmental leg resistance, there were no statistically significant differences in the resistance changes based on the side of the body. (4) Conclusions: The fluid shifts induced by the 6° body position resulted in similar changes in both left and right body segments (that had statistically significant changes in this work). These findings support that future wearable systems to monitor microgravity-induced fluid shifts may only require monitoring of one side of body segments (reducing the hardware needed for the system).
Can Retracted Social Science Articles Be Distinguished from Non-Retracted Articles by Some of the Same Authors, Using Benford's Law or Other Statistical Methods?

A variety of ways to detect problems in small sample social science surveys has been discussed by a variety of authors. Here, several new approaches for detecting anomalies in large samples are presented and their use illustrated through comparisons of seven retracted or corrected journal articles with a control group of eight articles published since 2000 by a similar group of authors on similar topics; all the articles involved samples from several hundred to many thousands of participants. Given the small sample of articles (k = 15) and low statistical power, only 2/12 of individual anomaly comparisons were not statistically significant, but large effect sizes (d > 0.80) were common for most of the anomaly comparisons. A six-item total anomaly scale featured a Cronbach alpha of 0.92, suggesting that the six anomalies were moderately correlated rather than isolated issues. The total anomaly scale differentiated the two groups of articles, with an effect size of 3.55 (p < 0.001); an anomaly severity scale derived from the same six items, with an alpha of 0.94, yielded an effect size of 3.52 (p < 0.001). Deviations from the predicted distribution of first digits in regression coefficients (Benford’s Law) were associated with anomalies and differences between the two groups of articles; however, the results were mixed in terms of statistical significance, though the effect sizes were large (d ≥ 0.90). The methodology was able to detect unusual anomalies in both retracted and non-retracted articles. In conclusion, the results provide several useful approaches that may be helpful for detecting questionable research practices, especially data or results fabrication, in social science, medical, or other scientific research.
Do X-ray plasma ejections accelerate Coronal Mass Ejections?

The X1.2 flare occurred on 23 April 1998 approximately 13 ◦ behind the eastern solar limb. Its C2.0 precursor is identified as a rapidly expanding system of magnetic loops that was well-observed by Yohkoh. Basic parameters of this ejection are estimated based on images from the SXT telescope. The evolution of the X-ray ejection is compared to a sequence of CME images obtained by the LASCO coronagraph onboard SOHO. Evidence that the X-ray ejection is responsible for an additional acceleration of the CME is presented. A possible scenario of the event is suggested.
Asymptotic expansions for currents caused by small interface changes of an electromagnetic inclusion

We consider solutions to the Helmholtz equation in two dimensions. The aim of this article is to advance the development of high-order asymptotic expansions for boundary perturbations of currents caused by small perturbations of the shape of an inhomogeneity with 𝒞2-boundary. The work represents a natural completion of Ammari et al. [H. Ammari, H. Kang, M. Lim, and H. Zribi, Conductivity interface problems. Part I: Small perturbations of an interface, Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 363 (2010), pp. 2901–2922], where the solution for the Helmholtz equation is represented by a system and the proof of our asymptotic expansion is radically different from Ammari et al. (2010). Our derivation is rigorous and is based on the field expansion method. Its proof relies on layer potential techniques. It plays a key role in developing effective algorithms to determine certain properties of the shape of an inhomogeneity based on boundary measurements.
Hierarchical Biobased Macroporous/Mesoporous Carbon: Fabrication, Characterization and Electrochemical/Ion Exchange Properties

With the goal of improving the mechanical properties of porous hierarchical carbon, cellulosic fiber fabric was incorporated into the resorcinol/formaldehyde (RF) precursor resins. The composites were carbonized in an inert atmosphere, and the carbonization process was monitored by TGA/MS. The mechanical properties, evaluated by nanoindentation, show an increase in the elastic modulus due to the reinforcing effect of the carbonized fiber fabric. It was found that the adsorption of the RF resin precursor onto the fabric stabilizes its porosity (micro and mesopores) during drying while incorporating macropores. The textural properties are evaluated by N2 adsorption isotherm, which shows a surface area (BET) of 558 m2g−1. The electrochemical properties of the porous carbon are evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronocoulometry (CC), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Specific capacitances (in 1 M H2SO4) of up to 182 Fg−1 (CV) and 160 Fg−1 (EIS) are measured. The potential-driven ion exchange was evaluated using Probe Bean Deflection techniques. It is observed that ions (protons) are expulsed upon oxidation in acid media by the oxidation of hydroquinone moieties present on the carbon surface. In neutral media, when the potential is varied from values negative to positive of the potential of zero charge, cation release, followed by anion insertion, is found.
Core and Face-Sheet Anisotropy in Deformation and Buckling of Sandwich Panels

A theoretical study of the effects of face sheets anisotropy and of the transverse compressibility of the core on buckling and deformation of sandwich flat/curved panels is presented. Additionally, the effect of core orthotropy is addressed. The analysis is carried out in the context of a newly geometrically nonlinear higher-order sandwich shell model developed by the authors. An analytical solution is obtained by means of an extended Galerkin procedure. Both the overall buckling mode and the local face wrinkling instability mode are addressed. It is observed that the global and local instabilities are coupled rather than being independent features. Furthermore, the face wrinkling instability might have a considerable effect on the overall deformation behavior of the structure in the (global) prebuckling range. Both the stacking sequence of the face sheets and the orthotropicity of the core are found to have a significant effect on the occurrence of the different instability modes.
The Potential Role of MiRs-139-5p and -454-3p in Endoglin-Knockdown-Induced Angiogenic Dysfunction in HUVECs

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare genetic disease characterized by aberrant angiogenesis and vascular malformations. Mutations in the transforming growth factor beta co-receptor, endoglin (ENG), account for approximately half of known HHT cases and cause abnormal angiogenic activity in endothelial cells (ECs). To date, how ENG deficiency contributes to EC dysfunction remains to be fully understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate virtually every cellular process. We hypothesized that ENG depletion results in miRNA dysregulation that plays an important role in mediating EC dysfunction. Our goal was to test the hypothesis by identifying dysregulated miRNAs in ENG-knockdown human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and characterizing their potential role in EC function. We identified 32 potentially downregulated miRNAs in ENG-knockdown HUVECs with a TaqMan miRNA microarray. MiRs-139-5p and -454-3p were found to be significantly downregulated after RT-qPCR validation. While the inhibition of miR-139-5p or miR-454-3p had no effect on HUVEC viability, proliferation or apoptosis, angiogenic capacity was significantly compromised as determined by a tube formation assay. Most notably, the overexpression of miRs-139-5p and -454-3p rescued impaired tube formation in HUVECs with ENG knockdown. To our knowledge, we are the first to demonstrate miRNA alterations after the knockdown of ENG in HUVECs. Our results indicate a potential role of miRs-139-5p and -454-3p in ENG-deficiency-induced angiogenic dysfunction in ECs. Further study to examine the involvement of miRs-139-5p and -454-3p in HHT pathogenesis is warranted.
Photo-triggered assembly/disassembly of macroscopically ordered monodomain lamellar structure in side-chain liquid crystalline polymer containing strong polar azobenzene mesogens

Assembly of ordered structures by an external stimulus allows for design of functional materials with enhanced physical and chemical properties. A new side-chain liquid crystal polymer containing strong polar azobenzene mesogens was synthesised. A macroscopically ordered monodomain smectic-like lamellar structure having orientational order and positional order was immediately assembled by linear polarised light irradiation (473 nm, 20 mW/cm2) at room temperature. The lamellar layer with its periodic d-spacing of 1.9 nm and mesogens arranged at an inclination angle of about 75° were characterised by X-ray diffraction and polarising optical microscopy which showed a diffraction peak at 2θ = 4.53° and an off-centred interference figure. Reversible assembly and disassembly of the lamellar phase were achieved by alternative irradiation with polarised light and non-polarised light. Potential factors influencing the assembly of the ordered lamellar structure were investigated by controlling the mesogens out-of-plane orientation and by changing the polarities of mesogens. The difference in arrangement of the mesogens between the lamellar phase and a thermotropic smectic phase was also compared by heating the selectively exposed film. The light controllable assembly of mesogens provides an easy route to assemble a lamellar phase in azobenzene containing polymers for application in optical and photonic devices.
The Galactic Distribution of Black Hole Candidates in Low-Mass X-Ray Binary Systems

We find that for black hole candidates (BHC) in low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXRB) the dispersion of their distances, z, to the Galactic plane is smaller than for LMXRB with neutron stars by more than a factor 2. This result indicates that any kick velocities that the black hole systems may have received at formation are substantially smaller than those of neutron star systems. We infer a value of 40 km s-1 for the radial-velocity dispersion of the BHC systems from their z dispersion, consistent with the value obtained directly from radial-velocity measurements. From the surface density of black hole X-ray transients (BHXT) in the solar vicinity, and an estimate for the typical recurrence time of ~100 yr, we infer that the total number of BHXT in the Galaxy is ~500.
Vertical Mixing and the Temperature and Wind Structure of the Tropical Tropopause Layer

AbstractVertical mixing may lead to significant momentum and heat fluxes in the tropical tropopause layer (TTL) and these momentum and heat fluxes can force large climatological temperature and zonal wind changes in the TTL. The climatology of vertical mixing and associated momentum and heat fluxes as parameterized in the Interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) and as parameterized by the mixing scheme currently used in the ECMWF operational analyses are presented. Each scheme produces a very different climatology showing that the momentum and heat fluxes arising from vertical mixing are highly dependent on the scheme used. A dry GCM is then forced with momentum and heat fluxes similar to those seen in ERA-Interim to assess the potential impact of such momentum and heat fluxes. A significant response in the TTL is found, leading to a temperature perturbation of approximately 4 K and a zonal wind perturbation of approximately 12 m s−1. These temperature and zonal wind perturbations are approximately zonall.
Indian Monsoon GCM Sensitivity Experiments Testing Tropospheric Biennial Oscillation Transition Conditions

Abstract Observational studies have shown that the tropospheric biennial oscillation (TBO) involves transitions that occur from northern spring [March–April–May (MAM)] to the Indian monsoon season [June–July–August–September (JJAS)] such that a relatively strong monsoon the previous year is often followed by a relatively weak one, and vice versa. Several conditions involving anomalous land and ocean surface temperature anomalies in the Indo-Pacific region in MAM have been identified to be associated with TBO monsoon transitions. Though it is possible to quantify the relative contribution of each transition condition year by year in observations, they are interrelated and the question remains whether each condition by itself could cause a monsoon transition. Here, a series of GCM sensitivity experiments is performed to isolate the effects of each of the transition conditions to document their respective influences on the anomalous patterns of monsoon rainfall associated with TBO transitions. Three conditio.
Increasing the beta limit due to neoclassical tearing modes by raising the axial safety factor q(0) > 1

Resistive neoclassical tearing modes (NTMs) can cause the stable beta value in long pulse, high confinement plasmas to fall significantly below that predicted by ideal theory. The NTM islands which degrade confinement and limit beta are induced and sustained by helically perturbed bootstrap currents. A combination of shaping and q-profile modification is used in the DIII-D tokamak to increase this beta limit.
Helicobacter pylori infection increase the risk of subclinical hyperthyroidism in middle-aged and elderly women independent of dietary factors: Results from the Tianjin chronic low-grade systemic inflammation and health cohort study in China

Background Prospective studies on the association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and subclinical hyperthyroidism are limited. We, therefore, designed a large-scale cohort study to explore the association between H. pylori infection and the risk of subclinical hyperthyroidism in women. Methods This prospective cohort study investigated 2,713 participants. H. pylori infection was diagnosed with the carbon 13 breath test. Subclinical hyperthyroidism was defined as serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels are low or undetectable but free thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine concentrations are normal. Propensity score matching (PSM) analyses and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the association between H. pylori infection and subclinical hyperthyroidism. Results A total of 1,025 PS-matched pairs of H. pylori infection women were generated after PSM. During 6 years of follow-up, the incidence rate of subclinical hyperthyroidism was 7.35/1,000 person-years. After adjusting potential confounding factors (including iodine intake in food and three main dietary patterns score), the multivariable hazard ratio (HR; 95% confidence intervals) of subclinical hyperthyroidism by H. pylori infection was 2.49 (1.36, 4.56). Stratified analyses suggested a potential effect modification by age, the multivariable HR (95% confidence intervals) was 2.85 (1.45, 5.61) in participants aged ≥ 40 years and 0.70 (0.08, 6.00) in participants aged < 40 years (P for interaction = 0.048). Conclusion Our prospective study first indicates that H. pylori infection is significantly associated with the risk of subclinical hyperthyroidism independent of dietary factors among Chinese women, especially in middle-aged and older individuals. Clinical Trial Registration:https://upload.umin. ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view. cgi? recptno=R000031137, identifier UMIN000027174.
Studies for the Odin sub-millimetre radiometer: III. Performance simulations

Odin is a small, low-cost satellite with a combined astronomical and aeronomical mission. The mission is divided on an equal basis between astronomy and aeronomy. The aeronomy objectives can be divided into four main subjects: stratospheric ozone chemistry, mesospheric ozone chemistry, the summer mesopause region, and the coupling between atmospheric regions. The primary instrument on Odin is the millimetre and sub-millimetre radiometer (SMR), which is used both for astronomy and aeronomy. It is the first satellite to use sub-millimetre frequencies for limb-sounding mode. Odin is also equipped with an optical spectrometer (OSIRIS). This paper is the third of a three-part series and describes the choices of observing modes and the expected performance of the SMR instrument for the aeronomy mission. The relevant frequencies are identified and the exact selection of lines is made. This is followed by a detailed simulation study to determine the achievable altitude coverage together with the corresponding ver.
Fluid model of the magnetic presheath in a turbulent plasma

A fluid model of the magnetic presheath in a turbulent boundary plasma is presented. Turbulent transport corrections of the classical three-dimensional fluid transport equations, which can be used to study magnetic presheaths in various geometries, are derived by means of the ensemble averaging procedure from the statistical theory of plasma turbulence. Then, the magnetic presheath in front of an infinite plane surface is analysed in detail. The linearized planar magnetic presheath equations are applied to the plasma-presheath–magnetic-presheath boundary (i.e. the magnetic presheath edge), whereas the original non-linear planar magnetic presheath equations are used for the entire magnetic presheath, allowing for various sets of experimentally relevant free model parameters to be applied. Important new results of this study are, among others, new expressions for the fluid Bohm criterion at the Debye sheath edge and for the ion flux density perpendicular to the wall. These new results, which exhibit corrections due to the turbulent charged particle transport, can qualitatively explain the fact that whenever the angle between the magnetic field and the wall is very small (i.e. several degrees) or zero, electric currents, measured by Langmuir probes in the boundary regions of nuclear fusion devices and in various low-temperature plasmas, are anomalously enhanced in comparison with those expected or predicted by other theoretical models.