Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Super-high resolution beam steering based on Bragg reflector waveguides with high- contrast metastructures

A beam-steering device has been a key element for various sensing and imaging applications. We proposed a novel beam steering device based on a Bragg reflector waveguide. A steering angle of over 60 degrees and a number of resolution points over 1,000 can be expected for a few mm long device with a low loss high-contrast Bragg reflector waveguide. One-? thick core is sandwiched by two high-contrast quarter wavelength stack mirrors. A slow-light mode can propagate laterally in such a structure with a low propagation loss thanks to high-contrast DBRs. We could see a large angular dispersion of over 1°/nm for radiated light from the surface. Thanks to the large angular dispersion, we are able to realize beam-steering of the radiated light by tuning the wavelength of incident light. We could obtain a continuous steering angle of more than 60° by wavelength tuning of 40nm. The divergence angle is below 0.04° for all wavelengths. Considering the steering range and sharp beam divergence, we successfully achieved a number of resolution points of over 1,000. It is the highest number among all other beam steering devices without a mechanical scanner. We will discuss super-high resolution beam steering from an ultra-low loss Bragg reflector waveguide with high-contrast metastructures. Also, high contrast sub-wavelength grating offers additional freedom to control the inplane phase and reflectivity in Bragg reflector waveguides, which may enable us to control the far-field pattern profile for higher resolutions.
Effects of a Functional Ice Cream Enriched with Milk Proteins on Bone Metabolism: A Feasibility Clinical Study and In Vitro Investigation

Background: Milk proteins (MPs) and their derivative whey proteins (WPs) are important components of human diet that might prevent bone loss. We aimed to investigate the effects of MP on the bones of postmenopausal women, along with the effects of WP on osteoblast cells. Methods: We conducted a feasibility controlled clinical study with 62 postmenopausal women who were asked to consume an MP-enriched ice cream. We also investigated the effect of WP on the ERK1/2 and AKT pathways, RUNX2, alkaline phosphatase, RANKL/OPG ratio, and COL1A of Saos-2. Results: After 12 weeks, we found a greater bone mineral density and bone alkaline phosphatase reduction in women who consumed the MP-enriched ice cream compared to the control group (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively). In Saos-2 cells, WP upregulated ERK1/2 and AKT pathways (p = 0.002 and p = 0.016), cell proliferation (p = 0.03), and osteoblast differentiation markers, along with downregulating RANKL/OPG (p < 0.001). Moreover, the inhibition of ERK1/2 by PD184253 reverted the effects on both the RUNX2 and ALP mRNA expression and cells proliferation (p = 0.028, p = 0.004, and p = 0.003, respectively) when treated with WP. Conclusions: WP upregulates cell proliferation, RUNX2, and alkaline phosphatase through the activation of the ERK1/2 pathways on Saos-2. These mechanisms probably contribute to preventing bone loss in postmenopausal women.
A self-consistent theoretical model for macropore growth in n-type silicon

In this work, a theoretical study on the growth of macropores fabricated from n-type silicon by photoelectrochemical etching in HF-based electrolytes is reported. By solving the diffusion equation into the pores, we deduce a self-consistent model which can be used for quantitative prediction of the growth speed and pore depth. The limiting factor of the growth, i.e., the HF concentration at the pore tip, is shown to be a nonlinear function of the pore depth, a fact not accounted for by the current literature. A reduced model with a closed analytical solution is presented as well. Finally, the predictions of the full and reduced models are compared with the experimental data.
Cepharanthine Ameliorates Pulmonary Fibrosis by Inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathway, Fibroblast-to-Myofibroblast Transition and Inflammation

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is one of the sequelae of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), and currently, lung transplantation is the only viable treatment option. Hence, other effective treatments are urgently required. We investigated the therapeutic effects of an approved botanical drug, cepharanthine (CEP), in a cell culture model of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis rat models both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, CEP and pirfenidone (PFD) suppressed BLM-induced lung tissue inflammation, proliferation of blue collagen fibers, and damage to lung structures in vivo. Furthermore, we also found increased collagen deposition marked by α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Collagen Type I Alpha 1 (COL1A1), which was significantly alleviated by the addition of PFD and CEP. Moreover, we elucidated the underlying mechanism of CEP against PF in vitro. Various assays confirmed that CEP reduced the viability and migration and promoted apoptosis of myofibroblasts. The expression levels of myofibroblast markers, including COL1A1, vimentin, α-SMA, and Matrix Metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2), were also suppressed by CEP. Simultaneously, CEP significantly suppressed the elevated Phospho-NF-κB p65 (p-p65)/NF-κB p65 (p65) ratio, NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) levels, and elevated inhibitor of NF-κB Alpha (IκBα) degradation and reversed the progression of PF. Hence, our study demonstrated that CEP prevented myofibroblast activation and treated BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in a dose-dependent manner by regulating nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB)/ NLRP3 signaling, thereby suggesting that CEP has potential clinical application in pulmonary fibrosis in the future.
Influence of the ionization rate of a plasma discharge applied to the modification of a supersonic low Reynolds number flow field around a cylinder

This paper describes experimental and numerical investigations focused on the shock-wave modification induced by a plasma actuator in the rarefied flow regime. The experimental investigation was carried out in the supersonic wind tunnel MARHy located at the ICARE laboratory, and the numerical investigation using a 2D fully compressible Navier–Stokes simulation was carried out at the IUSTI laboratory. The study concerns a cylinder in a Mach 2 air flow equipped with a small electrode that creates a local plasma. Electrical and optical diagnostics were used to experimentally analyse the plasma effects on the flow field. Measurements show that the shock stand-off distance increases with the discharge power. Numerical simulations show that the modification of the shock position is not induced by thermal effects. A theoretical approach is then developed in order to take into account the specific properties of plasma such as thermal non-equilibrium and ionization. It is found that the stand-off distance is directly coupled with the ionization degree of the plasma.
New RT-PCR Assay for the Detection of Current and Future SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Multiple lineages of SARS-CoV-2 have been identified featuring distinct sets of genetic changes that confer to the virus higher transmissibility and ability to evade existing immunity. The continuous evolution of SARS-CoV-2 may pose challenges for current treatment options and diagnostic tools. In this study, we have first evaluated the performance of the 14 WHO-recommended real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assays currently in use for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and found that only one assay has reduced performance against Omicron. We then developed a new duplex real-time RT-PCR assay based on the amplification of two ultra-conserved elements present within the SARS-CoV-2 genome. The new duplex assay successfully detects all of the tested SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (including Omicron sub-lineages BA.4 and BA.5) from both clinical and wastewater samples with high sensitivity and specificity. The assay also functions as a one-step droplet digital RT-PCR assay. This new assay, in addition to clinical testing, could be adopted in surveillance programs for the routine monitoring of SARS-CoV-2’s presence in a population in wastewater samples. Positive results with our assay in conjunction with negative results from an Omicron-specific assay may provide timely indication of the emergence of a novel SARS-CoV-2 variant in a certain community and thereby aid public health interventions.
Underwater noise due to rain ― open ocean measurements

Measurements of underwater noise produced by rain over the open ocean were made at a site some 1 km off Ucluelet on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. A hydrophone was placed near the bottom in 55 m of water in the path of the prevailing eastward moving Pacific storm systems. The spectral noise‐level dependence on rain rate between zero and 20 mm/h was determined for various frequencies and sea states. A straight line, least‐squares fit to the sample values of spectral level plotted against the log of rain rate was found to best represent the relationship. Representative rain noise spectra for various rain rates and sea states were derived.
The role of stray light modeling and analysis in telescope system engineering, performance assessment, and risk abatement

Stray light modeling and analysis play a key role in new technology assessment, system engineering, and the overall performance assessment of telescope/instrument systems under real use conditions. It also is a key tool in risk reduction as stray light problems that appear late in the program are usually severe, expensive to fix, and often compromise final system performance. This paper will review the current stray light software and testing tools of value to the astronomical community and their capabilities/ limitations for general and specialized telescope systems. We will describe the role of stray light analysis in end-to-end modeling and integrated modeling for a number of systems we have analyzed and discuss in detail the stray light modeling and analysis cycle for different types of programs. A key issue is how managers might deal with the issues revealed by an analysis as well as the risks of an incomplete or improperly-timed analysis. The importance of stray light analysis for end-to-end performance assessment and whether such an analysis can reduce life-cycle costs will also be discussed. The paper will use examples from ground and space-based astronomical telescope/instrument systems.
The Role of Pharmacotherapy in Treatment of Meningioma: A Systematic Review

Simple Summary For the last 35 years, various systemic therapies for recurrent or refractory meningiomas have been investigated. The present review aggregated the currently available evidence in the literature regarding the safety and efficacy of these treatments and assessed the ongoing trials of medical therapy for meningiomas. The findings of the present study would assist future research in seeing what therapeutic regimens have been investigated, which targets are promising candidates for interventions, and how the ongoing clinical trials are currently designed. Abstract The safety and efficacy of various pharmacotherapeutic regimens on refractory meningiomas have been the focus of investigations. We present a comprehensive review of the previous efforts and the current state of ongoing clinical trials. A PRISMA-compliant review of the MEDLINE and ClinicalTrial.gov databases of the National Library of Medicine were performed. The primary outcomes of interest for included articles were radiographic response, overall survival, progression-free survival, six-month progression-free survival, and adverse events. Overall, 34 completed trials and 27 ongoing clinical trials were eligible. Six-month progression-free survival was reported in 6–100% of patients in the completed studies. Hematological disorders were the most common adverse events. Of the ongoing clinical trials identified, nine studies are phase I clinical trials, eleven are phase II trials, two are phase I and II trials, one is phase II and III, and two trials do not have a designated phase. Currently, there is no effective chemotherapy for refractory or recurrent meningiomas. Several promising targeted agents have been developed and are currently being investigated in the hope of identifying novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of this pathology.
Low-Molecular-Weight Organogelators Based on N-dodecanoyl-L-amino Acids—Energy Frameworks and Supramolecular Synthons

Lauric acid was used to synthesize the low-molecular-weight organogelators (LMOGs), derivatives of two endogenous (L)-alanine, (L)-leucine, and three exogenous (L)-valine, (L)-phenylalanine, and (L)-proline amino acids. The nature of processes responsible for the gel formation both in polar and in apolar solvents of such compounds is still under investigation. Knowing that the organization of surfactant molecules affects the properties of nano scale materials and gels, we decided to elucidate this problem using crystallographic diffraction and energy frameworks analysis. The single crystals of the mentioned compounds were produced successfully from heptane/tBuOMe mixture. The compounds form lamellar self-assemblies in crystals. The energetic landscapes of single crystals of a series of studied amphiphilic gelators have been analyzed to explore the gelling properties. The presented results may be used as model systems to understand which supramolecular interactions observed in the solid state and what energy contributions are desired in the designing of new low-molecular-weight organic gelators.
Reshuffle Bonds by Ball Milling: A Mechanochemical Protocol for Charge-Accelerated Aza-Claisen Rearrangements

This study presents the development of a mechanochemical protocol for a charge-accelerated aza-Claisen rearrangement. The protocol waives the use of commonly applied transition metals, ligands, or pyrophoric Lewis acids, e.g., AlMe3. Based on (heterocyclic) tertiary allylamines and acyl chlorides, the desired tertiary amides were prepared in yields ranging from 17% to 84%. Moreover, the same protocol was applied for a Belluš–Claisen-type rearrangement resulting in the synthesis of a 9-membered lactam without further optimization.
Scattering of Light by One- and Two-Magnon Excitations

We present details of the theory of light scattering by one- and two-magnon excitations, and compare predictions of the theory with our experimental results in the tetragonal antiferromagnets Mn${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ and Fe${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$. Two mechanisms are considered for first-order (one-magnon) light scattering: one involving a direct magnetic-dipole coupling and the other involving an indirect electric-dipole coupling which proceeds through a spin-orbit interaction. Experimental results on the intensity and polarization selection rules of the first-order scattering show that the spin-orbit mechanism is the important one. On the other hand, second-order (two-magnon) scattering is observed to be even stronger than first-order scattering in these antiferromagnets, implying that the process is not due to the spin-orbit mechanism taken to a higher order in perturbation theory. A theory of second-order scattering based on an excited-state exchange interaction between opposite sublattices is given. When coupled with group-theoretical requirements for the ${{D}_{2h}}^{12}$ crystals, the mechanism predicts the intensity, the polarization selection rules, and the magnetic field dependence of the second-order spectrum. Features of the second-order spectra are related quantitatively to magnons at specific points in the Brillouin zone. Analysis of both first- and second-order magnon scattering has thus enabled determination of the complete magnon dispersion relation for Fe${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$.
ON THE VARIATION OF YIELD VARIANCE WITH PLOT SIZE

The problem examined is that of evaluating the spatial covariance function of yield density, from a knowledge of the way yield variance varies with plot size and shape. Results are obtained in ? 3 for several kinds of plot. Results are also obtained (? 4) on the dependence of the yield variance on plot geometry for very small and very large plots. Special attention is paid to the case for which the covariance follows a power law at large distances. It is well known that, in order to explain the observed variation of yield variance with size and shape of plot, it is necessary to allow the possibility of correlation between yield densities at any two points in the plot. (We shall restrict ourselves to the stationary case, for which the expected yield density is constant over the area.) Moreover, it appears that this spatial correlation must often fall off relatively slowly with increasing distance between the two points; as a power function of the distance rather than as an exponential. The same behaviour is shown by observations on yarn diameter, flood height (Feller, 1951), and response from population samples. The calculations of this article will apply to these cases, too, but for concreteness we shall continue to speak of plots and yields (although we shall sonmetimes use the word 'region' instead of 'plot ', indicating that we do not confine ourselves to two dimensions). The type of calculation most usually made is to evaluate the yield variance for a plot of definite size and shape, and for a given spatial covariance function p(s). However, the inverse calculation would probably be more useful in general: to determine the covariance function from a knowledge of yield variance as a function of plot geometry. Such a procedure would enable one to make use of experimental results to obtain at least a partial estimate of p(s). We consider this question in ? 3. A solution of one form of problein is most easily reached by using a Mellin transform, so that the covariance which falls off as a power of the distance,
Combined Effect of Drying Temperature and Varied Gelatin Concentration on Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Ginger Oil Incorporated Chitosan Based Edible Films

In the present work, ginger essential oil (GEO) loaded chitosan (CS) based films incorporated with varying concentrations of gelatin (GE) were fabricated and dried at different conditions (25 °C and 45 °C). The physio-chemical, mechanical and antioxidant potential of the films were determined. Films dried at 45 °C showed better physical attributes and less thickness, swelling degree (SD), moisture content, water vapor permeability (WVP), more transparency, and better mechanical characteristics. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the chemical composition and interaction between the functional groups of the film components. X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) findings revealed that samples dried at 45 °C had more crystalline structure, were thermally stable, and smoother. Antioxidant results showed that films dried at low temperature showed comparatively more (p < 0.0001) antioxidant activity. Additionally, an increase in gelatin concentration improved the tensile strength and swelling factor (p < 0.05), however, had no significant impact on other parameters. The overall results suggested better characteristics of GEO-loaded CS-GE based edible films when dried at 45 °C.
Scaling of the tokamak near the scrape-off layer H-mode power width and implications for ITER

A multi-machine database for the H-mode scrape-off layer power fall-off length, λq in JET, DIII-D, ASDEX Upgrade, C-Mod, NSTX and MAST has been assembled under the auspices of the International Tokamak Physics Activity. Regression inside the database finds that the most important scaling parameter is the poloidal magnetic field (or equivalently the plasma current), with λq decreasing linearly with increasing Bpol. For the conventional aspect ratio tokamaks, the regression finds , yielding λq,ITER ≅ 1 mm for the baseline inductive H-mode burning plasma scenario at Ip = 15 MA. The experimental divertor target heat flux profile data, from which λq is derived, also yield a divertor power spreading factor (S) which, together with λq, allows an integral power decay length on the target to be estimated. There are no differences in the λq scaling obtained from all-metal or carbon dominated machines and the inclusion of spherical tokamaks has no significant influence on the regression parameters. Comparison of the measured λq with the values expected from a recently published heuristic drift based model shows satisfactory agreement for all tokamaks.
Foreign Direct Investment and child health outcomes in Africa

Abstract While several studies have examined the effect of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on economic development indicators, most of these studies focused on economic growth with very little attention paid to health outcomes. Moreover, among the studies that took account of health outcomes, none of them investigated the effect of FDI on child health outcomes across a sample of African countries. However, focusing on African countries is very important because sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has the highest rate of child mortality in the world. This study, therefore, investigates the effect of FDI on child health outcomes in 39 African countries from 1980 to 2018. Neonatal and infant mortality rates are used to proxy child health outcomes. The baseline estimation technique employed is the Fixed Effects (FE) regression. However, to deal with potential endogeneity, we employ the system Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) regression as the robustness estimation technique. Our findings show that, FDI improves child health outcomes, especially through economic growth after controlling for endogeneity. Thus, in African governments’ quest to reduce child mortality, a major useful strategy could be attracting more FDI inflows.
Analysis of electromagnetic field distribution in tunnels by the boundary-element method

An efficient numerical approach, based on the boundary element method, for the analysis of electromagnetic field distributions in twodimensional tunnels with discontinuities such as L-bends, T-junctions, and cross-junctions is described. The side walls of the tunnels are assumed to be lossy dielectric and the surface impedance approximation is used to determine the boundary condition on the side walls. A computer program has been developed for tunnels excited by a line current or a TE dominant mode. A comparison of the numerical results with the experimental results using microwave simulation shows a good agreement except in the vicinity of the inner wall of the output tunnel perpendicular to the excited tunnel.
Towards efficient ab initio calculations of electron scattering by polyatomic molecules: III. Modelling correlation–polarization interactions

We explore an implementation of correlation–polarization interactions for electron scattering by polyatomic molecules. The short-range correlation is approximated by local and nonlocal density functional theory (DFT) models commonly used in quantum chemistry and solid-state physics. The long-range polarization is represented by general full tensor components. Furthermore, we propose a robust and stable technique to calculate momentum-space matrix elements of such a composite potential. The quality of several selected DFT potentials is tested by elastic scattering calculations for a class of small hydrocarbon molecules represented by propane and cyclopropane.