Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dispersive properties of linear chains of lossy metal nanoparticles

We study the propagation characteristics of optical signals in waveguides composed of linear periodic arrangements of metallic nanoparticles embedded in a dielectric host. We find the complex Bloch band diagram for the guided modes including material losses by employing Mie scattering theory as well as coupled dipole approximations. The results of the model are validated through finite element solution of the Maxwell’s equations.
What do the Mt. Wilson stars tell us about solar activity

We relate the evolutionary status and mass of the Mt. Wilson project stars with the type and strength of stellar activity as established in decades of monitoring their chromospheric Ca II K line emission. We specifically derive their positions in the Hertzsprung-Russell-diagram (HRD) from Hipparcos parallaxes and SIMBAD B −V data, considering and correcting for the effects of different individual stellar metallicities, and place different activity groups of the Mt. Wilson stars on a common set of Z = 0.02 evolution tracks to obtain a quantitative picture of their relative evolutionary status and mass distribution. We find that, first, the downturn in stellar activity does not depend on absolute age but instead decreases with the relative age as stars advance on the main sequence and thus confirm theoretical expectations, while the most active of the irregularly variable stars are found to scatter around the zero-age main-sequence (ZAMS). Moderately active stars, both with clear cycles like the Sun and those without a dominant activity period, populate the 2nd quarter of main-sequence (MS) evolution. Almost inactive stars are mostly in their 3rd quarter of MS evolution and seem to represent stellar analogues of the solar Maunder minimum state. Totally inactive stars are all in the final quarter of their MS evolution and make up for over 70% of the Mt. Wilson stars that far evolved (the remainders being only weakly active). Most of these are more massive and younger than the Sun. Accordingly, less massive stars did not have enough time to significantly decrease their activity, since they generally evolve more slowly. We find, second, that the Sun is near an apparent upper mass limit for cyclic activity on the MS, because there are no cyclic MS stars much above one solar mass, at least not in the Mt. Wilson sample. Once put in proper perspective with the other Mt. Wilson stars, the Sun indeed ought to be approaching a gradual transition from moderate cyclic activity to a weak, Maunder-minimum-type state, as historic Maunder-type minima seem to indicate already. In addition, the apparent upper mass limit for MS stars to solar-like cyclic activity, not much above one solar mass, is providing dynamo theory with an interesting new challenge.
Areas of endemism and environmental heterogeneity: a case study in Mexican legumes

Abstract. Fabaceae is a monophyletic family comprising more than 22 000 species worldwide. In Mexico, it is the second-most species rich family, inhabiting multiple ecosystems with a high diversity of life forms. Our aims were to (1) identify areas of endemism (AEs) by using endemicity analysis at different cell sizes (1°, 0.5° and 0.25°) for 488 Mexican legumes, (2) describe the climatic and topographic heterogeneity of AE, (3) determine whether there is a positive relationship between AEs and climatic and topographic heterogeneity and (4) examine the conservation status of legumes that defined the AEs. We found six general AEs, supported by 63 species, with endemicity index values ranging from 2.05 to 6.86. These general areas had zones where biogeographical provinces intersected and exhibited a higher environmental heterogeneity. Areas detected at 1° showed a positive relationship between endemicity index and environmental heterogeneity. Legume species currently lack legal protection in Mexico, 69% of the endemic species do not have an evaluation category according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and eight species are in some risk category. Future conservation efforts should focus on protecting endemism areas from accomplishing representative natural protected areas.
Orthogonal variable spreading factor encoded unmanned aerial vehicle‐assisted nonorthogonal multiple access system with hybrid physical layer security

Physical layer security (PLS) can improve the security of both terrestrial and nonterrestrial wireless communication networks. This study proposes a simplified framework for nonterrestrial cyclic prefixed orthogonal variable spreading factor (OVSF)‐encoded multiple‐input and multiple‐output nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) systems to ensure complete network security. Various useful methods are implemented, where both improved sine map and multiple parameter‐weighted‐type fractional Fourier transform encryption schemes are combined to investigate the effects of hybrid PLS. In addition, OVSF coding with power domain NOMA for multi‐user interference reduction and peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) reduction is introduced. The performance of 12 ‐rated convolutional, turbo, and repeat and accumulate channel coding with regularized zero‐forcing signal detection for forward error correction and improved bit error rate (BER) are also investigated. Simulation results ratify the pertinence of the proposed system in terms of PLS and BER performance improvement with reasonable PAPR.
Relevant mechanisms of MAIT cells involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a group of unconventional T cells that are abundant in the human body, recognize microbial-derived vitamin B metabolites presented by MHC class I-related protein 1 (MR1), and rapidly produce proinflammatory cytokines, which are widely involved in the immune response to various infectious diseases. In the oral mucosa, MAIT cells tend to accumulate near the mucosal basal lamina and are more inclined to secrete IL-17 when activated. Periodontitis is a group of diseases that manifests mainly as inflammation of the gums and resorption of the alveolar bone due to periodontal tissue invasion by plaque bacteria on the dental surface. The course of periodontitis is often accompanied by a T-cell-mediated immune response. This paper discussed the pathogenesis of periodontitis and the potential contribution of MAIT cells to periodontitis.
On the generation of 3‐m irregularities during equatorial spread F by low‐frequency drift waves

We consider the linear theory of low-frequency drift waves for parameters typical of the ionosphere during equatorial spread F. These waves are considered to be generated by density gradients associated with long-wavelength primary plasma fluid instabilities (e.g., collisional Rayleigh-Taylor). We include electron-ion, electron-neutral, and ion-ion collisions in our analysis. We find that a collisional drift wave can occur in the 3-meter regime but that it is heavily damped by ion viscosity. For density gradient scale lengths of > or approx. =75 m it is required that n<2 x 10/sup 3/ cm/sup -3/ for wave excitation to occur.
Boundary element approach to the dynamic stiffness functions of circular foundations

A boundary element approach for time harmonic axisymmetric problems using the complete space point load fundamental solution is presented. The fundamental solution is integrated numerically along the azimuthal co-ordinate of each axisymmetric element. To increase the accuracy of the numerical integration a simple co-ordinate transformation is proposed. The approach is applied to the computation of the dynamic stiffness functions of rigid circular foundations on layered viscoelastic soils. Three different sites are considered: a uniform half-space, a soil layer on a half-space, and a soil consisting of four horizontal layers and a compliant half-space. The numerical results obtained by the proposed approach for surface circular foundations are very close to corresponding published results obtained by different procedures.
Collective Action in Institutional Entrepreneurship: The Case of a Government Agency

This paper seeks to analyze how and why divergent institutional changes occurred in a government agency. While there is evidence of research on the concept of collective action and involvement in the literature on institutional entrepreneurship, the focus has been at the macro and field levels, with scarce attention being given to the topic at the micro and organizational levels. This study addresses this gap in the literature, drawing on the institutional entrepreneurship process model of Battilana, Leca, and Boxenbaum (The Academy of Management Annals), in combination with literature on collective action. The methodology involved a longitudinal case study, in which data were collected through extensive interviews and documentation analysis. Based on findings showing that the divergence change process could not be achieved without the support of organizational collective involvement, a refined version of the Battilana et al. entrepreneurial model is proposed. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2023-07-02-017 Full Text: PDF
Genetic-Phenotype Analysis of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Its Glycoside Hydrolase Gene Distribution at Different Age Groups

Human gut microbiota interfere with host development and aging. Bifidobacterium is a microbial genus found in the human digestive tract that has probiotic activities such as improving constipation and enhancing immunity. The species and numbers present change with age, but there has been limited research on probiotic gut microbiota at specific ages. This study analyzed the distribution of 610 bifidobacteria in subjects in several age groups (0−17, 18−65, and 66−108 y) using 486 fecal samples and determined the distribution of glycoside hydrolases based on genetic analysis of strains representing 85% of the Bifidobacterium species abundance in each age group. 6’-Sialyllactose is a major component of acidic breast milk oligosaccharides, which can promote human neurogenesis and bifidobacteria growth. Using genotypic and phenotypic association analysis, we investigated the utilization of 6’-sialyllactose by six B. bifidum strains isolated from subjects 0–17 and 18–65 y. A comparative genomic analysis of the six B. bifidum strains revealed differences in genomic features across age groups. Finally, the safety of these strains was evaluated by antibiotic gene and drug resistance phenotype analysis. Our results reveal that the distribution of glycoside hydrolase genes in B. bifidum varies with age, thus affecting the phenotypic results. This provides important insights for the design and application of probiotic products for different ages.
The use of bioinformatics methods to identify the effects of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses on the regulation of gene expression in patients

Background SARS-CoV-2 infection is a respiratory infectious disease similar to influenza virus infection. Numerous studies have reported similarities and differences in the clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, and mortality between these two infections. However, the genetic effects of coronavirus and influenza viruses on the host that lead to these characteristics have rarely been reported. Methods COVID-19 (GSE157103) and influenza (GSE111368, GSE101702) datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Ominbus (GEO) database. Differential gene, gene set enrichment, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, gene regulatory network, and immune cell infiltration analyses were performed to identify the critical impact of COVID-19 and influenza viruses on the regulation of host gene expression. Results The number of differentially expressed genes in the COVID-19 patients was significantly higher than in the influenza patients. 22 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the COVID-19 and influenza datasets. The effects of the viruses on the regulation of host gene expression were determined using gene set enrichment and PPI network analyses. Five HUB genes were finally identified: IFI27, OASL, RSAD2, IFI6, and IFI44L. Conclusion We identified five HUB genes between COVID-19 and influenza virus infection, which might be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 and influenza. This knowledge may also guide future mechanistic studies that aim to identify pathogen-specific interventions.
Contribution of Mitochondrial Activity to Doxorubicin-Resistance in Osteosarcoma Cells

Simple Summary Osteosarcoma represents the most common bone tumor, and it is the second most fatal cancer in children and young adults. However, despite the clinical benefit of chemotherapy, osteosarcoma patients still have a poor prognosis due to the common onset of drug resistance, as well as the disease’s growth and metastasis frequency. Thus, understanding the processes underlying the phenomenon of resistance represents a challenge in the field of oncology and may lead to new approaches to overcome resistance. This study highlights a different mitochondrial phenotype in doxorubicin-resistant cancer cells and suggests targeting the altered pathway to re-sensitize the resistant clones to the drug. Taken together, these results contribute to identifying the mitochondrial metabolism changes and to developing combined approaches with the final goal of overcoming doxorubicin resistance in osteosarcoma. Abstract Osteosarcoma is considered the most common bone tumor affecting children and young adults. The standard of care is chemotherapy; however, the onset of drug resistance still jeopardizes osteosarcoma patients, thus making it necessary to conduct a thorough investigation of the possible mechanisms behind this phenomenon. In the last decades, metabolic rewiring of cancer cells has been proposed as a cause of chemotherapy resistance. Our aim was to compare the mitochondrial phenotype of sensitive osteosarcoma cells (HOS and MG-63) versus their clones when continuously exposed to doxorubicin (resistant cells) and identify alterations exploitable for pharmacological approaches to overcome chemotherapy resistance. Compared with sensitive cells, doxorubicin-resistant clones showed sustained viability with less oxygen-dependent metabolisms, and significantly reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial mass, and ROS production. In addition, we found reduced expression of TFAM gene generally associated with mitochondrial biogenesis. Finally, combined treatment of resistant osteosarcoma cells with doxorubicin and quercetin, a known inducer of mitochondrial biogenesis, re-sensitizes the doxorubicin effect in resistant cells. Despite further investigations being needed, these results pave the way for the use of mitochondrial inducers as a promising strategy to re-sensitize doxorubicin cytotoxicity in patients who do not respond to therapy or reduce doxorubicin side effects.
A study of peristaltic flow

Peristaltic flow in two-dimensional channels with sinusoidal waves is analysed. Under the assumption of creeping motion, the problem is formulated using the boundary integral method for Stokes flow. The effect of channel width, wave amplitude, phase shift, and mean pressure gradient on the streamline pattern and the properties of the flow is considered. The results are discussed with reference to various physiological and engineering processes. It is suggested that under the quasi-steady approximation, peristaltic flow with a varying mean pressure gradient offers an efficient method for molecular-convective transport.
Sex pheromone of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda: identification of a trace component that enhances attractiveness and specificity

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a polyphagous pest native to the tropical and subtropical Americas, but it has recently invaded the Eastern Hemisphere and spread rapidly. This migratory moth, which can fly long distances, now poses a global threat as a transboundary pest. To establish an efficient management program against this pest, monitoring of its occurrence is essential. Lures impregnated with four synthetic pheromone components of S. frugiperda – (Z)‐9‐tetradecenyl acetate (Z9‐14:Ac), (Z)‐11‐hexadecenyl acetate, (Z)‐7‐dodecenyl acetate, and (Z)‐9‐dodecenyl acetate – are commercially available, and traps baited with them are used for monitoring. However, in Japan, these pheromone traps frequently capture many non‐target moths, particularly Mythimna loreyi (Duponchel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). We therefore reexamined the sex pheromone of S. frugiperda in an attempt to improve the monitoring lures and discovered trace amounts of (Z,E)‐9,12‐tetradecadienyl acetate (Z9E12‐14:Ac) in female extracts at ca. 0.2% of the primary component (Z9‐14:Ac). We verified its activity in males by field trap bioassays as well as antennal electrophysiology and demonstrated that this fifth component enhances the attractiveness of synthetic pheromones composed of the other four components to S. frugiperda and reduces the bycatch of M. loreyi. As Z9E12‐14:Ac is found in pheromones of most Spodoptera species, it may have been a pheromone component in the common ancestor and played a key role in divergence of pheromone systems in the genus Spodoptera.
Characteristics of Lean Premixed Flame in Various Oxygen Concentrations Measured by Laser Imaging Techniques

For heavy-duty gas-turbine engines, one of the promising approaches to reducing NOX emissions is the adoption of lean premixed combustion. This technique could be combined with the conventional technique of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). However, the reduction in the oxygen concentration will influence the burning velocity and reaction zone characteristics of the lean premixed flame. To elucidate this effect, in this study, we measured the lean premixed flame temperature and OH concentration distributions for various oxygen concentrations instantaneously and simultaneously using laser imaging techniques. Based on the results, we investigated the characteristics of a lean premixed flame under various oxygen concentrations and found that the OH laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) intensity in the reaction zone decreased with the oxygen concentration, as did the flame temperature at a given axial distance from the exit nozzle. The characteristics of the premixed flame changed from a small-scale convexo-concave surface to a smoother one, leading to a decrease in the ratio of turbulent to laminar burning velocity. In addition, local extinction of the premixed flame was observed under conditions with a high air ratio and low oxygen concentration.
Exosat and Einstein observations of the X-ray pulsar 4U 1145 619

Results are presented of several Einstein and Exosat X-ray observations of 4U 1145 - 619, an X-ray pulsar orbiting the Be star HD 102567/Hen 715 with marked transient behavior. Pulse-timing analysis of data from imaging instruments on both missions was performed using a period-folding technique, which showed an interesting variation of the light curve shape. During observations at periastron, where the source was predictably brighter, a strong variability was observed on the time scale of several thousand seconds. The global X-ray picture presented can be interpreted in the context of an eccentric binary system with variable accretion, but especially the low-energy Exosat channel multiplier array pulsed light curve raises new questions on the detailed accretion geometry. 24 references.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF NOISE PRODUCED BY STEADY FLOW THROUGH A SIMULATED VASCULAR STENOSIS

Abstract An in vitro experiment is carried out in order to study the acoustic effects of a vascular constriction (stenosis) in people and provide correlations between these effects and parameters relevant to the hydrodynamic and acoustic processes. For this purpose, we measure the sound produced when water flows through an elastic tube which is either unobstructed or contains a rigid axisymmetric constriction. The sound is measured at the outside of a large annular container filled with water and bounded at the inside by the coaxial elastic tube. The analysis of the acoustic fields shows that a stenosis has two basic acoustic effects. These are a general increase in the sound level and the production of a number of additional distinct peaks (new frequency components) in the acoustic power spectrum. The frequencies of these peaks are close to the characteristic frequencies of vortex formation in the disturbed flow region behind a stenosis and the resonance frequencies of vibration of the post-stenotic segment of the tube. Another important result is that the stenosis generated acoustic power is approximately proportional to the fourth power of the stenosis severity and the same power of the flow Reynolds number.
Using a SAT Solver to Find Interesting Sets of Nonstandard Dice

Abstract We describe a family of Boolean satisfiability (SAT) problems for which each solution corresponds to a unique set of nonstandard dice. We show that we can control the relationships between the dice in each solution by imposing a set of cardinality constraints on the variables in the corresponding SAT problem. We then present examples of interesting sets of nonstandard dice that we found by solving such problems. In particular, we describe a set of 19 five-sided dice that realize the Paley tournament on 19 vertices. Furthermore, we show that this set of dice is minimal in the sense that no set of 19 dice with less than five sides can realize the Paley tournament on 19 vertices.
p-Mode Propagation through the Transition Region into the Solar Corona. I. Observations

Oscillations have long been observed in the sunspot umbral chromosphere and transition region, connected to global p-mode oscillations. These p-modes are thought to undergo mode conversion to slow magnetoacoustic waves in regions of strong magnetic field. More recently, propagating oscillations have also been observed in solar coronal loops. Using new spectroscopic imaging data at transition-region temperatures, combined with coronal imaging, we present direct observations of the propagation of these slow magnetoacoustic p-modes through the transition region and into the solar corona, along the magnetic field. The waves are observed as oscillations in the chromosphere/transition region and propagations in the corona due to the emission scale height of the different temperature lines combined with the magnetic field geometry.
Advances in the simulation of multi‐fluid flows with the particle finite element method. Application to bubble dynamics

In this work, we extend the Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM) to multi‐fluid flow problems with the aim of exploiting the fact that Lagrangian methods are specially well suited for tracking interfaces. We develop a numerical scheme able to deal with large jumps in the physical properties, included surface tension, and able to accurately represent all types of discontinuities in the flow variables. The scheme is based on decoupling the velocity and pressure variables through a pressure segregation method that takes into account the interface conditions. The interface is defined to be aligned with the moving mesh, so that it remains sharp along time, and pressure degrees of freedom are duplicated at the interface nodes to represent the discontinuity of this variable due to surface tension and variable viscosity. Furthermore, the mesh is refined in the vicinity of the interface to improve the accuracy and the efficiency of the computations.