Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
840–820 Ma Dahongshan bimodal volcanic rocks: new constraints on the Neoproterozoic arc–back-arc basin system along the northern margin of the Yangtze Block

ABSTRACT The newly identified earliest part of the Sanligang bimodal volcanic succession in the Dahongshan area of the northern Yangtze Block provides insight into the role of this block in the evolution of the Rodinia supercontinent. Field contact relationships and dating indicate that these rocks are contemporaneous and formed at 840–820 Ma. The Sanligang mafic rocks have low SiO2 (40.33–48.17 wt.%) and K2O (0.07–1.65 wt.%), high TiO2 (2.64–3.52 wt.%) contents, and low U/Th (0.33–0.38), Th/Zr (0.001–0.002), and Nb/Y (0.059–0.064) ratios with positive εNd(t) (+5.08 to +7.59). This suggests that they are formed from magmas derived from an asthenospheric mantle source that had not been modified by slab-derived materials, with a low degree of crustal contamination during their eruption. Contemporaneous felsic rocks in the study area have high SiO2 (73.1–80.0 wt.%), variable K2O (0.63–4.39 wt.%) and Na2O (1.73–6.54 wt.%), and low MgO (0.1–0.58 wt.%) contents and are light rare earth element enriched, with (La/Yb)N values of 1.37–2.65 and significantly negative Eu anomalies. They have A2-type granite affinities, as evidenced by their high 10,000 Ga/Al values (3.51–4.55) and Zr contents (285–620 ppm), and positive whole-rock εNd(t) (+6.16–+6.52), zircon εHf(t) (+9.69–+12.29) and δ18O (+4.82–+6.11) values, suggesting they formed by partial melting of juvenile crustal material caused by heating associated with contemporaneous mantle-derived mafic magmatism. Combining the data for these bimodal volcanic successions with other rock assemblages in the Dahongshan area indicates that this magmatism occurred in a back-arc extensional setting. This magmatism was caused by slab detachment and separation along a vertical tear during the Neoproterozoic evolution of the arc to arc–back-arc system of the northern margin of the Yangtze Block. Graphical abstract
Work in Progress: Understanding Professional Identity Development Among Computer Science Students

Despite growing enrollments in computing programs, retention, particularly of students from historically marginalized and minoritized groups, remains a challenge [1]. Recent research has demonstrated that a stronger sense of disciplinary identity may contribute to increased persistence in STEM fields. A number of High-Impact Educational Practices (HIPs) [2] have been shown to lead to improvements in student success, in general. How these practices affect professional identity development, however, is an area in need of further exploration. In addition, how many of these practices can be applied in the field of computing is not well understood.
Structure, Mechanical, and Micro-Scratch Behavior of Ta-Hf-C Solid Solution Coating Deposited by Non-Reactive Magnetron Sputtering

The TaC, HfC, and Hf-Ta-C coatings are successfully prepared by non-reactively DC magnetron sputtering. The effects of working pressure and deposition temperature on the structure and mechanical properties of Ta-Hf-C coating are analyzed. The scratch performance of the Ta-Hf-C coating deposited on 304 stainless steel and tungsten substrates are investigated. Results show the hardness and elastic modulus of Ta-Hf-C solid solution coating both increase to 37.8 ± 1.1 GPa and 435.8 ± 13.8 GPa due to the solid solution strengthening effect. Plastic deformation resistance H3/E2 of Ta-Hf-C coating can reach 0.285, which is more than twice that of binary coating. Furthermore, the scratch performance and failure mechanism show that Ta-Hf-C coating has a weaker plastic deformation resistance on soft substrate and low friction characteristic (0.01) on hard substrate, which implies that Ta-Hf-C coating is a good protective coating that can be applied to cutting tools.
The Benefits of Buddies: Strategically Pairing Preschoolers with Other-Gender Classmates Promotes Positive Peer Interactions

ABSTRACT Research Findings: We tested whether a universal classroom peer pairing intervention – Buddy Up – would strengthen dyadic peer interactions among preschoolers (N = 140; M age = 56.49 months; 53.6% boys; 77.9% Latinx). The Buddy Up intervention was informed by Intergroup Contact Theory, which specifies the benefits of exposure to heterogeneous others. Teachers buddied children with other-gender peers. We hypothesized positive intervention effects on the quality of dyadic interactions overall and for other-gender interactions specifically. We also considered whether the effects would generalize (secondary transfer effects) to interactions with other-language peers (English and Spanish). Using a quasi-experimental design, we found intervention effects on improved peer interactions overall and for other-gender dyads. There was little evidence of improved interactions for other-language dyads. Same-gender dyads (notably girl-girl dyads) and same-language dyads (notably English-speaking dyads) also responded positively to the intervention. The use of dyadic peer interaction data during preschool represents an innovative feature of this study. Practice or Policy: Buddy Up facilitated positive peer interactions. This is a key building block through which social skills are built and friendships can grow. The findings suggest that early childhood teachers can successfully support students in developing relationships with peers.
Hydroxylation of Progesterone and Its Derivatives by the Entomopathogenic Strain Isaria farinosa KCh KW1.1

Progesterone biotransformation is worth studying because of the high industrial value of its derivatives. This study investigated the catalytic ability of the entomopathogenic filamentous fungus strain Isaria farinosa KCh KW1.1 to transform progesterone derivatives: 11α-hydroxyprogesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, 16α,17α-epoxyprogesterone and pregnenolone. In the culture of Isaria farinosa KCh KW1.1, 11α-hydroxyprogesterone was effectively transformed into only one product: 6β,11α-dihydroxyprogesterone. Transformation of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone gave three hydroxy derivatives: 6β,17α-dihydroxyprogesterone, 12β,17α-dihydroxyprogesterone and 6β,12β,17α-trihydroxyprogesterone. Two products: 6β-hydroxy-16α,17α-epoxyprogesterone and 6β,11α-dihydroxy-16α,17α-epoxyprogesterone, were obtained from the 16α,17α-epoxyprogesterone transformation. We isolated two compounds from the biotransformation medium with pregnenolone: 11α-hydroxy-7-oxopregnenolone and 5α,6α-epoxy-3β,11α-dihydroxypregnan-7,20-dione. In this study, we observed only mono- and dihydroxy derivatives of the tested substrates, and the number of obtained products for each biotransformation did not exceed three.
Effective Aging Inhibition of the Thermoplastic Corn Starch Films through the Use of Green Hybrid Filler

Recently, hybrid fillers have been widely used to improve the properties of biopolymers. The synergistic effects of the hybrid fillers can have a positive impact on biopolymers, including thermoplastic corn starch film (TPCS). In this communication, we highlight the effectiveness of hybrid fillers in inhibiting the aging process of TPCS. The TPCS, thermoplastic corn starch composite films (TPCS-C), and hybrid thermoplastic corn starch composite film (TPCS-HC) were stored for 3 months to study the effect of hybrid filler on the starch retrogradation. TPCS-C and TPCS-HC were prepared by casting method with 5 wt% of fillers: nanocellulose (NC) and bentonite (BT). The alteration of the mechanical properties, aging behavior, and crystalline structure of the films were analyzed through the tensile test, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and water absorption analysis. The obtained data were correlated to each other to analyze the retrogradation of the TPCS, which is the main factor that contributes to the aging process of the biopolymer. Results signify that incorporating the hybrid filler (NC + BT) in the TPCS/4BT1NC films has effectively prevented retrogradation of the starch molecules after being stored for 3 months. On the contrary, the virgin TPCS film showed the highest degree of retrogradation resulting in a significant decrement in the film’s flexibility. These findings proved the capability of the green hybrid filler in inhibiting the aging of the TPCS.
Decoding men’s behavioral responses toward green cosmetics: an investigation based on the belief decomposition approach

Due to changes in global trends, men’s grooming behavior in relation to their appearance is deemed one of the drivers in the rising popularity of men’s cosmetic products. Unlike previous studies, this study focused on men and aimed to examine the determinants of consumers’ intentions toward buying green cosmetic products by using the belief decomposition approach (BDA) of the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Purposive sampling was employed and 322 valid responses were collected. A PLS-SEM was employed to test the hypotheses. The results demonstrate that attitude (ATT), subjective norm (SN), and perceived behavior control (PBC) positively influence consumers’ intentions. Similarly, nutritional content, health consciousness, and environmental consciousness are positively associated with ATT, but animal welfare has an insignificant association with ATT. In addition, mass media and family influence are positively associated with SN. Moreover, self-efficacy positively influences PBC, but facilitating conditions have an insignificant association with PBC.
On Some Aspects of Nanobubble-Containing Systems

Theoretical studies are reviewed for bulk nanobubbles (ultrafine bubbles (UFBs)), which are gas bubbles smaller than 1 μm in diameter. The dynamic equilibrium model is discussed as a promising model for the stability of a UFB against dissolution; more than half of the surface of a UFB should be covered with hydrophobic material (impurity). OH radicals are produced during hydrodynamic or acoustic cavitation to produce UFBs. After stopping cavitation, OH radicals are generated through chemical reactions of H2O2 and O3 in the liquid water. The possibility of radical generation during the bubble dissolution is also discussed based on numerical simulations. UFBs are concentrated on the liquid surface according to the dynamic equilibrium model. As a result, rupture of liquid film is accelerated by the presence of UFBs, which results in a reduction in “surface tension”, measured by the du Noüy ring method. Finally, the interaction of UFBs with a solid surface is discussed.
Almost‐isometry between Teichmüller metric and length‐spectrum metric on moduli space

We prove an analogue of Farb–Masur's theorem that the length‐spectrum metric on moduli space is ‘almost isometric’ to a simple model 풱(S) which is induced by the cone metric over the complex of curves. As an application, we know that the Teichmüller metric and the length‐spectrum metric are ‘almost isometric’ on moduli space, while they are not even quasi‐isometric on Teichmüller space.
Modification of Fibronectin by Non-Enzymatic Glycation Impairs K+ Channel Function in Rat Cerebral Artery Smooth Muscle Cells

Fibronectin (FN) enhances K+ channel activity by integrin-mediated mechanisms. As vascular smooth muscle (VSM) K+ channels mediate vasodilation, we hypothesized that modification of fibronectin, via advanced non-enzymatic glycation, would alter signaling of this extracellular matrix protein through these channels. Bovine FN (1 mg/ml) was glycated (gFN) for 5 days using methylglyoxal (50 mM), and albumin was similarly glycated as a non-matrix protein control. VSM cells were isolated from rat cerebral arteries for measurement of macroscopic K+ channel activity using whole cell patch clamp methodology. Pharmacological inhibitors, iberiotoxin (0.1 μM) and 4-aminopyridine (0.1 mM), were used to identify contributions of large-conductance, Ca2+-activated, K+ channels and voltage-gated K+ channels, respectively. Compared with baseline, native FN enhanced whole cell K+ current in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas gFN inhibited basal current. Furthermore, native albumin did not enhance basal K+ current, but the glycated form (gAlb) caused inhibition. gFN was shown to impair both the Kv and BKCa components of total macroscopic K+ current. Anti-integrin α5 and β1 antibodies attenuated the effects of both FN and gFN on macroscopic K+ current at +70 mV. Consistent with an action on BKCa activity, FN increased, whereas gFN decreased the frequency of spontaneous transient outward current (STOCs). In contrast, gAlb inhibited whole cell K+ current predominantly through Kv, showing little effect on STOCs. A function-blocking, anti-RAGE antibody partially reversed the inhibitory effects of gFN, suggesting involvement of this receptor. Further, gFN caused production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by isolated VSMCs as revealed by the fluorescent indicator, DHE. Evoked ROS production was attenuated by the RAGE blocking antibody. Collectively, these studies identify ion channel-related mechanisms (integrin and ROS-mediated) by which protein glycation may modify VSMC function.
Extremely Large Telescopes

Extremely large telescopes are being planned to address a number of the most profound questions in astronomy today. From the detection and study of extra-solar planets to the study of the first galaxies these optical and infrared telescopes are designed to provide powerful new probes in the field. In this paper, the current status and technical development of the European ELT project is described.
Will We Unlock the Benefit of Metformin for Patients with Lung Cancer? Lessons from Current Evidence and New Hypotheses

Metformin has been under basic and clinical study as an oncological repurposing pharmacological agent for several years, stemming from observational studies which consistently evidenced that subjects who were treated with metformin had a reduced risk for development of cancer throughout their lives, as well as improved survival outcomes when diagnosed with neoplastic diseases. As a result, several basic science studies have attempted to dissect the relationship between metformin’s metabolic mechanism of action and antineoplastic cellular signaling pathways. Evidence in this regard was compelling enough that a myriad of randomized clinical trials was planned and conducted in order to establish the effect of metformin treatment for patients with diverse neoplasms, including lung cancer. As with most novel antineoplastic agents, early results from these studies have been mostly discouraging, though a recent analysis that incorporated body mass index may provide significant information regarding which patient subgroups might derive the most benefit from the addition of metformin to their anticancer treatment. Much in line with the current pipeline for anticancer agents, it appears that the benefit of metformin may be circumscribed to a specific patient subgroup. If so, addition of metformin to antineoplastic agents could prove one of the most cost-effective interventions proposed in the context of precision oncology. Currently published reviews mostly rely on a widely questioned mechanism of action by metformin, which fails to consider the differential effects of the drug in lean vs. obese subjects. In this review, we analyze the pre-clinical and clinical information available to date regarding the use of metformin in various subtypes of lung cancer and, further, we present evidence as to the differential metabolic effects of metformin in lean and obese subjects where, paradoxically, the obese subjects have reported more benefit with the addition of metformin treatment. The novel mechanisms of action described for this biguanide may explain the different results observed in clinical trials published in the last decade. Lastly, we present novel hypothesis regarding potential biomarkers to identify who might reap benefit from this intervention, including the role of prolyl hydroxylase domain 3 (PHD3) expression to modify metabolic phenotypes in malignant diseases.
Misapplication of Conventional Economic Analysis to Climate Change From the Post-normal Science Perspective: The “Social Cost of Carbon” Myth

A critical reflection over the latest comprehensive reporting efforts of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) suggests that applications of cost-benefit analysis (CBA) to climate change, acts which importantly include the monetary calculation of the social cost of carbon (SCC), do not bring about the avoidance or mitigation of pervasive and irreversible climate change issues, issues which could likely continue on a multi-century to millennial time scale. This paper presents, first, a consideration of the most recent IPCC reports that indicated various contemporary problems and threats both to socioeconomic systems and ecosystems on this planet if and when CBA is uncritically applied to climate change issues. Following, a critical reexamination of three crucial concepts, namely, scarcity, discounting and substitution, is made in view of the roles they play in the theoretical foundation of conventional economics. Climate change is shown to be far beyond the scope of these concepts, hence far beyond the scope of CBA and the SCC approach. A discussion of a general alternative approach to addressing climate change issues is presented—one grounded in post-normal science that acknowledges the critical role deep uncertainty plays in many aspects of climate change issues. Reflecting on the need for such an approach and the shortcomings of past, conventional approaches suggests that establishing a process of social resolution of fundamental problems, including participation and mutual learning among relevant stakeholders, rather than a definite solution or technological implementation, is absolutely necessary. A critical study on many aspects of uncertainty is required for reaching constructive disagreement among stakeholders
Management of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax in a Third-Level Pediatric Surgical Center: A Retrospective Study

Introduction The management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) in pediatrics remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of recurrence after non-surgical treatment vs. surgery, the difference in the length of stay (LOS) between various treatment options, and the role of computed tomography (CT) in the management of PSP. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients admitted to our Pediatric Surgery Unit for an episode of PSP between June 2009 and July 2020. Medical records including clinical presentation at admission, diagnostics, treatments, complications, and LOS were collected. Results Twenty-three patients (22 males and 1 female) were included in this study. Median age was 15.65 (range 9–18). Chest X-rays were performed in all patients and showed 5 small (22%) and 18 large (78%) PSP. Chest drain was used for large PSP (≥2 cm) if the patient was clinically unstable. Eleven patients (48%) were managed non-operatively with observation alone and a recurrence rate of 18%, chest drain was used in 11 patients with a recurrence rate of 36%, and surgery was deemed necessary as a first treatment choice in one case. Six patients (27%) had an episode of relapse after non-operative management or chest drain placement. Following surgery, a relapse occurred in 2 of the 6 patients. Chest drain insertion was associated with a longer LOS than observation alone (6.36 vs. 2.4 days), and surgery resulted in a longer LOS than other types of treatment (P = 0.001). Conclusion According to our experience, small PSP or clinically stable larger PSP can be treated conservatively with observation alone. Operative management should be taken into consideration in children with large symptomatic PSP, persistent air leak, and/or relapse after chest drain insertion.
Outcomes of Vital Sign Monitoring of an Acute Surgical Cohort With Wearable Sensors and Digital Alerting Systems: A Pragmatically Designed Cohort Study and Propensity-Matched Analysis

Background: The implementation and efficacy of wearable sensors and alerting systems in acute secondary care have been poorly described. Objectives: to pragmatically test one such system and its influence on clinical outcomes in an acute surgical cohort. Methods: In this pragmatically designed, pre-post implementation trial, participants admitted to the acute surgical unit at our institution were recruited. In the pre-implementation phase (September 2017 to May 2019), the SensiumVitals™ monitoring system, which continuously measures temperature, heart, and respiratory rates, was used for monitoring alongside usual care (intermittent monitoring in accordance with the National Early Warning Score 2 [NEWS 2] protocol) without alerts being generated. In the post-implementation phase (May 2019 to March 2020), alerts were generated when pre-established thresholds for vital parameters were breached, requiring acknowledgement from healthcare staff on provided mobile devices. Hospital length of stay, intensive care use, and 28-days mortality were measured. Balanced cohorts were created with 1:1 ‘optimal’ propensity score logistic regression models. Results: The 1:1 matching method matched the post-implementation group (n = 141) with the same number of subjects from the pre-implementation group (n = 141). The median age of the entire cohort was 52 (range: 18–95) years and the median duration of wearing the sensor was 1.3 (interquartile range: 0.7–2.0) days. The median alert acknowledgement time was 111 (range: 1–2,146) minutes. There were no significant differences in critical care admission (planned or unplanned), hospital length of stay, or mortality. Conclusion: This study offered insight into the implementation of digital health technologies within our institution. Further work is required for optimisation of digital workflows, particularly given their more favourable acceptability in the post pandemic era. Clinical trials registration information: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04638738.
On the Performance of IEEE 802.15.4z-Compliant Ultra-Wideband Devices

Since the introduction of the IEEE 802.15. 4z standard, several new-generation ultra-wideband platforms have been marketed, such as the Apple U1, the NXP Trimension, and the Qorvo DW3000. However, in the last decade, most of the experimental research focusing on communication performance has been carried out on the old Decawave DW1000 platform, which follows the IEEE 802.15. 4a specifications and does not offer the security enhancements introduced by the latest standard. In this paper, we perform the first in-depth experimental study on the communication performance of an IEEE 802.15. 4z-compliant platform based on the Qorvo DW3000. Among others, we explore the impact of various physical layer settings and security features, and further analyze the reliability of packet transmissions as well as the success probability of secure ToA estimations in absence and in presence of Wi-Fi 6E traffic.