Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Multisensor Perspective on the Radiative Impacts of Clouds and Aerosols

AbstractThe launch of CloudSat and Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) in 2006 provided the first opportunity to incorporate information about the vertical distribution of cloud and aerosols directly into global estimates of atmospheric radiative heating. Vertical profiles of radar and lidar backscatter from CloudSat’s Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR) and the Cloud–Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) aboard CALIPSO naturally complement Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) radiance measurements, providing a nearly complete depiction of the cloud and aerosol properties that are essential for deriving high-vertical-resolution profiles of longwave (LW) and shortwave (SW) radiative fluxes and heating rates throughout the atmosphere. This study describes a new approach for combining vertical cloud and aerosol information from CloudSat and CALIPSO with MODIS data to assess impacts of clouds and aerosols on top-of-atmosphere (TOA) and surface ra.
Regulatory T cell profiles in patients with N-methyl-ᴅ-aspartate receptor-antibody encephalitis

Purpose Purpose Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune disorders and used in adoptive cell transfer therapies. Neither have been explored in patients with autoimmune encephalitis where treated patient outcomes remain suboptimal with frequent relapses. Here, to identify new treatment strategies for autoimmune encephalitis, we sought to evaluate the proportion of circulating Tregs and Treg subpopulations in peripheral blood of patients with N-methyl-ᴅ-aspartate receptor-antibody encephalitis (NMDAR-Ab-E) and compared this with healthy controls. Methods We compared the phenotype of peripheral blood Tregs in four adult NMDAR-Ab-E patients and four age- and sex-matched healthy controls using an 11-color flow cytometry assay panel for characterization of Tregs (CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+) cells into naïve (chemokine receptor [CCR] 7+ CD45RA+), central memory (CCR7+ CD45RA–), and effector memory (CCR7– CD45RA–) cells. We also examined and compared the expression of the CCR6 by circulating Tregs and the respective Treg subpopulations between the study groups. Results The proportion of circulating Tregs was similar between patients with NMDAR-Ab-E and healthy controls but the proportion of naïve Tregs was lower in NMDAR-Ab-E patients (p = 0.0026). Additionally, the frequency of circulating effector memory Tregs was higher, and the proportion of circulating effector memory Tregs expressing CCR6 was lower, in NMDAR-Ab-E patients compared with healthy controls (p = 0.0026). Conclusion Altered Treg homeostasis may be a feature of patients with NMDAR-Ab-E. Future studies with larger samples are warranted to validate these findings.
New uniqueness theorems for the one-dimensional drift-diffusion semiconductor device equations

We consider the one-dimensional drift-diffusion semiconductor device equations, under the assumption of zero generation-recombination. The uniqueness theorems that are given in the literature for this system do not hold for large values of the applied bias. The purpose of this paper is to introduce new techniques, which allow us to prove uniqueness theorems, in the case of symmetric p-n and p-i-n junctions, which are valid for arbitrary values of the applied bias. These techniques are essentially based on new monotonicity principles. As a direct consequence of these principles, we prove that the voltage-current characteristic of a symmetric p-n or p-i-n junction is strictly increasing.
InP/InAlGaAs light-emitting transistors and transistor lasers with a carbon-doped base layer

Characteristics of InP/InAlGaAs light-emitting transistors (LETs) and transistor lasers (TLs) using carbon (C) for p-type doping of the base region were investigated. The N-InP/p-In0.52(Al0.4Ga0.6)0.48As/N-In0.52Al0.48As LETs show a current gain of 0.22 and light emission at wavelength of λ ∼ 1610 nm. The low current gain is attributed to the short minority carrier lifetime in the C-doped base with a quantum well. The TL demonstrates continuous-wave operation at −190 °C with a threshold current of IB = 35 mA. By comparing the optical output characteristics of the TL and a laser diode with similar structure, it is suggested that the low differential quantum efficiency and the high threshold current density in the TL is related to the strong inter-valence band absorption in the heavily doped base layer.
Fe II/Mg II Emission-Line Ratio in High-Redshift Quasars

We present results of the analysis of near-infrared spectroscopic observations of six high-redshift quasars (z ≳ 4), emphasizing the measurement of the ultraviolet Fe II/Mg II emission-line strength to estimate the beginning of intense star formation in the early universe. To investigate the evolution of the Fe II/Mg II ratio over a wider range in cosmic time, we measured this ratio for composite quasar spectra that cover a redshift range 0 ≲ z ≲ 5 with nearly constant luminosity, as well as for those that span ~6 orders of magnitude in luminosity. A detailed comparison of the high-redshift quasar spectra with those of low-redshift quasars with comparable luminosity shows essentially the same Fe II/Mg II emission ratios and very similar continuum and line spectral properties, i.e., a lack of evolution of the relative iron-to-magnesium abundance of the gas in bright quasars since z ≃ 5. Current nucleosynthesis and stellar evolution models predict that α-elements such as magnesium are produced in massive stars ending in Type II supernovae, while iron is formed predominantly in Type Ia supernovae with intermediate-mass progenitors. This results in an iron enrichment delay of ~0.2-0.6 Gyr. We conclude that intense star formation activity in the host galaxies of z ≳ 4 quasars must have started already at an epoch corresponding to zf ≃ 6-9, when the age of the universe was ~0.5 Gyr (H0 = 72 km s-1 Mpc-1, ΩM = 0.3, ΩΛ = 0.7). This epoch corresponds well to the reionization era of the universe.
Resonances of a Violin Body Studied by Hologram Interferometry and Acoustical Methods

Hologram interferometry is applied to study resonances of a violin body. A violin is made and after each major step, modes of vibration are studied. The top plate is studied in six steps: without and with f-holes, with f-holes and bass bar, with an artificial sound post, in the assembled instrument without and with strings. The back plate is studied in four steps: without and with artificial sound post, in the assembled instrument without and with strings. Interferograms of the lowest five to seven modes ranging from about 400 to 1 300 Hz are shown. The top plate is shown to be divided into plate and body resonances. The back plate is acting more as a unit together with the ribs thus mainly giving body-resonances. Deformations of the violin are studied when strings are pressed against the fingerboard, by double exposure hologram interferometry. The lowest air resonance of the sounding box and frequency responses are acoustically measured. In playing the unvarnished violin the tone is found powerful and even.
Near‐tail reconnection as the cause of cometary tail disconnections

In a cometary tail disconnection event the plasma tail appears to separate from the coma and to accelerate away from it. As this occurs a new tail begins to form. We propose that these disconnections arise in a manner analogous to geomagnetic substorms, i.e., by the formation of a strongly reconnecting region in the near tail that forms a magnetic island in the coma and ejects the plasma tail by strengthening the magnetic “slingshot” within the tail. This reconnection process may be triggered by several different processes, such as interplanetary shocks or variations in the Alfven Mach number.
Heparin-Induced Changes of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF165) Structure

Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), a secreted homodimeric glycoprotein, is a critical regulator of angiogenesis in normal and pathological states. The binding of heparin (HE) to VEGF165 (the major form of VEGF-A) modulates the angiogenesis-related cascade, but the mechanism of the observed changes at the structural level is still insufficiently explored. In the present study, we examined the effect of HE on the structural and physicochemical properties of recombinant human VEGF165 (rhVEGF165). The HE binding results in an increase of hydrophobic surface exposure in rhVEGF165 without changes in its secondary structure. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements for intact and HE-bound rhVEGF165 reveals the absence of any pronounced thermally induced transitions in the protein in the temperature range from 20 to 100 °C. The apolar area increase during the heparin binding explains the pronounced HE-induced oligomerization/aggregation of rhVEGF165, as studied by chemical glutaraldehyde cross-linking and dynamic light scattering. Molecular modeling and docking techniques were used to model the full structure of dimeric VEGF165 and to reveal putative molecular mechanisms underlying the function of the VEGF165/HE system. In general, the results obtained can be a basis for explaining the modulating effect of HE on the biological activity of VEGF-A.
Analysis of ferroelectric switching in finite media as a Landau-type phase transition

A detailed analysis of polarization reversal in ferroelectrics has been performed, in the framework of the Landau model for phase transitions. Some important characteristics of homogeneous switching have been emphasized and later used in studying the more general case of inhomogeneous switching. The two extremes of switching current correspond to the inflexion points of the dielectric hysteresis loop. Hysteresis loops of poled ferroelectric samples are expected to include negative-susceptibility regions, for high-frequency applied electric fields. The switching current minimum is eliminated by the experimental method used for recording the switching responses. Equivalent Landau coefficients and electric fields have been defined, in order to integrate the size effects and inhomogeneity contribution to switching of the global order parameter. We correlated the size effects on the critical parameters of the switching (the coercive field) and the ferroelectric-to-paraelectric phase transition (the Curie temperature). Polarization reversal in small-size ferroelectrics can be regarded as a diffuse phase transition, whereas its character is closer to normal for large-size samples. The size dependencies of the reversal speed and maximum current result from the size dependencies of the equivalent Landau coefficients and electric field inducing reversal.
The ‘conflict trap’ reduces economic growth in the shared socioeconomic pathways

Armed conflict and economic growth are inherently coupled; armed conflict substantially reduces economic growth, while economic growth is strongly correlated with a reduction in the propensity of armed conflict. Here, we simulate the incidence of armed conflict and its effect on economic growth simultaneously along the economic pathways defined by the shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs). We argue that gross domestic product per capita projections through the 21st century currently in use are too optimistic since they disregard the harm to growth caused by conflict. Our analysis indicates that the correction required to account for this is substantial—expected income is 25% lower on average across countries when taking conflict into account. The correction is particularly strong for the more pessimistic SSP3 and SSP4 where expected future incidence of armed conflict is high. There are strong regional patterns with countries with contemporaneous conflicts experiencing much higher conflict burdens and reduced economic growth by the end of the century. The implications of this research indicate that today’s most marginalized societies will be substantially more vulnerable to the impact of climate change than indicated by existing income projections.
High resolution transmission electron microscopy study of Se+‐implanted and annealed GaAs: Mechanisms of amorphization and recrystallization

High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) has been applied to the study of amorphization and recrystallization mechanisms in Se+‐implanted (100) GaAs. Selenium dose of 1×1014 cm−2 at 450 keV (projected range 1550 A) produced an amorphous band in the depth range 250–2150 A below the surface. Annealing at 400 °C resulted in the epitaxial regrowth of the upper and lower transition region (0–250 A and 2150–2500 A, respectively). Regrowth of the amorphous layer was found to proceed by the nucleation and propagation of the dense network of stacking fault bundles. Amorphization and recrystallization mechanisms in Se+‐implanted GaAs are discussed in light of these HRTEM results.
Approximate Bayesian Inference for Doubly Robust Estimation

Doubly robust estimators are typically constructed by combining out- come regression and propensity score models to satisfy moment restrictions that ensure consistent estimation of causal quantities provided at least one of the com- ponent models is correctly specified. Standard Bayesian methods are difficult to apply because restricted moment models do not imply fully specified likelihood functions. This paper proposes a Bayesian bootstrap approach to derive approx- imate posterior predictive distributions that are doubly robust for estimation of causal quantities. Simulations show that the approach performs well under various sources of misspecification of the outcome regression or propensity score models. The estimator is applied in a case study of the effect of area deprivation on the incidence of child pedestrian casualties in British cities.
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Response to Cadmium Stress: Morpho-Physiological Traits and Mineral Concentrations

Cadmium is a widely distributed heavy metal in agricultural soils that affects plant growth and productivity. In this context, the current study investigated the effects of different cadmium (Cd) doses (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg L−1 of CdSO4) on the growth and physiological attributes of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) including plant height (cm), root length (cm), fresh weight (g) of root, stem, and leaves, leaf number, macro and micro-nutrients, Se, and heavy metal (Cd, Cr, and Pb) content. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replicates. The results showed that Cd stress significantly negatively affected all growth indices, macro- and micro-nutrients, and heavy metal content. In addition, it increased the MDA and APX activities. The highest amounts of Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, K, Na, Cd, Cr, and Cu were determined in plant roots, while the highest values of Ca and Mg were detected in plant stem tissues. High Cd doses decreased the content of Ca, K, Mg, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn in safflower plant tissues by 45.47%, 39.33%, 79.28%, 68.21%, 37.06%, 66.67%, 45.62%, 50.38%, 54.37%, 33.33% and 65.87%, respectively, as compared to the control treatments.
Experimental evaluation of damping in a bladed disk model

Abstract Turbine blade vibration can be caused by numerous sources, but comes primarily from non-uniformities in the flow path. The frequency of excitation from these sources occurs at harmonics of the operating speed. As turbine blades are very flexible members, a number of their natural frequencies can be in the region of nozzle excitation frequencies. When the frequency of any of these harmonics coincides with one of the several natural frequencies, resonance takes place. The stress during this resonant blade vibration is directly related to the excitation force and the damping present in the system. The usual approach adapted for the reduction of the vibratory stress in turbine blades is to introduce dampers in the form of damping pins, damping wire and lacing wire. However, a poorly designed and assembled damper may prove to be inadequate in reducing the vibratory stress and hence its damping characteristics should be established. The paper presents an experimental method to determine the damping ratio for these configurations under rotating conditions and demonstrates the utility of measured damping values to calculate analytically the magnitude of the resonant stress.
Academic Adaptation of International Students in China: Evidence from the Grounded Theory and Structure Equation Model

With the continued increase in international students in China, the problem of their academic adaptation has become increasingly prominent. Analysis of the factors affecting the academic adaptation of international students and corresponding management practices can suggest measures to improve their academic adaptability. Based on grounded theory, this paper first summarizes the four main factors affecting the academic adaptation of international students, then uses structural equation modeling to construct a model of academic adaptation of international students that is tested and verified by a questionnaire survey of 2540 international students in China (51% male, 49% female). The main conclusions of this paper are as follows: (1) learning communication, course learning, and self-regulation are the main factors affecting the academic adaptation of international students, of which course learning is the most important factor; (2) academic communication and course learning have significant positive effects on self-regulation, while academic communication, course learning, and self-regulation have significant positive effects on the academic adaptation of international students; and (3) there was no significant difference in academic adaptation between genders, though there were significant differences by age. Among them, the mean score for overseas students is the largest for those older than 41 years (M = 4.79; SD = 0.33), showing that these students are most adaptable to study. Accordingly, this study advances policy suggestions for strengthening international students’ academic adaptation on the part of both universities and the government to improve the academic adaptation ability of international students in China.
Line-Widths in Nal(Tl) Scintillation Counters for Low Energy Gamma-Rays

The line-width for a number of NaI(Tl) scintillation counters for low energy gamma-rays has been examined in detail down to an energy of 6 KeV. Below 100 KeV, the photomultiplier accounts for about half the relative variance. For energies in the range 30-40 KeV there is a curious anomaly in the line-width, interpreted as being associated with the K-edge of iodine at 33.2 KeV. The surface preparation of the crystal has an effect on the line-width which differs markedly from region to region over the whole energy range below about 100 KeV.
Study of surface leakage current of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors

Temperature-dependent surface current measurements were performed to analyze the mechanism of surface conductance of AlGaN/GaN channel high-electron-mobility transistors by utilizing process-optimized double gate structures. Different temperatures and electric field dependence have been found in surface current measurements. At low electric field, the mechanism of surface conductance is considered to be two-dimensional variable range hopping. At elevated electric field, the Frenkel–Poole trap assisted emission governs the main surface electrons transportation. The extracted energy barrier height of electrons emitting from trapped state near Fermi energy level into a threading dislocations-related continuum state is 0.38 eV. SiN passivation reduces the surface leakage current by two order of magnitude and nearly 4 orders of magnitude at low and high electric fields, respectively. SiN also suppresses the Frenkel–Poole conductance at high temperature by improving the surface states of AlGaN/GaN. A surface treatment process has been introduced to further suppress the surface leakage current at high temperature and high field, which results in a decrease in surface current of almost 3 orders of magnitude at 476 K.
The Effect of Frequency Spectrum on Temporal Integration of Energy in the Ear

These experiments are designed to test the following hypothesis. The rate of the temporal integration of energy in the ear (at threshold) is dependent on the width of the frequency band of the energy to be integrated. Duration is exactly equivalent to intensity only when all the energy to be integrated is in a narrow band of frequencies. The hypothesis tested by taking advantage of the spectral distribution of energy in short tones. As a tone becomes very short, the effective band width of the energy increases. The band width of energy is essentially defined by the reciprocal of the duration of the tone. Thus as the duration of a tone decreases, not only does the total energy in that tone decrease, but the band width of energy also increases. The intensity threshold, then, has to be increased (as duration is decreased) to compensate for both effects if the hypothesis is correct. The results are in line with the predictions of the hypothesis. The width of the band necessary for maximum integration is also related to frequency and the width of critical bands.
Towards Cardiac Risk Monitoring of Duchene Muscular Dystrophy using Lyfas

Duchene Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive neuromuscular disorder affecting male children of a career mother, as seen in more than 70% of cases. It is an X-linked recessive disease that affects 1 in 3600-6000 live male births. As the child grows, muscles are progressively wasted and degenerated in the body. As time passes, it also involves intercostal and heart muscles leading to cardiorespiratory failure and death. Using a smartphone-based application namely, Lyfas that uses the principles of the optical sensor, arterial photoplethysmography, and photochromatography, this report focuses on capturing digital cardiovascular biomarkers at the backdrop of DMD and understanding the physiological aspect of the disorder and its progression, especially the risk of the involvement of cardiac muscles.
Self-adaptive retro-reflective Doppler cloak based on planar space-time modulated metasurfaces

As engineered electromagnetic covers based on (space-) time modulated metamaterials and metasurfaces, Doppler cloaks are able to compensate the Doppler effect induced by the motion of a scatterer, making it appear as if it were at rest to a detecting radar system. Perfect Doppler compensation can be theoretically always achieved for any relative velocity and motion direction of the cloaked scatterer with respect to the detecting system. However, the motion can be still detected from the cross section variation of the Doppler cloaked scatterer, especially under oblique incidence illumination. The challenge is, therefore, to have a proper Doppler compensation and maintain the amount of scattered energy toward the detection system as much constant as possible with respect to the illumination angle. In this Letter, we propose the design of self-adaptive retro-reflective planar Doppler cloak composed of a pair of space-time modulated metasurfaces: the first metasurface focuses the incident field in a specific location on the second metasurface, which is designed for enabling retro-reflection and Doppler frequency shift compensation. Here, the self-adaptive Doppler cloak is applied to a metallic planar reflector, moving toward its normal direction, and illuminated by an oblique plane wave. We demonstrate that the proposed Doppler cloak can perform frequency conversion and simultaneously maintain the radar cross section of the reflector as much stable as possible within an angular range of about 60° centered at the normal direction. The self-adaptive Doppler cloak may enhance the undetectability of cloaked moving objects.