Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Compressive Mechanical Properties and Shock-Induced Reaction Behavior of Zr/PTFE and Ti/PTFE Reactive Materials

Existing research on PTFE-based reactive materials (RMs) mostly focuses on Al/PTFE RMs. To explore further possibilities of formulation, the reactive metal components in the RMs can be replaced. In this paper, Zr/PTFE and Ti/PTFE RMs were prepared by cold isostatic pressing and vacuum sintering. The static and dynamic compressive mechanical properties of Zr/PTFE and Ti/PTFE RMs were investigated at different strain rates. The results show that the introduction of zirconium powder and titanium powder can increase the strength of the material under dynamic loading. Meanwhile, a modified J-C model considering strain and strain rate coupling was proposed. The parameters of the modified J-C model of Zr/PTFE and Ti/PTFE RMs were determined, which can describe and predict plastic flow stress. To characterize the impact-induced reaction behavior of Zr/PTFE and Ti/PTFE RMs, a quasi-sealed test chamber was used to measure the over-pressure induced by the exothermic reaction. The energy release characteristics of both materials were more intense under the higher impact.
Data-Driven Estimation of Throughput Performance in Sliced Radio Access Networks via Supervised Learning

In 5G systems, Network Slicing (NS) feature allows to deploy several logical networks customized for specific verticals over a common physical infrastructure. To make the most of this feature, cellular operators need models reflecting cell and slice performance for re-dimensioning the Radio Access Network (RAN). For enhanced Mobility BroadBand (eMBB) services, throughput is regarded as a key performance metric since it strongly influences user experience. This work presents the first comprehensive analysis tackling cell and slice throughput estimation in the downlink of RAN-sliced networks through Supervised Learning (SL), based on information collected in the operations support system. Different well-known SL algorithms are tested in two NS scenarios with single-service or multi-service slices serving eMBB users. To this end, several synthetic datasets are generated with a system-level simulator emulating the activity of a sliced RAN. Results show that NS alters the correlation between network performance indicators and cell throughput compared to legacy RANs, thus being required a separate analysis for NS scenarios. Moreover, the best model to estimate throughput at cell/slice level may depend on the scenario (single-service vs multi-service slices). In all cases, the best models have shown an estimation error below 10 %.
Average BER Performance Estimation of Relayed THz Links with Losses, Molecular Attenuation, Adverse Weather Conditions, Turbulence and Generalized Pointing Errors

In recent years, the THz frequency band (0.3 THz–10 THz) has attracted an increasing research interest for the realization of emerging high-speed wireless communication links. Nevertheless, the propagation of THz signals through the atmospheric channel is primarily subjected to signal attenuation due to free space path loss (FSPL), water vapor, adverse weather conditions along with atmospheric turbulence-induced and misalignment-induced scintillations. Therefore, in this work, a multi-hop line-of-sight THz system that utilizes serially connected decode-and-forward relays is proposed to extend the total THz coverage distance under the presence of fog, rain or clear weather conditions, as well as water vapor, atmospheric turbulence, non-zero boresight pointing errors and FSPL. Under these circumstances, an average bit error rate (ABER) analysis is performed. In this context, novel closed-form ABER expressions are derived. Their analytical results demonstrate the influence of each of the above limiting factors as well as their joint impact on the ABER performance. Finally, the feasibility of extending the total THz link distance through multi-hop relaying configurations is also evaluated.
Compact, backdrivable, and efficient design of linear electro-hydrostatic actuator module

An electro-hydrostatic actuator (EHA) has high backdrivability and is suitable for robots that interact with the environment, including human. However, the challenging problem in its mechanical design is that it is difficult to achieve compact size and high power transmission efficiency, compared with standard gear reducers. To tackle this problem, this study presents the design method by macro- and micro-scale designs. A linear-type EHA consists of a cylinder and a hydraulic pump. The former includes cylinder parameters that are dominant in the total size, and the latter includes gap width in the gear pump that is important for reducing power loss. We propose the hierarchical design to determine these parameters. In the macro-scale design, we determine the cylinder radius and differential pressure to maximize the efficiency-to-volume ratio. Based on the result of the macro-scale design, the micro-scale design determines the width of internal gaps to minimize the power loss in the gear pump. We derive mathematical formulations for the designs and develop the EHA by utilizing modular design and 3D printing. Moreover, we evaluate the fundamental properties of the developed EHA module, focusing on its power transmission efficiency and backdrivability. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Fast Approximation Schemes for Multi-Criteria Flow, Knapsack, and Scheduling Problems

Abstract : The solution to an instance of the standard Shortest Path problem is a single shortest route in a directed graph. Suppose, however, that each arc has both a distance and a cost, and that one would like to find a route that is both short and inexpensive. A solution in this case typically consists of multiple routes because in general, no point is both shortest and cheapest. Finding the efficient frontier or tradeoff curve for such a multi-criteria problem is often difficult, in part because the solution set can have exponentially many points. As a result, multi-criteria problems are often solved by approximating the efficient frontier. A fast approximation scheme (FAS) for a multi-criteria problem is an algorithm that can quickly find an arbitrarily-good approximation to the problem's efficient frontier. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of an FAS for a problem were introduced in [8094]. The conditions are stated in terms of the existence of a V-pseudo-polynomial (VPP) time algorithm for the problem. A new form of reducibility is also introduced and shown to be useful for studying the existence of FAS's. This paper extends the work of [8094] by applying it to a variety of discrete optimization problems. The Source-to-Tree (STT) Network Flow problem is introduced. This problem is interesting because it generalizes many commonly-treated combinatorial optimization problems. A VPP time algorithm is demonstrated for a particular STT problem and is used to show that the problem has an FAS. Results are also derived about the computational complexity of finding approximate solutions to several multi-criteria knapsack, scheduling, and production planning problems. Many theorems extend previously- known results to multi-criteria problems. For some problems, results about problems with binary variables are extended to problems with general integer variables. These and other results are of interest even for problems with only a single criterion.
Circulating Microparticles Are Differentially Increased in Lowlanders and Highlanders with High Altitude Induced Pulmonary Hypertension during the Cold Season

The role of microparticles (MPs) and cold in high altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH) remains unexplored. We investigated the impact of long-term cold exposure on the pulmonary circulation in lowlanders and high-altitude natives and the role of MPs. Pulmonary hemodynamics were evaluated using Doppler echocardiography at the end of the colder and warmer seasons. We further examined the miRNA content of MPs isolated from the study participants and studied their effects on human pulmonary artery smooth muscle (hPASMCs) and endothelial cells (hPAECs). Long-term exposure to cold environment was associated with an enhanced pulmonary artery pressure in highlanders. Plasma levels of CD62E-positive and CD68-positive MPs increased in response to cold in lowlanders and HAPH highlanders. The miRNA-210 expression contained in MPs differentially changed in response to cold in lowlanders and highlanders. MPs isolated from lowlanders and highlanders increased proliferation and reduced apoptosis of hPASMCs. Further, MPs isolated from warm-exposed HAPH highlanders and cold-exposed highlanders exerted the most pronounced effects on VEGF expression in hPAECs. We demonstrated that prolonged exposure to cold is associated with elevated pulmonary artery pressures, which are most pronounced in high-altitude residents. Further, the numbers of circulating MPs are differentially increased in lowlanders and HAPH highlanders during the colder season.
In vivo astrocyte-to-neuron reprogramming for central nervous system regeneration: a narrative review

The inability of damaged neurons to regenerate within the mature central nervous system (CNS) is a significant neuroscientific challenge. Astrocytes are an essential component of the CNS and participate in many physiological processes including blood-brain barrier formation, axon growth regulation, neuronal support, and higher cognitive functions such as memory. Recent reprogramming studies have confirmed that astrocytes in the mature CNS can be transformed into functional neurons. Building on in vitro work, many studies have demonstrated that astrocytes can be transformed into neurons in different disease models to replace damaged or lost cells. However, many findings in this field are controversial, as the source of new neurons has been questioned. This review summarizes progress in reprogramming astrocytes into neurons in vivo in animal models of spinal cord injury, brain injury, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions.
Genetic Diversity of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae Serovars in Hungary

Simple Summary Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae causes severe pneumonia in pigs, resulting in high economic losses. A total of 114 isolates from pneumonia were characterized by the examination of biotype, serovar, antibiotic resistance genes, and genes of toxin production. Analyzing their genetic relationship, 16 groups of related isolates were found. The genetic diversity was different in the different groups, however. It was remarkably small in the case of serovar 13, which was unusually frequent in Hungary. Therefore, representative isolates of serovar 13 were subjected to whole-genome sequencing, confirming low diversity. Antibiotic resistance was frequently found in isolates of serovar 13 but was less frequent in other serovars. The unusually high frequency and low diversity of serovar 13 suggest a clonal spread in Hungary, which may have been facilitated by a high frequency of resistance to beta-lactams and tetracyclines. Abstract A total of 114 Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae isolates from porcine hemorrhagic necrotic pleuropneumonia were characterized by the examination of biotype, serovar, antibiotic resistance genes, and genes of toxin production. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was used to analyze their genetic relationship, which identified 16 clusters. Serovar 2 (50 isolates), serovar 13 (25 isolates), serovar 9 (11 isolates), and serovar 16 (7 isolates) were the most frequent serovars. Serovar 2 formed nine distinguishable clusters; serovar 13 and serovar 16 were less diverse, exhibiting two potentially related subclusters; serovar 9 was represented by a single cluster. Remarkably small differences were seen in the core genome when nine representative isolates of serovar 13 were subjected to whole-genome sequencing. Tetracycline resistance was relatively frequent in the two clusters of serovar 13; one of them was also frequently resistant against beta-lactams. Resistance in other serovars was sporadic. All isolates carried the apxIV gene. The toxin profiles of serovar 2 were characterized by the production of ApxII and ApxIII toxins, except for a small cluster of three isolates: serovar 9 and serovar 16 isolates produced ApxI and ApxII toxins. Serovar 13 carried apxII and apxIBD genes, indicating the production of the ApxII toxin, but not of ApxI or ApxIII. The unusually high frequency and low diversity of serovar 13 are not explained by its virulence properties, but the high frequency of resistance to beta-lactams and tetracyclines may have played a role in its spread. The emergence of serovar 16 may be facilitated by its high virulence, also explaining its high clonality.
An Optimized FI-RSV Vaccine Effectively Protects Cotton Rats and BALB/c Mice without Causing Enhanced Respiratory Disease

Background: Despite considerable efforts toward vaccine development in past decades, no effective vaccines against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are available. Recently, we showed that an optimized formalin concentration can preserve prefusion protein (pre-F) on RSV-infected cells and protect mice against RSV infection without causing enhanced respiratory disease (ERD). Here, we sought to further stabilize pre-F on RSV virions by optimizing the production of FI-RSV. Methods: Freshly produced RSV virions were treated with formalin under different concentrations to obtained an opti-FI-RSV vaccine with high pre-F level. Immunogenicity and safety of opti-FI-RSV were evaluated in Balb/c mice and cotton rats. Results: Using 0.0156–0.1778% formalin, we successfully preserved pre-F on virions. This opti-FI-RSV exhibited improved immunogenicity and efficacy without causing ERD. Surprisingly, opti-FI-RSV, with a pre-F-dominant immunogen, still caused ERD after immunization with a suboptimal dose or when the neutralizing antibody titers declined. ERD was avoided by coadministering opti-FI-RSV with CpG + MPLA adjuvant, which subsequently induced a Th1-biasing immune response and, more importantly, significantly improved antibody avidity. Conclusions: Our study provides a new method to obtain a novel FI-RSV vaccine with a high pre-F level and may provide a reference for developing other inactivated vaccines. Our findings also emphasize that appropriate adjuvants are critical for nonreplicating vaccines.
Scaling law of the disjoining pressure reveals two dimensional structure of polymeric fluids

A scaling relation for the disjoining pressure of strongly confined polymer fluids is proposed for the first time, which yields directly the scaling exponent, nu, of the radius of gyration for polymers. To test the proposed scaling relation we performed extensive particle based, coarse grained computer simulations of polymers confined under theta solvent conditions and found that the value of nu agrees with the expected value for strictly two dimensional chains, nu = 4/7, which points towards the essential correctness of our scaling relation. New approaches are suggested for experimental tests of this scaling law. This work opens up the way to look for other scaling exponents that may reveal new physical regimes and it constitutes an efficient route to determine nu because the scaling exponent can be obtained with chains of a single polymerization degree by simply reducing the distance between the confining plates.
Isosurfaces: Geometry, Topology, and Algorithms

Introduction What Are Isosurfaces? Applications of Isosurfaces Isosurface Properties Isosurface Construction Limitations of Isosurfaces Multi-Valued Functions and Vector Fields Definitions and Basic Techniques Marching Cubes and Variants Definitions Marching Squares Marching Cubes Marching Tetrahedra Dual Contouring Definitions Surface Nets Dual Marching Cubes Comparison with Marching Cubes Multilinear Interpolation Bilinear Interpolation: 2D The Asymptotic Decider: 3D Trilinear Interpolation Isosurface Patch Construction Definitions and Notation Isosurface Patch Construction Isosurface Table Construction Marching Polyhedra Algorithm Isohull Isosurface Generation in 4D Definitions and Notation Isosurface Table Generation in 4D Marching Hypercubes Marching Simplices Marching Polytopes 4D Isohull 4D Surface Nets Interval Volumes Definitions and Notation MCVol Automatic Table Generation MCVol Interval Volume Properties Tetrahedral Meshes Convex Polyhedral Meshes Data Structures Uniform Grid Partitions Octrees Span Space Priority Trees Seed Sets Multiresolution Tetrahedral Meshes Bisection of Tetrahedra Multiresolution Isosurfaces Multiresolution Polyhedral Meshes Multiresolution Convex Polyhedral Mesh Multiresolution Surface Nets Multiresolution in 4D Isovalues Counting Grid Vertices Counting Grid Edges and Grid Cubes Measuring Gradients Contour Trees Examples of Contour Trees Definition of Contour Tree Join, Split and Merge Trees Constructing Join, Split and Merge Trees Constructing Contour Trees Theory and Proofs Simplification of Contour Trees Applications Appendix A: Geometry Appendix B: Topology Appendix C: Graph Theory Appendix D: Notation Bibliography Index Notes and Comments appear at the end of each chapter.
Rational Choice or Altruism Factor: Determinants of Residents’ Behavior toward Household Waste Separation in Xi’an, China

Understanding why people do or do not perform household waste separation is a vital premise for designing relevant policies to promote waste management. As such, in this paper, an empirical study was carried out to explore the impacts of both rational choice and altruism factors on residents’ household waste separation behavior. Through the analysis of the survey sample (n = 1102) from Xi’an, China, using structural equation modeling, the main findings suggested that (i) the rational choice model can better explain such behavior, (ii) the altruism factor cannot directly affect household waste separation behavior, (iii) the altruism factor is highly correlated with the attitude determinant of household waste separation behavior, and (iv) rational choice models incorporating the altruism factor may have better explanatory efficacy. After that, some factors influencing residents’ altruism to household waste separation were identified. The main aim of this study was to compare two different tendencies in explaining sustainable behavior and help to find a better framework for behavior analysis.
Recovering the superconducting state via spin accumulation above the pair-breaking magnetic field of superconductor/ferromagnet multilayers

We study theoretically the simultaneous influence of spin accumulation potential $eV_\uparrow-eV_\downarrow$ and the Zeeman exchange field on singlet superconductivity. It is shown that the pair-breaking effect of the Zeeman field can be fully compensated by creation of the appropriate spin accumulation potential in the superconductor. Moreover, superconductivity can be recovered for exchange fields well exceeding the Pauli limiting field. It is proposed that the effect can be experimentally realized on the basis of voltage biased junction consisting of a thin superconducting film sandwiched between two half metals.
Accreting supermassive black holes in the COSMOS field and the connection to their host galaxies

Using the wide multiband photometry available in the Cosmic Evolution Survey (COSMOS) field, we explore the host galaxy properties of a large sample of active galactic nuclei (AGNs; ∼1700 objects) with Lbol ranging from 1043 to 1047 erg s−1, obtained by combining X-ray and optical spectroscopic selections. Based on a careful study of their spectral energy distributions, which have been parametrized using a two-component (AGN+galaxy) model fit, we have derived dust-corrected rest-frame magnitudes, colours and stellar masses of the obscured and unobscured AGN hosts up to high redshift (). Moreover, for the sample of obscured AGNs, we have also derived reliable star formation rates (SFRs). We find that AGN hosts span a large range of stellar masses and SFRs. No colour-bimodality is seen at any redshift in the AGN hosts, which are found to be mainly massive, red galaxies. Once we have accounted for the colour–mass degeneracy in well-defined mass-matched samples, we find a residual (marginal) enhancement of the incidence of AGNs in redder galaxies with lower specific SFRs. We argue that this result might emerge because of our ability to properly account for AGN light contamination and dust extinction, compared to surveys with a more limited multiwavelength coverage. However, because these colour shifts are relatively small, systematic effects could still be considered responsible for some of the observed trends. Interestingly, we find that the probability for a galaxy to host a black hole that is growing at any given ‘specific accretion rate’ (i.e. the ratio of X-ray luminosity to the host stellar mass) is almost independent of the host galaxy mass, while it decreases as a power law with LX/M*. By analysing the normalization of such a probability distribution, we show how the incidence of AGNs increases with redshift as rapidly as (1 + z)4, which closely resembles the overall evolution of the specific SFR of the entire galaxy population. We provide analytical fitting formulae that describe the probability of a galaxy of any mass (above the completeness limit of the COSMOS) to host an AGN of any given specific accretion rate as a function of redshift. These can be useful tools for theoretical studies of the growing population of black holes within galaxy evolution models. Although AGN activity and star formation in galaxies do appear to have a common triggering mechanism, at least in a statistical sense, within the COSMOS sample, we do not find any conclusive evidence to suggest that AGNs have a powerful influence on the star-forming properties of their host galaxies.
Mobile internet traffic measurement and modeling based on data from commercial GPRS networks

New mobile networks of the third and evolved second generation have been deployed that enable a mobile accessible, always available wireless Internet. To exploit the full potential from those new mobile access network technologies, and to meet high user expectations, these networks need to be well designed, dimensioned and deployed. An important basis for these tasks are accurate traffic models, and sound traffic estimates. However, such knowledge does not yet exist for mobile networks. In this thesis, measurements from commercially deployed General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) networks are investigated to derive novel knowledge on mobile network usage and its traffic characteristics to fill this gap.
Instrumental Variables Estimation of Average Treatment Effects in Econometrics and Epidemiology

The average effect of intervention or treatment is a parameter of interest in both epidemiology and econometrics. A key difference between applications in the two fields is that epidemiologic research is more likely to involve qualitative outcomes and nonlinear models. An example is the recent use of the Vietnam era draft lottery to construct estimates of the effect of Vietnam era military service on civilian mortality. In this paper. I present necessary and sufficient conditions for linear instrumental variables. techniques to consistently estimate average treatment effects in qualitative or other nonlinear models. Most latent index models commonly applied to qualitative outcomes in econometrics fail to satisfy these conditions, and monte carlo evidence on the bias of instrumental estimates of the average treatment effect in a bivariate probit model is presented. The evidence suggests that linear instrumental variables estimators perform nearly as well as the correctly specified maximum likelihood estimator. especially in large samples. Linear instrumental variables and the normal maximum likelihood estimator are also remarkably robust to non-normality.