Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Black hole binary mergers in dense star clusters: the importance of primordial binaries

Dense stellar clusters are expected to house the ideal conditions for binary black hole (BBH) formation, both through binary stellar evolution and through dynamical encounters. We use theoretical arguments as well as N-body simulations to make predictions for the evolution of BBHs formed through stellar evolution inside clusters from the cluster birth (which we term primordial binaries), and for the sub-population of merging BBHs. We identify three key populations: (i) BBHs that form in the cluster, and merge before experiencing any strong dynamical interaction; (ii) binaries that are ejected from the cluster after only one dynamical interaction; and, (iii) BBHs that experience more than one strong interaction inside the cluster. We find that population (i) and (ii) are the dominant source of all BBH mergers formed in clusters with escape velocity vesc ≤ 30 km s−1. At higher escape velocities, dynamics are predicted to play a major role both for the formation and subsequent evolution of BBHs. Finally, we argue that for sub-Solar metallicity clusters with vesc ≲ 100 km s−1, the dominant form of interaction experienced by primordial BBHs (BBHs formed from primordial binaries) within the cluster is with other BBHs. The complexity of these binary-binary interactions will complicate the future evolution of the BBH and influence the total number of mergers produced.
On the Atypical Solutions of the Symmetric Binary Perceptron

We study the random binary symmetric perceptron problem, focusing on the behavior of rare high-margin solutions. While most solutions are isolated, we demonstrate that these rare solutions are part of clusters of extensive entropy, heuristically corresponding to non-trivial fixed points of an approximate message-passing algorithm. We enumerate these clusters via a local entropy, defined as a Franz-Parisi potential, which we rigorously evaluate using the first and second moment methods in the limit of a small constraint density $\alpha$ (corresponding to vanishing margin $\kappa$) under a certain assumption on the concentration of the entropy. This examination unveils several intriguing phenomena: i) We demonstrate that these clusters have an entropic barrier in the sense that the entropy as a function of the distance from the reference high-margin solution is non-monotone when $\kappa \le 1.429 \sqrt{-\alpha/\log{\alpha}}$, while it is monotone otherwise, and that they have an energetic barrier in the sense that there are no solutions at an intermediate distance from the reference solution when $\kappa \le 1.239 \sqrt{-\alpha/ \log{\alpha}}$. The critical scaling of the margin $\kappa$ in $\sqrt{-\alpha/\log\alpha}$ corresponds to the one obtained from the earlier work of Gamarnik et al. (2022) for the overlap-gap property, a phenomenon known to present a barrier to certain efficient algorithms. ii) We establish using the replica method that the complexity (the logarithm of the number of clusters of such solutions) versus entropy (the logarithm of the number of solutions in the clusters) curves are partly non-concave and correspond to very large values of the Parisi parameter, with the equilibrium being reached when the Parisi parameter diverges.
Partial magnetic order in kagome spin ice

Motivated by the observation of partial magnetic order in kagome-based magnets, we study the classical kagome Ising antiferromagnet, known as kagome spin ice, including further-neighbor interactions at zero and finite temperature. While the nearest-neighbor model displays an extensive ground-state degeneracy, various symmetry-breaking states can appear upon including additional couplings. Among these, peculiar partially ordered states have been proposed. We present results from large-scale Monte-Carlo simulations, establishing that such partial order is stabilized by third-neighbor couplings along the hexagon diagonals. We show that these states arise due to the emergence of one-dimensional chains in a fully frustrated environment. We discuss their finite-temperature properties in detail and highlight the magnetic states' peculiarities depending on the diagonal couplings' sign, as well as suggestions to observe these states using thermodynamic probes.
Spline-based neural network interatomic potentials: blending classical and machine learning models

While machine learning (ML) interatomic potentials (IPs) are able to achieve accuracies nearing the level of noise inherent in the first-principles data to which they are trained, it remains to be shown if their increased complexities are strictly necessary for constructing high-quality IPs. In this work, we introduce a new MLIP framework which blends the simplicity of spline-based MEAM (s-MEAM) potentials with the flexibility of a neural network (NN) architecture. The proposed framework, which we call the spline-based neural network potential (s-NNP), is a simplified version of the traditional NNP that can be used to describe complex datasets in a computationally efficient manner. We demonstrate how this framework can be used to probe the boundary between classical and ML IPs, highlighting the benefits of key architectural changes. Furthermore, we show that using spline filters for encoding atomic environments results in a readily interpreted embedding layer which can be coupled with modifications to the NN to incorporate expected physical behaviors and improve overall interpretability. Finally, we test the flexibility of the spline filters, observing that they can be shared across multiple chemical systems in order to provide a convenient reference point from which to begin performing cross-system analyses.
Deflection of Coronal Mass Ejections in Unipolar Ambient Magnetic Fields

The trajectories of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are often seen to deviate substantially from a purely radial propagation direction. Such deviations occur predominantly in the corona and have been attributed to “channeling” or deflection of the eruptive flux by asymmetric ambient magnetic fields. Here, we investigate an additional mechanism that does not require any asymmetry of the preeruptive ambient field. Using magnetohydrodynamic numerical simulations, we show that the trajectories of CMEs through the solar corona can significantly deviate from the radial direction when propagation takes place in a unipolar radial field. We demonstrate that the deviation is most prominent below ∼15 R ⊙ and can be attributed to an “effective I × B force” that arises from the intrusion of a magnetic flux rope with a net axial electric current into a unipolar background field. These results are important for predictions of CME trajectories in the context of space-weather forecasts, as well as for reaching a deeper understanding of the fundamental physics underlying CME interactions with the ambient fields in the extended solar corona.
Variability in the Results of Vestibular Assessment in Patients with Genetically Confirmed Cerebellar Ataxia, Neuropathy, and Vestibular Areflexia Syndrome

Background: Cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) presents an unpredictable and uneven clinical development of cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, and vestibular areflexia. The aim of this study is to report the variability of vestibular test results in genetically confirmed patients with cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, and vestibular areflexia syndrome. Methods: Caloric testing, video head impulse test (vHIT), and rotatory chair testing were performed in 7 patients who presented pathogenic repeat expansions in the replication factor complex unit 1 gene related to cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, and vestibular areflexia syndrome. Results: Reduced vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain was observed in 100% of the patients in rotatory chair testing. Three of them had bilateral areflexia in caloric testing while 2 showed unilateral hypofunction and 2 had no alterations in the test. Only 1 patient had bilateral abnormal vHIT with gains under 0.6 in both ears. Conclusion: Genetic testing allows an early diagnosis of cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, and vestibular areflexia syndrome, whereby the vestibular system may be affected to different degrees. Rotatory chair testing has a higher sensitivity for the detection of vestibular hypofunction in these patients. Caloric testing can provide additional information. vHIT might underdiagnose patients with mild-to-moderate vestibulopathy.
Tourism development in rural and remote areas: build it and they may not come!

This paper provides an overview of tourism planning approaches for rural and remote areas. Tourism 'plans' applying to rural and remote destinations in Australia are analysed. The findings suggest that different, and often competing, approaches are applied to the same destinations by tourism marketing organisations, local government, and natural resource managers. There appears to be little flexibility in the approaches taken by each of these, resulting in 'one size fits all' planning templates. In particular, there are a limited range of methods used to gain and apply stakeholder input. There also appears to be poor application of research in the development of plans and regulations. A tourism planning model is proposed which seeks to achieve a more holistic approach to planning for tourism in rural and remote areas by balancing the demands of the tourists with the aspirations of a community and the protection of environmental values.
Negative Effects of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis on Bone Fusion after Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Study Design This study adopted a retrospective cohort study design. Purpose This study aimed to clarify the influence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) on bone fusion after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Overview of Literature The negative effects of DISH on lumbar degenerative diseases have been reported, and DISH may be involved in the onset and severity of lumbar spinal canal stenosis. Patients with DISH have significantly more reoperations after posterior lumbar fusion, including TLIF. However, the effects of DISH on bone fusion after TLIF have not been reported. Methods The medical records of patients with intervertebral TLIF from 2012 to 2018 were retrospectively examined. The patients were divided into those with fusion and those with pseudoarthrosis, and the following data were compared: age, sex, DISH, diabetes mellitus, smoking, drinking, albumin levels, body mass index ≥30 kg/m2, and L5/S fixation. Statistical analyses were performed using regression models. Results In this study, 180 patients (78.6%) had fusion and 49 patients (21.4%) had pseudoarthrosis. The number of patients with DISH was significantly higher in the pseudoarthrosis group than in the fusion group (36.7% and 21.7%, respectively; univariate p=0.031, multivariate p=0.019). No significant differences in age, sex, diabetes mellitus, smoking, drinking, albumin levels, body mass index ≥30 kg/m2, and L5/S fixation were observed between the two groups. The risk factors for bone fusion were statistically analyzed in 57 patients with DISH. DISH with a caudal end below Th11 was an independent risk factor for pseudoarthrosis (univariate p=0.011, multivariate p=0.033). Conclusions DISH is an independent risk factor for pseudoarthrosis after one intervertebral TLIF, and DISH with a caudal end below Th11 is associated with a higher risk of pseudoarthrosis than DISH without a caudal end below Th11.
MUNCH: Modelling Unique 'N Controllable Heads

The automated generation of 3D human heads has been an intriguing and challenging task for computer vision researchers. Prevailing methods synthesize realistic avatars but with limited control over the diversity and quality of rendered outputs and suffer from limited correlation between shape and texture of the character. We propose a method that offers quality, diversity, control, and realism along with explainable network design, all desirable features to game-design artists in the domain. First, our proposed Geometry Generator identifies disentangled latent directions and generate novel and diverse samples. A Render Map Generator then learns to synthesize multiply high-fidelty physically-based render maps including Albedo, Glossiness, Specular, and Normals. For artists preferring fine-grained control over the output, we introduce a novel Color Transformer Model that allows semantic color control over generated maps. We also introduce quantifiable metrics called Uniqueness and Novelty and a combined metric to test the overall performance of our model. Demo for both shapes & textures can be found: https://munch-seven.vercel. app/. We will release our model along with the synthetic dataset.
Estimation in optimal treatment regimes based on mean residual lifetimes with right‐censored data

An optimal individualized treatment regime (ITR) is a decision rule in allocating the best treatment to each patient and, hence, maximizing overall benefits. In this paper, we propose a novel framework based on nonparametric inverse probability weighting (IPW) and augmented inverse probability weighting (AIPW) estimators of the value function when the data are subject to right censoring. In contrast to most existing approaches that are designed to maximize the expected survival time under a binary treatment framework, the proposed method targets maximizing the mean residual lifetime of patients. Specifically, the proposed IPW method searches the optimal ITR by maximizing an estimator for the overall population outcome directly, without specifying the regression model for the conditional mean residual lifetime, whereas the AIPW method integrates the model information of the mean residual lifetime to improve the robustness. Furthermore, to overcome the computational difficulty in a nonsmooth value estimator, smoothed IPW and AIPW estimators are constructed. In theory, we establish the asymptotic properties of the proposed method under suitable regularity conditions. The empirical performances of the proposed IPW and AIPW estimators are evaluated using simulation studies and are further illustrated with an application to the real‐world data set from the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Clinical Trial Group Protocol 175 (ACTG175).
COMPARISON OF HEMATOLOGIC DIFFERENCES WITH LITHIUM HEPARIN AND DIPOTASSIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETIC ACID IN EUROPEAN STARLINGS (STURNUS VULGARIS)

Abstract: Preservation of blood through use of anticoagulants allows delayed assessment of hematologic health and is commonly employed in veterinary health assessments. The two most common anticoagulants are lithium heparin (LH) and dipotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and their effects can vary widely between species. The hematologic effects of these anticoagulants on blood from European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) have not been established, and these birds could serve as models for passerine species both in managed collections and in the wild. Blood was drawn from 45 European starlings and immediately divided into either LH or EDTA microtainers. For each sample, packed cell volume (PCV), total solids (TS), and complete blood counts were performed. There were no significant differences between EDTA and LH anticoagulated blood for PCV, white blood cell count (WBC) slide estimates, WBC determined by Leukopet, absolute heterophils, absolute lymphocytes, absolute monocytes, absolute eosinophils, or absolute basophils. Blood anticoagulated with EDTA had higher total solids than blood mixed with LH. For both anticoagulants, Leukopet-measured total WBC were consistently higher than blood film estimates. There were no subjective morphologic differences for WBC and no hemolysis observed in the samples. Thrombocyte clumping was prominent for LH blood samples and minimal for EDTA samples. These results reveal that LH and EDTA are both suitable anticoagulants for use in European starlings, and EDTA may be superior for diagnostic purposes or for qualitative evaluation of thrombocyte quantity.
Diversification of Ubiquinone Biosynthesis via Gene Duplications, Transfers, Losses, and Parallel Evolution

Abstract The availability of an ever-increasing diversity of prokaryotic genomes and metagenomes represents a major opportunity to understand and decipher the mechanisms behind the functional diversification of microbial biosynthetic pathways. However, it remains unclear to what extent a pathway producing a specific molecule from a specific precursor can diversify. In this study, we focus on the biosynthesis of ubiquinone (UQ), a crucial coenzyme that is central to the bioenergetics and to the functioning of a wide variety of enzymes in Eukarya and Pseudomonadota (a subgroup of the formerly named Proteobacteria). UQ biosynthesis involves three hydroxylation reactions on contiguous carbon atoms. We and others have previously shown that these reactions are catalyzed by different sets of UQ-hydroxylases that belong either to the iron-dependent Coq7 family or to the more widespread flavin monooxygenase (FMO) family. Here, we combine an experimental approach with comparative genomics and phylogenetics to reveal how UQ-hydroxylases evolved different selectivities within the constrained framework of the UQ pathway. It is shown that the UQ-FMOs diversified via at least three duplication events associated with two cases of neofunctionalization and one case of subfunctionalization, leading to six subfamilies with distinct hydroxylation selectivity. We also demonstrate multiple transfers of the UbiM enzyme and the convergent evolution of UQ-FMOs toward the same function, which resulted in two independent losses of the Coq7 ancestral enzyme. Diversification of this crucial biosynthetic pathway has therefore occurred via a combination of parallel evolution, gene duplications, transfers, and losses.
RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY OF CAPTIVE AFRICAN WILD DOGS (LYCAON PICTUS) HELD WITHIN UNITED KINGDOM ZOOLOGICAL INSTITUTIONS BETWEEN 2000 AND 2020

Abstract: The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) is listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and is part of captive breeding programs designed to support free-living populations and genetic diversity. This study's aim was to identify common causes of morbidity and mortality objectively in United Kingdom captive African wild dogs to inform management recommendations that will improve health and welfare and reduce disease prevalence. Data were gathered from 140 individual dogs housed in 10 institutions, with morbidity records for 122 individuals and 70 postmortem reports. Descriptive statistics including the Mann–Whitney U test and odds ratios were used to analyze morbidity and mortality across age and sex. The most common cause of death for African wild dogs, excluding those,< 7 d old, was trauma (23%), followed by geriatric (18%), degenerative (15%), and neoplastic (14%) conditions. The most common morbidity was also trauma (62%), of which 76% was caused by intraspecific aggression. Integumentary disease secondary to trauma was the most common morbidity by body system. Eight independent incidents of barbiturate toxicosis from consumption of contaminated carcasses, affecting 18 animals, were identified. Records for neonatal deaths were incomplete and conclusions limited; neonatal loss was estimated at 20.5%. Recommendations include research into factors affecting intraspecific aggression in captivity, operant conditioning for hand injection, provision of dietary carcasses from reputable sources, and improved record-keeping.
An integrated micropalaeontological approach applied to Late Pleistocene-Holocene palaeoclimatic and palaeoenvironmental changes (Gaeta Bay, Tyrrhenian Sea)

Abstract An integrated micropalaeontological approach has been used to characterize the last climatic cycle in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Three gravity cores, drilled in the Gaeta Bay continental shelf, have been analysed by means of quantitative methods applied to different taxonomic groups. In particular, calcareous nannofossils, planktonic Foraminifera, ostracods and palynomorphs have been studied to detect palaeoclimatic trends. The Last Glacial period has been identified in the lower part of two cores (C8 and C9), and an older cold period is represented in the lower part of the more proximal core (C5). The upper part of all the cores clearly records the Holocene period, whereas the Late Glacial period is not always easily detectable. Pollen seems to precede the Holocene climatic optimum. Climatic curves have been reconstructed for all the taxonomic groups and high-resolution palaeobathymetric reconstruction has been inferred on the basis of the ostracod assemblages.
High‐resolution relocation of aftershocks of the Mw 7.1 Darfield, New Zealand, earthquake and implications for fault activity

Low‐slip‐rate regions often represent under‐recognized hazards, and understanding the progression of seismicity when faults in such areas rupture will help us to better understand earthquake rupture patterns. The 3 September 2010 (UTC) Mw 7.1 Darfield earthquake revealed a formerly unrecognized set of faults in the Canterbury region of New Zealand, an area that had previously been mapped as one of the lower‐hazard areas in the country. In this study, we analyze the first four months of its aftershock sequence to identify active faults and temporal changes in seismicity along them. We jointly invert for three‐dimensional P wave and S wave velocities and hypocentral locations, using data for 2840 aftershocks recorded at 36 temporary and permanent seismic stations within 70 km of the main shock epicenter. These relocations delineate eight individual faults active prior to the 22 February 2011 Mw 6.3 Christchurch earthquake, the largest aftershock of the Darfield earthquake. Two of these faults are in the Christchurch region, one of which corresponds to geodetically determined rupture planes of the Christchurch earthquake. Using focal mechanisms calculated from first‐motion polarities, we find mainly strike‐slip faulting events, with some reverse and normal faulting events as well. We compare the orientations of these faults to the prevailing regional stress directions to identify which faults may have been active prior to the Darfield earthquake and which may be newly developed.