Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Overview of the Processes Driving Exchange at Cape Hatteras Program

The Processes driving Exchange At Cape Hatteras (PEACH) program seeks to better understand seawater exchanges between the continental shelf and the open ocean near Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. This location is where the Gulf Stream transitions from a boundary-trapped current to a free jet, and where robust along-shelf convergence brings cool, relatively fresh Middle Atlantic Bight and warm, salty South Atlantic Bight shelf waters together, forming an important and dynamic biogeographic boundary. The magnitude of this convergence implies large export of shelf water to the open ocean here. Background on the oceanography of the region provides motivation for the study and gives context for the measurements that were made. Science questions focus on the roles that wind forcing, Gulf Stream forcing, and lateral density gradients play in driving exchange. PEACH observational efforts include a variety of fixed and mobile observing platforms, and PEACH modeling included two different resolutions and data assimilation schemes. Findings to date on mean circulation, the nature of export from the southern Middle Atlantic Bight shelf, Gulf Stream variability, and position variability of the Hatteras Front are summarized, together with a look ahead to forthcoming analyses.
Surgical management for mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction: a systematic review of long-term outcomes.

Background Mechanical complications following acute myocardial infarction (AMI), though rare, are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Surgical management remains a mainstay of therapy for these complications. The purpose of this review is to evaluate long-term outcomes data of surgical management for postinfarction free wall rupture, ventricular septal defect, papillary muscle rupture, and pseudoaneurysm. Methods An electronic literature search was performed to identify original studies reporting long-term outcomes data of surgical management of one of the four mechanical complications following AMI. Studies were considered to have long-term outcomes if they at minimum included survival or mortality data up to one year. Results A total of 285 studies were identified from the literature search. Of these, 29 studies with long-term survival data on surgically managed mechanical complications of AMI are included in the review. The majority of these are retrospective cohort studies or single-center case series. Five studies are included on free wall rupture, 18 on ventricular septal defect, 4 on papillary muscle rupture, and 2 on pseudoaneurysm. Detailed results are tabulated according to complication. Conclusions Long-term surgical outcomes of postinfarction mechanical complications remain understudied. Outcomes for ventricular septal defect repair are better represented in the literature than are outcomes for other mechanical complications, though available studies are still limited by small sample sizes and retrospective design. Further research is warranted, particularly for outcomes of acute pseudoaneurysm repair.
Insights into HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase (RT) Inhibition and Drug Resistance from Thirty Years of Structural Studies

The enzyme reverse transcriptase (RT) plays a central role in the life cycle of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and RT has been an important drug target. Elucidations of the RT structures trapping and detailing the enzyme at various functional and conformational states by X-ray crystallography have been instrumental for understanding RT activities, inhibition, and drug resistance. The structures have contributed to anti-HIV drug development. Currently, two classes of RT inhibitors are in clinical use. These are nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). However, the error-prone viral replication generates variants that frequently develop resistance to the available drugs, thus warranting a continued effort to seek more effective treatment options. RT also provides multiple additional potential druggable sites. Recently, the use of single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) enabled obtaining structures of NNRTI-inhibited HIV-1 RT/dsRNA initiation and RT/dsDNA elongation complexes that were unsuccessful by X-ray crystallography. The cryo-EM platform for the structural study of RT has been established to aid drug design. In this article, we review the roles of structural biology in understanding and targeting HIV RT in the past three decades and the recent structural insights of RT, using cryo-EM.
General Power Flow Calculation for Multi-Terminal HVDC System Based on Sensitivity Analysis and Extended AC Grid

The power flow calculation of the multiterminal high voltage direct current (MTDC) system is essential for planning sustainable energy sources and power flow analysis for the MTDC system. However, the traditional unified methods require a large system of non-linear equations leading to low calculational efficiency. Also, for a large DC grid, there is a concern about the convergence of sequential methods. This paper proposes a general power flow calculation method for voltage source converter (VSC) based MTDC systems. Based on an extended topology of an AC grid, a generalized calculation model of the MTDC power flow is proposed. Then, a novel sensitivity analysis-based power flow (SAPF) method is proposed, in which the state variables of the extended AC grid are calculated via sensitivity analysis. With a smaller system of equations, the proposed SAPF method has less computational burden than the traditional unified methods and causes no convergence problem compared to sequential methods. To further improve the calculational efficiency, the sensitivity-based variable updating is adopted to accelerate the iterative process. By comparing with the existing methods in calculating power flow for different MTDC systems, including large systems with multiple AC/DC grids, the effectiveness and scalability of the proposed methods are verified.
Squaring the Circle of Alternative Assessment in Distance Language Education: A Focus on the Young Learner

Because of the suspension of face-to-face (F2F) teaching activities caused by COVID-19, practitioners are in limbo regarding the assessment of young learners (YLs) in the virtual learning environment, as they are left with minimal guidance and evidence on what can be applicable and effective in the new context. In many countries worldwide, as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, schools in Greece were closed in March 2020. Schools began re-opening in September 2020; however, the second wave of COVID-19 struck, and the number of cases began to grow dangerously. Consequently, schools closed for the second time at the beginning of November 2020, causing teachers and students to face significant assessment challenges. The article presents a case study that concentrates on eight YLs aged 8–10 years old. Alternative assessment was applied during the students’ online language lessons as a means for the teacher to assess and evaluate students’ progress and learning of vocabulary and spelling. For the needs of the study, online observations were conducted, and field notes, record sheets and checklists were kept for a period of two months. Two months after the online lessons commenced, the students were interviewed in order to gain a holistic view of their progress and their feelings toward the experience of an alternative form of assessment.
Risk Assessment of Dangerous Products Release and Dispersion: a Comparison Between CFD and Integral Models

dispersion: a comparison between CFD and integral models A. Fiorucci, M. Pontiggia, M. Derudi, M. Alba, M. Scaioni, R. Pendino, G. Uguccioni, R. Rota 1 Dip. di Chimica, Materiali e Ingegneria Chimica “G. Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, via Mancinelli 7, 20131-Milano, Italy 2 Dip. Di Ing. Idraulica, Ambientale, delle Infrastrutture Viarie e del Rilevamento, Politecnico di Milano, Corso Promessi Sposi 29, 23900-Lecco, Italy 3 D'Appolonia S.p.A. via Martiri di Cefalonia 2, 20097-San Donato Milanese (MI) Italy
Lessons Learned in a Complex Software Safety Program

Development of a system software safety program was required as part of an effort to secure government safety certification of a complex and intrinsically hazardous software-controlled system under development by several contributing companies. The author was part of a team of software safety support engineers reporting to one of the contributing companies. This paper summarizes some of the highlights of the lessons learned during development of this program.
The case for offensive strategies in response to digital disruption

Digitization is claimed to disrupt a growing number of industries, even if to date, limited empirical evidence is made available to assess both the magnitude of this phenomenon and recommend the best incumbent firms’ responses. Leveraging a unique global survey cutting across multiple countries, industries and firms, we provide robust statistical evidence that: (a) digitization fits the concept of disruptive innovation. Empirically, digitization already threatens to cut a major part, up to 12%, of the profit growth profile of the non-responding incumbent. (b) For companies responding to the threat of digitization, an offensive corporate strategy with coherent digital actions, has by far the largest pay-off and may potentially offset the depressive effect of digital disruption. The empirical results are robust to many sensitivity tests, including instrumental variables regressions to test reverse causation from firm performance to strategic posture.
Scroll-like and platy molybdenite-3R from the Ufaley metamorphic block, South Urals: EBSD, XRD, SEM, EPMA and ICP-MS study

Abstract Scroll-like crystals of molybdenite, 2–5 mm in size, were found in phengite rock from the outer contact of the granular quartz vein of the Kyshtym quartz deposit. Platy and partly scrolled molybdenite occur in the same phengite rock from the outer contact of the quartz–feldspar pegmatite of the Slyudyanogorsk mica deposit. Both occurrences are located in the Ufaley metamorphic block in the South Urals. Scroll-like molybdenite crystals can associate with platy and partly twisted crystals in the same samples. The chemical composition of molybdenite was studied by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Polytypes of molybdenite were identified with electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Both scroll-like and platy molybdenite crystals are only represented by the 3R polytype, are enriched in Re up to 1 wt. % and contain no other significant impurities. Scroll-like molybdenite is twisted mainly around the crystallographic axis X. Twinning with a rotation of 60 degrees around the Z crystallographic axis is fixed in the plane (ab). The most probable origin of scroll molybdenites is the consequent growth of molybdenite around nucleation centres, which are commonly represented by mica crystals. The formation of the 3R polytype is caused by the difference in dimension of the layers enriched and depleted in rhenium.
Wing Planform Effect on the Aerodynamics of Insect Wings

Simple Summary This study aims to provide an improved understanding of the effect of wing planform shape on the aerodynamic performance of insect flapping wings. We focus our investigation on three planform parameters, namely aspect ratio, radial centroid location, and wing root offset, and their effect on the aerodynamic performance is characterised at a flow Reynolds number most relevant to small insects similar to fruit flies. We show that aspect ratio and root offset mainly influence the flow detachment area near the wingtip, whereas radial centroid location mainly influences the local flow evolution time on the wing surface. Overall, increasing the aspect ratio is beneficial to lift and efficiency up to a limit where flow detachment near the wing tip leads to less-favorable performance. Similarly, increasing the wing root offset leads to an increased flow detachment area near the wing tip, resulting in reduced lift coefficient, but the aerodynamic efficiency remains relatively unaffected by the root offset value for most aspect ratios. Finally, increasing the radial centroid location mainly increases the aerodynamic efficiency. Abstract This study investigates the effect of wing planform shape on the aerodynamic performance of insect wings by numerically solving the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. We define the wing planforms using a beta-function distribution and employ kinematics representative of normal hovering flight. In particular, we use three primary parameters to describe the planform geometry: aspect ratio, radial centroid location, and wing root offset. The force coefficients, flow structures, and aerodynamic efficiency for different wing planforms at a Reynolds number of 100 are evaluated. It is found that the wing with the lowest aspect ratio of 1.5 results in the highest peaks of lift and drag coefficients during stroke reversals, whereas the higher aspect ratio wings produce higher lift and drag coefficients during mid half-stroke translation. For the wings considered, the leading-edge vortex detachment is found to be approximately at a location that is 3.5–5 mean chord lengths from the wing center of rotation for all aspect ratios and root offsets investigated. Consequently, the detachment area increases with the increase of aspect ratio and root offset, resulting in reduced aerodynamic coefficients. The radial centroid location is found to influence the local flow evolution time, and this results in earlier formation/detachment of the leading-edge vortex for wings with a smaller radial centroid location. Overall, the best performance, when considering both average lift coefficient and efficiency, is found at the intermediate aspect ratios of 4.5–6; increasing the centroid location mainly increases efficiency; and increasing the root offset leads to a decreased average lift coefficient whilst leading to relatively small variations in aerodynamic efficiency for most aspect ratios.
Impact of multicarbohydrase and phytase on apparent and standardized digestibility, energy, and nutrient balance in broilers fed sunflower meal

Abstract The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) (trial 1) and the apparent (AID) and standardized (SID) ileal digestibility of the amino acids (AAs) (trial 2) in sunflower meal (SM) were evaluated with the addition of exogenous multicarbohydrase (MC) and phytase (Phy). A total of 80 28-day-old broilers were allotted in a completely randomized design to receive treatments up to 35 days of age. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used to determine the enzyme effects, on the ATTD of dry matter, nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, and fibre, energy use, and the AID and SID of AA, in five replicate cages. Synergic effect was identified between MC and Phy on the ATTD of minerals and fibre. The same benefit occurred with the isolated inclusion of MC on the ATTD of dry matter, nitrogen, and energy of SM. The effects of enzyme inclusion on the AID and SID of AAs in SM, established by comparing the means, suggested a higher effect to the addition of MC + Phy combibation. Supplementation of MC or combination with MC and Phy was a viable alternative to increase the ATTD of nutrients and energy. The addition MC + Phy higher AID and SID of AA from SM. La digestibilité apparente du tractus complet (ATTD — «apparent total tract digestibility»; expérience 1) et les digestibilités iléales apparentes (AID — «apparent ileal digestibility») et normalisées (SID — «standardized ileal digestibility») des acides aminés (AA) (expérience 2) dans le tourteau de tournesol (SM — «sunflower meal») ont été évaluées avec l’ajout de multicarbohydrases (MC) et phytases (Phy) exogènes. Un total de 80 poulets à griller âgés de 28 jours ont été alloués dans un design expérimental entièrement aléatoire pour recevoir les traitements jusqu’à 35 jours d’âge. Un design factoriel 2 × 2 a été utilisé afin de déterminer les effets des enzymes sur l’ATTD des matières sèches, azote, calcium, phosphore, et fibres; l’utilisation d’énergie et les AID et SID des AA, en cinq cages réplicats. Un effet synergique a été trouvé entre MC et Phy sur l’ATTD des minéraux et des fibres. Le même avantage se trouvait avec l’inclusion isolée de MC sur l’ATTD des matières sèches, azote, et énergie du SM. Les effets de l’inclusion d’enzyme sur les AID et SID des AA dans le SM, déterminés par comparaison des moyennes, suggèrent une meilleure réponse à l’ajout de MC + Phy. Les suppléments de MC ou une combinaison de MC et Phy sont une option alternative viable pour augmenter l’ATTD des éléments nutritifs et l’énergie. L’ajout de MC + Phy augmentait davantage les AID et SID des AA provenant du SM. [Traduit par la Rédaction]
Hierarchical Exploration of Drying Patterns Formed in Drops Containing Lysozyme, PBS, and Liquid Crystals

Biological systems, by nature, are highly complex. These systems exhibit diverse hierarchical spatial and temporal features when driven far from equilibrium. The generated features are susceptible to the initial conditions that largely depend on vast parameter space. Extracting information on their properties and behavior thus becomes far too complex. This work seeks to examine the drying kinetics of the drops containing a globular protein (xlysozyme (Lys)), phosphate buffer saline (PBS), and thermotropic liquid crystal (LCs). The drying evolution and the morphological crack patterns of these drops are examined using high-resolution microscopy, textural image analysis, and statistical methods. This study observes that the textural parameters can identify the (i) phase separation of the salts present in the PBS and (ii) the LCs’ birefringence during the drying evolution. This birefringence activities of the LCs slow down when the initial PBS concentration is increased from 0.25 to 1× despite using a fixed volume of LCs. To comprehend such a surprising effect, the combinations of (i) Lys+PBS and (ii) PBS+LCs are thoroughly examined. A phase diagram is established as a function of initial concentrations of Lys and PBS. The scanning electron microscopic images of Lys+PBS reveal that the tuning between lysozyme and salt concentrations in PBS plays a significant role in determining the morphological patterns. The Lys drops with and without LCs exhibit two distinct regions: the peripheral ring (“coffee-ring”) and the central ones. This phase-separated ring formation indicates that the film containing Lys and salts might have formed on top of these LCs in the central region, which reduces the optical response (birefringence) of LCs. A physical mechanism is proposed in this paper to anticipate the redistributions of LCs in a multi-component system such as Lys+PBS+LCs.
A co-design approach to service improvement resulted in teams exhibiting characteristics that support innovation

ABSTRACT This paper analyzes a subset of data from a project that sought to transfer knowledge and skills around design led approaches for service improvement to teams working in Health and Social Care in the United Kingdom. Through this analysis the authors sought to understand the range of responses that individual participants had to undertaking service improvement work in a design led project. This was a qualitative study using interviews to gain reflections from participants. These interview transcripts were analyzed using framework analysis. Participants were recruited from three disparate organizations, a public health team of a local authority, a mental health charity and a UK National Health Service mental health initiative. Six main themes were identified, namely; design practice, collaborative working, creating an environment for innovation, team skills and attitudes and transfer of knowledge. The findings suggest that the design approach can contribute to a range of factors that have been identified as valuable for innovative teams. The paper adds to the evidence base and supports further exploration of the use of design in Service improvement and wider innovation endeavours.
Genome-Wide Association Study Suggests the Variant rs7551288*A within the DHCR24 Gene Is Associated with Poor Overall Survival in Melanoma Patients

Simple Summary The aim of this work was to investigate prognostic genetic factors in melanoma patients. Phenotypic and disease data as well as biomaterial were collected after informed consent from patients followed up in a Skin Cancer Center of a University clinic. Genome-wide analysis (GWAS) was performed with survival data of 556 melanoma patients and genetic data including more than 300,000 common polymorphisms. The SNP rs7551288 reached suggestive genome-wide significance (p = 2 × 10−6). This intronic variant of the DHCR24 gene is involved in the cholesterol synthesis pathway. Further analyses and a literature review suggest an important role of this locus for the clinical course of disease in melanoma patients. Abstract Melanoma incidence rates are high among individuals with fair skin and multiple naevi. Established prognostic factors are tumour specific, and less is known about prognostic host factors. A total of 556 stage I to stage IV melanoma patients from Germany with phenotypic and disease-specific data were analysed; 64 of these patients died of melanoma after a median follow-up time of 8 years. Germline DNA was assessed by the HumanCoreExome BeadChip and data of 356,384 common polymorphisms distributed over all 23 chromosomes were used for a genome-wide analysis. A suggestive genome-wide significant association of the intronic allele rs7551288*A with diminished melanoma-specific survival was detected (p = 2 × 10−6). The frequency of rs7551288*A was 0.43 and was not associated with melanoma risk, hair and eye colour, tanning and total naevus count. Cox regression multivariate analyses revealed a 5.31-fold increased risk of melanoma-specific death for patients with the rs7551288 A/A genotype, independent of tumour thickness, ulceration and stage of disease at diagnoses. The variant rs7551288 belongs to the DHCR24 gene, which encodes Seladin-1, an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of cholesterol. Further investigations are needed to confirm this genetic variant as a novel prognostic biomarker and to explore whether specific treatment strategies for melanoma patients might be derived from it.