Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database Redshift Calculations

The NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database (NED) is an impressive tool for finding near-exhaustive information on millions of astrophysical objects. Here, we outline a small systematic error that occurs in NED because a low-redshift approximation is used when making the correction from redshifts in the heliocentric frame to the cosmic microwave background (CMB) rest frame. It means that historically NED systematically misreported the values of CMB-frame redshifts by up to ∼10−3 z (about 0.001 at redshift of 1). This is a systematic error, and therefore the impact on applications requiring precise redshifts has the potential to be significant—for example, a systematic redshift error of ∼10−4 at low redshift could resolve the Hubble tension. We have consulted with the NED team and they are updating the software to remove this systematic error so these corrections are accurate at all redshifts. Here, we explain the changes and how they impact the redshift values NED currently reports.
First Observation of Electron Transfer Mediated Decay in Aqueous Solutions: A Novel Probe of Ion Pairing

A major goal of many spectroscopic techniques is to provide comprehensive information on the local chemical environment. Electron transfer mediated decay (ETMD) is a sensitive probe of the environment since it is actively involved in this non-local radiationless decay process through electron and energy transfer steps. We report the first experimental observation of ETMD in the liquid phase. Using liquid-jet X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy we explore LiCl aqueous solution, and detect low-energy electrons unambiguously emerging from the ETMD processes of core-ionized Li+. We interpret the experimental results with molecular dynamics and high-level ab initio calculations. By considering various solvation-structure models we show that both water molecules and Cl- anions can participate in ETMD, with each process having its characteristic spectral fingerprint. Different ion associations lead to different spectral shapes. The potential application of the unique sensitivity of the ETMD spectroscopy to the local hydration structure and ion pairing is discussed.
Microbial bioelectrochemical cells for hydrogen generation based on irradiated semiconductor photoelectrodes

In recent years, one of the most important challenges of the 21st century is to satisfy the ever-increasing world’s energy demand. Many efforts are being undertaken to find alternative renewable energy sources, which ideally should outcompete fossil fuel use in all its aspects. In this respect, photo-assisted microbial bioelectrochemical cells (MBECs) in which the reduction of water to hydrogen takes place have been of considerable interest in recent years. Two categories of such systems have been investigated: MBECs with a semiconductor photocathode or photoanode, and hybrid systems, in which an MBEC cell with dark electrodes is coupled to an electrochemical photovoltaic cell. A common denominator of all these systems is the need of microorganisms at the anode, the action of which results in the generation of an electron flow by organic matter oxidation. The aim of this review is to describe the general working principles, with respect to both biochemical and electrochemical aspects, and the performance of various categories of hydrogen-generating photo-assisted MBECs.
Catalytic potential of pollination services to reconcile conservation and agricultural production: a spatial optimization framework

With a global pollinator crisis brewing, it is urgent that we preserve forests supporting wild bees and the services they provide, even in context where agricultural expansion is unavoidable. Though the maintenance of pollination services are known to be synergistic with biodiversity conservation and agricultural economic development, there are few decision support tools that explicitly show how to balance these competing objectives. We developed a novel, spatially explicit method that includes pollination supply, flow, demand, and benefits into an agricultural expansion context to improve land use decisions for agricultural outcomes that minimize environmental impacts. We provide the first study showing the trade-offs between yields and forest retention that uses all the components of pollination services across five planning scenarios (i.e. (a) baseline, (b) absence of pollinators, (c) pollinators present, (d) pollination and non-aggregated forest, (e) pollination and aggregated forest) using data on coffee from Costa Rica. The scenario that showed the highest trade-offs was when pollination services are considered unimportant, which led to a decrease on average yields (∼−23% compared to baseline), whilst also decimating remaining forest (−100% compared to baseline). Better forest retention was achieved in a scenario where pollination services were considered and more forest aggregation was required. In this case, total production incremented by ∼29% while ∼74% of forest patches were preserved. The flexibility of our framework allows adaptation to any crop that benefit from pollination services in different landscape contexts.
On the use of fixed point translations as input variable for digital twins in deep drawing compared to current methods

Recent work aims at the inverse parameter estimation in deep drawing using pretrained surrogate models for the detection of the current process, material or tool parameters. The use of the methodology requires the definition of state variables to describe the current process state. Whereas our recent work makes use of draw-ins and local blankholder forces, other approaches from the literature also use skid-lines measured after the deep drawing process. For the future, the solution with even higher information content would be to detect the global strain distribution on the final part and use it as a state variable for process detection, which has not been documented in the literature to the best knowledge of the authors. In this work, we present a first step into this direction by comparing the surrogate model based parameter estimation by using draw-ins and by using the movement of material fixed points on the blank over the deep drawing process. The result shows that the mathematical methods used for parameter prediction based on draw-ins can directly be used for the prediction with fixed point translations as reference. For the investigations, a cup drawing process is used.
Determination of α Nuclides in High Level Liquid Waste by Combining Extraction,Liquid Scintillation Counting,and α Spectrometry

The approach combining solvent extraction,liquid scintillation counting(LSC),and α spectrometry has taken advantages of high counting efficiency(nearly 100%) of LSC for α radiation and high energy resolution of α spectrometry.Since the extraction processes are much shorter than those reported and no complicated procedures are required for preparation of α plate source,the new approach is easy to be used to determine α nuclides in mixed solution.Good agreements are achieved for real samples of high level liquid waste(HLLW) between accepted data and those obtained by this new approach.To deal with the interference with α/β discrimination from large amount of 90Y in HLLW,two ways were proposed to decrease the radioactivity of 90Y in sample,i.e.delaying measurement or diluting the sample,which can be used under different circumstances.
Influence of synthetically generated inclusions on the stress accumulation and concentration in X65 pipeline steel

The use of a simulative approach with representative volume elements (RVE’s) is particularly well suited to investigate the influence of different microstructural parameters on the damage behavior of a material. In order to statistically analyze the individual components of the microstructure (e.g. geometric structure of grains and inclusions), well-known distribution functions such as logNormal/Gamma are normally used, but these do not take into account the interdependencies between the different parameters. However, newer approaches like machine learning techniques can only describe one phase of a single material at a time. Therefore, in this study, we extended an existing Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Network (WGAN) to a Conditional Wasserstein GAN with Gradient Penalty (CWGAN-GP), with which it is possible to process multiple materials/phases simultaneously. Training this algorithm on different steels and associated inclusions showed that a single trained network can generate synthetic microstructure for all different phases and materials with very high quality. A newly implemented evaluation method using the regularized Wasserstein-distance confirmed the excellent agreement of the real data with the synthetic data for all phases/materials. As a use case for our algorithm, the influence of different inclusions on the stress accumulation and concentration of X65 pipeline steel was investigated to find initiation sites for damage in the material. These investigations showed a pronounced correlation between stress concentration and inclusion parameters, thus confirming the usefulness of the CWGAN-GP as an input-generator for RVE’s.
Influence of the orthotropic behaviour on defects prediction in cup drawing, reverse redrawing and expansion

Finite elements analysis is commonly used in the cans tool design since it allows predicting different sheet metal defects and instabilities that significantly affect the efficient production of beverage cans. These defects include earing, due to the material orthotropic behaviour, thinning and fracture. The numerical prediction of these kind of defects is more complex when different combinations of strain paths are involved. The process conditions considered in this work involve the drawing of a cylindrical cup, the reverse redrawing and the expansion. The two materials under analysis are an AA5352 aluminium alloy and a TH330 steel. The materials orthotropic plastic behaviour is modelled with a non-quadratic yield criterion. The results show that changes in the yield surface lead to slight changes in the earing profile and in the location were strain localization occurs. Moreover, the numerical model must describe in detail the process conditions, since they may affect the formability prediction.
Internal variability and temperature scaling of future sub-daily rainfall return levels over Europe

The range of sub-daily extreme precipitation due to internal variability is quantified within the single model initial-condition large ensemble featuring 50 members of the Canadian regional climate model, version 5 (CRCM5) under the high-emission scenario representative concentration pathway 8.5. Ten-year return levels of sub-daily precipitation are calculated for three future periods (2010–2039, 2040–2069, 2070–2099) and hourly to 24-hourly aggregations over a European domain. The return levels are found to increase by 4%–8% for every future 30 year period averaged for the study area, where short-duration rainfall intensities increase to a greater extent than longer-duration rainfall intensities. The ranges between the median of the 50 members and the 5th and 95th quantile amount to −15.6%–19.3%, −16.0%–20.1%, and −16.5%–20.9% for the near, mid and far future, respectively. It is also shown that the scaling of the precipitation increase with temperature (Clausius–Clapeyron scaling) exhibits substantial variations between the 50 CRCM5 members at regional aggregations. These findings illustrate the large impact of internal variability on the uncertainty of extreme precipitation return level estimates. Here, regions of significant changes are identified, where future median extreme precipitation exceeds the 95th quantile of the reference period (1980–2009). These regions are located in northern Europe, central Europe and the eastern part of the Mediterranean.
Robustness analysis with LS-OPT® and LS-DYNA® for sheet metal forming simulations

This contribution shows the application of the optimization and probabilistic analysis program LS-OPT on the drawing step of a generic fender geometry simulated with LS-DYNA to judge on the robustness and reliability of the model. Input variables of a typical sheet forming simulation that are subject to uncertainties are alternated automatically within the framework of LS-OPT based on an inherent Monte Carlo approach. Using metamodel approximations as well as classifiers to evaluate statistical results is discussed. The influence of the variation of the input variables on typical sheet forming results is investigated, e.g. thickness reduction and the Formability Index. Alternated parameters were material properties like yield and tensile strength.
Estimating Movie Segment Association in VOD Lectures Using Mixed Distribution and Co-occurrence

Many universities use Internet-based video on demand (VOD) lectures. However, because current systems are yet to implement search functionality for VOD, users must search manually for topics of interest by selecting movies based on their titles, and playing a portion of the selected movies. This study aims to create a search function that allows users to search easily for important points as well as for points to review. We propose a system in which the search function applies mixed beta distributions to determine the occurrence frequency of a search word based on the frequency of its appearance in subtitle data. Using the components of these distributions, the algorithm estimates the movie segments sought by a user. The shapes of the approximation distribution components differ in the mixed beta distribution. In this method, in addition to movie segment estimation for a search word, the frequency distribution of other words in the subtitle text in which the search word appears in determined. Such words are called “co-occurrence words. ” By applying mixed beta distribution in the same manner as that for the frequency distribution of the search word, movie segments common to the original search word and the co-occurrence words are estimated. However, in cases where only a few words appear, approximation with the mixed beta distribution is difficult, and movie segments of the slides where the words appear are provided. Furthermore, by creating a scatter graph related to the occurrence time and distance of the search word and the co-occurrence words, word emergence can be comprehended visually, and the movies with high and low associations among the cooccurrence words, as well as the scope of the slides with high and low associations, can be confirmed.
Mutual Fund Proliferation and Entry Deterrence

Why do so few mutual fund families launch so many funds and styles around the world? We argue that launching numerous funds on an increasingly granular style grid allows incumbent families to congest the product space and deter market entry. Key to this argument is the persistently low dimensionality of the mutual fund product space, a fact we establish by analyzing the names of over 40,000 equity funds sold in 91 countries between 1931 and 2015. Over time, the strategy of filling up the style grid has led to the dominance of few families offering large, granular, and similar fund menus.
Statistics and dynamics of complex membranes

This thesis deals with biological membranes, studied from the point of view of theoretical physics. We focus on some generic effects of the presence of one or two membrane inclusions, e.g., proteins, or of a local chemical change of the environment of the membrane. First, we study the Casimir-like interaction between two membrane inclusions, which arises from the constraints imposed by the inclusions on the thermal fluctuations of the shape of the membrane. We calculate the fluctuations of the Casimir-like force between two point-like inclusions. We clarify the definition of the force exerted by a correlated fluid on an inclusion, in a microstate of the fluid. This definition plays a key art in studies of the Casimir-like force beyond its thermal equilibrium value. We also study the Casimir-like interaction between rod-shaped membrane inclusions. Then, we investigate membrane elasticity at the nanoscale, which is involved in local membrane thickness deformations in the vicinity of proteins. We put forward the importance of an energetic term that is neglected in existing models. Finally, we present a theoretical description of the dynamics of a membrane submitted to a local chemical perturbation of its environment, starting from first principles. We compare our theoretical predictions to new experimental results regarding the dynamical deformation of a biomimetic membrane submitted to a local pH increase.
Quantum Chemical Study of the OLED Materials Tris(4'-(1''-phenylbenzimidazol-2''-yl)phenyl) Derivatives of Amine and Benzene

Since its discovery by Tang and Van Slyke and by Burroughes and co-workers, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is under intensive study as a very promising material for low-cost large-area light-emitting display technology. Several types of OLED, including conjugated polymers, metal complexes, and dyes have demonstrated desirable optoelectronic properties, such the emitting wavelength and efficiency, thermal stability, and amorphous film formation property. Synthetic aspects of the OLED investigation have been largely on a trial and error basis, mostly depending on empirical rules, such as the prediction of emitting wavelengths based on HOMO and LUMO energy levels. If the relationship between the optoelectronic properties and molecular structures of OLED is systematically understood, designing of the light-emitting materials would be more facile and economical. Quantum chemical investigations that have tremendously affected synthetic chemistry through studies of structureproperty relationship and underlying mechanism seem to have been much less helpful for studying OLED materials in this respect, probably due to the large size of molecules. Recent progress in quantum chemical methods, especially the advent of density functional theory (DFT) and timedependent DFT (TDDFT), now allows systematic calculations for the structure and properties of OLED materials both in electronically ground and excited states to provide invaluable knowledge for photoabsorption and emission, and charge carrier mobility. In the present work, we study the tris[4'-(1''-phenylbenzimidazol-2''-yl)phenyl] derivatives of amine (TPBPA: tri[4(1'-phenylbenzimidazol-2'-yl)phenyl]amine) and benzene (TPBPB: 1,3,5-tris[4'-(1''-phenylbenzimidazol-2''-yl)phenyl]benzene) that were observed to have very useful emission properties. We describe their geometry and the electronic spectra, finding that the calculated electronic absorption and emission spectra of the two OLED materials agree very well with experimental observations. Structures of the electronic ground states are obtained by using the B3LYP (Becke’s three parameter hybrid method and the correlation functional by Lee, Yang and Parr) method with the 6-31g(d) basis set implemented in Gaussian 03 set of programs. The energy of the electronic excited states is calculated by using the TDDFT (B3LYP) and single-excitation CIS (CI-Single excitations) with the 631g(d) basis set. Stationary structures are obtained by verifying that all the harmonic frequencies are real. Default options are employed for all optimizations. No symmetry constraints are imposed during the optimizations.
Geographic Operations and the Transmission of Monetary Policy

This paper evaluates the role of multinational activities on the transmission of monetary policy. I document that U.S. multinationals are more responsive to monetary policy than their domestic peers. Following monetary policy loosening, the increase in investment is larger for U.S. firms with more experience abroad, higher foreign sales, and for those that operate in more countries. These results are consistent with the view that differential market access could give rise to distinctive investment opportunities. Indeed, the effects are the strongest for U.S. firms that operate in high-growth markets and when the U.S. economy is in a low growth phase. A decrease in the U.S. policy rate is also associated with foreign investment spillovers. Increasing global interconnectedness therefore makes monetary policy more impactful.
FHL3 Contributes to EMT and Chemotherapy Resistance Through Up-Regulation of Slug and Activation of TGFβ/Smad-Independent Pathways in Gastric Cancer

Background Gastric cancer presents high risk of metastasis and chemotherapy resistance. Hence, it is important to understand the mechanisms of gastric cancer distant metastasis and chemotherapeutic resistance. Our previous study has revealed Four and a Half LIM Domains 3 (FHL3) plays as a binding partner of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Beta (GSK3β), promoted tumor metastasis in pancreatic cancer. However, the role of FHL3 in gastric cancer still remains unclear. Methods TCGA database and clinical samples are used for exploring the role of FHL3 in disease progression and prognosis. Oxaliplatin (OHP) resistance cell lines were established to study the role of FHL3 in chemotherapy resistance. The experiments about cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis were performed to measure the chemotherapy effects of sh-FHL3 on gastric cancer cell lines and in vivo. That FHL3 changed the EMT phenotype was verified by western blot. Finally, we explored the mechanism of FHL3-mediated EMT and chemotherapy resistance. Results mRNA and protein level of FHL3 were significantly up-regulated in gastric cancer tissues when compared with adjacent tissue. FHL3 higher expression is always accompanied with higher TNM stage and worse overall survival. FHL3 over-expressed could lead to OHP resistance. Knockdown of FHL3 slightly inhibited the cell growth, while it obviously sensitized the chemotherapy in vivo and in vitro. In addition, down-regulation of FHL3 increased the mesenchymal markers, such as Slug, Snail, Twist Family BHLH Transcription Factor 1 (Twist1), and Vimentin, while it decreased the epithelial marker E-cadherin. Cell and animal experiments also proved that down-regulation of FHL3 can decrease cancer cell metastasis. For mechanism study, FHL3 knockdown down-regulated the expression level of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK)/Extracellular Regulated Protein Kinase (ERK) pathway and Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGFβ)/Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/GSK3β-(Ring Finger Protein 146) RNF146/ubiquitin pathway. FHL3 competitively bonded the ubiquitin complex (Slug/GSK3β/RNF146) with Slug and inhibited ubiquitination of Slug. Mesenchymal phenotype cells hold higher level of Multidrug Resistance Gene1 (MDR1), and the FHL3 knockdown reverts the MDR1 in this type cell. Conclusion FHL3 high expression contributed to EMT and chemotherapy resistance via MAPK, and PI3K pathways were activated. FHL3 competitively bonded the ubiquitin complex with Slug, resulting in the up-regulation of Slug and leading to metastasis of gastric cancer.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Platycephalus sp.1 (Teleostei, Platycephalidae) obtained by whole genome sequencing

Abstract In this study, we used next-generation sequencing to obtain the complete mitochondrial genome of Platycephalus sp.1. This mitochondrial genome, consisting of 16,552 base pairs (bp), contains 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs, and two non-coding control regions (control region and origin of light-strand replication) as those found in other vertebrates. Control region, of 877 bp in length, is located between tRNAPro and tRNAPhe. Within the control region, typical conserved domains, such as the termination-associated sequence, central and conserved sequence blocks domains were identified. The overall base composition shows 25.83% of T, 29.98% of C, 27.01% of A, and 17.18% of G, with a slight A + T rich feature (52.84%). The complete mitogenome data provides useful genetic markers for the studies on the molecular identification, population genetics, phylogenetic analysis and conservation genetics.