Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bound-State Electron Dynamics Driven by Near-Resonantly Detuned Intense and Ultrashort Pulsed XUV Fields

We report on numerical results revealing line-shape asymmetry changes of electronic transitions in atoms near-resonantly driven by intense extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) electric fields by monitoring their transient absorption spectrum after transmission through a moderately dense atomic medium. Our numerical model utilizes ultrashort broadband XUV laser pulses varied in their intensity (1014–1015 W/cm2) and detuning nearly out of resonance for a quantitative evaluation of the absorption line-shape asymmetry. It will be shown how transient energy shifts of the bound electronic states can be linked to these asymmetry changes in the case of an ultrashort XUV driving pulse temporally shorter than the lifetime of the resonant excitation, and how the asymmetry can be controlled by the near-resonant detuning of the XUV pulse. In the case of a two-level system, the numerical model is compared to an analytical calculation, which helps to uncover the underlying mechanism for the detuning- and intensity-induced line-shape modification and links it to the generalized Rabi frequency. To further apply the numerical model to recent experimental results of the near-resonant dressing of the 2s2p doubly excited state in helium by an ultrashort XUV free-electron laser pulse we extend the two-level model with an ionization continuum, thereby enabling the description of transmission-type (Fraunhofer-like) transient absorption of a strongly laser-coupled autoionizing state.
Comparative Study of the Restorative Effects of Forest and Urban Videos during COVID-19 Lockdown: Intrinsic and Benchmark Values

The prolonged lockdown imposed to contain the COrona VIrus Disease 19 COVID-19 pandemic prevented many people from direct contact with nature and greenspaces, raising alarms for a possible worsening of mental health. This study investigated the effectiveness of a simple and affordable remedy for improving psychological well-being, based on audio-visual stimuli brought by a short computer video showing forest environments, with an urban video as a control. Randomly selected participants were assigned the forest or urban video, to look at and listen to early in the morning, and questionnaires to fill out. In particular, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Form Y collected in baseline condition and at the end of the study and the Part II of the Sheehan Patient Rated Anxiety Scale (SPRAS) collected every day immediately before and after watching the video. The virtual exposure to forest environments showed effective to reduce perceived anxiety levels in people forced by lockdown in limited spaces and environmental deprivation. Although significant, the effects were observed only in the short term, highlighting the limitation of the virtual experiences. The reported effects might also represent a benchmark to disentangle the determinants of health effects due to real forest experiences, for example, the inhalation of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC).
Perinatal epidemiology: Issues, challenges, and potential solutions

Perinatal epidemiology research is concerned with identifying the effects of events during pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes that include maternal, fetal, and neonatal health outcomes. Randomized trials in perinatal research face many challenges, including randomization difficulties, ethical considerations, and inadequate statistical power due to the small number of subjects eligible for participation. For these reasons, most epidemiological studies conducted in this research field are observational and include different types of bias. This review describes the key methodological difficulties in the design and analysis of randomized and observational studies in perinatal epidemiology, and provides potential corrective approaches.
Multifault Models of the 2019 Ridgecrest Sequence Highlight Complementary Slip and Fault Junction Instability

The 2019 Ridgecrest Mw 6.4 and Mw 7.1 earthquakes ruptured a complex fault system, posing challenges in understanding their physical processes. Modeling of the ruptures relies on fault geometries at depth, which are usually assumed based on surface traces and aftershocks. Here we use seismic and geodetic data to jointly constrain the fault geometries and slip distributions. We first represent the first‐order rupture processes with a series of subevents, then conduct slip inversions with subevent‐guided fault geometries. We find that the foreshock sequentially ruptured the NW and SW striking faults starting from their junction. The mainshock initiated at a complex three‐fault junction along the extension of the foreshock NW rupture, with major slip first occurring bilaterally near the hypocenter and then minor unilateral slip later to the southeast end. The slip distributions of the foreshock and mainshock are complementary to each other on the overlapping fault section.
Differential Response to Water Deficit in Chili Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Growing in Two Types of Soil Under Different Irrigation Regimes

Chili pepper (Capsicum spp.) is one of the most economically important horticultural crops in the world; its production for the food and pharmaceutical industries has been increasing worldwide. The economic importance of this crop is due, in part, to the nutraceutical properties derived from its secondary metabolism. Drought is the main environmental factor that affects crop production. Nevertheless, studies involving water deficit have considered short-term responses to sharp water deficit rather than long-term acclimation processes through moderate and gradually increasing water deficits, which omitted the dynamics and profile of the secondary metabolism that are part of the plant’s defence system against this stress factor. The present study aimed to identify the different mechanisms that chili pepper plants use to cope with drought stress using a progressive decrease and increase of water availability, conditions that commonly occur for crops in open fields. Four treatments were applied as follows: gradual water deficit (GWD), initial waterlogging with gradual water deficit (IWGD), sudden water deficit with gradual recovery (SWDR), and no deficit of water (NDW). These conditions should represent a more real situation similar to that faced by plants in the agricultural environment. In order to evaluate the response mechanisms associated with these water deficits, changes in phenological variables, proline accumulation, and the gene expression of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured in chili pepper plants growing on land under different irrigation regimes in two contrasting soil types in areas where chili pepper plants are cultivated in central Mexico. The variables evaluated showed a differentiated response of the mechanisms in plants growing under different levels of water deficit. Given the differential response observed for the gene expression and morphological and biochemical variables studied in chili pepper plants against different water regimes, in this work, this may have implications for more efficient use of water in crops with high nutraceutical content, in addition to prospects for using products derived from secondary metabolism in the pharmaceutical industry.
PGC-1α is associated with Schizothorax prenanti myoblast differentiation

ABSTRACT PGC-1α has been considered as an important mediator of functional capacity of muscle. Our previous study indicated that the mRNA level of PGC-1α increased in muscle during Schizothorax prenanti (S. prenanti) growth. To understand the biological significance of PGC-1α up-regulation, S. prenanti myosatellite cells were isolated and the function of PGC-1α in myoblast differentiation was further investigated. The results indicated that PGC-1α over-expressing transfectants fused to form myotubes with higher mRNA level of myosin heavy chain isoform I (MyHCI). No obvious differentiation was observed in PGC-1α-targeted shRNA-transfected cells with a marked decrement of MyHCI expression. Furthermore, S. prenanti PGC-1α increased the expression of MyoD and MyoG, which controlled the commitment of precursor cells to myotubes. In contrast, the levels of MyoD and MyoG mRNA were down-regulated with shRNA-targeting PGC-1α transfection. These investigations indicate that PGC-1α is associated with myoblast differentiation and it elevates MyoD and MyoG expression levels in S. prenanti myoblast cells.
Correcting for chromatic stellar activity effects in transits with multiband photometric monitoring: application to WASP-52

Context.The properties, distribution, and evolution of inhomogeneities on the surface of active stars, such as dark spots and bright faculae, significantly influence the determination of the parameters of an orbiting exoplanet. The chromatic effect they have on transmission spectroscopy, for example, could affect the analysis of data from future space missions such asJames WebbSpace Telescope and Ariel.Aims. To quantify and mitigate the effects of those surface phenomena, we developed a modelling approach to derive the surface distribution and properties of active regions by modelling simultaneous multi-wavelength time-series observables.Methods. We present an upgraded version of theStarSimcode, now featuring the capability to solve the inverse problem and derive the properties of the stars and their active regions by modelling time-series data. As a test case, we analyse ~600 days ofBV RImultiband photometry from the 0.8-mJoan Oró(TJO) and 1.2-m STELLA telescopes of the K2 V exoplanet host star WASP-52. From the results, we further simulated the chromatic contribution of surface phenomena on the observables of its transiting planet.Results. UsingStarSimwe are able to determine the relevant activity parameters of WASP-52 and reconstruct the time-evolving longitudinal map of active regions. The star shows a heterogeneous surface composed of dark spots with a mean temperature of 575 ± 150 K lower than the photospheric value, with filling factors ranging from 3 to 14%. We used the results to study the chromatic effects on the depths of exoplanet transits obtained at different epochs and corresponding to different stellar spot distributions. In the case of WASP-52, which has peak-to-peak photometric variations of ~7% in the visible, the residual effects of dark spots on the measured transit depth of its giant planet, after applying the calculated corrections, are about 10−4at 550 nm and 3 × 10−5at 6μm. Conclusions.We demonstrate that by using contemporaneous ground-based multiband photometry of an active star, it is possible to reconstruct the parameters and distribution of active regions over time, thus making it feasible to quantify the chromatic effects on the planetary radii measured with transit spectroscopy and mitigate them by about an order of magnitude.
Implementation of big data analytics and Manufacturing Execution Systems: an empirical analysis in German-speaking countries

Abstract Many firms have started Industry 4.0 (I4.0) initiatives in recent years, without having a sound understanding of the effects generated by the technologies introduction. This research provides indications of what to expect from the implementation of two key technologies for I4.0: big data analytics and manufacturing execution systems. The study explores the relationships between these technologies’ implementation and a set of performance effects. Additionally, it analyses the influence of the organisational structure. A set of hypotheses derived from literature builds the basis for the quantitative analysis of an industry survey with 116 participants from German-speaking countries. The results show that these technologies have distinct, partially unexpected, performance effects. Furthermore, this research provides evidence that the organisational structure of technology implementation plays no significant role in the attainment of higher technology implementation levels.
Regulation of human hematopoietic stem cell lineage commitment

Understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern human hematopoiesis remains a major goal of both developmental and clinical biology. My thesis projects focus on identifying and characterizing regulatory factors involved in myeloid commitment steps for human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), so as to expand them in vitro or direct them into desired lineages. I first studied the histone methyltransferases G9a and GLP, which play key roles during mammalian development through mono- and di-methylation of III histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me1/2), modifications associated with transcriptional repression. I found that G9a/GlP activity drives progressive, genome-wide H3K9me2 patterning in euchromatin during HSPC lineage specification. Remarkably, HSPCs continuously treated with UNC0638, a G9a/GlP small molecular inhibitor, better retain stem cell-like phenotypes and function during in vitro expansion. This expansion effect was further enhanced by co-treatment of SR1, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) inhibitor. Moreover, UNC0638 treated HSPCs preferentially gave rise to megakaryocytes over other myeloid lineages when differentiating. These results suggest that G9a/GlP activity facilitates human HSPC lineage commitment and inform clinical manipulation of donorderived HSPCs in vitro. I also applied a high-throughput shRNA screening approach to identify genes controlling early myeloid differentiation of human HSPC. To aid in identification of candidate screen hits, data from the shRNA screen were compared to known hematopoietic/hematopoietic malignancy functions and mouse HSC eQTls. Potential self-renewal and differentiation genes were validated by a secondary screen. Further functional validations will involve gene knockdown experiments followed by flow analysis, colony-forming unit assays, and in vivo experiments in a canine transplantation model. Ultimately our results will facilitate in vitro and in vivo manipulations of human HSPC to control lineage commitment.
Biochemical composition and function of jelly masses of Marphysa gravelyi (Polychaeta: Eunicidae) from Pulicat Lake, India

Eggs of Marphysa gravelyi are spawned in gelatinous masses and the developing larvae are harboured in them until they are ready to undergo settlement. In order to understand the function of the jelly mass, morphometric, histochemical, biochemical and antimicrobial analyses were performed. The observations indicate the fibrous jelly mass is composed of carbohydrate, protein and lipid, and size is correlated to number of eggs present within. Extracts from the jelly mass of Marphysa gravelyi exhibit inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli, Vibrio vulnificus and Candida albicans but no activity was seen against seven other microorganisms tested. The results show that the function of the jelly mass is to nourish the developing embryos, protect against desiccation and predation from macrofauna, and most importantly prevent the dispersal of the juveniles from the desirable habitat.
A Subset of Brain Neurons Controls a Sexually Dimorphic Proboscis Holding Behavior in Adult Drosophilia Melanogaster

Author(s): Ahmad, Sameera; Amin, Kush; Chen, Yu-Chieh David; Dahanukar, Anupama | Abstract: Taste is essential for humans and animals alike to evaluate food quality and make important decisionsabout food choice and intake. How complex brains process sensory information to produce behavioris an essential question in the field of sensory neurobiology. Currently, little is known about tastecircuits in the brain as compared to other sensory systems. Here, we used the common vinegar fly,Drosophila melanogaster, to explore the potential role of brain neurons labeled by a transgenic line(VT041723-GAL4) in producing “proboscis holding” behavior (extrusion of the mouthpart withoutwithdrawal). By utilizing the GAL4/UAS binary expression system, we expressed a heat-activatedcation channel (UAS-dTrpA1) in these brain neurons and artificially activated them by elevationof temperature, subsequently examining behavior in the heat-activated proboscis extension reflex(PER) assay. We found that activation of these neurons induced proboscis holding. Interestingly, theproboscis holding phenotype was sexually dimorphic. Male flies rarely showed proboscis holdingand those that did had shorter proboscis holding durations. On the other hand, both mated and virginfemales showed significantly more proboscis holding and had longer proboscis holding durationsthan male flies. Overall, we identified a subset of brain neurons labeled by the VT041723-GAL4 linethat controls a sexually dimorphic feeding response (proboscis holding) upon activation.
Path planning algorithms for single and multiple mobile robot systems

Mobile robots have become ubiquitous today and are used widely in sensor networks. Their use in applications involving long-term operations, remote sensing and complex environments is a widely studied area of research due to their high precision capabilities over extended periods of time and low cost operation. This thesis develops methods for path planning of mobile robot systems for use in novel applications under various application and system specific constraints. First, path planning algorithms for visual surveillance applications are developed. The problems addressed therein relate to long-term autonomy, visual monitoring on terrains, cooperative operations and large-scale coverage. The proposed solutions consider environment and robot limitations such as visibility obstructions, terrain restrictions and refueling considerations. Second, path planning for robots with a curvature-constrained motion model is considered. This motion model is widely used to model mobile robot kinematics and poses computationally hard problems in path planning. This thesis addresses two interesting problems in this space. The results focus on practical considerations and implementability of the solution approach. Cooperative Air-Ground Route Planning for Large-Scale Coverage Applications This problem considers the use of an aerial robot for large-scale visual coverage in two dimensional planar environments. The use of aerial robots for surveillance is limited by their fuel capacity. The approach discussed in this work uses a ground-based mobile refueling vehicle, constrained to travel on the road, to increase operational range of the aerial robot in both space and time. The planning algorithm determines paths for both aerial and ground robots for visual coverage and coordinated rendezvous visits to refuel the aerial robot. The solution techniques include a branch-and-cut based exact method; and a construction heuristic for computationally efficient solutions. The techniques are validated in field demonstrations using real robots. Persistent Monitoring of Piece-Wise Linear Features on Terrains using Multiple Aerial and Ground Robots Persistent monitoring on terrains using multiple mobile robotic sensors requires coordinated planning. Ter-
The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Sphagneticola trilobata (Asteraceae)

Abstract Sphagneticola trilobata is one of the world's worst invasive alien species. The paucity of genetic information for this species has made it difficult for studies on the underlying genetic mechanism of its invasiveness. Herein, we report the de novo chloroplast genome assembly of S. trilobata using Illumina whole-genome sequencing data. The chloroplast genome was 151,939 bp in length, with a large single copy (LSC) region of 83,405 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,448 bp, separated by two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,044 bp each. A total of 134 genes were annotated for the chloroplast genome assembly, including 86 protein-encoding genes. Phylogenetic analysis suggested close relationship between S. trilobata and Eclipta prostrata.
Worth the Sacrifice? Illiberal and Authoritarian Practices during Covid-19

Excessive use of emergency powers and limitations of media freedoms have raised concerns that Covid-19 is infecting democracy itself. How do government responses to Covid-19 violate democratic standards? How do such violations relate to the countries’ success in limiting the Covid-19 death tolls? We propose a novel conceptualization of which government responses to Covid-19 qualify as a violation of democratic standards and measure such violations using a regularly updated dataset covering 143 countries from March 2020 onward. Our data track seven types of violations of democratic standards for emergency measures during the Covid-19 pandemic: discriminatory measures, derogation of non-derogable rights, abusive enforcement, no time limit on emergency measures, disproportionate limitations on the role of the legislature, official disinformation campaigns, and restrictions on media freedoms. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the extent to which governments have violated democratic standards in their response to Covid-19. Using a regression analysis, we find no relationship between violations of democratic standards for emergency measures and Covid-19 death rates. Thus, violations of democratic standards during the Covid-19 pandemic cannot be justified by the achievement of better public health outcomes. Rather, such crisis driven violations need to be carefully observed as they could signal autocratization.
Arrays of Plasmonic Nanoparticles Assembled on Patterns of Polymer Brushes Fabricated by Soft Lithography

T his work employed end-grafted poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and hydroxyl-terminated poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP) polymer chains for selective immobilization and patterning of plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs). A soft lithographic method which called micromolding in capillaries (MIMIC) used in this study. The polymers are deposited the capillary flow by the channels which formed by an elastomeric mold and substrate. The localized coatings are referred as polymer brushes and show great promise in the assembly of NPs due to the tunable interaction between the polymer chains and particles. The results show that the width of patterns defined by the channels is smaller than 1.5 µm with a length of around 0.5 cm. Also, the heights of the patterns are ~3.5 nm for P2VP and ~10 nm for PEG. The fabricated structures exhibited high levels of plasmonic activity and surface enhanced Raman scattering due to the immobilized Au NPs. The patterning polymer brushes and plasmonic NPS over large areas by a low-cost process show great promise for a variety of applications that range from molecular sensors to biotechnology. fined by the elastomeric stamp through the capillary of the polymer solutions followed by evaporation and removal of the stamp. The polymers were then end-grafted through a fast thermal annealing step to silicon oxide terminated substrates. The localized grafting of P2VP and PEG brushes was studied via optical and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The fabricated patterns served as binding sites for colloidal gold NPs. The functionality and uniformity of the plasmonic NP arrays were demonstrated by mapping their activity in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS).