Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Opacity Mechanism for the Pulsations of OB Stars

It is proposed that the sudden appearance of a tremendous number of same-shell transition iron lines, as the temperature rises above 100,000 K, gives a high sensitivity of the opacity to temperature at the very low densities found in OB giants. This produces kappa effect pulsations. The reason not all B stars pulsate could be that a slight primordial deficit in the iron abundance in the surface layer reduces the opacity and its sensitivity to temperature and reduces the kappa effect driving. A slight amount of iron concentration by radiative levitation could cause a star to pulsate even if it did not originally have enough primordial iron to cause this mechanism to operate. Then any slow slight mixing caused by the unstable shearing nonradial pulsations could restabilize the pulsations as actually observed in Alpha Vir and Beta CMa. Rapid levitation and mixing for the very luminous B stars with their very low density envelopes could even explain luminous blue variables that pulsate only a few cycles before they stabilize again. Large amplitude pulsations like those seen in BW Vul would indicate a somewhat large primordial iron abundance compared to all other B stars. Multimode behavior is theoretically expected for thismore » pulsation mechanism, and for some B stars only a few nonradial modes (possibly selected by rotation) may survive to observable amplitudes. 39 refs.« less
Host nucleases generate prespacers for primed adaptation in the E. coli type I-E CRISPR-Cas system

CRISPR-Cas systems provide prokaryotes with adaptive immunity against foreign nucleic acids. In Escherichia coli, immunity is acquired upon integration of 33-bp spacers into CRISPR arrays. DNA targets complementary to spacers get degraded and serve as a source of new spacers during a process called primed adaptation. Precursors of such spacers, prespacers, are ~33-bp double-stranded DNA fragments with a ~4-nt 3′ overhang. The mechanism of prespacer generation is not clear. Here, we use FragSeq and biochemical approaches to determine enzymes involved in generation of defined prespacer ends. We demonstrate that RecJ is the main exonuclease trimming 5′ ends of prespacer precursors, although its activity can be partially substituted by ExoVII. The RecBCD complex allows single strand–specific RecJ to process double-stranded regions flanking prespacers. Our results reveal intricate functional interactions of genome maintenance proteins with CRISPR interference and adaptation machineries during generation of prespacers capable of integration into CRISPR arrays.
Modulational instability of ion acoustic waves in a magnetised plasma

The modulational instability of ion acoustic waves is studied in the presence of DC magnetic field. It is found that while the instability sets in for wave numbers exceeding 1.47 kD in the absence of the magnetic field, the switching-on of the magnetic field can generate instability earlier. In general, two regions emerge where the waves can become modulationally unstable. The relative sizes of these regions change as the magnetic field and the angle of propagation are varied.
Theoretical Analysis of Compressor Noise

The noise radiated by rotor‐stator and stator‐rotor interactions in a duct of negligible length has been analyzed with the aid of the author's general theory. Explicit analytic results for rotating fluctuating source patterns have been found, which reduce to the case of Gutin for the steady propeller case with no axial velocity, and to Garrick and Watkins' results for the propeller problem with axial velocity. Computed results of over‐all power and directionality will be presented for several basic cases, and the practical implication of these theoretical results will be discussed. [This work has been supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under contract. ]
Theory of the optimum running approximation of extended filter banks with slightly non-linear analysis filters

In many physical effects and sensors in biomedical or engineering fields, it is often the case that some small non-linear characteristics are contained in the system. The previous paper treats approximation of non-linear filter bank.10 But, a running approximation is not treated. In this paper, we establish a theory of a favorable interpolation approximation of running filter banks with non-linear analysis filters based on the one-to-one correspondence between errors in a wide but limited volume and a certain small volume in the variable domain. Some additional considerations about the optimum interpolation approximation are presented also.
Fate of Hemodialysis Patients Undergoing Transcarotid Revascularization

Introduction Carotid revascularization in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) continues to be a controversial topic, as life expectancy is poor, thus, preventing the recouperation of cumulative stroke-risk reduction in the postoperative period. We performed this primarily descriptive analysis of the results of transcarotid revascularization (TCAR) in renal failure patients. Methods A retrospective review of two independent carotid revascularization databases maintained at two large health systems were performed to capture all consecutive TCAR procedures. Patients were classified as either (1) ESRD or (2) preserved renal function (PRF) and compared with standard univariate techniques, where appropriate. Results From December 2015 to April 2022, 851 consecutive TCARs were attempted at our participating facilities. Of these, 27 were performed in ESRD patients (all hemodialysis). These patients were younger and presented with a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index. The incidence of a high anatomic risk criterion as defined for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) were similar between groups, as was the incidence of a symptomatic carotid lesion. There were no differences between the groups in terms of intraoperative characteristics and the postoperative medication management were grossly similar by renal function. In the 30-day perioperative period, there were no stroke, death, or myocardial infarction in the 27 ESRD patients treated with TCAR. The mean duration of follow-up in the ESRD cohort was 15.0 months. During this time, there was no ipsilateral stroke events, one contralateral stroke, and one MI. All 27 carotid stents remained patent during this period. Six patients perished after TCAR at a mean interval of 12.2 months after TCAR. Conclusion Survival is poor after carotid revascularization via the TCAR technique on intermediate follow-up. Careful patient selection is required to identify those who will survive to collect on the cumulative stroke-risk reduction afforded by carotid intervention.
Parental mutations influence wild-type offspring via transcriptional adaptation

Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (TEI) is mostly discussed in the context of physiological or environmental factors. Here, we show intergenerational and transgenerational inheritance of transcriptional adaptation (TA), a process whereby mutant messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation affects gene expression, in nematodes and zebrafish. Wild-type offspring of animals heterozygous for mRNA-destabilizing alleles display increased expression of adapting genes. Notably, offspring of animals heterozygous for nontranscribing alleles do not display this response. Germline-specific mutations are sufficient to induce TA in wild-type offspring, indicating that, at least for some genes, mutations in somatic tissues are not necessary for this process. Microinjecting total RNA from germ cells of TA-displaying heterozygous zebrafish can trigger TA in wild-type embryos and in their progeny, suggesting a model whereby mutant mRNAs in the germline trigger a TA response that can be epigenetically inherited. In sum, this previously unidentified mode of TEI reveals a means by which parental mutations can modulate the offspring’s transcriptome.
Experiences of a nature-based intervention program in a northern natural setting: A longitudinal case study of two women with stress-related illness

ABSTRACT Purpose This study explored the experiences of people with stress-related illness participating in a nature-based intervention programme in a northern natural setting. Methods A longitudinal case study was conducted with two women participating in a nature-based intervention programme on a farm. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews, diaries, rating scales, and self-assessment. Qualitative data were analysed by qualitative content analysis and quantitative data are presented descriptively. Results The theme of finding a source for recovery and well-being permeates all categories. The participants perceived the farm and nature to be a calming refuge; they learned to be in the present and could manage the tasks. In togetherness with each other and the facilitator on the farm they felt understood and confident, experienced joy, and found opportunities for change. They gained knowledge and positive memories and found new approaches in life. Self-assessment questionnaires indicated improvements of functioning in everyday life and reduced stress-related exhaustion at the end of the NBI programme. Conclusions Nature-based interventions lasting for a relatively short period seem to promote health and may be a complement to other treatments of stress-related illness. Further research is needed with a larger number of participants and in various natural settings.
Multimodal Analysis of the Visual Pathways in Friedreich's Ataxia Reveals Novel Biomarkers

Optic neuropathy is a near ubiquitous feature of Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA). Previous studies have examined varying aspects of the anterior and posterior visual pathways but none so far have comprehensively evaluated the heterogeneity of degeneration across different areas of the retina, changes to the macula layers and combined these with volumetric MRI studies of the visual cortex and frataxin level.
When and why patients and families reject chaplains: challenges, strategies and solutions

Abstract Hospital chaplains perform important activities, but critical questions arise about the challenges they may face in working with patients, and how these professionals respond. Thirty-three telephone interviews of approximately 1 hour and were conducted with 21 board-certified chaplains. When asked about their biggest challenges and most rewarding interactions, several chaplains described rejections by patients or families. Patients and families at times rejected chaplains, and did so for six broad types of reasons – not wanting to discuss the disease due to conflicted feelings, including anger or frustration at the patient, the cosmos or God; or wanting to minimize it; wanting a chaplain of their own faith; or of a particular gender or other characteristic; being atheist or wary of religion; or misunderstanding what chaplains do. Patients at times also disagreed with family members about whether to reject a chaplain. Chaplains responded variously: feeling transitory hurt (which generally decreases with experience); respecting patients’ autonomy and leaving; exploring reasons for rejection; and revisiting later and often then making helpful connections. These data have important implications for future practice, education and research regarding chaplains and other providers – suggesting, for example, how patients’ families and the public might benefit from increased understanding about the field.
Intestinal enteroendocrine cells rely on ryanodine and IP3 calcium store receptors for mechanotransduction

Enteroendocrine cells (EECs) are specialized sensors of luminal forces and chemicals in the gastrointestinal (GI) epithelium that respond to stimulation with a release of signalling molecules such as serotonin (5‐HT). For mechanosensitive EECs, force activates Piezo2 channels, which generate a very rapidly activating and inactivating (∼10 ms) cationic (Na+, K+, Ca2+) receptor current. Piezo2 receptor currents lead to a large and persistent increase in intracellular calcium (Ca2+) that lasts many seconds to sometimes minutes, suggesting signal amplification. However, intracellular calcium dynamics in EEC mechanotransduction remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the role of Ca2+ stores in EEC mechanotransduction. Mechanical stimulation of a human EEC cell model (QGP‐1) resulted in a rapid increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ and a slower decrease in ER stores Ca2+, suggesting the involvement of intracellular Ca2+ stores. Comparing murine primary colonic EECs with colonocytes showed expression of intercellular Ca2+ store receptors, a similar expression of IP3 receptors, but a >30‐fold enriched expression of Ryr3 in EECs. In mechanically stimulated primary EECs, Ca2+ responses decreased dramatically by emptying stores and pharmacologically blocking IP3 and RyR1/3 receptors. RyR3 genetic knockdown by siRNA led to a significant decrease in mechanosensitive Ca2+ responses and 5‐HT release. In tissue, pressure‐induced increase in the Ussing short circuit current was significantly decreased by ryanodine receptor blockade. Our data show that mechanosensitive EECs use intracellular Ca2+ stores to amplify mechanically induced Ca2+ entry, with RyR3 receptors selectively expressed in EECs and involved in Ca2+ signalling, 5‐HT release and epithelial secretion.
Room-temperature observation of high-spin polarization of epitaxial CrO2(100) island films at the Fermi energy

Epitaxial CrO2(100) island films have been grown on TiO2(100) substrates by a chemical-vapor deposition technique. Well-controlled surface and interface properties of the CrO2(100) films were confirmed by scanning tunneling microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy at room temperature revealed an energy gap of about 2 eV below Fermi level EF for spin-down electrons and a spin polarization of about +95% at EF. After extended sputtering, the spin polarization can be recovered from about +10% up to +85% upon annealing.
Mutagenicity of the organic fraction of World Trade Center dust

Most studies of the health effects and chemical characterization of the dust resulting from the catastrophic collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) on September 11, 2001, have focused on the large inorganic fraction of the dust; however, chemical analyses have identified mutagens and carcinogens in the smaller organic fraction. Here, we determined the mutagenicity of the organic fraction of WTC dust in Salmonella. Only 0.74% of the mass of the particulate matter (PM) <53 μm in diameter was extractable organic matter (EOM). Because the EOM was 10 times more mutagenic in TA100 +S9 than in TA98 +S9 and was negative in TA98 −S9, we inferred, respectively, that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) played a role in the mutagenicity and not nitroarenes. In TA98 +S9, the mutagenic potency of the EOM (0.1 revertant/μg EOM) was within the range of EOMs from air and combustion emissions. However, the EOM‐based mutagenic potency of the particles (0.0007 revertants/μg PM) was 1–2 orders of magnitude lower than values from a review of 50 combustion emissions and various air samples. We calculated that 37 PAHs analyzed previously in WTC EOM were 5.4% of the EOM mass and 0.04% of the PM mass; some air contained 0.3 μg WTC EOM/m3 (0.02 μg PAHs/m3). Populations exposed to WTC dust have elevated levels of prostate and thyroid cancer but not lung cancer. Our data support earlier estimates that PAH‐associated cancer risk among this population, for example, PAH‐associated lung cancer, was unlikely to be significantly elevated relative to background PAH exposures.
High-resolution tree canopy mapping for New York City using LIDAR and object-based image analysis

Abstract. Urban tree canopy is widely believed to have myriad environmental, social, and human-health benefits, but a lack of precise canopy estimates has hindered quantification of these benefits in many municipalities. This problem was addressed for New York City using object-based image analysis (OBIA) to develop a comprehensive land-cover map, including tree canopy to the scale of individual trees. Mapping was performed using a rule-based expert system that relied primarily on high-resolution LIDAR, specifically its capacity for evaluating the height and texture of aboveground features. Multispectral imagery was also used, but shadowing and varying temporal conditions limited its utility. Contextual analysis was a key part of classification, distinguishing trees according to their physical and spectral properties as well as their relationships to adjacent, nonvegetated features. The automated product was extensively reviewed and edited via manual interpretation, and overall per-pixel accuracy of the final map was 96%. Although manual editing had only a marginal effect on accuracy despite requiring a majority of project effort, it maximized aesthetic quality and ensured the capture of small, isolated trees. Converting high-resolution LIDAR and imagery into usable information is a nontrivial exercise, requiring significant processing time and labor, but an expert system–based combination of OBIA and manual review was an effective method for fine-scale canopy mapping in a complex urban environment.
Amp(1q) and tetraploidy are commonly acquired chromosomal abnormalities in relapsed multiple myeloma

Long‐term disease control in multiple myeloma (MM) is typically an unmet medical need, and most patients experience multiple relapses. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is the standard technique to detect chromosomal abnormalities (CAs), which are important to estimate the prognosis of MM and the allocation of risk adapted therapies. In advanced stages, the importance of CAs needs further investigation. From 148 MM patients, two or more paired samples, at least one of which was collected at relapse, were analyzed by FISH. Using targeted next‐generation sequencing, we molecularly investigated samples harboring relapse‐associated CAs. Sixty‐one percent of the patients showed a change in the cytogenetic profile during the disease course, including 10% who acquired high‐risk cytogenetics. Amp(1q) (≥4 copies of 1q21), driven by an additional increase in copy number in patients who already had 3 copies of 1q21, was the most common acquired CA with 16% affected patients. Tetraploidy, found in 10% of the samples collected at the last time‐point, was unstable over the course of the disease and was associated with TP53 lesions. Our results indicate that cytogenetic progression is common in relapsed patients. The relatively high frequency of amp(1q) suggests an active role for this CA in disease progression.
Eliminating interfacial O-involving degradation in Li-rich Mn-based cathodes for all-solid-state lithium batteries

In the pursuit of energy-dense all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSBs), Li-rich Mn-based oxide (LRMO) cathodes provide an exciting path forward with unexpectedly high capacity, low cost, and excellent processibility. However, the cause for LRMO|solid electrolyte interfacial degradation remains a mystery, hindering the application of LRMO-based ASSBs. Here, we first reveal that the surface oxygen instability of LRMO is the driving force for interfacial degradation, which severely blocks the interfacial Li-ion transport and triggers fast battery failure. By replacing the charge compensation of surface oxygen with sulfite, the overoxidation and interfacial degradation can be effectively prevented, therefore achieving a high specific capacity (~248 mAh g−1, 1.1 mAh cm−2; ~225 mAh g−1, 2.9 mAh cm−2) and excellent long-term cycling stability of >300 cycles with 81.2% capacity retention at room temperature. These findings emphasize the importance of irreversible anion reactions in interfacial failure and provide fresh insights into constructing stable interfaces in LRMO-based ASSBs.
Salt-induced ductilization and strain-insensitive resistance of an intrinsically conducting polymer

High mechanical ductility and high mechanical strength are important for materials including polymers. Current methods to increase the ductility of polymers such as plasticization always cause a remarkable drop in the ultimate tensile strength. There is no report on the ductilization of polymers that can notably increase the elongation at break while not lowering the ultimate tensile strength. Here, we report the salt-induced ductilization of an intrinsically conducting polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). Treating highly conductive PEDOT:PSS with a salt such as sodium perchlorate can enhance its elongation at break from 8.5 to 53.2%, whereas it hardly affects the tensile strength. Moreover, the resistance of the ductilized PEDOT:PSS films is insensitive to the tensile strain before fracture and slightly increases by only ~6% during the cyclic tensile testing with the strain up to 30%. These effects are ascribed to the decrease in the Coulomb attraction between PEDOT+ and PSS− by the salt ions.
Resolving ambiguities in auto–calibration

Three dimensional projective structure, that is structure modulo, a projectivity of 3D space, can be recovered from its projection in multiple perspective images. The images might be acquired, for example, by a moving monocular camera or a stereo rig. This projective structure can be upgraded to Euclidean structure by identifying two entities, the plane at infinity and the absolute conic. Auto–calibration methods use constraints induced by the rigid motion of the camera to determine the Euclidean structure (or, equivalently, the camera calibration). Often these motion constraints are supplemented by known values of the camera's internal parameters or scene constraints in order to resolve ambiguities or stabilize the algorithms. It is shown in this paper that in certain common situations this supplementary information may not resolve the ambiguity. This is illustrated for the particular ambiguity arising for motions with a single direction of the rotation axis. Four types of constraint are analyzed, and the conditions under which the ambiguity is not resolved are given. The constraint cases are (i) perpendicular image axes (the zero–skew constraint); (ii) the specified image aspect ratio; (iii) the specified image principal point; and, (iv) the perpendicularity of scene features.
Enhancement of fruit byproducts through bioconversion by Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)

Bioconversion is a biological process by which organic materials are converted into products with higher biological and commercial value. During its larval stage the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens is extremely voracious and can feed on a wide variety of organic materials. To study the impact of different fruit byproducts on the insect's growth, final larval biomass, substrate reduction, bioconversion parameters, and larval nutritional composition, 10 000 black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) were reared on 7.0 kg of one of three substrates (strawberry, tangerine, or orange) or on a standard diet as a control. The results highlight that BSFL can successfully feed and grow on each of these diets, though their development time, growth rate, and final biomass were differently impacted by the substrates, with strawberry being the most suitable. The lipid and protein contents of BSFL were similar among larvae fed on different substrates; however, major differences were detected in ash, micronutrient, fiber, fatty acid, and amino acid contents. Overall, the results indicate that fruit waste management through the BSFL bioconversion process represents a commercially promising resource for regional and national agrifood companies. Our study offers new perspectives for sustainable and environmentally friendly industrial development by which fruit byproducts or waste might be disposed of or unconventionally enhanced to create secondary products of high biological and economic value, including BSFL biomass as animal feed or, in perspective, as alternative protein source for human nutrition.