Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New Geometrical-Optimization Approach using Splines for Enhanced Accelerator Cavities' Performance

Over the past decades accelerator scientists made a huge effort in advancing the technology of particle accelerators, which lead to state-of-the-art fabrication techniques as well as simulation tools. Combining these advancements with the large boosting in computing speed provides large flexibility and motivation to investigate new accelerator geometries. In this paper, we describe a new optimization approach for the geometry of accelerating cells. This approach uses a set of control points with variable positions to control a nonuniform rational B-spline (NURBS), which describes the cavity shape. INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION In this section, we describe a new optimization approach for the geometry of accelerating cells. This approach uses a set of control points with variable positions to control a nonuniform rational B-spline (NURBS) [1, 2], which describes the cavity shape. The positions of the control points are then optimized using differential-evolution optimization to maximize/minimize the defined optimization function. This function is defined by the user and depends on the cavity parameters such as the shunt impedance, wall losses, peak surface fields.etc The set of control points used in our optimization for nose-shaped accelerator cells is shown in Fig. 1. The figure shows only a half-cell since we optimize for symmetric cells. Three sets of points control the cavity shape. • First, four fixed points (black points) including the origin are defined using the cavity outer radius (b), iris radius (a), and cell width or periodicity (p). Typically, the iris radius is fixed, and the outer radius is used for frequency adjustments while the periodicity can be either fixed or added as a design variable. • The second set of points are the green ones which only move horizontally (D0, D2 and D3) or vertically (D1). These points provide a guideline for the cavity cell shape. Point D0 is fixed vertically at the outer radius and provides extra control on the outer contour (upper quarter). It also forces the outer curvature to be convex. Point D1 and D2 are both fixed vertically at the iris radius and provides extra control on the nose shape. They also force the nose curvature to be concave. Point D3 is fixed horizontally at half the period edge minus the minimum separation between cells (t). ∗ mamdouh@slac.stanford. edu D0
Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles for Nucleic Acid Delivery: Technological Aspects, Applications, and Future Perspectives

Chitosan is a naturally occurring polymer derived from the deacetylation of chitin, which is an abundant carbohydrate found mainly in the shells of various marine and terrestrial (micro)organisms. Chitosan has been extensively used to construct nanoparticles (NPs), which are biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic, easy to prepare, and can function as effective drug delivery systems. Moreover, chitosan NPs have been employed in gene and vaccine delivery, as well as advanced cancer therapy, and they can also serve as new therapeutic tools against viral infections. In this review, we summarize the most recent developments in the field of chitosan-based NPs intended as nucleic acid delivery vehicles and gene therapy vectors. Special attention is given to the technological aspects of chitosan complexes for nucleic acid delivery.
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii—A Reference Microorganism for Eukaryotic Molybdenum Metabolism

Molybdenum (Mo) is vital for the activity of a small but essential group of enzymes called molybdoenzymes. So far, specifically five molybdoenzymes have been discovered in eukaryotes: nitrate reductase, sulfite oxidase, xanthine dehydrogenase, aldehyde oxidase, and mARC. In order to become biologically active, Mo must be chelated to a pterin, forming the so-called Mo cofactor (Moco). Deficiency or mutation in any of the genes involved in Moco biosynthesis results in the simultaneous loss of activity of all molybdoenzymes, fully or partially preventing the normal development of the affected organism. To prevent this, the different mechanisms involved in Mo homeostasis must be finely regulated. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a unicellular, photosynthetic, eukaryotic microalga that has produced fundamental advances in key steps of Mo homeostasis over the last 30 years, which have been extrapolated to higher organisms, both plants and animals. These advances include the identification of the first two molybdate transporters in eukaryotes (MOT1 and MOT2), the characterization of key genes in Moco biosynthesis, the identification of the first enzyme that protects and transfers Moco (MCP1), the first characterization of mARC in plants, and the discovery of the crucial role of the nitrate reductase–mARC complex in plant nitric oxide production. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the progress achieved in using C. reinhardtii as a model organism in Mo homeostasis and to propose how this microalga can continue improving with the advancements in this field in the future.
Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Multiple Myeloma: Key Role in Disease Biology and Potential Therapeutic Implications

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by multiple relapse and, despite the introduction of novel therapies, the disease becomes ultimately drug-resistant. The tumor microenvironment (TME) within the bone marrow niche includes dendritic cells, T-cytotoxic, T-helper, reactive B-lymphoid cells and macrophages, with a complex cross-talk between these cells and the MM tumor cells. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) have an important role in the MM pathogenesis, since they could promote plasma cells proliferation and angiogenesis, further supporting MM immune evasion and progression. TAM are polarized towards M1 (classically activated, antitumor activity) and M2 (alternatively activated, pro-tumor activity) subtypes. Many studies demonstrated a correlation between TAM, disease progression, drug-resistance and reduced survival in lymphoproliferative neoplasms, including MM. MM plasma cells in vitro could favor an M2 TAM polarization. Moreover, a possible correlation between the pro-tumor effect of M2 TAM and a reduced sensitivity to proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs was hypothesized. Several clinical studies confirmed CD68/CD163 double-positive M2 TAM were associated with increased microvessel density, chemoresistance and reduced survival, independently of the MM stage. This review provided an overview of the biology and clinical relevance of TAM in MM, as well as a comprehensive evaluation of a potential TAM-targeted immunotherapy.
On modelling of three dimensional flow in extraction of biologically active substances from plants

The authors consider the process of extraction from heterogeneous plant material; a novel model offering 3D spatial resolution is proposed and simulation possibilities by applying several modern numerical methods for three dimensional problems are discussed. These types of problems naturally arise when one wishes to mathematically describe the processes of the extraction with solvents such as supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). The results of this process meet the demand of the functional foods, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries on bioactive compounds. The models used in typical simulations by the industry offer no spatial resolution of the extraction process, however, when novel designs of extractors are developed, the three dimensional flow of the solvent and its interaction with the plant material should be considered. We propose a coupled system of equations consisting of fluid dynamics equations describing the flow of the solvent and reaction-advection-diffusion equations for the solute, plus equations describing the remaining concentration of solute in the biomass. The exchange of the active material between the solid and fluid is modelled by the Langmuir law. The initial distribution of solute in the plant material is not assumed to be homogeneous, nor are the extraction parameters, i.e. heterogeneous mixture of plant materials can be covered by this model. The equations are discretized by using finite volume techniques and currently implemented in Octave/Matlab environment. As a result, the temporal evolution of the three dimensional distribution of the solute is obtained along with the velocity field of the solvent, allowing detailed studies of the extraction process in a virtual design. The model is modular, allowing integrating tailor-made laws to describe various plant materials. The authors present simulation results and analyse the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed methods and approaches.
On the characteristic rank of vector bundles over oriented Grassmannians

We study the cohomology algebra of the Grassmann manifold G̃k,n of oriented k-dimensional subspaces in R via the characteristic rank of the canonical vector bundle γ̃k,n over G̃k,n (denoted by charrank(γ̃k,n)). Using Gröbner bases for the ideals determining the cohomology algebras of the “unoriented” Grassmannians Gk,n we prove that charrank(γ̃k,n) increases with k. In addition, we calculate the exact value of charrank(γ̃4,n), and for k ≥ 5 we improve a general lower bound for charrank(γ̃k,n) obtained by Korbaš. Some corollaries concerning the cup-length of G̃4,n are also given.
Origins Space Telescope: the far infrared imager and polarimeter FIP

The Origins Space Telescope (OST) is the mission concept for the Far-Infrared Surveyor, one of the four science and technology definition studies of NASA Headquarters for the 2020 Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal survey. "Concept-1" is a cold (4 K) 9 m space telescope with five instruments, while "concept 2" consists of a cold 5.9 m telescope and four instruments, providing imaging and spectroscopic capabilities between 5μm and 600μm. The sensitivity provided by the observatory will be a three to four orders of magnitude improvement over currently achieved observational capabilities, allowing to address a wide range of new and so far inaccessible scientific questions, ranging from bio-signatures in the atmospheres of exo-planets to the production of the first metals in the universe right after the end of re-ionization. Here we present the Far Infrared Imager and Polarimeter (FIP) for OST. The camera will cover four bands, 50μm, 100μm, 250μm, and 500μm. In the "concept 1" version of the instrument, FIP will allow for differential polarimetry with the ability to observe two colors simultaneously, while all four bands can be observed simultaneously in total power mode. The confusion limit in the total power mode will be reached in only 8 ms at 500μm, while at 50μm the source density in the sky is so low that at OST's angular resolution of (see manuscript for symbol) 2" in this band the source confusion limit will only be reached after about two hours of integration with the "concept-2" version of FIP ("concept-1" FIP will not be confusion limited at 50m, no matter how long it integrates). Science topics that can be addressed by the camera include, but are not limited to, galactic and extragalactic magnetic field studies, deep galaxy surveys, and outer Solar System objects.
Enhanced Performance of Perovskite Solar Cell via Controlling Layer Thickness

In this study, Perovskite material methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) was successfully fabricated using a two-step sequential solution deposition method. The precursor solution of lead iodide was first spin-coated, followed by immersing the film into a solution of CH3NH3I to form the Perovskite layer. The Perovskite material was then successfully applied as a light-harvesting material in Perovskite solar cells. The power conversion efficiency of the devices was optimized by varying TiO2 blocking layer, TiO2 mesoporous layer, and perovskite capping layer thickness. The best Perovskite solar cell exhibits a power conversion efficiency of 7.72% with a short-circuit photocurrent density JSC of 17.26 mA/cm2, an open-circuit photovoltage VOC of 0.94 V, and a fill factor of 47.6%; with the thicknesses of TiO2 blocking layer, TiO2 mesoporous layer, and perovskite capping layer of 100 nm, 200 nm, and 400 nm, respectively. The results show that Perovskite material has potential for solar cell application.
Empirical Similarity-Based Approach for Selection of Unit Root Test

The existence of unit roots in time series processes can impair the choice of techniques for analysis and forecasting time series data. It is of much importance in econometric modelling to determine the integration number of analyzed time series based on unit root tests. Though statistical theory provides broad range of unit root tests in standard softwares , the choice of an appropriate test highly depends on subjective assessment of the analyst. This paper considers similarity-based scoring approach for selecting the most appropriate unit root test for specific type of time series observations based on Chi-square statistic and which is able to reduce subjectivity. Six unit root tests are studied. The utility of the proposed method is illustrated in simulation. The most reliable test, which is found is applied to a real time series of some selected macroeconomic variables. Keywords: Time series, Stationarity, Unit root, Integration order, Chi square statistic
Hypo-Osmotic Stress and Pore-Forming Toxins Adjust the Lipid Order in Sheep Red Blood Cell Membranes

Lipid ordering in cell membranes has been increasingly recognized as an important factor in establishing and regulating a large variety of biological functions. Multiple investigations into lipid organization focused on assessing ordering from temperature-induced phase transitions, which are often well outside the physiological range. However, particular stresses elicited by environmental factors, such as hypo-osmotic stress or protein insertion into membranes, with respect to changes in lipid status and ordering at constant temperature are insufficiently described. To fill these gaps in our knowledge, we exploited the well-established ability of environmentally sensitive membrane probes to detect intramembrane changes at the molecular level. Our steady state fluorescence spectroscopy experiments focused on assessing changes in optical responses of Laurdan and diphenylhexatriene upon exposure of red blood cells to hypo-osmotic stress and pore-forming toxins at room temperature. We verified our utilized experimental systems by a direct comparison of the results with prior reports on artificial membranes and cholesterol-depleted membranes undergoing temperature changes. The significant changes observed in the lipid order after exposure to hypo-osmotic stress or pore-forming toxins resembled phase transitions of lipids in membranes, which we explained by considering the short-range interactions between membrane components and the hydrophobic mismatch between membrane thickness and inserted proteins. Our results suggest that measurements of optical responses from the membrane probes constitute an appropriate method for assessing the status of lipids and phase transitions in target membranes exposed to mechanical stresses or upon the insertion of transmembrane proteins.
AERI Cloud Optical Depth Retrieval From MPL-Measured Cloud Boundaries

The ability to derive cloud microphysical properties from Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI) data has improved with the recent addition of cloud boundaries that are determined from the Cloud and Radiation Testbed (CART) Micropulse Lidar (MPL) measurements. A series of 18 microwindows were chosen to measure cloud emission within the infrared atmospheric window (8 micron to 12 micron) from the AERI data. These spectral regions represent the least contaminated portion of the atmospheric window, while providing ice absorption spectral characteristics that vary from weak to strong absorption across the atmospheric window. The resultant spectral optical depth signature is indicative of particle size, where smaller particles yield a greater variance in optical depth in regions of weak ice absorption. A similar approach can be applied to liquid water clouds. A Matlabbased graphical user interface (GUI) has been developed to easily visualize the temporal and spectral results. Retrieval of cloud optical depth from AERI measurements has progressed to the point where it is near automation, and is a project that has high priority.
A Note on the Sum of Products of the Second Kind q-Euler Polynomials of Higher Order

By using the fermionic p-adic integral and Multinomial Theorem, we constructed generating functions of the second kind q-Euler polynomials and numbers of higher order. By using these numbers and polynomials, we give new approach to the complete sums of products of the second kind q-Euler polynomials and numbers of higher order.
Density Functional Theory for Buckyballs within Symmetrized Icosahedral Basis

We have developed a highly efficient computation method based on density functional theory (DFT) within a set of fully symmetrized basis functions for the C60 buckyball, which possesses the icosahedral (Ih) point-group symmetry with 120 symmetry operations. We demonstrate that our approach is much more efficient than the conventional approach based on three-dimensional plane waves. When applied to the calculation of optical transitions, our method is more than one order of magnitude faster than the existing DFT package with a conventional plane-wave basis. This makes it very convenient for modeling optical and transport properties of quantum devices related to buckyball crystals. The method introduced here can be easily extended to other fullerene-like materials.
An Investigation into the predictors of brand preference towards cement brands available on the South African Market: A Consumer’s Perspective

The present study examines the antecedents and outcomes of brand preference in the South African Cement Industry. Due to the unavailability of a sampling frame, non-probability sampling, a form of convenience sampling was adopted to determine suitable respondents. A self-administered questionnaire was utilised to obtain 260 valid responses from individuals identifying as customers of the South African cement industry. To analyse the data, descriptive statistics and hypotheses testing was conducted through SPSS28 and AMOS 28 respectively. The findings of the study revealed that perceived quality, brand image, price and the influence of others positively impact brand preference. Brand preference positively influences word-of-mouth and purchase intentions and packaging do not play significant roles as antecedents of brand preference in the cement industry. It is imperative to allocate most of the organisation’s resources towards increasing brand preference as it has the most impact on purchase intention. This study explored the choice of cement brand from a business-to-business point of view and from a retail to consumer point of view. This is first study to investigate brand preference in the South African Cement Industry.
Women’s Lived Experiences with Self-Identified Problematic Pornography Use: A Qualitative Study

Abstract The present study included seven U.S. women, each interviewed twice. Thematic analysis resulted in seven themes: (a) discovering sexuality, masturbation, and sexual orientation; (b) pornography usage; (c) pornography as a coping mechanism; (d) pornography preferences; (e) distress and stigma; (f) conflict with religious beliefs and values; and (g) normalization of pornography usage and sexuality. All women reported problematic pornography use; they wanted to stop using but could not stop despite repeated and consistent efforts. Recommendations include reducing female stigma surrounding pornography use, making acceptance and commitment therapies specifically targeted toward women more widely available, and improving sexuality education for women.
Decoupling of critical temperature and superconducting gaps in irradiated films of a Fe-based superconductor

We report on direct measurements of the energy gaps (carried out by means of point-contact Andreev reflection spectroscopy, PCARS) and of the critical temperature in thin, optimally doped, epitaxial films of BaFe2(As1−xPx)2 irradiated with 250 MeV Au ions. The low-temperature PCARS spectra (taken with the current flowing along the c axis) can be fitted by a modified Blonder–Tinkham–Klapwijk model with two nodeless gaps; this is not in contrast with the possible presence of node lines suggested by various experiments in literature. Up to a fluence Φ = 7.3 × 1011 cm−2, we observe a monotonic suppression of the critical temperature and of the gap amplitudes Δ1 and Δ2. Interestingly, while Tc decreases by about 3%, the gaps decrease much more (by about 37% and 25% respectively), suggesting a decoupling between high-temperature and low-temperature superconducting properties. An explanation for this finding is proposed within an effective two-band Eliashberg model, in which such decoupling is inherently associated to defects created by irradiation.
Uncertainty Quantification for Direct Aeroacoustic Simulations of Cavity Flows

We investigate the influence of uncertain input parameters on the aeroacoustic feedback of cavity flows. The so-called Rossiter feedback requires a direct numerical computation of the acoustic noise, which solves hydrodynamics and acoustics simultaneously, in order to capture the interaction of acoustic waves and the hydrodynamics of the flow. Due to the large bandwidth of spatial and temporal scales, a high-order numerical scheme with low dissipation and dispersion error is necessary to preserve important small scale information. Therefore, the open-source CFD solver FLEXI, which is based on a high-order discontinuous Galerkin spectral element method, is used to perform the aforementioned direct simulations of an open cavity configuration with a laminar upstream boundary layer. To analyze the precision of the deterministic cavity simulation with respect to random input parameters, we establish a framework for uncertainty quantification (UQ). In particular, a nonintrusive spectral projection method with Legendre and Hermite polynomial basis functions is employed in order to treat uniform and normal probability distributions of the random input. The results indicate a strong, nonlinear dependency of the acoustic feedback mechanism on the investigated uncertain input parameters. An analysis of the stochastic results offers new insights into the noise generation process of open cavity flows and reveals the strength of the implemented UQ framework.