Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computational assessment of the impact of Cu(II) and Al(III) on β-amyloid42 fibrils: Binding sites, structural stability, and possible physiological implications

One of Alzheimer’s disease major hallmarks is the aggregation of β-amyloid peptide, a process in which metal ions play an important role. In the present work, an integrative computational study has been performed to identify the metal-binding regions and determine the conformational impact of Cu(II) and Al(III) ion binding to the β-amyloid (Aβ42) fibrillary structure. Through classical and Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics, it has been observed that the metal-free fiber shows a hinge fan-like motion of the S-shaped structure, maintaining the general conformation. Upon metal coordination, distinctive patterns are observed depending on the metal. Cu(II) binds to the flexible N-terminal region and induces structural changes that could ultimately disrupt the fibrillary structure. In contrast, Al(III) binding takes place with the residues Glu22 and Asp23, and its binding reinforces the core stability of the system. These results give clues on the molecular impact of the interaction of metal ions with the aggregates and sustain their non-innocent roles in the evolution of the illness.
Comprehensive analysis reveals signal and molecular mechanism of mitochondrial energy metabolism pathway in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer (PAAD) is one of the most malignant tumors with the worst prognosis. The abnormalities in the mitochondrial energy metabolism pathway are intimately correlated with the occurrence and progression of cancer. For the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer, abnormal genes in the mitochondrial energy metabolism system may offer new targets and biomarkers. In this study, we compared the dysregulated mitochondrial energy metabolism-associated pathways in PAAD based on pancreatic cancer samples in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and normal pancreas samples from the Genotype Tissue Expression project (GTEx) database. Then identified 32 core genes of mitochondrial energy metabolism pathway-related genes (MMRG) were based on the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). We found most of these genes were altered among different clinical characteristic groups, and showed significant prognostic value and association with immune infiltration, suggesting critical roles of MMRG involve tumor genesis of PAAD. Therefore, we constructed a four-gene (LDHA, ALDH3B1, ALDH3A1, and ADH6) prognostic biomarker after eliminating redundant factors, and confirming its efficiency and independence. Further analysis indicated the potential therapeutic compounds based on the mitochondrial energy metabolism-associated prognostic biomarker. All of the above analyses dissected the critical role of mitochondrial energy metabolism signaling in pancreatic cancer and gave a better understanding of the clinical intervention of PAAD.
Cognitive function in soccer athletes determined by sleep disruption and self-reported health, yet not by decision-reinvestment

Background Sleep disruption (SD) increases sympathetic activity and cortisol secretion, and delays cognitive functions such as reaction-time (RT). Sympathetic activity of disturbed sleepers, is similar to those of so-called decision-reinvesters. Decision-reinvestment refers to traits in individuals with greater tendency to ruminate and reinvest in their decisions, with significant decrease in both motor-control and cognitive performance. Decision-making quality is a crucial attribute to athletic performance which relies on RT. Consequently, SD affects pitch-performance negatively, particularly in decision-reinvesters. This observational pilot-study examined the relationship between SD and cognitive function, perceived health, as well as reinvestment strategies. The hypothesis was that athletes with lower SD perceive their health better, report lower stress levels, perform better in cognitive tasks, and show lower tendency for decision-reinvestment. Methods Twenty-one football player recorded their sleep with fit-trackers for 7 nights. Participants self-reported their mental and physical health, decision-reinvestment strategy, sleep behaviour, and perceived stress levels. Athletes then performed a set of cognitive tests to examine memory function (Backwards Corsi), selective attention (STROOP), and cognitive flexibility (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, WCST). Normality was tested with a Shapiro-Wilk test, and analysed with a Pearson's or Spearman's correlation test. Results Significant correlation appeared between extended sleep-interruptions and Backwards Corsi RT, r = 0.66, p = 0.010, as further in total sleep time and wellbeing r = 0.50, p = 0.029. A negative correlation exist in regard of pain scores and Backwards Corsi scores r = −0.57, p = 0.110. Physical health correlated with error-rates in the WCST, r = 0.69, p ≤ 0.001. Also, reinvestment negatively correlated with physical health, r = −0.80, p ≤ 0.001. Conclusion Wellbeing relies on total sleep-time. Athletes with extended sleep-interruptions are slower in recalling memory, and those with greater reported pain have lower memory scores. Participants who rate physical health greater, have more error-rates in the WCST; indicating that cognitive flexibility is enhanced in individuals with inferior perceived health. However, individuals with lower physical health scores also have greater tendency to ruminate and reinvest in decisions, suggesting interrelation between reinvestment and physical health.
Chinese cognitive processing of ToM: Distinctions in understanding the mental states of self, close others, and strangers

Previous studies showed that people differ in attributing mental states to themselves and in understanding the mental states of others, but have not explored the differences when people attribute mental states to others at different social distances. The present study adds a ‘close other’ condition to the Self/Other differentiation paradigm to explore the potential differences in attributing mental states to others with different social distances. It emerged that the time required to reflect on one’s self mental state is shortest in mental state attribution, longer when comprehending the mental state of close others, and longest for strangers. This result indicates that Chinese participants distinguish between close others and strangers when performing perspective-taking. When the perspective-shifting of belief-attribution is performed, a beforehand processing of information about close others or strangers does not interfere with the processing of information from oneself subsequently. However, when the information processed in the previous stage cannot be used for subsequent processing, it interferes with the processing of information from close others or strangers in the later stage. The lower the degree of automated processing of pre-processed information, the greater the interference effect produced. This finding indicated that processing the self mental state is automatically activated, but comprehending the mental state of others is not. The comprehension of others’ mental states occurs only when required by the task and it entails more cognitive resources to process and maintain.
An empirical study on ‘how to retain rural teachers with emphasis on hygiene or motivation factors’: A case of Western China

How to retain prominent teachers is a fundamental problem for rural education in less developed countries. However, the critical institutional factors affecting teachers’ turnover intention still need to be better understood. According to Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene theory, this study examines the effects of hygiene factors (rural incentive policy, personnel policy, and teacher pay) and motivation factors (advancement, work itself, and achievement) on rural teachers’ turnover intention. Based on a sample of 973 rural teachers, the results from structural equation modeling (SEM) showed that both hygiene factors and motivation factors can significantly reduce the turnover intention of rural teachers. Meanwhile, the effect of motivation factors is greater than that of hygiene factors. It was also confirmed that marital status, age, and teaching subject have a significant moderation effect on the relationship between motivation/hygiene factor and turnover intention, whereas gender has no significant moderation effect. Theoretical and practical implications for attracting and retaining rural teachers are discussed.
Towards a strategy for the recovering of the Mediterranean monk seal in the Adriatic-Ionian Basin

Occasional but recurrent sightings indicate that the endangered Mediterranean monk seal is still present in most of its historical range within the Adriatic-Ionian region in the central Mediterranean Sea. However, in most of the adjacent countries, the species’ abundance and distribution are practically unknown. An actively reproducing sub-population with a minimum of 25 adult/sub-adult seals lives in the Greek central Ionian Sea. The latter can form a nucleus from which the entire Adriatic-Ionian Basin could be re-colonized if adequate conservation measures are implemented throughout the area and in a coordinated manner. We examine the historical presence in the region as a baseline for providing a benchmark for conservation. We further look into the species’ habitat availability, possibilities for a rapid population assessment and various parameters that are considered crucial for its conservation, such as the existence of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), corridors for connectivity purposes as well as needs for raising public awareness. We recommend a series of interlinked actions within the framework of a conservation strategy the implementation of which will ensure the conditions for maintaining ecologically, demographically, and genetically viable sub-populations of this species emblematic for the entire Mediterranean Sea. To achieve this goal, a coalition of partners from this area is required in order to adopt the strategy and jointly implement the measures required.
Conventional machine learning and deep learning in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis using neuroimaging: A review

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes memory degradation and cognitive function impairment in elderly people. The irreversible and devastating cognitive decline brings large burdens on patients and society. So far, there is no effective treatment that can cure AD, but the process of early-stage AD can slow down. Early and accurate detection is critical for treatment. In recent years, deep-learning-based approaches have achieved great success in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. The main objective of this paper is to review some popular conventional machine learning methods used for the classification and prediction of AD using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The methods reviewed in this paper include support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), convolutional neural network (CNN), autoencoder, deep learning, and transformer. This paper also reviews pervasively used feature extractors and different types of input forms of convolutional neural network. At last, this review discusses challenges such as class imbalance and data leakage. It also discusses the trade-offs and suggestions about pre-processing techniques, deep learning, conventional machine learning methods, new techniques, and input type selection.
Generation of Multi-Megabar Pressure Using Nano-Polycrystalline Diamond Anvils

A nano-polycrystalline diamond was synthesized from graphite by direct conversion under high pressure. The nano-polycrystalline diamond consists of nanosized diamond grains oriented in random directions and has higher toughness and more isotropic mechanical properties than the single-crystal diamond. We generated the pressure using a pair of anvils composed of nano-polycrystalline diamond particles. The highest generated pressure achieved was 210 GPa. The generated maximum pressure was almost the same as that achieved by the single-crystal diamond anvils.
Field-theoretic approach to the Lifshitz point

We study the renormalization of the field theory that describes the Lifshitz point (LP). Our motivation was an old controversy on the order-${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{2}$ values of critical exponents for this multicritical point. First we analyze the Green functions at the LP where some simplifications occur. The primitively divergent diagrams are identified and renormalization prescriptions that eliminate ultraviolet divergences to all orders of perturbation are found. The Green functions in the neighborhood of the LP are expanded in terms of the Green functions calculated at the LP. This enables us to derive the renormalization-group equation satisfied by the renormalized Green functions and by analyzing its solutions we find expressions for the critical exponents that hold to all orders of perturbation. Finally, we obtain generalized scaling relations for the exponents associated with the LP.
Growth and morphology of thin Fe films on flat and vicinal Au(111): a comparative study

The epitaxial growth of Fe on flat and vicinal Au(111) was investigated with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) in a comparative study. Below a critical film thickness we found a pseudomorphic growth behavior of Fe on flat and vicinal Au(111). Above the critical Fe overlayer thickness a phase transition from fcc(111) to bcc(110) occurs on both surfaces. As a result of this phase transition rectangular-shaped crystallites are formed on the surface. The predominant orientation of the crystallites is along all directions for Fe on flat Au(111). For Fe on vicinal Au(111), we observed that no crystallites are orientated along the step edges. For Fe on flat Au(111), we found that the phase transition starts at a higher Fe overlayer thickness but a lower Fe coverage is required before the transition is completed in comparison with Fe on vicinal Au(111). Our results obtained with STM and LEED allow us to directly link the growth directions of the bcc(110) crystallites with twofold symmetry to the crystallographic directions of the substrate surface with hexagonal symmetry.
Data sharpening as a prelude to density estimation

We introduce a data-perturbation method for reducing bias of a wide variety of density estimators, in univariate, multivariate, spatial and spherical data settings. The method involves 'sharpening' the data by making them slightly more clustered than before, and then computing the estimator in the usual way, but from the sharpened data rather than the original data. The transformation depends in a simple, explicit way on the smoothing parameter employed for the density estimator, which may be based on classical kernel methods, orthogonal series, histosplines, singular integrals or other linear or approximately-linear methods. Bias is reduced by an order of magnitude, at the expense of a constant-factor increase in variance.
Systematic Literature Review of System Engineering Design Methods

This paper provides a systematic literature review of System Engineering (SE) design methods, SE standards, process models, and its employment in Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE). Currently, there are three major standards being applied to non-defense domain, covering different levels of details related to a system's life cycle. It also details other related standards and guidelines that have focused in different features. Given that the choice of which standard to adopt in a certain project is a challenge, this paper presents some elements that might help designers making the appropriate choice. A paradigm about MBSE methodologies and traditional SE process document-based is related, and it can be anticipated that conclusions goes towards using MBSE and multi-standards in SE projects.
Ethics Applied to Development in Robotics

Technology is increasingly present in everyday life. With this, there is an increase in the interactions between men and machines. As a result, ethical dilemmas arise. These ethical dilemmas occur both as a consequence for the developer and as part of the machine’s problems. However, one can affirm that the moral differences between citizens interfere with how to solve these dilemmas. Furthermore, these ethical differences can be collected and used to model machines based on ethics. Thus, this work aims to study the relationship between ethical values and robotics, both in the development of new technologies and in the decision-making of machines. Thus the importance of ethics in technological development becomes evident.
Introduction to Electrodynamics

In this new edition of the standard undergraduate textbook on electricity and magnetism, David Griffiths provides expanded discussions on topics such as the nature of field lines, the crystal ambiguity, eddy currents, and the Thomson kink model. Ideal for junior and senior undergraduate students from physics and electrical engineering, the book now includes many new examples and problems, including numerical applications (in Mathematica) to reflect the increasing importance of computational techniques in contemporary physics. Many figures have been redrawn, while updated references to recent research articles not only emphasize that new discoveries are constantly made in this field, but also help to expand readers' understanding of the topic and of its importance in current physics research.
Integrable families of Hénon-Heiles-type Hamiltonians and a new duality

Integrable Hamiltonians of type $H=\frac{1}{2}{p}_{x}^{2}+\frac{1}{2}{p}_{y}^{2}+{\mathrm{Cx}}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}+2}+{x}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}}{y}^{2}$ are discussed. Using the parameters appearing in the Painlev\'e analysis we find that the integrable potentials for $\ensuremath{\alpha}=1$ (H\'enon-Heiles) and $\ensuremath{\alpha}=\ensuremath{-}\frac{2}{3}$ (Holt) are in one-to-one correspondence. Simple relations exist between the corresponding coefficients $C$, and also the dimensions of the second invariants are found to be related. Quantum integrability is also discussed.
Single and low order mode interrogation of a multimode sapphire fibre Bragg grating sensor with tapered fibres

Multimode sapphire fibre Bragg gratings (SFBG) made with an ultrafast Ti:sapphire 800 nm laser and a phase mask were probed using a tapered single mode fibre of different taper diameters to produce single and low order mode reflection/transmission responses. A configuration made of an input single mode tapered fibre and multimode silica fibre used for output coupling was also tested and has delivered a filtered multimode transmission spectrum. The tapered coupling improved the spectral resolution of the SFBG. Such improvements facilitate the utilization of the SFBG as a high temperature sensor. Wavelength shifts of the single mode response were monitored as a function of temperature up to 1500 °C with no detectable degradation in the grating strength or hysteresis in the Bragg resonance.
Thirty Years of Optical Pumping

Abstract This article traces the development of optical pumping from the ideas first elaborated by Kastler in 1950. It deals with the general characteristics of optical pumping, the optical ‘magnetization’ of gases and vapours, spin exchange, metastability exchange, orientation by collision, multiple quantum resonances, atomic coherences, quantum beats, and dressed atoms: and concludes with a note on laser spectroscopy.
Optimal policy for a dynamic multi‐echelon inventory model

Abstract : A general multiperiod multi-echelon supply system consisting of n facilities each stocking a single product is studied. At the beginning of a period each facility may order stock from an exogenous source with no delivery lag and proportional ordering costs. During the period the (random) demands at the facilities are satisfied according to a given supply policy that determines to what extent stock may be redistributed from facilities with excess stock to those experiencing shortages. There are storage, shortage, and transportation costs. An ordering policy that minimizes expected costs is sought. If the initial stock is sufficiently small and certain other conditions are fulfilled, it is optimal to order up to a certain base stock level at each facility. The special supply policy in which each facility except facility 1 passes its shortages on to a given lower numbered facility called its direct supplier is examined in some detail. Bounds on the base stock levels are obtained. It is also shown that if the demand distribution at facility j is stochastically smaller ('spread' less) than that at another facility k having the same direct supplier and if certain other conditions are fulfilled, then the optimal base stock level ('virtual' stock out probability) at j is less than (greater than) or equal to that at facility k. (Author)
Dynamical model for velocity-gradient evolution in compressible turbulence

Abstract Velocity-gradient evolution in compressible turbulence is modelled with an autonomous dynamical system of equations that are able to explain important non-isentropic, Mach-number and viscous effects. This enhanced homogenized Euler equation (EHEE) model is validated against the Burgers equation and direct numerical simulation (DNS) computations at the appropriate limits of Mach number. The EHEE model qualitatively captures crucial nonlinear physical features – especially various dilatational aspects of the flow field – observed in DNS over a range of Mach, Reynolds and Prandtl numbers. The model can serve as the basis of more quantitative statistical and stochastic closure models.
Analysis of Fluid Flows via Spectral Properties of the Koopman Operator

This article reviews theory and applications of Koopman modes in fluid mechanics. Koopman mode decomposition is based on the surprising fact, discovered in Mezic (2005), that normal modes of linear oscillations have their natural analogs—Koopman modes—in the context of nonlinear dynamics. To pursue this analogy, one must change the representation of the system from the state-space representation to the dynamics governed by the linear Koopman operator on an infinite-dimensional space of observables. Whereas Koopman in his original paper dealt only with measure-preserving transformations, the discussion here is predominantly on dissipative systems arising from Navier-Stokes evolution. The analysis is based on spectral properties of the Koopman operator. Aspects of point and continuous parts of the spectrum are discussed. The point spectrum corresponds to isolated frequencies of oscillation present in the fluid flow, and also to growth rates of stable and unstable modes. The continuous part of the spectrum c.
Whispering-gallery waves

A review of the theory of the natural waves (eigen-modes) in a dielectric sphere is presented. A special attention is paid to the eigenmodes with large radial and azimuthal indices, the so-called whispering-gallery modes. The experimental results of the spectroscopic study of modes in a dielectric sphere are reported. The fields of applications of whispering-gallery modes are discussed.
Geodesics and Killing tensors in mechanics

Killing tensors give polynomial constants of the geodesic motion. The trajectories of a conservative mechanical system correspond to geodesics when the kinetic energy metric is conformally scaled to the Jacobi metric. Alternatively, the trajectories may be related to geodesics of some higher-dimensional warped product manifold. These two different ways of relating mechanical trajectories to geodesics are reviewed and compared. It is shown how a relation between Killing tensors on configuration space and the potential gives rise to Killing tensors on both the Jacobi and warped product manifolds.