Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spectral features of biogenic calcium carbonates and implications for astrobiology

Abstract The ability to discriminate biogenic from abiogenic calcium carbonate (CaCO3) would be useful in the search for extant or extinct life, since CaCO3 can be produced by both biotic and abiotic processes on Earth. Bioprecipitated CaCO3 material was produced during the growth of heterotrophic microbial isolates on medium enriched with calcium acetate or calcium citrate. These biologically produced CaCO3, along with natural and synthetic non-biologically produced CaCO3 samples, were analysed by reflectance spectroscopy (0.35–2.5 μm), Raman spectroscopy (532 and 785 nm), and laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (365 and 405 nm excitation). Optimal instruments for the discrimination of biogenic from abiogenic CaCO3 were determined to be reflectance spectroscopy, and laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy. Multiple absorption features in the visible light region occurred in reflectance spectra for most biogenic CaCO3 samples, which are likely due to organic pigments. Multiple fluorescence peaks occurred in emission spectra (405 nm excitation) of biogenic CaCO3 samples, which also are best attributed to the presence of organic compounds; however, further analyses must be performed in order to better determine the cause of these features to establish criteria for confirming the origin of a given CaCO3 sample. Raman spectroscopy was not useful for discrimination since any potential Raman peaks in spectra of biogenic carbonates collected by both the 532 and 785 nm lasers were overwhelmed by fluorescence. However, this also suggests that biogenic carbonates may be identified by the presence of this organic-associated fluorescence. No reliable spectroscopic differences in terms of parameters such as positions or widths of carbonate-associated absorption bands were found between the biogenic and abiogenic carbonate samples. These results indicate that the presence or absence of organic matter intimately associated with carbonate minerals is the only potentially useful spectral discriminator for the techniques that were examined, and that multiple spectroscopic techniques are capable of detecting the presence of associated organic materials. However, the presence or absence of intimately associated organic matter is not, in itself, an indicator of biogenicity.
Attention-Based Graph Neural Network for Label Propagation in Single-Cell Omics

Single-cell data analysis has been at forefront of development in biology and medicine since sequencing data have been made available. An important challenge in single-cell data analysis is the identification of cell types. Several methods have been proposed for cell-type identification. However, these methods do not capture the higher-order topological relationship between different samples. In this work, we propose an attention-based graph neural network that captures the higher-order topological relationship between different samples and performs transductive learning for predicting cell types. The evaluation of our method on both simulation and publicly available datasets demonstrates the superiority of our method, scAGN, in terms of prediction accuracy. In addition, our method works best for highly sparse datasets in terms of F1 score, precision score, recall score, and Matthew’s correlation coefficients as well. Further, our method’s runtime complexity is consistently faster compared to other methods.
A modified time-of-flight tomography concept for ultrasonic breast imaging

Based on a special approach for ultrasonic breast imaging (CARI: clinical amplitude/velocity reconstructive imaging) a modified time-of-flight tomographic imaging algorithm is introduced. Problems of limited angle and signal-to-noise ratio are discussed. Despite fundamental limits phantom experiments show promising results. Compared to CARI the authors' algorithm leads to an improved lateral resolution and also an axial resolution was obtained, which is missing in CARI images.
Design of photonic bandgap structures through a dual-beam multiple-exposure technique

We present a dual beam multiple exposure technique that can generate complex 2-D and 3-D bandgap template structures in a photosensitive material. The system parameters related to the planar interference pattern produced by the two laser beams and reorientation effect of the sample relative to these planes is discussed. Photonic crystal structures such as the 2-D square and hexagonal arrays of dielectric "rods" and "holes" and the 3-D Yablonovite and other profiles are given. We show band gap calculations for these structures and discuss a technique for increasing the band gap through laser sculpting the dielectric template profile. In addition the paper discusses how the dual beam multiple exposure technique can be used to design 2-D quasicrystal structures of low to high rotational symmetry.
Empirical characterization of wideband indoor radio channel at 5.3 GHz

Characteristics of wideband indoor radio channel at 5.3 GHz were defined based on an extensive measurement campaign using a wideband channel sounder with 19 ns delay resolution. Pathloss exponents were 1.3-1.5 in LOS and 2.9-4.8 in non-line of sight (NLOS). Large difference in NLOS exponents was due to different dominating propagation mechanisms in different types of building structures. The delay dispersion was characterized by cumulative distribution functions (CDF) of the RMS delay spreads, the values for CDF=0.9 varied from 20 to 180 ns in different setups in an office building and large hall environments. The correlation functions of the radio channel in spatial and frequency domains were extracted. Small scale models for five typical indoor scenarios were developed using tapped delay lines.
Scaling and data collapse in magnetic viscosity (creep) of superconductors

This paper presents experimental evidence for scaling and data collapse of the magnetic viscosity (creep) coefficient for type II superconductors. It is demonstrated that, by using appropriate scaling, the creep coefficient versus magnetic field curves observed at different temperatures collapse onto one "universal" curve. This data collapse suggests a peculiar self-similar structure of the creep coefficient as a function of two variables: magnetic field and temperature.
Dynamical age of the Tucana-Horologium young stellar association

The Tucana-Horologium association is one of the closest young stellar groups to the Sun and despite the close proximity its age is still debated in the literature. We take advantage of the state-of-the-art astrometry delivered by the third data release of the Gaia space mission combined with precise radial velocity measurements obtained from high-resolution spectroscopy to investigate the dynamical age of the association. We perform an extensive traceback analysis using a combination of different samples of cluster members, metrics to evaluate the minimum size of the association in the past and models for the galactic potential to integrate the stellar orbits back in time. The dynamical age of $38.5^{+1.6}_{-8.0}$ Myr that we derive in this paper is consistent with the various age estimates obtained from isochrone fitting in the literature (30-50 Myr) and reconciles, for the first time, the dynamical age of the Tucana-Horologium association with the age obtained from lithium depletion (∼40 Myr). Our results are independent from stellar models and represent one more step towards constructing a self-consistent age scale for the young stellar groups of the Solar neighbourhood based on the 3D space motion of the stars.
The History of the Cluster Heat Map

The cluster heat map is an ingenious display that simultaneously reveals row and column hierarchical cluster structure in a data matrix. It consists of a rectangular tiling, with each tile shaded on a color scale to represent the value of the corresponding element of the data matrix. The rows (columns) of the tiling are ordered such that similar rows (columns) are near each other. On the vertical and horizontal margins of the tiling are hierarchical cluster trees. This cluster heat map is a synthesis of several different graphic displays developed by statisticians over more than a century. We locate the earliest sources of this display in late 19th century publications, and trace a diverse 20th century statistical literature that provided a foundation for this most widely used of all bioinformatics displays.
The effects of certain low frequency phenomena on the calibration of hot wires

Temperature-sensitive constant-current wires operating at very low resistance ratios have been tested for temperature fluctuation response. A significant step in the response was found to occur with a centre-frequency of typically 1/6 Hz. The step size was observed to be as large as 30% and grew from zero to its maximum value in about a decade. Analysis shows that this phenomenon is associated with axial conduction of heat to and from the prongs. If it is recognized that prongs have finite thermal inertia then a modification of the boundary conditions to the equations of Betchov (1948) predicts this step, in agreement with the simple asymptotic analysis of Maye (1970). Experiments indicate that a similar phenomenon occurs with velocity-sensitive wires. Axial conduction appears to be the most likely cause. Aeroelastic deflexions and non-uniform cooling caused by bowing of the wire make precise predictions impossible. Here the differences in step size between wires were observed to be as large as 10% (or 20% in mean-square energy), the centre-frequency was usually beyond 10 Hz for the wires tested and the step extended over a much broader frequency range than in the temperature-sensitive case. The effect occurred at all velocities, resistance ratios and wire geometries. An analysis based on non-uniform cooling of the wire filament predicts the correct frequency range and shows that steps of 10% in frequency response are quite plausible.
The FEM analysis of the peroneal nerve stimulation in hemiplegia

We present details of the modeling, design, and evaluation of single-channel implantable system with a half cuff for monopolar selective stimulation of the common peroneal nerve in hemiplegia. For this purpose, an activating and total equivalent driving function for 12 /spl mu/m nerve fibers located at six positions within the nerve were calculated by the finite element method (FEM).
On the interchange of derivative and expectation for likelihood ratio derivative estimators

Sufficient conditions for the validity of interchange between derivative and expectation, in the context of likelihood ratio gradient estimation, were given in L'Ecuyer 1990. The aim of this paper is to shed additional light on these conditions and introduce specific variants of them, which are often easier to check. Sufficient conditions for the derivative estimator to have finite moments up to a given order are also given and illustrated by examples. In particular, we give an example of an unbiased derivative estimator which satisfies the interchange conditions but which has infinite variance.
Noniterative synchronous machine parameter identification from frequency response tests

In this paper, a method to identify synchronous machine parameters from standstill frequency response tests is presented. It is common practice to use iterative techniques first to match a set of time constants with the measured response, and then to solve a set of nonlinear equations to obtain the equivalent circuit parameters. However, there is a difficulty of specifying an initial parameter estimate before any iterations can commence. This problem is overcome by the method presented here, which is able to approximate machine parameters straightforwardly and without the need of iterating. It was found that the transfer functions produced by the calculated parameters very closely resemble the measured frequency responses. Should refinements of the solution become necessary, the obtained parameters will still serve as an excellent initial estimate for standard curve fitting procedures.
Dirac Points, Topological Edge Modes and Nonreciprocal Transmission in One-Dimensional Metamaterial-Based Coupled-Cavity Arrays

We show that topological frequency band structures emerge in one-dimensional (1D) electromagnetic (EM) lattices of metamaterial components without the application of an external magnetic field. Such lattices can be cavity arrays coupled with metamaterial elements which generate alternate positive and negative-phase hopping strengths. The topological nature of the band structure manifests itself by the occurrence of Dirac points in the band structure, by the emergence of edge modes in finite arrays as well as by a nonreciprocal scattering spectrum. Specific EM designs for demonstrating the above phenomena are discussed.
Application of the Variational Method to the Large Deformation Problem of Thin Cylindrical Shells with Different Moduli in Tension and Compression

In this study, the variational method concerning displacement components is applied to solve the large deformation problem of a thin cylindrical shell with its four sides fully fixed and under uniformly distributed loads, in which the material that constitutes the shell has a bimodular effect, in comparison to traditional materials, that is, the material will present different moduli of elasticity when it is in tension and compression. For the purpose of the use of the displacement variational method, the physical equations on the bimodular material model and the geometrical equation under large deformation are derived first. Thereafter, the total strain potential energy is expressed in terms of the displacement component, thus bringing the possibilities for the classical Ritz method. Finally, the relationship between load and central deflection is obtained, which is validated with the numerical simulation, and the jumping phenomenon of thin cylindrical shell with a bimodular effect is analyzed. The results indicate that the bimodular effect will change the stiffness of the shell, thus resulting in the corresponding change in the deformation magnitude. When the shell is relatively thin, the bimodular effect will influence the occurrence of the jumping phenomenon of the cylindrical shell.
A Primer for the Monte Carlo Method

Introduction: General Idea of the Method. Simulating Random Variables: Random Variables. Generating Random Variables on a Computer. Transformations of Random Variables. Examples of the Application of the Monte Carlo Method: Simulation of a Mass-Servicing System. Calculating the Quality and Reliability of Devices. Computation of Neutron Transmission through a Plate. An Astrophysical Problem. Evaluating a Definite Integral. Additional Information: On Pseudorandom Numbers. On Methods for Generating Random Variables. On Monte Carlo Algorithms. References. Index.
Efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine injection for diabetic kidney disease: A network meta analysis and systematic review

Background: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is an important public health problem worldwide that increases the mortality of patients and incurs high medical costs. Traditional Chinese Medicine injections (TCMIs) are widely used in clinical practice. However, their efficacy is unknown owing to a lack of definitive evidence. This study conducted a network meta-analysis (NMA) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine injections in the treatment of DKD to provide a reference for clinical treatment. Methods: Total 7 databases had been searched, which included PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese scientific journal database (VIP), WanFang, and SinoMed. Only randomised controlled trials (RCT) had been included for analysis. The retrieval time limit was from the establishment of the database until 20 July 2022. Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. Network meta-analyses, and Trial Sequential Analyses (TSA) were used to analysis the effectiveness of the included RCTs for DKD. The Stata 15.1 and R 4.0. 4 were used to perform the network meta-analysis. Sensitivity analysis was used to assess the robustness of the findings. The effect of the intervention evidence are summarized on the basis of the minimum background framework. Results: NMA showed that the total effective rate of SMI, DCI, DHI, HQI, and SKI combined with alprostadil injection (PGE1) was better than PGE1 single used. Based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve values, PGE1+DHI was the most effective for urinary albumin excretion rate and 24 h urinary albumin, PGE1+HQI was the most effective for the total response rate and β2-MG, and PGE1+SKI was the most effective for serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Cluster analysis found that PGE1+HQI and PGE1+SKI could be the best treatments in terms of primary outcome measures. PGE1+SKI was found to be most effective on glomerular filtration function. PGE1+DHI was most effective for urinary protein-related indices. Conclusion: The efficacy of TCMI combined with PGE1 was higher than PGE1 single used. PGE1+HQI and PGE1+SKI were the most effective treatments. The safety of TCMI treatment should be investigated further. This study needs to be validated using large-sample, double-blind, multicentre RCTs. Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/prospero/display_record. php? RecordID=348333], identifier [CRD42022348333].
Semiconductor device modelling from the numerical point of view

In this paper mathematical and computational aspects of device modelling are treated. Four main subjects are discussed; the analytical model, the discretizations, the non-linear and the linear systems of equations. On the one hand the most commonly used numerical techniques are described; on the other hand several new techniques are presented. Noteworthy new techniques are the generalized upwind box scheme and the mixed variable approach. Aspects such as the choice of variables and the singularly perturbed nature of the problem are treated. Properties of the matrices involved are presented in a systematic way. Throughout the paper a standard one-dimensional diode is used to illustrate the concepts involved. Finally several realistic two-dimensional examples are given.
Altered lipid metabolites accelerate early dysfunction of T cells in HIV-infected rapid progressors by impairing mitochondrial function

The complex mechanism of immune-system damage in HIV infection is incompletely understood. HIV-infected “rapid progressors” (RPs) have severe damage to the immune system early in HIV infection, which provides a “magnified” opportunity to study the interaction between HIV and the immune system. In this study, forty-four early HIV-infected patients (documented HIV acquisition within the previous 6 months) were enrolled. By study the plasma of 23 RPs (CD4+ T-cell count < 350 cells/µl within 1 year of infection) and 21 “normal progressors” (NPs; CD4+ T-cell count > 500 cells/μl after 1 year of infection), eleven lipid metabolites were identified that could distinguish most of the RPs from NPs using an unsupervised clustering method. Among them, the long chain fatty acid eicosenoate significantly inhibited the proliferation and secretion of cytokines and induced TIM-3 expression in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Eicosenoate also increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and mitochondrial mass in T cells, indicating impairment in mitochondrial function. In addition, we found that eicosenoate induced p53 expression in T cells, and inhibition of p53 effectively decreased mitochondrial ROS in T cells. More importantly, treatment of T cells with the mitochondrial-targeting antioxidant mito-TEMPO restored eicosenoate-induced T-cell functional impairment. These data suggest that the lipid metabolite eicosenoate inhibits immune T-cell function by increasing mitochondrial ROS by inducing p53 transcription. Our results provide a new mechanism of metabolite regulation of effector T-cell function and provides a potential therapeutic target for restoring T-cell function during HIV infection.
Anomaly in the Alpine diurnal pressure signal: Observations and theory

An examination is undertaken of the diurnal surface-pressure pattern across the main east-west ridge of the European Alps. A case study for clear-sky, quiescent synoptic conditions reveals a pronounced across-ridge asymmetry—to the north the primary feature is an approximate 0.5 hPa semi-diurnal oscillation whilst on the southern side there is an approximate 2.5 hPa diurnal oscillation. A one-year statistical climatology and a two-month synoptic climatology confirm the existence, and indicate the prevalence of this asymmetry. The across-ridge variation in the amplitude of the solar-diurnal (i.e S1) component is about 1 hPa and it has a lateral scale of around 200 km. From a theoretical standpoint physical arguments and dynamical considerations are advanced to suggest that the S1 anomaly is not readily attributable to purely in situ effects. In addition a heuristic model is deployed to examine the possible nature of the Alpine modification of the planetary diurnall tide. The model, comprising a cylindrical island embedded in ‘reduced-gravity’ shallow water, reveals a terrain-induced modification in the form of a mesoscale, terrain-trapped Kelvin wave that interferes destructively (constructively) with the global S1 signal to the north (south) of the terrain. The pattern's amplitude, phase and spatial structure are consistent with the main features of the observed signal.
Pedagogical exploration and technological development of a humanoid robotic system for teaching to and learning in young children

Abstract This study investigates the use of an assistive humanoid robot for teaching to and learning among young children in an informal learning environment. The robot is called NAO and built by SoftBank Robotics. NAO was used to teach a mathematic concept of measurement to young children. They engaged with the robot through the teaching and learning of presentation slides, worksheets, and playing cards. Their interactions with the robot formed the evidence of their learning. The children also played with the robot in an open and friendly environment, which was video recorded. The efficacy and impacts were measured and analyzed through social signals and verbal responses. Results show that the robot can build a positive and friendly relationship with children while achieving learning outcomes. This study demonstrates the possibilities of introducing NAO into the curriculum and calls for further research toward implementing humanoid robots in classroom settings.