Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Near-infrared absorption spectroscopy of interstellar hydrocarbon grains

We present new 3600 - 2700/cm (2.8 - 3.7 micrometer) spectra of objects whose extinction is dominated by dust in the diffuse interstellar medium. The observations presented here augment an ongoing study of the organic component of the diffuse interstellar medium. These spectra contain a broad feature centered near 3300/cm (3.0 micrometers) and/or a feature with a more complex profile near 2950/cm (3.4 micrometers), the latter of which is attributed to saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons in interstellar grains and is the primary interest of this paper. As in our earlier work, the similarity of the absorption bands near 2950/cm (3.4 micrometers) along different lines of sight and the correlation of these features with interstellar extinction reveal that the carrier of this band lies in the dust in the diffuse interstellar medium (DISM). At least 2.5% of the cosmic carbon in the local interstellar medium and 4% toward the Galactic center is tied up in the carrier of the 2950/cm (3.4 micrometer) band. The spectral structure of the diffuse dust hydrocarbon C-H stretch absorption features is reasonably similar to UV photolyzed laboratory ice residues and is quite similar to the carbonaceous component of the Murchison meteorite. The similarity between the DISM and the meteoritic spectrum suggests that some of the interstellar material originally incorporated into the solar nebula may have survived relatively untouched in primitive solar system bodies. Comparisons of the DISM spectrum to hydrogenated amorphous carbon and quenched carbonaceous composite are also presented. The A(sub V)/tau ratio for the 2950/cm (3.4 micrometer) feature is lower toward the Galactic center than toward sources in the local solar neighborhood (approximately 150 for the Galactic center sources vs. approximately 250 for the local ISM sources). A similar trend has been observed previously for silicates in the diffuse medium by Roche & Aitken, suggesting that (1) the silicate and carbonaceous materials in the DISM may be physically correlated and (2) there is either dust compositional variation in the galaxy or galactic variation in the grain population density distribution. We also note a possible absorption feature near 3050/cm (3.28 micrometers), a wavelength position that is characteristic of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
An integrated route planning approach for driverless vehicle delivery system

With the rapid growth of express delivery in urban areas, the use of driverless vehicles as an alternative to traditional human delivery can reduce costs and improve efficiency. The route planning of driverless vehicles is crucial in realizing autonomous navigation, which improves the working level and ensures improvements in efficiency. However, it is difficult to reasonably organize the real-time delivery, taking into account several factors that influence the planning of routes, such as load capabilities, power limits and traffic conditions. To deal with this concern, we propose an integrated approach including a multistage model and improved genetic algorithm to obtain the optimal delivery plan for driverless vehicles. The experimental results in an urban scenario with a realistic delivery service show the superiority of our proposition in the delivery efficiency.
THE DISCOVERY OF THE EXPANDING UNIVERSE AND 80 YEARS OF BIG BANG

Modern cosmology began in 1917 when Einstein published his model of a static Universe built on general relativity. A few months later de Sitter came forward with a competing, but also static model which contained no matter but had the intriguing quality that the spectrum of a test particle appeared redshifted to a distant observer. It was thought that de Sitter's model might explain the redshifted spectra observed by Slipher in spiral nebulae. However, in 1927 Lemaitre showed that de Sitter's model violated the principle of homogeneity. He then formulated a dynamical cosmological model and combined it with the available observations, showing that our Universe is expanding. He theoretically derived the linear distance–velocity relationship which today is called the "Hubble-relation. " Hubble confirmed the relation in 1929 on purely observational grounds. 80 years ago, in 1931 in a letter to Nature, Lemaitre suggested that the Universe had a definite beginning in a rapid expansion out of a highly condensed state: the primeval atom. This event became later known as the Big Bang.
Procurement risk management using capacitated option contracts with fixed ordering costs

This article considers a single-period, multiple-supplier procurement problem with capacity constraints and fixed ordering costs. The buyer can procure from suppliers by signing option contracts with them to meet future uncertain demand. It can purchase from the spot market for prompt delivery at an uncertain price. The objective is to find the optimal portfolio of option contracts with minimal total expected procurement cost. Three cases are discussed. For the case with constant capacity constraints and fixed ordering cost, a dynamic programming approach is used to build a cost function that is strong CK-convex and characterize the structure of the optimal procurement policy, which is similar to the (s, S) policy. However, there is no efficient algorithm for the calculation of the critical parameters or the optimal solution. For the remaining two more restricted cases, one with only capacity constraints (yet zero ordering cost) and the other one with positive ordering cost (yet without capacity constraint), two polynomial algorithms are provided that are able to solve each of them, respectively.
Simulation studies on the correlation of distal dose falloff of a 70-meV proton beam with a prompt gamma distribution

While a proton beam has an advantage over conventional electron and photon radiation therapy by sparing healthy tissues and organs surrounding the tumor volume, it is important to know the proton dose distribution, especially the location of distal dose falloff, to ensure the patient’s safety and the effectiveness of the treatments. This study is aimed at developing a prompt gamma scanning system by using a Monte Carlo technique for a 70-MeV proton beam, which is a usual low-energy bound of the therapy beam and at designing a system as compact as possible for actual construction. The system is set to measure the distribution of prompt gammas emitted at 90 ± 1◦ relative to the incident proton beam. The simulation showed that the distal falloff position of the proton beam could be determined from the prompt gamma distribution to an accuracy of 1 – 2 mm.
Theorie der Zungenpfeifen

Es ist aus Huyghens’s Untersuchung des Pendels bekannt, dass die kleinen Schwingungen des Pendels als isochron betrachtet werden konnen, weil die Beschleunigung des Pendels in seiner Bahn seiner Entfernung vom Mittelpunkte der Bahn proportional ist. Die verschiedene Dauer der Schwingungen verschieden langer Pendel hangt von der ungleichen Beschleunigung ab, die sie bei gleicher Entfernung vom Mittelpunkte ihrer Bahn erhalten, und Pendel, die synchronisch schwingen sollen, mussen in gleicher Entfernung vom Mittelpunkte ihrer Bahn gleiche Beschleunigung erhalten. Diese bekannten Satze gelten fur die Pendel, so wie fur alle pendelartigen Schwingungen.
Preventing Growth Stagnation and Premature LH Surge Are the Keys to Obtaining a Viable Embryo in Monofollicular IVF Cycles: A Retrospective Cohort Study

How LH levels influenced the outcomes of monofollicular IVF cycles using different stimulation protocols was controversial. In this single-center, retrospective study, we analyzed 815 monofollicular IVF cycles between 2016–2022 using natural cycle (NC), medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) or clomiphene citrate (CC) in addition to human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), with or without GnRH antagonist. A viable embryo was obtained in 35.7% of all cycles. Growth stagnation and premature LH surge are two markedly negative factors for obtaining viable embryos (odds ratios of 0.12 [0.08–0.65], p < 0.0001 and 0.33 [0.26,0.42], p < 0.0001, respectively). NC/hMG cycles are prone to premature LH surge (40.4%), yielding a significantly lower opportunity of obtaining embryos (24.7%, p = 0.029). The administration of GnRH antagonist on the background of MPA resulted in a significant decrease in LH levels (from 2.26 IU/L to −0.89 IU/L relative to baseline, p = 0.000214), leading to a higher risk of growth stagnation (18.6%, p = 0.007). We hypothesized that the abrupt decline of LH might increase the risk of apoptosis in granulosa cells. We proposed a “marginal effect” framework to emphasize that the change of LH was the key to its bioactivity, rather than the traditional “window” concept with fixed cutoff values of a threshold and a ceiling.
Neighborhood Search Considering Continuous Space Search

The objective of this work is to present and discuss a dynamical optimization procedure based on the algorithm of self-consistent parametric inference, where the movement of one feasible solution to another is implemented in continuous mode. The approach is based on a generic parametrization of search space and uses the definition of a model independent metric, which guides progress of the procedure. One of the principal contributions of the proposed method is, if a solution is found it is optimal for the parametrization considered. This feature is guaranteed and proven by self consistency.
A multi-operator self-tuning genetic algorithm for fuzzy control rule optimization

We propose a multi-operator self-tuning GA (MSGA) for fuzzy controller optimization problem. The MSGA is designed with multiple operators-single-point crossover (CR), single-point mutation (MU), single-point copy (CO) and single-point exchange (EX). The MU, CO, and EX operators are considered as a group of mutation because they select one parent and generate one offspring at one time of reproduction. Therefore, we have two groups of operators, one is simple crossover only and the other is a group of mutation operators. These two groups of operators will do the search job repeatedly until it reaches predetermined stop conditions. In the mutation loop, a fuzzy reasoning mechanism is applied to decide the population size of each mutation operator by sensing searching capabilities of each operator in different stage.
Numerical Chaos, Symplectic Integrators, and Exponentially Small Splitting Distances

Two discrete versions of Duffing's equation are derived as reductions of discretizations of the nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equation. Inheriting the properties of the NSL discretizations, one is shown to be integrable and, using a Mel'nikov type analysis, the other discretization is shown to be nonintegrable. Arguments are given why it is possible for the nonintegrable scheme to restore the homoclinic orbit at an exponentially fast rate which is faster than the order of the approximation, as h ? 0. This suggests why there can be fundamental differences between symplectic and nonsymplectic discretizations of certain continuous Hamiltonian systems.
Blood–Brain Barrier Disruption and Its Involvement in Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a highly specialized and dynamic compartment which regulates the uptake of molecules and solutes from the blood. The relevance of the maintenance of a healthy BBB underpinning disease prevention as well as the main pathomechanisms affecting BBB function will be detailed in this review. Barrier disruption is a common aspect in both neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and neurodevelopmental diseases, including autism spectrum disorders. Throughout this review, conditions altering the BBB during the earliest and latest stages of life will be discussed, revealing common factors involved. Due to the barrier’s role in protecting the brain from exogenous components and xenobiotics, drug delivery across the BBB is challenging. Potential therapies based on the BBB properties as molecular Trojan horses, among others, will be reviewed, as well as innovative treatments such as stem cell therapies. Additionally, due to the microbiome influence on the normal function of the brain, microflora modulation strategies will be discussed. Finally, future research directions are highlighted to address the current gaps in the literature, emphasizing the idea that common therapies for both neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative pathologies exist.
Whole Genome Sequencing Reveals Presence of High-Risk Global Clones of Klebsiella pneumoniae Harboring Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Multiple Plasmids in Mwanza, Tanzania

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen, causing both community- and healthcare-associated infections. The resistance is due to the continuous accumulation of multiple antibiotic-resistance-genes (ARGs) through spontaneous genomic mutations and the acquisition of conjugative plasmids. This study presents antibiotics resistance genes, plasmids replicons, and virulence genes of K. pneumoniae isolates from clinical specimens in a tertiary hospital, Mwanza, Tanzania. Methods: Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of 34 K. pneumoniae was performed, using an Illumina NextSeq 500, followed by in silco analysis. Results: A total of 34 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing K. pneumoniae, isolated from blood samples from neonatal units were whole-genome sequenced. Of these, 28 (82.4%) had an identified sequence type (ST), with ST14 (39.3%, n = 11) being frequently identified. Moreover, 18 (52.9%) of the bacteria harbored at least one plasmid, from which a total of 25 plasmid replicons were identified with a predominance of IncFIB(K) 48.0% (n = 12). Out of 34 sequenced K. pneumoniae, 32 (94.1%) were harboring acquired antibiotic/biocides-resistance-genes (ARGs) with a predominance of blaCTX-M-15 (90.6%), followed by oqxB (87.5%), oqxA (84.4%), blaTEM-1B (84.4%) and sul2 (84.4%). Interestingly, we observed the ColRNAI plasmid-replicon (n = 1) and qacE gene (n = 4) for the first time in this setting. Conclusion: Global high-risk clones of K. pneumoniae isolates carry multiple ARGs in multiple plasmid-replicons. Findings from this study warrant genomic-based surveillance to monitor high-risk global clones, epidemic plasmids and ARGs in low- and middle-income countries.
Short-Block Length Polar-Coded Modulation for the Relay Channel

Short-block length communication is becoming increasingly important for applications such as machine-to-machine communication, among others. This paper studies polar-coded modulation in the short-block length regime for decode-forward, amplify-forward and compress-forward relays. Our work seamlessly combines multi-level signaling, polar coding/decoding, and the requirements of relaying, into encoders and decoders that exhibit excellent performance. Compared with the state of the art in decode-forward, our work demonstrates 2.5 dB improvement (at block length 512). For shorter block lengths 256 and 128, this work is the first reported implementation for any coded modulation and any relaying protocol. In the category of polar-coded full-duplex relaying, this work presents the first implementation at any block length and for any relaying protocol. For decode-forward, we propose and analyze joint iterative belief propagation decoding with polar codes, and successive list decoding with polarization-adjusted convolutional (PAC) codes. For amplify-forward, we utilize PAC codes and successive list decoding. For the three relaying protocols, the respective dispersion bounds are presented for comparison, and the error exponent of the multi-level relaying coded modulations are analyzed to shed light on the results. Extensive simulations verify the performance of the proposed coding schemes.
Low Voltage Switched-Capacitive-Based Reconfigurable Charge Pumps for Energy Harvesting Systems: An Overview

Conventional SC-based charge pump with fixed conversion ratio is predominantly adopted in energy harvesting (EH) systems, which becomes a bottleneck for attaining high power conversion efficiency (PCE) with wide dynamic range (WDR). This article reviews and explores the SC-based reconfigurable charge pump (RCP) as an alternative voltage-boosting element for the EH system. An overview of the RCP structure is established, followed by a comprehensive review of CP reconfigurable topologies along with state-of-art architecture. Design consideration of the RCP in terms of dynamic range, PCE, and VCE is provided to give a clear insight into the future development of RCP architecture for the EH system.
Probing the bioeffects of cavitation at the single-cell level

Cavitation induced bioeffects has not been resolved satisfactorily due to the randomness in the inception and bubble dynamics produced by ultrasound. We have developed a microfluidic system to observe consistently the interaction of laser-generated tandem bubbles (50 μm in diameter) with resultant jet formation, cell deformation, and localized membrane rupture with progressive diffusion of propodium iodide (PI) into individual HeLa cells placed nearby. We observe a clear stand-off distance (SD) dependence in the bioeffects produced by the tandem bubbles. At SD of 10 μm, all cells underwent necrosis with high, unsaturated level of PI uptake. At SD of 20~30 μm, 58 to 80% of the cells showed repairable membrane poration with low to medium but saturated level of PI uptake. Within this range, the sub-population of cells that survived without apoptosis increased from ~9% at SD of 20 μm to ~70% at SD of 30 μm. The maximum PI uptake, pore size, and estimated membrane strain, however, could vary by more than an or.
NEUTRON THRESHOLD MEASUREMENTS USING THE CHALK RIVER TANDEM VAN DE GRAAFF ACCELERATOR

As part of the program to test the operating characteristics of the Tandem Van de Graaff accelerator, neutron threshold measurements were made on P/ sup 31/(p,n), Ni/sup 60/(p,n) and Ni/sup 58/(p,n) in the proton energy range 1.8 to 10.5 Mev. (W.D.M.)
Synthesis and applications of carbon porous nano-materials for environmental remediation

Carbon-based porous materials are widely used as adsorbents due to their high adsorption capacity and unique properties such as large pore size, sizeable area-to-volume ratio, high thermal & electrical conductivity etc., to remove pollutant from water and thus helps in water remediation. Water contamination poses severe impacts on humans as well as on marine life. In this review, we studied porous carbon materials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes and activated carbon, including their synthesis, properties and wide applications in water remediation. Absorbent materials at different scales for these applications are auspicious for environmental remediation. This review also provides future endeavors of carbon porous materials towards sustainable techniques for an eco-friendly environment.
Haptic cue control of an MR gear shifting assistance device via Preisach hysteresis linearization

This paper proposes a driver assistance device to notify vehicle drivers an optimal gear shifting timing considering fuel consumption in manual transmission vehicles. The haptic cue function of the proposed gear shifting assistance device is utilizing magnetorheological (MR) clutch mechanism as haptic interface between driver and vehicle. The shear stress level and hysteretic behavior of the employed MR fluid are experimentally observed and identified with the Preisach model. A rotary type clutch mechanism is designed and manufactured with electromagnetic circuit and its transmission torque level is experimentally evaluated according to the applied current. The manufactured MR clutch is integrated with accelerator pedal on which driver’s foot is placed to transmit haptic cue signal. In the meantime, a cue algorithm for gear shifting is formulated by considering vehicle model. The cue algorithm is then integrated with a haptic controller which is a torque model based-compensation strategy regarding Presiach hystersis linearization of the employed MR fluid. In this work, the haptic cue controller is implemented in discrete manner. Control performances are experimentally evaluated such as haptic tracking responses.
Osteopontin Splicing Isoforms Contribute to Endometriotic Proliferation, Migration, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Endometrial Epithelial Cells

Osteopontin (OPN) isoforms, including OPNb and OPNc, promote malignancy and may contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis, a benign disorder with multiple characteristics resembling malignant tumors. In our experiments, OPNb and OPNc were significantly overexpressed in both endometriosis and adenomyosis compared to the normal endometrium. Upregulation of CD44v and the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process was also present in endometriotic lesions. Overexpression of OPNb and OPNc splicing variants in endometriotic cells evoked morphological changes, actin remodeling, cell proliferation, cell migration, and EMT through binding OPN ligand receptors CD44 and αvβ3, subsequently activating the PI3K and NF-ĸB pathways. We elucidated the causal role of OPN splice variants in regulating endometriotic cell growth, which may promote the development of OPN-targeted therapies for patients suffering from endometriotic disorders.
Overview of Phlorotannins’ Constituents in Fucales

Fucales are an order within the Phaeophyceae that include most of the common littoral seaweeds in temperate and subtropical coastal regions. Many species of this order have long been a part of human culture with applications as food, feedand remedies in folk medicine. Apart from their high nutritional value, these seaweeds are also a well-known reservoir of multiple bioactive compounds with great industrial interest. Among them, phlorotannins, a unique and diverse class of brown algae-exclusive phenolics, have gathered much attention during the last few years due to their numerous potential health benefits. However, due to their complex structural features, combined with the scarcity of standards, it poses a great challenge to the identification and characterization of these compounds, at least with the technology currently available. Nevertheless, much effort has been taken towards the elucidation of the structural features of phlorotannins, which have resulted in relevant insights into the chemistry of these compounds. In this context, this review addresses the major contributions and technological advances in the field of phlorotannins extraction and characterization, with a particular focus on Fucales.
The origin of stress reduction by low-temperature AlN interlayers

Thin low-temperature AlN interlayers can be applied to reduce stress to grow thick crack-free AlGaN layers on GaN buffer layers on sapphire and thick crack-free GaN layers on Si. The mechanism leading to stress reduction is investigated by high resolution x-ray diffractometry measurements on metalorganic chemical vapor phase epitaxy grown samples on Si(111) with different interlayer deposition temperatures. A decrease of tensile stress with decreasing interlayer growth temperature is observed. From reciprocal space maps we conclude that interlayers grown at high temperatures are pseudomorphic, while grown at lower temperatures they are relaxed. Therefore, AlGaN or GaN layers grown on a low temperature AlN interlayer grow under compressive interlayer-induced strain. The stress in the GaN layer depends on the growth temperature that likely controls the amount of AlN interlayer relaxation.