Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RBSC-NVSS Sample. I. Radio and Optical Identifications of a Complete Sample of 1556 Bright X-Ray Sources

We cross-identified the ROSAT Bright Source Catalog (RBSC) and the NRAO VLA Sky Survey (NVSS) to construct the RBSC-NVSS sample of the brightest X-ray sources (≥0.1 counts s-1∼10-12 ergs cm-2 s-1 in the 0.1-2.4 keV band) that are also radio sources (S ≥ 2.5 mJy at 1.4 GHz) in the 7.8 sr of extragalactic sky with |b| > 15° and δ > -40°. The sky density of NVSS sources is low enough that they can be reliably identified with RBSC sources having rms positional uncertainties ≥10″. We used the more accurate radio positions to make reliable X-ray/radio/optical identifications down to the POSS plate limits. We obtained optical spectra for many of the bright identifications lacking published redshifts. The resulting X-ray/radio sample is unique in its size (1557 objects), composition (a mixture of nearly normal galaxies, Seyfert galaxies, quasars, and clusters), and low average redshift [〈z〉 ∼ 0.1].
Consumption, identity, and surveillance during COVID-19 as a crisis of pleasure

ABSTRACT The global COVID-19 pandemic was the latest instance of a crisis of pleasure. Crises of pleasure are periodic eruptions of discontent when consumption is disrupted by external forces. In this case, the pandemic also disrupted expressions of identity on social media, where identity is made legible through conspicuous consumption on social media in the early 2020s. Drawing from six qualitative focus group interviews conducted in the summer of 2020, we analyze how social media users interpret the accounts they follow posting content that seemingly violates social distancing guidelines during COVID-19. We find that consumption during the pandemic was highly contested and surveilled, with participants describing the disciplining power of social media and their use of news and public health guidelines to inform their identities. Both trends illustrate how surveilled modes of consumption characterize the post-lockdown consumption reality, which is polarized and partisan leading towards hedonist and puritanical models.
On Fueling Gamma-Ray Bursts and Their Afterglows with Pulsars

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and their afterglows seem to result from the dissipation of bulk energy in relativistic outflows, but their engine has not been identified. The engine could be a young pulsar formed from accretion-induced collapse with a dynamo-amplified magnetic field. Elsewhere, we suggest that such strong field (cosmological) pulsars may help to explain the bimodal GRB duration distribution. Here we discuss the possible roles of a pulsar for the afterglow. We derive the expected bolometric luminosity decay and emphasize that the extracted rotational energy could dissipate by shocks and/or by large-amplitude electromagnetic waves (LAEMWs). The simplest LAEMW approach predicts a slower decay in the observed afterglow peak frequency and a faster decay in the flux than the simplest blast wave, although more complicated models of both can produce different dependences. LAEMWs do not require the rapid magnetic field amplification demanded of the blast-wave approach because the emission originates from a nearly fixed radius. Different time evolution of GRB and post-GRB emission is also predicted. Evidence for a pulsar in a GRB would make some GRB engine models, such as neutron star mergers and black holes, unlikely. Thus, the question of a pulsar presence is important even if it could drive a canonical fireball.
Dynamics of charge-displacement channeling in intense laser-plasma interactions

The dynamics of transient electric ﬁelds generated by the interaction of high intensity laser pulses with underdense plasmas has been studied experimentally with the proton projection imaging technique. The formation of a charged channel, the propagation of its front edge and the late electric ﬁeld evolution have been characterized with high temporal and spatial resolution. Particle-in-cell simulations and an electrostatic, ponderomotive model reproduce the experimental features and trace them back to the ponderomotive expulsion of electrons and the subsequent ion acceleration.
Representations of Teacher Quality, Quantity, and Diversity in a National Mathematics and Science Program

Growing awareness of the importance of teacher quality in mathematics and science has stimulated a variety of national reports and funded initiatives for the purpose of improving teaching and learning in K-12 schools. This study examined the work of awardees in one federally-funded program that included a focus on increasing the number, quality, and diversity of mathematics and science teachers. Secondary data sources were used to understand representations of mathematics and science teacher quality, quantity, and diversity reported by awardees, and to identify interventions awardees implemented to influence teacher quality, quantity, and diversity. Results indicated a primary focus on the development of teacher characteristics such as subject knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and instructional practices. Seven common interventions were implemented across the program to influence the quality of individual teachers and the quantity and diversity of the teacher population. Three prevalent themes in the secondary documents included: a) awardees’ knowledge of and implementation of research-based professional development practices; b) a shift in emphasis to include specialized subject knowledge preparation for elementary teachers, in addition to the traditional emphasis on subject knowledge for middle and high school teachers; and c) involvement of STEM faculty and Teacher Leaders in various collaborative relationships, in activities at all levels (K-12) and in both mathematics and
Far-Ultraviolet Spectroscopy of Magnetic Cataclysmic Variables

We have obtained Hubble Space Telescope (HST) STIS data for a total of 11 polars as part of a program aimed at compiling a homogeneous database of high-quality far-ultraviolet (FUV) spectra for a large number of cataclysmic variables (CVs). Of the 11 polars, eight were found in a state of low accretion activity (V347 Pav, VV Pup, V834 Cen, BL Hyi, MR Ser, ST LMi, RX J1554.2+2721, and V895 Cen) and three in a state of high activity (CD Ind, AN UMa, and UW Pic). The STIS spectra of the low-state polars unambiguously reveal the photospheric emission of their white dwarf (WD) primaries. We have used pure hydrogen WD models to fit the FUV spectra of the low-state systems (except RX J1554.2+2721, which is a high-field polar) in order to measure the WD effective temperatures. In all cases, the fits could be improved by adding a second component, which is presumably due to residual accretion onto the magnetic pole of the WD. The WD temperatures obtained range from 10,800 to 14,300 K for log g = 8.0. Our analysis more than doubles the number of polars with accurate WD effective temperatures. Comparing the WD temperatures of polars with those of nonmagnetic CVs, we find that at any given orbital period the WDs in polars are colder than those in nonmagnetic CVs. The temperatures of polars below the period gap are consistent with gravitational radiation as the only active angular momentum loss mechanism. The differences in WD effective temperatures between polars and nonmagnetic CVs are significantly larger above the period gap, suggesting that magnetic braking in polars might be reduced by the strong field of the primary. We derive distance estimates to the low-state systems from the flux scaling factors of our WD model fits. Combining these distance measurements with those from the literature, we establish a lower limit on the space density of polars of 1.3 × 10-6 pc-3.
Phase field equation in the singular limit of the Stefan problem

The classical Stefan problem is reduced as the singular limit of phase-field equations. These equations are for temperature $u$ and the phase-field $\varphi$, consists of a heat equation: $$ u_t+\ell\varphi_t=\Delta u, $$ and a Ginzburg-Landau equation: $$ \epsilon\varphi_t=\epsilon\Delta\varphi -\frac{1}{\epsilon}W^\prime (\varphi )+\ell (\varphi )u, $$ where $\ell$ is a latent heat and $W$ is a double-well potential whose wells, of equal depth, correspond to the solid and liquid phases. When $\epsilon\to 0$, the velocity of the moving boundary $v$ in one dimension and that of the radius in the cylinder or sphere are shown as the following Stefan problem,\\ $$ \left\{ \begin{array}{l} u_t-\Delta u =0\\\\ \displaystyle v=\frac{1}{2}\left[\frac{\partial u}{\partial n}\right]_\Gamma \displaystyle u=-\frac{m}{2\ell}[\kappa -\alpha v]_\Gamma \end{array} \right. $$ where $\alpha$ is a positive parameter, $[\frac{\partial u}{\partial n}]_\Gamma$ is the jump of the normal derivatives of $u$ (from solid to liquid), and $m=\int_{-1}^1\left(2W(\varphi)\right)^{1/2}d\varphi$. Since it is sufficient to describe the phase transition of single component by the phase-field equation, we analyze the phase-field equation, and investigate whether the equation shows the Stefan problem or not. The velocity of the moving boundary in the cylinder and sphere are determined and the result of the simulation of the equation is also presented. Next, we consider the velocity of interface which depends on the temperature. The control of width of diffusion layer by the parameter of phase-field equations is investigated in order to realize the singular limit of phase field equations by the numerical method.
An Overview of Rift Valley Fever Vaccine Development Strategies

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne viral zoonosis that causes high fetal and neonatal mortality in ruminants and a mild to fatal hemorrhagic fever in humans. There are no licensed RVF vaccines for human use while for livestock, commercially available vaccines are all either live attenuated or inactivated and have undesirable characteristics. The live attenuated RVF vaccines are associated with teratogenicity and residual virulence in ruminants while the inactivated ones require multiple immunisations to induce and maintain protective immunity. Additionally, nearly all licensed RVF vaccines lack the differentiating infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA) property making them inappropriate for use in RVF nonendemic countries. To address these limitations, novel DIVA-compatible RVF vaccines with better safety and efficacy than the licensed ones are being developed, aided fundamentally by a better understanding of the molecular biology of the RVF virus and advancements in recombinant DNA technology. For some of these candidate RVF vaccines, sterilizing immunity has been demonstrated in the discovery/feasibility phase with minimal adverse effects. This review highlights the progress made to date in RVF vaccine research and development and discusses the outstanding research gaps.
Intermediate - mass black holes

The mathematical simplicity of black holes, combined with their links to some of the most energetic events in the universe, means that black holes are key objects for fundamental physics and astrophysics. Until recently, it was generally believed that black holes in nature appear in two broad mass ranges: stellar-mass (M ∼ 3 − 20 M⊙), which are produced by the core collapse of massive stars, and supermassive (M ∼ 10 6 − 10 10 M⊙), which are found in the centers of galaxies and are produced by a still uncertain combination of processes. In the last few years, however, evidence has accumulated for an intermediate-mass class of black holes, with M ∼ 10 2 − 10 4 M⊙. If such objects exist they have important implications for the dynamics of stellar clusters, the formation of supermassive black holes, and the production and detection of gravitational waves. We review the evidence for intermediate-mass black holes and discuss future observational and theoretical work that will help clarify numerous outstanding questions about these objects.
Molecular Insights into Epigenetics and Cannabinoid Receptors

The actions of cannabis are mediated by G protein-coupled receptors that are part of an endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS). ECS consists of the naturally occurring ligands N-arachidonylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), their biosynthetic and degradative enzymes, and the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. Epigenetics are heritable changes that affect gene expression without changing the DNA sequence, transducing external stimuli in stable alterations of the DNA or chromatin structure. Cannabinoid receptors are crucial candidates for exploring their functions through epigenetic approaches due to their significant roles in health and diseases. Epigenetic changes usually promote alterations in the expression of genes and proteins that can be evaluated by various transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. Despite the exponential growth of new evidence on the critical functions of cannabinoid receptors, much is still unknown regarding the contribution of various genetic and epigenetic factors that regulate cannabinoid receptor gene expression. Recent studies have identified several immediate and long-lasting epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, DNA-associated histone proteins, and RNA regulatory networks, in cannabinoid receptor function. Thus, they can offer solutions to many cellular, molecular, and behavioral impairments found after modulation of cannabinoid receptor activities. In this review, we discuss the significant research advances in different epigenetic factors contributing to the regulation of cannabinoid receptors and their functions under both physiological and pathological conditions. Increasing our understanding of the epigenetics of cannabinoid receptors will significantly advance our knowledge and could lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and innovative treatment strategies for diseases associated with altered cannabinoid receptor functions.
Seismic performance

Context. Asteroseismology is a unique tool that can be used to study the interior of stars and hence deliver unique information for the studiy of stellar physics, stellar evolution, and Galactic archaeology. Aims. We aim to develop a simple model of the information content of asteroseismology and to characterize the ability and precision with which fundamental properties of stars can be estimated for different space missions. Methods. We defined and calibrated metrics of the seismic performance. The metrics, expressed by a seismic index ℰ defined by simple scaling relations, are calculated for an ensemble of stars. We studied the relations between the properties of mission observations, fundamental stellar properties, and the performance index. We also defined thresholds for asteroseismic detection and measurement of different stellar properties. Results. We find two regimes of asteroseismic performance: the first where the signal strength is dominated by stellar properties and not by observational noise; and the second where observational properties dominate. Typically, for evolved stars, stellar properties provide the dominant terms in estimating the information content, while main sequence stars fall in the regime where the observational properties, especially stellar magnitude, dominate. We estimate scaling relations to predict ℰ with an intrinsic scatter of around 21%. Incidentally, the metrics allow us to distinguish stars burning either hydrogen or helium. Conclusions. Our predictions will help identify the nature of the cohort of existing and future asteroseismic observations. In addition, the predicted performance for PLATO will help define optimal observing strategies for defined scientific goals.
Is the galactic submillimeter dust emissivity underestimated

We present detailed modeling of the spectral energy distribution (SED) of the spiral galaxies NGC 891, NGC 4013 and NGC 5907 in the far-infrared (FIR) and sub-millimeter (submm) wavelengths. The model takes into account the emission of the diffuse dust component, which is heated by the UV and optical radiation field produced by the stars, as well as the emission produced locally in star forming HII complexes. Radiative transfer simulations in the optical bands are used to constrain the stellar and dust geometrical parameters and the dust mass. We find that the submm emission predicted by our model cannot account for the observed fluxes at these wavelengths. Two scenarios that could account for the “missing” submm flux are examined. In the first scenario dust additional to that derived from the optical wavelengths is embedded in the galaxy in the form of a thin disk. This additional dust disk, which is not detectable in the optical and which is associated with the young stellar population, gives rise to additional submm emission, and makes the total flux match the observed values. The other scenario examines the possibility that the average emissivity at submm wavelengths of the dust grains found both in a diffuse component and in denser environments (e.g. molecular gas clouds) is higher than the values widely used in Galactic environments. This enhanced emissivity reproduces the observed FIR and submm fluxes with the dust mass equal to that derived from the optical observations. In the second scenario, we treat the submm emissivity as a free parameter and calculate its nominal value by fitting our model to the observed SED. We find a dust emissivity which is ~$ 3$ times the often-used values for our Galaxy. Both scenarios can equally well reproduce the observed 850 μ m surface brightness for all three galaxies. However, we argue that the scenario of having more dust embedded in a second disk is not supported by the near infrared observations. At 2.16 μ m, the model images with a second dust disk reveal a prominent dust lane which is not present in the observations. Thus, the enhanced emissivity at submm wavelengths is a real possibility and the Galactic submillimeter dust emissivity may be underestimated.
Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Bovine Mastitis and Bulk Tank Milk: First Isolation of Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus in Japan

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most important pathogens in humans as well as in livestock. Particularly, bovine mastitis caused by S. aureus is a serious issue in dairy farms due to disease recurrence. Here, cases of S. aureus-mediated intramammary infection occurring in the Miyagi Prefecture in Japan were monitored from May 2015 to August 2019; a total of 59 strains (49 from bovine milk and 10 from bulk milk) were obtained from 15 dairy farms and analyzed via sequence-based typing methods and antibiotic susceptibility tests. Two pairs of isolates were determined as recurrence cases from the same cows in distinct farms. The sequence type (ST), spa type, and coa type of each pair were the same: one pair showed ST705, t529, and VIb and the other showed ST352, t267, and VIc. In addition, the possession of toxin genes analyzed of each pair was exactly the same. Furthermore, seven oxacillin-sensitive clonal complex 398 isolates were obtained from a single farm. This is the first confirmed case of a Methicillin-Sensitive SA (MSSA) ST398 strain isolated from mastitis-containing cows in Japan. Our findings suggest that nationwide surveillance of the distribution of ST398 strains in dairy farms is important for managing human and animal health.
The analysis and validation of the prediction value of conventional and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for BRAF mutant papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

Background BRAF has certain potential in distinguishing aggressive papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). However, it is not recommended to conduct BRAF analysis for all suspicious thyroid nodules <1 cm. In order to investigate the ultrasound value indicating BRAF mutation among PTMC, which showed discrepancy in previous studies, we aimed to establish a predictive model based on conventional and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. Methods We consecutively and retrospectively enrolled patients with PTMC who underwent fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) at our hospital between January 2020 and January 2021. All PTMC patients received conventional and contrast-enhanced ultrasound prior to FNAB, samples gained went through cytological analysis and BRAF testing subsequently. The following conventional ultrasonography data were analyzed: maximum diameter, echogenicity, echo homogeneity, echogenic foci, location, shape, boundary, aspect ratio, and blood flow volume. Moreover, the following contrast-enhanced ultrasonography data were also analyzed: degree, homogeneity, completeness, and enhancement method. Time-intensity curves from contrast-enhanced ultrasonography were analyzed using VueBox software for different regions of interest, including the entire tumor, the area of strongest enhancement, and healthy thyroid glands. The independent risk factors for BRAF mutation in PTMC were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Their predictive value was tested through internal validation. Results Of the 103 PTMC lesions analyzed, 72 involved BRAF mutations. Five independent ultrasonographic risk factors for BRAF mutation were identified: relative time to peak value in the area of strongest enhancement, unclear boundary, location adjacent to thyroid capsules, maximum diameter >0.5 cm, and punctate echogenic foci. A predictive model based on these factors was able to diagnose BRAF mutations in PTMC, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.824. During internal validation, this model showed an AUC of 0.723. Conclusions Conventional and contrast-enhanced ultrasound characteristics, including relative time to peak value in the area of strongest enhancement, unclear boundary, location adjacent to thyroid capsules, maximum diameter >0.5 cm, and punctate echogenic foci, may be useful for predicting BRAF mutations in patients with PTMC.
Impact of bare and CMC-coated Fe oxide nanoparticles on microbial activity and immobilising zinc, lead, and cadmium in a contaminated soil

ABSTRACT The potential of bare and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs), including goethite, hematite, and magnetite, for stabilisation of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) in contaminated soil was investigated in a greenhouse experiment. The results showed that FeONPs application decreased the availability of potentially toxic elements in soil, and CMC-coated NPs were more effective than bare NPs. CMC-coated goethite proved to be the most effective treatment in reducing the Zn and Cd availability. Its application decreased the diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) extractable Zn and Cd concentrations by 49% and 56%, respectively. CMC-coated magnetite was the most effective treatment for the stabilisation of Pb. Its application decreased the DTPA-extractable Pb by 56%. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emission and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) were higher in samples treated with CMC-coated FeONPs than bare FeONPs-treated samples, indicating that CMC coating NPs enhanced microbial activity. CO2 emission and MBC were approximately three and five times higher, respectively, in samples treated with CMC-coated goethite than the control. This study suggests that coating of bare FeONPs with CMC improves the adsorption capacity of NPs, making them more chemically reactive, and is a possible technique to reduce the likely antibacterial effects of bare FeONPs.
Growth of homoepitaxial SrTiO3 thin films by molecular-beam epitaxy

We report the structural properties of homoepitaxial (100) SrTiO3 films grown by reactive molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE). The lattice spacing and x-ray diffraction (XRD) rocking curves of stoichiometric MBE-grown SrTiO3 films are indistinguishable from the underlying SrTiO3 substrates. Off-stoichiometry for both strontium-rich and strontium-poor compositions (i.e., Sr1+xTiO3+δ films with −0.2<x<0.2) results in lattice expansion with significant changes to the shuttered reflection high-energy electron diffraction oscillations, XRD, and film microstructure. The dependence of lattice spacing on nonstoichiometry is smaller for MBE-grown films than for homoepitaxial (100) Sr1+xTiO3+δ films prepared by pulsed-laser deposition or sputtering.