Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Electromagnetic Counterpart of the Binary Neutron Star Merger LIGO/Virgo GW170817. I. Discovery of the Optical Counterpart Using the Dark Energy Camera

We present the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) discovery of the optical counterpart of the first binary neutron star merger detected through gravitational-wave emission, GW170817. Our observations commenced 10.5 hr post-merger, as soon as the localization region became accessible from Chile. We imaged 70 deg2 in the i and z bands, covering 93% of the initial integrated localization probability, to a depth necessary to identify likely optical counterparts (e.g., a kilonova). At 11.4 hr post-merger we detected a bright optical transient located from the nucleus of NGC 4993 at redshift z = 0.0098, consistent (for km s−1 Mpc−1) with the distance of 40 ± 8 Mpc reported by the LIGO Scientific Collaboration and the Virgo Collaboration (LVC). At detection the transient had magnitudes of and , and thus an absolute magnitude of , in the luminosity range expected for a kilonova. We identified 1500 potential transient candidates. Applying simple selection criteria aimed at rejecting background events such as supernovae, we find the transient associated with NGC 4993 as the only remaining plausible counterpart, and reject chance coincidence at the 99.5% confidence level. We therefore conclude that the optical counterpart we have identified near NGC 4993 is associated with GW170817. This discovery ushers in the era of multi-messenger astronomy with gravitational waves and demonstrates the power of DECam to identify the optical counterparts of gravitational-wave sources.
Probing the 9.7 μm interstellar silicate extinction profile through the Spitzer/IRS spectroscopy of OB stars

The 9.7$\mu$m interstellar spectral feature, arising from the Si--O stretch of amorphous silicate dust, is the strongest extinction feature in the infrared (IR). In principle, the spectral profile of this feature could allow one to diagnose the mineralogical composition of interstellar silicate material. However, observationally, the 9.7$\mu$m interstellar silicate extinction profile is not well determined. Here we utilize the Spitzer/IRS spectra of five early-type (one O- and four B-type) stars and compare them with that of unreddened stars of the same spectral type to probe the interstellar extinction of silicate dust around 9.7$\mu$m. We find that, while the silicate extinction profiles all peak at ~9.7$\mu$m, two stars exhibit a narrow feature of FWHM ~2.0$\mu$m and three stars display a broad feature of FWHM ~3.0$\mu$m. We also find that the width of the 9.7$\mu$m extinction feature does not show any environmental dependence. With a FWHM of ~2.2$\mu$m, the mean 9.7\mu m extinction profile, obtained by averaging over our five stars, closely resembles that of the prototypical diffuse interstellar medium along the lines of sight toward Cyg OB2 No.12 and WR 98a. Finally, an analytical formula is presented to parameterize the interstellar extinction in the IR at $0.9\mu {\rm m} < \lambda < 15\mu {\rm m}$.
Estimating the Porosity Structure of Granular Bodies Using the Lane–Emden Equation Applied to Laboratory Measurements of the Pressure–Density Relation of Fluffy Granular Samples

The porosity structure of a granular body is an important characteristic that affects evolutionary changes in the body. We conducted compression experiments using fluffy granular samples with various particle sizes, shapes, and compositions. We approximated the pressure-filling factor relationship of each sample with a power law (a modified polytropic relationship). We also fit our previous data and literature data for fluffy granular samples using a power-law equation. The fitting with a power-law form was as good as that achieved with the equations used for powders in previous studies. The polytropic indices obtained in the current study ranged from ∼0.01 to ∼0.3 and tended to decrease with increasing particle size for samples of similar porosities. We calculated the radial porosity structure and bulk porosity of granular bodies with various radii using the Lane–Emden equation. The results provide the initial, most porous structures of accreted primordial bodies, or re-accumulated rubble-pile bodies consisting of particles that have compression properties similar to those of the assumed granular materials. A range of porosity structures is allowed for a body of given size and macroporosity, depending on the compression properties of the constituent granular material.
X-ray flux related timing and spectral features of 2S 1417–62

Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) observations of the X-ray transient pulsar 2S 1417 -62 between 1999 November and 2000 August with a total exposure of ∼394 ks have been analysed. Observations include a main outburst followed by a series of mini outbursts. Changes in pulse morphology and pulse fraction were found to be related to the changes in X-ray flux. Particularly low X-ray flux regions were found to have significantly lower pulse fractions with different pulse morphologies. The 3-60 keV Proportional Counter Array (PCA) High-Energy X-ray Timing Experiment (HEXTE) main outburst spectrum was modelled with an absorbed power-law model with high-energy cut-off and a Gaussian iron line complex feature. Using the same spectral model, individual 3-20 keV PCA spectra were found to be softer and less absorbed in low X-ray flux regions between outbursts. Spectral studies showed that hydrogen column density was correlated, and the power-law index was anticorrelated with the 3-20 keV X-ray flux. X-ray flux related spectral and timing features in 2S 1417 - 62, except for low X-ray flux regions, were interpreted as a sign of disc accretion with a similar accretion geometry with a varying mass accretion rate (M), whereas spectral and timing features of the low X-ray flux regions were interpreted as a sign of possible temporary accretion geometry change prior to the next periastron where M increases again to restore the original accretion geometry.
SDSSp J104433.04−012502.2 at z=5.74 is Gravitationally Magnified by an Intervening Galaxy

During the course of our optical deep survey program on Lα emitters at z ≈ 5.7 in the sky area surrounding the quasar SDSSp J104433.04−012502.2 at z =5 . 74, we found that a faint galaxy with mB(AB) ≈ 25 is located at 1. 9
Cytogenetics in Fanconi Anemia: The Importance of Follow-Up and the Search for New Biomarkers of Genomic Instability

Fanconi Anemia (FA) is a disease characterized by genomic instability, increased sensitivity to DNA cross-linking agents, and the presence of clonal chromosomal abnormalities. This genomic instability can compromise the bone marrow (BM) and confer a high cancer risk to the patients, particularly in the development of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). The diagnosis of FA patients is complex and cannot be based only on clinical features at presentation. The gold standard diagnostic assay for these patients is cytogenetic analysis, revealing chromosomal breaks induced by DNA cross-linking agents. Clonal chromosome abnormalities, such as the ones involving chromosomes 1q, 3q, and 7, are also common features in FA patients and are associated with progressive BM failure and/or a pre-leukemia condition. In this review, we discuss the cytogenetic methods and their application in diagnosis, stratification of the patients into distinct prognostic groups, and the clinical follow-up of FA patients. These methods have been invaluable for the understanding of FA pathogenesis and identifying novel disease biomarkers. Additional evidence is required to determine the association of these biomarkers with prognosis and cancer risk, and their potential as druggable targets for FA therapy.
Velocity-resolved Reverberation Mapping of Five Bright Seyfert 1 Galaxies

We present the first results from a reverberation-mapping campaign undertaken during the first half of 2012, with additional data on one active galactic nucleus (AGN) (NGC 3227) from a 2014 campaign. Our main goals are (1) to determine the black hole masses from continuum-Hβ reverberation signatures, and (2) to look for velocity-dependent time delays that might be indicators of the gross kinematics of the broad-line region. We successfully measure Hβ time delays and black hole masses for five AGNs, four of which have previous reverberation mass measurements. The values measured here are in agreement with earlier estimates, though there is some intrinsic scatter beyond the formal measurement errors. We observe velocity-dependent Hβ lags in each case, and find that the patterns have changed in the intervening five years for three AGNs that were also observed in 2007.
The Development of Thermal Anomalies in a Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Model

Abstract A simplified but nonlinear model of large-scale air–sea interaction is formulated which involves the interaction between a finite-amplitude cyclone wave, the large-scale atmospheric temperature field, and sea–surface temperatures. The system interacts through a simplified model of air–sea heat exchange and consequent alterations of wind-driven advection of the sea–surface temperature field. It is shown that in cases when there is a large heat release to the atmosphere and long-term storage of heat in the mixed layer that small “seed” anomalies can grow by a finite-amplitude feedback instability.
Rapid Exponentiation using Discrete Operators: Applications in Optimizing Quantum Controls and Simulating Quantum Dynamics

Matrix exponentiation (ME) is widely used in various fields of science and engineering. For example, the unitary dynamics of quantum systems is described by exponentiation of Hamiltonian operators. However, despite a significant attention, the numerical evaluation of ME remains computationally expensive, particularly for large dimensions. Often this process becomes a bottleneck in algorithms requiring iterative evaluation of ME. Here we propose a method for approximating ME of a single operator with a bounded coefficient into a product of certain discrete operators. This approach, which we refer to as Rapid Exponentiation using Discrete Operators (REDO), is particularly efficient for iterating ME over large numbers. We describe REDO in the context of a quantum system with a constant as well as a time-dependent Hamiltonian, although in principle, it can be adapted in a more general setting. As concrete examples, we choose two applications. First, we incorporate REDO in optimal quantum control algorithms and report a speed-up of several folds over a wide range of system size. Secondly, we propose REDO for numerical simulations of quantum dynamics. In particular, we study exotic quantum freezing with noisy drive fields.
Least-Squares Finite Element Method for the Steady Upper-Convected Maxwell Fluid

In this paper, a least-squares finite element method for the upper-convected Maxell (UCM) fluid is proposed. We first linearize the constitutive and momentum equations and then apply a least-squares method to the linearized version of the viscoelastic UCM model. The L2 least-squares functional involves the residuals of each equation multiplied by proper weights. The corresponding homogeneous functional is equivalent to a natural norm. The error estimates of the finite element solution are analyzed when the conforming piecewise polynomial elements are used for the unknowns.
Effect of Sr doping on the magnetic exchange interactions in manganites of type La1−xSrxMnyA1−yO3(A=Ga,Ti;0.1≤y≤1)

Strontium doping transforms manganites of type La(1-x)Sr(x)MnO(3) from an insulating antiferromagnet (x=0) to a metallic ferromagnet (x>0.16) due to the induced charge carriers (holes). Neutron scattering experiments were employed to investigate the effect of Sr doping on a tailor-made compound of composition La(0.7)Sr(0.3)Mn(0.1)Ti(0.3)Ga(0.6)O(3). By the simultaneous doping with Sr2+ and Ti4+ ions the compound remains in the insulating state, so that the magnetic interactions for large Sr doping can be studied in the absence of charge carriers. At TC=215 K there is a first-order reconstructive phase transition from the trigonal R-3c structure to the orthorhombic Pnma structure via an intermediate virtual configuration described by the common monoclinic subgroup P21/c. The magnetic excitations associated with Mn3+ dimers give evidence for two different nearest-neighbor ferromagnetic exchange interactions, in contrast to the undoped compound LaMnyA(1-y)O(3) where both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions are present. The doping induced changes of the exchange coupling originates from different Mn-O-Mn bond angles determined by neutron diffraction. The large fourth-nearest-neighbor interaction found for metallic manganites is absent in the insulating state. We argue that the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida interaction reasonably accounts for all the exchange couplings derived from the spin-wave dispersion in metallic manganites.
FTO Gene Polymorphisms at the Crossroads of Metabolic Pathways of Obesity and Epigenetic Influences

SUMMARY In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge on the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene and its role in obesity. The FTO-encoded protein is involved in multiple molecular pathways contributing to obesity as well as other metabolic complexities. This review emphasizes the epigenetic influence on the FTO gene as a new approach in the treatment and management of obesity. Several known substances have a positive effect on reducing FTO expression. Depending on which variant of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is present, the profile and level of gene expression changes. Implementation of environmental change measures could lead to reduced phenotypic manifestation of FTO expression. Treating obesity through FTO gene regulation will have to include various complex signal pathways in which FTO takes part. Identification of FTO gene polymorphisms may be useful for the development of individual obesity management strategies, including the recommendation of taking certain foods and supplements.
Three-dimensional arrays of BiSrCaCuO-2212 intrinsic Josephson junctions and zero-crossing Shapiro steps at 760 GHz

On a slice of 200–300-nm-thick Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x, stacks of intrinsic Josephson junctions are patterned, connected to each other, and integrated with a bow-tie antenna and some chokes. Over an area of 150 μm by 170 μm, we have been able to fabricate up to 256 stacks with over 11 000 junctions. Such three-dimensional arrays of intrinsic Josephson junctions respond sensitively to irradiation at 760 GHz from a far-infrared laser, showing clear zero-crossing Shapiro steps up to 0.75 V. In addition, possible applications in quantum voltage standards are discussed here. The high density of integration of the Josephson junctions is also promising for many other applications.
Systematic Analysis of the Effects of Mode Conversion on Thermal Radiation from Neutron Stars

In this paper, we systematically calculate the polarization in soft X-rays emitted from magnetized neutron stars, which are expected to be observed by next-generation X-ray satellites. Magnetars are one of the targets for these observations. This is because thermal radiation is normally observed in the soft X-ray band, and it is thought to be linearly polarized because of different opacities for two polarization modes of photons in the magnetized atmosphere of neutron stars and the dielectric properties of the vacuum in strong magnetic fields. In their study, Taverna et al. illustrated how strong magnetic fields influence the behavior of the polarization observables for radiation propagating in vacuo without addressing a precise, physical emission model. In this paper, we pay attention to the conversion of photon polarization modes that can occur in the presence of an atmospheric layer above the neutron star surface, computing the polarization angle and fraction and systematically changing the magnetic field strength, radii of the emission region, temperature, mass, and radii of the neutron stars. We confirmed that if plasma is present, the effects of mode conversion cannot be neglected when the magnetic field is relatively weak, . Our results indicate that strongly magnetized ( ) neutron stars are suitable to detect polarizations, but not-so-strongly magnetized ( ) neutron stars will be the ones to confirm the mode conversion.
Quantifying the Value of Real‐Time Geodetic Constraints for Earthquake Early Warning Using a Global Seismic and Geodetic Data Set

Geodetic earthquake early warning (EEW) algorithms complement point‐source seismic systems by estimating fault‐finiteness and unsaturated moment magnitude for the largest, most damaging earthquakes. Because such earthquakes are rare, it has been difficult to demonstrate that geodetic warnings improve ground motion estimation significantly. Here, we quantify and compare timeliness and accuracy of magnitude and ground motion estimates in simulated real time from seismic and geodetic observations for a suite of globally distributed, large earthquakes. Magnitude solutions saturate for the seismic EEW algorithm (we use ElarmS) while the ElarmS‐triggered Geodetic Alarm System (G‐larmS) reduces the error even for its first solutions. Shaking intensity (Modified Mercalli Intensity, MMI) time series calculated for each station and each event are assessed based on MMI threshold crossings, allowing us to accurately characterize warning times per station. We classify alerts and find that MMI 4 thresholds result in true positive alerts for 11.2% of sites exceeding MMI 4 with a median warning time of 20.1 s for ElarmS, while G‐larmS issues true positive alerts for 20.9% of all sites exceeding MMI 4 with a significantly longer median warning time of 34.2 s. The geodetic EEW system reduces the number of missed alerts for a threshold of MMI 4 from 20.5% to 10.8% for all sites, but also increases the number of false positive alerts from 1.6% to 19.9% of all sites. By quantifying increased accuracy in magnitude, ground motion estimation, and alert timeliness, we demonstrate that finite‐fault geodetic algorithms add significant value, including better cost savings performance, to point‐source seismic EEW systems for large earthquakes.
Systemic Therapy for Patients with HER2-Positive Breast Cancer and Brain Metastases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Simple Summary Patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer develop brain metastases in up to 30% of cases. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effect of different systemic therapies in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer and brain metastases, acknowledging the heterogeneity and sometimes low quality of 51 included studies. Tucatinib (combined with trastuzumab and capecitabine) and trastuzumab-deruxtecan appear to constitute the most effective systemic therapy, while pyrotinib might be an option in Asian patients. Preferably, future research will comprise of randomized controlled trials, including patients with active and/or inactive brain metastases. Abstract Aim: Patients with HER2-positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer (mBC) develop brain metastases (BM) in up to 30% of cases. Treatment of patients with BM can consist of local treatment (surgery and/or radiotherapy) and/or systemic treatment. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of different systemic therapies in patients with HER2+ mBC and BM. Methods: A systematic search was performed in the databases PubMed, Embase.com, Clarivate Analytics/Web of Science Core Collection and the Wiley/Cochrane Library. Eligible articles included prospective or retrospective studies reporting on the effect of systemic therapy on objective response rate (ORR) and/or median progression free survival (mPFS) in patients with HER2+ mBC and BM. The timeframe within the databases was from inception to 19 January 2022. Fixed-effects meta-analyses were used. Quality appraisal was performed using the ROBINS-I tool. Results: Fifty-one studies were included, involving 3118 patients. Most studies, which contained the largest patient numbers, but also often carried a moderate-serious risk of bias, investigated lapatinib and capecitabine (LC), trastuzumab-emtansine (T-DM1) or pyrotinib. The best quality data and/or highest ORR were described with tucatinib (combined with trastuzumab and capecitabine, TTC) and trastuzumab-deruxtecan (T-DXd). TTC demonstrated an ORR of 47.3% in patients with asymptomatic and/or active BM. T-DXd achieved a pooled ORR of 64% (95% CI 43–85%, I2 0%) in a heavily pretreated population with asymptomatic BM (3 studies, n = 96). Conclusions: Though our meta-analysis should be interpreted with caution due to the heterogeneity of included studies and a related serious risk of bias, this review provides a comprehensive overview of all currently available systemic treatment options. T-Dxd and TTC that appear to constitute the most effective systemic therapy in patients with HER2+ mBC and BM, while pyrotinib might be an option in Asian patients.
Structural, electrical, and terahertz transmission properties of VO2 thin films grown on c-, r-, and m-plane sapphire substrates

The structure, metal-insulator transition (MIT), and related Terahertz (THz) transmission characteristics of VO2 thin films obtained by sputtering deposition on c-, r-, and m-plane sapphire substrates were investigated by different techniques. On c-sapphire, monoclinic VO2 films were characterized to be epitaxial films with triple domain structure caused by β-angle mismatch. Monoclinic VO2 β angle of 122.2° and the two angles of V4+–V4+ chain deviating from the am axis of 4.4° and 4.3° are determined. On r-sapphire, tetragonal VO2 was determined to be epitaxially deposited with VO2 (011)T perpendicular to the growth direction, while the structural phase transformation into lower symmetric monoclinic phase results in (2¯11) and (200) orientations forming a twinned structure. VO2 on m-sapphire has several growth orientations, related with the uneven substrate surface and possible inter-diffusion between film and substrate. Measurements of the electrical properties show that the sample on r-sapphire has MIT .
High-resolution electron spin resonance analysis of ion bombardment induced defects in advanced low-κ insulators (κ = 2.0-2.5)

Electron spin resonance analysis of defects generated by ion bombardment in different low-permittivity (low-κ) SiO2-based insulating films reveals common types of encountered defects: The EX center (g = 2.0025) and a broad line centered at g = 2.0028 tentatively associated with dangling bonds of carbon atoms backbonded to C or Si atoms. The efficiency of defect generation varies, depending on the type of bombarding ions and the technology of insulator synthesis. However, the two identified defects are observed in all studied cases, suggesting that these defects correspond to the most stable atomic configurations resulting from the network damage of the low-κ materials.