Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE BURST MODE OF ACCRETION AND DISK FRAGMENTATION IN THE EARLY EMBEDDED STAGES OF STAR FORMATION

We revisit our original papers on the burst mode of accretion by incorporating a detailed energy balance equation into a thin-disk model for the formation and evolution of circumstellar disks around low-mass protostars. Our model includes the effect of radiative cooling, viscous and shock heating, and heating due to stellar and background irradiation. Following the collapse from the prestellar phase allows us to model the early embedded phase of disk formation and evolution. During this time, the disk is susceptible to fragmentation, depending upon the properties of the initial prestellar core. Globally, we find that higher initial core angular momentum and mass content favors more fragmentation, but higher levels of background radiation can moderate the tendency to fragment. A higher rate of mass infall onto the disk than that onto the star is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for disk fragmentation. More locally, both the Toomre Q-parameter needs to be below a critical value and the local cooling time needs to be shorter than a few times the local dynamical time. Fragments that form during the early embedded phase tend to be driven into the inner disk regions and likely trigger mass accretion and luminosity bursts that are similar in magnitude to FU-Orionis-type or EX-Lupi-like events. Disk accretion is shown to be an intrinsically variable process, thanks to disk fragmentation, nonaxisymmetric structure, and the effect of gravitational torques. The additional effect of a generic α-type viscosity acts to reduce burst frequency and accretion variability, and is likely to not be viable for values of α significantly greater than 0.01.
A Classification of Long-Range Interactions between Two Stacks of p & p'-Branes

We generalize the computations of the long-range interactions between two parallel stacks of branes to various cases when two stacks of branes are not placed parallel to each other. We classify the nature of interaction (repulsive or attractive) for each special case and this classification can be used to justify the nature of long-range interaction between two complicated brane systems such as brane bound states. We will provide explicit examples in this paper to demonstrate this.
A test of the bosonic spinon theory for the triangular antiferromagnet spectrum

We compute the dynamical structure factor of the spin-½ triangular Heisenberg model using the mean-field Schwinger boson theory. We find that a reconstructed dispersion, resulting from a non-trivial redistribution of the spectral weight, agrees quite well with the spin excitation spectrum recently found with series expansions. In particular, we recover the strong renormalization with respect to linear spin wave theory along with the appearance of roton-like minima. Furthermore, near the roton-like minima the contribution of the two spinon continuum to the static structure factor is about 40% of the total weight. By computing the density-density dynamical structure factor, we identify an unphysical weak signal of the spin excitation spectrum with the relaxation of the local constraint of the Schwinger bosons at the mean-field level. Based on the accurate description obtained for the static and dynamic ground-state properties, we argue that the bosonic spinon theory should be considered seriously as a valid alternative to interpret the physics of the triangular Heisenberg model.
MND Phenotypes Differentiation: The Role of Multimodal Characterization at the Time of Diagnosis

Simple Summary Diverse motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are associated with distinct survival rates, so their early differentiation is pivotal to gain a more reliable prognosis estimation in clinical and research settings. In this study, we therefore evaluated whether a multimodal characterization approach embedding clinical, cognitive/behavioral, genetic, and neurophysiological data may improve the discrimination of pure/predominant upper motor neuron (pUMN) and pure/predominant lower motor neuron (pLMN) disease forms from classic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) already by the time of diagnosis. Our results suggest common cognitive and genetic features across the distinct MND phenotypes, but also demonstrate that highly specific clinical and neurophysiological measures provide valuable tools for an early discrimination between more benign and more aggressive disease forms. Abstract Pure/predominant upper motor neuron (pUMN) and lower motor neuron (pLMN) diseases have significantly better prognosis compared to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but their early differentiation is often challenging. We therefore tested whether a multimodal characterization approach embedding clinical, cognitive/behavioral, genetic, and neurophysiological data may improve the differentiation of pUMN and pLMN from ALS already by the time of diagnosis. Dunn’s and chi-squared tests were used to compare data from 41 ALS, 34 pLMN, and 19 pUMN cases with diagnoses confirmed throughout a 2-year observation period. Area under the curve (AUC) analyses were implemented to identify the finest tools for phenotypes discrimination. Relative to ALS, pLMN showed greater lower limbs weakness, lower UMN burden, and progression rate (p < 0.001–0.04). PUMN showed a greater frequency of lower limbs onset, higher UMN burden, lower ALSFRS-r and MRC progression rates (p < 0.001–0.03), and greater ulnar compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude and tibial central motor conduction time (CMCT) (p = 0.05–0.03). The UMN progression rate was the finest measure to identify pLMN cases (AUC = 90%), while the MRC progression rate was the finest tool to identify pUMN (AUC = 82%). Detailed clinical and neurophysiological examinations may significantly improve MNDs differentiation, facilitating prognosis estimation and ameliorating stratification strategies for clinical trials enrollment.
Safeguarding DNA Replication: A Golden Touch of MiDAS and Other Mechanisms

DNA replication is a tightly regulated fundamental process allowing the correct duplication and transfer of the genetic information from the parental cell to the progeny. It involves the coordinated assembly of several proteins and protein complexes resulting in replication fork licensing, firing and progression. However, the DNA replication pathway is strewn with hurdles that affect replication fork progression during S phase. As a result, cells have adapted several mechanisms ensuring replication completion before entry into mitosis and segregating chromosomes with minimal, if any, abnormalities. In this review, we describe the possible obstacles that a replication fork might encounter and how the cell manages to protect DNA replication from S to the next G1.
A matter dominated navigation Universe in accordance with the Type Ia supernova data

We investigate a matter dominated navigation cosmological model. The influence of a possible drift (wind) in the navigation cosmological model makes the spacetime geometry change from Riemannian to Finslerian. The evolution of the Finslerian Universe is governed by the same gravitational field equation with the familiar Friedmann-Robertson-Walker one. However, the change of space geometry from Riemannian to Finslerian supplies us a new relation between the luminosity distant and redshift. It is shown that the Hubble diagram based on this new relation could account for the observations on distant Type Ia supernovae.
Mesons in Nuclei and Partial Restoration of Chiral Symmetry

Recent topics on mesons in nuclei are discussed by especially emphasizing the role of the partial restoration of chiral symmetry in the nuclear medium. The spontaneously broken chiral symmetry in vacuum is considered to be incompletely restored in finite nuclear density systems with moderate reduction of the magnitude of the quark condensate. On the partial restoration of chiral symmetry, the wave function renormalization is important to be taken into account for the Nambu-Goldstone bosons. We also discuss the possible change of the meson properties in the nuclear medium and meson-nucleus systems for the $\bar K$, $\eta$, $K^{+}$ and $\eta^{\prime}$ mesons.
A GENERAL RELATIVISTIC RAY-TRACING METHOD FOR ESTIMATING THE ENERGY AND MOMENTUM DEPOSITION BY NEUTRINO PAIR ANNIHILATION IN COLLAPSARS

Bearing in mind the application to the collapsar models of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), we develop a numerical scheme and code for estimating the deposition of energy and momentum due to the neutrino pair annihilation () in the vicinity of an accretion tori around a Kerr black hole. Our code is designed to solve the general relativistic (GR) neutrino transfer by a ray-tracing method. To solve the collisional Boltzmann equation in curved spacetime, we numerically integrate the so-called rendering equation along the null geodesics. We employ the Fehlberg (4,5) adaptive integrator in the Runge–Kutta method to perform the numerical integration accurately. For the neutrino opacity, the charged-current β-processes, which are dominant in the vicinity of the accretion tori, are taken into account. The numerical accuracy of the developed code is certified by several tests in which we show comparisons with the corresponding analytical solutions. In order to solve the energy-dependent ray-tracing transport, we propose that an adaptive-mesh-refinement approach, which we take for the two radiation angles (θ, ϕ) and the neutrino energy, is useful in reducing the computational cost significantly. Based on the hydrodynamical data in our collapsar simulation, we estimate the annihilation rates in a post-processing manner. Increasing the Kerr parameter from 0 to 1, it is found that the GR effect can increase the local energy deposition rate by about one order of magnitude, and the net energy deposition rate by several tens of percent. After the accretion disk settles into a stationary state (typically later than ∼9 s from the onset of gravitational collapse), we point out that the neutrino-heating timescale in the vicinity of the polar funnel region can be shorter than the dynamical timescale. Our results suggest that the neutrino pair annihilation is potentially as important as the conventional magnetohydrodynamic mechanism for igniting the GRB fireballs.
Effect of Genotype on the Elemental Concentration of Pecan Leaves1

Leaf concentration of N, K, Ca, Fe, and Na but not P, Mg, B, Cu, Zn, Al, and Si of pecan [Carya illinoensis (Wang) K. Koch], following applications of uniform rates of fertilizer, differed among 39 cultivars and selections after 4 growing seasons.
A Walking Claw for Tethered Object Retrieval

Mobility and manipulation are often considered separately, with independent degrees of freedom (DOF) for each. However, here we show that using the legs for both walking and grasping increases the versatility of both tasks. Our robot has four DOFs: drive and lift for left and right pairs of legs. The legs use a reduced actuation Klann mechanism. The lift DOF rotates the entire trajectory of the legs, which enables gait modulation, climbing, and grasping. This demonstrates the feasibility of a novel operational concept: a robot that can approach, climb onto and securely grasp an object that can then be lifted via a load-bearing tether. Specifically, we show the kinematics to enable small robots to climb onto rectangular objects up to 67% robot height and grasp objects between 43% to 72% of the robot length. With these kinematics, a robot can be scaled for specific terrains and object sizes, with potential application in construction, search and rescue, and object retrieval.
Twinkling pulsar wind nebulae in the synchrotron cut-off regime and the γ-ray flares in the Crab Nebula

Synchrotron radiation of ultrarelativistic particles accelerated in a pulsar wind nebula may dominate its spectrum up to γ-ray energies. Because of the short cooling time of the γ-ray-emitting electrons and positrons, the γ-ray-emission zone is in the immediate vicinity of the acceleration site. Particle acceleration likely occurs at the termination shock of a relativistic striped wind, where multiple forced magnetic field reconnections provide strong magnetic fluctuations facilitating Fermi acceleration processes. The acceleration mechanisms imply the presence of stochastic magnetic fields in the particle acceleration region, which cause stochastic variability of the synchrotron emission. This variability is particularly strong in the steep γ-ray tail of the spectrum, where modest fluctuations of the magnetic field lead to strong flares of spectral flux. In particular, stochastic variations of magnetic field, which may lead to quasi-cyclic γ-ray flares, can be produced by the relativistic cyclotron ion instability at the termination shock. Our model calculations of the spectral and temporal evolution of synchrotron emission in the spectral cut-off regime demonstrate that the intermittent magnetic field concentrations dominate the γ-ray emission from highest energy electrons and provide fast, strong variability even for a quasi-steady distribution of radiating particles. The simulated light curves and spectra can explain the very strong γ-ray flares observed in the Crab Nebula and lack of strong variations at other wavelengths. The model predicts high polarization in the flare phase, which can be tested with future polarimetry observations.
Inter-player Variability Within the Same Positional Status in High-level Men's Volleyball

In sports, there may be multiple players for the same positional status (e.g., in volleyball, there are two outside hitters, one near the setter and the other away from the setter), and there may be relevant differences within the same positional status. We analyzed inter-player variability within the same positional status in high-level men’s volleyball, through Social Network Analysis (through Gephi© 0.9.2 software). Attack actions of the outside hitters near (OHN) and away (OHA) from the setters were analyzed in ten matches from the 2019 Volleyball Nations League Finals (278 plays). Two Eigenvector Centrality networks were created. Results: (a) in side-out under non-ideal setting conditions, OHNs preferred the strong attack while OHAs alternated between the strong attack and the tip; (b) after a prior action, OHNs attacked via exploration of the block while OHAs preferred the tip; (c) after consecutive errors, OHNs play more in the opponent’s error; (d) after a previous defense action, OHNs preferred the strong attack and exploration of the block while OHAs preferred the strong attack; (e) in transition, OHNs were solicited under non-ideal setting conditions while OHAs were solicited in ideal and non-ideal conditions. Our findings demonstrate variability between players of the same team and having the same positional status. This allows coaches to understand the key differences of players with the same position, and thus better assign the sub-functions. Researchers should be cautious of aggregating data from players of different positional status, and even from players within the same positional status
A longitudinal analysis of MPOWER implementation, 2008-2018

In 2008, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced MPOWER-a package of evidence-based, high-impact policy measures to help countries reduce tobacco use. These measures align with selected articles within the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), a global public health treaty to prevent and reduce tobacco use. Observational longitudinal study involving 195 countries that submitted biannual national reports between 2008 and 2018. To report changes in MPOWER scores, countries were assessed using a validated checklist of the seven MPOWER indicators and a maximum possible unweighted composite score of 34 points. Covariate analysis was conducted among selected health, sociopolitical, and economic indicators. 176 out of 195 countries improved their MPOWER scores between 2008 and 2018, with two achieving full implementation (Brazil and Turkey). Twenty-three (23) countries representing 11.2% of the global population recorded an MPOWER scoring increase of at least 10 points between 2008 and 2018. The overall mean 10-year scoring increase was 5.1 points or a relative improvement of 27.1%. In 2018, 20 countries representing 10.4% of the global population excelled in MPOWER implementation by receiving a total composite score of at least 30 of 34 possible points. The MPOWER elements with the highest degree of implementation in 2018 include Warn (package), Protect (smoking ban) and Enforce (ad ban). Several covariates were positively associated with higher levels of MPOWER implementation, including cigarette affordability, the existence of national tobacco control objectives, the human development index score, the national corruption index score, national literacy rates and the political regime index score. MPOWER implementation increased markedly between 2008 and 2018 in all seven WHO regions and countries representing all four World Bank income classifications. However, only two countries achieved full implementation by 2018. More work is needed to improve MPOWER implementation. Countries with low-income levels, compromised human development, reduced literacy rates, higher rates of corruption, and autocratic political regimes appear to struggle more with MPOWER implementation.
Efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors combined with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin and dacarbazine compared with liposomal doxorubicin and dacarbazine in advanced leiomyosarcoma patients: a retrospective, single-institutional cohort study

Background PD-1 inhibitor monotherapy is ineffective for metastatic leiomyosarcoma (LMS), but it remains unclear whether PD-1 inhibitors demonstrate any efficacy when combined with chemotherapy. This study retrospectively evaluated pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and dacarbazine (DTIC) with/without PD-1 inhibitors for advanced/metastatic LMS patients treated in our single institution. Methods The inclusion criteria were a confirmed histological diagnosis of LMS, treatment between January 2020 and March 2022, measurable disease (evaluated by CT or MRI), an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≤2, and age ≥18 years. The endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and overall response rate (ORR). Results A total of 41 patients were included in this study, among whom 21 received PLD and DTIC alone while 20 received PLD and DTIC with PD-1 inhibitors. There were no differences of clinical characteristics between the two groups. Although the chemo plus PD-1 group had a better ORR (30% vs. 4.8%, P=0.04), there were no benefits in terms of disease control rate (DCR) (80% vs. 66.7%, P=0.29), PFS (8.8 months, 95% CI: 4.57–13.0 vs. 6.1 months, 95% CI: 3.03–9.14, P=0.54), and OS (not reached in both groups, P=0.84) when compared to chemo alone. Multiple treatment lines and previous use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) seemed to be negative factors for PFS in the univariate analysis, but failed to be significant in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions This retrospective, single-institutional study showed that PD-1 inhibitors combined with standard PLD and DTIC chemotherapy failed to exert benefits on survival for LMS patients. Considering the small sample size and retrospective clinical research design, further explorations are needed to verify the conclusion.
Experimental investigation on streamer inception from artificial hydrometeors

In this study we use an experimental investigation to shed light on the lightning inception problem. From atmospheric observations, it is known that the electric fields in thunderclouds are significantly lower than required for electric breakdown in air. One theory to explain lightning inception is that hydrometeors, i.e. any liquid or solid water particles formed in the atmosphere, greatly enhance the local electric field and can thereby initiate an electron avalanche leading to a streamer discharge. In this study, we investigate streamer initiation in the presence of artificial particles with different shapes. A metal or dielectric (TiO2) particle is suspended between a high-voltage and a grounded planar electrode which are separated by 16 cm in 50 mbar air. The particles are shaped as ellipsoids with a length of 8, 4, 2, and 1 cm and with different aspect ratios. A negative high voltage pulse is applied with a rise time of 30 ns, a pulse width of 1–10 μs, a repetition rate of 1 Hz, and a maximum voltage between 1 and 50 kV. Results show that the required background electric field for breakdown in the presence of a dielectric particle is decreased to 0.4 times the air breakdown field. Moreover, we observed bipolar streamer development from the particles where negative streamers are thicker and slightly slower than positive streamers. Finally, we found that streamers from longer particles are thicker and faster.
Singularities in fidelity surfaces for quantum phase transitions: a geometric perspective

The fidelity per site between two ground states of a quantum lattice system corresponding to different values of the control parameter defines a surface embedded in a Euclidean space. The Gaussian curvature naturally quantifies quantum fluctuations that destroy orders at transition points. It turns out that quantum fluctuations wildly distort the fidelity surface near a transition point, at which the Gaussian curvature is singular in the thermodynamic limit. As a concrete example, the one-dimensional quantum Ising model in a transverse field is analyzed. We also perform a finite-size scaling analysis for the transverse Ising model of finite sizes. The scaling behavior for the Gaussian curvature is numerically checked and the correlation length critical exponent is extracted, which is consistent with the conformal invariance at the critical point.
Machine Learning-Based Linearization Schemes for Radio Over Fiber Systems

This work proposes a novel machine learning (ML)-based linearization scheme for radio-over-fiber (RoF) systems with external modulation. The proposed approach has the advantage of not requiring new training campaigns in case the Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) parameters are changed over time. Our innovative digital pre-distortion (DPD) was designed to favor enhanced remote areas (eRAC) scenarios, in which the non-linearities introduced by the MZM become more severe. It employs a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) artificial neural network (ANN) to model the RoF system and estimate its post-inverse response, which is then applied to the DPD block. We investigate the ML-based DPD performance in terms of adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR), normalized mean square error (NMSE), resultant signal root mean square error vector magnitude error (EVM$_\mathrm{RMS}$), and complexity. Numerical results demonstrate that the intended DPD method is less complex and outperforms the orthogonal scalar feedback linearization (OSFL) scheme, which has been considered a state-of-the-art DPD technique. The proposal has the potential to effectively and efficiently compensate for the RoF nonlinear distortions, especially in a time-variant system, without needing new training campaigns.