Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FUSE Observations of DB White Dwarfs

We present a comprehensive analysis of the far-ultraviolet spectra of three DB white dwarfs secured with the FUSE observatory. Transitions associated with various carbon ions are detected in all three objects. Atmospheric parameters are first redetermined on the basis of an analysis of archival data available, and the abundance of carbon, together with upper limits on the abundances of 11 other heavy elements, is determined from the FUSE spectra. The log(C/He) ratios cover the range between -5.5 and -6.0. The presence of carbon, now detected in five DB stars with effective temperatures above 20,000 K, cannot be accounted for easily by physical processes currently thought to operate in the envelopes of DB stars. We suggest that a weak stellar wind threading the outer stellar layers of DB stars might sufficiently disrupt the settling of carbon left over from the PG 1159 phase to account for the carbon seen in the ultraviolet spectra of these objects.
Regression analysis of the gender wage gap in academia

According to the Institute for Women’s Policy, women in the United States working in the state of Louisiana earn sixty-nine cents on the dollar compared to their male counterparts. This is a substantial discrepancy and has been used as a call for action. However, what is really behind this variance in pay between women and men? For a large part, it is the types of careers that men and women choose to enter. A more valid comparison between men’s and women’s pay is to look at pay differences within the same chosen career path. This study looks at faculty pay at a regional university to ascertain whether there is evidence of a difference in pay between women and men in academia. This paper’s results show that once the area of specialty, rank, and years of experience are considered, male faculty actually, on average, earn less than their female counterparts.
Embedded and open star clusters: basic questions

Abstract This paper provides an introduction to IAU Symposium 266 on star clusters as basic building blocks in space and time. We define clusters as bound systems and discriminate them from general stellar clusterings or groups and unbound associations. We give a few examples of young, embedded, compact clusters which may evolve into looser, open clusters after dynamical relaxation due to mass loss and secular relaxation processes. We ask how and where star clusters form (in normal and interacting galaxies) and provide statistics of open clusters in terms of cluster masses and ages in the solar neighborhood (where observational data are most complete). Finally, we list a number of basic questions for current and future star cluster research and discuss the prospects for cluster studies with the next generation infrared and submillimeter telescopes (Herschel; JWST, E–ELT; ALMA, NOEMA).
The Cosmic Web

There is no such thing as empty space. The idea of absolute e ptiness r al izes its closest approximation in the bar ren expanses between the stars and the galaxies, but even the most remote cor ners of the universe are suffused with very low density gas? which becomes increasingly rarefied as one ventures far ther away from the places where galaxies consort. Consider this fact: In the air we breathe, each cubic centimeter contains roughly 5 1019 atoms. In contrast, the intergalactic medium has a density of only 10~6 particles per cubic centimeter? each atom inhabits a private box a meter on each side. This would seem to sug gest that there is not much matter in the intergalactic medium. But, given the enormous volume between the galaxies, it quickly adds up: The combined atomic mass of intergalactic gas exceeds the combined atomic mass of all the stars and galaxies in the universe? possibly by as much as 50 percent! There is in deed something in empty space. As cosmologists construct new nar ratives of the universe's evolution from its beginning? the Big Bang? to the present day, it is becoming clear that we must understand the physics of in tergalactic matter if we are to write the history of how the galaxies, stars and planets formed. In the past decade, rapid advances in both the design of telescopes and computing power have
Beyond conventional microscopy: Observing kidney tissues by means of fourier ptychography

Kidney microscopy is a mainstay in studying the morphological structure, physiology and pathology of kidney tissues, as histology provides important results for a reliable diagnosis. A microscopy modality providing at same time high-resolution images and a wide field of view could be very useful for analyzing the whole architecture and the functioning of the renal tissue. Recently, Fourier Ptychography (FP) has been proofed to yield images of biology samples such as tissues and in vitro cells while providing high resolution and large field of view, thus making it a unique and attractive opportunity for histopathology. Moreover, FP offers tissue imaging with high contrast assuring visualization of small desirable features, although with a stain-free mode that avoids any chemical process in histopathology. Here we report an experimental measuring campaign for creating the first comprehensive and extensive collection of images of kidney tissues captured by this FP microscope. We show that FP microscopy unlocks a new opportunity for the physicians to observe and judge renal tissue slides through the novel FP quantitative phase-contrast microscopy. Phase-contrast images of kidney tissue are analyzed by comparing them with the corresponding renal images taken under a conventional bright-field microscope both for stained and unstained tissue samples of different thicknesses. In depth discussion on the advantages and limitations of this new stain-free microscopy modality is reported, showing its usefulness over the classical light microscopy and opening a potential route for using FP in clinical practice for histopathology of kidney.
Flexible Amperometric Immunosensor Based on Colloidal Quantum Dots for Detecting the Myeloperoxidase (MPO) Systemic Inflammation Biomarker

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) has been demonstrated to be a biomarker of neutrophilic inflammation in various diseases. Rapid detection and quantitative analysis of MPO are of great significance for human health. Herein, an MPO protein flexible amperometric immunosensor based on a colloidal quantum dot (CQD)-modified electrode was demonstrated. The remarkable surface activity of CQDs allows them to bind directly and stably to the surface of proteins and to convert antigen–antibody specific binding reactions into significant currents. The flexible amperometric immunosensor provides quantitative analysis of MPO protein with an ultra-low limit of detection (LOD) (31.6 fg mL−1), as well as good reproducibility and stability. The detection method is expected to be applied in clinical examination, POCT (bedside test), community physical examination, home self-examination and other practical scenarios.
Surveys in Combinatorics, 2001: Graph minors and graphs on surfaces

Graph minors and the theory of graphs embedded in surfaces are fundamentally interconnected. Robertson and Seymour used graph minors to prove a generalization of the Kuratowski Theorem to arbitrary surfaces [37], while they also need surface embeddings in their Excluded Minor Theorem [45]. Various recent results related to graph minors and graphs on surfaces are presented.
Optimization of transmission properties of two-dimensional photonic crystal channel waveguide bends through local lattice deformation

We present an extended study of different topologies for lattice-deformed two-dimensional single line-defect (W1) photonic crystal channel waveguide bends and their effect on the optimization of the bend transmission properties. An enhancement of the spectral response by a factor of six was obtained, with the optimal design providing transmission greater than 95% over a 5.2% relative bandwidth. Experimental results for devices realized in III–V semiconductor epitaxial structure show a transmission efficiency of 95%.
Defining Biventricular Abnormalities by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Pre-Dialysis Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate biventricular structural and functional abnormalities in pre-dialysis patients across stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Methods: Fifty-one CKD patients with CMR exams were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups according to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): CKD 1 group (patients with normal eGFR≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2, n = 20), CKD 2-3 group (patients with eGFR< 90 to ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m2, n = 14), and CKD 4-5 group (patients with eGFR<30 mL/min/1.73 m2, n = 17). Twenty-one age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) were recruited. CMR-derived left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) structural and functional measures were compared. Association between CMR parameters and clinical measures was assessed. Results: There was an increasing trend in RV mass index (RVMi) and LV mass index (LVMi) with the occurrence and development of CKD from HC group to CKD 4-5 group although no significant difference was observed between CKD 1 group and HC group. LV global radial strain and LV global circumferential strain dropped and native T1 value elevated significantly in CKD 4-5 group compared with the other three groups (all p < 0.05), while RV strain measures, RV ejection fraction, and LV ejection fraction showed no significant difference among 4 groups (all p > 0.05). Elevated LV end-diastolic volume index (β = 0.356, p = 0.016) and RV end-systolic volume index (β = 0.488, p = 0.001) were independently associated with RVMi. Increased systolic blood pressure (β = 0.309, p = 0.004), LV end-systolic volume index (β = 0.633, p < 0.001), and uric acid (β = 0.261, p = 0.013) were independently associated with LVMi. Meanwhile, serum phosphorus (β = 0.519, p = 0.001) was independently associated with native T1 value. Conclusion: In pre-dialysis CKD patients, left and right ventricular remolding has occurred. RVMi and LVMi were the first changed CMR indexes in the development of CKD when eGFR began to drop. Because fluid volume overload was the independent risk factor for RVMi and LVMi increase, reasonable controlling fluid volume overload may slow down the progression of biventricular remolding and may reduce related cardiovascular disease risk.
Innate Lymphoid Cell Plasticity in Mucosal Infections

Mucosal tissue homeostasis is a dynamic process that involves multiple mechanisms including regulation of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). ILCs are mostly tissue-resident cells which are critical for tissue homeostasis and immune response against pathogens. ILCs can sense environmental changes and rapidly respond by producing effector cytokines to limit pathogen spread and initiate tissue recovery. However, dysregulation of ILCs can also lead to immunopathology. Accumulating evidence suggests that ILCs are dynamic population that can change their phenotype and functions under rapidly changing tissue microenvironment. However, the significance of ILC plasticity in response to pathogens remains poorly understood. Therefore, in this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the mechanisms regulating ILC plasticity in response to intestinal, respiratory and genital tract pathogens. Key transcription factors and lineage-guiding cytokines regulate this plasticity. Additionally, we discuss the emerging data on the role of tissue microenvironment, gut microbiota, and hypoxia in ILC plasticity in response to mucosal pathogens. The identification of new pathways and molecular mechanisms that control functions and plasticity of ILCs could uncover more specific and effective therapeutic targets for infectious and autoimmune diseases where ILCs become dysregulated.
Random Walks and Trees

These notes provide an elementary and self-contained introduction to branching ran- dom walks. Section 1 gives a brief overview of Galton-Watson trees, whereas Section 2 presents the classical law of large numbers for branching random walks. These two short sections are not exactly in- dispensable, but they introduce the idea of using size-biased trees, thus giving motivations and an avant-gout to the main part, Section 3, where branching random walks are studied from a deeper point of view, and are connected to the model of directed polymers on a tree. Tree-related random processes form a rich and exciting research subject. These notes cover only special topics. For a general account, we refer to the St-Flour lecture notes of Peres (47) and to the forthcoming book of Lyons and Peres (42), as well as to Duquesne and Le Gall (23) and Le Gall (37) for continuous random trees.
Systematic Assessment of Protein C-Termini Mutated in Human Disorders

All proteins have a carboxyl terminus, and we previously summarized eight mutations in binding and trafficking sequence determinants in the C-terminus that, when disrupted, cause human diseases. These sequence elements for binding and trafficking sites, as well as post-translational modifications (PTMs), are called minimotifs or short linear motifs. We wanted to determine how frequently mutations in minimotifs in the C-terminus cause disease. We searched specifically for PTMs because mutation of a modified amino acid almost always changes the chemistry of the side chain and can be interpreted as loss-of-function. We analyzed data from ClinVar for disease variants, Minimotif Miner and the C-terminome for PTMs, and RefSeq for protein sequences, yielding 20 such potential disease-causing variants. After additional screening, they include six with a previously reported PTM disruption mechanism and nine with new hypotheses for mutated minimotifs in C-termini that may cause disease. These mutations were generally for different genes, with four different PTM types and several different diseases. Our study helps to identify new molecular mechanisms for nine separate variants that cause disease, and this type of analysis could be extended as databases grow and to binding and trafficking motifs. We conclude that mutated motifs in C-termini are an infrequent cause of disease.
The Theory of the Riemann Zeta-Function

The Riemann zeta-function embodies both additive and multiplicative structures in a single function, making it our most important tool in the study of prime numbers. This volume studies all aspects of the theory, starting from first principles and probing the function's own challenging theory, with the famous and still unsolved "Riemann hypothesis" at its heart. The second edition has been revised to include descriptions of work done in the last forty years and is updated with many additional references; it will provide stimulating reading for postgraduates and workers in analytic number theory and classical analysis.
A bibliometric analysis of the studies in high-altitude induced sleep disturbances and cognitive impairment research

Background: The two main symptoms at high altitude, sleep abnormalities and cognitive impairments, interact with each other. These two dysfunctions are also closely related to systemic multisystem diseases, including cerebrovascular diseases, psychiatric disorders, and immune regulatory diseases. Purpose: To systematically analyze and visualize research on sleep disturbances and cognitive impairment at high altitudes using a bibliometrics method, and to determine future research directions by analyzing research trends and the latest hotspots. Methods: Publications from 1990 to 2022 on sleep disturbances and cognitive impairment at high altitudes were retrieved from the Web of Science. Using the R Bibliometrix software and Microsoft Excel, all data were examined statistically and qualitatively. For network visualization, the data were later exported into VOSviewer 1.6.17 and CiteSpace 6.1. R6. Results: A total of 487 articles in this area were published from 1990 to 2022. In this period, there was an overall increase in the number of publications. The United States has shown considerable importance in this sector. Bloch Konrad E was the most prolific and valuable author. The most prolific journal was High Altitude Medicine & Biology, and it has been the first choice for publishing in this field in recent years. Analysis of keyword co-occurrences suggested that research interest in the clinical manifestations of sleep disturbances and cognitive impairment caused by altitude hypoxia was mainly focused on “acute mountain-sickness,” “insomnia,” “apnea syndrome,” “depression,” “anxiety,” “Cheyne-strokes respiration,” and “pulmonary hypertension. ” The mechanisms of disease development related to “oxidative stress,” “inflammation,” “hippocampus,” “prefrontal cortex,” “neurodegeneration,” and “spatial memory” in the brain have been the focus of recent research. According to burst detection analysis, “mood” and “memory impairment,” as terms with high strength, are expected to remain hot topics in the coming years. High-altitude-induced pulmonary hypertension is also in the emerging stage of research, and the treatments will continue to receive attention in the future. Conclusion: More attention is being focused on sleep disturbances and cognitive impairment at high altitudes. This work will serve as a useful reference for the clinical development of treatments for sleep disturbances and cognitive impairment induced by hypobaric hypoxia at high altitudes.
Three‐Dimensional Simulation of Equatorial Spread F: Effects of Field‐Aligned Plasma Flow and Ionospheric Conductivity

Recently a Three‐dimensional EquatoriaL spread F (TELF) model using high‐resolving power advection schemes have been developed at the University of Science and Technology of China. With the inclusion of the field‐aligned plasma flow and realistic ionospheric conductivity configuration, the TELF model reproduced typical features of the observed equatorial spread F (ESF) phenomena, including plasma depletions along flux tubes, geomagnetic conjugate irregularities, and ESF morphology as seen in ground optical and satellite observations. Through control simulations, the effects of field‐aligned plasma flow and ionospheric conductivity on ESF are investigated. It is found that field‐aligned plasma flow could inhibit the growth of bubbles by modulating the ionospheric conductivity distribution along field lines, and the plasma bubbles from the TELF model behave more physically in the topside F‐region than those from the 2D model due to the realistic ionospheric conductivity specification. Additionally, the simulations demonstrate that the amplitude and altitude of the initial perturbations can also affect the growth rate of ESF by modulating the polarization electric fields.
Enhanced Production of Active Photosynthetic and Biochemical Molecules in Silybum marianum L. Using Biotic and Abiotic Elicitors in Hydroponic Culture

Elicitors are stressors that activate secondary pathways that lead to the increased production of bioactive molecules in plants. Different elicitors including the fungus Aspergillus niger (0.2 g/L), methyl jasmonate (MeJA, 100 µM/L), and silver nanoparticles (1 µg/L) were added, individually and in combination, in a hydroponic medium. The application of these elicitors in hydroponic culture significantly increased the concentration of photosynthetic pigments and total phenolic contents. The treatment with MeJA (methyl jasmonate) (100 µM/L) and the co-treatment of MeJA and AgNPs (silver nanoparticles) (100 µM/L + 1 µg/L) exhibited the highest chlorophyll a (29 µg g−1 FW) and chlorophyll b (33.6 µg g−1 FW) contents, respectively. The elicitor MeJA (100 µM/L) gave a substantial rise in chlorophyll a and b and total chlorophyll contents. Likewise, a significant rise in carotenoid contents (9 µg/g FW) was also observed when subjected to meJA (100 µM/L). For the phenolic content, the treatment with meJA (100 µM/L) proved to be very effective. Nevertheless, the highest production (431 µg/g FW) was observed when treated with AgNPs (1 µg/L). The treatments with various elicitors in this study had a significant effect on flavonoid and lignin content. The highest concentration of flavonoids and lignin was observed when MeJA (100 mM) was used as an elicitor, following a 72-h treatment period. Hence, for different plant metabolites, the treatment with meJA (100 µM/L) and a co-treatment of MeJA and AgNPs (100 µM/L + 1 µg/L) under prolonged exposure times of 120–144 h proved to be the most promising in the accretion of valuable bioactive molecules. The study opens new insights into the use of these elicitors, individually or in combination, by using different concentrations and compositions.
Triglyceride peroxidation progression in lipid droplets of hepatocytes in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is a chronic liver disease caused by the progression of hepatocellular death and inflammation from simple steatosis. However, the pathogenesis of this disease remains unclear. Lipid peroxidation is one of the most critical factors in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; however, oxidised lipids – the products of lipid peroxidation – are insufficiently analysed. Here, we comprehensively analysed oxidised lipids in the liver during nonalcoholic steatohepatitis development in a choline-deficient, l-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet-fed mouse model. Liver from C57BL/6J mice, fed a standard diet or a choline-deficient l-amino acid-defined high-fat diet for 1, 3, or 6 weeks, were collected to evaluate fibrosis, steatosis, inflammation, liver injury, and oxidised lipid production and to observe the suppression of these parameters upon vitamin E administration. In addition, organellar localisation of lipid peroxidation was assessed using fluorescence imaging. Finally, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant was administered to model mice to investigate the mechanism underlying lipid peroxidation. We found an accumulation of oxidised triglycerides in the early stages of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Furthermore, our data indicate that oxidised triglycerides are generated by lipid peroxidation in lipid droplets due to mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species. These results suggest the importance of lipid droplet peroxidation in the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and may contribute to the development of therapeutic methods for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in the future. We demonstrate the specific and early occurrence of lipid peroxidation in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis pathogenesis and propose a previously unknown mechanism of disease progression.