Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High-resolution imaging of Betelgeuse and Mira

Diffraction-limited images have been made of the M giant stars α Orionis (Betelgeuse) and ο Ceti (Mira), using the non-redundant masking method at the 4.2-m William Herschel Telescope, for wavelengths between 546 and 710 nm. The brightness distribution for the surface of Betelgeuse is non-uniform, and has shown large changes over a period of 22 months. The disc of Mira is significantly elongated along position angle 120°, and there is evidence that the radial intensity profile is approximately Gaussian
On Electrical Probes Used in Magnetized Plasma Diagnostics

In some experimental conditions the electron saturation current of a cylindrical probe placed in a magnetized plasma and oriented along the magnetic field lines shows a large increase when the probe is positively biased with respect to plasma potential. The increase might double the electron saturation current which is followed by a negative slope of the current‐voltage characteristic when the positive bias of the probe is further increased. This particular behavior was investigated versus probe length (0 – 5 mm) and radius, probe orientation with respect to the magnetic field lines, magnetic field strength (up to 0. 42 T), gas nature and pressure, respectively. The increase of both electron current intensity and negative slope are well pronounced starting with a certain length of the probe and strongly dependent on probe orientation along the magnetic field lines. These particularities are also more pronounced with increasing of both magnetic field strength and mass of the gas atoms. Strong oscillations of the probe current are present in the negative slope region of the probe characteristic.
Asymptotic Inference with Incomplete Data

This article discusses asymptotic theory for the maximum likelihood estimator based on incomplete data. Although much literature has implicitly assumed the basic properties of the estimator, such as consistency and asymptotic normality, it is hard to find their precise and comprehensive proofs. In this article, we first show that under MAR an estimator based on the likelihood function ignoring the missing-data mechanism is strongly consistent. The estimator is then shown to be asymptotically normal. When the data are NMAR and when the data are MAR without parameter distinctness, the consistency and the asymptotic normality are shown. Several examples are provided.
Microvascular and Endothelial Dysfunction in Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a significant metabolic status since there is high potential for future progression of diabetes mellitus (DM). People with prediabetes are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. Endothelial and microvascular dysfunction is considered a key step towards the development and progression of CVD. Importantly, endothelial and microvascular dysfunction can be detected and monitored using non-invasive procedures in peripheral organs and tissues, including the retina, kidney, skin and skeletal muscle. Structural and functional alterations of the microvasculature have been consistently documented in the above microvascular beds in patients with diabetes mellitus. In contrast, such alterations remain understudied in prediabetes, but are currently receiving attention as markers of subclinical and future CVD. The aim of this review is to summarize available evidence regarding the presence of subclinical microvascular and endothelial dysfunction in prediabetes and their impact on cardiovascular risk.
Baricitinib Attenuates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice by Inhibiting TGF-β1 Signaling Pathway

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive interstitial lung disease with unknown etiology, high mortality and limited treatment options. It is characterized by myofibroblast proliferation and extensive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), which will lead to fibrous proliferation and the destruction of lung structure. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is widely recognized as a central pathway of pulmonary fibrosis, and the suppression of TGF-β1 or the TGF-β1-regulated signaling pathway may thus offer potential antifibrotic therapies. JAK-STAT is a downstream signaling pathway regulated by TGF-β1. JAK1/2 inhibitor baricitinib is a marketed drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, but its role in pulmonary fibrosis has not been reported. This study explored the potential effect and mechanism of baricitinib on pulmonary fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. The in vivo studies have shown that baricitinib can effectively attenuate bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis, and in vitro studies showed that baricitinib attenuates TGF-β1-induced fibroblast activation and epithelial cell injury by inhibiting TGF-β1/non-Smad and TGF-β1/JAK/STAT signaling pathways, respectively. In conclusion, baricitinib, a JAK1/2 inhibitor, impedes myofibroblast activation and epithelial injury via targeting the TGF-β1 signaling pathway and reduces BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.
The common envelope phase in the evolution of binary stars

The common envelope phase in the evolution of binary systems is examined. Three parameters are identified which characterize the efficiency of energy deposition, the importance of three-dimensional effects, and the efficiency of spin-up of the envelope. It is demonstrated that the efficiency of deposition of orbital energy into envelope ejection can be quite low. It is found that significant spin-up of the envelope can be expected to occur in relatively early stages, when the spiralling-in occurs inside evolved supergiant envelopes. In normal giants spin-up can occur only in the final stages of the spiralling-in process. The results of a simplified three-dimensional numerical calculation of the common envelope phase are presented, and the implications of the results for the formation of planetary nebulae with binary nuclei, double white dwarf systems, and FK Com stars are discussed. 52 references.
THE TRACE FOSSIL TISOA SIPHONALIS IN ITS TYPE AREA—CHARACTERISTICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE

Abstract: The type material of Tisoa siphonalis de Serres, 1840 is lost but nearly complete specimens occur at the herein designated type locality Hameau de Valz (Department of Gard, France), where Tisoa is present in dark Pliensbachian organic-rich mudrock. The upper part of the trace is encased in a concretion. The concretion's carbonate content implies 65% initial porosity, a value typical of soft mud. Such a consistency is also indicated by shallowly produced biodeformational structures that dominate the fabric; in association with small traces they are diagnostic of low-oxygenated bottom water and anoxic conditions just below the seafloor. At its type locality, Tisoa represents a nearly vertical protrusive spreite burrow, exceeding 2 m in length and having nearly parallel limbs 0.1–1.5 cm apart. The spreite is only weakly expressed; the inter-limb material was apparently not processed during deepening of the U-tube but placed directly in the spreite or pressed aside. Tisoa deviates slightly but consistently from a vertical orientation and commonly shows a low-amplitude helicoidal course. The U-tube exhibits a thick pyrite lining implying the former presence of mucus. The steep chemical gradient between oxygenated water in the U-tube and anoxic host sediment evidently fostered microbial activity. The extraordinary penetration depth of Tisoa suggests exploitation of extreme redox conditions such as could be found in the methanogenesis zone. The Tisoa producer probably deepened the U-tube incrementally, continuing when the chemical gradient between tube and host sediment declined due to circulation of the oxygenated water used for respiration. The Tisoa producers might have fed on suspended material, microbes flourishing along the tube wall, or acquired nutrition via chemosymbionts.
Disturbance Due to a Time Harmonic Source in Orthotropic Micropolar Viscoelastic Medium

Abstract The present study is concerned with the plane strain problem in homogeneous orthotropic micropolar viscoelastic solid. The disturbance due to the time harmonic concentrated source is investigated by employing the eigenvalue approach. Integral transforms have been inverted by a numerical technique to obtain the components of displacement, force stress and couple stress in the physical domain. The results obtained are given and illustrated graphically.
Embodying Quasi-Passive Modal Trotting and Pronking in a Sagittal Elastic Quadruped

Animals rely on the elasticity of their tendons and muscles to execute robust and efficient locomotion patterns for a vast and continuous range of velocities. Replicating such capabilities in artificial systems is a long-lasting challenge in robotics. By taking advantage of a pitch dynamics decoupling spring potential, this work aims to provide design rules and a control strategy to generate dynamic, efficient locomotion patterns in quadrupeds moving in a sagittal plane. We rely on nonlinear modal theory, which provides the tools to characterize continuous families of efficient oscillations in nonlinear mechanical systems. We provide simulations of an elastic quadruped showing that the proposed solution can robustly excite efficient locomotion patterns under non-ideal conditions.
Robust Neural Dynamics Method for Redundant Robot Manipulator Control With Physical Constraints

Redundant robot manipulators play a significant role in modern industry. In this article, we propose a solution scheme to the trajectory tracking problem of the redundant robot manipulator with physical constraints through the Zhang neural dynamics method. Such problem is integrated into a time-varying system consisting of time-varying nonlinear equation (TVNE) and time-varying linear inequality (TVLI) and solved online by the varying-parameter Zhang neural dynamics (VPZND) model. It is ensured that the redundant robot manipulator can still perform the tracking task perfectly under the coexistence of time-varying bounded noise and physical constraints. Theoretical analysis proves that this VPZND model also has an explicit fixed convergence time. Numerical experiments confirm the feasibility of our VPZND model for TVLI. The trajectory tracking problem of the redundant robot manipulator with six or three degrees of freedom under the dual influence of physical constraints and noise is perfectly solved by the VPZND model, which is enough to verify its practical value.
A Dynamic Keyboard with Hierarchical Mathematical Symbols for Multi-Subject e-Learning Systems

Nowadays, e-Learning systems especially in science and technology subjects, are faced with a large number of symbol input tasks. And the traditional methods have the problem of low efficiency and difficulties in inputting unfamiliar symbols. To improve the efficiency of symbol input, this paper proposes a framework of the dynamic keyboard module with hierarchical mathematical symbol recommendation, which is based on the exercise-symbol patterns. Then a dynamic keyboard is designed to generate hierarchical mathematical symbols for multi-subject e-Learning systems, and the dynamic keyboard can improve the efficiency of symbol input. Finally, the proposed framework was evaluated on the learning system for Discrete mathematics and Statistics students. The experiment results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach for symbol input.
An unfitted finite element method using discontinuous Galerkin

In this paper we present a new approach to simulations on complex‐shaped domains. The method is based on a discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method, using trial and test functions defined on a structured grid. Essential boundary conditions are imposed weakly via the DG formulation. This method offers a discretization where the number of unknowns is independent of the complexity of the domain.
The Changing Structure of the Radio Nebula around the Soft Gamma-Ray Repeater SGR 1806–20

From earlier Very Large Array (VLA) observations, we have shown that the soft gamma-ray repeater (SGR) 1806-20 is coincident with the radio nebula G10.0-0.3. Furthermore, we have shown that the peak of the quiescent X-ray emission coincides with a compact radio source that has a “core-jet” morphology. We present new results from a VLA monitoring campaign of the compact source over 1.8 yr at arcsecond resolution. In agreement with earlier low-resolution data, we see no evidence for strong flaring either before or after a γ-ray burst. Amazingly, however, between the first epoch and the second, which are separated by 1.4 yr, we observe an apparent angular displacement of the jetlike feature by 50°. We argue that these jets are created episodically and then fade away on timescales of about 1 yr. We compare these jets with those seen in accreting Galactic sources, such as GRS 1915+10 and SS 433, and find qualitative differences between the jets of the SGR and the accreting sources. We suggest that the jets in the SGR are powered by sudden deposition of particles and fields from an underlying compact object and are delineated by nonthermal radio emission from the ejected material. Thus far, the relationship of the creation of the jets to γ-ray bursts is unclear. Energy in the jet plasma is found to be E ≃ 102Eγ, Eγ being the energy radiated in the most luminous γ-ray events. In particular, we draw an analogy to bursts in magnetoactive stars and the Sun; in this case, however, they could represent dramatic events on the surface of a hypothetical highly magnetized (1014-1015 G) neutron star.
Supervision and Control System of the Operational Variables of a Cluster in a High-Pressure Gas Injection Plant

The objective of this research was to develop a technological architecture proposal that allows for the supervision and control of the operational parameters of gas injection (flow, temperature, and pressure) in a cluster of a high-pressure gas injection plant. The proposal provides a supervision and control system for the HPGIP I high-pressure gas injection plant that includes instrumentation equipment (transmitters and actuators), a remote terminal unit (RTU) as a control device, and the creation of a control logic as the basis for the development of the SCADA GALBA®, through which the operational variables involved in the process of the gas injection plant can be visualized and controlled, allowing the automatic regulation of the flow of gas that enters the deposits. Automatization of the process allows for the elimination of the average error differential that increases from 2 to 5% when the control valve is opened manually. Currently, the MUC-67 and MUC-68 wells that make up cluster 5 require a control valve opening of 20% and 5%, respectively, and this percentage is directly affected by the average valve opening error when performed manually. In addition, there is a savings of around 40 min in the response time by the operators for the adjustment of the opening or closing parameters of the control valve manually. The proposal allows for the different control actions on the variables or parameters of gas injection present in the clump to be carried out from a control room.
No Differences in Rotational Thromboelastometry Measurements between Portal and Peripheral Circulation in Cirrhotic Patients Undergoing TIPS

Background: In patients with liver cirrhosis, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is considered a standardized treatment of refractory ascites or variceal bleeding. TIPS thrombosis (TT) and/or portal vein thrombosis (PVT) are possible complications during/after TIPS placement. Previous studies suggested increased clotting activity in portal circulation (PORC). This pilot study aimed to evaluate alterations and differences of coagulation function in PORC and in peripheral circulation (PERC) via rotational thromboelastometry during TIPS. Methods: Blood samples were collected from cirrhotic patients (n = 13; median Model of End Stage Liver Disease, MELD Score: 12; median age: 60 years) undergoing TIPS (10/13 TIPSs were elective procedures due to refractory ascites) as follows: median cubital vein (MCV; PERC)—confluence of the three hepatic veins to the inferior cava vein (HV/ICV; PORC)—portal vein (PV; PORC)—TIPS (PORC). This research utilized four variables of the extrinsic test EXTEM, i.e., clotting time (CT), clot formation time (CFT), maximum clot firmness (MCF), and maximum lysis (ML). Results: EXTEM results [mean, M (range) ± standard deviation, SD (range)] showed no significant differences for CT [M (70–73) ± SD (9–13); p = 0.93] or CFT [M (137–155) ± SD (75–112); p = 0.97] or MCF [M (51–54) ± SD (9–10); p = 0.90] or ML [M (9–10) ± SD (4–5); p = 0.89] between the compartments, i.e., MCV vs. HV/ICV vs. PV vs. TIPS. Overall, we detected no differences in coagulation function between PERC and PORC. Conclusion: These results are in contrast to previous reports suggesting increased clotting activity in PORC vs. PERC in association with liver cirrhosis. Rotational thromboelastometry-based evaluation of coagulation function in PERC appears to reliably reflect coagulation function in PORC with respect to risk estimation for TT and/or PVT in cirrhotic patients undergoing TIPS.
Different Protocols for Low Whole-Body Vibration Frequency for Spasticity and Physical Performance in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Background: Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a therapeutic exercise tool that can be used in children with cerebral palsy (CP). A low vibration frequency with different protocols has been suggested, but no optimal dose has been explicitly indicated. We aimed to determine the superiority of a gradually increased 7–18 Hz WBV protocol over a static 11 Hz WBV and the immediate and short-term effects of WBV training on improving spasticity, functional strength, balance, and walking ability in children with spastic CP. Methods: Twenty-four participants with CP (mean age: 11.5 ± 2.9 years) were randomly allocated into protocols of a static 11 Hz vibration frequency group (SVF) or one that increased from a 7 to an 18 Hz vibration frequency (IVF) (n = 12/group). The WBV programmes were completed for 30 min/session/day to identify immediate effects, and the short-term programme then continued for four days/week for eight weeks. Results: Modified Ashworth Scale scores significantly and immediately improved in the IVF group (hip adductor and knee extensor, p < 0.05), and after eight weeks showed significant improvement in the SVF group (ankle plantar flexor, p < 0.05). Within groups, the Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSTS), the Time Up and Go Test and the Functional Reach Test significantly improved in the SVF group, whereas only the FTSTS improved in the IVF group (p < 0.05). There were no significant between-group differences at the eight-week postintervention, except reduced spasticity. Conclusions: A protocol of 7–18 Hz WBV seems to offer superior immediate results in terms of improved spasticity; however, a static 11 Hz protocol appears to offer superior results after eight weeks, although the two protocols did not differ significantly in effects on physical performance. This finding may facilitate preparations to normalise muscle tone before functional mobility therapy. The study results may support future studies about the dose-response of WBV frequency.
NSC243928 Treatment Induces Anti-Tumor Immune Response in Mouse Mammary Tumor Models

Simple Summary This study used two different syngeneic mouse mammary tumor models to determine the effect of a small molecule NSC243928 on intra-tumoral immune cells. We observed that NSC243928 treatment reduced the tumor burden in vivo and altered the wide range of immune cell infiltration in both models. These results pave the path for further study of the role of NSC243928 in immuno-oncology drug development for triple-negative breast cancer. Abstract NSC243928 induces cell death in triple-negative breast cancer cells in a LY6K-dependent manner. NSC243928 has been reported as an anti-cancer agent in the NCI small molecule library. The molecular mechanism of NSC243928 as an anti-cancer agent in the treatment of tumor growth in the syngeneic mouse model has not been established. With the success of immunotherapies, novel anti-cancer drugs that may elicit an anti-tumor immune response are of high interest in the development of novel drugs to treat solid cancer. Thus, we focused on studying whether NSC243928 may elicit an anti-tumor immune response in the in vivo mammary tumor models of 4T1 and E0771. We observed that NSC243928 induced immunogenic cell death in 4T1 and E0771 cells. Furthermore, NSC243928 mounted an anti-tumor immune response by increasing immune cells such as patrolling monocytes, NKT cells, B1 cells, and decreasing PMN MDSCs in vivo. Further studies are required to understand the exact mechanism of NSC243928 action in inducing an anti-tumor immune response in vivo, which can be used to determine a molecular signature associated with NSC243928 efficacy. NSC243928 may be a good target for future immuno-oncology drug development for breast cancer.
Prospects and challenges of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding in mangrove restoration in Southeast Asia

Species detection using environmental DNA (eDNA) is a biomonitoring tool that can be widely applied to mangrove restoration and management. Compared to traditional surveys that are taxa-specific and time-consuming, eDNA metabarcoding offers a rapid, non-invasive and cost-efficient method for monitoring mangrove biodiversity and characterising the spatio-temporal distribution of multiple taxa simultaneously. General guidelines for eDNA metabarcoding are well-established for aquatic systems, but habitat-specific guidelines are still lacking. Mangrove habitats, as priority ecosystems for restoration in Southeast Asia, present unique prospects and challenges in these regards. Environmental DNA metabarcoding can be used to (1) track functional recovery in ecological restoration, (2) prioritise conservation areas, (3) provide early warning for threats, (4) monitor threatened taxa, (5) monitor response to climate change, and (6) support community-based restoration. However, these potential applications have yet been realized in Southeast Asia due to (1) technical challenges, (2) lack of standardised methods, (3) spatio-temporal difficulties in defining community, (4) data limitations, and (5) lack of funding, infrastructure and technical capacity. Successful implementation of eDNA metabarcoding in mangrove restoration activities would encourage the development of data-driven coastal management and equitable conservation programs. Eventually, this would promote Southeast Asia’s shared regional interests in food security, coastal defence and biodiversity conservation.
Assessing customer satisfaction with the retail service quality of Zara Vietnam stores

The goal of this study is to investigate customer satisfaction with the retail service quality at ZARA Vietnam outlets by using the Retail Service Quality Scale (RSQS) on five dimensions such as reliability, physical aspects, problem-solving, personal interaction, and policy. By using Smart PLS 3.2. 0 software for a sample of 186 ZARA clients, the results showed that consumer satisfaction with the retail service quality at ZARA stores is fulfilled in physical aspects, reliability, problem-solving, and policy. On the other hand, personal interactions were not appreciated by customers. The findings provide some guidance for foreign fashion brands on how to improve retail service quality in Vietnam.