Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ligands for Melanocortin Receptors: Beyond Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones and Adrenocorticotropin

The discovery of melanocortins in 1916 has resulted in more than 100 years of research focused on these peptides. Extensive studies have elucidated well-established functions of melanocortins mediated by cell surface receptors, including MSHR (melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor) and ACTHR (adrenocorticotropin receptor). Subsequently, three additional melanocortin receptors (MCRs) were identified. Among these five MCRs, MC3R and MC4R are expressed primarily in the central nervous system, and are therefore referred to as the neural MCRs. Since the central melanocortin system plays important roles in regulating energy homeostasis, targeting neural MCRs is emerging as a therapeutic approach for treating metabolic conditions such as obesity and cachexia. Early efforts modifying endogenous ligands resulted in the development of many potent and selective ligands. This review focuses on the ligands for neural MCRs, including classical ligands (MSH and agouti-related peptide), nonclassical ligands (lipocalin 2, β-defensin, small molecules, and pharmacoperones), and clinically approved ligands (ACTH, setmelanotide, bremelanotide, and several repurposed drugs).
X-RAY ABSORPTION ANALYSIS OF MCG –6-30-15: DISCERNING THREE KINEMATIC SYSTEMS

By analyzing the X-ray spectrum of MCG –6-30-15 obtained with the High Energy Transmission Grating (HETGS) spectrometer on board the Chandra observatory, we identify three kinematically distinct absorption systems; two outflow components intrinsic to MCG –6-30-15, and one local at z = 0. The slow outflow at −100 ± 50 km s−1 has a large range of ionization manifested by absorption from 24 different charge states of Fe, which enables a detailed reconstruction of the absorption measure distribution (AMD). This AMD spans 5 orders of magnitude in ionization parameter: −1.5 < log ξ < 3.5 (erg s−1 cm), with a total column density of NH = (5.3 ± 0.7) × 1021 cm−2. The fast outflow at −1900 ± 150 km s−1 has a well-defined ionization parameter with log ξ = 3.82 ± 0.03 (erg s−1 cm) and column density NH = 8.1 ± 0.7 × 1022 cm−2. Assuming this component is a thin, uniform, spherical shell, it can be estimated to lie within 11 light days of the active galactic nucleus center. The third component, most clearly detected in the lower oxygen charge states O+1–O+6, has been confused in the past with the fast outflow, but is identified here with local gas (z = 0) and a total column density NH of a few 1020 cm−2. Finally, we exploit the excellent spectral resolution of the HETGS and use the present spectrum to determine the rest-frame wavelengths of oxygen inner-shell lines that were previously uncertain.
Calcium-Sensing Receptor (CaSR)-Mediated Intracellular Communication in Cardiovascular Diseases

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), is a cell-surface-located receptor that can induce highly diffusible messengers (IP3, Ca2+, cAMP) in the cytoplasm to activate various cellular responses. Recently, it has also been suggested that the CaSR mediates the intracellular communications between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, nucleus, protease/proteasome, and autophagy–lysosome, which are involved in related cardiovascular diseases. The complex intracellular signaling of this receptor challenges it as a valuable therapeutic target. It is, therefore, necessary to understand the mechanisms behind the signaling characteristics of this receptor in intracellular communication. This review provides an overview of the recent research progress on the various regulatory mechanisms of the CaSR in related cardiovascular diseases and the heart–kidney interaction; the associated common causes are also discussed.
RADIO SOURCES IN THE NCP REGION OBSERVED WITH THE 21 CENTIMETER ARRAY

We present a catalog of 624 radio sources detected around the North Celestial Pole (NCP) with the 21 Centimeter Array (21CMA), a radio interferometer dedicated to the statistical measurement of the epoch of reionization (EoR). The data are taken from a 12 hr observation made on 2013 April 13, with a frequency coverage from 75 to 175 MHz and an angular resolution of ∼4′. The catalog includes flux densities at eight sub-bands across the 21CMA bandwidth and provides the in-band spectral indices for the detected sources. To reduce the complexity of interferometric imaging from the so-called “w” term and ionospheric effects, the present analysis is restricted to the east–west baselines within 1500 m only. The 624 radio sources are found within 5° around the NCP down to ∼0.1 Jy. Our source counts are compared, and also exhibit a good agreement, with deep low-frequency observations made recently with the GMRT and MWA. In particular, for fainter radio sources below ∼1 Jy, we find a flattening trend of source counts toward lower frequencies. While the thermal noise (∼0.4 mJy) is well controlled to below the confusion limit, the dynamical range (∼104) and sensitivity of current 21CMA imaging are largely limited by calibration and deconvolution errors, especially the grating lobes of very bright sources, such as 3C061.1, in the NCP field, which result from the regular spacings of the 21CMA. We note that particular attention should be paid to the extended sources, and their modeling and removal may constitute a large technical challenge for current EoR experiments. Our analysis may serve as a useful guide to the design of next generation low-frequency interferometers like the Square Kilometre Array.
Regional‐Scale Lithospheric Recycling on Venus Via Peel‐Back Delamination

We currently have a limited understanding of the tectonic framework that governs Venus. Schubert and Sandwell (1995, https://doi.org/10.1006/icar.1995.1150) identified over 10,000 km of possible subduction sites at both coronae and chasmata rift zones. Previous numerical and experimental studies have shown the viability of regional‐scale lithospheric recycling via plume‐lithosphere interactions at coronae, yet little work has been done to study the possibility of resurfacing initiated at Venusian rift zones. We created 2D numerical models to test if and how regional‐scale resurfacing could be initiated at a lateral lithospheric discontinuity. We observed several instances of peel‐back delamination—a form of lithospheric recycling in which the dense lithospheric mantle decouples and peels away from the weak, initially 30 km‐thick crust, leaving behind a hot, thinned layer of crust at the surface. Delamination initiation is driven by the negative buoyancy of the lithospheric mantle and is resisted by the coupling of the plate across the Moho, the significant positive buoyancy of the crust arising from a range of crustal densities, and the viscous strength of the plate. Initial plate bending promotes yielding and weakening in the crust, which is crucial to allow decoupling of the crust and lithospheric mantle. When there is sufficient excess negative buoyancy in the lithospheric mantle, both positively and negatively buoyant plates may undergo delamination. Following a delamination event, the emplacement of hot, buoyant asthenosphere beneath the crust may have consequences for regional‐scale volcanism and local tectonic deformation on Venus within the context of the regional equilibrium resurfacing hypothesis.
Parameter effect quantification for a phase change material-based lithium-ion battery thermal management system

The influence of discharge rate, ambient temperature, and phase change material on the maximum temperature and the highest temperature difference was investigated. The maximum temperature of the battery was tested with and without phase change material under extreme discharge rates (4C and 5C) and ambient temperatures (310 K and 320 K). Results showed that a phase change material reduced the maximum temperature from 327.94 K to 306.45 K for a 14.6 Ah lithium-ion battery discharged at 5C-rate and 320 K. Quantitatively determined parameter effects revealed that the PCM parameter considerably had a remarkable influence on maximum temperature compared to discharge rate and ambient temperature. Moreover, the influence of ambient temperature on the maximum temperature was approximately 2.5 times greater than the C-rate, while the influence of ambient temperature on the highest temperature difference was approximately 50 times greater than the C-rate. The quantified parameter effects can be used to improve the phase change material-battery cooling system.
Fuzzy techniques for classification of epilepsy risk level from EEG signals

The aim of this paper is to develop a fuzzy classification model for epilepsy risk level analysis from EEG signals. The parametric values such as energy, positive and negative peaks, sharp spikes and events are derived in each epoch of the EEG signal channels. Fuzzy techniques are used to classify the risk level in each epoch for all the channels; the risk level patterns obtained are found to have a low percentage of performance and quality value. In order to increase the classification rate, an optimization technique is used and a quality value of 11.9 is achieved when compared to the value 6.25 achieved in the previous case. A comparison of fuzzy techniques with and without optimization is studied. The focal epilepsy problem in normal fuzzy classification is solved using this new approach. A group of six patients with known epilepsy findings are used in this study. Further research work can be carried out in the classification of epilepsy risk level of a diabetic neuropathy patient. An analytic study is to be undertaken for classification, based on fuzzy aggregation operators and fuzzy discriminators. The number of samples may be increased to improve the classification rate.
Direct measurement of the mass difference between top and antitop quarks

We present a direct measurement of the mass difference between top and antitop quarks (dm) in lepton+jets top-antitop final states using the"matrix element"method. The purity of the lepton+jets sample is enhanced for top-antitop events by identifying at least one of the jet as originating from a b quark. The analyzed data correspond to 3.6 fb-1 of proton-antiproton collisions at 1.96 TeV acquired by D0 in Run II of the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. The combination of the e+jets and mu+jets channels yields dm = 0.8 +/- 1.8 (stat) +/- 0.5 (syst) GeV, which is in agreement with the standard model expectation of no mass difference.
H2 infrared line emission from the ionized region of planetary nebulae

Context. The analysis and interpretation of the H2 line emission from planetary nebulae have been done in the literature by assuming that the molecule survives only in regions where the hydrogen is neutral, as in photodissociation, neutral clumps, or shocked regions. However, there is strong observational and theoretical evidence that at least part of the H2 emission is produced inside the ionized region of these objects. Aims. The aim of the present work is to calculate and analyze the infrared line emission of H2 produced inside the ionized region of planetary nebulae using a one-dimensional photoionization code. Methods. The photoionization code Aangaba was improved in order to calculate the statistical population of the H2 energy levels, as well as the intensity of the H2 infrared emission lines in the physical conditions typical of planetary nebulae. A grid of models was obtained and the results then analyzed and compared with the observational data. Results. We show that the contribution of the ionized region to the H2 line emission can be important, particularly in the case of nebulae with high-temperature central stars. This result explains why H2 emission is more frequently observed in bipolar planetary nebulae (Gatley’s rule), since this kind of object typically has hotter stars. Collisional excitation plays an important role in populating the rovibrational levels of the electronic ground state of H2 molecules. Radiative mechanisms are also important, particularly for the upper vibrational levels. Formation pumping can have minor effects on the line intensities produced by de-excitation from very high rotational levels, especially in dense and dusty environments. We included the effect of the H2 molecule on the thermal equilibrium of the gas, concluding that, in the ionized region, H2 only contributes to the thermal equilibrium in the case of a very high temperature of the central star or a high dust-to-gas ratio, mainly through collisional de-excitation.
Holographic Dual of the Reissner-Nordström Black Hole

In this article we give a brief, nevertheless, comprehensive review on recent studies in the quantum gravity description of the Reissner-Nordstrom (RN) black hole from the perspective of the AdS/CFT correspondence. We survey the known evidence supporting a two-dimensional conformal field theory (CFT) description holographically dual to the RN black hole.
Selection of Robotic Machining Parameters with Pneumatic Feed Force Progression

The subject matter of the above paper presents part of the research carried out as part of the robotization of the manufacturing processes of aircraft engine components. The paper concerns robotic deburring of the V2500 diffuser’s sharp edges. The diffuser is a precision casting characterized by a slight variation in the geometry of the workpiece depending on the accuracy of the casting molds and the phenomenon of shrinkage during solidification. Due to the small degree of deburring and thus low cutting forces, robotic machining with the FDB150 tool was used. This tool is characterized by compliance with adjustable force, which enables machining of workpieces with a randomly changing shape. The authors of the paper propose a procedure for carrying out work allowing for the selection of suboptimal process parameters. In the analyzed case, these parameters are the speed of movement of the characteristic point of the tool (TCP) and the tool/workpiece contact force. The proposed procedure for determining the parameters of the force and speed of movement allowed for indicating a set of parameters ensuring the performance of the product in accordance with the requirements defined in the documentation. The proposed solution is of an engineering nature and is not a classic search for the extreme of a function from the point of view of the adopted criteria (quality indicators). Its advantage is simplicity, which is very important from the point of view of an industrial application.
Variability of Active Galactic Nuclei from the Optical to X-ray Regions

Some progress in understanding AGN variability is reviewed. Reprocessing of X-ray radiation to produce significant amounts of longer-wavelength continua seems to be ruled out. In some objects where there has been correlated X-ray and optical variability, the amplitude of the optical variability has exceeded the amplitude of X-ray variability. We suggest that accelerated particles striking material could be linking X-ray and optical variability (as in activity in the solar chromosphere). Beaming effects could be significant in all types of AGN. The diversity in optical/X-ray relationships at different times in the same object, and between different objects, might be explained by changes in geometry and directions of motion relative to our line of sight. Linear shot-noise models of the variability are ruled out; instead there must be large-scale organization of variability. Variability occurs on light-crossing timescales rather than viscous timescales and this probably rules out the standard Shakura-Sunyaev accretion disk. Radio-loud and radio-quiet AGNs have similar continuum shapes and similar variability properties. This suggests similar continuum origins and variability mechanisms. Despite their extreme X-ray variability, narrow-line Seyfert 1s (NLS1s) do not show extreme optical variability.
Ultrahigh Frequency Data Liquidity Duration Estimation: A Case Study of Chinese A Shares

Liquidity has always been a hot spot for researchers of financial market microstructures. Analysis of liquidity is of great significance for investors and market regulators. Ultrahigh frequency data records the whole dynamic change of the trading process, so it has advantages in depicting the market microstructure. This study analyzes Asian emerging market equities liquidity using ultrahigh frequency data. We used various forms of WACD models and let trading duration be indicators of liquidity. Through the residual test, we were able to select the best model to describe the overall liquidity.
Density Functional Study of the L1_0 - alpha-IrV Transition in IrV and RhV

Both IrV and RhV crystallize in the alpha-IrV structure, with a transition to the higher symmetry L1_0 structure at high temperature, or with the addition of excess Ir or Rh. Here we present evidence that this transition is driven by the lowering of the electronic density of states at the Fermi level of the alpha-IrV structure. The transition has long been thought to be second order, with a simple doubling of the L1_0 unit cell due to an unstable phonon at the R point (0 1/2 1/2). We use first-principles calculations to show that all phonons at the R point are, in fact, stable, but do find a region of reciprocal space where the L1_0 structure has unstable (imaginary frequency) phonons. We use the frozen phonon method to examine two of these modes, relaxing the structures associated with the unstable phonon modes to obtain new structures which are lower in energy than L1_0 but still above alpha-IrV. We examine the phonon spectra of these structures as well, looking for instabilities, and find further instabilities, and more relaxed structures, all of which have energies above the alpha-IrV phase. In addition, we find that all of the relaxed structures, stable and unstable, have a density comparable to the L1_0 phase (and less than the alpha-IrV phase), so that any transition from one of these structures to the ground state will have a volume change as well as an energy discontinuity. We conclude that the transition from L1_0 to alpha-IrV is probably weakly first order.
A cosmological exclusion plot: towards model-independent constraints on modified gravity from current and future growth rate data

Most cosmological constraints on modified gravity are obtained assuming that the cosmic evolution was standard ΛCDM in the past and that the present matter density and power spectrum normalization are the same as in a ΛCDM model. Here we examine how the constraints change when these assumptions are lifted. We focus in particular on the parameter Y (also called Geff) that quantifies the deviation from the Poisson equation. This parameter can be estimated by comparing with the model-independent growth rate quantity fσ8(z) obtained through redshift distortions. We reduce the model dependency in evaluating Y by marginalizing over σ8 and over the initial conditions, and by absorbing the degenerate parameter Ωm,0 into Y. We use all currently available values of fσ8(z). We find that the combination Ŷ=YΩm,0, assumed constant in the observed redshift range, can be constrained only very weakly by current data, Ŷ=0.28−0.23+0.35 at 68% c.l. We also forecast the precision of a future estimation of Ŷ in a Euclid-like redshift survey. We find that the future constraints will reduce substantially the uncertainty, Ŷ=0.30−0.09+0.08 , at 68% c.l. , but the relative error on Ŷ around the fiducial remains quite high, of the order of 30%. The main reason for these weak constraints is that Ŷ is strongly degenerate with the initial conditions, so that large or small values of Ŷ are compensated by choosing non-standard initial values of the derivative of the matter density contrast. Finally, we produce a forecast of a cosmological exclusion plot on the Yukawa strength and range parameters, which complements similar plots on laboratory scales but explores scales and epochs reachable only with large-scale galaxy surveys. We find that future data can constrain the Yukawa strength to within 3% of the Newtonian one if the range is around a few Megaparsecs. In the particular case of f(R) models, we find that the Yukawa range will be constrained to be larger than 80 Mpc/h or smaller than 2 Mpc/h (95% c.l.), regardless of the specific f(R) model.
The stratified two-sided jet of Cygnus A. Acceleration and collimation

High-resolution Very-Long-Baseline Interferometry observations of relativistic jets are essential to constrain fundamental parameters of jet formation models. At a distance of 249 Mpc, Cygnus A is a unique target for such studies, being the only Fanaroff-Riley Class II radio galaxy for which a detailed sub-parsec scale imaging of the base of both jet and counter-jet can be obtained. Observing at millimeter wavelengths unveils those regions which appear self-absorbed at longer wavelengths and enables an extremely sharp view towards the nucleus to be obtained. We performed 7 mm Global VLBI observations, achieving ultra-high resolution imaging on scales down to 90 $\mu$as. This resolution corresponds to a linear scale of only ${\sim}$400 Schwarzschild radii (for $M_{\mathrm{BH}}=2.5 \times 10^9 M_{\odot}$). We studied the kinematic properties of the main emission features of the two-sided flow and probed its transverse structure through a pixel-based analysis. We suggest that a fast and a slow layer, with different acceleration gradients, exist in the flow. The extension of the acceleration region is large (${\sim} 10^4 R_{\mathrm{S}}$), indicating that the jet is magnetically-driven. The limb brightening of both jet and counter-jet and their large opening angles ($\phi_\mathrm{J}{\sim} 10^{\circ}$) strongly favor a spine-sheath structure. In the acceleration zone, the flow has a parabolic shape ($r\propto z^{0.55\pm 0.07}$). The acceleration gradients and the collimation profile are consistent with the expectations for a jet in "equilibrium'' (Lyubarsky 2009), achieved in the presence of a mild gradient of the external pressure ($p\propto z^{-k}, k\leq2$). }
The multifaceted Type II-L supernova 2014G from pre-maximum to nebular phase

We present multi-band ultraviolet, optical, and near-infrared photometry, along with visual-wavelength spectroscopy, of supernova (SN) 2014G in the nearby galaxy NGC 3448 (25 Mpc). The early-phase spectra show strong emission lines of the high ionisation species He II/N IV/C IV during the first 2-3 d after explosion, traces of a metal-rich CSM probably due to pre-explosion mass loss events. These disappear by day 9 and the spectral evolution then continues matching that of normal Type II SNe. The post-maximum light curve declines at a rate typical of Type II-L class. The extensive photometric coverage tracks the drop from the photospheric stage and constrains the radioactive tail, with a steeper decline rate than that expected from the $^{56}$Co decay if $\gamma$-rays are fully trapped by the ejecta. We report the appearance of an unusual feature on the blue-side of H$\alpha$ after 100 d, which evolves to appear as a flat spectral feature linking H$\alpha$ and the O I doublet. This may be due to interaction of the ejecta with a strongly asymmetric, and possibly bipolar CSM. Finally, we report two deep spectra at ~190 and 340 d after explosion, the latter being arguably one of the latest spectra for a Type II-L SN. By modelling the spectral region around the Ca II, we find a supersolar Ni/Fe production. The strength of the O I $\lambda\lambda$6300,6363 doublet, compared with synthetic nebular spectra, suggests a progenitor with a zero-age main-sequence mass between 15 and 19 M$_\odot$.