Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rings and Shells of “Dark Matter” as MOND Artifacts

MOND predicts that a mass, M, contained within its transition radius, rt ≡ (MG/a0)1/2, may exhibit a feature at about that radius in the form of a shell, or projected ring, in the deduced distribution of its phantom dark matter. This is despite the absence of any underlying feature in the true (“baryon”) source distribution itself. The phenomenon is similar to the appearance of an event horizon and other unusual physics “in the middle of nothing” near the transition radius of general relativity, which is MG/c2. We consider the possibility that this pure MOND phenomenon is in the basis of the recent finding of such a ring in the galaxy cluster Cl 0024+17 by Jee and coworkers. We find that the parameters of the observed ring can be naturally explained in this way; this feature may therefore turn out to be direct evidence for MOND. We study this phenomenon in simple, axisymmetric configurations aligned with the line of sight: spherical masses, a dumbbell of spherical masses, and an elongated, thin structure. The properties of the apparent ring, including its radius, surface density, and contrast, depend on the form of the MOND interpolating function and on the exact three-dimensional distribution of the sources (the thin-lens approximation is quite invalid in MOND). We also comment on the possible appearance of orphan features, marking the Newtonian-to-MOND transition, in high surface brightness galaxies. In particular, we find that previously unexplained structure in the rotation curves of some galaxies may be evidence for such features.
Facts and recommendations about total homocysteine determinations: an expert opinion.

BACKGROUND Measurement of plasma total homocysteine has become common as new methods have been introduced. A wide range of disorders are associated with increased concentrations of total homocysteine. The purpose of this review is to provide an international expert opinion on the practical aspects of total homocysteine determinations in clinical practice and in the research setting and on the relevance of total homocysteine measurements as diagnostic or screening tests in several target populations. METHODS Published data available on Medline were used as the basis for the recommendations. Drafts of the recommendations were critically discussed at meetings over a period of 3 years. OUTCOME This review is divided into two sections: (a) determination of homocysteine (methods and their performance, sample collection and handling, biological determinants, reference intervals, within-person variability, and methionine loading test); and (b) risk assessment and disease diagnosis (homocystinuria, folate and cobalamin deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, renal failure, psychiatric disorders and cognitive impairment, pregnancy complications and birth defects, and screening of elderly and newborns). Each of these subsections concludes with a separate series of recommendations to assist the clinician and the research scientist in making informed decisions. The review concludes with a list of unresolved questions.
Spatially resolved spectra of the accretion disc of the nova‐like variable UU Aquarii

Time-resolved spectroscopy of the nova-like variable UU Aquarii is analysed with eclipse mapping techniques to produce spatially resolved spectra of its accretion disc and gas stream as a function of distance from disc centre in the range 3600–6900 A. The spatially resolved spectra show that the continuum emission becomes progressively fainter and redder for increasing disc radius – reflecting the radial temperature gradient – and reveal that the H i and He i lines appear as deep, narrow absorption features in the inner disc regions, transitioning to emission with P Cyg profiles for intermediate and large disc radii. The spectrum of the uneclipsed component has strong H i and He i emission lines plus a Balmer jump in emission, and is explained as optically thin emission from a vertically extended disc chromosphere+wind. Most of the line emission probably arises from the wind. The spatially resolved spectra also suggest the existence of gas stream ‘disc-skimming’ overflow in UU Aqr, which can be seen down to R≃0.2RL1. The comparison of our eclipse maps with those of Baptista, Steiner & Horne suggests that the asymmetric structure in the outer disc previously identified as the bright-spot may be the signature of an elliptical disc similar to those possibly present in SU UMa stars during superoutbursts.
World Religions Paradigm, legal system and education. The case of the Czech Republic

Abstract The article deals with the concept of religion in the laws which regulate access of religious organisations to public education in the Czech Republic. The analysis of the laws reveals that the World Religions Paradigm (WRP) is applied here. Religious organisations representing ‘important world religions’ have a privileged position in accessing public education. Mostly Christianity-based churches have access to public education through the legal notion of ‘special rights’ granted by the state. The article provides a concise review of the key points of criticism of the WRP. The paradigm is criticised as ethnocentric, inherently theological, developed with colonialism, undefinable in practice, highly abstract, essentialist and ahistorical. Its historical development is related to the process of reification as defined by W.C. Smith. The concluding part relates the criticism of the WRP to the concept of religion in the laws regulating the access of religious organisations to public education in the Czech Republic. The application of the WRP leads to restrictions of religious pluralism.
SocialDistance: How Far Are You from Verified Users in Online Social Media?

Verified users on online social media (OSM) largely determine the quality of OSM services and applications, but most OSM users are unverified due to the significant effort involved in becoming a verified user. This paper presents SocialDistance, a novel technique to identify unverified users that can be considered as trustworthy as verified users. SocialDistance is motivated by the observation that online interactions initiated from verified users towards unverified users can translate into some sort of trustworthiness. It treats all verified users equally and assigns a trust score between 0 and 1 to each unverified user. The higher the trust score, the closer an unverified user to verified users. We propose various metrics to model the interactions from verified to unverified users and then derive corresponding trust scores. SocialDistance is thoroughly evaluated with large Twitter datasets containing 276,143 verified users and 19,047,202 unverified users. Our results demonstrate that SocialDistance can produce a non-trivial number of unverified users that can be regarded as verified users for OSM applications. We also show the high efficacy of SocialDistance in sybil detection, a fundamental operation performed by virtually every OSM operator.
Organ Donation Campaigns: Perspective of Dialysis Patient's Family Members

Abstract Background Solving the dilemma of the organ shortage in Malaysia requires educating Malaysians about organ donation and transplantation. This paper aims at exploring the average Malaysian households ’ preferred channels of campaigns and the preferred campaigners in a family setting, targeting at the dialysis family members. Methods We analyzed the responses of 350 respondents regarding organ donation campaigns. The respondents are 2 family members of 175 dialysis patients from 3 different institutions. The information on respondents’ willingness to donate and preferred method and channel of organ donation campaign were collected through questionnaire. Results Malaysian families have a good tendency to welcome campaigns in both the public and private (their homes) spheres. We also found that campaigns facilitated by the electronic media (Television and Radio) and executed by experienced doctors are expected to optimize the outcomes of organ donation, in general. Chi-square tests show that there are no significant differences in welcoming campaigns among ethnics. However, ethnics preferences over the campaign methods and campaigners are significantly different (P <0.05). Conclusion Ethnic differences imply that necessary modifications on the campaign channels and campaigners should also be taken under consideration. By identifying the preferred channel and campaigners, this study hopes to shed some light on the ways to overcome the problem of organ shortage in Malaysia.
Study of LAT1 Expression in Brain Metastases: Towards a Better Understanding of the Results of Positron Emission Tomography Using Amino Acid Tracers

Positron emission tomography using radiolabeled amino acid (PET-AA) appears to be promising in distinguishing between recurrent tumour and radionecrosis in the follow-up of brain metastasis (BM). The amino acid transporter LAT1 and its cofactor CD98, which are involved in AA uptake, have never been investigated in BM. The aim of our study was to determine and compare the expression of LAT1 and CD98 in BM and in non-tumoral brain tissue (NT). The expression of LAT1 and CD98 were studied by immunohistochemistry in 67 BM, including 18 BM recurrences after radiotherapy, in 53 NT, and in 13 cases of patients with previously irradiated brain tumor and investigated by [18F] FDOPA-PET. LAT1 and CD98 expression were detected in 98.5% and 59.7% of BM respectively and were significantly associated with BM tissue as compared to NT (p<0.001). LAT1 expression in recurrent BM was significantly increased as compared to newly occurring BM. Ten cases investigated by [18F] FDOPA-PET corresponding to recurrent BM displayed significant [18F] FDOPA uptake and LAT1 overexpression whereas three cases corresponding to radionecrosis showed no or low uptake and LAT1 expression. LAT1 expression level and [18F] FDOPA uptake were significantly correlated. In conclusion, we hypothesized that BM may overexpress the AA transporter LAT1. We have shown that LAT1 overexpression was common in BM and was specific for BM as compared to healthy brain. These results could explain the specific BM uptake on PET-AA.
Skin Carcinogenesis Mice Contributes to Tumor Progression during Multistage RasGRP 1 Overexpression in the Epidermis of Transgenic

RasGRP1 is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Ras, activated in response to the second messenger diacylglycerol and its ultrapotent analogues, the phorbol esters. We have previously shown that RasGRP1 is expressed in mouse epidermal keratinocytes and that transgenic mice overexpressing RasGRP1 in the epidermis under the keratin 5 promoter (K5.RasGRP1) are prone to developing spontaneous papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas, suggesting a role for RasGRP1 in skin tumorigenesis. Here, we examined the response of the K5.RasGRP1 mice to multistage skin carcinogenesis, using 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene as carcinogen and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) as tumor promoter. We found that whereas tumor multiplicity did not differ between transgenic and wild-type groups, the transgenic tumors were significantly larger than those observed in the wild-type mice (wild-type, 4.58 F 0.25 mm; transgenic, 9.83 F 1.05 mm). Histologic analysis further revealed that squamous cell carcinomas generated in the transgenic mice were less differentiated and more invasive than the wild-type tumors. Additionally, 30% of the transgenic mice developed tumors in the absence of initiation, suggesting that RasGRP1 overexpression could partially substitute for the initiation step induced by dimethylbenz(a)anthracene. In primary keratinocytes isolated from K5.RasGRP1 mice, TPA stimulation induced higher levels of Ras activation compared with the levels measured in the wild-type cells, indicating that constitutive overexpression of RasGRP1 in epidermal cells leads to elevated biochemical activation of endogenous Ras in response to TPA. The present data suggests that RasGRP1 participates in skin carcinogenesis via biochemical activation of endogenous wild-type Ras and predisposes to malignant progression in cooperation with Ras oncogenic signals. [Cancer Res 2007;67(21):10190–7]
Framework for learning agents in quantum environments

In this paper we provide a broad framework for describing learning agents in general quantum environments. We analyze the types of classically specified environments which allow for quantum enhancements in learning, by contrasting environments to quantum oracles. We show that whether or not quantum improvements are at all possible depends on the internal structure of the quantum environment. If the environments are constructed and the internal structure is appropriately chosen, or if the agent has limited capacities to influence the internal states of the environment, we show that improvements in learning times are possible in a broad range of scenarios. Such scenarios we call luck-favoring settings. The case of constructed environments is particularly relevant for the class of model-based learning agents, where our results imply a near-generic improvement.
Getting Over the Hump: Examining Curvilinear Relationships between Adolescent Self-Esteem and Facebook Use

Literature examining self-esteem and social networking site use has generally considered linear relationships between these variables. Mixed results in this extant literature and Self-Affirmation Theory indicate that a curvilinear relationship is possible. Data from a survey of 337 Dutch adolescents (ages 12–18) suggest a curvilinear relationship between self-esteem and Facebook use. Relative to higher and lower levels of self-esteem, moderate levels of self-esteem correspond to the highest levels of both Facebook use and specific activities, such as text- and visual-based social contributions. Results clarify our understanding of the relationships between the well-being variable, self-esteem, and social networking site use.
Cooperative cluster formation, DNA bending and base-flipping by O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase

O6-Alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) repairs mutagenic O6-alkylguanine and O4-alkylthymine adducts in DNA, protecting the genome and also contributing to the resistance of tumors to chemotherapeutic alkylating agents. AGT binds DNA cooperatively, and cooperative interactions are likely to be important in lesion search and repair. We examined morphologies of complexes on long, unmodified DNAs, using analytical ultracentrifugation and atomic force microscopy. AGT formed clusters of ≤11 proteins. Longer clusters, predicted by the McGhee–von Hippel model, were not seen even at high [protein]. Interestingly, torsional stress due to DNA unwinding has the potential to limit cluster size to the observed range. DNA at cluster sites showed bend angles (∼0, ∼30 and ∼60°) that are consistent with models in which each protein induces a bend of ∼30°. Distributions of complexes along the DNA are incompatible with sequence specificity but suggest modest preference for DNA ends. These properties tell us about environments in which AGT may function. Small cooperative clusters and the ability to accommodate a range of DNA bends allow function where DNA topology is constrained, such as near DNA-replication complexes. The low sequence specificity allows efficient and unbiased lesion search across the entire genome.
Mutual inductances comparison in Rogowski coil with circular and rectangular cross-sections and its improvement

Rogowski coils are increasingly used to measure AC, high amplitude and transient currents in power industry. One of the most important applications of them is current measurement of industrial electronic devices. Since they have no iron core, they are not saturable. However, due to this phenomenon, their mutual inductance varies by changing their structures. In this paper, the effects of two kinds of cross-sections in Rogowski coils, named Circular and Rectangular, on mutual inductance of coils are compared and their mutual inductance variations are investigated. Also, the methods for increasing mutual inductance are presented. Finally, the method to obtain an optimum mutual inductance in Rogowski coil is suggested. Simulation results are also presented.
Bovine Ephemeral Fever in Iran: Diagnosis, Isolation and Molecular Characterization

Background: Bovine ephemeral fever (BEFV) is an arthropod-borne disease of cattle and water buffaloes. BEFV occurs seasonally in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions of Africa, Asia and Australia. It has been known for the past decades in Iran based on clinical signs but lack of an accurate diagnosis has made the real feature of disease obscured. This is the first scientific report on isolation and identification of the agent in which molecular diagnosis of BEFV was also set up with high sensitivity and specificity. Methods: The viral agent was successfully isolated through serial passages in brain of suckling mice and cell culture. In addition, the circulating virus during the autumn 2012 in Iran was molecularly characterized based on partial G gene. Results: Alignment of 3 virus sequences from different parts of Iran revealed that they are identical suggesting that the circulating viruses were most likely the same in this period. Phylogenetic analysis of the Iranian sequences with 17 sequences in the GenBank from the world showed that it is identical to the virus circulated in Turkey during the same period suggesting that the virus was circulated in a large geographic region. Conclusion: These results offer primary information about BEFV in Iran. To better understanding the epidemiology of the virus, further studies based on seroepidemiology, molecular epidemiology, entomology and meteorology together with finding the model of animal transportation in the region are necessary.
STAT2 Is a Pervasive Cytokine Regulator due to Its Inhibition of STAT1 in Multiple Signaling Pathways

STAT2 is the quintessential transcription factor for type 1 interferons (IFNs), where it functions as a heterodimer with STAT1. However, the human and murine STAT2-deficient phenotypes suggest important additional and currently unidentified type 1 IFN-independent activities. Here, we show that STAT2 constitutively bound to STAT1, but not STAT3, via a conserved interface. While this interaction was irrelevant for type 1 interferon signaling and STAT1 activation, it precluded the nuclear translocation specifically of STAT1 in response to IFN-γ, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-27. This is explained by the dimerization between activated STAT1 and unphosphorylated STAT2, whereby the semiphosphorylated dimers adopted a conformation incapable of importin-α binding. This, in turn, substantially attenuated cardinal IFN-γ responses, including MHC expression, senescence, and antiparasitic immunity, and shifted the transcriptional output of IL-27 from STAT1 to STAT3. Our results uncover STAT2 as a pervasive cytokine regulator due to its inhibition of STAT1 in multiple signaling pathways and provide an understanding of the type 1 interferon-independent activities of this protein.
Understanding employee thriving: the role of workplace context, personality and individual resources

Thriving at work is a positive psychological state in which employees experience both learning and vitality. In this study, we investigate the direct effect of employee experiences of a negative workplace behaviour, namely, incivility, on thriving at work. In addition, we examine the direct effect of an individual-level attribute (prosocial motivation) on employee thriving at work. Utilising a sample of 187 bank employees, our study finds a negative association between incivility and employee thriving and a positive association between prosocial motivation and thriving. We also find that psychological capital mitigates the negative relationship between incivility and thriving at work while psychological capital enhances the positive association between prosocial motivation and thriving at work. Our study highlights the importance of considering both workplace and individual-level attributes that energise employees. Implications for human resource development and suggestions for future research are presented.
Connecting Life Span Development with the Sociology of the Life Course: A New Direction

The life course has become a topic of growing interest within the social sciences. Attempts to link this sub-discipline with life span developmental psychology have been called for but with little sign of success. In this paper, we seek to address three interlinked issues concerning the potential for a more productive interchange between life course sociology and life span psychology. The first is to try to account for the failure of these two sub-disciplines to achieve any deepening engagement with each other, despite the long-expressed desirability of that goal; the second is to draw attention to the scope for enriching the sociology of the life course through Erik Erikson’s model of life span development; and the last is the potential for linking Eriksonian theory with current debates within mainstream sociology about the processes involved in ‘individualisation’ and ‘self-reflexivity’ as an alternative entry point to bring together these two fields of work.
Mis research directions: a survey of researchers' views

Several studies have addressed important issues for MIS research, but until now no empirical studies have been conducted to assess how MIS researchers themselves view the relatively new field. This survey of 397 MIS researchers revealed preferences for research methods and current areas of concentration, current studies being conducted, publication history, and other factors of interest. It found the subjects' assessment of the quality of MIS research relatively low and that they feel there is an over-emphasis on transient topics, rather than on topics of lasting significance. There is continuing evidence of fragmentation in the field. Few MIS researchers appear to rely on research frameworks. However, there is overall optimism that the quality of MIS research has been improving, and will continue to improve in the future. Implications for the future of MIS research are then discussed.
Encrypted Traffic Classification of Decentralized Applications on Ethereum using Feature Fusion

With the prevalence of blockchain, more and more Decentralized Applications (DApps) are deployed on Ethereum to achieve the goal of communicating without supervision. Users habits may be leaked while these applications adopt SSL/TLS to encrypt their transmission data. Encrypted protocol and the same blockchain platform bring challenges to the traffic classification of DApps. Existing encrypted traffic classification methods suffer from low accuracy in the situation of DApps. In this paper, we design an efficient method to fuse features of different dimensions for DApp fingerprinting. We firstly analyze the reason why existing methods do not perform well before proposing to merge features of different dimensions. Then we fuse these features by a kernel function and propose a fusion feature selection method to select appropriate features to fuse. Applying features that have been fused to the machine learning algorithm can construct a strong classifier. The experiment results show that the accuracy of our method can reach more than 90%, which performs better than state-of-the-art classification approaches.