Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Decomposition of the {$\zeta$}-determinant for the Laplacian on manifolds with cylindrical end

In this paper we combine elements of the b-calculus and elliptic boundary problems to solve the decomposition problem for the (regularized) �-determinant of the Laplacian on a manifold with cylin- drical end into the �-determinants of the Laplacians with Dirichlet con- ditions on the manifold with boundary and on the half infinite cylinder. We also compute all the contributions to this formula explicitly. We investigate the 'Mayer-Vietoris' or 'cut and paste' decomposition for- mula of the �-determinant for a Laplacian on a manifold with cylindrical end into the �-determinants of the Laplacians with Dirichlet conditions on the manifold with boundary and on the half infinite cylinder. We also introduce a new method to attack such surgery problems by comparing the problem to a corresponding model problem. This approach works for compact manifolds as well as manifolds with cylindrical ends and will be used to solve related decomposition problems for the spectral invariants of Dirac type operators in (12), (13). We remark that the noncompactness of the underlying manifold introduces many new facets and obstacles not found in the compact case, as we will explain later. We begin with a brief account of zeta determinants. The �-determinant of a Laplace type operator was pioneered in the seminal paper (21) by Ray and Singer. They were seeking an analytic version of the so- called Reidemeister torsion, a combinatorial-topological invariant introduced by Reidemeister (22) and Franz (6). They conjectured that their analytic in- variant was the same as the Reidemeister torsion. Later, this conjecture was proved independently by Cheeger (4) and Muller (17). The �-determinants have also been of great use in quantum field theory where they are being used to develop rigorous models for Feynman path integral techniques (10). Because of their use in differential topology and quantum field theory, much work has been done on understanding the nature of�-determinants, especially their behavior under 'cutting and pasting' of manifolds. This was initiated
Joint frequency offset estimation and interference cancellation for MIMO-OFDM systems [mobile radio]

Synchronization and equalization in wireless multi-user MIMO-OFDM (multiple-input multiple-output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) systems is important for next generation wireless communication. This paper proposes a new algorithm for joint frequency offset estimation and equalizer training for the uplink of a multi-user MIMO-OFDM system where each user employs spatial multiplexing. A new two-stage receiver structure is adopted, which consists of an initial space-time equalization for suppressing the co-channel interference (CCI), shortening the channel, and mitigating asynchronicity, followed by parallel equalization and detection in the frequency domain. The effects of frequency offset for each transmit data stream can be adjusted after the space-time equalization. Simulations show good performance in terms of bit error rate and mean square error for the frequency offset estimation.
The Pore-Forming Toxin Listeriolysin O Mediates a Novel Entry Pathway of L. monocytogenes into Human Hepatocytes

Intracellular pathogens have evolved diverse strategies to invade and survive within host cells. Among the most studied facultative intracellular pathogens, Listeria monocytogenes is known to express two invasins-InlA and InlB-that induce bacterial internalization into nonphagocytic cells. The pore-forming toxin listeriolysin O (LLO) facilitates bacterial escape from the internalization vesicle into the cytoplasm, where bacteria divide and undergo cell-to-cell spreading via actin-based motility. In the present study we demonstrate that in addition to InlA and InlB, LLO is required for efficient internalization of L. monocytogenes into human hepatocytes (HepG2). Surprisingly, LLO is an invasion factor sufficient to induce the internalization of noninvasive Listeria innocua or polystyrene beads into host cells in a dose-dependent fashion and at the concentrations produced by L. monocytogenes. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying LLO-induced bacterial entry, we constructed novel LLO derivatives locked at different stages of the toxin assembly on host membranes. We found that LLO-induced bacterial or bead entry only occurs upon LLO pore formation. Scanning electron and fluorescence microscopy studies show that LLO-coated beads stimulate the formation of membrane extensions that ingest the beads into an early endosomal compartment. This LLO-induced internalization pathway is dynamin-and F-actin-dependent, and clathrin-independent. Interestingly, further linking pore formation to bacteria/bead uptake, LLO induces F-actin polymerization in a tyrosine kinase-and pore-dependent fashion. In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time that a bacterial pathogen perforates the host cell plasma membrane as a strategy to activate the endocytic machinery and gain entry into the host cell.
Proteomic Analysis of Colorectal Cancer Reveals Alterations in Metabolic Pathways

Colorectal cancer is the second leading killer cancer worldwide and presently the most common cancer among males in Singapore. The study aimed to detect changes of protein profiles associated with the process of colorectal tumorigenesis to identify specific protein markers for early colorectal cancer detection and diagnosis or as potential therapeutic targets. Seven pairs of colorectal cancer tissues and adjacent normal mucosa were examined by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis at basic pH range (pH 7–10). Intensity changes of 34 spots were detected with statistical significance. 16 of the 34 spots were identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF tandem mass spectrometry. Changes in protein expression levels revealed a significantly enhanced glycolytic pathway (Warburg effect), a decreased gluconeogenesis, a suppressed glucuronic acid pathway, and an impaired tricarboxylic acid cycle. Observed changes in protein abundance were verified by two-dimensional DIGE. These changes reveal an underlying mechanism of colorectal tumorigenesis in which the roles of impaired tricarboxylic acid cycle and the Warburg effect may be critical.
Time-to-detection in culture predicts risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND Contact screening is an essential component of all tuberculosis control strategies. We hypothesize that time-to-detection (TTD) in liquid culture of spontaneously produced sputum samples may help identify index cases at high risk of transmission. METHODS We studied retrospectively a cohort of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Birmingham, United Kingdom (January 2010-December 2012). We studied the correlation of TTD with the risk of transmission of infection from index cases to contacts and compared this with sputum microscopy. Chest radiographs (CXRs) were graded from 0 to 6 (0, no radiographic evidence of disease; 5, bilateral cavitation; and 6, miliary disease). RESULTS Of the 184 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis reported during the study period, 111 were included in the final study, and these generated 825 contacts. A transmission event (new latent or active tuberculosis) was identified in 165 contacts (transmission rate 0.20). Short TTD (<9 days) was associated with an increased risk of transmission (odds ratio, 2.56; P < .001), and this relationship persisted after adjusting for potential confounders. A 1-point increase in CXR grade correlated with a 3.2-day decrease in TTD (P < .001), and this correlation persisted after adjustment for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS TTD < 9 days identifies patients at high risk of transmitting tuberculosis and is superior to sputum smear. CXR grade at diagnosis predicts patients with short TTD. Our findings have the potential to guide the organization and prioritization of contact investigations in similar settings.
Towards a common evaluation strategy for table structure recognition algorithms

A number of methods for evaluating table structure recognition systems have been proposed in the literature, which have been used successfully for automatic and manual optimization of their respective algorithms. Unfortunately, the lack of standard, ground-truthed datasets coupled with the ambiguous nature of how humans interpret tabular data has made it difficult to compare the obtained results between different systems developed by different research groups. With reference to these approaches, we describe our experiences in comparing our algorithm for table detection and structure recognition to another recently published system using a freely available dataset of 75 PDF documents. Based on examples from this dataset, we define several classes of errors and propose how they can be treated consistently to eliminate ambiguities and ensure the repeatability of the results and their comparability between different systems from different research groups.
“I’ll be There for You” if You are Just Like Me: An Analysis of Hegemonic Social Structures in “Friends”

Katherine A. Bradshaw, Advisor The purpose of this dissertation is to analyze the dominant ideologies and hegemonic social constructs the television series Friends communicates in regard to friendship practices, gender roles, racial representations, and social class in order to suggest relationships between the series and social patterns in the broader culture. This dissertation describes the importance of studying television content and its relationship to media culture and social influence. The analysis included a quantitative content analysis of friendship maintenance, and a qualitative textual analysis of alternative families, gender, race, and class representations. The analysis found the characters displayed actions of selectivity, only accepting a small group of friends in their social circle based on friendship, gender, race, and social class distinctions as the six characters formed a culture that no one else was allowed to enter.
On the (2, 2)-domination number of trees

Let (G) and 2;2(G) denote the domination number and (2; 2)domination number of a graph G, respectively. In this paper, for any nontrivial tree T , we show that 2( (T )+1) 3 2;2(T ) 2 (T ). More
Protection against H5N1 Influenza Virus Induced by Matrix-M Adjuvanted Seasonal Virosomal Vaccine in Mice Requires Both Antibodies and T Cells

Background It remains important to develop the next generation of influenza vaccines that can provide protection against vaccine mismatched strains and to be prepared for potential pandemic outbreaks. To achieve this, the understanding of the immunological parameters that mediate such broad protection is crucial. Method In the current study we assessed the contribution of humoral and cellular immune responses to heterosubtypic protection against H5N1 induced by a Matrix-M (MM) adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccine by serum transfer and T-cell depletion studies. Results We demonstrate that the heterosubtypic protection against H5N1 induced by MM adjuvanted vaccine is partially mediated by antibodies. The serum contained both H5N1 cross-reactive hemagglutinin (HA)- and neuraminidase (NA)-specific antibodies but with limited virus neutralizing and no hemagglutination inhibiting activity. The cross-reactive antibodies induced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro, suggesting a role for the Fc part of the antibodies in protection against H5N1. Besides H5N1 specific antibody responses, cross-reactive HA- and NA-specific T-cell responses were induced by the adjuvanted vaccine. T-cell depletion experiments demonstrated that both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells contribute to protection. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that cross-protection against H5N1 induced by MM adjuvanted seasonal virosomal influenza vaccine requires both the humoral and cellular arm of the immune system.
Young's experiment and the finiteness of information

Young's experiment is the quintessential quantum experiment. It is argued here that quantum interference is a consequence of the finiteness of information. The observer has the choice of whether that information manifests itself as path information or in the interference pattern or partly in both to the extent defined by the finiteness of information.
Spectroscopic classification of red high proper motion objects in the Southern Sky

We present the results of spectroscopic follow-up observations for a sample of 71 red objects with high proper mo- tions in the range 0.08−1.14 arcsec yr −1 as detected using APM and SSS measurements of multi-epoch photographic Schmidt plates. Red objects were selected by combining the photographic BJRI magnitudes with 2MASS near-infrared JHKs mag- nitudes. Some 50 of the 71 spectroscopically classified objects turn out to be late-type (>M6) dwarfs and in more detail, the sample includes 35 ultracool dwarfs with spectral types between M8 and L2, some previously reported, as well as five M-type subdwarfs, including a cool esdM6 object, SSSPM J0500−5406. Distance estimates based on the spectral types and 2MASS J magnitudes place almost all of the late-type (>M6) dwarfs within 50 pc, with 25 objects located inside the 25 pc limit of the catalogue of nearby stars. Most of the early-type M dwarfs are located at larger distances of 100−200 pc, suggest- ing halo kinematics for some of them. All objects with Hα equivalent widths larger than 10 A have relatively small tangential velocities (<50 km s −1 ). Finally, some late-type but blue objects are candidate binaries.
Chewing and Attention: A Positive Effect on Sustained Attention

Chewing is crushing food not only to aid swallowing and digestion, but also to help stress relief and regulate cognitive function, especially in attention. It is well known that chewing gum is used for sleepiness prevention during work, learning, and driving, suggesting a link between chewing and sustained attention. We hypothesized that chewing elevates attention and/or alertness, leading to improvements in cognitive performance. We carried out a systematic review of the PubMed database. We inspected the attributes of effects on attention in studies investigating the effects of chewing on attention or alertness conducted with pre-post design in healthy subjects, except elderly. We identified 151 references, 22 of which were included: 14 (64%) showed positive attributes of effects on attention, 1 (5%) showed negative attributes of effects on attention, 5 (23%) showed both positive and negative attributes of effects on attention, and 2 (9%) showed no significant attributes of effects on attention. Thus, positive attributes of effects of chewing on attention, especially on sustained attention, were shown in over half of the reports. These effects also appeared with improvement in mood and stress relief and were influenced by time-on-task effect. Further studies are needed, but chewing could be useful for modifying cognitive function.
Development and evaluation of a real-time quantitative PCR assay for Aspergillus flavus

Aspergillus flavus is a ubiquitous mold and the most common mold contaminating foodstuffs. Many strains of A. flavus produce aflatoxins. In addition it is an allergen and an opportunistic pathogen of animals and plants. A. flavus often is underestimated in traditional culture analyses due to the expertise required and the cost associated with speciating members of the genus Aspergillus. The goal of this study was to develop and validate a primer and probe set for the rapid detection and quantitation of A. flavus in pure culture using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) amplification. Unique DNA regions were located in the genome of the target organism by sequence comparison with the GenBank database, and several candidate oligonucleotides were identified from the scientific literature for potential use with the TaqMan® QPCR technology. Three primer and probe sets were designed and validated for specificity and sensitivity in laboratory experiments. Initial screening to test for sensitivity was performed with seven A. flavus isolates and selected nontarget fungi. Specificity testing was conducted with the selected primer and probe set, which amplified all nine A. flavus isolates tested, including an aflatoxin producing strain. The primers did not amplify DNA extracted from 39 other fungal species (comprising 16 genera), including 18 other Aspergillus species and six Penicillium species. No amplification of human or bacterial DNA was observed; however cross-reactivity was observed with Aspergillus oryzae. PCR analysis of DNA dilutions and the use of an internal positive control demonstrated that 67% of the fungal DNA samples assayed contained PCR inhibitors. The assay validated for the target organism is capable of producing PCR results in less than 1 h after DNA extraction. The results of this research demonstrate the capabilities of QPCR for the enhanced detection and enumeration of fungi of significance to human health.
Periostin Promotes Neural Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation following Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury

Neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and differentiation are required to replace neurons damaged or lost after hypoxic-ischemic events and recover brain function. Periostin (POSTN), a novel matricellular protein, plays pivotal roles in the survival, migration, and regeneration of various cell types, but its function in NSCs of neonatal rodent brain is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of POSTN in NSCs following hypoxia-ischemia (HI). We found that POSTN mRNA levels significantly increased in differentiating NSCs. The proliferation and differentiation of NSCs in the hippocampus is compromised in POSTN knockout mice. Moreover, NSC proliferation and differentiation into neurons and astrocytes significantly increased in cultured NSCs treated with recombinant POSTN. Consistently, injection of POSTN into neonatal hypoxic-ischemic rat brains stimulated NSC proliferation and differentiation in the subventricular and subgranular zones after 7 and 14 days of brain injury. Lastly, POSTN treatment significantly improved the spatial learning deficits of rats subjected to HI. These results suggest that POSTN significantly enhances NSC proliferation and differentiation after HI, and provides new insights into therapeutic strategies for the treatment of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.
Morphological aspects of the attenuation bands associated with Jovian hectometric radiation

We study the frequency and time variations of Jovian hectometric emissions (HOM) recorded by the Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) experiment onboard the Cassini spacecraft during its Jupiter flyby. The capabilities of the RPWS experiment enable us to analyze the intensity extinction of HOM radiation, the so-called attenuation band. Using about 7 weeks of RPWS data obtained around the closest approach, a statistical analysis investigates the spectral variations of this phenomenon with respect to the spacecraft magnetic latitude and central meridian longitude. We show that the 'trace' of the attenuation band is usually not a full sinusoid as reported in previous studies and only parts of the curve are observed. Also, the intensity extinction can occur when the spacecraft is not in the planetary magnetic equator plane. This specific feature appears or vanishes when the observer (e.g., Cassini or Galileo spacecraft) is far from or close to the planet, respectively. The regular and systematic observations of the attenuation band suggest that the plasma medium at the origin of these features is steady and stable. The Io torus may be considered to be the most probable plasma medium where HOM emission is refracted through its raypath propagation. Furthermore, intensity extinction at frequencies higher than 3 MHz and up to 5 MHz implies the presence of particular electronic density irregularities in the Io torus. Volcanic activity, particularly in the northern hemisphere of the Io satellite, may be the source of such Io torus plasma irregularities.
Bias reduction for stereo based motion estimation with applications to large scale visual odometry

This contribution addresses the problem of bias in stereo based motion estimation. Using a biased estimator within a visual-odometry system will cause significant drift on large trajectories. This drift is often minimized by exploiting auxiliary sensors, (semi-)global optimization or loop-closing. In this paper it is shown that bias in the motion estimates can be caused by incorrect modeling of the uncertainties in landmark locations. Furthermore, there exists a relation between the bias, the true motion and the distribution of landmarks in space. Guided by these observations, a novel bias reduction technique has been developed. The core of the proposed method is computing the difference between motion estimates obtained using dissimilar heteroscedastic landmark uncertainty models. This approach is accurate, efficient and does not rely on auxiliary sensors, (semi-)global optimization or loop-closing. To show the real-world applicability of the proposed method, it has been tested on several data-sets including a challenging 5 km urban trajectory. The gain in performance is clearly noticeable.
Jordan's Inter-Arab Relations: The Political Economy of Alliance Making

Jordan's Inter-Arab Relations: The Political Economy of Alliance Making, by Laurie A. Brand. New York: Columbia University Press, 1994. x + 302 pages. Append. to p. 303. Notes to p. 326. Bibl. to p. 337. Index to p. 350. $17.50 paper. Reviewed by Michael R. Fischbach A perennial weakness of political science works on Jordan has been their overemphasis on high politics, political history, and exogenous forces. Laurie Brand's work on the domestic economic constraints affecting Jordanian alliance-making comes as a welcome departure from this trend. Brand's carefully constructed argument skillfully balances theoretical insights with empirical evidence to challenge the traditional international relations theories that have analyzed why states form alliances. The result is an important and long-overdue explanation of Jordanian economic history. Brand posits that one of the pressing factors in Jordanian alliance making from the mid-1970s until the 1991 Gulf War was the Hashemite regime's concern for "budget security"-the ability to meet budgetary needs and thus ensure survival. She expands the definition of security usually employed by international relations scholars by applying the economic insights familiar to political economy theorists. While not ignoring political factors, Brand believes that Jordan's relations with other Arab states were ultimately shaped by the regime's need to avoid domestic budgetary crises. Such crises could have limited Jordan's ability to distribute jobs and services and finance the state's security apparatus. Brand introduces her topic by analyzing the existing literature on foreign policy, economic security, regime security, and alliances in the Developing World. Throughout, she points out the failure of traditional analyses to incorporate economic variables into discussions of state strategies. She also details both Jordan's economy and its economic decision-making processes. Brand notes the high percentage of revenue derived from foreign sources. She also asserts that the private sector has few institutionalized mechanisms for influencing the country's economic policy. Thus, the state remains the locus of decision making in order to maintain Jordan's access to outside sources of financing and the country's budget security. The bulk of the book is devoted to Brand's application of her hypothesis to Jordan's relations with five Arab states: Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. Brand traces in detail the political and economic dimensions of Jordan's relations with each country from the mid-1970s to the outbreak of the Gulf War, relating Jordan's alliance structure with the regime's constant desire to meet its budgetary needs. …