Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Average Mass and Light Profiles of Galaxy Clusters

The systematic errors in the virial mass-to-light ratio, Mv/L, of galaxy clusters as an estimator of the field M/L value are assessed. We overlay 14 clusters in redshift space to create an ensemble cluster that averages over substructure and asymmetries. The combined sample, including background, contains about 1150 galaxies, extending to a projected radius of about twice r200. The radius r200, defined as where the mean interior density is 200 times the critical density, is expected to contain the bulk of the virialized cluster mass. The dynamically derived M(r200)/L(r200) of the ensemble is (0.82 ± 0.14)⟨Mv/L⟩. The Mv/L overestimate is attributed to not taking into account the surface pressure term in the virial equation. Under the assumption that the velocity anisotropy parameter is in the range 0 ≤ β ≤ 2/3, the galaxy distribution accurately traces the mass profile beyond about the central 0.3r200. There are no color or luminosity gradients in the galaxy population beyond 2r200, but there is 0.11 ± 0.05 mag fading in the r-band luminosities between the field and cluster galaxies. We correct the cluster virial mass-to-light ratio, Mv/L = 289 ± 50 h M☉/L☉ (calculated assuming q0 = 0.1), for the biases in Mv and mean luminosity to estimate the field M/L = 213 ± 59 h M☉/L☉. With our self-consistently derived field luminosity density, j/ρc = 1136 ± 138 h M☉/L☉ (at z ≃ 1/3), the corrected M/L indicates Ω0 = 0.19 ± 0.06 ± 0.04 (formal 1 σ random error and estimated potential systematic errors) for those components of the mass field in rich clusters.
CDC42 Use in Viral Cell Entry Processes by RNA Viruses

The cellular actin cytoskeleton presents a barrier that must be overcome by many viruses, and it has become increasingly apparent many viral species have developed a diverse repertoire of mechanisms to hijack cellular actin-regulating signalling pathways as part of their cell entry processes. The Rho family GTPase Cdc42 is appreciated as a key moderator of cellular actin dynamics, and the development of specific Cdc42-inhibiting agents has given us an unprecedented ability to investigate its individual role in signalling pathways. However, investigative use of said agents, and the subsequent characterisation of the role Cdc42 plays in viral entry processes has been lacking. Here, we describe the current literature on the role of Cdc42 in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 cell entry, which represents the most investigated instance of Cdc42 function in viral cell entry processes, and also review evidence of Cdc42 use in other RNA virus cell entries, demonstrating prime areas for more extensive research using similar techniques.
Acceptability of Medical Male Circumcision Among Uncircumcised Men in Kenya One Year After the Launch of the National Male Circumcision Program

Background Numerous studies have demonstrated that male circumcision (MC) reduces the incidence of the Type-1 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among heterosexual men by at least half. Methods One year after the launch of a national Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision program in Kenya, this study conducted 12 focus group discussions among uncircumcised men in Nyanza Province to assess the revealed, non-hypothetical, facilitators and barriers to the uptake of MC. Results The primary barriers to MC uptake included time away from work; culture and religion; possible adverse events; and the post-surgical abstinence period. The primary facilitators of MC uptake included hygiene; social pressure; protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections; and improved sexual performance and satisfaction. Conclusions Some activities which might increase MC uptake include dispelling MC misconceptions; increasing involvement of religious leaders, women's groups, and peer mobilizers for MC promotion; and increasing the relevance of MC among men who are already practicing an HIV prevention method.
A Required Yield Theory of Stock Market Valuation and Treasury Yield Determination

Stock market valuation and Treasury yield determination are consistent with the Fisher effect (1896) as generalized by Darby (1975) and Feldstein (1976). The U.S. stock market (SP 2) the stock market is indeed priced as the present value of expected dividends with the proviso that investors are expecting fast mean reversion of the SP 5) the yield spread is largely explained by the differential of long-term book value per share growth vs. near term growth, with possible yield curve inversions. Finally, 7) the Fed model is partially validated since both the S&P 500 forward earnings yield and the ten-year Treasury yield are determined by a common factor: the required yield.
Expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers at the invasive front of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignances. In epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), epithelial cells switch to mesenchymal-like cells exhibiting high mobility. This migratory phenotype is significant during tumor invasion and metastasis. Objective : The aim of this study is to evaluate the expression of the EMT markers E-cadherin, N-cadherin and vimentin in OSCC. Material and Methods : Immunohistochemical detection of E-cadherin, N-cadherin and vimentin was performed on 20 OSCC samples. Differences in the expression of each protein at the invasive front (IF) and in the central/superficial areas (CSA) of the tumor were assessed. Differences in the expression of each protein at the IF of both histologically high- and low-invasive OSCCs were evaluated. Associations among expression of proteins at the IF were assessed. Correlations between the expression levels of each protein at the IF and the tumor stage and clinical nodal status were also evaluated. Results : Reduced expression of E-cadherin was detected in 15 samples (75%). E-cadherin expression was reduced at the IF when compared to the CSA and in high-invasive tumors when compared to low-invasive tumors. All samples were negative for N-cadherin, even though one sample showed an inconspicuous expression. Positive expression of vimentin was observed in 6 samples (30%). Nevertheless, there was no difference in vimentin expression between the IF and the CSA regions or between the low- and high-invasive tumors. Furthermore, no association was observed among protein expression levels at the IF. Finally, no correlations were observed between each protein’s expression levels and tumor stage or clinical nodal status. Conclusions : Reduced E-cadherin expression at the IF and its association with histological invasiveness suggest that this protein is a noteworthy EMT marker in OSCC. Although vimentin was also detected as an EMT marker, its expression was neither limited to the IF nor was it related to histological invasiveness.
The Extended Mid-Infrared Structure of the Circinus Galaxy

We present subarcsecond resolution mid-IR images of the Circinus galaxy at 8.74 and 18.33 μm. We resolve extended emission at both wavelengths, extending ~2'' from each side of the nucleus in an approximate east-west direction. These extensions are spatially coincident with previously detected compact (~30 pc) V-shaped [O III] emission extending northwest of the nucleus as well as countercone [Si VI] emission, emission at these wavelengths interpreted as delineating the interface between inflowing material and the ionization cone. We detect no extended mid-IR emission associated with the structure responsible for collimating the ionizing photons (i.e., obscuring torus or disk of material), limiting the flux density of the obscuring structure to ≤0.27 mJy or a diameter of ≤0. ″20 (≤4 pc).
Visual Cross-Modal Re-Organization in Children with Cochlear Implants

Background Visual cross-modal re-organization is a neurophysiological process that occurs in deafness. The intact sensory modality of vision recruits cortical areas from the deprived sensory modality of audition. Such compensatory plasticity is documented in deaf adults and animals, and is related to deficits in speech perception performance in cochlear-implanted adults. However, it is unclear whether visual cross-modal re-organization takes place in cochlear-implanted children and whether it may be a source of variability contributing to speech and language outcomes. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine if visual cross-modal re-organization occurs in cochlear-implanted children, and whether it is related to deficits in speech perception performance. Methods Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were recorded via high-density EEG in 41 normal hearing children and 14 cochlear-implanted children, aged 5–15 years, in response to apparent motion and form change. Comparisons of VEP amplitude and latency, as well as source localization results, were conducted between the groups in order to view evidence of visual cross-modal re-organization. Finally, speech perception in background noise performance was correlated to the visual response in the implanted children. Results Distinct VEP morphological patterns were observed in both the normal hearing and cochlear-implanted children. However, the cochlear-implanted children demonstrated larger VEP amplitudes and earlier latency, concurrent with activation of right temporal cortex including auditory regions, suggestive of visual cross-modal re-organization. The VEP N1 latency was negatively related to speech perception in background noise for children with cochlear implants. Conclusion Our results are among the first to describe cross modal re-organization of auditory cortex by the visual modality in deaf children fitted with cochlear implants. Our findings suggest that, as a group, children with cochlear implants show evidence of visual cross-modal recruitment, which may be a contributing source of variability in speech perception outcomes with their implant.
Technology-facilitated Domestic and Family Violence: Women’s Experiences

The use of technology, including smartphones, cameras, Internet-connected devices, computers and platforms such as Facebook, is now an essential part of everyday life. Such technology is used to maintain social networks and carry out daily tasks. However, this technology can also be employed to facilitate domestic and family violence. Drawing on interviews undertaken with 55 domestic and family violence survivors in Brisbane, Australia, this article outlines survivors' experiences of technology-facilitated domestic and family violence. The frequency and nature of abusive behaviours described by the women suggest this is a key form of abuse deserving more signifcant attention.
MErging the Interface: Power, area and accuracy co-optimization for RRAM crossbar-based mixed-signal computing system

The invention of resistive-switching random access memory (RRAM) devices and RRAM crossbar-based computing system (RCS) demonstrate a promising solution for better performance and power efficiency. The interfaces between analog and digital units, especially AD/DAs, take up most of the area and power consumption of RCS and are always the bottleneck of mixed-signal computing systems. In this work, we propose a novel architecture, MEI, to minimize the overhead of AD/DA by MErging the Interface into the RRAM cross-bar. An optional ensemble method, the Serial Array Adaptive Boosting (SAAB), is also introduced to take advantage of the area and power saved by MEI and boost the accuracy and robustness of RCS. On top of these two methods, a design space exploration is proposed to achieve trade-offs among accuracy, area, and power consumption. Experimental results on 6 diverse benchmarks demonstrate that, compared with the traditional architecture with AD/DAs, MEI is able to save 54.63%~86.14% area and reduce 61.82%~86.80% power consumption under quality guarantees; and SAAB can further improve the accuracy by 5.76% on average and ensure the system performance under noisy conditions.
A Trust-Based Exchange Framework for Multiple Services in P2P Systems

In this paper we propose fully distributed trust-based policies for p2p systems to regulate the exchange of different type of services and discourage misbehaviour. In a system of peers with different service valuations and capabilities, the resource allocation and server selection policies are based on local reputation vectors, whose elements are the reputations of the peers in providing each service of the system. Our studies demonstrate that proposed policies lead to the dynamic formation of coalitions (cooperation) among peers, which mutually profit by the exchange of their services, without pre-existing knowledge of one another's capabilities and values of services. In this way utilities of all peers progressively increase. Only misbehaving (non contributive) peers do not benefit by such a system, as proposed policies efficiently recognize and block misbehaviour.
On the Robustness of Mobile Device Fingerprinting: Can Mobile Users Escape Modern Web-Tracking Mechanisms?

Client fingerprinting techniques enhance classical cookie-based user tracking to increase the robustness of tracking techniques. A unique identifier is created based on characteristic attributes of the client device, and then used for deployment of personalized advertisements or similar use cases. Whereas fingerprinting performs well for highly customized devices (especially desktop computers), these methods often lack in precision for highly standardized devices like mobile phones. In this paper, we show that widely used techniques do not perform well for mobile devices yet, but that it is possible to build a fingerprinting system for precise recognition and identification. We evaluate our proposed system in an online study and verify its robustness against misclassification. Fingerprinting of web clients is often seen as an offence to web users' privacy as it usually takes place without the users' knowledge, awareness, and consent. Thus, we also analyze whether it is possible to outrun fingerprinting of mobile devices. We investigate different scenarios in which users are able to circumvent a fingerprinting system and evade our newly created methods.
Top management involvement in project management. Exclusive support practices for different project scenarios

Purpose – As top management support is considered one of the critical success factors in project management, effective executive involvement can significantly improve project success. However, the literature does not provide organizations with a clear list of effective top management support practices to achieve this type of support. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to highlight the top management support processes, which highly contribute to project success. Design/methodology/approach – As it is expected that results vary among different project scenarios, data were collected from 700 project managers and their supervisors in seven industries and three countries – Japan, Israel, and New Zealand. Findings – Results reassure that top management support is significantly correlated with project success. Results also show that different top management support processes should be implemented in any industry and culture. Originality/value – The paper introduces and discusses a detailed list of critical top management support processes for each industry and country, and concludes with introducing best practices to support these processes.
Costs, Benefits and Challenges of Sustainable Livestock Intensification in a Major Deforestation Frontier in the Brazilian Amazon

Extensive livestock production is a major deforestation driver in the Brazilian Amazon. This study presents an assessment of the economic and environmental feasibility of sustainable livestock intensification in Sao Felix do Xingu municipality, a deforestation frontier with an area of more than 8.5 million hectares, and home to the largest cattle herd in Brazil. Proposed intensification was limited to approximately three animal units per hectare to avoid negative environmental impacts. Transition costs to sustainable cattle intensification were estimated for thirteen pilot farms taking into account adoption of good agriculture practices, pasture maintenance/restoration, and restoration of environmental liabilities. To move to sustainable intensification practices, a mean total annual investment of US$1335/ha ± US$619/ha would be necessary, varying from US$750 to US$2595/ha. Internal rate of return and net present value estimates indicated that the sustainable livestock intensification approach proposed was profitable in farms with more than 400 hectares of pastureland, but not in those where the pasture areas were smaller than 150 hectares. Livestock sustainable intensification also had the potential to promote social and environmental benefits, including a 54% increase in the number of contract workers, improvement of landowners’ managerial skills, and workers’ training, in addition to avoiding emission of 1.9 Mt CO 2 eq and sequestration of 0.36 Mt CO 2 eq. We conclude that the sustainable intensification of pasture areas has the potential to prevent further deforestation in the Amazon while generating social and other environmental benefits.
RiceRBP: A Resource for Experimentally Identified RNA Binding Proteins in Oryza sativa

RNA binding proteins (RBPs) play an important role not only in nuclear gene expression, but also in cytosolic events, including RNA transport, localization, translation, and stability. Although over 200 RBPs are predicted from the Arabidopsis genome alone, relatively little is known about these proteins in plants as many exhibit no homology to known RBPs in other eukaryotes. Furthermore, RBPs likely have low expression levels making them difficult to identify and study. As part of our continuing efforts to understand plant cytosolic gene expression and the factors involved, we employed a combination of affinity chromatography and proteomic techniques to enrich for low abundance RBPs in developing rice seed. Our results have been compiled into RiceRBP (http://www.bioinformatics2.wsu.edu/RiceRBP), a database that contains 257 experimentally identified proteins, many of which have not previously been predicted to be RBPs. For each of the identified proteins, RiceRBP provides information on transcript and protein sequence, predicted protein domains, details of the experimental identification, and whether antibodies have been generated for public use. In addition, tools are available to analyze expression patterns for the identified genes, view phylogentic relationships and search for orthologous proteins. RiceRBP is a valuable tool for the community in the study of plant RBPs.
A review of three-dimensional slope stability analyses based on limit equilibrium method

The stability of slopes is a major concern in the field of geotechnical engineering. Usually two-dimensional analyses based on limit equilibrium method are implemented in this field due to their simplicity and effectiveness. Since these methods ignored the features of the third dimension of slopes, three-dimensional analyses have developed to remove this shortcoming. However, some limitations still exist in the application of three-dimensional methods. Most of these methods assume a plane of symmetry for the slope. Moreover, the internal forces of sliding mass are largely simplified or ignored in the equations of factor of safety. In addition, the shape of slip is usually simplified or limited by these methods. The mentioned limitations restrict the applications of three-dimensional methods in practice. The present paper made a critical review on the applications and limitations of existing three-dimensional slope stability analyses based on limit equilibrium method.
Regulation of AMP-activated protein kinase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase phosphorylation by palmitate in skeletal muscle cells Published, JLR Papers in Press, November, 22, 2005.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) phosphorylation and β-oxidation in skeletal muscle. L6 rat skeletal muscle cells were exposed to various concentrations of palmitate (1–800 μM). Subsequently, ACC and AMPK phosphorylation and fatty acid oxidation were measured. A 2-fold increase in both AMPK and ACC phosphorylation was observed in the presence of palmitate concentrations as low as 10 μM, which was also accompanied by a significant increase in fatty acid oxidation. The effect of palmitate on AMPK and ACC phosphorylation was dose-dependent, reaching maximum increases of 3.5- and 4.5-fold, respectively. Interestingly, ACC phosphorylation was coupled with AMPK activation at palmitate concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 μM; however, at concentrations >200 μM, ACC phosphorylation and fatty acid oxidation remained high even after AMPK phosphorylation was completely prevented by the use of a selective AMPK inhibitor. This indicates that LCFAs regulate ACC activity by AMPK-dependent and -independent mechanisms, based on their abundance in skeletal muscle cells. Here, we provide novel evidence that the AMPK/ACC pathway may operate as a mechanism to sense and respond to the lipid energy charge of skeletal muscle cells.
Strongly Magnetic Iron Nanoparticles Improve the Diagnosis of Small Tumours in the Reticuloendothelial System by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Despite advances in non-invasive medical imaging, accurate nodal staging of malignancy continues to rely on surgery. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) with lymphotropic qualities have shown some promise as contrast agents for MRI of the lymph nodes, but recent large-scale studies failed to show consistent detection of tumours below 5 mm. Herein we compare imaging of splenic and lymph node tissue using iron/iron oxide core/shell nanoparticles (Fe NP) that have superior magnetic qualities to IONP, to determine whether improved negative contrast in T2-weighted MRI can enhance the diagnosis of small tumours in the reticuloendothelial system. To provide an in vivo pre-clinical model of human lymph node micrometastases, breast cancer cells were injected into the spleens of mice, providing localised areas of tumour growth. MR images of groups of tumour-bearing and sham-treated animals were generated using a 1.5 T imaging system and analysed by two independent, blinded radiologists. Fe NP improved the sensitivity and specificity of MRI when compared to IONP, enabling accurate detection of tumours as small as 1–3 mm. The use of Fe NP as contrast agents have the potential to improve the diagnostic accuracy of MRI in cancer patients, leading to more rapid and effective treatment.
Variation in Age and Size in Fennoscandian Three-Spined Sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus)

Average age and maximum life span of breeding adult three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) were determined in eight Fennoscandian localities with the aid of skeletochronology. The average age varied from 1.8 to 3.6 years, and maximum life span from three to six years depending on the locality. On average, fish from marine populations were significantly older than those from freshwater populations, but variation within habitat types was large. We also found significant differences in mean body size among different habitat types and populations, but only the population differences remained significant after accounting for variation due to age effects. These results show that generation length and longevity in three-spined sticklebacks can vary significantly from one locality to another, and that population differences in mean body size cannot be explained as a simple consequence of differences in population age structure. We also describe a nanistic population from northern Finland exhibiting long life span and small body size.