Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Virial shocks in galactic haloes

We investigate the conditions for the existence of an expanding virial shock in the gas falling within a spherical dark matter halo. The shock relies on pressure support by the shock-heated gas behind it. When the radiative cooling is efficient compared with the infall rate, the post-shock gas becomes unstable; it collapses inwards and cannot support the shock. We find for a monatomic gas that the shock is stable when the post-shock pressure and density obey γ e f f ≡ (d In P/dt)/(d In p/dt) > 10/7. When expressed in terms of the pre-shock gas properties at radius r it reads as ρrΛ(T)/u 3 < 0.0126, where p is the gas density, u is the infall velocity and A(T) is the cooling function, with the post-shock temperature T u 2 . This result is confirmed by hydrodynamical simulations, using an accurate spheri-symmetric Lagrangian code. When the stability analysis is applied in cosmology, we find that a virial shock does not develop in most haloes that form before z ∼ 2, and it never forms in haloes less massive than a few 10 1 1 M O . In such haloes, the infalling gas is not heated to the virial temperature until it hits the disc, thus avoiding the cooling-dominated quasi-static contraction phase. The direct collapse of the cold gas into the disc should have non-trivial effects on the star formation rate and on outflows. The soft X-ray produced by the shock-heated gas in the disc is expected to ionize the dense disc environment, and the subsequent recombination would result in a high flux of La emission. This may explain both the puzzling low flux of soft X-ray background and the La emitters observed at high redshift.
NATIVE AND NONNATIVE PERCEPTION OF WESTERN ANDALUSIAN SPANISH /S/ ASPIRATION IN QUIET AND NOISE

Abstract Many college students set out on Study Abroad Programs to other countries in which the variant of the foreign language spoken in the region differs from the variant to which learners have been exposed. This study explores the perception of L2 Western Andalusian Spanish aspiration of word-final /s/ by L1 American English listeners, in relation to their length of exposure to the L2 in quiet conditions and to their competence level in the L2 in noisy conditions. Results indicate that perception drops in adverse conditions, particularly for listeners in their intermediate stages of learning. Proficient listeners’ perception also suffers with respect to native listeners’ performance at lower signal-to-noise ratios. For all listeners, native and nonnative, standard features are best identified, whether in quiet or noise.
The Effects of Academic Programs and Institutional Characteristics on Post-Graduate Social Benefit Behavior.

This study investigated the relationship between college characteristics of bachelor’s degree holders, such as academic programs and types of institutions and their post-graduate social benefit behavior. While a myriad of studies have examined the monetary benefits from attaining a college education, little is known about effects of collegiate experiences associated with nonmonetary returns conferred by a higher education. A sample of 2,463 drawn from a national database was used in this study. After controlling for pre-college volunteer behavior and other demographic characteristics, students who majored in education and those who graduated from baccalaureate institutions presented significant gains in social benefits. A Paper Presented at the 49th Annual Forum of the Association for Institutional Research June 2, 2009 Atlanta, Georgia
Sequence variants at CHRNB 3 – CHRNA 6 and CYP 2 A 6 affect smoking behavior

Smoking is a common risk factor for many diseases1. We conducted genome-wide association meta-analyses for the number of cigarettes smoked per day (CPD) in smokers (n = 31,266) and smoking initiation (n = 46,481) using samples from the ENGAGE Consortium. In a second stage, we tested selected SNPs with in silico replication in the Tobacco and Genetics (TAG) and Glaxo Smith Kline (Ox-GSK) consortia cohorts (n = 45,691 smokers) and assessed some of those in a third sample of European ancestry (n = 9,040). Variants in three genomic regions associated with CPD (P < 5 × 10−8), including previously identified SNPs at 15q25 represented by rs1051730[A] (effect size = 0.80 CPD, P = 2.4 × 10−69), and SNPs at 19q13 and 8p11, represented by rs4105144[C] (effect size = 0.39 CPD, P = 2.2 × 10−12) and rs6474412-T (effect size = 0.29 CPD, P = 1.4 × 10−8), respectively. Among the genes at the two newly associated loci are genes encoding nicotine-metabolizing enzymes (CYP2A6 and CYP2B6) and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits (CHRNB3 and CHRNA6), all of which have been highlighted in previous studies of smoking and nicotine dependence2–4. Nominal associations with lung cancer were observed at both 8p11 (rs6474412[T], odds ratio (OR) = 1.09, P = 0.04) and 19q13 (rs4105144[C], OR = 1.12, P = 0.0006).
Reverse skyline search in uncertain databases

Reverse skyline queries over uncertain databases have many important applications such as sensor data monitoring and business planning. Due to the wide existence of uncertainty in many real-world data, answering reverse skyline queries accurately and efficiently over uncertain data has become increasingly important. In this article, we formalize the probabilistic reverse skyline query over uncertain data, in both monochromatic and bichromatic cases, and propose effective pruning methods, namely spatial pruning and probabilistic pruning, to reduce the search space of the reverse skyline query processing. Moreover, efficient query procedures have been presented seamlessly integrating the proposed pruning methods. Furthermore, a novel query type, namely Probabilistic Reverse Furthest Skyline (PRFS) query, is proposed and tackled under “the larger, the better” dominance semantics of skyline. Variants of probabilistic reverse skyline have been proposed and tackled, including those that return objects with top-k highest probabilities and that retrieve top-k reverse skylines. Extensive experiments demonstrated the efficiency and effectiveness of our approaches with various experimental settings.
Effect of protein and calorie malnutrition on drug metabolism in rat - in vitro.

PURPOSE To study the effect of protein and calorie malnutrition on in vitro drug metabolism of protein and calorie malnourished juvenile and adult rats. METHOD Microsomal incubation was used as a means of monitoring drug metabolism changes, HPLC was employed to quantify metabolites and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was used for rat growth hormone (rGH) monitoring. RESULTS Protein and calorie malnutrition significantly decreased levels of microsomal protein and total P450. Microsome of protein and calorie malnourished rats showed impaired testosterone 16alpha- and 2alpha- hydroxylation (CYP2C11), testosterone 6beta-hydroxylation (CYP3A), and testosterone 7alpha-hydroxylation (CYP2A1). Testosterone 16beta-hydroxylation (CYP2B1) did not show any significant change, neither in capacity nor affinity. The quantity and the secretion pattern of rGH were not altered in protein and calorie malnourished rats compared to those in healthy animals. CONCLUSIONS Serum albumin is not a good indicator of malnutrition. The capacity and affinity of CYP2C11, CYP3A and CYP2A1 were compromised by protein and calorie malnutrition. The impairment of drug metabolism in protein and calorie malnourished rats was not caused by the alteration of rGH.
Predicting Driver Behavior during the Yellow Interval Using Video Surveillance

At a signalized intersection, drivers must make a stop/go decision at the onset of the yellow signal. Incorrect decisions would lead to red light running (RLR) violations or crashes. This study aims to predict drivers’ stop/go decisions and RLR violations during yellow intervals. Traffic data such as vehicle approaching speed, acceleration, distance to the intersection, and occurrence of RLR violations are gathered by a Vehicle Data Collection System (VDCS). An enhanced Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) is used to extract moving vehicles from target lanes, and the Kalman Filter (KF) algorithm is utilized to acquire vehicle trajectories. The data collected from the VDCS are further analyzed by a sequential logit model, and the relationship between drivers’ stop/go decisions and RLR violations is identified. The results indicate that the distance of vehicles to the stop line at the onset of the yellow signal is an important predictor for both drivers’ stop/go decisions and RLR violations. In addition, vehicle approaching speed is a contributing factor for stop/go decisions. Furthermore, the accelerations of vehicles after the onset of the yellow signal are positively related to RLR violations. The findings of this study can be used to predict the probability of drivers’ RLR violations and improve traffic safety at signalized intersections.
Analysis and Design Method for High-Frequency Self-Oscillating Electronic Ballasts

In this paper, the analysis and design methodology of a high-frequency self-oscillating (SO) electronic ballast with lamp current control are presented. SO electronic ballasts have two important drawbacks: First, the lamp current varies according to the ac input voltage, causing undesired effects in the lamp brightness, and second, the design method lacks precision at very high frequency operation (greater than 200 kHz) mainly due to the parasitic capacitance. The ballast is modeled by using the descriptive function method and the extended Nyquist criterion; the model of the ballast includes a control circuit and takes into account the high-frequency effect of the MOSFET parasitic capacitance . Finally, experimental results of a 38-W SO electronic ballast prototype with lamp current control for high-intensity discharge lamps are presented to validate the analysis and the proposed methodology. The switching frequency is selected at 2 MHz in order to avoid the acoustic resonance problem.
The Effect of Effluent Recirculation in a Semi-Continuous Two-Stage Anaerobic Digestion System

The effect of recirculation in increasing organic loading rate (OLR) and decreasing hydraulic retention time (HRT) in a semi-continuous two-stage anaerobic digestion system using stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and an upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) was evaluated. Two-parallel processes were in operation for 100 days, one with recirculation (closed system) and the other without recirculation (open system). For this purpose, two structurally different carbohydrate-based substrates were used; starch and cotton. The digestion of starch and cotton in the closed system resulted in production of 91% and 80% of the theoretical methane yield during the first 60 days. In contrast, in the open system the methane yield was decreased to 82% and 56% of the theoretical value, for starch and cotton, respectively. The OLR could successfully be increased to 4 gVS/L/day for cotton and 10 gVS/L/day for starch. It is concluded that the recirculation supports the microorganisms for effective hydrolysis of polyhydrocarbons in CSTR and to preserve the nutrients in the system at higher OLRs, thereby improving the overall performance and stability of the process.
Supernova rates from the Southern inTermediate Redshift ESO Supernova Search (STRESS)

Aims. To measure the supernova (SN) rates at intermediate redshift we performed the Southern inTermediate Redshift ESO Supernova Search (STRESS). Unlike most of the current high redshift SN searches, this survey was specifically designed to estimate the rate for both type Ia and core collapse (CC) SNe. Methods. We counted the SNe discovered in a selected galaxy sample measuring SN rate per unit blue band luminosity. Our analysis is based on a sample of∼ 43000 galaxies and on 25 spectroscopically confirmed SNe plu s 64 selected SN candidates. Our approach is aimed at obtaining a direct comparison of the high redshift and local rates and at investigating the dependence of the rat es on specific galaxy properties, most notably their colour. Results. The type Ia SN rate, at mean redshift z = 0.3, amounts to 0.22 +0.10+0.16 −0.08−0.14 h 2 70 SNu, while the CC SN rate, at z = 0.21, is 0.82 +0.31+0.30 −0.24−0.26 h 2 70 SNu. The quoted errors are the statistical and systematic un certainties. Conclusions. With respect to local value, the CC SN rate at z = 0.2 is higher by a factor of∼ 2 already at redshift , whereas the type Ia SN rate remains almost constant. This implies that a significant fraction of SN Ia progenitors has a lifetime longer tha n 2− 3 Gyr. We also measured the SN rates in the red and blue galaxies and found that the SN Ia rate seems to be constant in galaxies of different colour, whereas the CC SN rate seems to peak in blue galaxies, as in the local Universe. SN rates per unit volume were found to be consistent with other measurements showing a steeper evolution with redshift for CC SNe with respect to SNe Ia. Finally we have exploited the link between SFH and SN rates to predict the evolutionary behaviour of the SN rates and compare it with the path indicated by observations. We conclude that in order to constrain the mass range of CC SN progenitors and SN Ia progenitor models it is necessary to reduce the uncertainti es in the cosmic SFH. In addition it is important to apply a consistent dust extinction correction both to SF and to CC SN rate and to measure SN Ia rate in star forming and in passive evolving galaxies in a wide redshift range.
On Targeted Entity Hardening Problem in Multi-layered Interdependent Networks

Critical infrastructures like power and communication networks are highly interconnected. Hence it is imperative to have an accurate model that captures these interdependencies. A number of models were proposed but each has their own limitations. Some limitations of the existing models were addressed by the Implicative Interdependency Model which uses Boolean Logic to represent these interdependencies. In this paper, we study the Targeted Entity Hardening problem. Some entities in an interdependent network might have a higher priority to be protected from failure. This can be achieved by hardening a set of entities. A hardened entity is assumed to have the capacity to remain operational on being attacked by any kind of adversary. But hardening an entity would usually entail a high cost. So it is essential to minimize the number of hardened entities which would protect all entities in the higher priority set from failure. We study this problem utilizing the Implicative Interdependency Model. We provide a polynomially solvable restricted case and prove that the problem is NP-complete. An Integer Linear program is provided to obtain the optimal solution. A heuristic is proposed whose efficacy is judged by comparing it with the optimal solution using real world data.
TLR9-mediated ARF6 activation is involved in advancing CpG ODN cellular uptake

Nucleic acid cellular uptake into endosomes is critical in eliciting nucleotide-sensing toll-like receptors (TLRs) innate immune responses. ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) is a member of the Ras superfamily, which is critical to a wide variety of cellular events including endocytosis. Our previous report indicated that ARF6 plays a critical role in CpG ODN/TLR9-mediated responses. Here, we further explored that the basal level of active ARF6 is nonspecifically responsible for initiation of ODNs uptake, which is relatively CpG motif independent. While the initiation of CpG ODN uptake but not GpC ODN uptake can promote TLR9 responses thereby enhancing ARF6 activation which may lead to further nonspecifically increase of cellular uptake of stimulatory CpG ODN as well as nonstimulatory GpC ODN. Because nucleotide-sensing TLR9 plays a role in contributing to immune diseases, selective activation or inhibition of ARF6 might be useful in certain immunological or therapeutic applications.
Dynamic Functional Brain Connectivity for Face Perception

Face perception is mediated by a distributed brain network comprised of the core system at occipito-temporal areas and the extended system at other relevant brain areas involving bilateral hemispheres. In this study we explored how the brain connectivity changes over the time for face-sensitive processing. We investigated the dynamic functional connectivity in face perception by analyzing time-dependent EEG phase synchronization in four different frequency bands: theta (4–7 Hz), alpha (8–14 Hz), beta (15–24 Hz), and gamma (25–45 Hz) bands in the early stages of face processing from 30 to 300 ms. High-density EEG were recorded from subjects who were passively viewing faces, buildings, and chairs. The dynamic connectivity within the core system and between the extended system were investigated. Significant differences between faces and non-faces mainly appear in theta band connectivity: (1) at the time segment of 90–120 ms between parietal area and occipito-temporal area in the right hemisphere, and (2) at the time segment of 150–180 ms between bilateral occipito-temporal areas. These results indicate (1) the importance of theta-band connectivity in the face-sensitive processing, and (2) that different parts of network are involved for the initial stage of face categorization and the stage of face structural encoding.
Comparison of Patient-Specific Computational Modeling Predictions and Clinical Outcomes of LASIK for Myopia

Purpose To assess the predictive accuracy of simulation-based LASIK outcomes. Methods Preoperative and 3-month post-LASIK tomographic data from 20 eyes of 12 patients who underwent wavefront-optimized LASIK for myopia were obtained retrospectively. Patient-specific finite element models were created and case-specific treatment settings were simulated. Simulated keratometry (SimK) values and the mean tangential curvature of the central 3 mm (Kmean) were obtained from the anterior surfaces of the clinical tomographies, and computational models were compared. Correlations between Kmean prediction error and patient age, preoperative corneal hysteresis (CH), and corneal resistance factor (CRF) were assessed. Results The mean difference for Kmean between simulated and actual post-LASIK cases was not statistically significant (−0.13 ± 0.36 diopters [D], P = 0.1). The mean difference between the surgically induced clinical change in Kmean and the model-predicted change was −0.11 ± 0.34 D (P = 0.2). Kmean prediction error was correlated to CH, CRF, and patient age (r = 0.63, 0.53, and 0.5, respectively, P < 0.02), and incorporation of CH values into predictions as a linear offset increased their accuracy. Simulated changes in Kmean accounted for 97% of the variance in actual spherical equivalent refractive change. Conclusions Clinically feasible computational simulations predicted corneal curvature and manifest refraction outcomes with a level of accuracy in myopic LASIK cases that approached the limits of measurement error. Readily available preoperative biomechanical measures enhanced simulation accuracy. Patient-specific simulation may be a useful tool for clinical guidance in de novo LASIK cases.
Wellbeing outcomes of lower income renters: a multilevel analysis of area effects- Final Report

A key assumption behind area-based policies such as urban renewal and 'tenure mix' is to foster greater 'social mix' of communities to offset adverse consequences of concentrations of social disadvantage. This project sought to use statistical techniques to identify whether concentrations of social housing, diverse tenure mix or type or density of dwellings has effects on social wellbeing.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of a 18F-Labeled High Affinity NOTA Conjugated Bombesin Antagonist as a PET Ligand for GRPR-Targeted Tumor Imaging

Expression of the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) in prostate cancer suggests that this receptor can be used as a potential molecular target to visualize and treat these tumors. We have previously investigated an antagonist analog of bombesin (D-Phe-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Sta-Leu-NH2, RM26) conjugated to 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-N,N',N''-triacetic acid (NOTA) via a diethylene glycol (PEG2) spacer (NOTA-P2-RM26) labeled with 68Ga and 111In. We found that this conjugate has favorable properties for in vivo imaging of GRPR-expression. The focus of this study was to develop a 18F-labelled PET agent to visualize GRPR. NOTA-P2-RM26 was labeled with 18F using aluminum-fluoride chelation. Stability, in vitro binding specificity and cellular processing tests were performed. The inhibition efficiency (IC50) of the [natF]AlF-NOTA-P2-RM26 was compared to that of the natGa-loaded peptide using 125I-Tyr4-BBN as the displacement radioligand. The pharmacokinetics and in vivo binding specificity of the compound were studied. NOTA-P2-RM26 was labeled with 18F within 1 h (60-65% decay corrected radiochemical yield, 55 GBq/µmol). The radiopeptide was stable in murine serum and showed high specific binding to PC-3 cells. [natF]AlF-NOTA-P2-RM26 showed a low nanomolar inhibition efficiency (IC50=4.4±0.8 nM). The internalization rate of the tracer was low. Less than 14% of the cell-bound radioactivity was internalized after 4 h. The biodistribution of [18F]AlF-NOTA-P2-RM26 demonstrated rapid blood clearance, low liver uptake and low kidney retention. The tumor uptake at 3 h p.i. was 5.5±0.7 %ID/g, and the tumor-to-blood, -muscle and -bone ratios were 87±42, 159±47, 38±16, respectively. The uptake in tumors, pancreas and other GRPR-expressing organs was significantly reduced when excess amount of non-labeled peptide was co-injected. The low uptake in bone suggests a high in vivo stability of the Al-F bond. High contrast PET image was obtained 3 h p.i. The initial biological results suggest that [18F]AlF-NOTA-P2-RM26 is a promising candidate for PET imaging of GRPR in vivo.
The Language of Police Interviewing: A Critical Analysis

Police interviewing is a critical part of the justice process, and more attention is now being paid to training in interview techniques. This new study from Australia uses tools drawn from interactional sociolinguistics and Conversation Analysis for a detailed investigation of some police questioning of adult suspects and work undertaken in the training of police in interviewing children - in which quite different approaches seem to be adopted. The study powerfully illustrates the conflicts and contradictions that threaten to undermine the success of criminal proceedings and presents a fresh perspective on the balance between civil liberties and police power. Critical Discourse analytic techniques are used in interpreting the outcome. Both productive and counterproductive police interview strategies are exposed and the implications for interview training are explored
A Generalized Mechanism for Perception of Pitch Patterns

Surviving in a complex and changeable environment relies on the ability to extract probable recurring patterns. Here we report a neurophysiological mechanism for rapid probabilistic learning of a new system of music. Participants listened to different combinations of tones from a previously unheard system of pitches based on the Bohlen-Pierce scale, with chord progressions that form 3:1 ratios in frequency, notably different from 2:1 frequency ratios in existing musical systems. Event-related brain potentials elicited by improbable sounds in the new music system showed emergence over a 1 h period of physiological signatures known to index sound expectation in standard Western music. These indices of expectation learning were eliminated when sound patterns were played equiprobably, and covaried with individual behavioral differences in learning. These results demonstrate that humans use a generalized probability-based perceptual learning mechanism to process novel sound patterns in music.