Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cosmological Constraints from the ROSAT Deep Cluster Survey

The ROSAT Deep Cluster Survey (RDCS) has provided a new large deep sample of X-ray selected galaxy clusters. Observables such as the flux number counts n(S), the redshift distribution n(z), and the X-ray luminosity function (XLF) over a large redshift baseline (z≲0.8) are used here in order to constrain cosmological models. Our analysis is based on the Press-Schechter approach, whose reliability is tested against N-body simulations. Following a phenomenological approach, no assumption is made a priori on the relation between cluster masses and observed X-ray luminosities. As a first step, we use the local XLF from RDCS, along with the high-luminosity extension provided by the XLF from the Brightest Cluster Survey, in order to constrain the amplitude of the power spectrum, σ8, and the shape of the local luminosity-temperature, Lbol-T, relation. We obtain σ8=(0.58 ± 0.06) × Ω0-0.47+0. 16Ω for flat models (ΩΛ=1-Ω0) and σ8=(0.58 ± 0.06) × Ω0-0.53+0.27Ω for open models (ΩΛ=0) at a 90% confidence level, almost independent of the Lbol-T shape. The density parameter Ω0 and the evolution of the Lbol-T relation are constrained by the RDCS XLF at z>0 and the EMSS XLF at z̄=0.33, and by the RDCS n(S) and n(z) distributions. By modeling the evolution for the amplitude of the Lbol-T relation as (1+z)A, an Ω0=1 model can be accommodated for the evolution of the XLF with 1≲A≲3 at a 90% confidence level, while Ω0=0.4+0.3−0.2 and Ω0≲0.6 are implied by a nonevolving Lbol-T (A=0) for open and flat models, respectively.
Using Concha Electrodes to Measure Cochlear Microphonic Waveforms and Auditory Brainstem Responses

During electrocochleography, that is, ECochG or ECoG, a recording electrode can be placed in the ear canal lateral to the tympanic membrane. We designed a concha electrode to record both sinusoidal waveforms of cochlear microphonics (CMs) and auditory brainstem responses (ABRs). The amplitudes of CM waveforms and Wave I or compound action potentials (CAPs) recorded at the concha were greater than those recorded at the mastoid but slightly lower than those recorded at the ear canal. Wave V amplitudes recorded at the concha were greater than those recorded at the ear canal but lower than those recorded at the mastoid. There was not a significant difference between the amplitudes recorded at the concha and at the ear canal. For CM and Wave I or CAP, the latency recorded at the concha was longer than at the canal but shorter than at the mastoid; for Wave V, the reverse was true. However, these differences were not statistically significant and may be due to the distance to response generators. Aside from the advantages that the regular ECoG has over otoacoustic emission (OAE) testing, the concha electrode was also easier and safer to place and may be suitable for children, newborn screening, participants with canal conditions, and remote clinics which could have concerns with the availability and cost of a canal electrode. Using concha electrodes, we also experienced fewer postauricular artifacts than when using a mastoid electrode.
Constitutive Modeling of Normal Strength and High Performance Concrete using Hierarchical Single Surface Model

In this combined experimental and numerical modeling study, normal strength concrete (NSC) and high-performance concrete (HPC) specimens having compressive strengths of 27.6 MPa and 82.8 MPa, respectively, were cast and tested using a High Capacity Cubical Device (HCCD) under simulated 3-D loading, namely, Conventional Triaxial Compression (CTC) and Simple Shear (SS). The Hierarchical Single Surface (HiSS) model developed within the framework of the Disturbed State Concept (DSC), proposed by Desai and coworkers, was used to simulate stress-strain and volumetric response of NSC and HPC specimens. The material constants associated with these models were evaluated from the stress-strain data from the laboratory using a computer program, HiSSD0D1, developed by Desai and co-workers. Also, a computer program (DSC-SST2D), in which DSC-based HiSS models are implemented, was used to analyze the HPC and NSC specimens under simulated loading. It was found that the HiSS model can adequately represent the stress-strain response of HPC and NSC. Generally, both the finite element (using DSC-SST2D computer code) and the model (HiSSD0D1) predictions agree well with the experimental results for both HPC and NSC. Overall, the finite element results were closer to the experimental data than the model predictions.
A MULTIDIMENSIONAL ASSESSMENT OF WELL-BEING BASED ON SEN ’ S FUNCTIONING APPROACH

The aim of this paper is to deal with some methodological issues related to the multidimensional analysis of well-being from the theoretical perspective suggested by Amartya Sen. Widely recognised as one of the more satisfying and complete approaches to well-being analysis, Sen’s capability approach has found relatively few empirical applications up to now, mainly for its strong informational and methodological requirements. In this paper I try to make some progress towards the possibility of realising a multidimensional assessment of Sen’s concept of well-being with the use of the fuzzy sets theory ; the methodology suggested is also tested in the evaluative space of functionings, with an empirical application referred to Italy.
Improving the DMT performances of MIMO linear receivers

In this paper, we investigate the diversity multiplexing tradeoff (DMT) performance of MIMO linear receivers with general colored Gaussian input. By varying the rank of the covariance matrix of the channel input and allowing temporal coding across multiple channel uses, we find the DMT performance of MIMO linear receivers can be significantly improved and be much better than the currently known.
Anti-Cancer Effect of 3-(4-dimethylamino phenyl)-N-hydroxy-2-propenamide in MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer

Objectives In recent years, a number of structurally diverse Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been identified and these HDAC inhibitors induce growth arrest, differentiation and/or apoptosis of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. This study aimed at investigating the anti-tumor activity of newly synthesized HDAC inhibitor, 3-(4-dimethylamino phenyl)-N-hydroxy-2-propenamide (IN-2001) using human breast cancer cells. Methods We have synthesized a new HDAC inhibitor, IN-2001, and cell proliferation inhibition assay with this chemical in estrogen receptor-positive human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Cell cycle analysis on MCF-7 cells treated with IN-2001 was carried out by flow cytometry and gene expression was measured by RT-PCR. Results In MCF-7 cells IN-2001 showed remarkable anti-proliferative effects in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In MCF-7 cells, IN-2001 showed a more potent growth inhibitory effect than that of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid. These growth inhibitory effects were related to the cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis. IN-2001 showed accumulation of cells at G2/M phase and of the sub-G1 population in a time-dependent manner, representing apoptotic cells. IN-2001-mediated cell cycle arrest was associated with HDAC inhibitor-mediated induction of CDK inhibitor expression. In MCF-7 cells, IN-2001 significantly increased p21WAF1 expression. Conclusions In summary, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) induced growth inhibition, possibly through modulation of cell cycle and apoptosis regulatory proteins, such as CDK inhibitors, and cyclins. Taken together, these results provide an insight into the utility of HDAC inhibitors as a novel chemotherapeutic regime for hormone-sensitive and insensitive breast cancer.
A Longitudinal Study of the Domain-Generality of African American Students’ Causal Attributions for Academic Success

Students’ causal attributions about the reasons underlying their academic successes are important because of the influence of those attributions on academic motivation. We investigated whether students’ success attributions tend to be similar across academic subjects versus specific to academic domain, and whether domain-generality or specificity changes with development. African American students (N = 565) reported their causal attributions for math, science, and English successes longitudinally from elementary to high school. Structural equation modeling showed that individual differences in students’ tendencies to attribute successes to ability, effort, or their teachers were domain-general, not differing across academic content areas. Results did not differ by sex. The lack of domain-specificity in attributions suggests that when African American students consider what factors influence their school performance, they view academic outcomes as a single achievement domain rather than differentiating among school subjects.
Galactic abundance gradients from Cepheids : On the iron abundance gradient around 10-12 kpc

Context. Classical Cepheids are excellent tracers of intermediate-mass stars, since their distances can be estimated with very high accuracy. In particular, they can be adopted to trace the chemical evolution of the Galactic disk. Aims. Homogeneous iron abundance measurements for 33 Galactic Cepheids located in the outer disk together with accurate distance determinations based on near-infrared photometry are adopted to constrain the Galactic iron gradient beyond 10 kpc. Methods. Iron abundances were determined using high resolution Cepheid spectra collected with three different observational instruments: ESPaDOnS@CFHT, Narval@TBL and FEROS@2.2m ESO/MPG telescope. Cepheid distances were estimated using nearinfrared (J,H,K-band) period-luminosity relations and data from SAAO and the 2MASS catalog. Results. The least squares solution over the entire data set indicates that the iron gradient in the Galactic disk presents a slope of –0.052 ± 0.003 dex kpc −1 in the 5–17 kpc range. However, the change of the iron abundance across the disk seems to be better described by a linear regime inside the solar circle and a flattening of the gradient toward the outer disk (beyond 10 kpc). In the latter region the iron gradient presents a shallower slope, i.e. –0.012 ± 0.014 dex kpc −1 . In the outer disk (10–12 kpc) we also found that Cepheids present an increase in the spread in iron abundance. Current evidence indicates that the spread in metallicity depends on the Galactocentric longitude. Finally, current data do not support the hypothesis of a discontinuity in the iron gradient at Galactocentric distances of 10–12 kpc. Conclusions. The occurrence of a spread in iron abundance as a function of the Galactocentric longitude indicates that linear radial gradients should be cautiously treated to constrain the chemical evolution across the disk.
Power spectrum of the SDSS luminous red galaxies: constraints on cosmological parameters

In this paper we determine the constraints on cosmological parameters using the CMB data from the Wmap experiment together with the recent power spectrum measurement of the SDSS Luminous Red Galaxies (LRGs). Specifically, we focus on spatially flat, low matter density models with adiabatic Gaussian initial conditions. The spatial flatness is achieved with an additional quintessence component whose equation of state parameter $w_\mathrm{eff}$ is taken to be independent of redshift. Throughout most of the paper we do not allow any massive neutrino contribution and also the influence of the gravitational waves on the CMB is taken to be negligible. The analysis is carried out separately for two cases: (i) using the acoustic scale measurements as presented in Hutsi (2006, A&A, 449, 891), (ii) using the full SDSS LRG power spectrum and its covariance matrix. We are able to obtain a very tight constraint on the Hubble constant: $H_0 = 70.8 ^{+2.1}_{-2.0}$ km s -1 Mpc -1 , which helps in breaking several degeneracies between the parameters and allows us to determine the low redshift expansion law with much higher accuracy than available from the Wmap + HST data alone. The positive deceleration parameter q 0 is found to be ruled out at $5.5\sigma$ confidence level. Finally, we extend our analysis by investigating the effects of relaxing the assumption of spatial flatness and also allow for a contribution from massive neutrinos.
Harnack's inequality for cooperative weakly coupled elliptic systems

Abstract : The authors consider cooperative, uniformly elliptic systems, with bounded coefficients and coupling in the zeroth-order terms. They establish two analogs of Harnack's inequality for this class of system. A weak version is obtained under fairly general conditions, while imposing an irreducibility condition on the coupling coefficients results in a stronger version of the inequality. This irreducibility condition also is necessary for the existence of a Harnack constant for this class of systems. A Harnack inequality also is obtained for a class of superharmonic functions.
An HI Survey of LSB galaxies selected from the APM Survey

We present preliminary results of a neutral hydrogen (HI) redshift survey to find low surface brightness (LSB) galaxies in the very nearby universe. Our sample consists of all galaxies in the APM catalog (Maddox et al 1990) with a mean surface brightness of mu > 24 mag/arcsec^2, down to a magnitude limit of b_j < 17. With the Parkes 64m Radiotelescope 35 objects were detected at v < 4300 km/s. The resulting luminosity function, HI mass function, and for the first time field mass function are presented. It is found that LSBs make a negligible contribution to the overall integrated luminosity, HI mass, and total mass contained in galaxies.
220 GHz Low-Noise Amplifier Modules for Radiometric Imaging Applications

G-band low-noise amplifier (LNA) modules have been successfully developed for use in high-resolution radiometric imaging applications. The WR-5 waveguide modules contain a four-stage 220 GHz cascode LNA MMIC and two microstrip-to-waveguide transitions which were realized on 50 mum thick quartz substrates. The monolithic amplifier circuits were fabricated using a well proven 0.1 mum InAlAs/InGaAs metamorphic high electron mobility transistor (MHEMT) technology in combination with grounded coplanar waveguides (GCPW). Furthermore, an MMIC based 220 GHz direct detection radiometer was developed, for the first time, containing three amplifier modules connected in series and demonstrating a small-signal gain of more than 50 dB over the frequency range from 209 to 217 GHz
Association between carcinoembryonic antigen levels and the applied value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in post-operative recurrent and metastatic colorectal cancer

Positron emission tomography (PET) using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose has been widely used for analyzing cellular metabolism. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between the diagnostic value of PET/computed tomography (CT) in patients with post-operative recurrent and metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), and the different levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). A total of 105 suspected recurrent and metastatic CRC patients (67 males and 38 females; mean age, 48.5 years) were included in this retrospective study. All the patients underwent PET/CT examination. The differences in the PET/CT diagnostic values of CEA-positive and -negative patients with recurrent CRC following surgery were retrospectively analyzed and compared. Among the 105 CRC patients, 87 exhibited recurrence and metastasis, as confirmed by histopathological diagnosis or clinical follow-up data. By contrast, the PET/CT examination results revealed that 85 cases were true positives (a false positive foci was diagnosed in one of the patients), 18 were true negatives and 2 were false negatives. Correspondingly, the sensitivity and degree of accuracy were 97.7 and 97.1%, respectively. The detection rates of PET/CT for the recurrence and metastases were 85.3% in the CEA-positive group and 75.7% in the CEA-negative group. No significant differences were observed between the two groups. Overall, CEA levels do not help improve the detection rate of PET/CT in the recurrence and metastasis of CRC. PET/CT imaging has a high sensitivity and degree of accuracy in detecting recurrence and metastasis following CRC surgery. Therefore, this method is ideal for monitoring relapsed and metastatic foci of post-operative colon cancer cases.
Analysis on Threshold of Half-Rate for GSM Voice Services

In GSM network, half-rate is a method of carrying traffic and an optimization technology of wireless network which can expand the capacity by reasonably adjusting the rate. This paper puts emphasis on theoretical study of the threshold from the perspective of the capacity, makes improvement on the model of communication. Based on such study and improvement, this paper analyzes the calculation method of the system capacity in different threshold and the setting of the optimal threshold.
The Role of Leaders in Democratic Deliberations: Results from a Field Experiment in São Tomé and Príncipe

Despite a widespread trend toward the adoption of increasingly participatory approaches to political decision making in developing countries, there is little or no evidence that these practices in fact return the benefits attributed to them. This article investigates one specific worry—that participatory decision-making processes may be vulnerable to manipulation by elites. The authors report on a field experiment, drawing on a unique nationwide experiment in democratic deliberation in São Tomé and Príncipe in which the discussion leaders were randomly assigned across meetings. The randomization procedure provides a rare opportunity to identify the impact of leaders on the outcomes of group deliberations. They find that leader effects were extremely large, in many cases accounting for over one-third of all variation in the outcomes of the national discussions. These results have important implications for the design of such deliberative practices. While the total effect of leadership cannot be assessed, it may still be possible to observe when leader influence occurs and to correct for leader effects in comparisons of outcomes across deliberations.
Increased expression of secretory actin-binding protein on human spermatozoa is associated with poor semen quality.

BACKGROUND Antibodies to human sperm are useful diagnostic reagents for detection of changes in sperm protein expression and their relationship with sperm defects and male infertility. The specificity of Hs-16 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and the localization and frequency of the occurrence of Hs-16-recognized protein on human spermatozoa were investigated. METHODS Samples from 30 fertile men with normal spermiograms and 30 men with pathological spermiograms were studied. The specificity of Hs-16 mAb was analysed by the western blotting technique and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. Indirect immunofluorescence with Hs-16 antibody was used to test sperm ejaculates. RESULTS The Hs-16 antibody detected a human sperm and seminal plasma protein, which was determined to be secretory actin-binding protein (SABP). This specificity was also verified by co-localization of SABP and actin on spermatozoa with Hs-16 and anti-actin antibodies, and partial co-localization of these proteins was found. SABP was localized on the sperm tail, mainly in the midpiece of the tail. Other parts of spermatozoa were labelled with lower frequency. A significant difference was found in SABP labelling between men with normal spermiograms and donors with asthenozoospermia or oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (both P < 0.01), and asthenozoospermia versus oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (P < 0.05). Increased expression of SABP was observed in men with pathological spermiograms. CONCLUSIONS Hs-16 antibody reacts specifically with SABP. SABP can serve as a marker of defective sperm and may be associated with fertility failure.
Abusive supervision and job-oriented constructive deviance in the hotel industry

Drawing on activation theory, this paper aims to examine the process through which abusive supervision influences job-oriented constructive deviance (JCD) in the hospitality industry. ,Data are collected from 198 employees working with 34 supervisors, at three time points across four hotel groups in Macau. The instantaneous indirect effect and moderated curvilinear effect using established measures are tested. ,First, abusive supervision was positively associated with hotel employees’ job dissatisfaction and their job dissatisfaction had an inverted curvilinear effect on JCD. Second, job dissatisfaction nonlinearly mediated the impact of abusive supervision on JCD. Third, high problem-focused coping decelerated the diminishing benefits of job dissatisfaction on JCD. ,First, organizations should accept employees’ constructive deviance but suppress managers’ abusive supervision. Second, organizations need to improve employees’ problem-focused coping skills and channel job dissatisfaction into constructive and active behaviors. ,Theoretically, the authors test a nonlinearly mediating and moderated curvilinear model and address the research concern on whether, why and how service employees decide to engage in positive deviant behaviors when encountering abusive supervision. Practically, the authors avoid concluding that moderate levels of abusive supervision can promote positive employee behaviors and refrain from justification of abusive supervision in the hospitality context.
Enamel Matrix Derivative has No Effect on the Chondrogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Background: Treatment of large bone defects due to trauma, tumor resection, or congenital abnormalities is challenging. Bone tissue engineering using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represents a promising treatment option. However, the quantity and quality of engineered bone tissue are not sufficient to fill large bone defects. The aim of this study was to determine if the addition of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) improves in vitro chondrogenic priming of MSCs to ultimately improve in vivo MSC mediated endochondral bone formation. Methods: MSCs were chondrogenically differentiated in 2.0 × 105 cell pellets in medium supplemented with TGFβ3 in the absence or presence of 1, 10, or 100 μg/mL EMD. Samples were analyzed for gene expression of RUNX2, Col II, Col X, and Sox9. Protein and glycoaminoglycan (GAG) production were also investigated via DMB assays, histology, and immunohistochemistry. Osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation capacity were also assessed. Results: The addition of EMD did not negatively affect chondrogenic differentiation of adult human MSCs. EMD did not appear to alter GAG production or expression of chondrogenic genes. Osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation were also unaffected though a trend toward decreased adipogenic gene expression was observed. Conclusion: EMD does not affect chondrogenic differentiation of adult human MSCs. As such the use of EMD in combination with chondrogenically primed MSCs for periodontal bone tissue repair is unlikely to have negative effects on MSC differentiation.