Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Science with the space-based interferometer LISA. V: Extreme mass-ratio inspirals

The space-based Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) will be able to observe the gravitational-wave signals from systems comprised of a massive black hole and a stellar-mass compact object. These systems are known as extreme-mass-ratio inspirals (EMRIs) and are expected to complete ∼104–105 cycles in band, thus allowing exquisite measurements of their parameters. In this work, we attempt to quantify the astrophysical uncertainties affecting the predictions for the number of EMRIs detectable by LISA, and find that competing astrophysical assumptions produce a variance of about three orders of magnitude in the expected intrinsic EMRI rate. However, we find that irrespective of the astrophysical model, at least a few EMRIs per year should be detectable by the LISA mission, with up to a few thousands per year under the most optimistic astrophysical assumptions. We also investigate the precision with which LISA will be able to extract the parameters of these sources. We find that typical fractional statistical errors with which the intrinsic parameters (redshifted masses, massive black hole spin and orbital eccentricity) can be recovered are ∼10-6–10-4. Luminosity distance (which is required to infer true masses) is inferred to about 10% precision and sky position is localized to a few square degrees, while tests of the multipolar structure of the Kerr metric can be performed to percent-level precision or better.
Hybrid optimal control of dry clutch engagement

Lately, with the increasing use of automated manual transmissions (AMT) the engagement control of the dry clutch becomes more important. The engagement control plays a crucial role, since different and conflicting objectives have to be satisfied: preservation of driver comfort, fast engagement and small friction losses. In this paper two optimal control strategies for clutch engagement, based on hybrid control principles, are compared. For developing a useful clutch control scheme, the driveline is modelled as a piecewise linear system. The first control strategy is widely known as explicit MPC. However, it seems that it is not suitable (yet) for this type of problem. The second strategy is a piecewise LQ controller, based on piecewise quadratic Lyapunov functions. Simulation results obtained with both strategies are presented and discussed.
Headache and Hysteria

The concepts of Hysteria, Hypochondriasis and Hysterical Personality are reviewed and their relationship to pain and headache examined. It is further noted that many patients with supposed “tension headache” do not respond to measures which relieve anxiety. Electromyographic studies indicate that “tension headache” is not associated with the expected amounts of frontalis muscle tension. It is argued that much headache cannot be explained in organic terms or as a result of muscle tension and that hysterical mechanisms are important in causing it.
Whole Exome Sequencing Identifies Novel Genes for Fetal Hemoglobin Response to Hydroxyurea in Children with Sickle Cell Anemia

Hydroxyurea has proven efficacy in children and adults with sickle cell anemia (SCA), but with considerable inter-individual variability in the amount of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) produced. Sibling and twin studies indicate that some of that drug response variation is heritable. To test the hypothesis that genetic modifiers influence pharmacological induction of HbF, we investigated phenotype-genotype associations using whole exome sequencing of children with SCA treated prospectively with hydroxyurea to maximum tolerated dose (MTD). We analyzed 171 unrelated patients enrolled in two prospective clinical trials, all treated with dose escalation to MTD. We examined two MTD drug response phenotypes: HbF (final %HbF minus baseline %HbF), and final %HbF. Analyzing individual genetic variants, we identified multiple low frequency and common variants associated with HbF induction by hydroxyurea. A validation cohort of 130 pediatric sickle cell patients treated to MTD with hydroxyurea was genotyped for 13 non-synonymous variants with the strongest association with HbF response to hydroxyurea in the discovery cohort. A coding variant in Spalt-like transcription factor, or SALL2, was associated with higher final HbF in this second independent replication sample and SALL2 represents an outstanding novel candidate gene for further investigation. These findings may help focus future functional studies and provide new insights into the pharmacological HbF upregulation by hydroxyurea in patients with SCA.
Extending wireless algorithm design to arbitrary environments via metricity

Efficient spectrum use in wireless sensor networks through spatial reuse requires effective models of packet reception at the physical layer in the presence of interference. Despite recent progress in analytic and simulations research into worst-case behavior from interference effects, these efforts generally assume geometric path loss and isotropic transmission, assumptions which have not been borne out in experiments. Our paper aims to provide a methodology for grounding theoretical results into wireless interference in experimental reality. We develop a new framework for wireless algorithms in which distance-based path loss is replaced by an arbitrary gain matrix, typically obtained by measurements of received signal strength (RSS). We experimentally evaluate the framework in two indoors testbeds with 20 and 60~motes, and confirm superior predictive performance in packet reception rate for a gain matrix model over a geometric distance-based model. At the heart of our approach is a new parameter ζ called metricity which indicates how close the gain matrix is to a distance metric, effectively measuring the complexity of the environment. A powerful theoretical feature of this parameter is that all known SINR scheduling algorithms that work in general metric spaces carry over to arbitrary gain matrices and achieve equivalent performance guarantees in terms of ζ as previously obtained in terms of the path loss constant. Our experiments confirm the sensitivity of ζ to the nature of the environment. Finally, we show analytically and empirically how multiple channels can be leveraged to improve metricity and thereby performance. We believe our contributions will facilitate experimental validation for recent advances in algorithms for physical wireless interference models.
Perspective : coordinating paleoclimate research on tropical cyclones with hurricane-climate theory and modelling

Extending the meteorological record back in time can offer critical data for assessing tropical cyclone-climate links. While paleotempestology, the study of ancient storms, can provide a more realistic view of past ‘worst case scenarios’, future environmental conditions may have no analogues in the paleoclimate record. The primary value in paleotempestology proxy records arises from their ability to quantify climate–tropical cyclone interactions by sampling tropical cyclone activity during pre-historic periods with a wider range of different climates. New paleotempestology proxies are just beginning to be applied, encouraging new collaboration between the paleo and tropical cyclone dynamics communities. The aim of this paper is to point out some paths toward closer coordination by outlining target needs of the tropical cyclone theory and modelling community and potential contributions of the paleotempestology community. We review recent advances in paleotempestology, summarize the range of types and quality of paleodata generation, and identify future research opportunities for paleotempestology, tropical cyclone dynamics and climate change impacts and attribution communities.
Altered renal hemodynamics and impaired myogenic responses in the fawn-hooded rat

Van Dokkum, Richard P. E. , Cheng-Wen Sun, Abraham P. Provoost, Howard J. Jacob, and Richard J. Roman. Altered renal hemodynamics and impaired myogenic responses in the fawn-hooded rat. Am. J. Physiol. 276 (Regulatory Integrative Comp. Physiol. 45): R855–R863, 1999. —The present study examined whether an abnormality in the myogenic response of renal arterioles that impairs autoregulation of renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular capillary pressure (PGC) contributes to the development of renal damage in fawn-hooded hypertensive (FHH) rats. Autoregulation of whole kidney, cortical, and medullary blood flow and PGC were compared in young (12 wk old) FHH and fawn-hooded low blood pressure (FHL) rats in volume-replete and volume-expanded conditions. Baseline RBF, cortical and medullary blood flow, and PGC were significantly greater in FHH than in FHL rats. Autoregulation of renal and cortical blood flow was significantly impaired in FHH rats compared with results obtained in FHL rats. Myogenically mediated autoregulation of PGC was significantly greater in FHL than in FHH rats. PGC rose from 46 6 1 to 71 6 2 mmHg in response to an increase in renal perfusion pressure from 100 to 150 mmHg in FHH rats, whereas it only increased from 39 6 2 to 53 6 1 mmHg in FHL rats. Isolated perfused renal interlobular arteries from FHL rats constricted by 10% in response to elevations in transmural pressure from 70 to 120 mmHg. In contrast, the diameter of vessels from FHH rats increased by 15%. These results indicate that the myogenic response of small renal arteries is altered in FHH rats, and this contributes to an impaired autoregulation of renal blood flow and elevations in PGC in this strain.
Gilded gait: reshaping the urban experience with augmented footsteps

In this paper we describe Gilded Gait, a system that changes the perceived physical texture of the ground, as felt through the soles of users' feet. Ground texture, in spite of its potential as an effective channel of peripheral information display, has so far been paid little attention in HCI research. The system is designed as a pair of insoles with embedded actuators, and utilizes vibrotactile feedback to simulate the perceptions of a range of different ground textures. The discreet, low-key nature of the interface makes it particularly suited for outdoor use, and its capacity to alter how people experience the built environment may open new possibilities in urban design.
Evidence of turbulence-like universality in the formation of galaxy-sized dark matter haloes

Context. Although the theoretical understanding of the nonlinear gravitational clustering has greatly advanced in the last dec ades, in particular by the outstanding improvement on numerical N-body simulations, the physics behind this process is not fully elucidate d. Aims. The main goal of this work is the study of the possibility of a turbulent-like physical process in the formation of structu res, galaxies and clusters of galaxies, by the action of gravity alone. Methods. We use simulation data from the Virgo Consortium, in ten redshift snapshots (from 0 to 10). From this we identify galaxy-sized and cluster-sized dark matter haloes, by using a FoF algorithm and applying a boundedness criteria, and study the gravitational potential energy spectra. Results. We find that the galaxy-sized haloes energy spectrum follows closely a Kolmogorov’s power law, similar to the behaviour o f dynamically turbulent processes in fluids. Conclusions. This means that the gravitational clustering of dark matter may admit a turbulent-like representation.
Factors influencing the decision-making of parental HIV disclosure: a socio-ecological approach

Objectives:Using the socio-ecological approach, the current study aims to identify facilitators and barriers to decision-making regarding parental HIV disclosure or nondisclosure at intrapersonal, interpersonal, and sociocultural levels; and examine the unique contribution of factors at different level of influences to the decision of disclosure or nondisclosure. Design:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among people living with HIV in Guangxi, China. A sub-sample of 1254 participants, who had children aged 5–16 years, was included in the data analysis in the current study. Methods:Multivariate models using hierarchical logistic regression were employed to assess the association of parental decision regarding HIV disclosure to children with various factors at intrapersonal, interpersonal, and sociocultural levels controlling background characteristics, and detect the level-specific influence on disclosure decision. Results:Positive coping with HIV infection and a good parent–child relationship facilitated parental HIV disclosure; whereas high level of resilience and fears of parental HIV disclosure impeded their decisions to talk about HIV status to their children. In addition, the current study recognized specific contribution of multiple ecological levels to parental decisions regarding disclosure to children. Conclusion:The socio-ecological model is a promising theoretical framework to guide further studies and interventions related to parental HIV disclosure. Directions for further studies using socio-ecological approach were also discussed.
Outbreak of malignant catarrhal fever among cattle associated with a state livestock exhibition.

CASE DESCRIPTION Severe disease and death were identified in cattle exhibited at a state fair that were naturally infected with ovine herpesvirus type 2 (OvHV-2). CLINICAL FINDINGS Most affected cattle had anorexia, signs of depression, diarrhea, fever, and respiratory distress ultimately leading to death. Mean duration of clinical signs prior to death was 6 days (range, 1 to 26 days). Mean number of days between apparent exposure and death was 71 days (range, 46 to 139 days). TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES 19 of 132 cattle cohoused in 1 barn died of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF). The diagnosis of sheep-associated MCF was confirmed on the basis of results of an OvHV-2-specific PCR assay performed on tissue samples obtained from affected cattle. The disease was associated but not significantly with distance from the center of the barn and was not associated with distance from the center of the sheep pens. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Outbreaks of MCF in cattle are unusual, particularly in association with livestock exhibitions. Because the clinical signs may be similar to those of some transboundary diseases, cases of MCF should be reported and investigated. Findings for this outbreak provided evidence to suggest that fair boards and veterinarians should reexamine biosecurity recommendations for livestock exhibitions.
Factors Related to Students' Learning of Biomechanics Concepts

The purpose of this study was to replicate and expand a previous study to identify the factors that affect students’ learning of biomechanical concepts. Students were recruited from three universities (N = 149) located in the central and western regions of the United States. Data from 142 students completing the Biomechanics Concept Inventory (BCI) as pretest, posttest, and a 19-question behavior and characteristic survey over the course of a semester were collected to investigate the factors that assisted in learning. Students
Crystal Structure of a Vflip – Ikkγ Complex: Insights into Viral Activation of the Ikk Signalosome

The transcription factor NF-κB initiates gene expression in response to a variety of cell stimuli and is essential for animal life, although its over-expression and deregulation is closely linked to cancer development. In non-dividing cells it is " off " and associated with inhibitory proteins; it is activated by the degradation of these. The first step in initiating degradation is phosphorylation of the inhibitory proteins by a protein complex termed the IKK complex, or signalosome. Some viruses contain proteins known as vFLIPs that interact with, and activate, the signalosome, thus triggering the degradation of the inhibitory proteins, the activation of NK-κB, and cell division. Tracey Barrett of the School of Crystallography, Birkbeck College, London, and a core member of the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, and her colleagues have now solved the X-ray crystal structure of vFLIP from the Kaposi's sarcoma herpes virus (KSHV) bound to its host target IKKγ, shedding light on the mechanisms through which this viral protein activates the signalosome. Kaposi's sarcoma herpes virus or human herpesvirus 8 is best known as the causative agent of Kaposi's sarcoma [2], a skin cancer which is rare in people with intact immune systems but is commonly associated with HIV infection and is one of the infectious diseases that the World Health Organisation defines as indicative of full-blown AIDS 1. This virus, and others that similarly cause proliferative diseases, hijacks the signalling pathways that control division in normal cells through activation of NF-kB. The clumsily named viral Fas-associated death domain interleukin-1β-converting enzyme inhibitor protein (ks-vFLIP) is homologous to, and has a similar function to, proteins in animal cells that turn this pathway on through interactions with the IKK complex, or signalosome: with the crucial difference that vFLIP is present in, and sends proliferative signals to, all infected cells. The signalosome is a dynamic, multi-protein assembly in which one subunit, known as IKKγ, regulates the first kinase to be activated, IKKβ. IKKγ may therefore be thought of as a " molecular switch " ; it has been associated with many other proteins including DNA repair proteins and phosphatases, and mutations that reduce its activity have been implicated in a range of genetic disorders. Previous studies have indicated that ks-vFLIP interacts directly with IKKγ [3, 4] but, although the structure of a homologous vFLIP protein from a pox virus is available [5], no
Expression of IL-7 receptor in human peripheral regulatory T cells

Introduction Regulatory T cells (Tregs, CD4 + CD25high Foxp3+) play a crucial role in allergy and other inflammatory diseases. However, the isolation of viable Tregs on the basis of intracellular expression of specific Forkhead Box Protein P3 (Foxp3) is difficult. In this study we checked if the expression of IL-7 receptor (CD127) on the Tregs could be a useful marker for isolation of viable Treg Foxp3+ cells. Material and methods Twenty-five patients sensitized to grass pollen with allergic rhinitis (AR) and ten healthy subjects were included. We compared Foxp3 expression in different CD4+ T cell subsets by flow cytometry and we assessed the relationship between the expression of Foxp3 and CD127 within regulatory T cells. Results Within the CD4+ lymphocytes 3.68 ±2.0% showed expression of Foxp3, 51.82 ±8.03% of CD4+CD25high were Foxp3 positive (Foxp3+), whereas 82.12 ±5.4% of CD4+CD25highCD127low were Foxp3+. High intracellular expression of Foxp3 correlated with low superficial CD127 expression (r = 0.42, p = 0.017). There were no significant differences regarding the analysed markers between AR patients and healthy controls. Conclusions Regulatory T cells may be purified from the fresh peripheral blood as viable regulatory Foxp3 bright cells using CD4, high expression of CD25 and low expression of CD127 antigen.
Guarded evaluation: pushing power management to logic synthesis/design

The need to reduce the power consumption of the next generation of digital systems is clearly recognized at all levels of system design. At the system level, power management is a very powerful technique and delivers large and unambiguous savings. The ideas behind power management can be extended to the logic level. This would involve determining which parts of a circuit are computing results that will be used and which are not. The parts that are not needed are then "shut off. " This paper describes an approach termed guarded evaluation, which is an implementation of this idea. A theoretical framework and the algorithms that form the basis of the approach are presented. The underlying idea is to automatically determine the parts of the circuit that can be disabled on a per-clock-cycle basis. This saves the power used in all the useless transitions in those parts of the circuit. Initial experiments indicate substantial power savings and the strong potential of this approach for a large number of benchmark circuits. While this paper presents the development of these ideas at the logic level of design, the same ideas have direct application at the register-transfer level of design also.
Influenza like Illness among Medical Residents Anticipates Influenza Diffusion in General Population: Data from a National Survey among Italian Medical Residents

The aim of this multicentre study was to assess incidence of influenza like illness (ILI) among Italian medical residents (MRs) during 2011–2012 influenza season, to detect variables associated with ILI and to compare estimated ILI incidence among MRs and general population. A cross-sectional survey was carried out throughout an anonymous questionnaire administered to all MRs attending the post-graduate medical schools of 18 Italian Universities. At the same time an analysis of the ILI incidence in the Italian general population was conducted through the Italian Influenza Surveillance Network. Of a total of 2,506 MRs, 1,191 (47.5%) reported at least one ILI episode. A higher proportion of ILIs was reported by MRs of Central (25.0% with ILI vs 20.2% without ILI) and Southern Italy (40.2% with ILI vs. 36.4 without ILI) compared to Northern Italy (34.8% with ILI vs. 43.4% without ILI) (p<0.001). Italian MRs had a higher cumulative incidence of ILIs (546.7 episodes per 1,000 vs. 75.9 episodes per 1,000) and an earlier peak (January 2012 vs. February 2012), compared to general population due to higher number of contacts in hospital setting. MRs reported a high rate of ILI infection probably in association with their working activities. These data suggest the need to offer an earlier influenza vaccination to HCWs than general population with the aim to both prevent ILI and its transmission to patients.
Microwave leakage-induced frequency shifts in the primary frequency Standards NIST-F1 and IEN-CSF1

In atomic fountain primary frequency standards, the atoms ideally are subjected to microwave fields resonant with the ground-state, hyperfine splitting only during the two pulses of Ramsey's separated oscillatory field measurement scheme. As a practical matter, however, stray microwave fields can be present that shift the frequency of the central Ramsey fringe and, therefore, adversely affect the accuracy of the standard. We investigate these uncontrolled stray fields here and show that the frequency errors can be measured, and indeed even the location within the standard determined by the behavior of the measured frequency with respect to microwave power in the Ramsey cavity. Experimental results that agree with the theory are presented as well
Stress Detection Using Heart Rate Variability

In today’s world stress is one of the major factor leading to health problem. The diagnosis and the solution is mainly dependent on how experienced the clinician is in determining the factors of stress. The stress can be identified on the basis of parameters such as Galvanic Skin Response(GSR),Heart Rate(HR), Body Temperature, Blood Pressure(BP) which provides detailed information of the state of mind of a person . These parameter’s defer from person on the basis of their body condition, age, gender and experience. In this paper ,we have focused on heart rate variability(HRV) as major technique for determining stress. HRV serves as a substitute for “vertical integration” of the brain mechanism that guide flexible control over behavior with peripheral physiology and thus it provides an important way of understanding stress and health.