Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The nature of the nearest compact group of galaxies from precise distance measurements

Context. Compact groups (CGs) of galaxies, similar to those catalogued by Hickson, appear to be the densest galaxy structures in the Universe. Redshift information is insufficient to determine whether a CG is roughly as dense in three dimensions as it appears in projection, or whether it is caused by a chance alignment along the line of sight within a larger galaxy system. Aims. Recent precise distance measurements help probe the nature of the nearest CG, situated in the Virgo cluster, whose dominant member is M 60. Methods. The isolated status of the CG is reassessed with recent photometry and a statistical analysis is performed on the surface brightness fluctuation (SBF) distances measured by Mei et al. in Virgo, for 4 of the 5 CG members. Results. The neighboring galaxy NGC 4606 appears (with 80–90% confidence) to be too faint to affect the isolated status of the CG. Taken at face value, the SBF distances suggest that M 59 and NGC 4660 lie roughly 2 Mpc to the foreground of M 60, NGC 4638, and the bulk of the Virgo cluster. The statistical analysis confirms that the CG is, indeed, the result of a chance alignment of its galaxies, with NGC 4638 lying at least 800 kpc further away (with 99% confidence) than either M 59 or NGC 4660. The first two galaxy distances are consistent with M 59 and NGC 4660 constituting a tight pair. The dominant galaxy, M 60, is at least 440 kpc more distant (95% confidence) than the M 59+NGC 4660 pair, and over 1 Mpc (99% confidence) more distant if one uses the broken linear calibration of the SBF distances. Conclusions. This work constitutes the first direct analysis of the nature of a compact group of galaxies. Chance alignments of galaxies represent a realistic alternative to truly dense groups to explain the nature of CGs. With current SBF distance accuracies, one could determine the nature of HCG 68 in the same way.
1 Rehabilitation Planning of Water Distribution 2 Network through a Reliability – Based Risk 3 Assessment 4

The management of existing water distribution system (WDS) is challenged due to ageing 13 of infrastructure, population growth, increasing of urbanization, climate change impacts and 14 environmental pollution. Therefore, there is a need for integrated solutions that support decision 15 makers to plan today the potential interventions, considering the possible consequences and 16 variations in the mid and long term perspective. This research study is part of a more comprehensive 17 project, where advanced hydraulic analysis of WDS is coupled with a dynamic resources input18 output analysis model. The proposed modelling solution could be used for the optimization of the 19 performance of a water supply system while also considering energy consumption and 20 environmental impacts, therefore, providing a robust support tool for the management of water 21 supply systems also in the stage of intervention planning. This work presents a possible application 22 of the proposed method in pipe rehabilitation/replacement planning, based on which the network 23 mechanical reliability is maximized while minimizing, at the same time, the risk of unsupplied 24 water demand and pressure deficit evaluated at nodal level, under given economic constraints. 25
Two Years after Pandemic Influenza A/2009/H1N1: What Have We Learned?

SUMMARY The world had been anticipating another influenza pandemic since the last one in 1968. The pandemic influenza A H1N1 2009 virus (A/2009/H1N1) finally arrived, causing the first pandemic influenza of the new millennium, which has affected over 214 countries and caused over 18,449 deaths. Because of the persistent threat from the A/H5N1 virus since 1997 and the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus in 2003, medical and scientific communities have been more prepared in mindset and infrastructure. This preparedness has allowed for rapid and effective research on the epidemiological, clinical, pathological, immunological, virological, and other basic scientific aspects of the disease, with impacts on its control. A PubMed search using the keywords “pandemic influenza virus H1N1 2009” yielded over 2,500 publications, which markedly exceeded the number published on previous pandemics. Only representative works with relevance to clinical microbiology and infectious diseases are reviewed in this article. A significant increase in the understanding of this virus and the disease within such a short amount of time has allowed for the timely development of diagnostic tests, treatments, and preventive measures. These findings could prove useful for future randomized controlled clinical trials and the epidemiological control of future pandemics.
Testing the General Validity of the Heckscher-Ohlin Theorem: The Natural Experiment of Japan

We exploit Japan’s 19th century move from autarky to free trade to provide the first test of the general validity of the price formulation of the Heckscher-Ohlin theorem. In this formulation a country’s autarky factor price vector imposes a single refutable prediction on the economy’s factor content of trade. Our test combines factor price data from Japan’s late autarky period with Japan’s factor content of trade calculated with the technologies of the country of origin of traded goods. The direct and indirect input requirements are constructed from many historical sources, including a major Japanese survey of agricultural techniques and a rich set of 19th century comparative cost studies. Evaluating Japan’s factor content of trade during 1865-1876 at autarky factor prices, we fail to reject the Heckscher-Ohlin hypothesis in each sample year.
The Implicit Bias of Gradient Descent on Separable Data

We examine gradient descent on unregularized logistic regression problems, with homogeneous linear predictors on linearly separable datasets. We show the predictor converges to the direction of the max-margin (hard margin SVM) solution. The result also generalizes to other monotone decreasing loss functions with an infimum at infinity, to multi-class problems, and to training a weight layer in a deep network in a certain restricted setting. Furthermore, we show this convergence is very slow, and only logarithmic in the convergence of the loss itself. This can help explain the benefit of continuing to optimize the logistic or cross-entropy loss even after the training error is zero and the training loss is extremely small, and, as we show, even if the validation loss increases. Our methodology can also aid in understanding implicit regularization n more complex models and with other optimization methods.
Genetic Variability and Population Structure of the Mushroom Pleurotus eryngii var. tuoliensis

The genetic diversity of 123 wild strains of Pleurotus eryngii var. tuoliensis, which were collected from nine geographical locations in Yumin, Tuoli, and Qinghe counties in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China, was analysed using two molecular marker systems (inter-simple sequence repeat and start codon targeted). At the variety level, the percentage of polymorphic loci and Nei’s gene diversity index for P. eryngii var. tuoliensis was 96.32% and 0.238, respectively. At the population level, Nei’s gene diversity index ranged from 0.149 to 0.218 with an average of 0.186, and Shannon's information index ranged from 0.213 to 0.339 with an average of 0.284. These results revealed the abundant genetic variability in the wild resources of P. eryngii var. tuoliensis. Nei’s gene diversity analysis indicated that the genetic variance was mainly found within individual geographical populations, and the analysis of molecular variance revealed low but significant genetic differentiation among local and regional populations. The limited gene flow (Nm = 1.794) was inferred as a major reason for the extent of genetic differentiation of P. eryngii var. tuoliensis. The results of Mantel tests showed that the genetic distance among geographical populations of P. eryngii var. tuoliensis was positively correlated with the geographical distance and the longitudinal distances (rGo = 0.789 and rLn = 0.873, respectively), which indicates that geographical isolation is an important factor for the observed genetic differentiation. Nine geographical populations of P. eryngii var. tuoliensis were divided into three groups according to their geographical origins, which revealed that the genetic diversity was closely related to the geographical distribution of this wild fungus.
ASSOCIATION OF INTERLEUKIN-10 -1082 A/G (RS1800896) POLYMORPHISM WITH SUSCEPTIBILITY TO GASTRIC CANCER: META-ANALYSIS OF 6,101 CASES AND 8,557 CONTROLS.

BACKGROUND The promoter -1082 A/G (rs1800896) polymorphism of Interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene have been widely reported and considered to have a significant role on gastric cancer risk, but the results are inconsistent. OBJECTIVE To clarify the association, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the associations IL-10 -1082 A/G polymorphism with gastric cancer. METHODS Eligible articles were identified by searching databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to August 03, 2017. Odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the association. RESULTS A total of 30 case-control studies with 6,101 cases and 8,557 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, a significant association between IL-10 -1082 A/G polymorphism and gastric cancer risk was observed under the allele model (G vs A: OR=1.305, 95% CI=1.076-1.584; P=0.007), heterozygote model and (GA vs AA: OR=1.252, 95% CI=1.252-1.054; P=0.011) and dominant model (GG+GA vs AA: OR=1.264, 95% CI=1.053-1.516; P=0.012). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, increased gastric cancer risk were found in Asians under the allele model (G vs A: OR=1.520, 95% CI=1.172-1.973; P=0.002), homozygote model (GG+GA vs AA: OR=1.571, 95% CI=1.023-2.414; P= 0.039), heterozygote model (GA vs AA: OR=1.465, 95% CI=1.192-1.801; P≤0.001) and dominant model (GG+GA vs AA: OR=1.448, 95% CI=1.152-1.821; P=0.002), but not among Caucasian and Latinos populations. CONCLUSION These results suggested that the IL-10 -1082 A/G (rs1800896) polymorphism might contribute to the gastric cancer susceptibility, especially among Asians.
Superconductivity from D3/D7: Holographic Pion Superfluid

We show that a D3/D7 system (in the limit of zero quark mass) at finite isospin chemical potential goes through a superconductor (superfluid) like phase transition. This is similar to a flavored superfluid phase studied in the QCD literature, where mesonic operators condense. We have studied the frequency dependent conductivity of the condensate and found a delta function peak in the zero frequency limit. This is an example of superconductivity in a string theory context. Consequently we have found a superfluid/supercurrent type solution and studied the associated phase diagram. The superconducting transition changes from second order to first order at a critical superfluid velocity. We have studied various properties of the superconducting system like superfluid density, energy gap, second sound etc. We investigate the possibility of the isospin chemical potential modifying the embedding of the flavor branes by checking whether the transverse scalars also condense at low temperatures. This however does not seem to be the case.
Arctic future scenario experiments with a coupled regional climate model

A number of regional Arctic dynamical downscaling scenario experiments are performed with the Rossby Centre Atmosphere Ocean climate model. The simulations are based on IPCC AR4 scenario simulations with the global coupled models BCCR2.0 and ECHAM5/MPI-OM and differ in the surface salinity treatment and lateral boundary conditions. Compared to the global runs, the regional simulations showawarmerArctic, which agrees better to ERA-40 reanalysis data in the 20th century, and a slightly smaller trend in the 21st century. The ECHAM-forced runs show several periods with rapid summer sea ice reductions and partial recovery thereafter. Summer sea ice disappears for the first time around 2040. The large-scale change patterns of sea level pressure (SLP) and air temperature in the regional simulations are mainly dominated by the forcing of the global models but locally significant modifications occur. Pressure is reduced by 1–3 hPa and air temperature increases by 2–4 K in most Arctic regions and up to 10 K where winter sea ice disappears. The largely reduced Arctic sea ice area leads to increased atmospheric variability and more extremes in winter SLP and summer air temperature.
Benefits of Breastfeeding

Experts agree that breast milk is the best food for babies for the first six months of life. It is a healthy choice that offers many benefits for both mother and baby. Breast milk is an excellent source of nutrients and antibodies, and breastfeeding helps to create a strong bond between mother and child. For the mother, it may help to lose weight gained during pregnancy and reduce the chances of developing common diseases like diabetes and breast and ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding is also economical, convenient, and natural. This 5-page fact sheet informs new mothers about why breastfeeding is a great choice. Written by Cassie C. Rowe, Karla P. Shelnutt, and Gail P. A. Kauwell, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, March 2012.
Towards Resolving the Complete Fern Tree of Life

In the past two decades, molecular systematic studies have revolutionized our understanding of the evolutionary history of ferns. The availability of large molecular data sets together with efficient computer algorithms, now enables us to reconstruct evolutionary histories with previously unseen completeness. Here, the most comprehensive fern phylogeny to date, representing over one-fifth of the extant global fern diversity, is inferred based on four plastid genes. Parsimony and maximum-likelihood analyses provided a mostly congruent results and in general supported the prevailing view on the higher-level fern systematics. At a deep phylogenetic level, the position of horsetails depended on the optimality criteria chosen, with horsetails positioned as the sister group either of Marattiopsida-Polypodiopsida clade or of the Polypodiopsida. The analyses demonstrate the power of using a ‘supermatrix’ approach to resolve large-scale phylogenies and reveal questionable taxonomies. These results provide a valuable background for future research on fern systematics, ecology, biogeography and other evolutionary studies.
Joint Toxicity of Different Heavy Metal Mixtures after a Short-Term Oral Repeated-Administration in Rats

The systemic toxicity of different combinations of heavy metal mixtures (HMMs) was studied according to equivalent proportions of the eight most common detectable heavy metals found in fish consumption in the Ningbo area of China. The ion mass proportions of Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Ni, Cd, Pb, and Hg were 1070.0, 312.6, 173.1, 82.6, 30.0, 13.3, 6.6, and 1.0, respectively. In this study, 10 experimental groups were set as follows: M8 (Pb + Cd + Hg + Ni + Cu + Zn + Mn + Cr); M5 (Pb + Cd + Hg + Ni + Cr); M4A (Pb + Cd + Hg + Ni); M4B (Cu + Zn + Mn + Cr); M3 (Cu + Zn + Mn); Cr; Cu; Zn; Mn; and control. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were orally treated with a single dose of each group every three days (10 times in total) for 34 days. After Morris water maze test, blood and tissue samples were collected to obtain biochemical, histopathological and western blot analysis. Results show abnormalities could be observed in different treatment groups, the M4B combination had the most significant change compared to all other groups. In conclusion, combination HMMs may have adverse effects on the hematologic, hepatic, renal and neurobehavioral function, and may also disturb electrolyte and lipid balance. Why M4B combination generated much higher toxic effects than any other combination mixtures or individual heavy metal needs to be further evaluated.
Changes in Fish Assemblages following the Establishment of a Network of No-Take Marine Reserves and Partially-Protected Areas

Networks of no-take marine reserves and partially-protected areas (with limited fishing) are being increasingly promoted as a means of conserving biodiversity. We examined changes in fish assemblages across a network of marine reserves and two different types of partially-protected areas within a marine park over the first 5 years of its establishment. We used Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) to quantify fish communities on rocky reefs at 20–40 m depth between 2008–2011. Each year, we sampled 12 sites in 6 no-take marine reserves and 12 sites in two types of partially-protected areas with contrasting levels of protection (n = 4 BRUV stations per site). Fish abundances were 38% greater across the network of marine reserves compared to the partially-protected areas, although not all individual reserves performed equally. Compliance actions were positively associated with marine reserve responses, while reserve size had no apparent relationship with reserve performance after 5 years. The richness and abundance of fishes did not consistently differ between the two types of partially-protected areas. There was, therefore, no evidence that the more regulated partially-protected areas had additional conservation benefits for reef fish assemblages. Overall, our results demonstrate conservation benefits to fish assemblages from a newly established network of temperate marine reserves. They also show that ecological monitoring can contribute to adaptive management of newly established marine reserve networks, but the extent of this contribution is limited by the rate of change in marine communities in response to protection.
Validity of Accelerometry to Measure Physical Activity Intensity in Children With an Acquired Brain Injury

Purpose: To evaluate the validity of the ActiGraph accelerometer (AG) to differentiate between standardized, physical activity tasks using oxygen consumption ( O2) as the criterion measure in children and adolescents with an acquired brain injury; to determine vector magnitude activity intensity cut-points; to compare performance of cut-points to previously published cut-points. Methods: Twenty-seven children performed standardized walking and stepping activities wearing a portable indirect calorimeter, AG, and heart rate monitor. Differences in O2 and AG vector magnitude activity counts were measured during activities. Receiver operating characteristic curves were determined for intensity cut-points. Results: O2 and AG activity counts significantly increased as walking speed increased. Discrimination of the newly derived cut-points was excellent and demonstrated greater agreement compared with the previously published cut-points. Conclusion: Output from accelerometers can differentiate physical activity intensity in children with an acquired brain injury. Future studies can apply these cut-points to evaluate physical activity performance.
Evidence of both systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation in fibromyalgia patients, as assessed by a multiplex protein panel applied to the cerebrospinal fluid and to plasma

In addition to central hyperexcitability and impaired top–down modulation, chronic inflammation probably plays a role in the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia (FM). Indeed, on the basis of both animal experiments and human studies involving the analysis of cytokines and other inflammation-related proteins in different body fluids, neuroinflammatory mechanisms are considered to be central to the pathophysiology of many chronic pain conditions. However, concerning FM, previous human plasma/serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytokine studies have looked only at a few predetermined cytokine candidates. Instead of analyzing only a few substances at a time, we used a new multiplex protein panel enabling simultaneous analysis of 92 inflammation-related proteins. Hence, we investigated the CSF and plasma inflammatory profiles of 40 FM patients compared with CSF from healthy controls (n=10) and plasma from blood donor controls (n=46). Using multivariate data analysis by projection, we found evidence of both neuroinflammation (as assessed in CSF) and chronic systemic inflammation (as assessed in plasma). Two groups of proteins (one for CSF and one for plasma) highly discriminating between patients and controls are presented. Notably, we found high levels of CSF chemokine CX3CL1 (also known as fractalkine). In addition, previous findings concerning IL-8 in FM were replicated, in both CSF and plasma. This is the first time that such an extensive inflammatory profile has been described for FM patients. Hence, FM seems to be characterized by objective biochemical alterations, and the lingering characterization of its mechanisms as essentially idiopathic or even psychogenic should be seen as definitively outdated.
Activation of Pro-apoptotic Caspases in Non-apoptotic Cells During Odontogenesis and Related Osteogenesis

Caspases are well known proteases in the context of inflammation and apoptosis. Recently, novel roles of pro-apoptotic caspases have been reported, including findings related to the development of hard tissues. To further investigate these emerging functions of pro-apoptotic caspases, the in vivo localisation of key pro-apoptotic caspases (-3,-6,-7,-8, and -9) was assessed, concentrating on the development of two neighbouring hard tissues, cells participating in odontogenesis (represented by the first mouse molar) and intramembranous osteogenesis (mandibular/alveolar bone). The expression of the different caspases within the developing tissues was correlated with the apoptotic status of the cells, to produce a picture of whether different caspases have potentially distinct, or overlapping non-apoptotic functions. The in vivo investigation was additionally supported by examination of caspases in an osteoblast-like cell line in vitro. Caspases-3,-7, and -9 were activated in apoptotic cells of the primary enamel knot of the first molar; however, caspase-7 and -8 activation was also associated with the non-apoptotic enamel epithelium at the same stage and later with differentiating/differentiated odontoblasts and ameloblasts. In the adjacent bone, active caspases-7 and -8 were present abundantly in the prenatal period, while the appearance of caspases-3,-6, and -9 was marginal. Perinatally, caspases-3 and -7 were evident in some osteoclasts and osteoblastic cells, and caspase-8 was abundant mostly in osteoclasts. In addition, postnatal activation of caspases-7 and -8 was retained in osteocytes. The results provide a comprehensive temporo-spatial pattern of pro-apoptotic caspase activation, and demonstrate both unique and overlapping activation in non-apoptotic cells during development of the molar tooth and mandibular/alveolar bone. The importance of caspases in osteogenic pathways is highlighted by caspase inhibition in osteoblast-like cells, which led to a significant decrease in osteocalcin expression, supporting a role in hard tissue cell differentiation.