Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Probing variations in fundamental constants with radio and optical quasar absorption‐line observations

Nine quasar absorption spectra at 21-cm and ultraviolet (UV) rest-frame wavelengths are used to estimate possible variations in x {triple_bond} {alpha}{sup 2}g{sub p}{mu}, where {alpha} is the fine structure constant, g{sub p} the proton g-factor and {mu} {triple_bond} m{sub e}/m{sub p} is the electron-to-proton mass ratio. We find {sub total}{sup weighted} = (0.63 {+-} 0.99) x 10{sup -5} over a redshift range 0.23 {le} z{sub abs} {le} 2.35 which corresponds to look-back times of 2.7-10.5 billion years. A linear fit against look-back time, tied to {Delta}x/x = 0 at z = 0, gives a best-fitting rate of change of {dot x}/x = (-0.6 {+-} 1.2) x 10{sup -5} yr{sup -1}. We find no evidence for strong angular variations in x across the sky. Our sample is much larger than most previous samples and demonstrates that intrinsic line-of-sight velocity differences between the 21-cm and UV absorption redshifts, which have a random sign and magnitude in each absorption system, limit our precision. The data directly imply that the average magnitude of this difference is {Delta}v{sub los}-6 km s{sup -1}. Combining our {Delta}x/x measurement with absorption-line constraints on {alpha}-variation yields strong limits on the variation of {mu}. Our most conservative estimate, obtained bymore » assuming no variations in {alpha} or g{sub p} is simply {Delta}{mu}/{mu} = {sub total}{sup weighted}. If we use only the four high-redshift absorbers in our sample, we obtain {Delta}{mu}/{mu} = (0.58 {+-} 1.95) x 10{sup -5}, which agrees (2{sigma}) with recent, more direct estimates from two absorption systems containing molecular hydrogen, also at high redshift, and which have hinted at a possible {mu}-variation, {Delta}{mu}/{mu} = (-2.0 {+-} 0.6) x 10{sup -5}. Our method of constraining {Delta}{mu}/{mu} is completely independent from the molecular hydrogen observations. If we include the low-redshift systems, our {Delta}{mu}/{mu} result differs significantly from the high-redshift molecular hydrogen results. We detect a dipole variation in {mu} across the sky, but given the sparse angular distribution of quasar sight lines we find that this model is required by the data at only the 88 percent confidence level. Clearly, much larger samples of 21-cm and molecular hydrogen absorbers are required to adequately resolve the issue of the variation of {mu} and x. « less
The Caenorhabditis elegans Sex Determination Gene mog-1 Encodes a Member of the DEAH-Box Protein Family

ABSTRACT In the Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodite germ line, the sex-determining gene fem-3 is repressed posttranscriptionally to arrest spermatogenesis and permit oogenesis. This repression requires a cis-acting regulatory element in the fem-3 3′ untranslated region; the FBF protein, which binds to this element; and at least six mog genes. In this paper, we report the molecular characterization of mog-1 as well as additional phenotypic characterization of this gene. Themog-1 gene encodes a member of the DEAH-box family. Threemog-1 alleles possess premature stop codons and are likely to be null alleles, and one is a missense mutation and is likely to retain residual activity. mog-1 mRNA is expressed in both germ line and somatic tissues and appears to be ubiquitous. The MOG-1 DEAH-box protein is most closely related to proteins essential for splicing in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but splicing appears to occur normally in a mog-1-null mutant. In addition to its involvement in the sperm-oocyte switch and control of fem-3, zygotic mog-1 is required for robust germ line proliferation and for normal growth during development. We suggest that mog-1 plays a broader role in RNA regulation than previously considered.
Potential Links between Impaired One-Carbon Metabolism Due to Polymorphisms, Inadequate B-Vitamin Status, and the Development of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the major cause of dementia and no preventive or effective treatment has been established to date. The etiology of AD is poorly understood, but genetic and environmental factors seem to play a role in its onset and progression. In particular, factors affecting the one-carbon metabolism (OCM) are thought to be important and elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels, indicating impaired OCM, have been associated with AD. We aimed at evaluating the role of polymorphisms of key OCM enzymes in the etiology of AD, particularly when intakes of relevant B-vitamins are inadequate. Our review indicates that a range of compensatory mechanisms exist to maintain a metabolic balance. However, these become overwhelmed if the activity of more than one enzyme is reduced due to genetic factors or insufficient folate, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and/or vitamin B12 levels. Consequences include increased Hcy levels and reduced capacity to synthetize, methylate and repair DNA, and/or modulated neurotransmission. This seems to favor the development of hallmarks of AD particularly when combined with increased oxidative stress e.g., in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε4 carriers. However, as these effects can be compensated at least partially by adequate intakes of B-vitamins, achieving optimal B-vitamin status for the general population should be a public health priority.
Effects of Ramadan fasting on the physical activity profile of trained Muslim soccer players during a 90-minute match

ABSTRACT Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Ramadan fasting on physical activity profile of soccer players via the satellite global positioning system during a 90-min match played in the Tropics. Methods: Thirteen trained Muslim players locomotor data were averaged over four simulated matches; where two were played in the non-fasted or control (CON) state and two in the Ramadan-fasted (RAM) state. Standardised pre-match diet were consumed at ~12:00 in CON and at ~05:30 in RAM conditions. Questionnaires on sleep hours, mood state and perceived match-readiness were also administered. Players’ training load one week prior to matches was recorded. Results: In RAM condition, players covered a lower total distance (by 12.8 ± 5.8%), and covered less distance within the moderate (22.4 ± 12.0%) and high-speed (35.5 ± 20.1%) zones (all P < 0.025). Players accomplished a lower relative speed throughout the most of the match in RAM compared to CON condition (P < 0.008). Blood glucose, blood lactate and heart rate of the players during match in RAM and CON conditions were equivalent (all P > 0.05), although ratings of perceived exertion were higher before, during and post-match in the RAM vs. CON conditions (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Players’ physical activity profile during a soccer game was adversely affected by Ramadan fasting and this negative impact was already observed in the initial stages of the match.
Long-term effects of trauma: Psychosocial functioning of the second and third generation of Holocaust survivors

The long-term effects of extreme war-related trauma on the second and the third generation of Holocaust survivors (HS) were examined in 88 middle-class families. Differences in functioning between adult offspring of HS (HSO) and a comparison group, as well as the psychosocial functioning of adolescent grandchildren of HS, were studied. Degree of presence of Holocaust in the family was examined in families in which both parents were HSO, either mother or father was HSO, and neither parent was HSO. Mothers' Holocaust background was associated with higher levels of psychological distress and less positive parenting representations. In line with synergic (multiplicative) models of risk, adolescents in families where both parents were HSO perceived their mothers as less accepting and less encouraging independence, and reported less positive self-perceptions than their counterparts. They also perceived their fathers as less accepting and less encouraging independence, showed higher levels of ambivalent attachment style, and according to their peers, demonstrated poorer adjustment during military basic training than their fellow recruits from the one-parent HSO group. Parents and adolescents in the one-parent HSO group functioned similarly to others with no Holocaust background. Parenting variables mediated the association across generations between degree of Holocaust experience in the family of origin of the parents and ambivalent attachment style and self-perception of the adolescents. It is recommended that researchers and clinicians develop awareness of the possible traces of trauma in the second and the third generation despite their sound functioning in their daily lives.Thanks to the families that participated in this study for their willingness to contribute their time and experience and for sharing with us some of their most precious moments. I also thank the very dedicated group of undergraduate and graduate research assistants who were involved in various phases of the research project. Special thanks are due to Inbal Kivenson-Baron for her help in coding of the parenting interviews and to Ofra Mayseless and Hadas Wiseman for their helpful and valuable suggestions regarding an earlier draft. The collection of the data reported here was partly supported by a research grant (awarded to Ofra Mayseless) from the Faculty of Education, University of Haifa.
Optimal Tmax Threshold for Predicting Penumbral Tissue in Acute Stroke

Background and Purpose— We sought to assess whether the volume of the ischemic penumbra can be estimated more accurately by altering the threshold selected for defining perfusion-weighting imaging (PWI) lesions. Methods— DEFUSE is a multicenter study in which consecutive acute stroke patients were treated with intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator 3 to 6 hours after stroke onset. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained before, 3 to 6 hours after, and 30 days after treatment. Baseline and posttreatment PWI volumes were defined according to increasing Tmax delay thresholds (>2, >4, >6, and >8 seconds). Penumbra salvage was defined as the difference between the baseline PWI lesion and the final infarct volume (30-day fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence). We hypothesized that the optimal PWI threshold would provide the strongest correlations between penumbra salvage volumes and various clinical and imaging-based outcomes. Results— Thirty-three patients met the inclusion criteria. The correlation between infarct growth and penumbra salvage volume was significantly better for PWI lesions defined by Tmax >6 seconds versus Tmax >2 seconds, as was the difference in median penumbra salvage volume in patients with a favorable versus an unfavorable clinical response. Among patients who did not experience early reperfusion, the Tmax >4 seconds threshold provided a more accurate prediction of final infarct volume than the >2 seconds threshold. Conclusions— Defining PWI lesions based on a stricter Tmax threshold than the standard >2 seconds delay appears to provide more a reliable estimate of the volume of the ischemic penumbra in stroke patients imaged between 3 and 6 hours after symptom onset. A threshold between 4 and 6 seconds appears optimal for early identification of critically hypoperfused tissue.
Self-Management of Multiple Chronic Conditions by Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Concept Analysis

The proportion of the aging population living with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) is increasing. Self-management is valuable in helping individuals manage MCC. The purpose of this study was to conduct a concept analysis of self-management in community-dwelling older adults with MCC using Walker and Avant’s method. The review included 30 articles published between 2000 and 2017. The following attributes were identified: (a) using financial resources for chronic disease management, (b) acquiring health- and disease-related education, (c) making use of ongoing social supports, (d) responding positively to health changes, (e) ongoing engagement with the health system, and (f) actively participating in sustained disease management. Self-management is a complex process; the presence of these attributes increases the likelihood that an older adult will be successful in managing the symptoms of MCC.
Trade and the Skill Premium in Developing Countries: The Role of Intermediate Goods and Some Evidence from Peru

The rise in income inequality in developing countries after trade liberalization has been a puzzle for trade theory, which predicts the opposite effect. The authors present a model with imported intermediate goods in which the relative wages of skilled labor can rise due to higher imports of inputs or due to skill-biased technological change. The evidence from Peru in the post-liberalization phase in the early 1990s supports the skilled-biased technological change hypothesis. The authors find that most of the decrease in the blue-collar wage share in the manufacturing industries can be explained by the increase in machinery imports that followed liberalization, suggesting that the skilled-biased technology is embodied in imported machinery.
Numerical Solution of Some Types of Fractional Optimal Control Problems

We present two different approaches for the numerical solution of fractional optimal control problems (FOCPs) based on a spectral method using Chebyshev polynomials. The fractional derivative is described in the Caputo sense. The first approach follows the paradigm “optimize first, then discretize” and relies on the approximation of the necessary optimality conditions in terms of the associated Hamiltonian. In the second approach, the state equation is discretized first using the Clenshaw and Curtis scheme for the numerical integration of nonsingular functions followed by the Rayleigh-Ritz method to evaluate both the state and control variables. Two illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the suggested approaches.
The Dark and Bright Sides of Anxiety: A Comprehensive Examination of the Relation between State Anxiety, Trait Anxiety, and Job Performance

Research has consistently tapped into a “dark side” of anxiety by demonstrating that anxiety has a negative relation with performance, while neglecting to consider the possibility of a “bright side” of anxiety by examining whether anxiety can benefit performance. The purpose of this research was to conduct a comprehensive examination of the anxiety and job performance relationship by considering the potential for a dark and bright side. First, I developed a dualprocess model of anxiety outlining the process through which state and trait anxiety might lead to debilitative and facilitative job performance. Drawing from Interference Theory (Wine, 1980), I predicted that anxiety leads to debilitative performance through off-task cognition. Drawing from the Integrative Resource Model (Kanfer & Ackerman, 1989), Processing Efficiency Theory (Eysenck & Calvo, 1992), and Attentional Control Theory (Eysenck, Derakshan, Santos, & Calvo, 2007), I predicted that anxiety leads to facilitative performance through self-regulatory processing. Second, guided by motivation theory (Vroom, 1964), I extended my theoretical model by specifying a condition under which anxiety might lead to debilitative and facilitative performance. Specifically, motivation is predicted to moderate the relationship between anxiety and off-task cognition, and between anxiety and self-regulatory processing. Two controlled
The Optical Signature of Charges in Conjugated Polymers

Electrical charge flowing through organic semiconductors drives many of today’s mobile phone displays and television screens, suggesting an internally consistent model of charge-carrier properties in these materials to have manifested. In conjugated polymers, charges give rise to additional absorption of light at wavelengths longer than those absorbed by the electrically neutral species. These characteristic absorption bands are universally being related to the emergence of localized energy levels shifted into the forbidden gap of organic semiconductors due to local relaxation of the molecular geometry. However, the traditional view on these energy levels and their occupation is incompatible with expected changes in electron removal and addition energies upon charging molecules. Here, I demonstrate that local Coulomb repulsion, as captured by nonempirically optimized electronic-structure calculations, restores compatibility and suggests a different origin of the charge-induced optical transitions. These results challenge a widely accepted and long-established picture, but an improved understanding of charge carriers in molecular materials promises a more targeted development of organic and hybrid organic/inorganic (opto-)electronic devices.
Human Capital, Mortality and Fertility: A Unified Theory of the Economic and Demographic Transition

This paper argues that accounting for the dynamic interactions between endogenous changes in longevity, the education composition of the population, and the associated fertility differential is crucial for understanding the economic and the demographic transition. In the model, heterogeneous individuals make optimal decisions about fertility, education of their children and type and intensity of investments in their own education. The interplay between different dimensions of mortality, and education and fertility decisions delivers a phase transition that replicates stylized facts that previously have been difficult to reconcile. Simulations illustrate the model dynamics and their consistency with historical and cross-country data.
Tree Sequence Kernel for Natural Language

We propose Tree Sequence Kernel (TSK), which implicitly exhausts the structure features of a sequence of subtrees embedded in the phrasal parse tree. By incorporating the capability of sequence kernel, TSK enriches tree kernel with tree sequence features so that it may provide additional useful patterns for machine learning applications. Two approaches of penalizing the substructures are proposed and both can be accomplished by efficient algorithms via dynamic programming. Evaluations are performed on two natural language tasks, i.e. Question Classification and Relation Extraction. Experimental results suggest that TSK outperforms tree kernel for both tasks, which also reveals that the structure features made up of multiple subtrees are effective and play a complementary role to the single tree structure.
The Contribution of Investment Bank and Investor Incentives to Boom-and-Bust Cycles

Boom-and-bust cycles in transaction-driven deals, such as mergers, venture capital financings and IPOs, have abounded over the past 50 years. In this paper, we explore how changes in the financial rewards to both the buyers and sellers of such deals, and the timing of information generation and revelation can contribute to financial cycles. Market participants, including investment banks that underwrite transactions and investors that commit capital, must decide whether to participate in new deals before information about the financial benefits from previous deals is fully revealed. To the extent that underwriters and investors rely on incomplete or stale information to forecast the profitability of current deals, they may underor over-commit resources as profitability changes over time. If the long-term performance of current deals is greater than that of previous deals, investment banks are likely to underwrite fewer deals and investors are likely to commit less capital than later information suggests would have been optimal. If, however, the long-term performance of current deals is lower than that of previous transactions, too much money may chase deals. Although underwriters and investors are acting rationally given the available information at the time, they will appear ex post to have acted irrationally. Using roll-ups of the 1990s, we find empirical support for this rational explanation of booms and busts. We conclude that booms and busts can arise, at least in part, from changes in the financial incentives for investors and underwriters to participate in markets over time and delays in the generation and revelation
Survival and Cardioprotective Benefits of Long-Term Blueberry Enriched Diet in Dilated Cardiomyopathy Following Myocardial Infarction in Rats

Background Despite remarkable progress in treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF) over the last two decades, mortality, personal suffering and cost remain staggering, and effective interventions are still a challenge. Previously we reported that a blueberry-enriched diet (BD) attenuated necroapoptosis and inflammation in periinfarct area in a rat model of myocardial infarction (MI). Objectives To test the hypothesis that BD will attenuate the course of CHF, including mortality and cardiac remodeling during the first year after induction of MI in rats. Method and Results Two weeks after coronary artery ligation, rats were divided into two groups of similar average MI size, measured by echocardiography, and then12-mo dietary regimens were initiated as follows: ad libitum regular diet (control, CD, n = 27) and isocaloric food with 2% blueberry supplement (BD, n = 27) also available ad libitum. These dietary groups were compared to each other and to sham group (SH). Mortality over the 12 mo was reduced by 22% in BD compared with CD (p<0.01). In the course of developing CHF, BD had no effect on the body weight, heart rate or blood pressure. Bi-monthly Echo revealed significant attenuation of the LV chamber remodeling, LV posterior wall thinning, and MI expansion in BD compared with CD. In fact, BD arrested the MI expansion. Conclusion This is the first experimental evidence that a blueberry-enriched diet has positive effects on the course of CHF and thus warrants consideration for clinical evaluation.
Strategic Supply Chain Contracting to Stimulate Downstream Process Innovation

In a supply chain, investments that a rm makes in reducing its own variable costs provide an obvious bene t to its suppliers: All else being equal, lower marginal costs cause the rm to increase its own output, hence increasing consumption of suppliers' outputs. Without pre-commitment to wholesale prices from its supplier(s), a rm will tend to underinvest in cost reduction because of fear of being held-up. Clearly, a supplier to such a rm can eliminate this hold-up problem by pre-committing, instead of remaining °exible with respect to wholesale price. However, by making an advance commitment to wholesale price, it gives up an important means of responding to demand uncertainty. In this paper we examine the trade-o® that is faced by a rm when its downstream channel partner has opportunities to invest in making relationship speci c marginal cost reductions. Should it commit to a price in order to encourage downstream investment in cost reduction, or should it remain °exible with respect to wholesale price in order to respond to demand uncertainty. We discuss several simple wholesale pricing mechanisms with respect to this trade-o®. (Channel Coordination, Channels of Distribution, Industrial Organization, Cost Reducing R&D) ¤(Corresponding Author)The University of Texas at Austin, Management Department, CBA 4.202, Austin, TX 78712, steve.gilbert@bus.utexas. edu yCase Western Reserve University, Department of OR and OM, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 vxc10@po.cwru. edu.