Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The space density of cataclysmic variables: constraints from the ROSAT North Ecliptic Pole survey

We use the ROSAT North Ecliptic Pole (NEP) survey to construct a small, but purely X-ray flux-limited sample of cataclysmic variable stars (CVs). The sample includes only four systems, two of which (RX J1715.6+6856 and RX J1831.7+6511) are new discoveries. We present time-resolved spectroscopy of the new CVs and measure orbital periods of 1.64 ± 0.02 and 4.01 ± 0.03 h for RX J1715.6+6856 and RX J1831.7+6511, respectively. We also estimate distances for all the CVs in our sample, based mainly on their apparent brightness in the infrared. The space density of the CV population represented by our small sample is 1.1 +2.3 −0.7 × 10 −5 pc −3 . We can also place upper limits on the space density of any subpopulation of CVs too faint to be included in the NEP survey. In particular, we show that if the overall space density of CVs is as high as 2 × 10 −4 pc −3 (as has been predicted theoretically), the vast majority of CVs must be fainter than LX � 2 × 10 29 erg s −1 .
Haemostasis in Migraine

There has been much discussion about the role of platelets in the pathogenesis of migraine. A new in vitro technique using a custom built device called the Haemostatometer measures haemostasis, thrombolysis, and coagulation from non-anticoagulated, undiluted (native) blood. Using this device, data were analysed from blood samples taken from 10 migraineurs between attacks and 10 control subjects. Results showed no difference in haemostasis, spontaneous thrombolysis or coagulation between migraineurs and control subjects.
On the Automatic Learning of Sentiment Lexicons

This paper describes a simple and principled approach to automatically construct sentiment lexicons using distant supervision. We induce the sentiment association scores for the lexicon items from a model trained on a weakly supervised corpora. Our empirical findings show that features extracted from such a machine-learned lexicon outperform models using manual or other automatically constructed sentiment lexicons. Finally, our system achieves the state-of-the-art in Twitter Sentiment Analysis tasks from Semeval-2013 and ranks 2nd best in Semeval-2014 according to the average rank.
Allosteric Regulation of HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase by ATP for Nucleotide Selection

Background Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase (HIV-1 RT) is a DNA polymerase that converts viral RNA genomes into proviral DNAs. How HIV-1 RT regulates nucleotide selectivity is a central issue for genetics and the nucleoside analog RT inhibitor (NRTI) resistance of HIV-1. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we show that an ATP molecule at physiological concentrations acts as an allosteric regulator of HIV-1 RT to decrease the Km value of the substrate, decrease the kcat value, and increase the Ki value of NRTIs for RT. Computer-assisted structural analyses and mutagenesis studies suggested the positions of the ATP molecule and NRTI-resistance mutations during a catalytic reaction, which immediately predict possible influences on nucleotide insertion into the catalytic site, the DNA polymerization, and the excision reaction. Conclusions/Significance These data imply that the ATP molecule and NRTI mutations can modulate nucleotide selectivity by altering the fidelity of the geometric selection of nucleotides and the probability of an excision reaction.
High Expression of sLex Associated with Poor Survival in Argentinian Colorectal Cancer Patients

Aim Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies in Argentina with 11,043 new cases and 6,596 deaths estimated to have occurred in 2008. The present study was developed to clarify the differential expression of MUC1, MUC2, sLex, and sLea in colorectal cancer patients and their relationship with survival and clinical and histological features. Methods Ninety primary tumor samples and 43 metastatic lymph nodes from CRC patients were studied; follow-up was documented. Twenty-six adenoma and 68 histological normal mucosa specimens were analyzed. An immunohistochemical approach was applied and statistical analysis was performed. Results In tumor samples, MUC1, sLea, and sLex were highly expressed (94%, 67%, and 91%, respectively); also, we found a significantly increased expression of the 3 antigens in primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes compared with normal mucosa and adenomas. MUC2 was expressed in 52% of both normal mucosa and CRC samples; this reactivity significantly decreased in metastatic lymph nodes (p<0.05). A multiple comparison analysis showed that MUC1 and sLex discriminated among 3 groups: normal, adenoma, and CRC tissues. The increase of sLex expression showed an association with recurrence, and survival analysis showed that a high sLex staining was significantly associated with a poor survival. By multivariate analysis MUC1 inmunoreactivity correlated positively and significantly with tumor size, while MUC2 expression showed the opposite correlation. Conclusions The correlation of sLex overexpression in primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes, the discrimination among the normal, adenoma, and CRC groups based on sLex expression, as well as its association with recurrence and survival, all suggest a prognostic role of sLex in Argentinian CRC patients.
Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: Prion Pathology in Medulla Oblongata—Possible Routes of Infection and Host Susceptibility

Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD), the most frequent human prion disorder, is characterized by remarkable phenotypic variability, which is influenced by the conformation of the pathologic prion protein and the methionine/valine polymorphic codon 129 of the prion protein gene. While the etiology of sCJD remains unknown, it has been hypothesized that environmental exposure to prions might occur through conjunctival/mucosal contact, oral ingestion, inhalation, or simultaneous involvement of the olfactory and enteric systems. We studied 21 subjects with definite sCJD to assess neuropathological involvement of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus and other medullary nuclei and to evaluate possible associations with codon 129 genotype and prion protein conformation. The present data show that prion protein deposition was detected in medullary nuclei of distinct sCJD subtypes, either valine homozygous or heterozygous at codon 129. These findings suggest that an “environmental exposure” might occur, supporting the hypothesis that external sources of contamination could contribute to sCJD in susceptible hosts. Furthermore, these novel data could shed the light on possible causes of sCJD through a “triple match” hypothesis that identify environmental exposure, host genotype, and direct exposure of specific anatomical regions as possible pathogenetic factors.
Empirical and Theoretical Aspects of Generation and Transfer of Information in a Neuromagnetic Source Network

Variability in source dynamics across the sources in an activated network may be indicative of how the information is processed within a network. Information-theoretic tools allow one not only to characterize local brain dynamics but also to describe interactions between distributed brain activity. This study follows such a framework and explores the relations between signal variability and asymmetry in mutual interdependencies in a data-driven pipeline of non-linear analysis of neuromagnetic sources reconstructed from human magnetoencephalographic (MEG) data collected as a reaction to a face recognition task. Asymmetry in non-linear interdependencies in the network was analyzed using transfer entropy, which quantifies predictive information transfer between the sources. Variability of the source activity was estimated using multi-scale entropy, quantifying the rate of which information is generated. The empirical results are supported by an analysis of synthetic data based on the dynamics of coupled systems with time delay in coupling. We found that the amount of information transferred from one source to another was correlated with the difference in variability between the dynamics of these two sources, with the directionality of net information transfer depending on the time scale at which the sample entropy was computed. The results based on synthetic data suggest that both time delay and strength of coupling can contribute to the relations between variability of brain signals and information transfer between them. Our findings support the previous attempts to characterize functional organization of the activated brain, based on a combination of non-linear dynamics and temporal features of brain connectivity, such as time delay.
The Pathology of Endometriosis: A Survey of the Many Faces of a Common Disease Emphasizing Diagnostic Pitfalls and Unusual and Newly Appreciated Aspects

Although the histologic diagnosis of endometriosis is usually straightforward, many diagnostic problems can arise as a result of alterations or absence of its glandular or stromal components. The diagnostic difficulty in such cases can be compounded by tissue that is limited to a small biopsy specimen. The appearance of the glandular component can be altered by hormonal and metaplastic changes, as well as cytologic atypia and hyperplasia. Although the last 2 findings are often referred to collectively as “atypical endometriosis,” they should be separately recognized as their premalignant potential likely differs. In some cases, the endometriotic glands are sparse or even absent (stromal endometriosis). The stromal component can be obscured or effaced by infiltrates of foamy and pigmented histiocytes, fibrosis, elastosis, smooth muscle metaplasia, myxoid change, and decidual change. Occasional findings in endometriosis that may raise concern for a neoplasm include necrotic pseudoxanthomatous nodules, polypoid growth (polypoid endometriosis), bulky disease, and venous, lymphatic, or perineural invasion. Inflammatory and reactive changes within, adjacent to, or at a distance from foci of endometriosis can complicate the histologic findings and include infection within endometriotic cysts, pseudoxanthomatous salpingitis, florid mesothelial hyperplasia, peritoneal inclusion cysts, and Liesegang rings. The histologic diagnosis of endometriosis can also be challenging when it involves an unusual or unexpected site. Five such site-specific problematic areas considered are endometriosis on or near the ovarian surface, superficial cervical endometriosis, vaginal endometriosis, tubal endometriosis, and intestinal endometriosis, including the important distinction of an endometrioid carcinoma arising from colonic endometriosis from a primary colonic adenocarcinoma. Finally, endometriotic foci can occasionally be intimately admixed with another process, such as peritoneal leiomyomatosis or gliomatosis, resulting in a potentially confusing histologic appearance.
Macrophage-Derived Chemokine (CCL22) Is a Novel Mediator of Lung Inflammation Following Hemorrhage and Resuscitation

ABSTRACT Resuscitation of patients after hemorrhage often results in pulmonary inflammation and places them at risk for the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Our previous data indicate that macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC/CCL22) is elevated after resuscitation, but its direct role in this inflammatory response is unknown. Macrophage-derived chemokine signaling through the C-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CCR4) is implicated in other pulmonary proinflammatory conditions, leading us to hypothesize that MDC may also play a role in the pathogenesis of lung inflammation following hemorrhage and resuscitation. To test this, C57BL/6 mice underwent pressure-controlled hemorrhage followed by resuscitation with lactated Ringer’s solution. Pulmonary inflammation and inflammatory cell recruitment were analyzed with histological staining, and serum- and tissue-level cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pulmonary inflammation and cell recruitment following hemorrhage and resuscitation were associated with systemic MDC levels. Inhibition of MDC via injection of a specific neutralizing antibody prior to hemorrhage and resuscitation significantly reduced pulmonary levels of the chemotactic cytokines keratinocyte-derived chemokine and macrophage inflammatory proteins 2 and 1&agr;, as well as inflammatory cell recruitment to the lungs. Intravenous administration of recombinant MDC prior to resuscitation augmented pulmonary inflammation and cell recruitment. Histological evaluation revealed the expression of CCR4 within the bronchial epithelium, and in vitro treatment of activated bronchial epithelial cells with MDC resulted in production and secretion of neutrophil chemokines. The present study identifies MDC as a novel mediator of lung inflammation after hemorrhage and resuscitation. Macrophage-derived chemokine neutralization may provide a therapeutic strategy to mitigate this inflammatory response.
Foreign Direct Investment and the Single Market

This paper extends the theory of multinational corporations, identifying three distinct influences of internal trade liberalisation by a group of countries on the level and pattern of inward foreign direct investment (FDI). First, the tariff-jumping motive encourages plant consolidation. Second, the export platform motive favours FDI with only a single union plant relative to exporting, and may induce a firm which has never exported to invest. Finally, reduced internal tariffs increase competition from domestic firms, which dilutes the other motives and may induce a "Fortress Europe" outcome of multinationals leaving union markets even though external tariffs are unchanged.
Study of the involvement of the RGR, CRPB1, and CRB1 genes in the pathogenesis of autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), which occurs in about 1 in 3000-7000 people in Spain, is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner in 12% of cases, in an autosomal recessive way in 39%, and in an X linked manner in 4% of cases.1 This leaves 41% of RP cases with a simplex form and 4% in which the transmission pattern is unclear. The different genes that have been implicated in retinal degeneration are known or assumed to be expressed in the photoreceptor cells of the retina or in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The large number of RP genes identified can be grouped into a number of functional classes: (1) proteins of the visual cascade, (2) proteins of the visual cycle, (3) photoreceptor cell transcription factors, (4) proteins related to catabolic processes, and (5) genes of unknown function. Previous studies performed in autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (ARRP) Spanish families have shown that genes coding for recoverin,2 rhodopsin, rod outer segment membrane protein and peripherin/RDS,3 S antigen and the gamma subunit of rod cGMP-phosphodiesterase,4 interstitial retinol binding protein,5 the alpha subunit of rod cGMP-phosphodiesterase and NRL,6 and the retinaldehyde binding protein7 do not play a role in this disorder. However, mutations in the beta subunit of the rod cGMP-phosphodiesterase gene,8–11 in the ATP binding cassette receptor gene,12 in the TULP1 gene,13 in the alpha subunit of the rod cGMP gated channel,14 and in the USH2A gene15 have been detected in a small percentage of Spanish ARRP families. These data indicate that other genes play a part in the degeneration process of the retina in the remaining families. We analysed the involvement of three additional genes, the RPE retinal G protein coupled receptor ( RGR ), the cellular retinol binding protein ( CRBP1 ), and …
VEGFA activates an epigenetic pathway upregulating ovarian cancer‐initiating cells

The angiogenic factor, VEGFA, is a therapeutic target in ovarian cancer (OVCA). VEGFA can also stimulate stem‐like cells in certain cancers, but mechanisms thereof are poorly understood. Here, we show that VEGFA mediates stem cell actions in primary human OVCA culture and OVCA lines via VEGFR2‐dependent Src activation to upregulate Bmi1, tumor spheres, and ALDH1 activity. The VEGFA‐mediated increase in spheres was abrogated by Src inhibition or SRC knockdown. VEGFA stimulated sphere formation only in the ALDH1+ subpopulation and increased OVCA‐initiating cells and tumor formation in vivo through Bmi1. In contrast to its action in hemopoietic malignancies, DNA methyl transferase 3A (DNMT3A) appears to play a pro‐oncogenic role in ovarian cancer. VEGFA‐driven Src increased DNMT3A leading to miR‐128‐2 methylation and upregulation of Bmi1 to increase stem‐like cells. SRC knockdown was rescued by antagomir to miR‐128. DNMT3A knockdown prevented VEGFA‐driven miR‐128‐2 loss, and the increase in Bmi1 and tumor spheres. Analysis of over 1,300 primary human OVCAs revealed an aggressive subset in which high VEGFA is associated with miR‐128‐2 loss. Thus, VEGFA stimulates OVCA stem‐like cells through Src‐DNMT3A‐driven miR‐128‐2 methylation and Bmi1 upregulation.
Understanding the Role of Weight Percentage and Size of Silicon Carbide Particulate Reinforcement on Electro-Discharge Machining of Aluminium-Based Composites

This study investigates the feasibility of fabricating microholes in SiCp-Al composites using micro-electro-discharge machining (micro-EDM) with a rotary tube electrode. Material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR), and hole taper were considered as responses for the study. Machining was performed on 5 and 10 wt% SiCp-Al composites having particle size of 50 µm and 150 µm to evaluate machining characteristics. Pulse-on duration, pulse-off duration, sparking gap voltage, and servo-speed were used as input variables for EDM of SiCp-Al composites by varying the weight percentage of SiC-reinforced particles and the size of reinforcement. The experimental results indicate the weight percentage and size of the SiC in SiCp-Al metal matrix composites (MMCs) to be important parameters while machining using micro-EDM. The relative contributions of each process variable on MRR, EWR, and hole taper were found using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique. The experimental results reveal that servo-speed significantly affects the MRR and EWR, while pulse-on duration affected the taper.
State estimation of a reduced electrochemical model of a lithium-ion battery

Batteries are the key technology for enabling further mobile electrification and energy storage. Accurate prediction of the state of the battery is needed not only for safety reasons, but also for better utilization of the battery. In this work we present a state estimation strategy for a detailed electrochemical model of a lithium-ion battery. The benefit of using a detailed model is the additional information obtained about the battery, such as accurate estimates of the state of charge within the individual electrodes, overpotential, concentration and current distribution across the electrodes, which can be utilized for safety and optimal operation. We propose an observer based on a reduced set of partial differential-algebraic equations, which are solved on a coarse spatial grid. The reduced model has a less complex structure, while still capturing the main dynamics. The observer is tested in experiments for actual electric-vehicle drive cycles. Experimental results show the observer to be robust with respect to unmodeled dynamics, as well as to noisy and biased voltage and current measurements. The available state estimates can be used for monitoring purposes, or incorporated into a model based controller to improve the performance of the battery while guaranteeing safe operation.
A Reliable Method for Measurement and Normalization of Pediatric Hippocampal Volumes

A robust standardized method for segmentation, quantification, and normalization of pediatric hippocampal volumes using magnetic resonance imaging is presented. The method will find application in time course measurements of hippocampal volumes in pediatric patients who suffer from temporal lobe epilepsy and was tested prospectively on six control patients (13–60 mo of age). The un-normalized hippocampal volumes obtained using our segmentation method ranged from 3.85 to 6.38 mL, in agreement with previously published results. Inter- and intraobserver variability of the segmentation method was determined to be 13.3% and 2.8%, respectively. Four different methods of volume normalization were tested. Normalization is required to adjust for age-related increases in hippocampal volume. The normalization approach that seemed to compensate best for growth-related hippocampal volume changes was based on a simple estimation of intracranial volumes. This is the first report of a consistent and reliable method for segmentation and normalization of hippocampi from pediatric patients that can be used to study the progression of neurologic diseases in children.
Variations on Nagata's Conjecture

In this paper we discuss some variations of Nagata's conjecture on linear systems of plane curves. The most relevant concerns non-effectivity (hence nefness) of certain rays, which we call \emph{good rays}, in the Mori cone of the blow-up $X_n$ of the plane at $n\ge 10$ general points. Nagata's original result was the existence of a good ray for $X_n$ with $n\ge 16$ a square number. Using degenerations, we give examples of good rays for $X_n$ for all $n\ge 10$. As with Nagata's original result, this implies the existence of counterexamples to Hilbert's XIV problem. Finally we show that Nagata's conjecture for $n\le 89$ combined with a stronger conjecture for $n=10$ implies Nagata's conjecture for $n\ge 90$.
The Physics of Deformation and Fracture of Polymers: Linear viscoelasticity of polymers

1. Structure of non-polymeric glasses 2. Structure of solid polymers 3. Overview of deformation and fracture mechanisms 4. Small strain elastic response 5. Linear visco-elasticity of polymers 6. Rubber elasticity 7. Inelastic behaviour of non-polymeric glasses 8. Inelastic behaviour of glassy polymers 9. Plasticity of semi-crystalline polymers 10. Deformation instabilities in extensional plastic flow of polymers 11. Crazing in glassy homo and hetero polymers 12. Fracture of polymers 13. Toughening of brittle polymers.
Premature Leaf Senescence Modulated by the Arabidopsis PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT4 Gene Is Associated with Defense against the Phloem-Feeding Green Peach Aphid1[W]

Aphids, which are phloem-feeding insects, cause extensive loss of plant productivity and are vectors of plant viruses. Aphid feeding causes changes in resource allocation in the host, resulting in an increase in flow of nutrients to the insect-infested tissue. We hypothesized that leaf senescence, which is involved in the programmed degradation of cellular components and the export of nutrients out of the senescing leaf, could be utilized by plants to limit aphid growth. Using Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and green peach aphid (GPA; Myzus persicae Sulzer), we found that GPA feeding induced premature chlorosis and cell death, and increased the expression of SENESCENCE ASSOCIATED GENES (SAGs), all hallmarks of leaf senescence. Hypersenescence was accompanied by enhanced resistance against GPA in the Arabidopsis constitutive expresser of PR genes5 and suppressor of SA insensitivity2 mutant plants. In contrast, resistance against GPA was compromised in the phytoalexin deficient4 (pad4) mutant plant. The PAD4 gene, which is expressed at elevated level in response to GPA feeding, modulates the GPA feeding-induced leaf senescence. In comparison to the wild-type plant, GPA feeding-induced chlorophyll loss, cell death, and SAG expression were delayed in the pad4 mutant. Although PAD4 is associated with camalexin synthesis and salicylic acid (SA) signaling, camalexin and SA signaling are not important for restricting GPA growth; growth of GPA on the camalexin-biosynthesis mutant, pad3, and the SA deficient2 and NahG plants and the SA-signaling mutant, nonexpresser of PR genes1, were comparable to that on the wild-type plant. Our results suggest that PAD4 modulates the activation of senescence in the aphid-infested leaves, which contributes to basal resistance to GPA.