Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transport properties of Ti-Zr-Ni quasicrystalline and glassy alloys

We report on measurements of the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity (ρ), thermopower (S), and thermal conductivity (κ) of Ti-Zr-Ni alloys between 10 and 300 K. A series of Ti-Zr-Ni quasicrystals (QCs) Ti40Zr40Ni20, Ti45Zr35Ni20, and Ti50Zr30Ni20 and metallic glasses Ti35Zr45Ni20 and Ti40Zr40Ni20 was prepared to systematically study the compositional and structural dependences of their transport properties. The resistivity of all these alloys was found to be very weakly temperature dependent with a negative temperature coefficient of resistance. Further, the observed increase in electrical resistivity with increasing Ti/Zr ratio is most likely due to the increase in disorder. The S/T against temperature curves exhibited a maximum between 20 and 50 K and a noticeable deviation from the expected linear behavior in S(T) at higher temperatures. Such observations in the thermopower of QCs have been attributed to the electron-phonon enhancement and phonon drag effect. The measured thermal condu.
A new catalogue of normal-mode splitting function measurements up to 10 mHz

The splitting of the Earth's free-oscillation spectra places important constraints on the wave speed and density structure of the Earth's mantle and core. We present a new set of 164 self-coupled and 32 cross-coupled splitting functions. They are derived from modal spectra up to 10 mHz for 91 events with Mw ≥ 7.4 from the last 34 yr (1976–2010). Our data include the 2001 June 23 Peru event (Mw = 8.4), the Sumatra events of 2004 (Mw = 9.0) and 2005 (Mw = 8.6), the 2008 Wenchuan, China event (Mw = 7.9) and the 2010 Chile event (Mw = 8.8). The new events provide significant improvement of data coverage particularly in continental areas. Almost half of the splitting functions have never been measured before. In particular, we measured 33 new modes sensitive to mantle compressional wave velocity, 10 new inner-core sensitive modes and 22 new cross-coupled splitting functions. These provide new constraints on the large-scale compressional structure of the mantle and the odd-degree structure of the mantle and inner core and can be used in future inversions of heterogeneous Earth structure. Our new splitting function coefficient data set will be available online.
ABSENCE OF MUTAGENICITY OF PLANTS USED TO TREAT GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS

The Brazilian Savanna (locally called "Cerrado") is an important biome presenting several plants that are used in popular medicine. However, the risks associated with the consumption of derivatives from these plants are generally unknown. Studies with compounds obtained from different species have shown the risks of DNA damage. The present work assessed the in vivo mutagenicity of three plant species used in popular medicine to treat human gastrointestinal disorders (Mouriri pusa, Qualea grandiflora and Qualea multiflora ). The micronucleus assay was performed in peripheral blood of mice submitted to acute treatments. Results showed that no assessed extracts were mutagenic in vivo. In fact, the absence of mutagenicity in the present study indicates that the extracts do not contain compounds capable of inducing DNA breaks or chromosomal loss. However, further analysis should be performed in others systems to guarantee their safety, mainly to human chronic use.
Modeling Interaction E ects in Polarization : Individual Media Influence and the Impact of TownMeetings

We are increasingly exposed to polarizedmedia sources, with clear evidence that individuals choose those sources closest to their existing views. We also have a tradition of open face-to-face group discussion in town meetings, for example. There are a range of current proposals to revive the role of group meetings in democratic decision-making. Here, we build a simulation that instantiates aspects of reinforcement theory in a model of competing social influences. What can we expect in the interaction of polarized media with group interaction along the lines of town meetings? Some surprises are evident from a computational model that includes both. Deliberative group discussion can be expected to produce opinion convergence. That convergence may not, however, be a cure for extreme views polarized at opposite ends of the opinion spectrum. In a large class of cases, we show that adding the influence of group meetings in an environment of self-selected media produces not a moderate central consensus but opinion convergence at one of the extremes defined by polarized media.
The Issue of Robustness in the Acquisition of Relocatable Targets - An Overview

Abstract : Features are a means of statistical pattern recognition that ATR algorithms use to discriminate ground targets from the surrounding clutter background and, subsequently, to sort potential targets into one of several target classes (including the non-target case). Problems for ATR arise from the specular nature of radar imagery because small changes to the configuration of targets can result in significant changes to the resulting target signature [3][4]. This adds to the challenge of constructing a classifier that is both robust to changes in target configuration and target aspect, and which is capable of generalizing to previously unseen targets. ATR features have to provide at the same time good inter-class separability and good intra-class stability. The reference vectors usually are obtained from former measurements of the respective target either on a turntable or by means of SAR and are stored in look-up tables. The test vectors are obtained on-line while the seeker is passing over the target area. In order for the ATR to provide reliable results both the test vectors and the reference vectors have to show robustness against target modifications, preferably including camouflage, different target realizations or articulations, slight changes in depression angle, aspect angle changes that occur during the time-on-target, and many more.
Lateral Shock of the R Aquarii Jet

The R Aqr jet was observed with the VLA B-configuration at two epochs separated by ~13.2 yr. Comparison of the resulting 6 cm continuum images show that the radio jet has undergone a lateral counterclockwise rotation of ~6°-12° on the plane of the sky. The model of jet parcels on independent trajectories is difficult to reconcile with these observations and leads us to consider a path-oriented jet (i.e., younger parcels follow the same path as older parcels). Comparison of the most recent radio image with a nearly contemporaneous HST/FOC ultraviolet image at ~2330 Å suggests that the ultraviolet emission lies along the leading side of the rotating radio jet. In conjunction with a proper motion analysis of the jet material that yields empirical space-velocity and resulting acceleration-magnitude relationships as a function of distance from the central source, we evaluate the observational results in terms of a schematic model in which the jet emission consists of plane-parallel isothermal shocks along the leading edge of rotation. In such a radiating shock, the ultraviolet-emitting region is consistent with the adiabatic region in the form of a high-temperature, low-density sheath that surrounds the cooled postshock radio-emitting region. Within the context of the schematic model, we obtain the temperatures, densities, and pressures within the preshock, adiabatic, and postshock regions as a function of distance from the central source; the physical parameters so derived compare favorably to previously published estimates. We obtain a total jet mass of 3.1 × 10-5 M☉ and an age of ~115 yr. We evaluate the model in the context of its density-boundary condition, its applicability to an episodic or quasi-continuous jet, and angular momentum considerations.
Observational constraints on low redshift evolution of dark energy: How consistent are different observations?

The dark energy component of the Universe is often interpreted either in terms of a cosmological constant or as a scalar field. A generic feature of the scalar field models is that the equation of state parameter w{identical_to}P/{rho} for the dark energy need not satisfy w=-1 and, in general, it can be a function of time. Using the Markov chain Monte Carlo method we perform a critical analysis of the cosmological parameter space, allowing for a varying w. We use constraints on w(z) from the observations of high redshift supernovae (SN), the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) observations of cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropies, and abundance of rich clusters of galaxies. For models with a constant w, the {lambda}CDM(cold dark matter) model is allowed with a probability of about 6% by the SN observations while it is allowed with a probability of 98.9% by WMAP observations. The {lambda}CDM model is allowed even within the context of models with variable w: WMAP observations allow it with a probability of 99.1% whereas SN data allows it with 23% probability. The SN data, on its own, favors phantom-like equation of state (w<-1) and high values for {omega}{sub NR}. It does not distinguish betweenmore » constant w (with w<-1) models and those with varying w(z) in a statistically significant manner. The SN data allows a very wide range for variation of dark energy density, e.g., a variation by factor ten in the dark energy density between z=0 and z=1 is allowed at 95% confidence level. WMAP observations provide a better constraint and the corresponding allowed variation is less than a factor of 3. Allowing for variation in w has an impact on the values for other cosmological parameters in that the allowed range often becomes larger. There is significant tension between SN and WMAP observations; the best fit model for one is often ruled out by the other at a very high confidence limit. Hence results based on only one of these can lead to unreliable conclusions. Given the divergence in models favored by individual observations, and the fact that the best fit models are ruled out in the combined analysis, there is a distinct possibility of the existence of systematic errors which are not understood. « less
Enacting Leadership for Collaborative Advantage: Dilemmas of Ideology and Pragmatism in the Activities of Partnership Managers

Working across organizations has long been recognized as a characteristic of public management, but recent years have seen a worldwide intensification in partnership working. Rhetoric about the benefits is endemic but so are complaints about the difficulty of partnership working in practice. Understanding the way that collaborative approaches may provide value is therefore an essential element of understanding the changing roles of public-sector organizations. The particular aim of this paper is to contribute to a growing understanding of the way in which individuals enact leadership roles in such situations. The focus is on partnership managers, whose main role is to organize the activities of a collaboration. The way in which partnership managers enact leadership is explored and insight into the kinds of activities that typically occupy them, the types of challenges and dilemmas that they face and typical ways in which they respond to these is provided. We suggest that the main categories of activities split into two opposing perspectives on leadership. We propose an overarching concept which suggests that collaborative leadership involves the management of a tension between ideology and pragmatism.
Genome size variation in guayule and mariola : fundamental descriptors for genomics-assisted breeding of polyploid plant taxa

Guayule (Parthenium argentatum A. Gray) has tremendous potential as a domestic source of natural rubber production in the southwestern United States. However, genetic improvement of guayule has been slowed by its complex mode of reproduction and natural ploidy series, as well as lack of genetic and genomic resources. The interspecific hybridization of guayule with its closest sister taxon mariola (P. incanum L.) offers an opportunity to access novel genetic variation for guayule breeding programs, but mariola accessions available from the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) have never been evaluated for natural variation in ploidy level. In addition, the nuclear genome sizes for guayule and mariola at any ploidy level are unknown. To that end, we examined the ploidy of 10 mariola accessions, which revealed a natural polyploid series that ranged from triploid (2n = 3x = 54) to pentaploid (2n = 5x = 90). In contrast, a ploidy analysis of five guayule accessions uncovered a natural polyploid series ranging from diploid (2n = 2x = 36) to hexaploid (2n = 6x = 108). More than one ploidy level among individual plants (mixed ploidy) was observed for accessions of both guayule and mariola, with a higher preponderance of aneuploid plants for mariola. The nuclear genome sizes of guayule and mariola were similar at identical ploidy levels, and the genome size of diploid guayule (1,624 Mb) was almost twofold smaller than the genomes of sunflower (H. annuus L. 2n = 2x = 34) and lettuce (L. sativa L.; 2n = 2x = 18). The results from this study will guide future whole-genome sequencing studies and interspecific genomics-assisted breeding efforts of guayule and mariola.
Till Immigration do us Part? Public Opinion and the Dilemma between Immigration Control and Bilateral Agreements

As a result of the initiative against mass immigration (MEI) Switzerland faces a dilemma between control of immigration and the continuation of bilateral agreements. This contribution raises two questions: First, have Swiss citizens' perceptions regarding the incompatibility between immigration control and bilateral agreements evolved since the vote on the MEI in February 2014? Second, what would Swiss citizens decide if they had to choose between the implementation of the MEI and the continuation of the bilateral strategy? We ground our analysis on data from the VOX surveys regarding the MEI and the more recent vote of November 2014 (Ecopop initiative). While Swiss voters still seem to be uncertain about the issue of compatibility, they nevertheless show support for the continuation of the bilateral agreements. Our analyses highlight the importance of age, trust in government and left-right orientation for individual opinions towards the bilateral way.
Forest Age Distribution and Traces of Past Fires in a Natural Boreal Landscape Dominated by Picea abies

Forest age distribution and occurrence of traces of past fi res was studied in a natural Picea abies -dominated landscape in the Onega peninsula in north-west Russia. Forest age (maximum tree age) was determined and charcoal and fi re scars were searched for in 43 randomly located study plots. In 70% of the study plots (30/43) trees older than 200 years existed. The largest 50-year age class consisted of plots with 251–300 year old forests. Traces of fi res were found in all types of study plots, in forests on mineral soil as well as on peatlands. However, fi re has been a rare disturbance factor, as traces of fi res could not be found in 35% of the study plots (15/43). Estimated from the forest age class distribution, the fi re rotation time for the whole area has been at least 300 years, but possibly considerably longer. This fi re rotation time is much longer than fi re history studies (largely based on examination of fi re scars) commonly have reported for the average time between successive fi res in Fennoscandia and Northwest Russia. The results suggest that the often stated generalisations about the importance and natural frequency of fi re disturbance in boreal forests do not apply in landscapes dominated by Picea abies.
Generation, transport, and preservation of the alkenone‐based U37K′ sea surface temperature index in the water column and sediments of the Cariaco Basin (Venezuela)

Alkenone fluxes in the water column of the Cariaco Basin ranged from 12 to 20 μg m−2 d−1 and were inversely related to upwelling strength. The U37K′ ratios of sinking particles varied from 0.78 to 0.96 and exhibited seasonal changes that were coherent with a 7°C variation in sea surface temperature (SST). The correlation between SST and U37K′ ratios closely overlapped with the calibration of Prahl et al. [1988] . Alkenone burial fluxes in Cariaco Basin sediments varied markedly over the past ∼6000 years, ranging from 0.2 to 5 μg m−2 d−1. The U37K′ ratios of surface sediments indicate SST was higher (26.3°C) during the last 50 years of deposition than in the previous 300 years (∼25°C), signaling an upwelling decrease in the latter part of the twentieth century. The lowest U37K′‐derived temperatures (∼25°C) were measured in sediments deposited during the little ice age (LIA). These compositions, coupled with relatively low alkenone fluxes (≤2 μg m−2 d−1), are consistent with conditions of enhanced upwelling, decreased SST and reduced haptophyte production. The highest U37K′‐derived SST estimates (over 26.5°C) were measured during the Medieval Warm Period (MWP) and suggest reduced upwelling at this time. Prior to the MWP, the alkenone record indicates temperatures of ∼26°C and burial fluxes of ∼2 μg m−2 d−1. These compositions indicate stronger upwelling conditions during the Holocene relative to the last 50 years and the MWP but annual SSTs above those estimated for the LIA.
How Does the Alteration of Meiosis Evolve to Parthenogenesis?- Case Study in a Water Flea, Daphnia pulex -

Most daphnid species reproduce parthenogenetically as well as sexually, resulting in the production of diploid progenies in both cases. In natural populations, parthenogenesis is the common mode of reproduction, and parthenogenetic offspring are all female. However, in response to certain environmental conditions, such as crowding or seasonal change, male offspring are also produced parthenogenetically, and sexual reproduction occurs (Hebert, 1978). Although they switch between parthenogenesis and sexual reproduction in response to environmental conditions, little is known about the molecular and cytological mechanisms switching and governing each reproductive mode. It can be interpreted that D. pulex develops a reproductive strategy utilizing ‘parthenogenesis’, which has high reproductive power, and ‘sexual reproduction’, which generates genetic diversity, in response to different environments. These theoretical studies have been made on evolutionary mechanism of reproductive modes (Decaestecker et al., 2009); however, practically no study analyzing the evolutionary mechanism while taking the developmental constraints into consideration has so far been conducted. Our understanding of the evolution of reproductive strategy would increase once we precisely clarify the developmental gene programs operating there. We have recently started to develop D. pulex as an experimental model for studying oogenesis and developmental mechanisms during evolution.
Individual Differences in L 2 Speech Performance : The Role of Working Memory Capacity and Pre-planning Tasks Zohreh

It has been argued that individual differences in working memory capacity (WMC) yield different oral performances in terms of complexity, accuracy and fluency (CAF). The present study is thus an attempt to examine the effect of WMC on L2 speech performance and its interaction with pre-planning tasks. To this aim, a math span test based on Robert and Gibson (2002) and Salthouse and Babcock (1991), as well as two descriptive tasks were used to measure WMC of a group of 30 advanced learners of English, and their oral production respectively. ANOVA have been used to analyze the collected data. The results showed that (1) pre-task planning led to gains in fluency and accuracy but not complexity of L2 speech performance, (2) no significant interaction existed between WMC and L2 speech performance in underplanning and no-planning conditions. (3) When the group was split into low and high span regarding their WMC, no differences were found between two groups in under-planning and no-planning conditions. This suggests that WMC plays a diminishing role among advanced learners regarding their oral performance.
A numerical model of the Weddell Sea: Large scale circulation and water mass distribution

A circumpolar model for regional studies of the wind-driven and thermohaline circulation of the Southern Ocean including the major sub-ice shelf areas is described. A first series of numerical experiments focusing on the Weddell Sea reveals a pronounced and persistent double-cell structure of the Weddell Gyre with a maximum transport of ∼60 Sv, in agreement with observations. Experiments with artificial passive tracers point to the shallow shelf areas off the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf as main locations for bottom water production. The trajectories of Lagrangian floats are used to determine the pathways and timescales of water mass spreading in the model. In addition, the effect of sub-ice shelf forcing on the water mass characteristics is evaluated. It is shown that water modified in the sub-ice cavities contributes significantly to the deep and bottom water formation along the continental slope, and affects the water mass characteristics throughout the Weddell Sea, by increasing the stability of the near-surface stratification and preventing deep convection.
Calculation of cutoff frequencies in optical fibers for arbitrary profiles using the matrix method

We here propose a simple numerical procedure to calculate the cutoff frequencies in optical fibers with any arbitrary refractive index profile including discrete numerical data from profile measurement. The cutoff problem is transformed into a matrix eigenvalue problem and the cutoff frequencies can be obtained by determining the eigenvalues of a matrix with elements given by simple expressions.
INFLAMMATORY DENTIGEROUS CYST OR INFLAMMATORY CYSTIC LESIONS OF MIXED DENTITION ? : A REPORT OF THREE CASES

A dentigerous cyst is one of the most common cystic lesions of the jaws, comprising approximately 20-24% of all jaw cysts. Most authors favour a developmental origin from tooth follicle, with fluid accumulation between layers of reduced enamel epithelium (REE) or between REE and crown. However, the relation between persistent and prolonged inflammation of a primary tooth and development of a dentigerous cyst involving the permanent successor has been extensively discussed by several investigators suggesting an inflammatory origin. Although dentigerous cyst is classified as developmental odontogenic cyst, some investigators proposed classifying its inflammatory variant as inflammatory cyst due to its pathogenetic mechanism. This article deals with reporting of 3 cases of dentigerous cysts of probable inflammatory origin and discusses the dilemma associated with terminologies and classification of inflammatory dentigerous cyst.