Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Practical approach to cosmological perturbations in modified gravity

The next generation of large scale surveys will not only measure cosmological parameters within the framework of general relativity, but will also allow for precision tests of the framework itself. At the order of linear perturbations, departures from the growth in the standard cosmological model can be quantified in terms of two functions of time and Fourier number $k$. We argue that in local theories of gravity, in the quasistatic approximation, these functions must be ratios of polynomials in $k$, with the numerator of one function being equal to the denominator of the other. Moreover, the polynomials are even and of second degree in practically all viable models considered today. This means that, without significant loss of generality, one can use data to constrain only five functions of a single variable, instead of two functions of two variables. Furthermore, since the five functions are expected to be slowly varying, one can fit them to data in a nonparametric way with the aid of an explicit smoothness prior. We discuss practical application of this parametrization to forecasts and fits.
Metabolic Consequences of the Cytochrome c Oxidase Deficiency in Brain of Copper‐Deficient Movbr Mice

Abstract: Biochemical micromethods were used for the investigation of changes in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation associated with cytochrome c oxidase deficiency in brain cortex from Movbr (mottled viable brindled) mice, an animal model of Menkes’ copper deficiency syndrome. Enzymatic analysis of cortex homogenates from Movbr mice showed an approximately twofold decrease in cytochrome c oxidase and a 1.4‐fold decrease in NADH:cytochrome c reductase activities as compared with controls. Assessment of mitochondrial respiratory function was performed using digitonin‐treated homogenates of the cortex, which exhibited the main characteristics of isolated brain mitochondria. Despite the substantial changes in respiratory chain enzyme activities, no significant differences were found in maximal pyruvate or succinate oxidation rates of brain cortex homogenates from Movbr and control mice. Inhibitor titrations were used to determine flux control coefficients of NADH:CoQ oxidoreductase and cytochrome c oxidase on the rate of mitochondrial respiration. Application of amobarbital to titrate the activity of NADH:CoQ oxidoreductase showed very similar flux control coefficients for control and mutant animals. Alternately, titration of respiration with azide revealed for Movbr mice significantly sharper inhibition curves than for controls, indicating a more than twofold elevated flux control coefficient of cytochrome c oxidase. Owing to the reserve capacity of respiratory chain enzymes, the reported changes in activities do not seem to affect whole‐brain high‐energy phosphates, as observed in a previous study using 31P NMR.
Performance evaluation of antennas for underwater applications

The capability of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) or Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) to communicate with underwater sensor nodes or a docking station, for the exchange or transfer of data gathered during a survey mission, requires an high-speed short-range communication link. This is important because of the global attention to the underwater communication applications. To this end, underwater antennas will play a significant role in ensuring good data rates and propagation distances for these applications. In this paper, the performance of three antennas, specifically, loop, dipole and J-pole is assessed through simulation for usage in fresh and sea water operating in the High Frequency (HF) band. The antennas were designed in FEKO, an electromagnetic simulation software and their performance is assessed in terms of bandwidth and directivity. The results obtained shows that the J-pole antenna has significant advantages in term of the measured parameters over the other antennas. Experimental results of the reflection coefficient of the J-pole antenna in fresh water are given that agree well with the simulation results.
Lexical Retrieval Deficit in Picture Naming: Implications for Word Production Models

In models of word retrieval, it is common to differentiate lexical-semantic (word meaning) and lexical-phonological (word form) levels. There has been considerable interest in the relationship between these two levels. The so-called discrete two-stage model claims that phonological activation follows selection at the lexical-semantic level and is limited only to the selected item. In contrast, nondiscrete (interactive and cascade) models assume that all activated lexical-semantic candidates are also phonologically activated to some extent. We addressed this issue by studying an anomic patient who suffered from a partial functional disconnection between lexical-semantic and lexical-phonological levels. A multitarget repeated naming task with phonological training was employed. Systematic manipulation of semantic and phonological relatedness between the to-be-named items indicated that our patient's word error patterns were sensitive to both types of lexical relatedness. A delayed repetition task employing the same items failed to show similar effects, suggesting that they were specific to naming. The discrete two-stage model is unable to explain the observed effects of semantic and phonological relatedness. However, they are consistent with assumptions of nondiscrete models of lexical retrieval. In addition to the theoretical implications of this study, the observed effects of lexical context on word retrieval have implications for treatment of anomia.
Large-Scale Identification of c-MYC-Associated Proteins Using a Combined TAP/MudPIT Approach

The c‑MYC oncogene encodes a transcription factor, which is sufficient and necessary for the induction of cellular proliferation. However, the c‑MYC protein is a relatively weak transactivator suggesting that it may have other functions. To identify protein interactors which may reveal new functions or represent regulators of c‑MYC we systematically identified proteins associated with c‑MYC in vivo using a proteomic approach. We combined tandem affinity purification (TAP) with the mass spectral multidimensional protein identification technology (MudPIT). Thereby, 221 c‑MYC‑associated proteins were identified. Among them were 17 previously known c‑MYC‑interactors. Selected new c‑MYC‑associated proteins (DBC‑1, FBX29, KU70, MCM7, Mi2‑b/CHD4, RNA Pol II, RFC2, RFC3, SV40 Large T Antigen, TCP1a, U5‑116kD, ZNF281) were confirmed independently. For association with MCM7, SV40 Large T Antigen and DBC‑1 the functionally important MYC‑box II region was required, whereas FBX29 and Mi2‑b interacted via MYC‑box II and the BR‑HLH‑LZ motif. In addition, regulators of c‑MYC activity were identified: ectopic expression of FBX29, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, decreased c‑MYC protein levels and inhibited c‑MYC transactivation, whereas knock‑down of FBX29 elevated the concentration of c‑MYC. Furthermore, sucrose gradient analysis demonstrated that c‑MYC is present in numerous complexes with varying size and composition, which may accommodate the large number of new c‑MYC‑associated proteins identified here and mediate the diverse functions of c‑MYC. Our results suggest that c‑MYC, besides acting as a mitogenic transcription factor, regulates cellular proliferation by direct association with protein complexes involved in multiple synthetic processes required for cell division, as for example DNA‑replication/repair and RNA‑processing. Furthermore, this first comprehensive description of the c‑MYC‑associated sub‑proteome will facilitate further studies aimed to elucidate the biology of c‑MYC.
Small signal modeling of charge and piezoresistive modulations in active MEM resonators

In this work we establish novel analytical and small signal circuit modeling of two major effects that co-exist in active Micro-Electro-Mechanical resonators: charge and piezoresistance modulations. Analytical expressions for the output current of vibrating body field effect transistors including capacitive, FET and piezoresistive current components are established and an equivalent small signal circuit is validated experimentally. Two design cases of vibrating FETs are studied and analyzed in detail: (i) a 2 MHz flexural mode resonator operating in a charge-dominant modulation, (ii) a 30 MHz bulk mode resonator operating with significant piezoresistive modulation. Proposed models are able to accurately predict device transfer characteristics at resonance and the influence of various bias levels and configurations.
La agricultura en el País Valenciano entre el VI y el I milenio a.C.

El trabajo es un intento de definir el funcionamiento de la agricultura desde la llegada de los primeros agricultores a mediados del VI milenio cal BC, hasta el fin del mundo Iberico a inicios del s II a.C. La base es fundamentalmente el registro carpologico recuperado en 29 yacimientos, que permite conocer cuales son las especies recolectadas y cultivadas en cada una de las fases, asi como intentar una aproximacion a las formas de cultivo. Para ello recurrimos a otros elementos como son las herramientas con las que cuentan los agricultores y el registro faunistico, con la intencion de determinar si estos ultimos estan siendo utilizados como fuerza de trabajo, fundamentalmente para tirar de los arados. De igual forma se utilizan los datos de los analisis isotopicos de C y de N de las semillas de trigo y de cebada para intentar determinar la forma de cultivo, fundamentalmente si se esta realizando un cultivo horticola o si el sistema de produccion es la agricultura extensiva de secano. La evolucion entre estos primeros 5000 anos de agricultura se puede dividir en dos grandes fases. Una primera agricultura prehistorica basada exclusivamente en cultivos de ciclo anual, fundamentalmente cereales y leguminosas, aunque en determinados momentos pueden incorporarse otros cultivos como el lino y la adormidera. Este modo de produccion va a mantenerse entre el 5600 y el 900 a.C. con cambios importantes que van a afectar fundamentalmente a la sucesion de periodos en los que todos los cultivos se realizan en el huerto, frente a otros en los que los cereales, la base de esta actividad, salen de este ambito para ser cultivados de forma extensiva. Basicamente el proceso se inicia con un modelo horticola entre el 5600 y el 4500 cal BC centrado en el cultivo de hasta 5 cereales y distintas leguminosas, pasando con posterioridad a un modelo extensivo centrado en la produccion de dos cereales y de leguminosas, con una vuelta al modelo horticola a partir del 2300 cal BC. Posteriormente a partir del 2000 cal BC se vuelve a un modelo extensivo basado en el cultivo de nuevo de de dos cereales. La ruptura de este modelo se va a producir a inicios del I milenio cal BC, con la introduccion del cultivo de frutales, especies de rendimiento aplazado, ya que desde que se plantan hasta que inician su produccion pasan varios anos. En este momento se define lo que tradicionalmente se conoce como el modelo agricola mediterraneo, que va a caracterizar la agricultura desarrollada en este territorio hasta la actualidad. De forma paralela a partir del estudio de los poblados y de las estructuras de almacenamiento y transformacion de los productos agricolas hemos intentado determinar la forma de gestion de las cosechas. Fundamentalmente si la estructura productiva esta centrada en el autoabastecimiento del grupo, si hay una produccion orientada al comercio o si el control de las cosechas pertenece a cada una de las unidades domesticas o si hay una centralizacion de la misma.
Two Techniques for Retrograde Flexible Intramedullary Fixation of Pediatric Femur Fractures: All-Lateral Entry Versus Medial and Lateral Entry Point

Background: Multiple techniques for flexible intramedullary nailing (FIMN) of pediatric femur fractures have been described. To our knowledge, no study has compared combined medial-lateral (ML) entry versus all-lateral (AL) entry retrograde nailing. This study compares surgical outcomes, radiographic outcomes, and complication rates between these 2 techniques. Methods: A retrospective review of a consecutive series of patients treated by retrograde, dual FIMN of femur fractures was performed from 2005 to 2012. Demographics and operative data were recorded. Radiographs were analyzed for fracture pattern, fracture location, percent canal fill by the nails, as well as shortening and angulation at the time of osseous union. Rates of symptomatic implants and their removal were noted. Data were compared between patients treated with medial and lateral entry (ML group) nailing and those treated with all-lateral entry (AL group) nailing using the Student t test and correlation statistics. Results: Of the 244 children with femoral shaft fractures treated with retrograde FIMN using Ender stainless steel nails, 156 were in the ML group and 88 were in the AL group. There were no statistical differences in sex (74% vs. 82% males), age (8.0 vs. 8.6 y), weight (29.4 vs. 31.1 kg), or fracture pattern between the 2 groups. The average total anesthesia time was less in the AL group (133 vs. 103 min) (P<0.0001). There was no difference between the techniques in shortening (3.9 vs. 3.0 mm), coronal angulation (2.9 vs. 2.6 degrees), or sagittal angulation (3.3 vs. 2.7 degrees) at union. In the AL group, there was a correlation between canal fill and reduced shortening at union. No differences were found in the presence or degree of varus alignment, procurvatum deformity, or recurvatum angulation between the constructs. There were 5 malunions in the AL group and 9 malunions in the ML group (5.7% vs. 5.8%, P=1). The incidence of having a healed femur fracture with >10 degrees of valgus was higher in the AL group (0% vs. 3.4%) (P=0.04). There were no differences between the groups in the rate of symptomatic implant removal or surgical complications. Conclusions: The AL entry technique for FIMN of pediatric femur fractures is 30 minutes faster without worse final fracture alignment, additional complications, or increased rates of symptomatic implants. When using the AL technique, specific attention should be paid to percentage of canal fill and ensuring that the fracture is not reduced in a valgus position. Level of Evidence: Level III—therapeutic.
Optimal Integration of Phasor Measurement Units in Power Systems Considering Conventional Measurements

This paper presents an integer linear programming (ILP) framework for the optimal placement of phasor measurement units (PMUs), in the presence of conventional measurements. Furthermore, by the proposed method, the power system remains completely observable during all possible single contingencies for lines and measurement devices. In doing so, the potential of circuit equations associated with both PMUs and conventional measurements as well as the network topology are fully utilized by a system of equations to reach the minimum possible numbers of required PMUs. The limitation of communication channels is also taken into account in the proposed ILP-based framework. The method is implemented on several IEEE test systems which have already been equipped with conventional measurements. The comparison between obtained results of the proposed method and those of other methods reveals its superiority in the modeling of robust PMU placement problem (OPP) in the presence of conventional measurements. As such, a smooth transition from the SCADA-based monitoring system to the PMU-dominated WAMS is ensured. Moreover, this method is successfully applied on three large-scale test systems, which demonstrates it can effectively be employed for robust OPP in realistic power systems.
Regulation of interleukin 12 p40 expression through an NF-kappa B half-site

Interleukin 12 (IL-12) is an inducible cytokine composed of 35- and 40-kDa subunits that is critical for promoting T helper type 1 development and cell-mediated immunity against pathogens. The 40-kDa subunit, expressed by activated macrophages and B cells, is induced by several pathogens in vivo and in vitro and is augmented or inhibited by gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) or IL-10, respectively. Control of IL-12 p40 expression is therefore important for understanding resistance and susceptibility to a variety of pathogens, including Leishmania major and perhaps human immunodeficiency virus. In this report, we provide the first characterization of IL-12 p40 gene regulation in macrophages. We localize inducible activity of the promoter to the sequence -122GGGGAATTTTA-132 not previously recognized to bind Rel family transcription factors. We demonstrate binding of this sequence to NF-kappa B (p50/p65 and p50/c-Rel) complexes in macrophages activated by several p40-inducing pathogens and provide functional data to support a role for NF-kappa B family members in IL-12 p40 activation. Finally, we find that IFN-gamma treatment of cells enhances this binding interaction, thus potentially providing a mechanism for IFN-gamma augmentation of IL-12 production by macrophages.
Charged black holes in string theory.

A family of solutions to low-energy string theory representing static, spherically symmetric charged black holes is described. They are labeled by their mass, charge, and asymptotic value of the scalar dilaton. The presence of the dilaton is found to have important consequences. In particular, the extremal charged "black holes" are found to be geodesically complete spacetimes with no event horizons and no singularities. Implications of these new solutions for black-hole thermodynamics and open questions in general relativity are also discussed.
Les attentes des consommateurs, des nouveaux critères de sélection porcine

Dans le cadre de la qualité de la viande de porc, la demande de l’industrie agroalimentaire et la demande des consommateurs sont deux éléments que l’approche globale de la production ne peut négliger. Par approche globale, nous entendons une approche interdisciplinaire concernant la nutrition animale, la santé, la gestion, la génétique et la sélection ainsi que le bien-être animal et la protection de l’environnement.
Algebra Properties invariant under Twisting

For a finite-dimensional Hopf algebra H over a field k and an Hcomodule algebra A, we study properties of A which are preserved when A is twisted by a Hopf 2-cocycle σ on H. We prove that if there exists σ such that Aσ is super-commutative, then A being affine imples that A is Noetherian. If also Hσ is commutative, then A is integral over a central subring of AcoH . We also consider when A satisfies a polynomial identity.
An observational study of object mouthing behavior by young children.

OBJECTIVE Mouthing behavior in infants and young children <3 years old is a poorly quantified yet normal part of early childhood development. Increasingly, safety and risk assessments involving materials that may be mouthed depend on accurate estimates of oral contact time. This study reports the results of an observational study performed to investigate and obtain data on mouthing behavior of objects for children up to 3 years old. METHODOLOGY The study used a standard diary form with instructions for participating parents to observe their child in a normal environment (primarily home), and to document both the type and duration of each item mouthed. Phase I (pilot) consisted of 30 children each observed for 1 day, divided equally between the ages of 0 to 18 months (n = 15) and 19 to 36 months (n = 15), whereas Phase II included more participants (n = 92 aged 0-18 months; n = 95 aged 19-36 months). Phase III included observations for 5 nonconsecutive days over a 2-month period on 168 children between the ages of 3 to 18 months (at study initiation), and focused on total mouthing time of objects, exclusive of pacifiers. RESULTS The data collected during the first 2 phases were pooled and analyzed together. For all participants between the ages of 0 and 18 months (n = 107), the average daily duration of mouthing objects included: pacifiers (108 minutes), plastic toys (17 minutes), teethers (6 minutes), and other objects (9 minutes). The results for children 19 to 36 months old (n = 110) included: pacifiers (126 minutes), plastic toys (2 minutes), teethers (0 minutes), and other objects (2 minutes). Although no significant difference existed between the 2 age ranges for pacifier mouthing duration, a statistically significant difference was observed for nonpacifier objects. For Phase III, the average daily mouthing time for all objects (excluding pacifiers), based on 5 nonconsecutive days of observation for 168 children, was 36 minutes (n = 793 valid child observation days). CONCLUSIONS Results of this study indicate that mouthing behavior is dependent on age and the types of items that are mouthed. Duration of mouthing varies among children, with some consistently not mouthing any objects and with a very small number mouthing objects for >2 hours a day. The study also revealed wide variability in the types of objects mouthed, including many nontoy objects. Children mouth pacifiers significantly longer than other objects, regardless of age. Significantly increased mouthing time of all nonpacifier objects is reported for children in the 0- to 18-month range compared with the 19- to 36-month range.
Crystal structure of rhodocytin, a ligand for the platelet‐activating receptor CLEC‐2

Binding of the snake venom protein rhodocytin to CLEC‐2, a receptor on the surface of human platelets, initiates a signaling cascade leading to platelet activation and aggregation. We have previously solved the structure of CLEC‐2. The 2.4 Å resolution crystal structure of rhodocytin presented here demonstrates that it is the first snake venom or other C‐type lectin‐like protein to assemble as a non‐disulfide linked (αβ)2 tetramer. Rhodocytin is highly adapted for interaction with CLEC‐2 and displays a concave binding surface, which is highly complementary to the experimentally determined binding interface on CLEC‐2. Using computational dynamic methods, surface electrostatic charge and hydrophobicity analyses, and protein–protein docking predictions, we propose that the (αβ)2 rhodocytin tetramer induces clustering of CLEC‐2 receptors on the platelet surface, which will trigger major signaling events resulting in platelet activation and aggregation.
Modeling of crystallization kinetics in phase change memories for set and read disturb regimes

Crystallization speed in PCM controls data retention [1], set transition [2], program disturb [3] and read disturb [4], thus playing a central role in dictating the cell and array characteristics. To provide a comprehensive model for reliability and programming in PCM, the crystallization of the amorphous phase must be thoroughly understood. This work studies set transition and read disturb in PCM devices. We introduce a new technique for studying crystallization at extremely low currents (<; 50 μA), which are normally not accessed in standard set experiments. We develop a model for filamentary crystallization in the PCM, accounting for the observed crystallization regimes. Read disturb is studied as a function of the initial state and of the read current, allowing the development of a unified crystallization model for set and read disturb in PCM.
Laser Doppler perfusion imaging of proximal interphalangeal joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE A non-invasive imaging technique (laser Doppler perfusion imaging-LDI) based on measurement of backscattered Doppler-broadened near infra-red laser radiation was used to provide two-dimensional images of perfusion over the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of a group of normal subjects compared to a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RESULTS Some PIP joints of the RA group showed areas of increased perfusion whereas normal subjects showed much less variation in perfusion between joints. These hyperaemic areas arose from the underlying joint, as scans taken with a less penetrating red laser did not show such areas. CONCLUSION Apart from its obvious dermatological uses, LDI could be employed to image hyperaemia associated with a variety of inflammatory conditions affecting subcutaneous structures.