Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Correlation functions of conserved currents in four dimensional conformal field theory with higher spin symmetry

We report some recent progress in the computation of the n-point correlation functions of conserved currents in a class of four dimensional conformal field theories with higher spin symmetry. Global conformal invariance leads to very strong constraints on both the general form and the singularity structure of the correlation functions of conserved currents. Namely, all these functions have to be rational functions with at most double pole singularities. We show that this implies that the 4-, 5- and 6-point correlation functions of the (symmetric, conserved and traceless) stress-energy tensor are linear combinations of the three free field expressions. Hence, in four dimensions, any globally conformal invariant theory is free.
Lipid biomarkers and trophic linkages between phytoplankton, zooplankton and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) larvae in the NW Mediterranean

Identification and quantification of the main fatty acids in phytoplankton, zooplankton and Engraulis encrasicolus larvae were used to study the relationship among the different trophic levels. Three northwestern Mediterranean sea areas were studied as representative of potentially heterogeneous environments. HPLC pigment analysis was performed to assess the contribution of different phytoplankton groups to total chlorophyll biomass. In spite of the physical variability, a homogeneous pattern in phytoplankton composition among areas was found, with the Prymnesiophyceae representing more than half of the phytoplankton chlorophyll biomass. This homogeneous spatial pattern was also reflected in the phytoplankton fatty acid proportions. Thus, significant amount of 14:0, 18:1(n-9) and 18:4(n-3) could be related to the dominance of the prymnesiophytes; the low proportion of fatty acid markers of diatoms and dinoflagellates agreed with the low abundances of those phytoplankton groups. Zooplankton fatty acids also showed homogeneous proportions in the studied areas, with a preferential accumulation of 16:1(n-7) and 20:5(n-3), and 22:6(n-3). This observation may indicate a preferential grazing on diatoms and dinoflagellates. Anchovy larvae displayed differing fatty acids contributions related to size. Large larvae contained a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). Small larvae showed a high percentage of 18:1(n-9) and 18:4(n-3) fatty acids, considered Prymnesiophyceae biomarkers. These results suggest an additional food resource for the anchovy that is complementary to a zooplankton diet, but probably of protozoan origin (i.e. microzooplankton). Significant logarithmic relationships were found between dry mass and 20:5(n-3) and 22:6(n-3) fatty acid proportions in E. encrasicolus larvae. These PUFA are considered essential for the fish-larvae development.
Testing Claims about Large Land Deals in Africa: Findings from a Multi-Country Study

Abstract Despite much research on large land deals for plantation agriculture in Africa, reliable data remain elusive, partly because of limited access to information and practical and methodological challenges. International debates are still shaped by misperceptions about how much land is being acquired, where, by whom, how and with what consequences. This article aims empirically to test some common perceptions through an analysis of findings from research conducted in three African countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, and Tanzania. The article presents new evidence on the scale, geography, drivers and features of land deals, relates findings to data from earlier research and international efforts to monitor land deals, and outlines possible ways forward for ongoing monitoring of the deals.
Seasonal Cycles and QBO Variations in Stratospheric CH4 and H2O Observed in UARS HALOE Data

Abstract Measurements of stratospheric methane (CH4) and water vapor (H2O) are used to investigate seasonal and interannual variability in stratospheric transport. Data are from the Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE) on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) spanning 1991–97. Profile measurements are binned according to analyzed potential vorticity fields (equivalent latitude mapping), and seasonal cycles are fit using harmonic regression analysis. Methane data from the UARS Cryogenic Limb Array Etalon Spectrometer and water vapor from the Microwave Limb Sounder are also used to fill in winter polar latitudes (where HALOE measurements are unavailable), yielding complete global seasonal cycles. These data reveal well-known seasonal variations with novel detail, including 1) the presence of enhanced latitudinal gradients (mixing barriers) in the subtropics and across the polar vortices, 2) strong descent inside the polar vortices during winter and spring, and 3) vigorous seasonality in the tropi.
The Gender Gap in Malaysian Public Universities: Examining the 'Lost Boys'

This paper examines the growing gender gap between men and women in Malaysian public universities, using the Gender Parity Index (GPI) to measure gender disparities over time. It considers the gender gap in University of Malaya with other prominent overseas universities, and compares the GPI between all twenty public higher education institutions for the years 2009-2013. It also compares the GPI of public universities in Malaysia with local private education institutions, and examines the gender disparities in public universities in terms of subject segregation. Particular attention is paid to the gender segregation in terms of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects; gender segregation in STEM subjects in Malaysian public universities is compared to East Asia Pacific averages. Lastly, various causes and explanations for the gender gap are explored.
Prevalence of Mathematic Disability in Primary Schools

Background: One of the issues that have consistently been the concern for the health affair specialists and cure and massive social governors in health fields is the rate of disorders prevalence, diseases and the related subjects to epidemiology. Purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of mathematic disability amongst primary schools of Karaj. Method: totally 432 students were selected with multi-stage sampling method. Participants completed Raven test, Frostig Visual-Perception test and Wepman Auditory discrimination test, Rutter behavioral questionnaire and Iran Key-math test. In order to diagnosis mathematic disability, inter criterion was normal quotient intelligence and out criteria were to have one of visual perception, auditory and behavioral problems. The participants whose total standard scores in Iran Key-math test were one standard deviation below the mean were selected as a mathematical disability (MD). Findings: the mathematic disability prevalence in primary students was estimated 0.46%. In addition, proportion of mathematic disability prevalence was not function of gender or grade. Conclusion: the findings demonstrated that the prevalence of mathematic disability is much less than the previous researches. A possible explanation was that inappropriate screening co morbid disorders with the mathematic disability. The theoretical implications of findings are discussed in detail.
Coat Color Patterns and Genotypes of Extension and Agouti in Hanwoo and Jeju Black Cattle

To understand the relationship between coat color inheritance patterns and genotypes of Extension( E) and Agouti( A) loci in cattle, the genotypes for melanocortin-1 receptor( MC1R) and agouti signaling protein ( ASIP) were analyzed in Hanwoo, Jeju black cattle (JBC), and their crossbred progeny. Three MC1R alleles ( E D , E? , and e) were found in the black-colored JBC population. JBC had no recessive homoygotes (e/e), but this genotype was predominant in the Hanwoo breed. However, MC1R E? /eHanwoo did not produce a black coat color as they appeared either as brown or solid red. For ASIP, three genotypes ( A/A, A/A Br , and A Br /A Br ) were determined by insertion/deletion of an L1-BT element in Hanwoo. The ASIP A Br allele was rarely observed, and no ASIP A Br /A Br homozygotes were detected in the JBC population. Cattle carrying ASIP ABr did not show any agouti-like brindle pigmentation patterns in either breed or their progeny. The coat colors of the crossbred progeny were discriminated by two colors, yellowish-brown versus dark-brown or black, and their coat colors were directly related to the genotypes of the Extensionlocus, yellowish-brown (e/e) and dark-brown or black (E? /e), but not to the Agouti locus. ASIP genotypes probably did not affect coat color development in the Hanwoo or crossbred progeny. Our results suggest that the ASIP genotypes do not play key roles in coat color variation, but the MC1R genotypes do direct the phenotypes of Hanwoo, JBC, and their progeny.
PHYTOPLAN COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN Mex Bay, Alexandria, Egypt

Phytoplankton standing crop and diversity cycle in both Umum Drain and Mex Bay were studied and discussed in relation to the most effective environmental physico-chemical parameters. The bay is affected by huge amounts of brackish waste water discharged from Umum Drain rich in nutrient salts which create dense algal growth. A total number of 162 phytoplankton taxa were recorded and characterised by different ecological affinities. Few species were responsible of the main bulk of the community, namely; Cyclotella meneghiniana, Nitzschia microcephalat Euglene caudate and Kirchneriella hmaris in Umum Drain and Skeletonema costatum, Cyclotella meneghiniana, Asterionellajaponica and Prorocentrum micans in Mex Bay.
Femtosecond nonlinear frequency conversion based on BiB3O6

We review the physical properties, linear and nonlinear optical characteristics, and phase‐matching configurations of BiB3O6 (BIBO), the first low‐symmetry (monoclinic) inorganic nonlinear crystal that has found broad applications for frequency conversion of laser sources from the UV, across the visible, to the near‐IR based on three‐wave interactions. We describe in detail the most relevant optical properties that make this material an attractive candidate for nonlinear frequency conversion of laser light in general, and ultrafast femtosecond laser sources in particular. With special focus on ultrafast frequency conversion, characteristics such as group‐velocity mismatch and spectral acceptance, parametric gain bandwidth, group‐velocity dispersion, as well as angular acceptance and spatial walk‐off are evaluated and optimum configurations for the attainment of maximum conversion efficiency, minimum pulse duration, and highest spatial beam quality are identified and compared with the most widely established alternative borate crystal, β‐BaB2O4. Experimental results are presented on both parametric up‐ and down‐conversion of femtosecond pulses, from the high‐energy, low‐repetition‐rate (1 kHz) to the low‐energy, high‐repetition‐rate (56–76 MHz) regime, demonstrating the unique versatility of BIBO for efficient frequency conversion of femtosecond pulses with broad tunability from 250 nm in the UV, throughout the visible, up to ∼ 3000 nm in the IR.
Globalization and the Malaysian Labor Market: An Empirical Investigation

Theories have been put forth on the impact of globalization on wages, employment and productivity levels, of which empirical evidence provide mixed results on its effects. The existing empirical studies have largely been either concentrating on developed economies or on developing countries as a group, and rely mainly on correlation and standard econometric technique of regression. This paper, on the other hand, investigates the link between globalization and the Malaysian labor market by applying the autoregressive distributed lag approach, a relatively new time-series technique to the analysis. The findings indicate that globalization does not significantly affect the labor variables in the long run. In fact, inflow of foreign direct investments is an “adjusting” variable that reacts to changes in productivity and output growth. Thus for Malaysia, the main focus should be on upgrading the skills and productivity of workers, rather than on globalization, to improve its overall economic growth. There are variations to the meaning of globalization. In many writings, the emphasis is on economic globalization. Bhagwati (2004) explains economic globalization as constituting the integration of national economies into the international economy through trade, direct foreign investment, short-term capital flows, international flows of workers and humanity generally, and flows of technology. Alternatively, it can be defined as the process in which the combined force of different elements leading to an increase in countries dependence on or from more positive point of view of interactions with the rest of the world. It leads to a progressive integration of the world economy through pulling barrier of trade, exchange rate and greater mobility of factors of production
ADSPPMutation Causing Dentinogenesis Imperfecta and Characterization of theMutational Effect

Mutations in the DSPP gene have been identi�ed in nonsyndromic hereditary dentin defects, but the genotype-phenotype correlations are not fully understood. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the mutations of DSPP affecting the IPV leader sequence result in mutant DSPP retention in rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In this study, we identi�ed a Korean family with dentinogenesis imperfecta type III. To identify the disease causing mutation in this family, we performed mutational analysis based on candidate gene sequencing. Exons and exon-intron boundaries of DSPP gene were sequenced, and the effects of the identi�ed mutation on the pre-mRNA splicing and protein secretion were investigated. Candidate gene sequencing revealed a mutation (c.50C > T, p.P17L) in exon 2 of the DSPP gene. e splicing assay showed that the mutation did not in�uence premRNA splicing. However, the mutation interfered with protein secretion and resulted in the mutant protein remaining largely in the ER. ese results suggest that the mutation affects ER-to-Golgi apparatus export and results in the reduction of secreted DSPP and ER overload. is may induce cell stress and damage processing and/or transport of dentin matrix proteins or other critical proteins.
Elevated yolk androgen levels benefit offspring development in a between-clutch context

The field of androgen deposition in avian eggs and its consequences for offspring development has received a lot of attention in recent research. However, although variation within clutches in yolk androgens is relatively well understood, the adaptive significance of patterns of variation between clutches remains rather unclear. Furthermore, it has been hypothesized that yolk androgens act as a means of an adaptive maternal effect to adjust offspring to a given posthatching environment. Thus, the consequences of maternal yolk androgens for offspring development are likely to depend on the specific environment of a given brood. We experimentally manipulated yolk androgen concentrations in spotless starling eggs, using a between-brood design in which full broods were manipulated applying either an androgen or sham treatment, in order to test the effects of between-brood variation in yolk androgen levels. We also included in the analysis several female characters that have been shown to affect androgen deposition. Androgen-chicks tended to gain more mass, a similar effect to that shown in previous studies where direct competition between chicks belonging to different treatments was allowed, but did not gain a survival benefit. Androgen-chicks had wider beak flanges, an effect that has not been described previously and could play an important role in food acquisition. In addition, androgen-chicks had higher endogenous plasma levels of androgens, which could induce higher begging intensity. We hypothesize that these effects are an important mechanistic link for our understanding of how yolk androgens exert their effects on offspring development after hatching. Contrary to our predictions, we found no evidence that the observed effects depended on the environment under which it was investigated. Because high yolk androgen levels seem to be beneficial for nestlings in this species, we hypothesize that yolk hormone deposition could be costly for females or alternatively that potential negative effects later in adulthood may constrain maternal hormone allocation. Copyright 2007, Oxford University Press.
Effects of High-Insulin Exposure on Mitochondrial Content in Skeletal Muscle Myotubes from Lean & Severely Obese Individuals: A Time Course Analysis

Skeletal muscle is the site at which highly regulated energetic processes take place as a means of maintaining both tissue-specific and whole-body metabolism. With the development of severe obesity (BMI [greater-than] or equal to 40 kg/m2), skeletal muscle often loses its ability to properly respond to insulin, which aside from regulating glucose, has also been suggested to regulate factors specific to mitochondrial biogenesis. In this study, we classified human skeletal muscle cells (HSkMCs) derived from lean and severely obese individuals. We found them to be strikingly similar with respect to their proliferation and differentiation behavior. Also, to test the hypothesis that insulin would increase proteins associated with mitochondrial biogenesis, mature myotubes were treated with 100nM insulin at time points ranging from 1-24 hours. To validate our model, we incorporated a number of methodologies, including measures of AKT phosphorylation, which we found to be 51% lower in the obese group at the first hour (p = 0.05). However, 100nM insulin produced no changes in protein content of PGC-1[alpha], nor OXPHOS proteins, Complex V or Complex III. This high-insulin treatment did result in increases in Complex IV at 3 hours (p = 0.02), as well as the slow isoform of MYHC (at multiple time points) in both groups. We also observed trends for decreases in intracellular ATP at 24 hours of high-insulin treatment in both lean and severely obese groups. Collectively, these data demonstrate that insulin produces no consistent increases in mitochondrial biogenesis as defined by PGC-1[alpha] and OXPHOS proteins in myotubes from lean and severely obese individuals. We further conclude that the responses to sustained, high-insulin exposure in these groups are alike as it relates to increases in protein synthesis (i.e., MYHC (slow)) at the rather costly expense of ATP.
Taxonomic and Size Structures of Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Assemblages in Different Habitats of Tropical Streams, Costa Rica

Romina E. Principe (2008) Taxonomic and size structures of aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages in different habitats of tropical streams, Costa Rica. Zoological Studies 47(5): 525-534. Taxonomic and size structures of macroinvertebrate assemblages associated with different habitats of tropical streams of Costa Rica were analyzed. Surber samples were taken in riffle and run habitats in 2 streams. Invertebrates were identified and measured, and the biomass was estimated. The taxonomic richness and total abundance were higher in riffle habitats. Correspondence analysis showed a clear separation between riffle and run samples. The IndVal method identified the characteristic assemblages in each habitat type. Tricladida, Hydrachnidia, Leptophlebiidae, Hydropsychidae, Simulium sp. , Corynoneurini, Orthocladiinae, and Empididae showed significant indicator values for riffle habitats; whereas Bivalvia, Tanypodinae, and Chironomini were the characteristic taxa from runs. The length-frequency distribution of riffles differed from that in runs in both streams as measured by Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. The largest organisms were found in run habitats, with macroinvertebrates belonging to the 1st size class being the most abundant in riffles. Although larger organisms were found in runs, differences in total biomass between habitats were not observed due to the high number of small invertebrates collected in riffles. The size spectrum for the entire benthic community showed that the total biomass was relatively equitably distributed among the size classes, although a peak was suggested for medium size classes. When the size spectrum was separately analyzed in each habitat, a peak was also suggested in riffles. Differences in the physical attributes of riffles and runs were clearly reflected in the taxonomic composition of the size spectra. Patterns observed in taxonomic and size structures may indicate different ecological functioning at the habitat level in the tropical streams studied.
Basis Risk and Pensions Schemes: A Relative Modelling Approach.

For many pension schemes, a shortage of data limits their abilityto use sophisticated stochastic mortality models to assess and managetheir longevity risk. In this study, we develop a relative model formortality, which compares the evolution of mortality rates in a sub-population with that observed in a larger reference population. Weapply this relative approach to data from the CMI Self-AdministeredPension Scheme study, using UK population data as a reference. Wethen use the relative approach to investigate the potential differencesin the evolution of mortality rates between these two populations andfind that, in many practical situations, basis risk is much less of aproblem than is commonly believed.
Empirisch onderzoek naar de relatie tussen sensation seeking en de persoonlijkheidsdimensies uit de NEO-PI-R, en de voorkeur voor vakantie- activiteiten

A tilt device for a marine propulsion unit is disclosed where a shock blow valve comprises a disk valve fixed to a valve seat surface of the piston, the valve seat surface being provided with a seal member surrounding a communication hole which opens at the valve seat surface, and the disk valve is tightly connected to the seal member.
Perspectives of E-health Interventions for Stress-Related Disorders: A Critical Review

The aim of this paper is to review the current status of e-health interventions and discuss the main controversies and issues related to e-health definitions, forms of IT-based interventions, limitations and advantages, as well as directions for future research. Alongside the benefits that rapid development of ITbased psychosocial interventions bring to the mental health care system, they also bring challenges for patients, professionals, and researchers in the field in regard to methodology and terminology. There is also a huge variety of different forms of IT-based interventions. The popularity of these interventions is growing because of their convenience, cost-effectiveness, fewer stigmas attached to them, and other benefits. On the other hand, there are legal, ethical, confidentiality, and other questions that need to be considered. IT-based interventions for stress-related disorders share all of these difficulties. However, we also need to look at problems that come from dealing with a specific disorder. Research of IT-based interventions for stressrelated disorders confirms their effectiveness but also shows that their effectiveness can depend on the user’s and intervention’s qualities, hence more research on these variables is needed.