Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inflammation‐induced colon cancer in uPA‐deficient mice is associated with a deregulated expression of Notch signaling pathway components Hara Afaloniati1 · George S. Karagiannis2 · Emmanouel Karavanis3 · Theophano A. Psarra4 · Anastasios Karampatzakis‐Kouritas1 · Theofilos Poutahidis5 · Katerina An

Notch is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway with an important role in development and cell fate determination. Deregulation of Notch signaling has been associated with several pathological conditions, including cancer. Acting as an oncogene in some types of cancers and as a tumor suppressor in other, Notch effects seem to be highly context-dependent in solid tumors. In the present study, we aimed to investigate gene expression levels of Notch pathway constituents, including ligands, receptors, and target genes, during the early stages of inflammation-associated intestinal carcinogenesis. To achieve so, we used our recently developed mouse model, in which colon cancer arises in the absence of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) due to colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) treatment. Among the cell surface components, ligands Jag1/Jag2 and receptors Notch1/Notch2 were found to be significantly upregulated in the uPA-deficient protumorigenic inflammatory microenvironment. Moreover, several intracellular Notch modulators, i.e. Hes1, Hey1, and Klf4, were also shown to be deregulated with inflammation, yet irrespective of uPA status. Sox9 transcription factor, however, was significantly downregulated in the uPA-deficient/DSS-treated mice that developed colon adenomas as compared to the wild-type/DSS-treated group with no neoplasia identified. The latter finding supports a tumor suppressive role of Sox9 in intestinal carcinogenesis. Our results point towards an early activation of Notch signaling pathway at the receptor-ligand level in inflammation-associated colon neoplasmatogenesis developed in the absence of uPA. Interestingly, such activation may not be accompanied by deregulation of downstream Notch-target genes, possibly due to the effects of other inter-related signaling pathways.
Effect of Temperature Dependent Properties on Natural Convection of Water Near its Density Maximum in Enclosures

A numerical study has been performed to investigate the problem of natural convection of water near its density maximum in an enclosure with temperature dependent properties. The viscosity and thermal conductivity of the water is varied with reference temperature and calculated by fourth degree polynomial in all grid points. The governing equations are solved by finite volume method. The results are depicted graphically in the form of streamlines, isotherms and velocity vectors and are discussed for various values of reference temperature parameter, Rayleigh number, density inversion parameter and aspect ratio. It is observed that the temperature of maximum density leaves strong effects on fluid flow and heat transfer due to the formation of bi-cellular structure. The heat transfer rate behaves non-linearly with density inversion parameter. The average Nusselt number values considering temperature-dependent fluid properties are lower than the constant properties result except density. There is no significant effect on fluid flow and temperature distributions when changing the values of temperature difference parameter. The average heat transfer rate considering temperature-dependent viscosity are higher than considering both temperature-dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity.
Fitting The Term Structure of Interest Rates With Smoothing Splines

We describe a technique for fitting the term structure of interest rates using smoothing splines, which incorporate a "roughness" penalty. An increase in the penalty reduces the effective number of parameters. We use generalized cross validation to choose adaptively the penalty and hence the effective number of parameters. We show how our technique can be used to spline an arbitrary transformation of the discount function, using a B-spline bases. Our Monte Carlo simulations and estimation results suggest that fitting a smoothing spline to the forward rate curve using generalized cross validation produces the best results.
On the geography of Stein fillings of certain 3-manifolds

Let (Y, ξ) be a given (closed) contact 3-manifold. (For basic definitions regarding contact structures the reader is advised to consult e.g. [Ae; Et2].) A 4-manifold X is called aStein fillingof (Y, ξ) if X is a sublevel set of a plurisubharmonic function on a Stein surface and if (Y, ξ) is contactomorphic to∂X (the contact structure induced by the complex tangencies). For a more detailed account regarding Stein fillings, see [LiMa]. Inspired by the geography problem of minimal surfaces of general type—that is, the determination of pairs (signature, Euler characteristic) = (σ, χ) of such 4-manifolds—we are led to the following.
Some Boundary Value Problems Involving Differential Forms

Keywords: differential forms ; Gaffney inequality ; Hodge-Morrey decomposition ; Poincare lemma ; formes differentielles ; inegalite de Gaffney ; decomposition de Hodge-Morrey ; lemme de Poincare These Ecole polytechnique federale de Lausanne EPFL, n° 5414 (2012)Programme doctoral MathematiquesFaculte des sciences de baseInstitut de mathematiques d'analyse et applicationsChaire d'analyse mathematique et applicationsJury: M. Troyanov (president), Z. Balogh, P. Bousquet, K. -D. Semmler Public defense: 2012-9-28 Reference doi:10.5075/epfl-thesis-5414Print copy in library catalog Record created on 2012-09-27, modified on 2017-05-12
Sociophonetic aspects of creaky voice

In a wide‐reaching study of creaky voice in British English (Henton and Bladon, 1988) it was indicated that use of creaky voice varied significantly according to sex and accent of speakers, as well as with utterance position. Specifically, males used between three and ten times as much creaky voice as did females. Accentual differences were also found: Speakers of Modified Northern were more polarized in the overall amounts of creak used than were RP speakers. Individual speakers varied considerably in their use of creak, with a number of males being persistent creakers. In addition, creaky voice was shown to be an “end‐of‐utterance” phenomenon, used by females and males in a demarcative function. Further research using data from American English and from French indicates that creaky voice may be employed as a sociophonetic marker across cultures. Indeed, its role as a marker of male speech may be enhanced in certain cultures where gender‐role expectations are more pronounced. The demarcative intonational function is observed again cross linguistically. This phenomenon, coupled with Hyman's (1988) recent results for West African languages, may make intonational creaky voice a candidate for a phonetic universal.
Calculus of Variations A Liouville theorem for conformal Gaussian curvature type equations in R 2

In this paper, we obtain a Liouville type theorem for a class of elliptic equations including the conformal Gaussian curvature equation − u = K (x)e2u in R2, where K (x) is a Hölder continuous function in R2 that does not have a fixed sign near infinity. The main tool in our approach is an asymptotic formula for the solution at infinity and the method of moving planes. We also show how our Liouville theorem can be used to obtain a priori bound for solutions of the prescribing Gaussian curvature equation in S2, namely u + K (x)e2u = 1 in S2, where K (x) is Hölder continuous and nonnegative in S2 but vanishes on a set with nonempty interior, a case left open in previous research. Mathematics Subject Classification (2000) 35J60 · 53C21
Local stability criterion for stars and gas in a galactic disc

We obtain the criterion for local stability against axisymmetric perturbations in gravitationally coupled stars and gas in a galactic disc. The stars and gas are treated as two isothermal fluids, with the random velocity dispersion being higher in stars than in gas. The aim is to obtain a quantitative measure of the mutual destabilizing effect of the two components on each other. The problem is phrased in terms of a complete set of three dimensionless parameters: $Q_S$ and $Q_g$, the standard Q parameters for local stability for stars alone and gas alone, respectively, and $\epsilon$, the gas mass fraction in the disc. The results for $Q_{s-g}$, the two-fluid local stability parameter, and $l_{s-g}$, the dimensionless wavelength at which it is hardest to stabilize the two-fluid system, are obtained seminumericaUy as a function of Qs, Qg and $\pounds$ and are presented as contour plots. The $q{s-g}$ values are lower than the one-fluid $Q_S$ or $Q_g$ values, especially for high gas fractions $(\epsilon\geqO.15)$, indicating that the star-gas disc is more unstable than either constituent fluid by itself. $l_{s-g}$ shows a bimodal distribution for low gas fractions $(\epsilon\leq 0.1)$ - that is, for low $Q_s$ values $l_{s-g}$ is in the stellar regime of high wavelengths, and vice versa. In contrast, for high gas fractions $(e\geq0.15)$, the variation is smooth. Some applications of these results for the theoretical studies of stability and evolution of galaxies are discussed.
Oblique projections, Broyden restricted class and limited-memory quasi-Newton methods

In the paper, a new form of the updating formula of the Broyden restricted class of methods is presented. It assumes the product form similar to that known for long time for the famous Broyden, Fletcher, Goldfarb, Shanno (BFGS) update. It is shown in the paper that similar product representation exists for the Davidon, Fletcher, Powell (DFP) formula and any member of the Broyden restricted class. For the BFGS update the projection uses vector of differences of variables, for DFP image of the previous inverse Hessian approximation on the difference of derivatives and the convex combination of those two vectors when we consider other members of the Broyden class. The formula relating the parameter in the oblique projections with the parameter in the classic form of Broyden restricted class is derived. It permits to use any Broyden update in the limited memory quasi-newton methods where up till now exclusively the BFGS update was exploited. Preliminary computational results of such numerical experiments on some convex functions with increasing dimensions are presented. The presented result gives deeper look inside the structure of variable metric updates. We hope that it would bring in the future simplification of the convergence proofs of the quasi-Newton methods.
Operational Aspects of Decision Feedback Equalizers

The central theme is the study of error propagation effects in decision feedback equalizers (DFEs). The thesis contains: a stochastic analysis of error propagation in a tuned DFE; an analysis of the effects of error propagation in a blindly adapted DFE; a deterministic analysis of error propagation through input-output stability ideas; and testing procedures for establishing correct tap convergence in blind adaptation. To a lesser extent, the decision directed equalizer (DDE) is also treated. Characterizing error propagation using finite state Markov process (FSMP) techniques is first considered. We classify how the channel and DFE parameters affect the FSMP model and establish tight bounds on the error probability and mean error recovery time of a tuned DFE. These bounds are shown to be too conservative for practical use and highlight the need for imposing stronger hypotheses on the class of channels for which a DFE may be effectively used. In blind DFE adaptation we show the effect of decision errors is to distort the adaptation relative to the use of a training sequence. The mean square error surface in a LMS type setting is shown to be a concatenation of quadratic functions exposing the possibility of false tap convergence to undesirable DFE parameter settings. Averaging analysis and simulation are used to verify this behaviour on some examples. Error propagation in a tuned DFE is also examined in a deterministic setting. A finite error recovery time problem is set up as an input-output stability problem. Passivity theory is invoked to prove that a DFE can be effectively used on a channel satisfying a simple frequency domain condition. These results give performance bounds which relate well with practice. Testing for false tap convergence in blind adaptation concludes our study. Simple statistic output tests are shown to be capable of discerning correct operation of a DDE. Similar tests are conjectured for the DFE, supported by proofs for the low dimensional cases.
The role of duration in regional U.S. vowel shifts

Contemporary American dialect research has produced a rich body of literature on phonetic differences in vowel production. Many studies have focused on contrasting vowel shifts occurring in the speech of Northerners and Southerners. While such research clearly shows formant differences across dialects, the investigation of regionally variable phonetic cues beyond F1 and F2 has been under-addressed. The limited work that exists on sociolinguistic aspects of duration suggests that speakers do show durational differences across regions [Clopper et al. (2005), Jacewicz et al. (2007), Labov and Baranowski (2006), Tauberer and Evanini (2009)]. However, beyond these studies, there has been little research on the regional variability of vowel duration and on how phonemically non-distinctive durational differences found across regions may be related to the degree and type of spectral shift present in individuals' systems. In this paper we consider the extent to which duration corresponds to spectral differences in.
X-ray observations of helium-like scandium from the Alcator C-Mod tokamak

Scandium (Z=21) has been injected into the Alcator C-Mod tokamak. X-ray wavelengths of Delta n=1 transitions to the ground state in Sc19+ and Sc18+ have been accurately determined. Time-resolved spectra have been obtained from different radial locations following the injections and have been compared with favourable agreement to the results of collisional radiative-transport code modelling. X-rays emitted from the outermost regions of the plasma (r/aL>or=2/3) appear in time after X-ray emission from the plasma centre. These X-rays arise from upper levels in Sc19+ populated by radiative recombination of Sc20+ which can only exist in the outer regions after the scandium has penetrated to the plasma centre, become ionized to Sc20+, and diffused back out before recombining. The density of scandium in the plasma has been determined for a variety of operating conditions. Only about 10% of the injected scandium penetrates to the plasma centre, and the scandium density in the plasma decreases with increasing electron density.
Classifying increaser species as an indicator of different levels of rangeland degradation using WorldView-2 imagery

Abstract. The development of new multispectral sensors with unique band settings is critical for mapping the spatial distribution of increaser vegetation species in disturbed rangelands. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of WorldView-2 imagery for spectral classification of four increaser species, namely Hyparrhenia hirta, Eragrostis curvula, Sporobolus africanus, and Aristida diffusa, in the Okhombe communal rangelands of South Africa. The 8-bands were extracted from the WorldView-2 image, and 24 of the most widely used vegetation indices in estimating grassland biophysical parameters were calculated. The random forest algorithm and forward variable method were applied to identify the optimal variables (WorldView-2 spectral bands, vegetation indices, and a combination of bands and indices) for classifying the species. The random forest algorithm could classify species with an overall accuracy of 82.6% ( KHAT [ an estimate of κ ] = 0.76 ) using six of the WorldView-2 spectral bands and an overall accuracy of 90% ( KHAT = 0.87 ) using a subset of vegetation indices ( n = 9 ). Three bands selected were located at the new WorldView-2 spectral regions of coastal blue, yellow, and the red-edge. There was no significant improvement in increaser species classification by using a combination of bands and indices. Overall, the study demonstrated the potential of the WorldView-2 data for improving increaser separability at species level.
Numerical Study of Gas Phase Flow in Cyclones with the Repds

Experiments have shown that a cyclone's energy loss can be largely reduced by a stick called a Repds (Reducing Pressure Drop Stick). The present study reports on a three-dimensional numerical simulation performed using FLUENT, a kind of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. The simulation result confirmed the effectiveness of the Repds in reducing the energy loss. This article compares the numerical results with two sets of experimental results. The numerical calculation shows that the Repds reduces the tangential velocity peak and increases the axial velocity in the central region of the cyclones. The change in the velocity distribution results in the reduction of the energy dissipation in the cyclones.
Reliability Test Plans for Exponentiated Log-Logistic Distribution

Abstract A generalization of the log-logistic distribution called exponentiated log-logistic distribution (in lines of exponentiated Weibull distribution suggested by Mudholkar and Srivastava [Technometrics 37: 436-445, 1995]) is considered. In this paper the operating characteristic for a sampling plan is determined for the case that a lot of products is submitted for inspection with lifetimes specified by an exponentiated log-logistic distribution (ELLD). The results are illustrated by a numerical example.
On the mixed problem for quasilinear pseudoparabolic equation

In this paper the multidimensional mixed problem for the quasilinear pseudoparabolic equation ut-Lxu-εLxut=f(t,x,u) is considered. Lx is a differential operator, which composes (with boundary operator) a self adjoint operator. An existence, uniqueness and also continuous dependense on the small parameter ε>0 of generalized solution is proved. The estimation of the difference of exact and approximate solutions is obtained
Bridging from Eulerian to Lagrangian statistics in 3D hydro- and magnetohydrodynamic turbulent flows

We present measurements of conditional probability density functions (PDFs) that allow one to systematically bridge from Eulerian to Lagrangian statistics in fully developed 3D turbulence. The transition is investigated for hydro- as well as magnetohydrodynamic flows and comparisons are drawn. Significant differences in the transition PDFs are observed for these flows and traced back to the differing coherent structures. In particular, we address the problem of an increasing degree of intermittency going from Eulerian to Lagrangian coordinates by means of the conditional PDFs involved in this transformation. First simple models of these PDFs are investigated in order to distinguish different contributions to the degree of Lagrangian intermittency.
Angle-resolved photoemission studies of quantum materials

The physics of quantum materials is dictated by many-body interactions and mathematical concepts such as symmetry and topology that have transformed our understanding of matter. Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), which directly probes the electronic structure in momentum space, has played a central role in the discovery, characterization, and understanding of quantum materials ranging from strongly-correlated states of matter to those exhibiting non-trivial topology. Over the past two decades, ARPES as a technique has matured dramatically with ever-improving resolution and continued expansion into the space-, time-, and spin-domains. Simultaneously, the capability to synthesize new materials and apply non-thermal tuning parameters \emph{in-situ} has unlocked new dimensions in the study of all quantum materials. We review these developments, and survey the scientific contributions they have enabled in contemporary quantum materials research.
Estimating research performance by using research grant award gradings

Summary. In the UK and elsewhere, there has been considerable debate about the use of quantitative indicators, known as ‘metrics’, to judge research performance of individual academics and university departments. We carry out an analysis of the grades that are awarded to research grant applications to explore the extent to which such information can be used for this purpose. Our results suggest that the usefulness of these data is limited and also that similar important limitations are associated with other metrics such as those based on journal paper citation indices.
Phase ordering dynamics in binary mixtures with annealed vacancies

We formulate mean-field dynamical models for phase ordering dynamics in binary mixtures with both mobile and quenched vacancies or impurities. We use these models to obtain numerical results for two important problems in phase ordering dynamics, viz., the kinetics of vacancy-mediated segregation and the kinetics of ordering in a ferromagnet with annealed vacancies.
Interpretation of momentum distribution of recoil ions from laser-induced nonsequential double ionization by semiclassical rescattering model

Using a semiclassical rescattering model, the momentum distribution of recoil ions from laser-induced nonsequential double ionization is obtained and the result is consistent with the experiment reported recently. We show that the characteristic double-hump structure of the recoil momentum distribution of the He2+ ion parallel to the polarization axis is just the consequence of the rescattering dynamic of nonsequential double ionization and the acceleration of the ions in the laser field.
Control of Flexible Structures With the Confinement of Vibrations

A novel control strategy for the simultaneous suppression and confinement of vibrations in flexible structures is proposed. The key idea is to alter the original modes by appropriate feedback forces to allow parts of a flexible structure to reach their steady states at fast rates. It has been demonstrated that the convergence of these parts to zero is improved at the expense of slowing down the settling of the remaining parts to their steady states. The proposed control strategy can be applied in the rapid removal of vibration energy in sensitive parts of a flexible structure for safety or performance reasons. Such parts include communication antennas in light space structures and payloads of flexible robot manipulators. In order to gain insight into the viability of the proposed control strategy, the latter is compared with a classical feedback control strategy under the same input bound constraint. It has been shown that the new control strategy brings the sensitive parts to rest with approximately 50 percent reduction in time.