Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Suppression of MR1 by human cytomegalovirus inhibits MAIT cell activation

Introduction The antigen presentation molecule MHC class I related protein-1 (MR1) is best characterized by its ability to present bacterially derived metabolites of vitamin B2 biosynthesis to mucosal-associated invariant T-cells (MAIT cells). Methods Through in vitro human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in the presence of MR1 ligand we investigate the modulation of MR1 expression. Using coimmunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, expression by recombinant adenovirus and HCMV deletion mutants we investigate HCMV gpUS9 and its family members as potential regulators of MR1 expression. The functional consequences of MR1 modulation by HCMV infection are explored in coculture activation assays with either Jurkat cells engineered to express the MAIT cell TCR or primary MAIT cells. MR1 dependence in these activation assays is established by addition of MR1 neutralizing antibody and CRISPR/Cas-9 mediated MR1 knockout. Results Here we demonstrate that HCMV infection efficiently suppresses MR1 surface expression and reduces total MR1 protein levels. Expression of the viral glycoprotein gpUS9 in isolation could reduce both cell surface and total MR1 levels, with analysis of a specific US9 HCMV deletion mutant suggesting that the virus can target MR1 using multiple mechanisms. Functional assays with primary MAIT cells demonstrated the ability of HCMV infection to inhibit bacterially driven, MR1-dependent activation using both neutralizing antibodies and engineered MR1 knockout cells. Discussion This study identifies a strategy encoded by HCMV to disrupt the MR1:MAIT cell axis. This immune axis is less well characterized in the context of viral infection. HCMV encodes hundreds of proteins, some of which regulate the expression of antigen presentation molecules. However the ability of this virus to regulate the MR1:MAIT TCR axis has not been studied in detail.
The detection of the very low amplitude 16.2-min pulsation in individual lines of first ionization stage of rare earth elements in the roAp star β CrB

With high precision spectroscopic data obtained with Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph (UVES) on the Very Large Telescope (VLT) we detect radial velocity pulsation with a period of 16.2 min and with amplitudes of about 30 ms -1 in individual lines of the first ionization stage of rare earth elements, and in Hα, with typical precision in the range 2-8 ms -1 for a single line, and better than 1 ms ∼1 for some ensembles of lines. The second ionization stages of rare earth elements show weak or no detectable pulsation, while lines of Fe I or Fe II show no signal at high precision. An abundance analysis shows the rare earth elements to be overabundant by about 1 dex, rather than the 2-3 dex often seen in other rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) stars, and it shows the presence of the ionization disequilibrium for Nd and Pr that is typical of most roAp stars. The pulsational radial velocity curve reaches maximum for the lines of the rare earth elements before it does for Ha which is opposite to the case for most other roAp stars with implications for the stratification level of the rare earth elements. Similarities between ft CrB and the longest period roAp star, HD 116114, suggest that many more low-amplitude roAp stars await detection, with implications for understanding the pulsation driving mechanism and mode selection mechanism in these stars.
An Improved Weighted Total Least Squares Method with Applications in Linear Fitting and Coordinate Transformation

This paper presents an improved weighted total least squares (IWTLS) method for the errors-in-variables (EIV) model with applications in linear fitting and coordinate transformation. In addition, an improved constrained weighted TLS (ICWTLS) method is further obtained based on the IWTLS algorithm. Following the weighted TLS solution (WTLSS) method in which the precisions of any two columns of the design matrix differ only by a scalar factor in linear orthogonal regression problems, the IWTLS method is derived for a more generic case in which there is no proportionality assumption for the cofactor matrix of the design matrix in the EIV model. Compared with existing research on the constrained TLS method under the assumption that both the constraining matrix and the right-hand-side (RHS) vector are error-free, or that only the RHS vector contains errors, the ICWTLS method is proposed for resolving the EIV model with constraints by integrating the observation equations and constraint equations under the assu.
Inoculation with Oidiodendron maius BP Improves Nitrogen Absorption from Fertilizer and Growth of Vaccinium corymbosum during the Early Nursery Stage

Blueberry roots are inefficient in taking up water and nutrients, a fact partially related to their scarcity of root hairs, but they improve nutrient uptake by associating with ericoid mycorrhizal and endophytic fungi. However, the benefits of this association are both cultivar- and fungus-dependent. Our objective was to assess the effect of inoculation with three native fungal strains (Oidiodendron maius A, O. maius BP, and Acanthomyces lecanii BC) on plantlet growth, plantlet survival, and nitrogen (N) absorption of the southern highbush blueberry (SHB) cultivars Biloxi and Misty. The fungal strains were inoculated into the peat-based substrate for growing blueberry cultivars, and plantlets produced by micropropagation were transplanted and grown for four months. The three inoculated strains positively affected the survival percentage in at least one of the cultivars tested, whereas O. maius BP positively affected plant biomass, N derived from fertilizer absorption, N content, and plant N recovery (%) in both Biloxi and Misty. Our results show that the O. maius BP strain may prove useful as a bio-inoculant to improve blueberry production during the nursery stage.
Utilization of an acoustic tomography array as a large sonic anemometer/thermometer

The temperature, wind velocity, and vertical and horizontal kinematic heat fluxes are important characteristics of the atmospheric surface layer. Point measurements of these meteorological parameters are often not representative due to their horizontal variations. For remote sensing of the area-averaged values of these parameters, we suggest using the acoustic tomography array at the Boulder Atmospheric Observatory (BAO). In this approach, the tomography array (with the horizontal size of 80 m by 80 m) is used, in essence, as a large sonic anemometer/thermometer for measurements of the area-averaged, instantaneous values of temperature and wind velocity. The area-averaged horizontal heat flux is then calculated from a time series of the area-averaged temperature and wind velocity. Feasibility of this approach is studied in numerical simulations of the BAO tomography array with the use of LES fields of temperature and wind velocity. The results obtained show that the area-averaged values of temperature, wi.
Unsteady Mixed Convective Flow Confined between Vertical Wavy Wall and Parallel Flat Wall Filled with Porous and Fluid Layer

The unsteady mixed convective flow in a long vertical channel containing porous and fluid layer bounded by a smooth and corrugated wall is studied. Nonlinear equations governing the motion have been solved by linearization technique wherein the flow is assumed to be in two parts: a mean part and a perturbed part. Exact solutions are obtained for the mean part, and the perturbed part is solved using long wave approximation. Separate solutions are matched at the interface using suitable matching conditions. Results for a wide range of governing parameters such as Grashof number, viscosity ratio, width ratio, conductivity ratio, and frequency parameter are plotted for different values of porous parameter. Closed-form expressions for the Nusselt number and skin friction at both left and right channel walls are also derived. It is found that the Grashof number, width ratio, and conductivity ratio promote the velocity parallel to the flow direction and reduce the velocity perpendicular to the flow direction. The presence of porous matrix and viscosity ratio suppresses the velocity parallel to the flow direction and promotes the velocity perpendicular to the flow direction. The validity of the results obtained for the two-fluid model is compared with the available one-fluid model in the absence of porous matrix for steady flow, and the values agree very well.
Implementation, Modelling and Verification of High-Speed Mach-Zehnder Phase Modulators in an Open Access InP Foundry Platform

We present the introduction of high-speed phase modulators based on the quantum-confined Stark effect to the generic InP foundry platform at Fraunhofer HHI. An overview of the technological integration of the high-speed phase Mach-Zehnder modulators (MZM) to the existing generic foundry process is described. In addition, an electro-optical behavioral model for the high speed MZM, which gives insight into the influence of design parameters on performance, is discussed. The presented MZM structure with a traveling wave electrode length of 5 mm has a $V_\pi$ of 1.4 V and a small signal electro-optic 3 dB bandwidth of 32 GHz. Large signal RF operation up to 80 Gbps is demonstrated. To the best of our knowledge, these are the highest-performance MZMs in an InP open access integrated photonics foundry platform.
Regression-Equivalent Effect Sizes for Latent Growth Modeling and Associated Null Hypothesis Significance Tests

Abstract The effect of an independent variable on random slopes in growth modeling with latent variables is conventionally used to examine predictors of change over the course of a study. This article demonstrates that the same effect of a covariate on growth can be obtained by using final status centering for parameterization and regressing the random intercepts (or the intercept factor scores) on both the independent variable and a baseline covariate–the framework used to study change with classical regression analysis. Examples are provided that illustrate the application of an intercept-focused approach to obtain effect sizes–the unstandardized regression coefficient, the standardized regression coefficient, squared semi-partial correlation, and Cohen’s f 2–that estimate the same parameters as respective effect sizes from a classical regression analysis. Moreover, statistical power to detect the effect of the predictor on growth was greater when using random intercepts than the conventionally used random slopes.
Numerical Investigation of Self-Ignition Characteristics of Solid-Fuel Scramjet Combustor

The self-ignition characteristics of a solid fuel under supersonic flow have been investigated theoretically and numerically. Time-dependent two-dimensional axisymmetric compressible Navier–Stokes equations and species transport equations are solved numerically. Turbulence closure is achieved using the shear stress transport k-ω model. Polymethylmethacrylate fuel and a global one-step reaction mechanism are used in this study. The reaction rate is determined by finite-rate chemical kinetics with the turbulence–chemistry interaction modeled by an eddy-dissipation model. The numerical results generally agree with the experimental data in the published literature. The flame spread and pressurization during the self-ignition of polymethylmethacrylate in the combustor have been studied. The effect of inlet flow conditions and the geometry of the combustor on self-ignition behavior have been analyzed. Three stages of flame spread (namely, heat accumulation, secondary recirculation zone self-ignition, and orderl.
Topology of Convection beneath the Solar Surface

It is shown that the topology of convection beneath the solar surface is dominated by effects of stratification. Convection in a strongly stratified medium has: (1) gentle expanding structureless warm upflows and (2) strong converging filamentary cool downdrafts. The horizontal flow topology is cellular, with a hierarchy of cell sizes. The small density scale height in the surface layers forces the formation of the solar granulation, which is a shallow surface phenomenon. Deeper layers support successively larger cells. The downflows of small cells close to the surface merge into filamentary downdrafts of larger cells at greater depths, and this process is likely to continue through most of the convection zone. Radiative cooling at the surface provides the entropy-deficient material which drives the circulation. 13 refs.
From Catch-and-Harvest to Catch-and-Release: Trout Unlimited and repair-focused deinstitutionalization

Increasingly we are faced with broad societal challenges that encourage us to rethink existing institutions. Yet many people also want to preserve institutions they cherish. This tension points to the need for change that can erode or discontinue unsustainable or problematic aspects of institutions while also maintaining what is sacred and valued. In this paper we ask how can organizations deinstitutionalize taken-for-granted practices while also preserving the institution? We answer this question by exploring how Trout Unlimited deployed visual and discursive tactics to push out unsustainable catch-and-harvest fly fishing practices and insert new catch-and-release practices. Our primary theoretical contribution is a model of repair-focused deinstitutionalization, illustrating how custodians utilize three forms of work to respond to threats—mending, caring, and restoring—all with an eye on deinstitutionalization via repair rather than disruption. Importantly, we show how the construct of repair is multipurpose, not limited to maintenance strategies, but can also be a catalyst for change. In addition, we extend research on deinstitutionalization by presenting a multimodal approach that goes beyond discourse, with particular attention to visuality and show how different modalities present different affordances in longer-term repair efforts.
Stationary nonlinear Alfvén waves and solitons

Stationary solutions of the derivative nonlinear Schroedinger equation are discussed and classified by using a pseudopotential formulation. The solutions consist of a rich family of nonlinear Alfven waves and solitons with parallel and oblique propagation directions. Expressions for the envelope and the phase of nonlinear waves with periodic envelope modulation, and “hyperbolic” and “algebraic” solitons are given. We evaluate the propagation angle for the slightly modulated elliptic, periodic waves and for oblique solitons. Also, we present periodic stationary waves which may arise in numerical simulations using periodic boundary conditions. The parallel and oblique stationary solutions discussed here can serve as a starting point for studies of modulational and decay instabilities and for a stability analysis of the solitons.
An energy stable, conservative and bounds‐preserving numerical method for thermodynamically consistent modeling of incompressible two‐phase flow in porous media with rock compressibility

In this paper, we consider modeling and numerical simulation of incompressible and immiscible two‐phase flow in porous media with rock compressibility. Using the second law of thermodynamics, we rigorously derive a thermodynamically consistent mathematical model, which characterizes the two‐phase capillarity and rock compressibility through free energies, thereby following an energy dissipation law. We also derive a general and thermodynamically consistent formulation for the effective pore fluid pressure acting on rocks, which is a fundamental problem for two‐phase flow with rock compressibility. To solve the model effectively, we propose an energy stable numerical method, which can preserve multiple physical properties, including the energy dissipation law, full conservation law for both fluids and pore volumes, and positivity of porosity and saturations. Benefiting from the newly‐developed energy factorization approach and careful treatments for the effective pressure and porosity, the proposed scheme can inherit the energy dissipation law at the discrete level. The fully discrete scheme is constructed using a locally conservative cell‐centered finite difference method. The implicit strategy is applied to treat the upwind phase mobilities and porosity in the phase mass conservation equations and the porosity equation so as to conserve the mass of each phase as well as pore volumes. The positivity of porosity and saturations is proved without any restrictions on time step and mesh sizes. An efficient sequential iterative method is also developed to solve the nonlinear system resulting from the scheme. Finally, numerical results are given to verify the features of the proposed method.
Estimating spatial variation in origination and extinction in deep time: a case study using the Permian–Triassic marine invertebrate fossil record

Abstract. Understanding spatial variation in origination and extinction can help to unravel the mechanisms underlying macroevolutionary patterns. Although methods have been developed for estimating global origination and extinction rates from the fossil record, no framework exists for applying these methods to restricted spatial regions. Here, we test the efficacy of three metrics for regional analysis, using simulated fossil occurrences. These metrics are then applied to the marine invertebrate record of the Permian and Triassic to examine variation in extinction and origination rates across latitudes. Extinction and origination rates were generally uniform across latitudes for these time intervals, including during the Capitanian and Permian–Triassic mass extinctions. The small magnitude of this variation, combined with the possibility of its attribution to sampling bias, cautions against linking any observed differences to contrasting evolutionary dynamics. Our results indicate that origination and extinction levels were more variable across clades than across latitudes.
Identification of a Gait Pattern for Detecting Mild Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease

The aim of this study was to determine a gait pattern, i.e., a subset of spatial and temporal parameters, through a supervised machine learning (ML) approach, which could be used to reliably distinguish Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Thus, 80 PD patients underwent gait analysis and spatial–temporal parameters were acquired in three different conditions (normal gait, motor dual task and cognitive dual task). Statistical analysis was performed to investigate the data and, then, five ML algorithms and the wrapper method were implemented: Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Naïve Bayes (NB), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN). First, the algorithms for classifying PD patients with MCI were trained and validated on an internal dataset (sixty patients) and, then, the performance was tested by using an external dataset (twenty patients). Specificity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were calculated. SVM and RF showed the best performance and detected MCI with an accuracy of over 80.0%. The key features emerging from this study are stance phase, mean velocity, step length and cycle length; moreover, the major number of features selected by the wrapper belonged to the cognitive dual task, thus, supporting the close relationship between gait dysfunction and MCI in PD.
Estimates on the Green Function and Existence of Positive Solutions of Nonlinear Singular Elliptic Equations

We establish a 3G-Theorem for the Green's function for an unbounded regular domain D in ℝn(n ≥ 3), with compact boundary. We exploit this result to introduce a new class of potentials K(D) that properly contains the classical Kato class . Next, we study the existence and the uniqueness of a positive continuous solution u in of the following nonlinear singular elliptic problem where φ is a nonnegative Borel measurable function in D × (0, ∞), that belongs to a convex cone which contains, in particular, all functions φ(x, t) = q(x)t-σ, σ ≥ 0 with q ∈ K(D). We give also some estimates on the solution u.
What determines the morphological fractions in clusters of galaxies

A reexamination of Dressler's sample of nearly 6000 galaxies in 55 clusters shows that the morphology-clustercentric radius relation is more fundamental than the morphology-local density relation. This conclusion is supported by improved correlations when the clustercentric radius is used as the independent parameter, and by a comparison of galaxies with the same normalized clustercentric radii but different values of the local density. The morphology-radius relation, when normalized by a characteristic cluster radius, R c opt , does not vary as a function of the number density within 0.5 Mpc, N 0.5 , the X-ray luminosity, L X , or the velocity dispersion of the cluster, V disp
Representation of the canopy conductance in modeling the surface energy budget for low vegetation

Abstract In this study, the authors develop and validate an approach to calculate a canopy conductance that can successfully be implemented in an atmospheric model. The approach is based on plant physiology approaches that have developed recently. However, it includes a new analytic formulation to scale the conductance up from leaf to canopy. Furthermore, a new expression that accounts for the effect of soil moisture on the canopy conductance is proposed. The parameters are not optimized locally; rather, values are assigned to them as a function of vegetation type. This approach is validated for three experimental sites: the First International Satellite Land Surface Climatology Project Field Experiment (FIFE)–Kansas area, the Hydrological Atmospheric Pilot Experiment–Modelisation du Bilan Hydrique (HAPEX–MOBILHY) site, and the Cabauw area. The vegetation at these sites is representative for large areas with low vegetation in the world. The results of the plant physiological approach are based on a distin.
Reliability of Scales With General Structure: Point and Interval Estimation Using a Structural Equation Modeling Approach

A method for obtaining point and interval estimates of reliability for composites of measures with a general structure is discussed. The approach is based on fitting a correspondingly constrained structural equation model and generalizes earlier covariance structure analysis methods for scale reliability estimation with congeneric tests. The procedure can be used with weighted or unweighted composites, in which the weights need not be known in advance but may be estimated simultaneously. The approach allows one also to obtain an approximate standard error and confidence interval for scale reliability using the bootstrap methodology.
Determinants of Households’ Intention to Take Out or Convert to a Trust-Type Home Pension: Evidence from South Korea

ABSTRACT This study analyzes the determinants of Korean households’ intention to take out a trust-type home pension (Korean reverse mortgage) or switch from a collateral-type home pension to a trust-type home pension. Using a proportional odds logit model, we analyzed 2018 survey data on home pension demand. Trust-type home pension enrollment is most significantly influenced by homeowners’ relationship with children after enrollment, followed by homeowners’ need for retirement-related financial education. The presence (or absence) of a homeowner’s spouse most significantly influenced conversion intention, affirming that for homeowners with a spouse, their priority in pension selection was securing their spouse’s future entitlement.