Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
First observation of the rare decay mode K0 L → e+e-

In an experiment designed to search for and study very rare two-body decay modes of the K-long, we have observed four examples of the decay K-long -> e+ e-, where the expected background is 0.17+-0.10 events. This observation translates into a branching fraction of 8.7^{+5.7}_{-4.1} X 10^{-12}, consistent with recent theoretical predictions. This result represents by far the smallest branching fraction yet measured in particle physics.
Haemolymph removal by Varroa mite destabilizes the dynamical interaction between immune effectors and virus in bees, as predicted by Volterra's model

The association between the deformed wing virus and the parasitic mite Varroa destructor has been identified as a major cause of worldwide honeybee colony losses. The mite acts as a vector of the viral pathogen and can trigger its replication in infected bees. However, the mechanistic details underlying this tripartite interaction are still poorly defined, and, particularly, the causes of viral proliferation in mite-infested bees. Here, we develop and test a novel hypothesis that mite feeding destabilizes viral immune control through the removal of both virus and immune effectors, triggering uncontrolled viral replication. Our hypothesis is grounded on the predator–prey theory developed by Volterra, which predicts prey proliferation when both predators and preys are constantly removed from the system. Consistent with this hypothesis, we show that the experimental removal of increasing volumes of haemolymph from individual bees results in increasing viral densities. By contrast, we do not find consistent support for alternative proposed mechanisms of viral expansion via mite immune suppression or within-host viral evolution. Our results suggest that haemolymph removal plays an important role in the enhanced pathogen virulence observed in the presence of feeding Varroa mites. Overall, these results provide a new model for the mechanisms driving pathogen–parasite interactions in bees, which ultimately underpin honeybee health decline and colony losses.
A statistical analysis of the 1992 research assessment exercise

This paper reports the main results of a statistical analysis of the 1992 research assessment exercise (RAE), the purpose of which was to assess the quality of research in each subject area in all institutions of higher education in the UK. The analysis is undertaken for all 72 subject categories defined in the RAE. It provides an overview of the research activity during 1988-92 and examines the statistical relationship between the outcome of the RAE and a range of quantitative indicators based on various research outputs and inputs at institutional and subjet level. A high proportion of the variation in research ratings between institutions is accounted for by only a handful of explanatory variables. Departmental size is shown to be a major explanatory variable. The statistical analysis of the RAE therefore indicates that quantitative measures of research outputs and inputs provide a useful guide to the quality of research, as determined by the process of peer review
Diabetes in pregnancy in associations with perinatal and postneonatal mortality in First Nations and non-Indigenous populations in Quebec, Canada: population-based linked birth cohort study

Objective Both pregestational and gestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM, GDM) occur more frequently in First Nations (North American Indians) pregnant women than their non-Indigenous counterparts in Canada. We assessed whether the impacts of PGDM and GDM on perinatal and postneonatal mortality may differ in First Nations versus non-Indigenous populations. Design A population-based linked birth cohort study. Setting and participants 17 090 First Nations and 217 760 non-Indigenous singleton births in 1996–2010, Quebec, Canada. Main outcome measures Relative risks (RR) of perinatal and postneonatal death. Perinatal deaths included stillbirths and neonatal (0–27 days of postnatal life) deaths; postneonatal deaths included infant deaths during 28–364 days of life. Results PGDM and GDM occurred much more frequently in First Nations (3.9% and 10.7%, respectively) versus non-Indigenous (1.1% and 4.8%, respectively) pregnant women. PGDM was associated with an increased risk of perinatal death to a much greater extent in First Nations (RR=5.08[95% CI 2.99 to 8.62], p<0.001; absolute risk (AR)=21.6 [8.6–34.6] per 1000) than in non-Indigenous populations (RR=1.76[1.17, 2.66], p=0.003; AR=4.2[0.2, 8.1] per 1000). PGDM was associated with an increased risk of postneonatal death in non-Indigenous (RR=3.46[1.71, 6.99], p<0.001; AR=2.4[0.1, 4.8] per 1000) but not First Nations (RR=1.16[0.28, 4.77], p=0.35) infants. Adjusting for maternal and pregnancy characteristics, the associations were similar. GDM was not associated with perinatal or postneonatal death in both groups. Conclusions The study is the first to reveal that PGDM may increase the risk of perinatal death to a much greater extent in First Nations versus non-Indigenous populations, but may substantially increase the risk of postneonatal death in non-Indigenous infants only. The underlying causes are unclear and deserve further studies. We speculate that population differences in the quality of glycaemic control in diabetic pregnancies and/or genetic vulnerability to hyperglycaemia’s fetal toxicity may be contributing factors.
Quasiperiodic microstructure in radio pulsar emissions

A detailed analysis of microstructure in the radio emissions from five pulsars is presented, with particular emphasis on quasi-periodicities of the microstructure. Two objects (PSRs 0950 + 08 and 1133 + 16) show microstructure in only about 5-10 percent of pulse periods whereas the three objects that display drifting subpulses (PSRs 0809 + 74, 1944 + 17, and 2016 + 28) almost always show microstructure. The microstructure for two objects (1944 + 17 and 2016 + 28) is strongest at meter wavelengths and its contribution to the intensity decreases roughly as nu to the -3. The quasi-periods of periodic microstructure vary over a 10:1 range about an average period of 0.5-5 ms. The period can change on timescales as short as the typical subpulse separation, P2 about or equal to 10-60 ms. The significance of microstructure quasi-periodicities is discussed in terms of neutron star oscillation and activity in the pulsar magnetosphere. 54 refs.
Asymptotic structure incorporating double and triple decks, original version.

The stagnation point flow toward a rotating disk of finite radius is known to develop -- near the edge of the disk -- into a triple deck structure when the flow is strictly a stagnation point flow, and into a double deck structure when the flow is strictly a rotating disk flow. It is shown here that the transfer from one structure to another is singular; requiring matching of two main decks. The double deck structure is, in essence, a triple deck structure with collapsing upper deck.
Analysis of Population Diversity

Defining population diversity to be the distribution of population elements along a continuum of homogeneity to heterogeneity with respect to one or more variables, measures are described with variance-based interpretations which can be applied to qualitative data. A significant contribution is that the measures are not restricted to the analysis of univariate distributions. Rather, it is possible to use these statistics to define relationships in bivariate and multivariate distributions.
On the physical mechanisms of two-way coupling in particle-laden isotropic turbulence

The objective of the present study is to analyze our recent direct numerical simulation (DNS) results to explain in some detail the main physical mechanisms responsible for the modification of isotropic turbulence by dispersed solid particles. The details of these two-way coupling mechanisms have not been explained in earlier publications. The present study, in comparison to the previous DNS studies, has been performed with higher resolution (Reλ=75) and considerably larger number (80 million) of particles, in addition to accounting for the effects of gravity. We study the modulation of turbulence by the dispersed particles while fixing both their volume fraction, φv=10−3, and mass fraction, φm=1, for three different particles classified by the ratio of their response time to the Kolmogorov time scale: microparticles, τp/τk≪1, critical particles, τp/τk≈1, large particles, τp/τk>1. Furthermore, we show that in zero gravity, dispersed particles with τp/τk=0.25 (denoted here as “ghost particles”) modify the .
A Psychometric Assessment of a Human Resources Practice Measure for Temporary Agency Workers

Abstract Studies have proposed and validated several measures that evaluate employee’s perceptions of the human resources practices (HRP). However, given the changes occurring in the labor market, there is a need to develop a measure specially adapted to the contingent workers specific employment relationship. Thus, this study assesses an HRP system scale that was administered to temporary agency workers (TAW) to examine the scale’s response process, internal structure and relation to other variables (i.e., affective commitment). The measure was administered to 4,551 Portuguese TAW. The Messick’s validation framework (1995) was use and two sectors were compared. Descriptive analyses, scale reliabilities, item characteristics, exploratory, confirmatory, and multiple group analyses demonstrated that the measure had good psychometric properties. Moreover, there were positive correlations between the HRP scale and affective commitment. The results contribute to a better understanding of managing TAW’s in agencies and client companies. HRP are a valuable method for “communicating” with these workers, who are then able to recognize and respond to the investment. This is the first study to develop and assess the psychometric properties of an HRP system measure for TAW and to cross-validate it with workers’ affective commitment towards both companies that are involved in this employment relation.
Classification of multiqubit mixed states: Separability and distillability properties

We give a complete, hierarchic classification for arbitrary multiqubit mixed states based on the separability properties of certain partitions. We introduce a family of N-qubit states to which any arbitrary state can be depolarized. This family can be viewed as the generalization of Werner states to multiqubit systems. We fully classify those states with respect to their separability and distillability properties. This provides sufficient conditions for nonseparability and distillability for arbitrary states.
The Orbit of the New Milky Way Globular Cluster FSR1716 = VVV-GC05

We use deep, multi-epoch near-IR images of the VISTA Variables in the Vía Láctea (VVV) Survey to measure proper motions (PMs) of stars in the Milky Way globular cluster (GC) FSR1716 = VVV-GC05. The color-magnitude diagram of this object, made by using PM-selected members, shows an extended horizontal branch, nine confirmed RR Lyrae (RRL) members in the instability strip, and possibly several hotter stars extending to the blue. Based on the fundamental-mode (ab-type) RRL stars that move coherently with the cluster, we confirmed that FSR1716 is an Oosterhoff I GC with a mean period = 0.574 days. Intriguingly, we detect tidal extensions to both sides of this cluster in the spatial distribution of PM-selected member stars. Also, one of the confirmed RRabs is located ∼11 arcmin in projection from the cluster center, suggesting that FSR1716 may be losing stars due to the gravitational interaction with the Galaxy. We also measure radial velocities (RVs) for five cluster red giants selected using the PMs. The combination of RVs and PMs allow us to compute for the first time the orbit of this GC, using an updated Galactic potential. The orbit results to be confined within kpc, and has eccentricity 0.4 < e < 0.6, with perigalactic distance , and apogalactic distance . We conclude that, in agreement with its relatively low metallicity ([Fe/H] = −1.4 dex), this is an inner-halo GC plunging into the disk of the Galaxy. As such, this is a unique object with which to test the dynamical processes that contribute to the disruption of Galactic GCs.
NGC 300 ULX1: A test case for accretion torque theory

NGC 300 ULX1 is a newly identified ultra-luminous X-ray pulsar. The system is associated with the supernova impostor SN 2010da that was later classified as a possible supergiant Be X-ray binary. In this work we report on the spin period evolution of the neutron star based on all the currently available X-ray observations of the system. We argue that the X-ray luminosity of the system has remained almost constant since 2010, at a level above ten times the Eddington limit. Moreover, we find evidence that the spin period of the neutron star evolved from ∼126 s down to ∼18 s within a period of about 4 years. We explain this unprecedented spin evolution in terms of the standard accretion torque theory. An intriguing consequence for NGC 300 ULX1 is that a neutron star spin reversal should have occurred a few years after the SN 2010da event.
Surface modifications of Cu(In,Ga)S2 thin film solar cell absorbers by KCN and H2O2∕H2SO4 treatments

KCN etching of the CuxS surface layer formed during the production process of Cu(In,Ga)S2 thin film solar cell absorbers as well as subsequent H2O2∕H2SO4 etching of the Cu(In,Ga)S2 surface have been investigated using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray excited Auger electron spectroscopy, and x-ray emission spectroscopy. We find that the KCN etching removes the CuxS layer—being identified as Cu2S—and that there is K deposited during this step, which is removed by the subsequent H2O2∕H2SO4 oxidation treatment. When a CdS buffer layer is deposited on the absorber directly after KCN etching, a K compound (KCO3) is observed at the CdS surface.
Direct observation of resolidification from the surface upon pulsed-laser melting of amorphous silicon

Amorphized Si has been irradiated using a 7.5‐ns frequency‐doubled neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser. For low energy density pulses, time‐resolved reflectivity measurements and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry of Cu implantation profiles show that the melted layer solidifies from the surface as well as from the liquid‐solid interface. From interferences in the reflectivity, growth from the surface is found to occur at a velocity of 1.5 m/s. At higher energy densities sufficient to obtain epitaxial regrowth of the amorphous layer, solidification from the surface does not occur.
Dynamic cosmic strings II: numerical evolution of excited cosmic strings

An implicit, fully characteristic, numerical scheme for solving the field equations of a cosmic string coupled to gravity is described. The inclusion of null infinity as part of the numerical grid allows us to apply suitable boundary conditions on the metric and matter fields to suppress unphysical divergent solutions. The code is tested by comparing the results with exact solutions, checking that static cosmic string initial data remain constant when evolved, and undertaking a time dependent convergence analysis of the code. It is shown that the code is accurate, stable and exhibits clear second order convergence. The code is used to analyze the interaction between a Weber-Wheeler pulse of gravitational radiation with the string. The interaction causes the string to oscillate at frequencies proportional to the masses of the scalar and vector fields of the string. After the pulse has largely radiated away the string continues to ring but the oscillations slowly decay and eventually the variables return to their static values.
A Multiwavelength Perspective of Flares on HR 1099: 4 Years of Coordinated Campaigns

We report on 4 years of multiple wavelength observations of the RS CVn system V711 Tau (HR 1099) from 1993, 1994, 1996, and 1998. This combination of radio, ultraviolet (UV), extreme ultraviolet (EUV), and X-ray observations allows us to view, in the most comprehensive manner currently possible, the coronal and upper atmospheric variability of this active binary system. We report on the changing activity state of the system as recorded in the EUV and radio across the 4 years of observations, and study the high-energy variability using an assemblage of X-ray telescopes. We find the following:
Spectral Gaps of Random Graphs and Applications

We study the spectral gap of the Erdős–Rényi random graph through the connectivity threshold. In particular, we show that for any fixed $\delta> 0$ if $$\begin{equation*} p \geq \frac{(1/2 + \delta) \log n}{n}, \end{equation*}$$then the normalized graph Laplacian of an Erdős–Rényi graph has all of its nonzero eigenvalues tightly concentrated around $1$. This is a strong expander property. We estimate both the decay rate of the spectral gap to $1$ and the failure probability, up to a constant factor. We also show that the $1/2$ in the above is optimal, and that if $p = \frac{c \log n}{n}$ for $c < 1/2,$ then there are eigenvalues of the Laplacian restricted to the giant component that are separated from $1. $ We then describe several applications of our spectral gap results to stochastic topology and geometric group theory. These all depend on Garland’s method [24], a kind of spectral geometry for simplicial complexes. The following can all be considered to be higher-dimensional expander properties. First, we exhibit a sharp threshold for the fundamental group of the Bernoulli random $2$-complex to have Kazhdan’s property (T). We also obtain slightly more information and can describe the large-scale structure of the group just before the (T) threshold. In this regime, the random fundamental group is with high probability the free product of a (T) group with a free group, where the free group has one generator for every isolated edge. The (T) group plays a role analogous to that of a “giant component” in percolation theory. Next we give a new, short, self-contained proof of the Linial–Meshulam–Wallach theorem [35, 39], identifying the cohomology-vanishing threshold of Bernoulli random $d$-complexes. Since we use spectral techniques, it only holds for $\mathbb{Q}$ or $\mathbb{R}$ coefficients rather than finite field coefficients, as in [35] and [39]. However, it is sharp from a probabilistic point of view, providing for example, hitting time type results and limiting Poisson distributions inside the critical window. It is also a new method of proof, circumventing the combinatorial complications of cocycle counting. Similarly, results in an earlier preprint version of this article were already applied in [33] to obtain sharp cohomology-vanishing thresholds in every dimension for the random flag complex model.
The acute effects of whole blood donation on cardiorespiratory and haematological factors in exercise: A systematic review

Background This systematic review aimed to collect the relevant historical and current literature to produce an informed analysis of the acute effects on cardiorespiratory and haematological factors following whole blood donation (~ 470 ml) during exercise. Testing the hypothesises that blood donation produces either no changes (Null) or produces significant changes (alternate) in haematology, V.O2, heart rate, exercising power and time. Methods Four databases of medical and science orientations were searched with terms sensitive to connections regarding exercise, blood donation (400–500 ml)/haematology, V.O2, heart rate, exercising power and time. The study retrieval process utilised the PRISMA approach and selection was via an adapted scoring method according to the Consensus based Standards for the selection of health Measurements Instruments (COSMIN). Systematic review focused on 24–48 hrs post donation. Details of the PRSIMA checklist can be found in the accompanying online document. Results Following scrutiny of 48 research papers by two independent assessors 8 experimental studies were included. Four studies showed a mean reduction for difference in V.O2max (- 2.4 ± 1.4 ml∙kg-1∙min-1) and a medium effect size (-0.26). No statistical significance was present at the mean meta-analysis level, also the case for heart rate, time to exhaustion and power. A mean reduction was seen in haemoglobin (- 1.05 g.dL-1), haematocrit (- 3.71%) and red blood cells (- 0.44 Mio μL-1), very large effect size was observed (Cohen’s d, -0.75, -1.16 and -4.23 respectively) and statistical significance (95% CI, -2.04, -0.54; -4.59, 2.28 and -4.37, -4.10 respectively). Conclusion Although individual studies show that V.O2max Is reduced from blood donation pooled results show that V.O2max is indeed not significantly reduced from blood donation 24–48 hrs post donation. Additionally sub-maximally there isn’t enough data to produce substantial comparatives. Furthermore, this systematic review demonstrates that there are not enough high-quality studies regarding cardiorespiratory outcomes following blood donation.
Haplotype reconstruction error as a classical misclassification problem

Statistically reconstructing haplotypes from single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes, can lead to falsely classified haplotypes. This can be an issue when interpreting haplotype association results or when selecting subjects with certain haplotypes for subsequent functional studies. It was our aim to quantify haplotype reconstruction error and to provide tools for it. By numerous simulation scenarios, we systematically investigated several error measures, including discrepancy, error rate, and R(2), and introduced the sensitivity and specificity to this context. We exemplified several measures in the KORA study, a large population-based study from Southern Germany. We find that the specificity is slightly reduced only for common haplotypes, while the sensitivity was decreased for some, but not all rare haplotypes. The overall error rate was generally increasing with increasing number of loci, increasing minor allele frequency of SNPs, decreasing correlation between the alleles and increasing ambiguity. We conclude that, with the analytical approach presented here, haplotype-specific error measures can be computed to gain insight into the haplotype uncertainty. This method provides the information, if a specific risk haplotype can be expected to be reconstructed with rather no or high misclassification and thus on the magnitude of expected bias in association estimates. We also illustrate that sensitivity and specificity separate two dimensions of the haplotype reconstruction error, which completely describe the misclassification matrix and thus provide the prerequisite for methods accounting for misclassification.
The FIRST Bright Quasar Survey. II. 60 Nights and 1200 Spectra Later

We have used the Very Large Array (VLA) FIRST survey and the Automated Plate Measuring Facility (APM) catalog of the Palomar Observatory Sky Survey I (POSS-I) plates as the basis for constructing a new radio-selected sample of optically bright quasars. This is the first radio-selected sample that is competitive in size with current optically selected quasar surveys. Using only two basic criteria, radio-optical positional coincidence and optical morphology, quasars and BL Lac objects can be identified with 60% selection efficiency; the efficiency increases to 70% for objects fainter than 17 mag. We show that a more sophisticated selection scheme can predict with better than 85% reliability which candidates will turn out to be quasars. This paper presents the second installment of the FIRST Bright Quasar Survey (FBQS), with a catalog of 636 quasars distributed over 2682 deg2. The quasar sample is characterized and all spectra are displayed. The FBQS detects both radio-loud and radio-quiet quasars out to redshift z > 3. We find a large population of objects of intermediate radio loudness; there is no evidence in our sample for a bimodal distribution of radio characteristics. The sample includes ∼29 broad absorption line quasars, both high and low ionization, and a number of new objects with remarkable optical spectra.