Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Multi-Specific DARPin Potently Neutralizes Shiga Toxin 2 via Simultaneous Modulation of Both Toxin Subunits

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) is a common cause of bloody diarrhea. The pathology of STEC infection derives from two exotoxins—Shiga toxin 1 (Stx1) and Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2)—that are secreted by STEC in the gut, from where they are systemically absorbed, causing severe kidney damage leading to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Currently, there is no effective treatment for HUS, and only supportive care is recommended. We report the engineering of a panel of designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPin) with potent neutralization activity against Stx2a, the major subtype associated with HUS. The best dimeric DARPin, SD5, created via a combination of directed evolution and rational design, neutralizes Stx2a with a half maximal effective concentration (EC50) of 0.61 nM in vitro. The two monomeric DARPin constituents of SD5 exhibit complementary functions—SHT targets the enzymatic A subunit of Stx2a and inhibits the toxin’s catalytic activity, while DARPin #3 binds the B subunit, based on the cryo-EM study, and induces a novel conformational change in the B subunit that distorts its five-fold symmetry and presumably interferes with toxin attachment to target cells. SD5 was fused to an albumin-binding DARPin, and the resulting trimeric DARPin DA1-SD5 efficiently protects mice in a toxin challenge model, pointing to a high potential of this DARPin as a therapeutic for STEC infection. Finally, the unprecedented toxin conformational change induced by DARPin #3 represents a novel mode of action for neutralizing Stx2 toxicity and reveals new targets for future drug development.
Two Years of Fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Analysis of the Policy Plurality and Response Performance of Emerging Economies

The COVID-19 pandemic has ruined the faster growth patterns of emerging economies. Emerging economies with their constrained of resource availability and resource allocation response to the epidemic differently based on the extent of damage and recovery required. While there is no ‘one size fits for all’ approach in policy responses, a combination of policy tools employed by rising nations may provide critical insights into their actual economic capabilities. In this paper, from January 2020 to December 2021, we examine and evaluate the policies adopted by emerging economies to combat the pandemic. IMF's Policy Tracker database is used to encode, analyze, and assess 25 selected emerging economies' policies at the global, regional, and income levels. Emerging economies use a wider portfolio of policy tools with better coverage, with budgetary biases. Findings could help understand the heterogeneity of policy responses across emerging economies during the pandemic’s economic disaster.
Close companions to brightest cluster galaxies: support for minor mergers and downsizing

We identify close companions of Brightest Cluster Galaxies (BCGs) for the purpose of quantifying the rate at which these galaxies grow via mergers. By exploiting deep photometric data from the CFHTLS, we probe the number of companions per BCG (Nc) with luminosity ratios down to those corresponding to potential minor mergers of 20:1. We also measure the average luminosity in companions per galaxy (Lc). We nd that N c and Lc rise steeply with luminosity ratio for both the BCGs, and a control sample of other bright, red, cluster galaxies. The trend for BCGs rises more steeply, resulting in a larger number of close companions. For companions within 50 kpc of a BCG, Nc= 1.38 0.14 and Lc=2.14 0.31 10 10 L and for companions within 50 kpc of a luminosity matched control sample of non-BCGs, Nc=0.87 0.08 and Lc=1.48 0.20 10 10 L . This suggests that the BCGs are likely to undergo more mergers compared to otherwise comparable luminous galaxies. Additionally, compared to a local sample of luminous red galaxies, the more distant sample presented in this study (with redshifts between 0.15-0.39,) shows a higher Nc, suggesting the younger and smaller BCGs are still undergoing hierarchical formation. Using the Millennium Simulations we model and estimate the level of contamination due to unrelated cluster galaxies. The contamination by interloping galaxies is 50% within projected separations of 50 kpc, but within 30 kpc, 60% of identied companions are real physical companions. We conclude that the luminosity of bound merger candidates down to luminosity ratios of 20:1 could be adding as much as 10% to the mass of a typical BCG over 0.5 Gyr at redshifts of z 0.3.
Highly Variable Apparent Speed in the Quasar 3C 279

We report results of monthly observations of the quasar 3C 279 with the VLBA at 43 GHz from May 2001 to July 2004. The monitoring, combined with previously published data, reveals a significant change in apparent speed and in projected position angle of the inner jet of the quasar. We estimate the Doppler factor of superluminal knots based on their VLBI properties. The variations in the Doppler factor correlate with the X-ray light curve of the quasar, which suggests a modulation of the X-ray variabilty by the jet activity. Using derived Doppler factors and apparent speeds, we compute the Lorentz factor and the viewing angle of superluminal knots. Both parameters vary significantly in a manner that we interpret as the result of hydrodynamical instabilities in the jets. However, a jet precession model with period ∼31 yr might explain the general observed behavior as well.
X-rays from the Eclipsing Millisecond Pulsar PSR J1740-5340 in the Globular Cluster NGC 6397

Aims. The millisecond pulsar PSR J1740-5340 in the globular cluster NGC 6397 shows radio eclipses over ~40% of its binary orbit. A first Chandra observation revealed indications for the X-ray flux being orbit dependent as well. In this work, we analysed five datasets of archival Chandra data taken between 2000 and 2007 to investigate the emission across the pulsar's binary orbit. Methods. Utilizing archival Chandra observations of PSR J1740-5340, we performed a systematic timing and spectral analysis of this binary system. Results. Using a χ 2 -test, the significance for intra-binary orbital modulation was found to be between 88.5% and 99.6%, depending on the number of phase bins used to construct the light curve. Applying the unbiased statistical Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test did not indicate any significant intra-binary orbital modulation. However, comparing the counting rates observed at different epochs, a flux variability on times scales of days to years is indicated. The possible origin of the X-ray emission is discussed in a number of different scenarios.
Onsite matrix elements of the tight-binding Hamiltonian of a strained crystal: Application to silicon, germanium, and their alloys

We discuss a model for the onsite matrix elements of the sp3d5s tight-binding Hamiltonian of a strained diamond or zinc-blende crystal or nanostructure. This model features onsite, off-diagonal couplings among the s, p, and d orbitals and is able to reproduce the effects of arbitrary strains on the band energies and effective masses in the full Brillouin zone. It introduces only a few additional parameters and is free from any ambiguities that might arise from the definition of the macroscopic strains as a function of the atomic positions. We apply this model to silicon, germanium, and their alloys as an illustration. In particular, we make a detailed comparison of tight-binding and ab initio data on strained Si, Ge, and SiGe.
The Tunka Radio Extension (Tunka-Rex): Status and First Results (ICRC 2013)

Tunka-Rex is a new radio antenna array which extends the Tunka experiment in Siberia close to lake Baikal. It consists of 20 antennas on an area of 1 km^2 which measure the radio emission of high-energy air showers. Tunka-Rex is triggered by the photomultiplier array of Tunka measuring air-Cherenkov light of air showers in the energy range from about 10 PeV to 1 EeV. This configuration allows for the worldwide first hybrid measurements of the radio and air-Cherenkov signal for the same events: an ideal situation to perform a cross-calibration between both methods. Consequently, the main goal of Tunka-Rex is to determine the achievable energy and Xmax precision of radio measurements by comparing them to the reconstruction of the air-Cherenkov measurements. Tunka-Rex started operation in autumn 2012, and already detected air-shower events. In this paper we present the status of Tunka-Rex and first results which indicate that Tunka-Rex measures indeed the radio emission by air showers and that is is sensitive to their energy.
Feedback spectroscopy of atomic resonances

We propose a non-standard spectroscopic technique that uses a feedback control of the input probe field parameters to significantly increase the contrast and quality factor of the atomic resonances. In particular, to apply this technique for the dark resonances we sustain the fluorescence intensity at a fixed constant level while taking the spectra process. Our method, unlike the conventional spectroscopy, does not require an optically dense medium. Theoretical analysis has been experimentally confirmed in spectroscopy of atomic rubidium vapor in which a considerable increase (one-two order) of the resonance amplitude and a 3-fold decrease of the width have been observed in optically thin medium. As a result, the quality factor of the dark resonance is increased by two orders of magnitude and its contrast reaches a record level of 260%. Different schemes, including magneto-optical Hanle spectroscopy and Doppler-free spectroscopy have also showed a performance enhancement by using the proposed technique.
The Emerging Role of Radiation Therapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Simple Summary Stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SAbR) is a safe and effective local therapy for renal cell cancer (RCC) with emerging and evolving indications. In this review we provide an overview of the evidence to support SAbR for RCC in a variety of clinical settings. Abstract Advancements in radiation delivery technology have made it feasible to treat tumors with ablative radiation doses via stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SAbR) at locations that were previously not possible. Renal cell cancer (RCC) was initially thought to be radioresistant, even considered toxic, in the era of conventional protracted course radiation. However, SAbR has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in providing local control to both primary and metastatic RCC by using ablative radiation doses. SAbR can be integrated with other local and systemic therapies to provide optimal management of RCC patients. We will discuss the rationale and available evidence for the integration and sequencing of SAbR with local and systemic therapies for RCC.
Analytic results for a quantum quench from free to hard-core one dimensional bosons

It is widely believed that the stationary properties after a quantum quench in integrable systems can be described by a generalized Gibbs ensemble (GGE), even if all the analytical evidence is based on free theories in which the pre- and post-quench modes are linearly related. In contrast, we consider the experimentally relevant quench of the one-dimensional Bose gas from zero to infinite interaction, in which the relation between modes is nonlinear, and consequently Wick's theorem does not hold. We provide exact analytical results for the time evolution of the dynamical density-density correlation function at any time after the quench and we prove that its stationary value is described by a GGE in which Wick's theorem is restored.
A Stacking Heterogeneous Ensemble Learning Method for the Prediction of Building Construction Project Costs

The accurate cost estimation of a construction project in the early stage plays a very important role in successfully completing the project. In the initial stage of construction, when the information necessary to predict construction cost is insufficient, a machine learning model using past data can be an alternative. We suggest a two-level stacking heterogeneous ensemble algorithm combining RF, SVM and CatBoosting. In the step of training the base learner, the optimal hyperparameter values of the base learners were determined using Bayesian optimization with cross-validation. Cost information data disclosed by the Public Procurement Service in South Korea are used to evaluate ML algorithms and the proposed stacking-based ensemble model. According to the analysis results, the two-level stacking ensemble model showed better performance than the individual ensemble models.
Influence on Observation from IR Divergence during Inflation. II Multi-Field Inflation

We propose a way to regularize the fluctuations generated during inflation, whose infrared (IR) corrections diverge logarithmically. In the case of a single-field inflation model, recently, we have proposed a solution to the IR divergence problem. There, we introduced new perturbative variables that better mimic actual observable fluctuations, and proved the regularity of correlation functions with respect to these variables. In this paper, we extend our previous discussions to a multi-field inflation model. We show that, as long as we consider the case that the nonlinear interaction acts for a finite duration, observable fluctuations are also free from IR divergences in the multi-field model. In contrast to the single-field model, to discuss observables, we need to take into account the effects of quantum decoherence, which pick up a unique history of the universe from various possibilities contained in an initial quantum state set naturally in the early stage of the universe. Subject Index: 440, 442
The Unitary Fermi Gas in a Harmonic Trap and its Static Response

We use harmonically trapped systems to find the leading gradient corrections of the supefluid local density approximation (SLDA) - a density functional theory (DFT) describing the unitary Fermi gas (UFG). We find the leading order correction to be negative, and predict the q^2 coefficient of the long-range static response c = 1.5(3) - a factor of two smaller than predicted by mean-field theory - thereby establishing a new and experimentally measurably universal constant.
Thermal and Mechanical Characterization of the New Functional Composites Used for 3D Printing of Static Mixers

This paper investigates the possibility of integrating the combination of nanofillers, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) into the thermoplastic polymer matrix. This combination of fillers can possibly modify the physico-chemical properties of composites compared to the pure polymer matrix. The composites were blended using the extrusion method. The composite filament produced was used to manufacture static mixers on a 3D printer using the additive manufacturing technology fused filament fabrication (FFF). The aim of this work was to inspect the influence of the filler addition on the thermal and mechanical properties of glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PET-G) polymer composites. The fillers were added to the PET-G polymer matrix in several ratios. Tensile test results showed an increase in the overall strength and decrease in the elongation at break of the material. Melt flow rate (MFR) showed a decrease in the viscosity with the initial filler addition and reaching a plateau after 2 wt% filler was added. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed minor changes in the thermal properties. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) results showed homogenous distribution of the filler in the matrix and strong filler–matrix adhesion. The results indicate suitable properties of new functional composites for the 3D printing of static mixers for application in tubular reactors.
DYNAMICS OF TURBULENT CONVECTION AND CONVECTIVE OVERSHOOT IN A MODERATE-MASS STAR

We present results of realistic three-dimensional (3D) radiative hydrodynamic simulations of the outer layers of a moderate-mass star (1.47 M⊙), including the full convection zone, the overshoot region, and the top layers of the radiative zone. The simulation results show that the surface granulation has a broad range of scales, from 2 to 12 Mm, and that large granules are organized in well-defined clusters, consisting of several granules. Comparison of the mean structure profiles from 3D simulations with the corresponding one-dimensional (1D) standard stellar model shows an increase of the stellar radius by ∼800 km, as well as significant changes in the thermodynamic structure and turbulent properties of the ionization zones. Convective downdrafts in the intergranular lanes between granulation clusters reach speeds of more than 20 km s−1, penetrate through the whole convection zone, hit the radiative zone, and form an 8 Mm thick overshoot layer. Contrary to semi-empirical overshooting models, our results show that the 3D dynamic overshoot region consists of two layers: a nearly adiabatic extension of the convection zone and a deeper layer of enhanced subadiabatic stratification. This layer is formed because of heating caused by the braking of the overshooting convective plumes. This effect has to be taken into account in stellar modeling and the interpretation of asteroseismology data. In particular, we demonstrate that the deviations of the mean structure of the 3D model from the 1D standard model of the same mass and composition are qualitatively similar to the deviations for the Sun found by helioseismology.
The state and private education : an evaluation of the Assisted Places Scheme

The Assisted Places Scheme and its evaluation antecedents and origins of the Assisted Places Scheme formulation and implementation arguments and predictions the allocation and take-up of assisted places the scheme in the schools the scheme in three localities pupils and parents - beneficiaries of assisted places choice of school and perceptions of schooling the Assisted Places Scheme and beyond.
Comparing Distal-Jet with Dental Anchorage to Distal-Jet with Skeletal Anchorage: A Prospective Parallel Cohort Study

The use of traditional intra-oral devices in maxillary molar distalization is not without undesirable consequences. The aim of the present study was to compare the miniscrew-supported distal-jet appliance to a traditional distal-jet appliance by evaluating the amount of upper first molar distalization and the dentoalveolar side effects. Data of 600 subjects visited at the orthodontic unit of Sapienza University of Rom were analyzed. Only 46 patients met the inclusion criteria and were selected and treated. Subjects were assigned randomly to receive treatment either with miniscrew-supported distal-jet appliance (Group A) or with a traditional distal-jet appliance (Group B). In Group A, miniscrews were inserted using a computer-guided surgical guide. The amount of upper first molar distalization and the dentoalveolar side effects were assessed both on the digital casts and on the lateral cephalometric radiograph at the end of the distalization phase. A descriptive statistical analysis that included the mean values and the standard deviation was conducted to evaluate the molar distalization and the dentoalveolar effects in two groups. Intergroup differences were determined using the Student’s t-test. The significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. In Group A, greater maxillary first molar distalization and a spontaneous distalization of the first premolars and a palatal inclination of central incisors were observed. By contrast, in Group B, the first premolars tipped mesially and a proclination of the maxillary central incisors was observed. In both groups, the transverse widths of the dental arch increased while a greater tendency of first premolar extrusion and of maxillary first molar rotation was observed in Group B. The skeletal anchorage device achieved greater first molar distalization and did not cause dento-alveolar side effects.
The Influence of Internet Addiction and Time Spent on the Internet Towards Social Isolation Among University Students in Malaysia

Recent research has shown that there is a connection between Internet addiction and time spent on the Internet with social isolation of the users. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the influence of Internet addiction and time spent on the Internet towards social isolation among university students in Malaysia. A total of 110 respondents who were undergraduate and postgraduate students from four universities participated in the survey. The collected sample through purposive sampling technique was 110 responses which exceeded the minimum sample size. The research instruments for Internet addiction were adopted from Young Internet Addiction Scale Test which consist of 20 items whereas social isolation was measured using the UCLA Loneliness Scale consisting also of 20 items. Time spent on the Internet was measured based on the number of hours the students spent on social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and Instagram. The questionnaire was distributed via online channels due to the physical constraints of the Covid-19 pandemic. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 22 and Smart PLS-SEM Version 3.2. 8. The measurement assessment showed that the data had fulfilled the composite reliability and convergent and discriminant validities requirements. The findings revealed that the level of Internet addiction, time spent on the Internet and social isolation were moderate. The findings also demonstrated that Internet addiction and time spent on the Internet influenced social isolation among university students.
Measurement of the dipole in the cross-correlation function of galaxies

It is usually assumed that in the linear regime the two-point correlation function of galaxies contains only a monopole, quadrupole and hexadecapole. Looking at cross-correlations between different populations of galaxies, this turns out not to be the case. In particular, the cross-correlations between a bright and a faint population of galaxies contain also a dipole. In this paper we present the first attempt to measure this dipole. We discuss the four types of effects that contribute to the dipole: relativistic distortions, evolution effect, wide-angle effect and large-angle effect. We show that the first three contributions are intrinsic anti-symmetric contributions that do not depend on the choice of angle used to measure the dipole. On the other hand the large-angle effect appears only if the angle chosen to extract the dipole breaks the symmetry of the problem. We show that the relativistic distortions, the evolution effect and the wide-angle effect are too small to be detected in the LOWz and CMASS sample of the BOSS survey. On the other hand with a specific combination of angles we are able to measure the large-angle effect with high significance. We emphasise that this large-angle dipole does not contain new physical information, since it is just a geometrical combination of the monopole and the quadrupole. However this measurement, which is in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions, validates our method for extracting the dipole from the two-point correlation function and it opens the way to the detection of relativistic effects in future surveys like e.g. DESI.