Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Water vapour at high redshift: Arecibo monitoring of the megamaser in MG J0414+0534

Aims: The study of water masers at cosmological distances would allow us to investigate the parsec-scale environment around powerful radio sources, to probe the physical conditions of the molecular gas in the inner parsecs of quasars, and to estimate their nuclear engine masses in the early universe. To derive this information, the nature of the maser source needs to be assessed through a detailed investigation of the observational characteristics of the line emission. This will determine whether the emission is from a jet- or disk-maser source. Methods: We monitored the maser line in the lensed quasar MG J0414+0534 at z = 2.64 with the 300-m Arecibo telescope for ~15 months to detect possible additional maser components and to measure a potential velocity drift of the lines. In addition, we followed the maser and continuum emissions to reveal significant variations in their flux density and to determine whether correlation or time-lag exists between them. Results: The main maser line profile is complex and can be resolved into a number of broad features with line widths of 30-160 km s-1. A new maser component was tentatively detected in October 2008, and is redshifted by 470 km s-1 compared to the systemic velocity of the quasar. The line width of the main maser feature increased by a factor of two between the discovery Effelsberg and EVLA observations and the first epoch of the Arecibo monitoring campaign. After correcting for the lens magnification, we find that the total H2O isotropic luminosity of the maser in MG J0414+0534 is now ~30 000 L⊙, making this source the most luminous ever discovered. Both the main line peak and continuum flux densities are surprisingly stable throughout the period of the observations. The integrated flux density instead shows significant variations on monthly time scales, possibly due to changes in the individual velocity components. We place an upper limit on the velocity drift of the peak of the line emission of 2 km s-1 yr-1. Conclusions: The large line width of the main maser line and the absence of a clear triple-peak pattern in the maser spectrum of MG J0414+0534 favours the jet-maser scenario. However, the stability of the line and continuum emission, and the presence of the tentative new maser component, which is potentially identified as a high-velocity feature of a rotating disk, seems to partly contradict this interpretation. Sensitive monitoring on a longer time scale and VLBI observations are mandatory for drawing a definite conclusion.
EQUILIBRIA, DYNAMICS, AND CURRENT SHEET FORMATION IN MAGNETICALLY CONFINED CORONAE

The dynamics of magnetic fields in closed regions of solar and stellar coronae are investigated with a reduced magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model in the framework of the Parker scenario for coronal heating. A novel analysis of reduced MHD equilibria shows that their magnetic fields have an asymmetric structure in the axial direction with variation length scale zℓ ∼ ℓB0/b, where B0 is the intensity of the strong axial guide field, b that of the orthogonal magnetic field component, and ℓ the scale of b . > Equilibria are then quasi-invariant along the axial direction for variation scales larger than approximatively the loop length zℓ ≳ Lz, and increasingly more asymmetric for smaller variation scales zℓ ≲ Lz. The critical length zℓ ∼ Lz corresponds to the magnetic field intensity threshold b ∼ ℓB0/Lz. Magnetic fields stressed by photospheric motions cannot develop strong axial asymmetries. Therefore, fields with intensities below such a threshold evolve quasi-statically, readjusting to a nearby equilibrium, without developing nonlinear dynamics or dissipating energy. But stronger fields cannot access their corresponding asymmetric equilibria; hence, they are out of equilibrium and develop nonlinear dynamics. The subsequent formation of current sheets and energy dissipation is necessary for the magnetic field to relax to equilibrium, since dynamically accessible equilibria have variation scales larger than the loop length zℓ ≳ Lz, with intensities smaller than the threshold b ≲ ℓB0/Lz. The dynamical implications for magnetic fields of interest to solar and stellar coronae are investigated numerically and the impact on coronal physics discussed.
TFEB; Beyond Its Role as an Autophagy and Lysosomes Regulator

Transcription factor EB (TFEB) is considered the master transcriptional regulator of autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis, which regulates target gene expression through binding to CLEAR motifs. TFEB dysregulation has been linked to the development of numerous pathological conditions; however, several other lines of evidence show that TFEB might be a point of convergence of diverse signaling pathways and might therefore modulate other important biological processes such as cellular senescence, DNA repair, ER stress, carbohydrates, and lipid metabolism and WNT signaling-related processes. The regulation of TFEB occurs predominantly at the post-translational level, including phosphorylation, acetylation, SUMOylating, PARsylation, and glycosylation. It is noteworthy that TFEB activation is context-dependent; therefore, its regulation is subjected to coordinated mechanisms that respond not only to nutrient fluctuations but also to stress cell programs to ensure proper cell homeostasis and organismal health. In this review, we provide updated insights into novel post-translational modifications that regulate TFEB activity and give an overview of TFEB beyond its widely known role in autophagy and the lysosomal pathway, thus opening the possibility of considering TFEB as a potential therapeutic target.
Mobile Internet and the Rise of Political Tribalism in Europe

We study the political effects of the diffusion of mobile Internet between 2007 and 2017, using data on electoral outcomes and on mobile Internet signal across the 84,564 municipalities of 22 European countries. We find that access to mobile Internet increased voters’ support for rightwing populist parties and for parties running on extreme socially conservative platforms, primarily in areas with greater economic deprivation. Using survey data, we also show that mobile Internet increased communitarian attitudes, such as nationalism and dislike of strangers and minorities. We conclude that mobile Internet benefitted right-wing populist parties because, in line with findings in social psychology, it fostered offline tribalism.
Numerical Integration - A Maple Perspective

Peano kernels are most popular for their application in constructing integration rules and (perhaps) more importantly for providing an estimate of the error in the rule. The systematic use of these kernels has produced an abundance of new rules as well as providing many new error bounds for the well known Newton-Cotes quadrature. In this paper we will outline a simple method that uses the computer algebra system Maple that is able to recapture the well known Ostrowksi, trapezoidal and Simpson’s inequalities. Moreover, the technique, which involves manipulation of the Peano kernel, can be adapted to develop new rules, which due to algebraic complexities, have yet to be discovered.
Biomarkers in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Status Quo and Future Perspective

Simple Summary Despite recent progress in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer patients, novel therapeutic approaches are highly warranted to further improve outcome. Additionally, it is of utmost importance to define subgroups of patients who may derive the most benefit from a specific treatment, as we are moving forward in the field of personalized medicine. This review provides an overview about established biomarkers helping us to better guide treatment. Moreover, we report on emerging and potential promising biomarkers having the potential to be implemented into clinical practice in the near future. Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent cancer worldwide, and its incidence is steadily increasing. During the last two decades, a tremendous improvement in outcome has been achieved, mainly due to the introduction of novel drugs, targeted treatment, immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) and biomarker-driven patient selection. Moreover, progress in molecular diagnostics but also improvement in surgical techniques and local ablative treatments significantly contributed to this success. However, novel therapeutic approaches are needed to further improve outcome in patients diagnosed with metastatic CRC. Besides the established biomarkers for mCRC, such as microsatellite instability (MSI) or mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR), RAS/BRAF, sidedness and HER2 amplification, new biomarkers have to be identified to better select patients who derive the most benefit from a specific treatment. In this review, we provide an overview about therapeutic relevant and established biomarkers but also shed light on potential promising markers that may help us to better tailor therapy to the individual mCRC patient in the near future.
N-Carbamylglutamate Improves Reproductive Performance and Alters Fecal Microbiota and Serum Metabolites of Primiparous Sows during Gestation after Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination

Simple Summary Larger litter size (born alive) and higher uniformity of piglets’ birth weight are the most desired characteristics in pig production. Application of N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) was shown to increase litter size and decrease the coefficient of variation of piglets’ birth weight from sows after conventional artificial insemination. In this study, we report that, in sows after fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI), NCG improved the number of piglets born alive and the coefficient of variation of birth weight through direct effects (increased serum NCG levels) and indirect effects (altered intestinal microbiome and serum metabolites). These findings indicate that NCG can improve reproductive performance by improving both the number of piglets born alive and the uniformity of piglets’ birth weight in sows after FTAI. Abstract N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) supplementation during gestation improves reproductive performance in sows after conventional artificial insemination. However, whether NCG can improve reproductive performance and change fecal microbiota and serum metabolite levels during pregnancy in sows after fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) remains unclear. Two hundred multiparous sows were assigned a diet from mating until farrowing: control (corn–soybean meal) or NCG supplementation (0.05% NCG). At days 30, 70, and 110 of gestation and after farrowing, maternal microbial diversity and serum metabolites were studied. Supplementation of NCG increased the number of piglets born alive and the litter weight (all p < 0.05) and altered the fetal microbial community during gestation. Some genera were particularly abundant at different time points during gestation and after farrowing, but none were commonly abundant across all four time points. Metabolic analysis revealed that NCG supplementation significantly increased the serum concentrations of NCG, ferulic acid, cinnamoylglycine, 3-phenyllactic acid, and gamma-glutamylglutamic acid in the NCG group compared with levels in the control group. Our results reveal that NCG supplementation during gestation improves reproductive performance in sows after FTAI, exerting both direct (increased serum NCG levels) and indirect effects (altered intestinal microbiome and serum metabolites) on sow reproduction and, ultimately, improving placental and fetal development.
Institutional Order in Episodes of Autocratization

Are there patterns in the sequences of institutional change when democracies autocratize? If so, are such patterns distinct for democracies that transition to authoritarianism versus those that avert democratic breakdown? The Episodes of Regime Transformation (ERT) dataset provides a global sample of all 69 autocratization episodes between 1900-2021. Using this data and pairwise domination analysis, we describe the general order of reforms in 31 variables which make up diﬀerent types of accountability mechanisms constraining the government. Our ﬁndings suggest that institutional decay starts with horizontal accountability, followed by declines in diagonal accountability, and, ﬁnally, vertical accountability. This pattern becomes more appar-ent in countries with low democratic stock and during the third wave of autocratization. This study makes strong contributions to a growing academic literature on patterns of autocratization as well as initiatives among policymakers and practitioners to counteract autocratization. and repression, (2) aggrandizement of the executive, and (3) dismantling of democratic institutions. We then discuss how these developments are associated with declines in the diﬀerent aspects of democratic accountability. whether these diﬀerences in ordering by the diﬀerent outcomes or underlying conditions are causal and whether they hold up to models accounting for exogenous forces. Our research using the domination analysis provides a starting point to study independent eﬀects of the order of the autocratic reform on the course of the autocratization process.
On the Solar Cycle Variation of Ionospheric F2 Layer

The solar cycle variation of foF2 is studied, with emphasis on the limiting of foF2 increase at both extremes of solar activity. Various types of variation of foF2 versus sunspot number can be adequately represented by a third degree polynomial. A quardratic regression is also fairly good for prediction purpose. The effective sunspot numbers at both extremes of solar activity are defined as a measure of the limiting effect, and their temporal and latitudinal variations are investigated. The limiting effect at high solar activity is explained by the variation of the rate of electron decay, while that at low solar activity is considered to be caused by the upward drift of ionization at equatorial region followed by the meridional transport which is predominant during high solar activity.
Patterns of Metacognitive Behavior During Mathematics Problem-Solving in a Dynamic Geometry Environment

This paper describes the problem solving behavior of two preservice teachers as they worked individually on three nonroutine geometry problems. A dynamic tool software, namely the Geometer’s Sketchpad, was used as a tool to facilitate inquiry in order to uncover and investigate the patterns of metacognitive processes. Schoenfeld’s (1981) model of episodes and executive decisions in mathematics problem solving was used to identify patterns of metacognitive processes in a dynamic geometry environment. During the reading, understanding, and analysis episodes, the participants engaged in monitoring behaviors such as sense making, drawing a diagram, and allocating potential resources and approaches that helped make productive decisions. During the exploring, planning, implementation, and verification episodes, the participants made decisions to access and consider knowledge and strategies, make and test conjectures, monitor the progress, and assess the productivity of activities and strategies and the correctness of an answer. Cognitive problem-solving actions not accompanied by appropriate metacognitive monitoring actions appeared to lead to unproductive efforts. Redirection and reorganizing of thinking in productive directions occurred when metacognitive actions guided the thinking and when affective behaviors were controlled.
Richness-based masses of rich and famous galaxy clusters

We present a catalog of galaxy cluster masses derived by exploiting the tight correlation between mass and richness, i.e., a properly computed number of bright cluster galaxies. The richness definition adopted in this work is properly calibrated, shows a small scatter with mass, and has a known evolution, which means that we can estimate accurate ($0.16$ dex) masses more precisely than by adopting any other richness estimates or X-ray or SZ-based proxies based on survey data. We measured a few hundred galaxy clusters at $0.05<z<0.22$ in the low-extinction part of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey footprint that are in the 2015 catalog of Planck-detected clusters, that have a known X-ray emission, that are in the Abell catalog, or that are among the most most cited in the literature. Diagnostic plots and direct images of clusters are individually inspected and we improved cluster centers and, when needed, we revised redshifts. Whenever possible, we also checked for indications of contamination from other clusters on the line of sight, and found ten such cases. All this information, with the derived cluster mass values, are included in the distributed value-added cluster catalog of the 275 clusters with a derived mass larger than $10^{14}$ M$_{\odot}$. A web front-end is available at this http URL\sim$andreon/famous.html . Finally, in a technical appendix we illustrate with Planck clusters how to minimize the sensitivity of comparisons between masses listed in different catalogs to the specific overlapping of the considered subsamples, a problem recognized
News literacy, fake news recognition, and authentication behaviors after exposure to fake news on social media

The global problem of online disinformation has led scholars, educators, and other stakeholders in societies to emphasize the utility of news literacy to engender more critical news audiences. Using a survey among a representative online sample of citizens in Hong Kong ( N = 1485), this study examined how dispositional news literacy was related to individuals’ ability to discern real and fake COVID-related news on social media and their news authentication behaviors. Results showed that higher news literacy was related to greater ability to discern the veracity of real and fake news headlines; greater likelihood of certain internal acts of authentication when exposed to fake news (e.g. assessing content characteristics of the message); and greater likelihood to search online to verify fake news. The findings demonstrated the normative benefits of high dispositional news literacy among the general populace that can attenuate the effects of online disinformation.
Does the Rule of law affect the relation between IHDI and FDI ? An Empirical Evidence for the MENA region from 2010 -2019

: This paper investigates the relationship between Inequality Adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) and The Foreign Direct Investment inflows (FDI) given a set of controlled variables. Using panel data for nine (9) MENA countries during the period of (2010-2019). The analysis begins with the pre-elementary examination of the variables, using descriptive statistics and correlation matrix, and uses the Generalized method of moments (GMM) . The paper found a significant positive relationship between FDI on IHDI, where a nonlinear relationship between FDI and IHDI was tested. The paper finally figured out that the interaction between the FDI and Rule of Law has a positive impact on IHDI.
Carcass and Meat Quality Traits of Males and Females of the “Branca” Portuguese Autochthonous Chicken Breed

Simple Summary Local breeds play a crucial role in the rural economies of many countries, as a considerable valuable genetic resource and, well adapted to the environment, their production can reduce the negative impact of intensive production systems. Portuguese chicken breeds are almost extinct, with the “Branca” population presenting the most worrying situation. Bred as a dual-purpose breed, the characterization of meat quality is fundamental to the conservation and promotion of this population. , by increasing the value on these small-scale farms production. The carcass characteristics and meat quality of the “Branca” breed were evaluated, showing an interesting physicochemical profile, with good proportion of minerals, essential fatty acids (EFA) and n-3-PUFAs (docosapentanoic (C22:5n-3, DPA), and docosahexaenoic (C22:6n-3, DHA) acids), ensuring that consumers receive a highly nutritional and differentiated product. Abstract The “Branca” breed is a dual-purpose Portuguese autochthonous chicken breed, produced in extensive systems and in small flocks, especially in the Entre Douro and Minho regions. A total of 40 birds (n = 20/sex) were slaughtered between 38 and 42 weeks (males) and 110 and 120 weeks (females), and carcass and meat quality parameters were evaluated. The results showed significantly higher weights and differences for males between sexes and pieces (p ≤ 0.05) in the meat physicochemical composition. Water holding capacity (WRC), moisture and ash contents were influenced by sex. They were higher in males in the breast and drumstick and lightness (L*) and lipid content were higher in females (p ≤ 0.05). The breast meat presented greater lightness, moisture, ash and protein contents, while the drumstick showed a higher pH value, redness (a*) and lipid content, in both sexes (p ≤ 0.05). Regarding the nutritional properties, “Branca” meat revealed a good proportion of minerals and the female meat showed, in both pieces (p ≤ 0.05), significantly lower values for total saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and higher values for monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). Breast meat was richer in n-3-PUFAs (C22:5n-3 and C22:6n-3) in both sexes (p ≤ 0.05). Considering the results obtained, it can be concluded that “Branca” breed meat is a healthy food characterized by a good general nutritional profile.
Dark Matter Density in Disk Galaxies

Abstract I show that the predicted densities of the inner dark matter halos in ΛCDM models of structure formation appear to be higher than estimates from real galaxies and constraints from dynamical friction on bars. This inconsistency would not be a problem for the ΛCDM model if physical processes that are omitted in the collisionless collapse simulations were able to reduce the dark matter density in the inner halos. I review the mechanisms proposed to achieve the needed density reduction.
Circulating Cell-Free DNA-Based Methylation Pattern in Saliva for Early Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancer

Simple Summary Liquid biopsy represents a promising alternative to standard-of-care tissue biopsies, outperforming the latter in several aspects: invasiveness, cost, spatial limitation to a single region, and time to result. The pursuit of knowledge regarding the detection and analysis of circulating tumor DNA, especially methylation profiling, represents a unique opportunity for real-time detection and monitoring of tumor properties. Despite advances, most head and neck cancer patients are still diagnosed at an advanced stage, resulting in a poor prognosis. This review aims to synthesize our current understanding of DNA methylation changes in squamous cell head and neck cancer as a potential disease biomarker and to identify gaps for further research. Abstract Head and neck cancer (HNC) remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide due to tumor diagnosis at a late stage, loco-regional aggression, and distant metastases. A standardized diagnostic procedure for HNC is a tissue biopsy that cannot faithfully portray the in-depth tumor dynamics. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop simple, accurate, and non-invasive methods for cancer detection and follow-up. A saliva-based liquid biopsy allows convenient, non-invasive, and painless collection of high volumes of this biofluid, with the possibility of repetitive sampling, all enabling real-time monitoring of the disease. No approved clinical test for HNC has yet been established. However, epigenetic changes in saliva circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) have the potential for a wide range of clinical applications. Therefore, the aim of this review is to present an overview of cfDNA-based methylation patterns in saliva for early detection of HNC, with particular attention to circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Due to advancements in isolation and detection technologies, as well as next- and third-generation sequencing, recent data suggest that salivary biomarkers may be successfully applied for early detection of HNC in the future, but large prospective clinical trials are still warranted.