Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Absolute flux measurements with INTEGRAL IBIS/ISGRI

Since the launch of INTEGRAL, the spectral response of ISGRI has been continuously changing under the effect of the cosmic ray irradiation. Up to now, this drift was adjusted with a phenomeological law to make the spectra at different time compatible. The response was generated in order make the Crab pulsar spectrum compatible with SPI observation. We developed a new method of energy calibration based on time-dependent physical model of the instrument. We modelled propagation of charge carriers in ISGRI pixels, computing charge loss depending on microscopic parameters of the detector medium (charge carrier mobility and lifetime). Evolution of these parameters with time, casued by accumulated dose of the cosmic ray radiation, is measured by fitting instrumental background lines. First preliminary application of this approach results in significantly improved source spectra. We show that for the first time, ISGRI spectra can be correctly reconstructed independently of the assumption of the source shape, greatly enhancing the capabilities of ISGRI for studying complex spectra and narrow spectral features. At the same time, our model of detector evolution predicts evolution of the detector efficiecy with time, allowing to perform absolute measurement of the source fluxes. Extensive observations performed with ISGRI on the Crab pulsar over 12 years of INTEGRAL operation allow to study Crab nebula flux evolution with high signal-to-noise ratio and to constrain the high energy spectral evolution. We show that the new results substantially improve the consistency of IBIS/ISGRI derived fluxes and spectra with observations of other hard X-ray instruments.
Making Localization Work for Smart Homes by Anubhav Jain

There is a great interest in enabling smart homes that interact with their occupants and react to their needs. Central to this vision is the ability to identify and locate each occupant continuously. Current indoor localization systems, however, fall into two classes: device-based localization which require the user to carry her device in order to localize her, and device-free localization which can localize a user but fail to identify her. Neither is suitable for smart homes where users may not carry the phone at home, yet smart applications (e.g., tuning to the user’s favorite TV channel) require both location and identity. This thesis introduces Duet, an RF-based localization system customized for the smart home. Duet leverages device-free localization to track people’s movements in the home, and then tags their trajectories with identity based on the users’ intermittent interactions with their phones. Intrinsically, Duet has to deal with intermittent location information. Location information from a user phone is intermittent because it is valid only when the user carries the phone. Location information from device-free localization is intermittent because these systems have restricted coverage, and hence the user frequently goes in and out of coverage. Duet addresses this challenge by formulating the localization problem in first order logic, using its intermittent information to reason about a user’s location even when she is outside the coverage area. We have built Duet and evaluated it over a period of two weeks, with users’ own devices as they went about their normal life. In our home experiments, state-of-art WiFi-based localization achieved an accuracy of 36.3% because users often did not carry their phones. In contrast, for the same setting, Duet expanded the accuracy to 94.6%. Thesis Supervisor: Dina Katabi Title: Professor
Anti-Smith Antibody Positivity Without Lupus in the Setting of Lung Cancer

The interpretation of positive serologic findings in cancer sera remains controversial. Selected antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), such as anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA) and anti-Smith, are highly specific for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). On the other hand, the ANA titer is sensitive but not specific for SLE and has been reported in healthy individuals, various infections, other autoimmune diseases and cancer. We report for the first time positive anti-Smith antibody in two patients without lupus in the setting of lung cancer.
O vi EMISSION IMAGING OF A GALAXY WITH THE HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE: A WARM GAS HALO SURROUNDING THE INTENSE STARBURST SDSS J115630.63+500822.1

We report results from a new Hubble Space Telescope campaign that targets the O vi Å doublet in emission around intensely star-forming galaxies. The program aims to characterize the energy balance in starburst galaxies and gas cooling in the difficult-to-map coronal temperature regime of K. We present the first resolved image of gas emission in the O vi line. Our target, SDSS J115630.63+500822.1, is very compact in the continuum but displays O vi emission to radii of 23 kpc. The surface brightness profile is well fit by an exponential with a scale length of 7.5 kpc. This is 10 times the size of the photoionized gas, and we estimate that about 1/6 the total O vi luminosity comes from resonantly scattered continuum radiation. Spectroscopy—which closely resembles a stacked sample of archival spectra—confirms the O vi emission, and determines the column density and outflow velocity from blueshifted absorption. The combination of measurements enables a large number of calculations with few assumptions. The O vi regions fill only of the volume. By comparing the cooling time with the cloud sound-crossing time, the cooling distance with the size, and the pressure in the O vi and nebular gas, we conclude that the O vi-bearing gas cannot have been lifted to the scale height at this temperature, and must be cooling in situ through this coronal temperature regime. The coronal phase contains ∼1% of the ionized mass, and its kinetic energy at a given instant is ∼1% of the budget set by supernova feedback. However, a much larger amount of the gas must have cooled through this phase during the star formation episode. The outflow exceeds the escape velocity and the gas may become unbound, but it will recombine before it escapes and become visible to Lyman (and O i) spectroscopy. The mapping of this gas represents a crucial step in further constraining galaxy formation scenarios and guiding the development of future astronomical satellites.
Phytochemical, Cytotoxic, and Antimicrobial Evaluation of the Fruits of Miswak Plant, Salvadora persica L.

Salvadora persica L. (Salvadoraceae) is an evergreen shrub growing in the Middle East, Africa, and Southern Asia. It is traditionally known as “miswak” and used as toothbrushes and for the treatment of toothache, gum diseases, boils, chest infection, gonorrhea, headache, spleen troubles, stomachache, and ulcers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study aimed at conducting phytochemical, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial investigations of the fruits (berries) of S. persica collected from the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. Analysis of the ethanol extract of S. persica fruits using GC-MS showed the presence of six esters (20.71%), seven alkanes (15.47%), tetracosamethyl-cyclododecasiloxane (9.91%), eicosamethyl-cyclodecasiloxane (7.27%), and 1-monolinoleoylglycerol (5.17%). The predominant constituents were acetyl dasycarpidan-1-methanol (10.47%), tetracosamethyl-cyclododecasiloxane (9.91%), eicosamethyl-cyclodecasiloxane (7.27%), and 1-monolinoleoylglycerol (5.17%). The petroleum ether extract of the fruits contained mainly eicosamethyl-cyclodecasiloxane (23.81%), 1-monolinoleoylglycerol (11.78%), (Z,Z,Z)-9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid ethyl ester derivative (10.56%), and tetracosamethyl-cyclododecasiloxane (9.91%). The cytotoxic properties of the ethanol extract were investigated by MTT assay against the breast MCF7, ovary A2780, and colon HT29 cells. The fruit extract of S. persica was selective against the ovarian and colon cancer cells compared to normal fibroblast cells (MRC5) as it showed IC50 values 17.50, 8.35, and 5.12, against MCF7, A2780, and HT29 cells, respectively. Interestingly, the fruit extract was also found to possess selective antimicrobial activity for Streptococcus mutans isolates with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of 3.12 and 6.25 mg/mL, respectively. Interestingly, it was found to be ineffective against other Gram-positive as well as Gram-negative microorganisms. This study provides insight into the bioactive components present in the fruits of the plant that can be utilized for its cytotoxic and antimicrobial properties.
2015 General

— Recent developments of information systems for a ship require wise integration of various signals and devices for convenience and safety of crew members and customers. Such services can be implemented much more effectively if location information of mobile devices is available. The location information should be provided in both indoor and outdoor environments. In this paper, we discuss the issues to be addressed to develop devices for position tracking in the ship.
A RAPIDLY EVOLVING REGION IN THE GALACTIC CENTER: WHY S-STARS THERMALIZE AND MORE MASSIVE STARS ARE MISSING

The existence of “S-stars” within a distance of 1″ from Sgr A* contradicts our understanding of star formation, due to Sgr A* 's forbiddingly violent environment. A suggested possibility is that they form far away and were brought in by some fast dynamical process, since they are young. Nonetheless, all conjectured mechanisms either fail to reproduce their eccentricities—without violating their young age—or cannot explain the problem of “inverse mass segregation”: the fact that lighter stars (the S-stars) are closer to Sgr A* and more massive ones, Wolf–Rayet (WR) and O-stars, are farther out. In this Letter we propose that the mechanism responsible for both the distribution of the eccentricities and the paucity of massive stars is the Kozai–Lidov-like resonance induced by a sub-parsec disk recently discovered in the Galactic center. Considering that the disk probably extended to a smaller radius in the past, we show that in as short as (a few) 106 yr, the stars populating the innermost 1″ region would redistribute in angular-momentum space and recover the observed “super-thermal” distribution. Meanwhile, WR and O-stars in the same region intermittently attain ample eccentricities that will lead to their tidal disruptions by the central massive black hole. Our results provide new evidences that Sgr A* was powered several millions years ago by an accretion disk as well as by tidal stellar disruptions.
Effects of Agricultural Extension Services on Farm Productivity in Uganda

Improving agricultural productivity in Uganda remains a major policy objective given the key role of agriculture in the economy. In this study we evaluate the impact of access to extension services on farm productivity. We use comprehensive baseline survey data collected for monitoring and evaluation of the Agricultural Technology and Agribusiness Advisory Services (ATAAS) project. Applying the ivtreatreg Stata command, and probit 2-stage least squares (2SLS) model that addresses the selection and endogenous bias, we found that access to extension services does not significantly improve the crop productivity of farmers. The finding is consistent with similar studies that control for selection and endogenous bias when estimating treatment effects. We argue that the insignificance of extension contact on productivity when selection and endogenous effects are addressed may reflect the inefficiency of the current extension services in improving farmers’ productivity. In conclusion, the study shows that increasing extension impact on farm productivity will require efforts to improve the quality of extension services that directly translate into productivity effects.
LQR Based Type-2 Fuzzy Controller For Double Inverted Pendulum

The inverted pendulum system, which has been focused by control engineering, is among the most important and classical problems. While designing a fuzzy controller for such system, two main problems are controlled namely “rule number explosion” and “uncertainty” in the system. As remedy to these problems, a fusion function based on LQR control is applied before fuzzy controller that reduces number of inputs. The second problem “uncertainty” is taken care by type-2 fuzzy controller, as the degree of fuzziness is greater than conventional fuzzy controller. Therefore, both the schemes are combined to make the controller more efficient and robust. MATLAB simulation and comparison shows that the control effect is perfect. KeywordsFusion Function, Fuzzy Control, Double Inverted Pendulum (DIP), LQR Control, IT2FS, Uncertainty
Configurations of Extremal Type II Codes via Harmonic Weight Enumerators

We prove configuration results for extremal Type II codes, analogous to the configuration results of Ozeki and of Kominers for extremal Type II lattices. Specifically, we show that for n ∈ {8, 24, 32, 48, 56, 72, 96} every extremal Type II code of length n is generated by its codewords of minimal weight. Where Ozeki and Kominers used spherical harmonics and weighted theta functions, we use discrete harmonic polynomials and harmonic weight enumerators. Along the way we introduce “t 1 2 -designs” as a discrete analog of Venkov’s spherical designs of the same name.
X-RAY DISCOVERY OF A DWARF-GALAXY–GALAXY COLLISION

We report the discovery of a probable dwarf galaxy colliding with NGC 1232. This collision is visible only in the X-ray spectral band, and it is creating a region of shocked gas with a temperature of 5.8 MK covering an impact area 7.25 kpc in diameter. The X-ray luminosity is 3.7 × 1038 erg s−1. The long lifetime of this gas against radiative and adiabatic cooling should permit the use of the luminous afterglow from such collisions to be used as a way of estimating their importance in galaxy evolution.
Detecting sub‐glacial aquifers in the north polar layered deposits with Mars Express/MARSIS

The penetration of the MARSIS radar signal into the polar ice mass is modeled to determine the capability of the instrument to locate sub‐glacial aquifers. As a ground penetrating radar, the orbiting MARSIS transmits a signal >1 W between 1–5 MHz. In this work we will investigate the effect of ice reflective and conductive losses on the radar‐detection of subsurface aquifers using an MGS MOC profile of the ice layering. We find that a basal lake located ∼2.5 km below the surface is at the limit of detectability.
Magnetic fields from OH maser maps at 6035 and 6030 MHz at Galactic sites 351.417+0.645 and 353.410−0.360

Hydroxyl (OH) masers at two Galactic sites of massive star formation have been studied using the Long Baseline Array of the Australia Telescope National Facility. The 6035- and 6030-MHz OH excited-state transitions were observed, yielding a series of maps at velocity spacing 0.10 km s−1, in both senses of circular polarization, with angular resolution of approximately 50 mas. Within a radius of several arcsec each site displays many maser spots. Pairs of spots with the same position, but with right and left circular polarization separated in frequency, reveal Zeeman splitting. Towards 351.417+0.645, positions and velocities were measured for 56 discrete maser spots. Remarkably, all of these are components of Zeeman pairs, with 6035-MHz pairs at 23 distinct locations, five of which show matching 6030-MHz pairs. Strikingly, at 14 southerly locations the magnetic field is typically −5 mG (towards us), whereas seven of the northerly locations show a magnetic field of opposite sign, of up to +6.4 mG. The velocity field spanning −11.2 to −5 km s−1 shows no simple pattern. Maser emission towards 353.410−0.360 is confined to half an arcsecond total extent, comprising 24 maser spots, most of them members of nine Zeeman pairs. Derived magnetic fields are all negative, three between −4.8 and −10.6 mG and three much weaker fields between 0 and −1.6 mG. There is no simple pattern in the velocity field. OH masers at the 1665- and 1720-MHz transitions, and prominent ultracompact H ii regions, are present at both 351.417+0.645 and 353.410−0.360. They are accompanied by methanol maser emission at the 6668-MHz, 12-GHz, and 107-GHz transitions. Masers at the 1667-MHz transition of OH and at the 22-GHz transition of water are found towards 351.417+0.645, but not towards 353.410−0.360. The magnetic fields of both sites are in accord with tracing an ordered Galactic magnetic field.
AN EVALUATION OF TECHNIQUES FOR MEASURING VESICULAR ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL INFECTION IN ROOTS

Summary Assessment of infection is an essential part of many studies involving VA mycorrhiza. A summary is given of the range of techniques that have been used. We calculated the standard error of four methods of assessment based on observations of stained root samples either randomly arranged in a petri dish or mounted on microscope slides. The methods are based on presence or absence of infection at root/grid intersect points, on a visual estimate of percentage cortex occupied by fungus or on estimates of length, or presence or absence of infection in root pieces mounted on slides. The number of replicate observations required for a given standard error % infection can be read from the curves provided. The advantages of the different methods of assessment are discussed and reasons given why they all probably overestimate the true values.
The Impact of Lignin Structural Diversity on Performance of Cellulose Nanofiber (CNF)-Starch Composite Films

Lignin fractions having different molecular weights and varied chemical structures isolated from kraft lignins of both softwood and hardwood via a sequential solvent fractionation technique were incorporated into a tunicate cellulose nanofibers (CNF)—starch mixture to prepare 100% bio-based composite films. The aim was to investigate the impact of lignin structural diversity on film performance. It was confirmed that lignin’s distribution in the films was dependent on the polarity of solvents used for fractionation (acetone > methanol > ethanol > ethyl acetate) and influenced the optical properties of the films. The –OH group content and molecular weight of lignin were positively related to film density. In general, the addition of lignin fractions led to decrease in thermal stability and increase in Young’s modulus of the composite films. The modulus of the films was found to decrease as the molecular weight of lignin increased, and a higher amount of carboxyl and phenolic –OH groups in the lignin fraction resulted in films with higher stiffness. The thermal analysis showed higher char content formation for lignin-containing films in a nitrogen atmosphere with increased molecular weight. In an oxygen atmosphere, the phenol content, saturated side chains and short chain structures of lignin had impacts on the maximum decomposition temperature of the films, confirming the relationship between the chemical structure of lignin and thermo-oxidative stability of the corresponding film. This study addresses the importance of lignin diversities on composite film performance, which could be helpful for tailoring lignin’s applications in bio-based materials based on their specific characteristics.
A genome-wide RNAi screen identifies the SMC 5 / 6 complex as a non-redundant regulator of a Topo 2 a-dependent G 2 arrest

The Topo2a-dependent arrest is associated with faithful segregation of sister chromatids and has been identified as dysfunctional in numerous tumour cell lines. This genome-protecting pathway is poorly understood and its characterization is of significant interest, potentially offering interventional opportunities in relation to synthetic lethal behaviours in arrest-defective tumours. Using the catalytic Topo2a inhibitor ICRF193, we have performed a genome-wide siRNA screen in arrest-competent, non-transformed cells, to identify genes essential for this arrest mechanism. In addition, we have counterscreened several DNA-damaging agents and demonstrate that the Topo2a-dependent arrest is genetically distinct from DNA damage checkpoints. We identify the components of the SMC5/6 complex, including the activity of the E3 SUMO ligase NSE2, as non-redundant players that control the timing of the Topo2a-dependent arrest in G2. We have independently verified the NSE2 requirement in fibroblasts from patients with germline mutations that cause severely reduced levels of NSE2. Through imaging Topo2a-dependent G2 arrested cells, an increased interaction between Topo2a and NSE2 is observed at PML bodies, which are known SUMOylation hotspots. We demonstrate that Topo2a is SUMOylated in an ICRF193-dependent manner by NSE2 at a novel non-canonical site (K1520) and that K1520 sumoylation is required for chromosome segregation but not the G2 arrest.
Is the Behavior of German Venture Capitalists Different? Evidence from the Neuer Markt

Using a unique, hand-collected database of all venture- backed firms listed on Germany's Neuer Markt, we analyze the history of venture capital financing of these firms before the IPO and the behavior of venture capitalists at the IPO. We can detect significant differences in the behavior and characteristics of German vs. foreign venture capital firms. The discrepancy in the investment and divestment strategies may be explained by the grandstanding phenomenon, the value-added hypothesis and certification issues. German venture capitalists are typically younger and smaller than their counterparts from abroad. They syndicate less. The sectoral structure of their portfolios differs from that of foreign venture capital firms. We also find that German venture capitalists typically take companies with lower offering volumes on the market. They usually finance firms in a later stage, carry through fewer investment rounds and take their portfolio firms public earlier. In companies where a German firm is the lead venture capitalist, the fraction of equity held by the group of venture capitalists is lower, their selling intensity at the IPO is higher and the committed lock-up period is longer.
Development of a Tool for Measuring Key-User Satisfaction in an ERP Environment

Enterprise research planning (ERP) systems are becoming mature technologies to support interand intra-company business processes in many organizations. However, ERP systems are complex and expensive. The decision to install an ERP system necessitates a choice of mechanisms to determine whether an ERP is needed, and once implemented, whether it is successful. Key-user satisfaction is one evaluation mechanism for determining system success. This study investigates measuring ERP key-user satisfaction in the specific context of implementing a package-based ERP system from external contractor. Initial analyses of ERP system characteristics and the outsourcing environment are reported, and some previously validated instruments are selected for examination using the incremental-interview process and iterative development methods. A questionnaire is then developed and tested to prove reliability and validity.