Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low power BL Lacertae objects and the blazar sequence Clues on the particle acceleration process

The spectral properties of blazars seem to follow a phenomenological sequence according to the source luminosity. By inferring the source physical parameters through (necessarily) modeling of the blazar spectra, we have previously proposed that the sequence arises because the particles responsible for most of the emission suer increasing radiative losses as the luminosity increases. Here we extend those results by considering the widest possible range of blazar spectral properties. We nd a new important ingredient for shaping the spectra of the lowest power objects, namely the role of a nite timescale for the injection of relativistic particles. Only high energy particles radiatively cool over such a timescale leading to a break in the particle distribution: particles with this break energy are those emitting most of the power, and this gives rise to a link between blazar spectra and total energy density inside the source, which controls the cooling timescale. The emerging picture requires two phases for the particle acceleration: a rst pre{heating phase in which particles reach a characteristic energy as the result of balancing heating and radiative cooling, and a more rapid acceleration phase which further accelerate these particles to form a power law distribution. While in agreement with standard shock theory, this scenario also agrees with the idea that the luminosity of blazars is produced through internal shocks, which naturally lead to shocks lasting for a nite time.
Self-Orthogonalizing Adaptive Equalization in the Discrete Frequency Domain

A self-orthogonalizing discrete adaptive equalizer for synchronous data transmission is presented, based on the overlapsave filtering technique. Self-orthogonalization in the discrete frequency domain is adaptively performed by premultiplying by a diagonal matrix the MSE gradient estimates before projecting by means of Rosen's gradient projection method. The diagonal of the matrix is the inverse of the power spectrum of the received sequence taken at equally spaced frequencies, and estimates are obtained by using Bartlett's procedure of periodograms averaging for spectrum estimation. Projection is accomplished by means of an off-line derived projection matrix. Confidence of gradient estimates is improved by means of a block correlated estimation technique using available DFT's of blocks of data. This equalizer is compared to time-domain self-orthogonalizing algorithms as regards speed of convergence and ease of implementation. During the short startup phase, convergence is competitive with that of Godard's algorithm, which is the fastest algorithm known, and in the decision-directed mode, fast convolution performed by blocks results in a considerable reduction of the number of multiplications with respect to the time domain algorithms. A computationally simpler, unconstrained startup algorithm is also examined, obtained by removing the projection while retaining gradient block estimates in the DFD.
Impaired P2X signalling pathways in renal microvascular myocytes in genetic hypertension.

AIMS P2X receptors (P2XRs) mediate sympathetic control and autoregulation of renal circulation triggering preglomerular vasoconstriction, which protects glomeruli from elevated pressures. Although previous studies established a casual link between glomerular susceptibility to hypertensive injury and decreased preglomerular vascular reactivity to P2XR activation, the mechanisms of attenuation of the P2XR signalling in hypertension remained unknown. We aimed to analyse molecular mechanisms of the impairment of P2XR signalling in renal vascular smooth muscle cells (RVSMCs) in genetic hypertension. METHODS AND RESULTS We compared the expression of pertinent genes and P2XR-linked Ca(2+) entry and Ca(2+) release mechanisms in RVSMCs of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and their normotensive controls, Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. We found that, in SHR RVSMCs, P2XR-linked Ca(2+) entry and Ca(2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) are both significantly reduced. The former is due to down-regulation of the P2X1 subunit. The latter is caused by a decrease of the SR Ca(2+) load. The SR Ca(2+) load reduction is caused by attenuated Ca(2+) uptake via down-regulated sarco-/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase 2b and elevated Ca(2+) leak from the SR via ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors. Spontaneous activity of these Ca(2+)-release channels is augmented due to up-regulation of RyR type 2 and elevated IP3 production by up-regulated phospholipase C-β1. CONCLUSIONS Our study unravels the cellular and molecular mechanisms of attenuation of P2XR-mediated preglomerular vasoconstriction that elevates glomerular susceptibility to harmful hypertensive pressures. This provides an important impetus towards understanding of the pathology of hypertensive renal injury.
Finessing the fracture energy barrier in ballistic seed dispersal

Fracture is a highly dissipative process in which much of the stored elastic energy is consumed in the creation of new surfaces. Surprisingly, many plants use fracture to launch their seeds despite its seemingly prohibitive energy cost. Here we use Impatiens glandulifera as model case to study the impact of fracture on a plant’s throwing capacity. I. glandulifera launches its seeds with speeds up to 4 m/s using cracks to trigger an explosive release of stored elastic energy. We find that the seed pod is optimally designed to minimize the cost of fracture. These characteristics may account for its success at invading Europe and North America.
The role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of varicocele

blebbing, nuclear condensation, and fragmentation in the form of vesicles called ‘apoptotic bodies’ [3]. Many pathways result in apoptosis, and these processes appear to be regulated on three levels [4]. In the cell membrane, specific membrane receptors mediate the death signals of the TNF receptor family, which consists of Fas and the Fas ligand. At the cytoplasmic level, signal transduction pathways involving cysteine proteases called caspases are also involved. Finally, at the nuclear level, specific apoptotic regulatory genes, including p53 and Bcl-2 , also exert regulatory effects on apoptosis.
Treatment of experimental staphylococcal osteomyelitis with rifampin and trimethoprim, alone and in combination

Rifampin and trimethoprim were used alone and in combination in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis due to Staphylococcus aureus in rabbits. Rifampicin levels in infected bone were well above the minimum inhibitory concentration of the infecting strain of S. aureus for at least 4 h after injection. In contrast, trimethoprim levels in diseased bone were below the minimum inhibitory concentration as early as 1 h after injection. Trimethoprim or rifampin, administered alone for 14 days, were ineffective in sterilizing infected rabbit bones. The combination of rifampin plus trimethoprim was significantly more effective (P less than 0.005) than either agents given alone for a comparable duration of time. Staphylococci isolated from the bones of rabbits treated with rifampin alone or rifampin plus trimethoprim were uniformly resistant to rifampin, but retained their susceptibility to trimethoprim.
Leaf Responses to Mild Drought Stress in Natural Variants of Arabidopsis1[OPEN]

Arabidopsis accessions show different phenotypes in response to mild drought, yet a robust transcriptome response is conserved between the accessions. Although the response of plants exposed to severe drought stress has been studied extensively, little is known about how plants adapt their growth under mild drought stress conditions. Here, we analyzed the leaf and rosette growth response of six Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) accessions originating from different geographic regions when exposed to mild drought stress. The automated phenotyping platform WIWAM was used to impose stress early during leaf development, when the third leaf emerges from the shoot apical meristem. Analysis of growth-related phenotypes showed differences in leaf development between the accessions. In all six accessions, mild drought stress reduced both leaf pavement cell area and number without affecting the stomatal index. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis (using RNA sequencing) of early developing leaf tissue identified 354 genes differentially expressed under mild drought stress in the six accessions. Our results indicate the existence of a robust response over different genetic backgrounds to mild drought stress in developing leaves. The processes involved in the overall mild drought stress response comprised abscisic acid signaling, proline metabolism, and cell wall adjustments. In addition to these known severe drought-related responses, 87 genes were found to be specific for the response of young developing leaves to mild drought stress.
Resonant Excitation of Volume and Surface Fields on Complex Electrodynamic Surfaces

Analytical, numerical, and experimental studies of volume and surface-field coupling in planar metal periodic surface lattice (PSL) structures superimposed on dielectric substrates with a metallic backing (PSLDM) are presented. We show the formation of frequency-locked PSLDM-coupled eigenmodes and unlocked surface-field resonances (PSL without substrate). These experimental observations are in excellent agreement with theoretical and numerical predictions. For the first time, the derivation of a field coupling coefficient α is demonstrated. By comparing theoretical and numerical dispersions, we obtain α. Detailed analysis of possible scattering mechanisms and dispersive behavior in subwavelength "effective metadielectric" PSLs is shown. The theory and measurements presented in this paper are applicable over a broad frequency range from optical frequencies to THz and are fundamental to the innovation of high-power short-wavelength sources, solar cells, and alternative subwavelength absorbers.
Energy evaluation of data aggregation and authentication protocol (DAA) in wireless sensor networks

While security is an important feature in wireless sensor networks, but the energy constraints of sensor nodes should also be considered. In this work, the energy expenditure of such authentication protocol has been investigated respect to TelosB energy consumption behavior. Data Aggregation and Authentication protocol (DAA) integrates false data detection with data aggregation and confidentiality. DAA computes several Message Authentication Codes (MACs) and performs data aggregation along the path. Furthermore, integrity verification is carried out from source to destination. To evaluate precisely the energy efficiency of the scheme in the real world, a test bed implementation of DAA protocol is compared in terms of energy consumption with another authentication protocol. It is shown when the network is under attack and the amount of false data is high, DAA greatly outperforms traditional authentication techniques.
Comparison among Different Constitutive Equations on Investigating Tensile Plastic Behavior and Microstructure in Austempered Ductile Iron

The capabilities of different constitutive equations of approximating the tensile flow curves and correlating plastic behavior with the microstructure were investigated in austempered ductile iron ADI 1050. In a previous paper, the microstructure evolution of ADI 1050 during austempering was investigated through quenching the ADI 1050 after 14 increasing austempering times to room temperature. The 14 samples were tensile tested and two classes of constitutive equations were examined in the present paper. The Hollomon-type constitutive equations approximated all of the tensile flow curves of ADI 1050 very well but failed in correlating the plastic behavior with microstructure evolution. Voce-type constitutive equations approximated the tensile flow curves only at high stresses very well but could correlate the plastic behavior with the microstructure evolution of ADI 1050 during austempering excellently. The reason of this success was rationalized in terms of the physical basis of Voce-type equations, while Hollomon-type equations are empirical.
Special Issue: Frontiers of Organization Science, Part 1 of 2: Regional Industrial Identity: Cluster Configurations and Economic Development

We explore the concept of regional industrial identity as an important missing component in our understanding of the development of metropolitan regions and the spatial arrangements of industries. While economists and sociologists have explained the location of industry clusters on the basis of unevenly distributed resources, and historians have provided rich descriptive insight into the developmental dynamics of particular metropolitan regions, little systematic theory has been advanced to explain cross-regional inflows and outflows of resources, especially with respect to patterns in cluster development. This paper examines the concept of regional industrial identity as a social code that (1) arises from the shared understandings of residents and external audiences about the suitability of a region for particular kinds of business activity and (2) influences decisions about where to locate investments. We argue that such understandings are principally informed by configurations of industry clusters that have already formed in a region. Clusters, which are the results of historical investments, are also important signals about the types of business that can thrive in the future. We develop theoretical propositions linking characteristics of regional industry cluster configurations, in particular cluster dominance and cluster interrelatedness, to the strength and focus of regional identity and, as a result, to the types and amounts of resources that will develop within and flow into and out of regions.
A Blanching Technique for Intradermal Injection of the Hyaluronic Acid Belotero

Summary: With the proliferation of dermal fillers in the aesthetic workplace have come instructions from various manufacturers regarding dermal placement. Determination of injection needle location in the dermis has in large part been based on physician expertise, product and needle familiarity, and patient-specific skin characteristics. An understanding of the precise depth of dermal structures may help practitioners improve injection specificity. Unlike other dermal fillers that suggest intradermal and deep dermal injection planes, a new hyaluronic acid with a cohesive polydensified matrix may be more appropriate for the superficial dermis because of its structure and its high degree of integration into the dermis. To that end, the authors designed a small study to quantify the depth of the superficial dermis by means of ultrasound and histology. Using ultrasound resources, the authors determined the depths of the epidermis, the dermis, and the reticular dermis in the buttocks of six patients; the authors then extrapolated the depth of the superficial reticular dermis. Histologic studies of two of the patients showed full integration of the product in the reticular dermis. Following determination of injection depths and filler integration, the authors describe a technique (“blanching”) for injection of the cohesive polydensified matrix hyaluronic acid into the superficial dermis. At this time, blanching is appropriate only for injection of the cohesive polydensified matrix hyaluronic acid known as Belotero Balance in the United States, although it may have applications for other hyaluronic acid products outside of the United States.
A Mouse Model of Tuberous Sclerosis: Neuronal Loss of Tsc1 Causes Dysplastic and Ectopic Neurons, Reduced Myelination, Seizure Activity, and Limited Survival

Tuberous sclerosis (TSC) is a hamartoma syndrome caused by mutations in TSC1 or TSC2 in which cerebral cortical tubers and seizures are major clinical issues. We have engineered mice in which most cortical neurons lose Tsc1 expression during embryonic development. These Tsc1 mutant mice display several neurological abnormalities beginning at postnatal day 5 with subsequent failure to thrive and median survival of 35 d. The mice also display clinical and electrographic seizures both spontaneously and with physical stimulation, and some seizures end in a fatal tonic phase. Many cortical and hippocampal neurons are enlarged and/or dysplastic in the Tsc1 mutant mice, strongly express phospho-S6, and are ectopic in multiple sites in the cortex and hippocampus. There is a striking delay in myelination in the mutant mice, which appears to be caused by an inductive neuronal defect. This new TSC brain model replicates several features of human TSC brain lesions and implicates an important function of Tsc1/Tsc2 in neuronal development.
Ectopic Fat Depots and Cardiovascular Disease

Obesity is increasingly recognized as a heterogeneous condition with variable cardiovascular risk in the setting of similar levels of body mass index. Ectopic fat depots may contribute to obesity-mediated vascular disease and explain part of this risk differential. This review will explore the current understanding of the biology of ectopic adipose tissue storage, its quantification and classification, and existing research supporting an association between ectopic fat and cardiovascular disease. Obesity is associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and is recognized as a major public health concern.1,2 Although useful clinically and in epidemiologic studies, the classification of obesity using body mass index (BMI) does not fully encompass the complex biology of excess adiposity. Excess body fat is now recognized as a heterogeneous condition in which individuals with similar levels of BMI may have distinct metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk.2 Variation in body fat distribution provides 1 potential explanation for some of the risk differential that persists after accounting for BMI and standard risk factors.3 The study of ectopic adipose tissue depots, which surround organs and blood vessels, focuses on the quantification of these different fat depots and their potential systemic and local consequences. Waist circumference was one of the earliest means of quantifying body fat distribution, and some clinical guidelines have recommended measurement of waist circumference to provide additional information regarding cardiovascular risk.4 However, waist circumference consists of both subcutaneous adipose (SAT) (classically nonectopic) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) (classically ectopic). This is important because VAT is associated with more adverse levels of metabolic risk factors compared with SAT.5 In addition, seminal work in mice has shown that transplantation of SAT, but not VAT, to an intra-abdominal site resulted in beneficial effects on metabolism.6 Taken together, these findings suggest that information about …
Investigating the Extent of Noise in Digital Images using Singular Value Decomposition

Digital images have an inherent amount Deepika Sharma of noise introduced either by the imaging process or manual creation. Singular value decomposition (SVD) is one of the most important and useful factorizations in linear algebra. We describe how SVD is applied to problems involving image processing—in particular, how SVD removes the noise from digital images using linear calculations. In this paper, we proposed an efficient model of noise removal. Further the results have been compared with that of existing noise removal median filter to investigate the extent of removal of unwanted noise from digital images.
Wnt signals mediate a fate decision between otic placode and epidermis

The otic placode, the anlagen of the inner ear, develops from an ectodermal field characterized by expression of the transcription factor Pax2. Previous fate mapping studies suggest that these Pax2+ cells will give rise to both otic placode tissue and epidermis, but the signals that divide the Pax2+ field into placodal and epidermal territories are unknown. We report that Wnt signaling is normally activated in a subset of Pax2+ cells, and that conditional inactivation of β-catenin in these cells causes an expansion of epidermal markers at the expense of the otic placode. Conversely, conditional activation of β-catenin in Pax2+ cells causes an expansion of the otic placode at the expense of epidermis, and the resulting otic tissue expresses exclusively dorsal otocyst markers. Together, these results suggest that Wnt signaling acts instructively to direct Pax2+ cells to an otic placodal, rather than an epidermal, fate and promotes dorsal cell identities in the otocyst.
Evaluation of subcutaneous glucose monitoring systems under routine environmental conditions in patients with type 1 diabetes

Continuous and flash glucose monitoring (GM) systems have been established in diabetes care. We compared the sensor performance of 3 commercially available GM systems. A total of 12 patients with type 1 diabetes were included in a single‐centre, open‐label study in which the sensor performance of the Abbott FreeStyle libre (Abbott), Dexcom G4 Platinum (Dexcom) and Medtronic MiniMed 640G (Medtronic) systems over 12 hours was compared during mimicked real‐life conditions (meals, exercise, hypo‐ and hyperglycaemia). Sensor performance was determined by fulfilment of ISO 15197:2013 criteria, calculating mean absolute relative difference (MARD), and was also illustrated using Parkes error grid and Bland–Altman plots. Sensor performance during changes in metabolic variables (lactate, betahydroxybutyrate, glucagon, non‐esterified‐fatty‐acids) was determined by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient testing. The systems fulfilled ISO 15197:2013 criteria by 73.2% (Abbott), 56.1% (Dexcom) and 52.0% (Medtronic). The MARDs ± standard deviation in the entire glycaemic range were 13.2% ± 10.9% (Abbott), 16.8% ± 12.3% (Dexcom) and 21.4% ± 17.6% (Medtronic), respectively. All sensors performed less accurately during hypoglycaemia and best during hyperglycaemia. We did not observe an influence of metabolic variables on sensor performance.
Facial pose estimation for image retrieval

Isomerizable hydrocarbons are isomerized using a catalytic composite comprising a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum group component, which is maintained in the elemental metallic state during the incorporation and pyrolysis of the rhenium carbonyl component, of a tin component, and of a halogen component.
1 Experimental Results on INSTAC-8 Compliant Board

This paper presents the results of three kinds of side-channel attacks, experimentally made against software-implemented ciphers on INSTAC-8 Compliant Board. INSTAC-8 is the standard evaluation platform, newly designed by the Information Technology Research and Standardization Center (INSTAC; a division of Japan Standards Association), to test Side-channel attack against the software-implemented ciphers. Three side-channel attacks referred above are Differential Power Analysis (DPA), Electro Magnetic Analysis (EMA), and Simple Power Analysis
A heuristic method of finding heavy hitter prefix pairs in IP traffic

This paper describes a heuristic method of finding prefix pairs in IP traffic, which represent more than a prescribed threshold of global traffic. Two Patricia trees are used for finding those source and destination prefixes with a sufficient amount of traffic. A heuristic method is then proposed to identify those pairs of prefixes with a total amount of traffic exceeding a given proportion of global traffic. The proposed algorithm is tested against NetFlow data from Orange's transit IP network.