Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Torus formation in neutron star mergers and well-localized short gamma-ray bursts

Merging neutron stars (NSs) are hot candidates for the still enigmatic sources of short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). If the central engines of the huge energy release are accreting relic black holes (BHs) of such mergers, it is important to understand how the properties of the BH-torus systems, in particular disc masses and mass and rotation rate of the compact remnant, are linked to the characterizing parameters of the NS binaries. For this purpose, we present relativistic smoothed particle hydrodynamic simulations with conformally flat approximation of the Einstein field equations and a physical, non-zero temperature equation of state. Thick disc formation is highlighted as a dynamical process caused by angular momentum transfer through tidal torques during the merging process of asymmetric systems or in the rapidly spinning triaxial post-merger object. Our simulations support the possibility that the first well-localized short and hard GRBs 050509b, 050709, 050724, 050813 have originated from NS merger events and are powered by neutrino-antineutrino annihilation around a relic BH-torus system. Using model parameters based on this assumption, we show that the measured GRB energies and durations lead to estimates for the accreted masses and BH mass accretion rates which are compatible with theoretical expectations. In particular, the low-energy output and short duration of GRB 050509b set a very strict upper limit of less than 100 ms for the time interval after the merging until the merger remnant has collapsed to a BH, leaving an accretion torus with a small mass of only ∼0.01 M ⊙ . This favours a (nearly) symmetric NS+NS binary with a typical mass as progenitor system.
In vitro effects of Epstein-Barr virus on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and normal subjects

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 10 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 9 control subjects were cultured in vitro for 30 days with and without infection by Epstein-Barr virus. All cultures showed polyclonal stimulation of B cells as indicated by rising levels of IgM in the culture supernates, reaching maximal at 18-24 days, and with no quantitative or kinetic difference between the RA and control cells. IgM anti-IgG was also produced in both groups and maximally at 18-24 days, but in greater quantity by the RA lymphocytes. The anti-IgG made by the RA lymphocytes was more easily absorbed by solid phase IgG than was the anti-IgG made by the normal lymphocytes and thus was judged to be of higher affinity. RA lymphocytes uninfected with EBV had higher transformation scores than did the normal controls and developed spontaneously into permanent cell lines in six instances.
Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC)-Based Gel for the Topical Delivery of Aceclofenac: Preparation, Characterization, and In Vivo Evaluation

The aim of this study was to prepare nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC)-based topical gel of aceclofenac for the treatment of inflammation and allied conditions. Stearic acid as the solid lipid, oleic acid as the liquid lipid, pluronic F68 as the surfactant, and phospholipon 90G as the co-surfactant were used. NLCs were prepared by melt-emulsification, low-temperature solidification, and high-speed homogenization methods. Characterization of the NLC dispersion was carried out through particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and an in vitro release study. The anti-inflammatory effect of the NLC gel was assessed by the rat paw edema technique and compared to marketed aceclofenac gel. The NLC dispersions exhibited d90% between 233 nm and 286 nm. All of the NLC showed high entrapment efficiency ranging from 67% to 82%. The particle size of NLC was further confirmed by the SEM study. The result of DSC showed that aceclofenac was dispersed in NLC in an amorphous state. Both the entrapment and release rate were affected by the percentage of oleic acid, but the method of preparation affected only the entrapment efficiency. The nanoparticulate dispersion was suitably gelled and assessed for in vitro permeation. Finally, NLC-based gels were found to possess superior (almost double) the anti-inflammatory activity compared to the marketed product. The anti-inflammatory activity of NLC gel showed a rapid onset of action, as well as a prolonged duration of action as compared with the marketed gel.
Hierarchical Quark Masses and Small Mixing Angles from Warped Intersecting Brane Models

We propose a novel mechanism for reproducing the realistic hierarchical structure of the observed CKM mixing matrix and quark masses by means of introducing a warped metric. We illustrate the method on the basis of a specific Type IIA intersecting brane model proposed by Ibanez et al. The model is compactified on a direct product of three tori, on which four D-brane stacks wrap, and the intersections between two stacks collectively provide three generations of quarks and leptons. The exponential of the area formed by the intersection points corresponding to three matter fields is interpreted as the Yukawa coupling among them. It is known, however, that the Yukawa matrices for quarks are generically singular, and that it does not give definite mixing angles nor hierarchically suppressed quark masses. We show that the newly introduced warp effect on the internal manifold modifies the Yukawa matrix elements and generate hierarchical quark masses and CKM mixing angles.
General Epistatic Models of the Risk of Complex Diseases

The range of possible gene interactions in a multilocus model of a complex inherited disease is studied by exploring genotype-specific risks subject to the constraint that the allele frequencies and marginal risks are known. We quantify the effect of gene interactions by defining the interaction ratio, \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(C_{\mathrm{R}}{=}K_{\mathrm{R}}/K_{\mathrm{R}}^{\mathrm{I}}\) \end{document}, where KR is the recurrence risk to relatives with relationship R for the true model and \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(K_{\mathrm{R}}^{\mathrm{I}}\) \end{document} is the recurrence risk to relatives for a multiplicative model with the same marginal risks. We use a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) procedure to sample from the space of possible models. We find that the average of CR increases with the number of loci for both low frequency (p = 0.03) and higher frequency (p = 0.25) causative alleles. Furthermore, the probability that CR > 1 is nearly 1. Similar results are obtained when more weight is given to risk models that are closer to the comparable multiplicative model. These results imply that, in general, gene interactions will result in greater heritability of a complex inherited disease than is expected on the basis of a multiplicative model of interactions and hence may provide a partial explanation for the problem of missing heritability of complex diseases.
Micromanipulated bivalents can trigger mini-spindle formation in Drosophila melanogaster spermatocyte cytoplasm

Single (individual) bivalents in cultured Drosophila melanogaster primary spermatocytes were detached from the spindle with a micromanipulation needle and placed in the cytoplasm. Such bivalents are prevented from rejoining the spindle by a natural membrane barrier that surrounds the spindle, but they quickly orient as if on a spindle of their own and the half-bivalents separate in anaphase. Serial section electron microscopy shows that a mini-spindle forms around the cytoplasmic bivalent, i.e., the microtubule density in the vicinity of the bivalent is much greater than in other cytoplasmic regions. This microtubule population cannot be accounted for solely by kinetochore nucleation and/or capture of microtubules. Furthermore, the mini- spindles frequently form at odd angles to the main spindle, so that at least one pole has no relationship to the poles of the main spindle. We conclude that a bivalent, or factors that become associated with the bivalent as a result of the manipulation, can either stabilize microtubules or promote their assembly. The bivalent activates latent microtubule organizing centers, or alternatively, polar organizing material has been passively transported from the main spindle to the cytoplasm by the micromanipulation procedure.
Expanded Thermal Model for IGBT Modules

Heat dissipation problems with simultaneous heat generation in IGBT modules are calculated and simulated based on two developed thermal models. One is the analytical thermal model, which is based on Fourier series method. The other is a finite difference model, which relies on the numerical solutions method. The result of two models has been compared. The difference between them has been illustrated and more reliable model has been chosen for more complicate thermal calculation. In order to achieve more accurate temperature distribution, transient thermal response of certain IGBT module has been simulated with extended thermal models
Multi-resolution Structural Degradation Metrics for Perceptual Image Quality Assessment

In this paper, a multi-resolution analysis is proposed for image quality assessment. Structural features are extracted from each level of a pyramid decomposition that accurately represents the multiple scales of processing in the human visual system. To obtain an overall quality measure the individual level metrics are accumulated over the considered pyramid levels. Two different metric design approaches are introduced and evaluated. It turns out that one of them outperforms our previous work on single-resolution image quality assessment.
Fostering deep understanding in geography by inducing and managing confusion: an online learning approach

Confusion is an emotion that is likely to occur when learning complex concepts. While this emotion is often seen as undesirable because of its potential to induce frustration and boredom, recent research has highlighted the vital role confusion can play in student learning. The learning of topics in geography such as tropical cyclone causes and processes can be particularly difficult because it requires the reconstruction of intuitive mental models that are often robust and resistant to change. This paper presents the design framework for an online module designed to enhance university students’ depth of knowledge of tropical cyclones. In particular, the intervention aims manage the level of confusion during learning. We hypothesise that in this way learners can engage with the cognitively demanding ideas in this topic and they are less likely to experience emotions such as frustration and boredom, which would be detrimental to the development of deep understanding.
An Investigation into the Role of Tactile Feedback in the Neuromuscular Control of Spine Movement

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ROLE OF TACTILE FEEDBACK IN THE NEUROMUSCULAR CONTROL OF SPINE MOVEMENT Shawn Matthew Beaudette Advisor: University of Guelph, 2018 Dr. Stephen H.M. Brown The spine requires refined, adaptable neuromuscular control to ensure proper function. To facilitate this control, many sensory systems contribute feedback about the position and movement of one’s body. These systems include feedback from muscles, tendons, ligaments, as well as the skin. The overall aim of this PhD dissertation was to investigate the influence of tactile (skin) sensory feedback on the neuromuscular control of the spine. To address this aim, four experiments were completed. In Experiment #1 the effect of decreased tactile sensitivity on spine neuromuscular control was investigated. Participants had the skin of their back anaesthetized (numbed). When compared to a control group, the anesthesia resulted in a significant impairment in skin sensitivity. However, this reduction had negligible impact on spine neuromuscular control. In Experiments #2 and #3, the influence of spine flexion-extension posture on skin structure and tactile sensitivity were investigated, respectively. For Experiment #2 participants were required to adopt extended, neutral or flexed spine postures during which measures of skin stretch, thickness and hardness were taken. The results demonstrated that spine posture significantly influenced each measure of skin structure. In Experiment #3 participants were asked to adopt the same three postures, during which measures of touch sensitivity, spatial acuity and skin stretch sensitivity were obtained. The results suggested that posture-mediated changes in skin structure (Experiment #2) significantly influenced the sensitivity to tactile stimuli. In Experiment #4, the utility of skin stretch feedback to facilitate adjustments in spine movements was investigated. If participants perceived skin stretching at specific regions of the back, they were instructed to adjust their spine flexion movement to minimize this sensation. These results are the first to
Design and implementation of a LNA in UHF band using microstrip

This article presents a design methodology for low noise amplifiers (LNA) in the UHF band, optimized for narrowband operation, based on a proper choice of the bias operating point, modeling of the active element through S parameters and the appropriate design of matching networks for minimum noise figure and maximum gain under stable conditions. Likewise, presents a case study related with the design of an LNA with this methodology, together with the experimental results and the results simulated with the Ansoft Designer® platform.
Hypercalcemia of Malignancy

CASE STUDY: A 60-year-old man initially presented with pain in the right upper quadrant in October 2010. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen pelvis completed at that time showed a mass at the junction of the body and tail of the pancreas and multiple large liver lesions. A CT-guided liver biopsy revealed low-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma. The patient was initially started on systemic treatment with sunitinib (Sutent) and octreotide. He developed intolerable side effects, including nausea and migraine. Therapy was discontinued in October 2011, when a CT scan revealed evidence of disease progression. At this point, he was transitioned to everolimus (Afinitor). He was treated with everolimus, with overall stable disease, until a magnetic resonance image (MRI) of the abdomen and pelvis showed enlarging hepatic metastases in April 2014. Everolimus was discontinued. The patient presented to the clinic to start third-line systemic therapy; he described the recent onset of disorientation at home, with difficulty in concentration and mild muscle weakness. He was found to be lethargic on the day of the visit. He was noted to have a 4-kg weight loss. Blood pressure was 82/45 mm Hg, with a heart rate of 115 beats/minute. Lab tests revealed a serum calcium level of 12.7 mg/dL (9.5 mg/dL prior). At that time, the serum albumin level was 2.4 mg/dL. The corrected calcium for albumin was 14 mg/dL. The patient was treated with intravenous (IV) hydration, and vital signs normalized post treatment. Labs revealed an improvement in serum calcium to 11.8 mg/dL (corrected = 13.1 mg/dL). Additional laboratory analysis revealed vitamin D, 25-hydroxy level of 40 ng/mL (reference range, 20–50 ng/mL), parathyroid hormone–related protein of 5.2 pmol/L (reference range, < 2.0 pmol/L), thyroid-stimulating hormone of 1.04 mIU/mL (reference range, 0.35–4.00 mIU/mL). An electrocardiogram revealed sinus tachycardia with a QT of 31.6 ms (QTc of 38.4 ms). The patient improved symptomatically and was sent home. The patient returned for repeat labs 1 week later, with worsening of previously described weakness and lethargy. The serum calcium level had increased to 13.2 mg/dL, with a serum albumin level of 2.8 mg/dL. Intravenous zoledronic acid (4 mg) was administered, and he was admitted for symptomatic hypercalcemia. He received continuous IV hydration with normal saline at 300 mL/hr and telemetry monitoring. Once hydrated, he was treated with IV furosemide. His serum calcium level rapidly improved to 10 mg/dL by day 2 of admission, and lethargy and weakness symptoms resolved. He was discharged from the hospital at that time. After discharge, the patient continued on third-line capecitabine-based systemic therapy, with excellent radiologic and tumor marker response to therapy and monthly zoledronic acid infusion. Serum calcium levels returned to within the normal range and stable, and he remained without relapse of hypercalcemia. After 2 months, zoledronic acid was discontinued, and the serum corrected calcium remained within normal limits.
The Fornax Spectroscopic Survey: The Number of Unresolved Compact Galaxies

We describe a sample of 13 bright (18.5 < BJ < 20.1), compact galaxies at low redshift (0.05 < z < 0.21) behind the Fornax Cluster. These galaxies are unresolved on UK Schmidt sky survey plates, and so they would be missing from most galaxy catalogs compiled from this material. The objects were found during initial observations of The Fornax Spectroscopic Survey. This project is using the Two-degree Field spectrograph on the Anglo-Australian Telescope to obtain spectra for a complete sample of all 14,000 objects, stellar and nonstellar, with 16.5 < BJ < 19.7, in a 12 deg2 area centered on the Fornax Cluster of galaxies. The surface density of compact galaxies with magnitudes 16.5 < BJ < 19.7 is 7 ± 3 deg-2, representing 2.8% ± 1.6% of all local (z < 0.2) galaxies to this limit. There are 12 ± 3 deg-2 with 16.5 < BJ < 20.2. They are luminous (-21.5 < MB < -18.0, for H0 = 50 km s-1 Mpc-1), and most have strong emission lines (Hα equivalent widths of 40-200 Å) and small sizes typical of luminous H II galaxies and compact narrow emission line galaxies. Four out of 13 have red colors and early-type spectra, and so they are unlikely to have been detected in any previous surveys.
Interactive Information Visualization of Trend Information

This paper proposes the visualization cube as a reference model for spatiotemporal trend information. The interactive visualization system for earthquake trend information was proposed at MuST in NTCIR-6 workshop, which defines earthquake trend information as spatiotemporal information and designs the interaction between different views so that temporal and spatial trend information can be effectively combined. By extending the functionality of the system, this paper proposes the concept of visualization cube, which defines the data structure of spatiotemporal trend information, type of views, and interactive operations for generating views. The interactive operations for generating various views include drill down/up, comparison, spin, and transition. The interactive information visualization system for spatiotemporal trend information is also developed based on the concept of visualization cube. The system was used in actual classes of an elementary school, of which the result shows the system has enough usability for 5th-grade elementary school children to perform exploratory data analysis. It is expected the visualization cube contributes to the improvement of the visualization platform that is developed by MuST workshop.
Inferring semantics from geometry: the case of street networks

This paper proposes a method for automatically inferring semantic type information for a street network from its corresponding geometrical representation. Specifically, a street network is modelled as a probabilistic graphical model and semantic type information is inferred by performing learning and inference with respect to this model. Learning is performed using a maximum-margin approach while inference is performed using a fusion moves approach. The proposed model captures features relating to individual streets, such as linearity, as well as features relating to the relationships between streets such as the co-occurrence of semantic types. On a large street network containing 32,412 street segments, the proposed model achieves precision and recall values of 68% and 65% respectively. One application of this work is the automation of street network mapping.
Ultrasonic sensor system for detecting falling objects on railways

The current rail security rules require, more and more, the automatic detection of possible obstacles on tracks, above all in areas where a large probability of alive beings intrusion or falling objects exists. In this paper an ultrasonic sensor system is proposed for this aim, paying special attention to the signal coding and processing. This signal coding, based on the use of complementary sequences, makes the system robust against atmospheric turbulence, the phenomenon which turns out to be the most problematic when transmitting ultrasonic waves outdoors.
Investigating the use of the AFDX protocol as a Network-On-Chip

The amount of information exchanged between different cores of the same chip has increased rapidly these last years. As a result, conventional buses were insufficient to follow-up in terms of throughput and reliability. To face this problem, researchers came with a potential solution at first, and inevitable at the end, which is Network-On-Chip (NoC). This paper presents a study of the simulation and the implementation of an avionic communication protocol as a Network-on-Chip (NoC) for high performance multi-core embedded systems. The study focuses on the network model of the AFDX protocol for NS3 simulation tool and discusses its importance later in the design process of the AFDX based NoC.
Cooperative control strategy for multiple photovoltaic generators in distribution networks

A cooperative control strategy was provided to regulate the active and reactive power outputs of multiple photovoltaic (PV) generators installed on a distribution network. The proposed control strategy not only makes a group of PVs converge and operate at the same ratio of available power, but also regulates the total active and reactive power outputs of the PVs such that the active power across a concerned line and the voltage of a critical bus are kept to a referenced value. The stability of the closed-loop dynamical system was analysed by considering some special properties of classical distribution networks, and the minimal requirement of the communication topology among the PVs was provided. Simulations on a radial distribution power system network were provided to verify the validness of the proposed control strategy.
The Euro Area Sovereign Debt Crisis: Can Contagion Spread from the Periphery to the Core?

We examine the determinants of joint default risk of euro area countries during 2007–2011. To accomplish this, we recover joint default probabilities from individual CDS contracts. In contrast to earlier theoretical studies, we find that financial linkages are an active contagion transmission channel only in the case of the troubled periphery euro area economies. During the current sovereign debt crisis, real economy linkages play a more important role in transmitting shocks from the euro area periphery towards its core. Countries that have stronger trade interconnections with troubled economies tend to have a higher expected joint default risk.