Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bondi Accretion and the Problem of the Missing Isolated Neutron Stars

A large number of neutron stars (NSs), ~109, populate the Galaxy, but only a tiny fraction of them is observable during the short radio pulsar lifetime. The majority of these isolated NSs, too cold to be detectable by their own thermal emission, should be visible in X-rays as a result of accretion from the interstellar medium. The ROSAT All-Sky Survey has, however, shown that such accreting isolated NSs are very elusive: only a few tentative candidates have been identified, contrary to theoretical predictions that up to several thousand should be seen. We suggest that the fundamental reason for this discrepancy lies in the use of the standard Bondi formula to estimate the accretion rates. We compute the expected source counts using updated estimates of the pulsar velocity distribution, realistic hydrogen atmosphere spectra, and a modified expression for the Bondi accretion rate, as suggested by recent MHD simulations and supported by direct observations in the case of accretion around supermassive black holes in nearby galaxies and in our own. We find that, whereas the inclusion of atmospheric spectra partly compensates for the reduction in the counts due to the higher mean velocities of the new distribution, the modified Bondi formula dramatically suppresses the source counts. The new predictions are consistent with a null detection at the ROSAT sensitivity.
Non-uniform social rates of discount in natural resource models

One of the crucial factors in resource economics is the element of time. In recent years a great many dynamic models have been developed in order to derive optimal decision rules for long-term resource policies. The assessment of the long-term socio-economic net benefits of resource use is however fraught with difficulties due to many uncertainties in models with a long time horizon (e.g., risk, multigenerational tradeoff). In order to take account of the uncertain or hidden effects of a project in a dynamic ecological-economic model one can either try to adjust the costs and benefits of the project at hand or the social rate of discount that is used in the model concerned. In this paper the latter approach is adopted in four representative natural resource models pertaining to the environment, the fisheries sector, the forestry sector, and exhaustible resources, respectively. The effects that are intemalized in each model relate to the following classes of uncertainty: multiple generations, risk and uncertainty, crowding out effects, and externalities (and intangible effects) of the use of the natural resource. A sensitivity analysis on the implications of a non-uniform social rate of discount is undertaken for these four classes of uncertainties with respect to each of the four models used.
A theoretical framework for the study of spatial cognition

We argue that the locomotion of organisms is better understood as a form of interaction with a subjective environment, rather than as a set of behaviors allegedly amenable to objective descriptions. An organism's interactions with its subjective environment are in turn understandable in terms of its cognitive architecture. We propose a large-scale classification of the possible types of cognitive architectures, giving a sketch of the subjective structure that each of them superimposes on space and of the relevant consequences on locomotion. The classification comprises a main division between nonrepresentational and representational architectures and further subdivisions.
Synthesis and Characterization of the Actinium Aquo Ion

Metal aquo ions occupy central roles in all equilibria that define metal complexation in natural environments. These complexes are used to establish thermodynamic metrics (i.e., stability constants) for predicting metal binding, which are essential for defining critical parameters associated with aqueous speciation, metal chelation, in vivo transport, and so on. As such, establishing the fundamental chemistry of the actinium(III) aquo ion (Ac-aquo ion, Ac(H2O)x3+) is critical for current efforts to develop 225Ac [t1/2 = 10.0(1) d] as a targeted anticancer therapeutic agent. However, given the limited amount of actinium available for study and its high radioactivity, many aspects of actinium chemistry remain poorly defined. We overcame these challenges using the longer-lived 227Ac [t1/2 = 21.772(3) y] isotope and report the first characterization of this fundamentally important Ac-aquo coordination complex. Our X-ray absorption fine structure study revealed 10.9 ± 0.5 water molecules directly coordinated to the AcIII cation with an Ac–OH2O distance of 2.63(1) Å. This experimentally determined distance was consistent with molecular dynamics density functional theory results that showed (over the course of 8 ps) that AcIII was coordinated by 9 water molecules with Ac–OH2O distances ranging from 2.61 to 2.76 Å. The data is presented in the context of other actinide(III) and lanthanide(III) aquo ions characterized by XAFS and highlights the uniqueness of the large AcIII coordination numbers and long Ac–OH2O bond distances.
Capacity Upper Bounds on Binary Deletion Channels

In this paper, we discuss the problem of bounding the capacity of binary deletion channels in light of the paper, “Tight Asymptotic Bounds for the Deletion Channel with Small Deletion Probabilities” (Kalai, Mitzenmacher, Sudan, 2010), which proves an upper bound of C ≤ 1 − (1 − o(1))H(p) for the capacity of a binary deletion channel for p approaching 0. We present a brief history surrounding the bounds on the Binary Deletion Channels (BDC). We then explain the proof presented in the paper, highlighting its key ideas, its connections to other results for deletion channels and its limitation to small deletion probabilities.
Conductance based fryze algorithm for improving power quality for non-linear loads

In the present scenario, non-linear loads are increasing day by day, due to which harmonics are being injected in the power system. This affects a number of sensitive loads connected to the system and affects their performance. This paper discusses the simulation as well as hardware implementation results with a Distribution STATic COMpensator (DSTATCOM) for compensation of unbalanced loads and harmonic currents produced by non-linear loads. The control scheme used for the compensation is conductance-based on the generalized Fryze currents minimization theory. A proportional-integral (PI) controller is used for maintaining the dc bus voltage of the capacitor used in voltage source converter (VSC). The switching of VSC is done using Hysteresis Current Controller (HCC) based on indirect current control scheme. The hardware implementation of DSTATCOM is implemented with the help of dSPACE DS1104 R&D controller having TMS320F240 as a slave DSP. Both MATLAB-based and hardware implementation results are presented for demonstrating the steady state as well as dynamic load conditions. The conductance based Fryze control scheme is found to be very effective in reducing the THD of supply current to IEEE-519 standards.
Forecasting the Europe 2020 headline target on education and training: A panel data approach

This analysis aims at proposing simple econometric models that can be used to forecast early leavers from education and training and tertiary education attainment benchmarks up to year 2020. The models are built on the theoretical framework of human capital and optimal schooling decisions and then estimated in a panel setting to better deal with a limited dataset. By looking back at the time period of enrolment and graduation, our approach could be seen as an attempt to identify the determinants that shape the education decisions of young individuals. We construct the forecasts under very simple assumptions about the expected adults’ education attainment and given the determinants of schooling decisions uncovered by our empirical analysis. The forecasts tell us how early school leaving and tertiary education attainment are likely to develop over the next years if nothing changes in terms of policy measures. This very strong assumption provides scope for policy action especially for those countries where the expected developments of model’s determinants are not enough to foresee a positive outcome.
Deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying the binding of the TWIST1/E12 complex to regulatory E-box sequences

Abstract The TWIST1 bHLH transcription factor controls embryonic development and cancer processes. Although molecular and genetic analyses have provided a wealth of data on the role of bHLH transcription factors, very little is known on the molecular mechanisms underlying their binding affinity to the E-box sequence of the promoter. Here, we used an in silico model of the TWIST1/E12 (TE) heterocomplex and performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of its binding to specific (TE-box) and modified E-box sequences. We focused on (i) active E-box and inactive E-box sequences, on (ii) modified active E-box sequences, as well as on (iii) two box sequences with modified adjacent bases the AT- and TA-boxes. Our in silico models were supported by functional in vitro binding assays. This exploration highlighted the predominant role of protein side-chain residues, close to the heart of the complex, at anchoring the dimer to DNA sequences, and unveiled a shift towards adjacent ((-1) and (-1*)) bases and conserved bases of modified E-box sequences. In conclusion, our study provides proof of the predictive value of these MD simulations, which may contribute to the characterization of specific inhibitors by docking approaches, and their use in pharmacological therapies by blocking the tumoral TWIST1/E12 function in cancers.
δ-Tocotrienol Oxazine Derivative Antagonizes Mammary Tumor Cell Compensatory Response to CoCl2-Induced Hypoxia

In response to low oxygen supply, cancer cells elevate production of HIF-1α, a hypoxia-inducible transcription factor that subsequently acts to stimulate blood vessel formation and promote survival. Studies were conducted to determine the role of δ-tocotrienol and a semisynthetic δ-tocotrienol oxazine derivative, compound 44, on +SA mammary tumor cell hypoxic response. Treatment with 150 µM CoCl2 induced a hypoxic response in +SA mammary tumor cells as evidenced by a large increase in HIF-1α levels, and combined treatment with compound 44 attenuated this response. CoCl2-induced hypoxia was also associated with a large increase in Akt/mTOR signaling, activation of downstream targets p70S6K and eIF-4E1, and a significant increase in VEGF production, and combined treatment with compound 44 blocked this response. Additional in vivo studies showed that intralesional treatment with compound 44 in BALB/c mice bearing +SA mammary tumors significantly decreased the levels of HIF-1α, and this effect was associated with a corresponding decrease in Akt/mTOR signaling and activation of downstream targets p70S6kinase and eIF-4E1. These findings demonstrate that treatment with the δ-tocotrienol oxazine derivative, compound 44, significantly attenuates +SA mammary tumor cell compensatory responses to hypoxia and suggests that this compound may provide benefit in the treatment of rapidly growing solid breast tumors.
Recursion Patterns as Hylomorphisms

In this paper we show how some of the recursion patterns typically used in algebraic programming can be defined using hylomorphisms. Most of these definitions were previously known. However, unlike previous approaches that use fixpoint induction, we show how to derive the standard laws of each recursion pattern by using just the basic laws of hylomorphisms. We also define the accumulation recursion pattern introduced by Pardo using a hylomorphism, and use this definition to derive the strictness conditions that characterize this operator in the presence of partiality. All definitions are implemented and exemplified in Haskell.
Capitalizing On the Global Workforce: A Strategic Guide for Expatriate Management

U.S. corporations employ 5.5 million people abroad and sent 30 per cent more American expatriates overseas in 1994 than in the previous year. How a company selects and manages the people who will run their operations overseas and how it adjusts domestically to capitalize on the lessons it learns in the global village have a profound effect on its success as an organization. "Capitalizing on the Global Workforce" is the only book of its kind to examine the array of international human resource issues faced by organizations and expatriates. It introduces the Windham International Cultural Model, a guide to understanding how culture affects the way people behave and think, and provides a cultural context for the practical aspects of deploying, selecting and compensating expatriates for maximum success. "Capitalizing on the Global Workforce" includes the most up-to-date information on: staffing issues such as selection, preparation, compensation and benefits; understanding the impact of culture on international business; preparing people to be culturally fluent; and supporting expatriate families to ensure their success.
Use of predator hair to enhance perceived risk to white-tailed deer in a foraging context

Deer react to predator scent in varying degrees even when exposed to unknown predators. This response could be genetically based and maintained as long as the population is exposed to predation. We tested whether predator scent in the form of hair would enhance perceived risk and serve as a foraging repellent to free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). During the winters of 2013 and 2014, we quantifi ed alert behaviors and consumption of whole-kernel corn in response to current (coyote [Canis latrans]) and extirpated (bobcat [Lynx rufus]; black bear [Ursus americanus]) predator species alone and in combination with a partial visual barrier. Due to changes in herd dynamics and weather conditions, we did not compare results between years. We found enhanced alert behavior in all experiments except the 2014 exposure to coyote hair. Alert behaviors were heightened for about 4 days after hair placement. However, corn consumption was reduced only in the 2013 coyote-hair experiment. Our results suggest predator hair, when used alone and in conjunction with a form of visual barrier, can provide an element of protection from deer damage, but energetic needs will override the enhanced perceived risk caused by predator hair. Further work integrating complete visual barriers with predator hair is warranted.
The performance of state-owned enterprises and newly privatized firms: Empirical evidence from Egypt

Even though it is well documented that privatization leads to an improvement in the performance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) following divestiture, it is argued that the existing literature suffers from a misspecification measure because it does not consider the performance of control firms of similar pre-privatization situations, i.e. the performance of SOEs.In this study, I use accounting-based performance measures to evaluate the performance of newly privatized Egyptian firms versus the performance of SOEs. I document significant improvements in profitability, efficiency, and dividends, and insignificant decreases in leverage, employment, and risk, whereas capital expenditure and output show insignificant decreases following privatization. Matching sample firms (privatized) to control firms (SOEs), I document that privatized firms do not witness any significant improvement in their performance, which questions the benefits of privatization in Egypt.
IL-7 Specifies B Cell Fate at the Common Lymphoid Progenitor to Pre-ProB Transition Stage by Maintaining Early B Cell Factor Expression1

IL-7 plays a critical role in B cell fate decision by regulating early B cell factor (EBF) expression. However, it was not clear when IL-7 stimulation is necessary in hemato-/lymphopoiesis in adult mice. Here we show that pre-proB cells derived from IL-7−/− mice have lost B cell potential, despite up-regulation of EBF expression following IL-7 stimulation. Pre-proB cells from wild-type mice can give rise to proB cells in the absence of IL-7. In this case, EBF up-regulation during the transition from the pre-proB to proB stages occurs normally. In contrast, EBF expression by IL-7−/− pre-proB cells after IL-7 stimulation is ∼20 times lower than wild-type pre-proB cells. In addition, only multipotent progenitors with higher levels of ectopic EBF can give rise to proB cells in the absence of IL-7. Therefore, the primary function of IL-7 before the pre-proB stage in B cell development is to maintain the EBF expression level above a certain threshold, which is necessary for pre-proB cells to further transit to the proB stage.
Hpr6 (Heme-1 Domain Protein) Regulates the Susceptibility of Cancer Cells to Chemotherapeutic Drugs

Cancer cells have varying levels of susceptibility to chemotherapeutic agents, and the proteins that direct drug susceptibility are promising targets for intervention in cancer. Hpr6 (heme-1 domain protein)/PGRMC1 (progesterone receptor membrane component 1) is overexpressed in tumors, and Hpr6 is the human homolog of a budding yeast damage resistance gene called Dap1p. Cells lacking Dap1p are damage-sensitive, and we have found that inhibition of Hpr6 expression by RNA inhibition (RNAi) increases sensitivity of breast cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. Hpr6 is composed largely of a cytochrome b5-related heme-1 domain, and we have found that purified Hpr6 binds to heme, similar to its yeast and rodent homologues. We generated an aspartate 120-to-glycine (D120G) mutant of Hpr6 at a highly conserved site in the heme-1 domain and demonstrated that Hpr6-D120G cannot bind to heme. The Hpr6-D120G mutant was named Hpr6hbd for heme binding defective. We prepared an adenovirus encoding Hpr6hbd and found that adenovirus Hpr6hbd increases susceptibility of breast cancer cells to doxorubicin and camptothecin. Our findings support a model in which Hpr6, similar to its yeast homolog, binds to heme and regulates susceptibility to damaging agents.
A Dynamic Bus‐Arrival Time Prediction Model Based on APC Data

Abstract: Automatic passenger counter (APC) systems have been implemented in various public transit systems to obtain bus occupancy along with other information such as location, travel time, etc. Such information has great potential as input data for a variety of applications including performance evaluation, operations management, and service planning. In this study, a dynamic model for predicting bus‐arrival times is developed using data collected by a real‐world APC system. The model consists of two major elements: the first one is an artificial neural network model for predicting bus travel time between time points for a trip occurring at given time‐of‐day, day‐of‐week, and weather condition; the second one is a Kalman filter‐based dynamic algorithm to adjust the arrival‐time prediction using up‐to‐the‐minute bus location information. Test runs show that this model is quite powerful in modeling variations in bus‐arrival times along the service route.
An on-line anomaly detection method based on LMS algorithm

Anomaly detection has been a hot topic in recent years due to its capability of detecting zero attacks. In this paper, we propose a new on-line anomaly detection method based on LMS algorithm. The basic idea of the LMS-based detector is to predict IGTE using IGFE, given the high linear correlation between them. Using the artificial synthetic data, it is shown that the LMS-based detector possesses strong detection capability, and its false positive rate is within acceptable scope.
GROUND SUBSIDENCE ESTIMATION AROUND TUNIS CITY USING DINSAR AND PERMANENT SCATTERERS TECHNIQUES

During the last years, Tunis City (Tunisia, North Africa) has launched a huge city planning project by banking the surrounding of Tunis lake areas. This project should cause some local and slow ground movements that can be measured by Differential Interferometry (DInSAR). However, the application of conventional DInSAR is extremely challenging because the expected deformation rates are low (a few mm/yr) and over long time spans phase coherence is not preserved on large portions of the area to be investigated. The Permanent Scatterers (PS) technique overcomes these drawbacks by exploiting long series of ENVISAT data. In this paper both conventional DInSAR and PS approaches were applied in order to measure ground subsidences around Tunis City with a millimetric precision.
Modified Heyman packing performed with small number of Simon-Norman catheters

Purpose Modified Heyman packing method, performed usually with 6-11 flexible catheters is one out of many brachytherapy treatments. We described the insertion and dose planning method, with the use of 4-6 Simon-Norman catheters positioned to the fundus uteri, which is the most frequent source of the endometrial cancer. Material and methods We investigated the dose distribution of the main classes of regular catheter insertions with Simon-Norman applicators using dose profiles, obtained in lateral and axial direction at the fundus, and compared with the dose distribution of the Y-shaped catheter arrangements. Results The insertions with five and six Simon-Norman catheters produced higher dose at the fundus uteri, compared with the Y-shaped applicator. Conclusions Insertions performed with small number of catheters permits to perform dosimetry optimisation for each treatment fraction.
Morbidity and attrition related to MediCal Conditions in reCruits

introduCtion initial entry training Morbidity and attrition Hospitalization in aCtive duty enlistees existed-prior-to-serviCe disCHarges of enlistees disability disCHarges in aCtive duty enlistees Morbidity and attrition researCH early Hospitalization and subsequent attrition epts Case series reviews accuracy of initial entry training discharge Classification types (fort leonard Wood study) survival analyses of recruits granted accession Medical Waivers effiCaCy trial of tHe us navy aCCession poliCy on astHMa suMMary attaCHMent: data sourCes and liMitation
Development of gold nanoparticles coated with silica containing the antibiofilm drug cinnamaldehyde and their effects on pathogenic bacteria

Emerging resistance to antibiotics is a mounting worldwide health concern and increases the need for nonantibiotic strategies to combat infectious diseases caused by bacterial pathogens. In this study, the authors used the antibiofilm activity of the naturally occurring antimicrobial cinnamaldehyde (CNMA) conjugated to the surface of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) to deliver CNMA efficiently and eradicate biofilms of Gram-negative organisms (enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), Gram positive (methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus organisms, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. CNMA-GNPs containing 0.005% (v/v) of CNMA were found to inhibit biofilm formation efficiently. The distributions of nanoparticles in biofilm cells and their biofilm disruption activities, including distorted cell morphology, were determined by transmission electron microscopy. In addition to their antibiofilm activities, CNMA-GNPs attenuated S. aureus virulence and protected Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) worms. Here, the authors report the antibiofilm effects of CNMA-GNPs and suggest that they could be used to treat pathogenic bacterial infections in vivo.