Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Social inequalities in Europe: facing the challenge

This discussion paper describes the extent of social inequalities both within and between the countries of the European Union. In the first three chapters we address the micro level of individual life courses: education, employment and income. The following chapters analyse the societal consequences of inequalities. Chapter 4 looks at the unequal distribution of financial resources, while chapter 5 addresses the social and political outcomes of financial inequalities. In sum, there is mounting scientific evidence that various forms of educational, employment and financial inequalities increase over time. Moreover, societal exclusion is likely to lead to forms of political exclusion that is, a depoliticisation of socially excluded groups or to various forms of political extremism. This is an alarming sign for the future of European democracies and is in glaring contradiction to the democratic political values of equality enshrined in the Treaties.
Boltzmann Equation Analysis of Electron Transport in a N2–O2 Streamer Discharge

A comprehensive investigation of electron transport in N2–O2 mixtures has been carried out using a multi term theory for solving the Boltzmann equation instead of conventional two term theory often employed in plasma modeling community. We focus on the way in which the transport coefficients and spatially resolved transport data are influenced by the amount of O2 in the mixture. Emphasis is placed upon the explicit and implicit effects of non-conservative collisions, ionization and attachment on various transport coefficients. In particular, the effects of three-body attachment for electrons on various transport data are considered. It is found that the differences between two sets of transport coefficients, bulk and flux, resulting from the explicit influence of non-conservative collisions is sensitive to the quantity of O2 in the mixture.
Evaluating Double Agar Overlay Assay and Flow Cytometry as Methods for Characterizing Competition between T 4 and T 7 Bacteriophages in Escherichia coli C 600

Bacteriophages are the most abundant viruses found on earth with population densities approximately ten fold of prokaryotes in the same environments. As a result, interspecies competition likely plays a large role in regulating phage populations in the environment. T4 and T7, two of the most well characterized bacteriophages, infect Escherichia coli. Co-infection experiments using E. coli can be used to study the interspecies competition between these phages. Previous work studying competition dynamics through respective phage population fluctuations reported contradictory data in T7 and T4 co-infection experiments. However, variables such as time of incubation of cells with phage and multiplicities of infection varied thereby confounding comparisons. We sought to establish a reliable experimental system to address these discrepancies in order to study phage population dynamics during coinfection of E. coli. Mono-infection and co-infection experiments using T4 and T7 phage were performed. Phage progeny were enumerated by observing phage plaques in double agar overlay assays. T4 and T7 plaque sizes were expected to be different thereby enabling enumeration of each phage. We observed variable plaque morphology within pure phage populations of T7 of mono-infected culture. These data suggest that double agar overlay may not be a reliable method to enumerate T7 in co-infection experiments. We therefore pursued a flow cytometry based enumeration approach as an alternative method to characterize phage competition. Our data suggest that flow cytometry can be used to measure changes in phage populations. Preliminary results of co-infection experiments using flow cytometry suggest that T4 phage outcompete T7 phage during co-infection of E. coli C600 at a multiplicity of infection of 0.25 for each virus.
The morning surge in blood pressure and heart rate is dependent on levels of physical activity after waking

Objective To define the influence of morning physical activity levels on the magnitude of the morning surge in blood pressure and heart rate. Design and methods Blood pressure and physical activity were simultaneously recorded in 420 patients by 24-h monitor and actigraphy. The morning surge was defined as the difference between mean blood pressure and heart rate values in the 4-h periods before and after waking; the trough-to-peak surge in blood pressure was also calculated. These values were regressed on the difference in mean (log transformed) physical activity for the same two periods. The analysis was adjusted for covariates, including age, sex, clinic blood pressure and use of antihypertensive medication, in a multiple linear regression. Results The mean morning surges in blood pressure and heart rate were 23/15(± 13/10) mmHg and 17(± 10) beats/min, respectively. The geometric mean increase in physical activity after waking was 33(± 1.5) units. The magnitudes of the morning surge in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were all significantly and positively correlated with the difference in mean physical activity before and after waking (P < 0.005). Greater clinic blood pressure was significantly associated with a greater morning surge in blood pressure on physical activity (P < 0.0005). Conclusions The magnitude of the morning surge is significantly associated with the level of physical activity in the hours after waking. Physical activity should be taken into account when the results of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring are interpreted.
Raindrop size distribution (DSD) retrieval for X-band dual-polarization radar

Raindrop size distribution (DSD) retrieval algorithm for an X-band dual-polarization weather radar is proposed. In this algorithm, DSD range profile is estimated to match the dual-polarization measurements, where the forward and back scatters are formulated simultaneously to avoid the two-step process of attenuation correction and DSD retrieval. For the optimization, the iterative maximum likelihood is applied, in which a posterior PDF of DSD parameters are calculated and then extended to radar network environment. Estimation accuracies of log(Nw) (Nw; mm-1m-3) and D0 (mm) derived from single-radar numerical simulation are a mean bias (MB) of -0.02 and a standard deviation (SD) of 0.23, and an MB of 0.01 and an SD of 0.10, respectively.
Discovering extremely compact and metal-poor, star-forming dwarf galaxies out to z ∼ 0.9 in the VIMOS Ultra-Deep Survey

We report the discovery of 31 low-luminosity (−14.5> MAB(B)>−18.8), extreme emission line galaxies (EELGs) at 0.3< z< 0.9 identified by their unusually high rest-frame equivalent widths (100< EW[Oiii]<1700A) as part of the VIMOS Ultra Deep Survey (VUDS). VIMOS optical spectra of unprecedented sensitivity ( IAB∼ 25 mag) along with multiwavelength photometry and HST imaging are used to investigate spectrophotometric properties of this unique sample and explore, for the first time, the very low stellar mass end (M⋆ < 10 8 M⊙) of the luminosity-metallicity (LZR) and mass-metallicity (MZR) relations at z< 1. Characterized by their extreme compactness (R50< 1 kpc), low stellar mass and enhanced specific star formation rates (SFR /M⋆∼ 10 −9 -10 −7 yr −1 ), the VUDS EELGs are blue dwarf galaxies likely experiencing the first stages of a vigorous galaxy-wide starburst. Using Te-sensitive direct and strong-line methods, we find that VUDS EELGs are low-metallicity (7.5<12+ log(O/H)< 8.3) galaxies with high ionization conditions i.e.h Oiii/Oiii= 4± 5. Moreover, we find at least three objects showing Heiiλ 4686A emission and four EELGs of extremely low metallicities (<10% solar). The LZR and MZR followed by EELGs are broadly consistent with the extrapolation toward low mass of these relations from previous studies at similar redshift. However, we find evidences that galaxies with youn ger and more vigorous star formation ‐ as characterized by their larger Hβ and [Oiii] EWs, sSFR and higher ionization parameters ‐ tend to be more metal-poor at a given luminosity and stellar mass. These results are discussed in the context of the fundamental metallicity relation linkin g mass metallicity and SFR.
Control using new passivity property with differentiation at both ports

Port Hamiltonian systems are usually passive with respect to port variables that are power conjugate (eg: voltage and current, force and velocity) and this lead to energy shaping control methods. But systems with ‘dissipation obstacle’ cannot be controlled using these port variables and therefore we need to search for alternative passive maps. One option is within the Brayton Moser framework, where passivity is obtained by differentiating one of the port variables. This has led to power shaping methods for control, but the solutions (if exists) obtained impose constraints on the physical parameters of the system. In this paper, starting from the Brayton Moser framework we present a new passivity property with differentiation at both the port variables. Further using this new passive map, a PI like controller is proposed and presented using parallel RLC circuit and transmission line system with non zero boundary conditions as examples.
The marriage unemployment gap

Abstract In this paper we document that married individuals face a lower unemployment rate than their single counterparts. We refer to this phenomenon as the marriage unemployment gap. Despite dramatic demographic changes in the labor market over the last decades, this gap has been remarkably stable both for men and women. Using a flow-decomposition exercise, we assess which transition probabilities (across labor force states) are behind this phenomenon: For men, the main driver is the higher job losing probabilities faced by single workers. For females, the participation margin also plays a crucial role.
A quantitative and qualitative description of electromyographic linear envelopes for synergy analysis

The muscular synergy patterns of human locomotion can be described by the phasic activity of electromyographic linear envelopes (LE) and the interphasic spatio-temporal relations. To represent the phasic activity, the LE is modeled as the summation of Gaussian pulses of various lengths. The parameters of interest are the temporal features: time, duration, and amplitude of the phases of activity. A maximum likelihood approach to the parameter estimation for a mixture of normal distributions is adopted for extracting the temporal features. Based on the derived temporal features, a set of relational descriptors can be defined to describe the spatio-temporal relations between the multichannel phasic activities. The strength of this approach is not only that the plastic activity of the LE can be quantitatively represented accurately, but also that the resulting synergy patterns can be easily interpreted by observers. <<ETX>>
mpact of Diabetes Mellitus on Myocardial erfusion After Primary Angioplasty n Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction

bhiram Prasad, MD, MRCP, FACC,* Gregg W. Stone, MD, FACC,† Thomas D. Stuckey, MD, FACC,‡ ostantino O. Costantini, MD,† Peter J. Zimetbaum, MD, FACC,§ Michael McLaughlin, MD,§ oxana Mehran, MD, FACC,† Eulogio Garcia, MD, James E. Tcheng, MD, FACC,¶ avid A. Cox, MD, FACC,# Cindy L. Grines, MD, FACC,** Alexandra J. Lansky, MD, FACC,† ernard J. Gersh, MBCHB, DPHIL, FACC* ochester, Minnesota; New York, New York; Greensboro, Durham, and Charlotte, North Carolina; oston, Massachusetts; Madrid, Spain; and Royal Oak, Michigan
Optimization of IIR high pass filter using craziness based particle swarm optimization technique

In this paper, a variant of particle swarm optimization (PSO), called craziness based particle swarm optimization (CRPSO) is used for the design of 8th order infinite impulse response (IIR) digital filter. The proposed optimization technique is a global heuristic search algorithm and better exploration and exploitation of multidimensional search space can be achieved with closely mimicked swarm behaviour in fundamental PSO equation. Performance of the proposed optimization technique is compared with some well accepted evolutionary algorithms such as PSO and real coded genetic algorithm (RGA). From the simulation study it is established that the CRPSO outperforms RGA and PSO, not only in the accuracy of the designed filter but also in the convergence speed and solution quality, i.e., the stop band attenuation, transition width, pass band and stop band ripples. Further, the pole-zero analysis justifies the stability of the designed optimized IIR filter.
Neglected role of torsion and constriction in pathogenesis of simple adhesive bowel obstruction

We critically analysed the mechanism of simple adhesive bowel obstruction in 88 re‐laparotomies for this condition, paying special attention to obstructing factors beside angulation. Twenty‐six obstructions were caused by bowel‐to‐bowel adhesion, and 42 by adhesion of bowel to other structures, whereas in the remaining 20 these two types were combined. Although angulation was almost always found at the site of obstruction, torsion (twisting of bowel about its axis) was detected in 25 of the 33 in situ observations, usually accompanied by various degrees of organic constriction. In bowel‐to‐bowel adhesion, the torsion and constriction were produced by a unique relation of the bowel to the adhesion; the latter connected one side of the mesenteric margin to the opposite side, encircling the bowel wall obliquely. This was never seen on non‐obstructing adhesions.
The Transcriptional Factors MurR and Catabolite Activator Protein Regulate N-Acetylmuramic Acid Catabolism in Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT The MurNAc etherase MurQ of Escherichia coli is essential for the catabolism of the bacterial cell wall sugar N-acetylmuramic acid (MurNAc) obtained either from the environment or from the endogenous cell wall (i.e., recycling). High-level expression of murQ is required for growth on MurNAc as the sole source of carbon and energy, whereas constitutive low-level expression of murQ is sufficient for the recycling of peptidoglycan fragments continuously released from the cell wall during growth of the bacteria. Here we characterize for the first time the expression of murQ and its regulation by MurR, a member of the poorly characterized RpiR/AlsR family of transcriptional regulators. Deleting murR abolished the extensive lag phase observed for E. coli grown on MurNAc and enhanced murQ transcription some 20-fold. MurR forms a stable multimer (most likely a tetramer) and binds to two adjacent inverted repeats within an operator region. In this way MurR represses transcription from the murQ promoter and also interferes with its own transcription. MurNAc-6-phosphate, the substrate of MurQ, was identified as a specific inducer that weakens binding of MurR to the operator. Moreover, murQ transcription depends on the activation by cyclic AMP (cAMP)-catabolite activator protein (CAP) bound to a class I site upstream of the murQ promoter. murR and murQ are divergently orientated and expressed from nonoverlapping face-to-face (convergent) promoters, yielding transcripts that are complementary at their 5′ ends. As a consequence of this unusual promoter arrangement, cAMP-CAP also affects murR transcription, presumably by acting as a roadblock for RNA polymerase.
Concomitant chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia: Evidence of simultaneous expansion of two independent clones

The simultaneous appearance of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been rarely reported, with AML occurring more frequently as a secondary event in patients receiving cytotoxic drugs for a primary lymphoproliferative disorder. We describe a case of simultaneous CLL and AML documented by morphological and cytometric analysis in a previously untreated patient. In particular, on the basis of morphological and immunological features, the patient was diagnosed as being affected by CD34 + /CD13 + /CD33 + /HLA-DR + /CD7 + FAB-M2 AML, along with a B-CLL characterized by neoplastic cells expressing a VH3-53/D3-22/JH4 Ig, bearing, on average, 3.9% IgVH mutations without evidence of antigen-driven selection. To establish whether the two neoplastic cell populations shared some common molecular signature, we performed IgH gene rearrangement studies on CD34 + /CD19− and CD34−/CD19 + immunomagnetically sorted cell populations: only genomic DNA from the CD19 + /CD34− cell fraction revealed the presence of the IgH gene rearrangement. These results provide evidence that the rare concomitant association of CLL and AML likely arises from simultaneous expansion of two independent clones.
Fiscal policy responses to changes in the cyclical position of the Autonomous Communities. An empirical analysis

This paper analyses the responsiveness of Spanish ACs (Autonomous Communities) fiscal policy to changes in the cyclical position as we ll as to other determinants such as institutional and political economy features. ACs fiscal poli cy is countercyclical despite surpluses in expansions do not offset deficits in downtur ns. However, we cannot infer an asymmetric reaction of Spanish ACs fiscal policy to the cycl e. Results also suggest that as education and health were devolved ACs primary budget balance (PBB) worsened, which may be indicative of underfunded responsibilities. We also identify a signi ficant effect of relative fiscal resources of ACs financing system on PBB, which should be taken into account as there have been great disparities. In addition, there is a strong iner tial component in ACs PBB, and legislative fiscal rules and fiscal corre sponsibility present a posit ive effect on PBB until the latest global financial crisis. Lastly, it should also be noted that the fiscal stance of ACs worsens the year before elections
Comparison of Life Satisfaction in Patients with Congenital Heart Diseases

Background: Congenital heart diseases (CHD) constitute a wide range of heart abnormalities. Major advances in surgical treatments have led to a rapidly growing number of surviving individuals. Living well to most people is as important as living longer. Currently, there are few studies on this group of patients regarding their satisfaction with life. Objectives: This study attempts to compare satisfaction with life among CHD patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, patients with cyanotic and acyanotic CHD were enrolled. Satisfaction with Life was assessed using SWLS. Results: Eighty patients (52.05% females) with cyanotic (21.3%) and acyanotic CHD were enrolled. The patients with cyanotic CHD were as satisfied with their life as the patients with acyanotic CHD. There were no statistical significant differences between cyanotic and acyanotic patients regarding satisfaction with life. Younger age was associated with a higher degree of satisfaction with life. Women and patients with a history of corrective cardiac surgery were more satisfied with their life. Correlations between satisfaction with life and age and sex were not statistically significant. Conclusions: We found that the patients with cyanotic CHD were as satisfied with their life as acyanotic patients. The results of our study indicate that life satisfaction was not associated with age, sex, and the history of corrective cardiac surgery.
Genetic variations in DNA repair genes, radiosensitivity to cancer and susceptibility to acute tissue reactions in radiotherapy-treated cancer patients

Ionizing radiation is a well established carcinogen for human cells. At low doses, radiation exposure mainly results in generation of double strand breaks (DSBs). Radiation-related DSBs could be directly linked to the formation of chromosomal rearrangements as has been proven for radiation-induced thyroid tumors. Repair of DSBs presumably involves two main pathways, non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR). A number of known inherited syndromes, such as ataxia telangiectasia, ataxia-telangiectasia like-disorder, radiosensitive severe combined immunodeficiency, Nijmegen breakage syndrome, and LIG4 deficiency are associated with increased radiosensitivity and/or cancer risk. Many of them are caused by mutations in DNA repair genes. Recent studies also suggest that variations in the DNA repair capacity in the general population may influence cancer susceptibility. In this paper, we summarize the current status of DNA repair proteins as potential targets for radiation-induced cancer risk. We will focus on genetic alterations in genes involved in HR- and NHEJ-mediated repair of DSBs, which could influence predisposition to radiation-related cancer and thereby explain interindividual differences in radiosensitivity or radioresistance in a general population.
Ethernet services over mobile WiMAX

Ethernet services represent a steadily growing portion of the fixed telecommunication market. To enable the provisioning of Ethernet services over IEEE 802.16e, the mobile WiMAX network architecture supports transparent Ethernet transport as an optional extension to the IP services architecture. Ethernet support is tightly aligned to the IP services network model, and leverages many data path and control plane functions from its IP sibling to keep the implementation and operation overhead low for the Ethernet extension. Mobile WiMAX provides IP services as well as Ethernet services over the same mobile access network. The intrinsic mobility support may create new deployment opportunities for Ethernet services. Initially, the Ethernet extension may be mostly used to realize wireless access for DSL networks based on the same network interfaces defined for the wired Ethernet-based DSL aggregation.
An innovative design and mathematical implementation of an electrical model of the human circulatory system under ESD stress

In order to observe the impact of the electrostatic charges on human body, the paper investigates the mathematical modeling of the human circulatory system and the equivalent electrical circuit, modeled as an electrical net. The mathematical implementing and the modeling of the equivalent electrical circuit that simulates the electrical activity of the human circulatory system has a maj or importance not only for analyzing the electrostatic discharge phenomena in engineering applications but also in getting information about different means of detecting various human diseases. The analyses of the whole circulatory system were performed, using the software programs MAT LAB and Cadence.