Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary history of the Maltese wall lizard Podarcis filfolensis: insights on the ‘Expansion–Contraction’ model of Pleistocene biogeography

The expansion–contraction (EC) model predicts demographic and range contraction of temperate species during Pleistocene glaciations as a consequence of climate‐related habitat changes, and provides a paradigm for explaining the high intraspecific diversity found in refugia in terms of long‐term demographic stability. However, recent evidence has revealed a weak predictive power of this model for terrestrial species in insular and coastal settings. We investigated the Pleistocene EC dynamics and their evolutionary consequences on temperate species using the Maltese archipelago and its endemic lizard Podarcis filfolensis as a model system. The evolutionary and demographic history of P. filfolensis as inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear sequences data does not conform to the EC model predictions, supporting (i) demographic and spatial stability or expansion, rather than contraction, of the northern and southern lineages during the last glacial period; and (ii) a major role for allopatric differentiation primed by sea‐level dynamics, rather than prolonged demographic stability, in the formation of the observed genetic diversity. When combined with evidence from other Mediterranean refugia, this study shows how the incorporation of Pleistocene sea‐level variations in the EC model accounts for a reverse demographic and range response of insular and coastal temperate biotas relative to continental ones. Furthermore, this cross‐archipelago pattern in which allopatric diversity is formed and shaped by EC cycles resembles that seen between isolated populations within mainland refugia and suggests that the EC model, originally developed to explain population fluctuations into and out‐of refugia, may be appropriate for describing the demographic and evolutionary dynamics driving the high genetic diversity observed in these areas.
The Vaccine-Autism Connection: A Public Health Crisis Caused by Unethical Medical Practices and Fraudulent Science

In 1998. Dr. Andrew Wakefield, a British gastroenterologist, described a new autism phenotype called the regressive autism-enterocolitis syndrome triggered by environmental factors such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination. The speculative vaccination-autism connection decreased parental confidence in public health vaccination programs and created a public health crisis in England and questions about vaccine safety in North America. After 10 years of controversy and investigation, Dr. Wakefield was found guilty of ethical, medical, and scientific misconduct in the publication of the autism paper. Additional studies showed that the data presented were fraudulent. The alleged autism-vaccine connection Is, perhaps, the most damaging medical hoax of the last 100 years.
Effects on coagulation and fibrinolysis with reduced versus full systemic heparinization and heparin-coated cardiopulmonary bypass.

BACKGROUND Extracorporeal circulation with circuits coated with surface-bound heparin has allowed reduced levels of systemic heparinization. Clinical benefits have included reduced postoperative bleeding and less homologous blood usage. However, the effects on the hemostatic and fibrinolytic systems have remained in part unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS Indications of thrombin generation, platelet activation, and fibrinolytic activity were investigated in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Two groups were perfused with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuits completely coated with surface-bound heparin: one group with low systemic heparin dose (activated clotting time [ACT] > 250 seconds; n = 17) and a second group having a full heparin dose (ACT > 480 seconds; n = 18). A third control group was perfused with ordinary uncoated circuits and full heparin dose (n = 17). The plasma level of thrombin-antithrombin complex and prothrombin fragment 1.2 increased in all groups during bypass, and somewhat more in both the heparin-coated groups toward the end of CPB, compared with the control group (P < .01). However, the increase during CPB was minimal compared with the major elevation observed 2 hours after surgery in all groups. Platelet release of beta-thromboglobulin increased in all groups (P < .01) during CPB and significantly more in the high-dose group compared with the other two groups (P = .03). Fibrinolytic activities were similar in all groups, and there were no indications of major consumption of coagulation factors. CONCLUSIONS Reduced systemic heparinization (ACT > 250 seconds) in patients having extracorporeal circulation with completely heparin-coated circuits did not lead to increased thrombogenicity. Thrombin formation remained within low ranges during CPB compared with patients receiving a full heparin dose and with the major elevations observed after surgery.
Composition and Interoperability for External Domain-Specific Language Engineering. (Composition et interopérabilité pour l'ingénierie des langages dédiés externes)

Following the principles of Model-Driven Engineering and Language-Oriented Programming, Domain-Specific Languages (DSLs) are now developed in numerous domains to address specific concerns in the development of complex systems. However, despite many advances in Software Language Engineering, DSLs and their tooling still suffer from substantial development costs which hamper their successful adoption in the industry. We identify two main challenges to be addressed. First, the proliferation of independently developed and constantly evolving DSLs raises the problem of interoperability between similar languages and environments. Language users must be given the flexibility to open and manipulate their models using different variants and versions of various environments and services to foster collaboration in the development of complex systems. Second, since DSLs and their environments suffer from high development costs, tools and methods must be provided to assist language designers and mitigate development costs. In this thesis, we address these challenges through three interconnected contributions. First, we propose the notion of language interface. Using language interfaces, one can vary or evolve the implementation of a DSL while retaining the compatibility with the services and environments defined on its interface. Then, we present a mechanism, named model polymorphism, for manipulating models through different language interfaces. Model polymorphism opens up the possibility to safely manipulate models using different modeling environments and services. Finally, we propose a meta-language that enables language designers to reuse legacy DSLs, compose them, extend them, and customize them to meet new requirements. This approach relies on language interfaces to provide a reasoning layer for ensuring the structural correctness of composed DSLs and their safe manipulation. We implement all our contributions in a new language workbench named Melange. Melange supports the modular definition of DSLs, and the interoperability of their environments. Melange is seamlessly integrated with the de facto standard Eclipse Modeling Framework (EMF) and provides model polymorphism to any EMF-based tool of the Eclipse modeling ecosystem. Using Melange, we show how to reuse tools and services over various language families (four versions of the Unified Modeling Language, and a family of statechart languages), and how to flexibly manipulate their models. We also show how Melange eases the development of new DSLs by designing a new modeling language for Internet of Things systems as an assembly of various independently developed languages. Different perspectives directly stem from the contributions presented in this thesis. In particular, we discuss how our contributions constitutes a first step towards component-based language engineering and viewpoints engineering.
Coupling Devices for the Detection of Partial Discharges in Gas-Insulated Switchgear

Partial discharge in gas-insulated 8witchgear is indicative of serious malfunction and, otten, imminent failure. Partial discharge magnitudes range from zero to about a microcoulomb per pulse. Sources of partial discharge can be detected acoustically, electromagnetically or through gas analysis. This paper describes electromagnetic discharge pulse characteristics, design procedures for devices suitable to couple electromagnetic pulses from the switchgear, and prospects for using these coupling devices for detection and location of discharge sources.
Yam tuber mucilage as a candidate substance for saliva substitute: in vitro study of its viscosity and influences on lysozyme and peroxidase activities.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the viscosity of yam tuber mucilage (YTM) and its effects on lysozyme and peroxidase activities in solution phase and on surface phase. METHODS Two kinds of YTM were extracted, one containing both protein and carbohydrate and the other containing mainly carbohydrate. Hen egg-white lysozyme and bovine lactoperoxidase were used as lysozyme and peroxidase sources, respectively. Viscosity was measured with a cone-and-plate digital viscometer. Lysozyme activity was determined using the turbidimetric method, and peroxidase activity was determined using the NbsSCN assay. Hydroxyapatite beads were used as a solid phase. RESULTS The viscosity values of YTM followed a pattern of a non-Newtonian fluid. The carbohydrate concentration affected the viscosity values at all shear rates, while the protein concentration affected the viscosity values at low shear rates. It could be suggested that YTM composed of 1.0 mg/ml protein and 1.0 mg/ml carbohydrate has viscosity values similar to those of unstimulated whole saliva at shear rates present at routine oral functions. Hydroxyapatite-adsorbed YTM significantly increased the adsorption and subsequent enzymatic activities of lysozyme, but not those of peroxidase. CONCLUSIONS Yam tuber mucilage has viscoelastic properties similar to those of human saliva and enhances the enzymatic activity of lysozyme on hydroxyapatite surfaces.
Reversible phosphorylation‐‐dephosphorylation determines the localization of rab4 during the cell cycle.

The ras‐like GTP binding protein rab4 is the only known rab protein on endosomes that is phosphorylated during mitosis. Since a large fraction of rab4 accumulates in the cytosol in mitotic cells, we investigated the molecular mechanism controlling membrane association of rab4. We first show that human rab4 is phosphorylated by recombinant mammalian p34cdc2 kinase in vitro. Next, the actual site of phosphorylation and its functional significance were determined using stably transfected CHO cell lines producing high levels of wild type rab4 or rab4 mutants bearing alterations at Ser196, which occurs within a consensus site for p34cdc2 kinase phosphorylation (S196PRR). Mutation of Ser196 to glutamine or aspartic acid completely prevented rab4 phosphorylation in mitotic cells and also blocked its appearance in the cytosol. Neither C‐terminal isoprenylation nor carboxymethylation of rab4 was affected by the mutations or by phosphorylation. Finally, dephosphorylation and reassociation of soluble rab4 with membranes occurred upon exit of cells from mitosis. Thus, phosphorylation of Ser196 is directly responsible for the reversible translocation of rab4 into the cytosol of mitotic cells.
Governing equations for the coupled electromagnetics and acoustics of porous media.

The macroscopic governing equations controlling the coupled electromagnetics and acoustics of porous media are derived here from first principles. The porous material is assumed to consist of a packing of solid grains that is saturated by an electrolyte. A sedimentary rock is an example of such a material. The approach is to volume average the equations known to apply in the fluid and solid phases while allowing for the boundary conditions that exist on the fluid-solid interface. The coupling is due to a layer of excess charge adsorbed to the sufaces of the solid grains that is balanced by mobile ions in the fluid electrolyte; i.e., the coupling is electrokinetic in nature. The derived equations have the form of Maxwell's equations coupled to Biot's equations with coupling occurring in the flux-force (or transport) relations. The frequency-dependent macroscopic-transport coefficients are explicitly obtained and related to each other. Onsager reciprocity is derived and is not simply postulated.
Normal response to large posteroanterior lumbar loads--a case study approach.

OBJECTIVE Characterization of the responses to spinal posteroanterior loading has involved measuring the gradient of the linear region of the force-displacement relationship between 30 N and 100 N of applied force. However, forces applied during manual assessment of stiffness may reach 300 N. This study investigated whether the force-displacement relation remains linear above 100 N. DESIGN A single-case-study design with replication was used. SUBJECTS Two male subjects, with no history of low back pain requiring treatment over the preceding twelve months, participated in this study. METHODS Posteroanterior loads of 275 N were applied to the 1.3 vertebra of both subjects using a mechanical device. The force-displacement responses in these subjects were measured and analyzed to examine the linearity of the data. RESULTS The responses from the two subjects were similar. In both cases, the responses were approximately linear at all levels of load up to 275 N. Because of the small degree of nonlinearity, there was a tendency for the stiffness to show moderate increases as the load increased. Stiffness was approximately 25% greater when calculated between 30 N and 275 N than when calculated between 30 N and 100 N. CONCLUSION In these two subjects, the force-displacement relation was approximately linear for all three force intervals considered, although there was some increasing stiffness with increasing force.
Remediation by Enhanced Natural Attenuation ( RENA ) : A Beneficial Strategy for Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon Degradation and Agrifood Production

The influence of crude oil remediated sites on agrifood production and the nutritional composition of plants is poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we assessed the efficiency of selected bioremediation strategies for the sustainable degradation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and their agricultural benefits. The crude oil we tested had a pristane/phytane ratio of 0.98 (within the 0.8 – 3.0 range of most crude oils) and higher concentrations of two of the USEPA priority pollutant polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) – phenanthrene and anthracene. The pH (6.6 ± 0.03) and moisture content (30.8 ± 1.0%) of the soil were within the acceptable level for oil degradation. Four treatments were prepared involving the planting and remediation-study controls. After 7 days, Tukey HSD post-hoc analysis showed a significant reduction in phenanthrene concentrations following RENA treatment compared to the remediation-study control (p < 0.05) whereas anthracene was below the limit of quantitation following RENA treatment. One-way ANOVA showed that although the concentration of major dietary minerals was lower in vegetable samples obtained from the other treatments compared to the planting control (with the exception of sodium and potassium levels) the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The Ca/P (> 1.0) and Na/K (< 0.60) ratios of the samples showed that they provide a good source of these minerals for bone formation and would not contribute to high blood pressure. Among the minor minerals analysed, copper, zinc and iron were below the FAO/WHO (2001) safe limit. Our findings suggest that RENA performs a dual function during the remediation of PAH contamination by favouring the growth of plants without reducing the mineral composition of the agricultural products, with the exception of chromium and zinc.
A temperature stabilized CMOS VCO for zero-IF cellular CDMA receivers

A fully integrated CMOS VCO which has low temperature and power supply sensitivity has been implemented in a 0.25 /spl mu/m 4-metal 1-poly process. The causes of oscillation frequency drift over temperature have been investigated. By adjusting the reverse biasing voltage of junction diodes and the back-side voltage of linearized MOS varactors, less than 10 ppm//spl deg/C frequency drift has been achieved at 1.7 GHz. Phase noise at 900 kHz offset is less than -134 dBc/Hz and varies less than 1 dBc over -30/spl deg/C /spl sim/+90/spl deg/C.
Numerical Study of Periodic Traveling Wave Solutions for the Predator-Prey Model with Landscape Features

We numerically investigate periodic traveling wave solutions for a diffusive predator–prey system with landscape features. The landscape features are modeled through the homogeneous Dirichlet boundary condition which is imposed at the edge of the obstacle domain. To effectively treat the Dirichlet boundary condition, we employ a robust and accurate numerical technique by using a boundary control function. We also propose a robust algorithm for calculating the numerical periodicity of the traveling wave solution. In numerical experiments, we show that periodic traveling waves which move out and away from the obstacle are effectively generated. We explain the formation of the traveling waves by comparing the wavelengths. The spatial asynchrony has been shown in quantitative detail for various obstacles. Furthermore, we apply our numerical technique to the complicated real landscape features.
Leucine Aminopeptidase Is Not Essential for Trimming Peptides in the Cytosol or Generating Epitopes for MHC Class I Antigen Presentation1

To detect viral infections and tumors, CD8+ T lymphocytes monitor cells for the presence of antigenic peptides bound to MHC class I molecules. The majority of MHC class I-presented peptides are generated from the cleavage of cellular and viral proteins by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Many of the oligopeptides produced by this process are too long to stably bind to MHC class I molecules and require further trimming for presentation. Leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) is an IFN-inducible cytosolic aminopeptidase that can trim precursor peptides to mature epitopes and has been thought to play an important role in Ag presentation. To examine the role of LAP in generating MHC class I peptides in vivo, we generated LAP-deficient mice and LAP-deficient cell lines. These mutant mice and cells are viable and grow normally. The trimming of peptides in LAP-deficient cells is not reduced under basal conditions or after stimulation with IFN. Similarly, there is no reduction in presentation of peptides from precursor or full-length Ag constructs or in the overall supply of peptides from cellular proteins to MHC class I molecules even after stimulation with IFN. After viral infection, LAP-deficient mice generate normal CTL responses to seven epitopes from three different viruses. These data demonstrate that LAP is not an essential enzyme for generating most MHC class I-presented peptides and reveal redundancy in the function of cellular aminopeptidases.
Time-domain approach for non-destructive assessment of embedded anomalies in architectural structures based on microwave reflectometry

The diagnosis issues of architectural structures by means of non-destructive testing are dealt through different techniques like IR thermography, ultrasonic, and other electromagnetic techniques. A non-destructive method based on microwave reflectometry technique is presented in preliminary way in its basis concept. The object of the research is to design a system able to perform subsurface survey in the first 20 centimeters in depth with a resolution less than 1 cm in architectural structures. The systems could allow fast investigation to allow an easy interpretation of the results by nonexperts personnel too. The system is based on the concept of the reflectomery measurements, in particular it consists of a VNA, an antenna/probe - operating in the frequency range of 1-6 GHz, -and a netbook with a code able to manage the VNA and to perform a real-time elaboration of the acquired response. The frequency response is transformed in the time-domain in order to locate the position of the anomalies inside the material under investigation (masonry or timber). The performances of the proposed method have been evaluated both on laboratory test samples, and on architectural structure. The suggested nondestructive method since it is fully portable, it is potentially applicable in all fields of the civil industry where it is necessary an on-site diagnostic.
Introduction to Institutional Investor Activism: Hedge Funds and Private Equity, Economics and Regulation

The increase in institutional ownership of recent decades has been accompanied by an enhanced role played by institutions in monitoring companies’ corporate governance behaviour. Activist hedge funds and private equity firms have achieved a degree of success in actively shaping the business plans of target firms. They may be characterized as pursuing a common goal – in the words used in the OECD Steering Group on Corporate Governance, both seek ‘to increase the market value of their pooled capital through active engagement with individual public companies. This engagement may include demands for changes in management, the composition of the board, dividend policies, company strategy, company capital structure and acquisition/disposal plans which are normally regarded as governance issues. ’ This article is the introductory chapter of Institutional Investor Activism: Hedge Funds and Private Equity, Economics and Regulation (Oxford University Press 2015). The book collects descriptive expositions and empirical analyses essential for an understanding of both varieties of interventionist shareholder. The twenty-one chapters detail these investors’ strategic approaches, the financial returns they produce, the regulatory context in which they operate, and the policy questions raised by their activities.
Graphene field effect transistors with niobium contacts and asymmetric transfer characteristics

We fabricate back-gated field effect transistors using niobium electrodes on mechanically exfoliated monolayer graphene and perform electrical characterization in the pressure range from atmospheric down to 10−4 mbar. We study the effect of room temperature vacuum degassing and report asymmetric transfer characteristics with a resistance plateau in the n-branch. We show that weakly chemisorbed Nb acts as p-dopant on graphene and explain the transistor characteristics by Nb/graphene interaction with unpinned Fermi level at the interface.
Modeling of interaction of chiral mesogen with carbon nanotube

The possibility of supramolecular organization modeling of a cholesteric liquid crystalline (ChLC) matrix was shown by molecular dynamics simulation using the all-atom model. The supramolecular organization of ChLC mesogen and ChLC - a single walled carbon nanotube composite was estimated and 3D-model of a cholesteric phase of the studied compound was obtained. The effect of a carbon nanotube on the order parameter of ChLC molecules in the cholesteric phase was determined.
Morphological work function dependence of rare-earth disilicide metal nanostructures

The work functions of various DySi2−x nanostructures epitaxially grown on a Si(001) surface were correlated with the structure using high-resolution Kelvin probe force microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy in ultrahigh vacuum. Dy adatoms induce a surface dipole on Si(001) that increases the surface potential from 0.26 to 0.42 eV with respect to 2 × 1 reconstructed Si(001). DySi2−x nanowires showed a 0.2–0.23 eV lower work function than DySi2−x nanoislands, which can be attributed to confinement of electrons along the surface normal that induces a surface dipole when the film thickness approaches the Fermi wavelength. The ability to tune the work function of metal nanostructures should be useful for understanding how electronic structure affects catalytic activity.