pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
Finite-time blowup and global-in-time unbounded solutions to a parabolic–parabolic quasilinear Keller–Segel system in higher dimensions

AbstractIn this paper we consider quasilinear Keller–Segel type systems of two kinds in higher dimensions. In the case of a nonlinear diffusion system we prove an optimal (with respect to possible nonlinear diffusions generating explosion in finite time of solutions) finite-time blowup result. In the case of a cross-diffusion system we give results which are optimal provided one assumes some proper non-decay of a nonlinear chemical sensitivity. Moreover, we show that once we do not assume the above mentioned non-decay, our result cannot be as strong as in the case of nonlinear diffusion without nonlinear cross-diffusion terms. To this end we provide an example, interesting by itself, of global-in-time unbounded solutions to the nonlinear cross-diffusion Keller–Segel system with chemical sensitivity decaying fast enough, in a range of parameters in which there is a finite-time blowup result in a corresponding case without nonlinear cross-diffusion
A manufacturing perspective on graphene dispersions

AbstractHarnessing the exceptional physical properties of graphene often requires its dispersion into aqueous or organic media. Dispersion must be achieved at a concentration and stability appropriate to the final application. However, the strong interaction between graphene sheets means it disperses poorly in all but a few high boiling organic solvents. This review presents an overview of graphene dispersion applications and a discussion of dispersion strategies: in particular the effect of shear, solvent and chemical modification on the dispersion of graphene (including graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide). These techniques are discussed in the context of manufacturing and commercialisation
The Gierer–Meinhardt system on a compact two-dimensional Riemannian manifold: Interaction of Gaussian curvature and Green's function

AbstractIn this paper, we rigorously prove the existence and stability of single-peaked patterns for the singularly perturbed Gierer–Meinhardt system on a compact two-dimensional Riemannian manifold without boundary which are far from spatial homogeneity. Throughout the paper we assume that the activator diffusivity ϵ2 is small enough.We show that for the threshold ratio D∼1ϵ2 of the activator diffusivity ϵ2 and the inhibitor diffusivity D, the Gaussian curvature and the Green's function interact.A convex combination of the Gaussian curvature and the Green's function together with their derivatives are linked to the peak locations and the o(1) eigenvalues. A nonlocal eigenvalue problem (NLEP) determines the O(1) eigenvalues which all have negative part in this case
Clinical trial designs for rare diseases: Studies developed and discussed by the International Rare Cancers Initiative

AbstractBackgroundThe past three decades have seen rapid improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of most cancers and the most important contributor has been research. Progress in rare cancers has been slower, not least because of the challenges of undertaking research.SettingsThe International Rare Cancers Initiative (IRCI) is a partnership which aims to stimulate and facilitate the development of international clinical trials for patients with rare cancers. It is focused on interventional – usually randomised – clinical trials with the clear goal of improving outcomes for patients. The key challenges are organisational and methodological. A multi-disciplinary workshop to review the methods used in ICRI portfolio trials was held in Amsterdam in September 2013. Other as-yet unrealised methods were also discussed.ResultsThe IRCI trials are each presented to exemplify possible approaches to designing credible trials in rare cancers. Researchers may consider these for use in future trials and understand the choices made for each design.InterpretationTrials can be designed using a wide array of possibilities. There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution. In order to make progress in the rare diseases, decisions to change practice will have to be based on less direct evidence from clinical trials than in more common diseases
Die-off of giant Euphorbia trees in South Africa: Symptoms and relationships to climate

AbstractEuphorbia ingens is the largest of the succulent tree Euphorbias in Southern Africa. In South Africa, it is most abundant in the northern portion of the country, especially in the Limpopo and North West Provinces. In the mid-nineties, E. ingens were noted to show symptoms of disease, and by 2000 severe mortality had begun to occur in the Limpopo Province. Various factors have been suggested as possible causes of this mortality. We investigated the possible involvement of changes in climate in the sudden die-offs of E. ingens. Four sites within the severely affected Limpopo Province and two sites in the less affected North West Province were included. Nine linear transects were established at each site. Each tree within a transect was scored as alive or dead, and as mature or juvenile. Insect and disease symptoms, and environmental variables were also evaluated. Trees in the Limpopo Province were more severely affected by disease and insects and exhibited higher levels of mortality compared to trees in the North West Province. Analyses of weather data revealed greater upward trends in temperature and downward trends in precipitation in the Limpopo Province compared with the North West Province. Estimates of potential evapotranspiration and water balance indicated an increase in water demand while precipitation has remained the same or has decreased. The dramatic degree of mortality of E. ingens that has been observed since about 2000 appears to be linked to increasing moisture deficits resulting in tree stress, which in turn allows opportunistic fungal pathogens and insects to increase in severity, ultimately contributing to tree mortality
Gender inequality and violence against women in Spain, 2006-2014: towards a civilized society

AbstractObjectiveConsidering both the economic crisis of 2008 and the Gender Equality Law (2007), this study analyses the association between gender inequality in Spanish Autonomous Communities (AC) and intimate partner violence (IPV) from 2006 to 2014 in terms of socio-demographic characteristics.MethodsEcological study in the 17 Spanish AC on the correlation between the reported cases by IPV and deaths and the Gender Inequality Index and its dimensions: empowerment, participation in the labour market and adolescent birth rates; and their correlation with Young People Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).ResultsIn 2006, IPV mortality rates were higher in autonomous communities with greater gender inequality than AC with more equality (4.1 vs. 2.5×106 women >14 years), as were reporting rates of IPV (OR=1.49; 95% CI: 1.47-1.50). In 2014, the IPV mortality rates in AC with greater gender inequality fell to just below the mortality rates in AC with more gender equality (2.5 vs. 2.7×106 women >14 years). Rates of IPV reports also decreased (OR=1.22; 95% CI: 1.20-1.23). Adolescent birth rates were most associated with IPV reports, which were also associated with the burden of NEET by AC (ρ2006=0.494, ρ2014=0.615).ConclusionGender-sensitive policies may serve as a platform for reduced mortality and reports of IPV in Spain, particularly in AC with more gender inequality. A reduction of NEET may reduce adolescent birth rates and in turn IPV rates
Local relevancy evaluation in the accreditation bodies for engineering masteŕs programs

AbstractAccreditation models in the international context mainly consider the evaluation of learning outcomes and the ability of programs (or higher education institutions) to achieve the educational objectives stated in their mission. However, it is not clear if these objectives and therefore their outcomes satisfy real national and regional needs, a critical point in engineering master's programs, especially in developing countries. The aim of this paper is to study the importance of the local relevancy evaluation of these programs and to analyze the main models of quality assurance and accreditation bodies of USA, Europe and Latin America, in order to ascertain whether the relevancy is evaluated or not. After a literature review, we found that in a free-market economic context and international education, the accreditation of master's programs follows an international accreditation model, and doesńt take in account in most cases criteria and indicators for local relevancy. It concludes that it is necessary both, international accreditation to ensure the effectiveness of the program (achievement of learning outcomes) and the national accreditation through which it could ensure local relevancy of programs, for which we are giving some indicators
Charge quantization and the Standard Model from the CP2 and CP3 nonlinear σ-models

AbstractWe investigate charge quantization in the Standard Model (SM) through a CP2 nonlinear sigma model (NLSM), SU(3)G/(SU(2)H×U(1)H), and a CP3 model, SU(4)G/(SU(3)H×U(1)H). We also generalize to any CPk model. Charge quantization follows from the consistency and dynamics of the NLSM, without a monopole or Grand Unified Theory, as shown in our earlier work on the CP1 model (arXiv:1309.0692). We find that representations of the matter fields under the unbroken non-abelian subgroup dictate their charge quantization under the U(1)H factor. In the CP2 model the unbroken group is identified with the weak and hypercharge groups of the SM, and the Nambu–Goldstone boson (NGB) has the quantum numbers of a SM Higgs. There is the intriguing possibility of a connection with the vanishing of the Higgs self-coupling at the Planck scale. Interestingly, with some minor assumptions (no vector-like matter and minimal representations) and starting with a single quark doublet, anomaly cancellation requires the matter structure of a generation in the SM. Similar analysis holds in the CP3 model, with the unbroken group identified with QCD and hypercharge, and the NGB having the up quark as a partner in a supersymmetric model. This can motivate solving the strong CP problem with a vanishing up quark mass
H=xp with interaction and the Riemann zeros

AbstractStarting from a quantized version of the classical Hamiltonian H=xp, we add a non-local interaction which depends on two potentials. The model is solved exactly in terms of a Jost like function which is analytic in the complex upper half plane. This function vanishes, either on the real axis, corresponding to bound states, or below it, corresponding to resonances. We find potentials for which the resonances converge asymptotically toward the average position of the Riemann zeros. These potentials realize, at the quantum level, the semiclassical regularization of H=xp proposed by Berry and Keating. Furthermore, a linear superposition of them, obtained by the action of integer dilations, yields a Jost function whose real part vanishes at the Riemann zeros and whose imaginary part resembles the one of the zeta function. Our results suggest the existence of a quantum mechanical model where the Riemann zeros would make a point like spectrum embedded in the continuum. The associated spectral interpretation would resolve the emission/absorption debate between Berry–Keating and Connes. Finally, we indicate how our results can be extended to the Dirichlet L-functions constructed with real characters
de Sitter brane universe induced by phantom and quantum effects

AbstractFive-dimensional braneworld cosmology with de Sitter (inflationary) brane universe induced by classical and quantum matter is discussed. It is shown that negative energy phantom field with quantum CFT supports the creation of de Sitter universe. On the same time, pure phantom or dust with quantum effects, or Chaplygin gas with quantum effects may naturally lead to the occurrence of anti-de Sitter brane universe but not de Sitter one. It is also interesting that unlike to four-dimensional gravity, for phantom with (or without) quantum contribution the standard cosmological energy conditions may be effectively satisfied
Marine Natural Product Aurilide Activates the OPA1-Mediated Apoptosis by Binding to Prohibitin

SummaryAurilide is a potent cytotoxic marine natural product that induces apoptosis in cultured human cells at the picomolar to nanomolar range; however, its mechanism of action has been unknown. Results of the present study showed that aurilide selectively binds to prohibitin 1 (PHB1) in the mitochondria, activating the proteolytic processing of optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) and resulting in mitochondria-induced apoptosis. The mechanism of aurilide cytotoxicity suggests that PHB1 is an apoptosis-regulating protein amenable to modulation by small molecules. Aurilide may serve as a small-molecule tool for studies of mitochondria-induced apoptosis
Ischemic postconditioning of the isolated human myocardium: Role of the applied protocol

AbstractBackgroundIschemic postconditioning (IPostC), has been proposed as a useful approach to reduce infarct size in all species, but its clinical utility remains unclear.ObjectiveTo investigate the role played by the protocol used on the efficacy of IPostC in protecting the diseased human myocardium.MethodsMyocardial atrial samples from patients were subjected to a 90min ischemia/120min reoxygenation followed by different IPostC protocols to investigate the role of the time of ischemia (30, 60, 90 and 120s) and the number of cycles (1, 2, 3 and 4) with 60 and 120s of total ischemic time. Muscles were also subjected to ischemic preconditioning (IPreC). The release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the measurement of tetrazolium bromide (MTT) were determined.ResultsIPostC increased the LDH and decreased the MTT values from those of control, independently of the duration of the conditioning ischemia. LDH and MTT values also worsened by augmenting the number of IPostC cycles whereas they were significantly improved by IPreC. However, analysis of individual results indicated that in approximately 1/3 of the cases IPostC exhibited some degree of protection especially in the presence of increased ischemic injury.ConclusionsThe present findings show that IPostC of the human myocardium may be influenced by the protocol used and also by the degree of the preceding ischemic injury. IPostC was beneficial in approximately 1/3 of the cases; however in the remaining cases it increased ischemic damage and, therefore, these results raise a word of caution on its broad clinical use
Casimir densities for a boundary in Robertson–Walker spacetime

AbstractFor scalar and electromagnetic fields we evaluate the vacuum expectation value of the energy–momentum tensor induced by a curved boundary in the Robertson–Walker spacetime with negative spatial curvature. In order to generate the vacuum densities we use the conformal relation between the Robertson–Walker and Rindler spacetimes and the corresponding results for a plate moving by uniform proper acceleration through the Fulling–Rindler vacuum. For the general case of the scale factor the vacuum energy–momentum tensor is presented as the sum of the boundary free and boundary induced parts
Measurement of the mass difference between top and anti-top quarks in pp collisions at s=7 TeV using the ATLAS detector

AbstractA measurement of the mass difference between top and anti-top quarks is presented. In a 4.7 fb−1 data sample of proton–proton collisions at s=7 TeV recorded with the ATLAS detector at the LHC, events consistent with tt¯ production and decay into a single charged lepton final state are reconstructed. For each event, the mass difference between the top and anti-top quark candidate is calculated. A two b-tag requirement is used in order to reduce the background contribution. A maximum likelihood fit to these per-event mass differences yields Δm≡mt−mt¯=0.67±0.61(stat)±0.41(syst) GeV, consistent with CPT invariance
Classical-physics applications for Finsler b space

AbstractThe classical propagation of certain Lorentz-violating fermions is known to be governed by geodesics of a four-dimensional pseudo-Finsler b space parametrized by a prescribed background covector field. This work identifies systems in classical physics that are governed by the three-dimensional version of Finsler b space and constructs a geodesic for a sample non-constant choice for the background covector. The existence of these classical analogues demonstrates that Finsler b spaces possess applications in conventional physics, which may yield insight into the propagation of SME fermions on curved manifolds
K+Λ and K+Σ0 photoproduction with fine center-of-mass energy resolution

AbstractMeasurements of γp→K+Λ and γp→K+Σ0 cross-sections have been obtained with the photon tagging facility and the Crystal Ball calorimeter at MAMI-C. The measurement uses a novel K+ meson identification technique in which the weak decay products are characterized using the energy and timing characteristics of the energy deposit in the calorimeter, a method that has the potential to be applied at many other facilities. The fine center-of-mass energy (W) resolution and statistical accuracy of the new data results in a significant impact on partial wave analyses aiming to better establish the excitation spectrum of the nucleon. The new analyses disfavor a strong role for quark–diquark dynamics in the nucleon
Redox modulation of STIM-ORAI signaling

AbstractSTIM1 and ORAI1 constitute the core machinery of the ubiquitous store-operated calcium entry pathway and loss of function in these proteins is associated with severe immune and muscular disorders. Other isoforms—STIM1L, STIM2, ORAI2 and ORAI3 exhibit varied expression levels in different cell types along with several other interaction partners and thereby play different roles to facilitate, regulate and fine-tune the calcium entry. STIM proteins convey the Ca2+ store-depletion message to the PM and thereby participate in refilling of the ER by physically interacting with the Ca2+-selective ORAI channels at the PM. STIM and ORAI are exposed to oxidative modifications in the ER, the cytosol, and at the cell surface, and redox-mediated alterations in STIM/ORAI coupling might contribute to autoimmune disorders and cancer progression. This review discusses the redox reactivity of cysteine residues in STIM and ORAI isoforms, focusing on the oxidative modifications of STIM and ORAI proteins by which STIM-ORAI signaling can be modulated
Visualization and processing of computed solid-state NMR parameters: MagresView and MagresPython

AbstractWe introduce two open source tools to aid the processing and visualisation of ab-initio computed solid-state NMR parameters. The Magres file format for computed NMR parameters (as implemented in CASTEP v8.0 and QuantumEspresso v5.0.0) is implemented. MagresView is built upon the widely used Jmol crystal viewer, and provides an intuitive environment to display computed NMR parameters. It can provide simple pictorial representation of one- and two-dimensional NMR spectra as well as output a selected spin-system for exact simulations with dedicated spin-dynamics software. MagresPython provides a simple scripting environment to manipulate large numbers of computed NMR parameters to search for structural correlations
In vitro antimetastatic activity of Agarwood (Aquilaria crassna) essential oils against pancreatic cancer cells

AbstractBackgroundPancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignant tumors which remains a rampant killer across the globe. Lack of early diagnosis and toxic drugs have failed to improve the survival rate of pancreatic cancer patients, thus new agents that are safe, available and effective are urgently needed.ObjectiveThe study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Agarwood essential oils in the inhibition of metastasis and induction of apoptosis in the pancreatic cell line (MIAPaCa-2).MethodsEssential oils of Aquilaria crassna were obtained by hydrodistillation. Chemical characterization was analyzed using FTIR and GCMS. The effects of essential oils against three steps of metastases have been investigated, including cell proliferation, migration and clonogenicity. Hoechst and rhodamine assays confirmed the mechanism of pancreatic cancer cell death.ResultsThe results showed that essential oils exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against MIAPaCa-2 cells with an IC50 (11±2.18μg/ml). Cell migration was effectively inhibited at (10μg/ml). Moreover, at a sub-toxic dose (5μg/mL), essential oils obstructed the colony formation properties of MIAPaCa-2 significantly. The mechanism of cell death was determined due to the induction of nuclear condensation and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential in the cells. Interestingly, several active components were existed in the chemical profile of the essential oils extract such as β-Caryophyllene, 1-Phenanthrenecarboxylic acid, azulene, naphthalene and Cyclodecene.ConclusionThe present study elucidated for the first time the anti-pancreatic cancer properties of A. crassna essential oils, It can be concluded that the anticancer effects of the extract could be due to the synergistic effect of the biologically active phytoconstituents present in the essential oils
Caenorhabditis elegans inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) homologue BIR-1 plays a conserved role in cytokinesis

AbstractBackground: Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) suppress apoptotic cell death in several model systems and are highly conserved between insects and mammals. All IAPs contain at least one copy of the ∼70 amino-acid baculovirus IAP repeat (BIR), and this domain is essential for the anti-apoptotic activity of the IAPs. Both the marked structural diversity of IAPs and the identification of BIR-containing proteins (BIRPs) in yeast, however, have led to the suggestion that BIRPs might play roles in other, as yet unidentified, cellular processes besides apoptosis. Survivin, a human BIRP, is upregulated 40-fold at G2–M phase and binds to mitotic spindles, although its role at the spindle is still unclear.Results: We have identified and characterised two Caenorhabditis elegans BIRPs,BIR-1 and BIR-2; these proteins are the only BIRPs in C. elegans. The bir-1 gene is highly expressed during embryogenesis with detectable expression throughout other stages of development; bir-2 expression is detectable only in adults and embryos. Overexpression of bir-1 was unable to inhibit developmentally occurring cell death in C. elegans and inhibition of bir-1 expression did not increase cell death. Instead, embryos lacking bir-1 were unable to complete cytokinesis and they became multinucleate. This cytokinesis defect could be partially suppressed by transgenic expression of survivin, the mammalian BIRP most structurally related to BIR-1, suggesting a conserved role for BIRPs in the regulation of cytokinesis.Conclusions: BIR-1, a C. elegans BIRP, is probably not involved in the general regulation of apoptosis but is required for embryonic cytokinesis. We suggest that BIRPs may regulate cytoskeletal changes in diverse biological processes including cytokinesis and apoptosis
Searches for the FCNC couplings from top-Higgs associated production signal with h→γγ at the LHC

AbstractIn this paper, we study the observability of the top-Higgs flavor changing neutral current (FCNC) tqh coupling through the process pp→qg→t(→ℓ+bν)h(→γγ) at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), where ℓ=e,μ. Our numerical results show that, in some parameter regions, the LHC may observe the above signals at the 5σ level. Otherwise, the branching ratios Br(t→uh) and Br(t→ch) can be respectively probed to 0.036% and 0.13% at 3σ level at 14 TeV LHC with the high integrated luminosity of 3000 fb−1. On the other hand, studying the charge ratio for the lepton in top quark decay can be not only used to discriminate between signal and backgrounds, but also used to discriminate between tuh and tch couplings, for which anomalous single top production comes from the up initiated channel and charm initiated channel