pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
The critical window for the classical Ramsey-Turán problem

Ramsey-Turán result proved by Szemerédi in 1972: any K [subscript 4-]free graph on n vertices with independence number o(n) has at most (1[over]8+o(1))n[superscript 2] edges.  Four years later, Bollobás and Erdős gave a surprising geometric construction, utilizing the isoperimetric inequality for the high dimensional sphere, of a K 4-free graph on n vertices with independence number o(n) and (1[over]8−o(1))n[superscript 2] edges. Starting with Bollobás and Erdős in 1976, several problems have been asked on estimating the minimum possible independence number in the critical window, when the number of edges is about n[superscript 2]/8. These problems have received considerable attention and remained one of the main open problems in this area. In this paper, we give nearly best-possible bounds, solving the various open problems concerning this critical window.Simons Foundation (Fellowship)National Science Foundation (U.S.) (Grant NSF-DMS-1069197)NEC Corporation (MIT NEC Research Corporation Fund)National Science Foundation (U.S.) (Grant NSF-DMS-1201380)United States. National Security Agency (NSA Young Investigators Grant)United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation (grant)Akamai Technologies, Inc. (Akamai Presidential Fellowship at MIT
Microbial communities from different types of natural wastewater treatment systems : vertical and horizontal flow constructed wetlands and biofilters

This is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Water research. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Water researc, Vol. 55 (May 2014), p. 304-312. DOI 10.1016/j.watres.2014.02.011The prokaryotic microbial communities (Bacteria and Archaea) of three different systems operating in Denmark for the treatment of domestic wastewater (horizontal flow constructed wetlands (HFCW), vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCW) and biofilters (BF)) was analysed using endpoint PCR followed by Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE). Further sequencing of the most representative bacterial bands revealed that diverse and distinct bacterial communities were found in each system unit, being γ-Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes present mainly in all of them, while Firmicutes was observed in HFCW and BF. Members of the Actinobacteria group, although found in HFCW and VFCW, seemed to be more abundant in BF units. Finally, some representatives of α, β and δ-Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Chloroflexi were also retrieved from some samples. On the other hand, a lower archaeal diversity was found in comparison with the bacterial population. Cluster analysis of the DGGE bacterial band patterns showed that community structure was related to the design of the treatment system and the organic matter load, while no clear relation was established between the microbial assemblage and the wastewater influent
Prediction of a double-antireflection coating made solely with SiN x in a single, directional deposition step

Silicon solar cell modules, where the EVA layer is replaced by an air gap, are able to produce the same electric power as standard modules with EVA only if their anti-reflective properties are enhanced. We propose a method to do this by exploiting the fact that, on Si surfaces textured with random pyramids, light incident from near normal angle always hits at least two pyramidal faces before being reflected back toward the sun. If these two faces are covered with an anti-reflective coating (ARC) made of one and the same material but with two different thicknesses, the coating acts as a double ARC. Such a coating can be produced by depositing the SiNx layer from an oblique angle, optimally from 14.7°. Our detailed raytracing analysis predicts that J sc can then be improved by 0.2 mA/cm2 for normal incident sunlight and AM1.5g standard illumination, and is improved for all angles within a cone with an apex angle of approximately 64°. Furthermore, the coating can be optimized for modules in vertical mounting, where a Jsc gain of 0.1 mA/cm2 is predicted for an angle of incidence of 40°
Hair analysis for the detection of drug use – is there potential for evasion?

Background: Hair analysis for illicit substances is widely used to detect chronic drug consumption or abstention from drugs. Testees are increasingly seeking ways to avoid detection by using a variety of untested adulterant products (e.g. shampoos, cleansers) widely sold online. This study aims to investigate adulteration of hair samples and to assess effectiveness of such methods. Methods: The literature on hair test evasion was searched for on PubMed/MEDLINE, Psycinfo, and Google Scholar. Given the sparse nature of peer-reviewed data on this subject, results were integrated with a qualitative assessment of online sources, including user-orientated information/commercial websites, drug fora and ‘chat rooms’. Over four million web sources were identified in a Google search by using ‘beat hair drug test’ and the first 86 were monitored on regular basis and considered for further analysis. Results: Attempts to influence hair test results are widespread. Various ‘shampoos’, ‘cleansers’ among other products, were found for sale, which claim to remove analytes. Often advertised with aggressive marketing strategies, which include discounts, testimonials and unsupported claims of efficacy. However, these products may pose serious health hazards and are also potentially toxic. In addition, many anecdotal reports suggest that Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are also consumed as an evasion technique, as these are not easily detectable via standard drug test. Recent changes on NPS legislations such as New Psychoactive Bill in the UK might further challenge the testing process. Conclusion: Further research is needed by way of chemical analysis and trial of the adulterant products sold online and their effects as well as the development of more sophisticated hair testing techniques
Diversity of Lactase Persistence Alleles in Ethiopia: Signature of a Soft Selective Sweep

The persistent expression of lactase into adulthood in humans is a recent genetic adaptation that allows the consumption of milk from other mammals after weaning. In Europe, a single allele (−13910∗T, rs4988235) in an upstream region that acts as an enhancer to the expression of the lactase gene LCT is responsible for lactase persistence and appears to have been under strong directional selection in the last 5,000 years, evidenced by the widespread occurrence of this allele on an extended haplotype. In Africa and the Middle East, the situation is more complicated and at least three other alleles (−13907∗G, rs41525747; −13915∗G, rs41380347; −14010∗C, rs145946881) in the same LCT enhancer region can cause continued lactase expression. Here we examine the LCT enhancer sequence in a large lactose-tolerance-tested Ethiopian cohort of more than 350 individuals. We show that a further SNP, −14009T>G (ss 820486563), is significantly associated with lactose-digester status, and in vitro functional tests confirm that the −14009∗G allele also increases expression of an LCT promoter construct. The derived alleles in the LCT enhancer region are spread through several ethnic groups, and we report a greater genetic diversity in lactose digesters than in nondigesters. By examining flanking markers to control for the effects of mutation and demography, we further describe, from empirical evidence, the signature of a soft selective sweep
Future Supply Chains Enabled by Continuous Processing—Opportunities Challenges May 20–21 2014 Continuous Manufacturing Symposium

ABSTRACT:This paper examines the opportunities and challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry in moving to a primarily “continuous processing”-based supply chain. The current predominantly “large batch” and centralized manufacturing system designed for the “blockbuster” drug has driven a slow-paced, inventory heavy operating model that is increasingly regarded as inflexible and unsustainable. Indeed, new markets and the rapidly evolving technology landscape will drive more product variety, shorter product life-cycles, and smaller drug volumes, which will exacerbate an already unsustainable economic model. Future supply chains will be required to enhance affordability and availability for patients and healthcare providers alike despite the increased product complexity. In this more challenging supply scenario, we examine the potential for a more pull driven, near real-time demand-based supply chain, utilizing continuous processing where appropriate as a key element of a more “flow-through” operating model. In this discussion paper on future supply chain models underpinned by developments in the continuous manufacture of pharmaceuticals, we have set out;•The significant opportunities to moving to a supply chain flow-through operating model, with substantial opportunities in inventory reduction, lead-time to patient, and radically different product assurance/stability regimes.•Scenarios for decentralized production models producing a greater variety of products with enhanced volume flexibility.•Production, supply, and value chain footprints that are radically different from today’s monolithic and centralized batch manufacturing operations.•Clinical trial and drug product development cost savings that support more rapid scale-up and market entry models with early involvement of SC designers within New Product Development.•The major supply chain and industrial transformational challenges that need to be addressed.The paper recognizes that although current batch operational performance in pharma is far from optimal and not necessarily an appropriate end-state benchmark for batch technology, the adoption of continuous supply chain operating models underpinned by continuous production processing, as full or hybrid solutions in selected product supply chains, can support industry transformations to deliver right-first-time quality at substantially lower inventory profiles. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association
Cognitive changes in patients with acute phase psychosis—Effects of illicit drug use

AbstractIllicit drug use may influence cognition in non-affective psychosis. Previous studies have shown better cognition in psychosis with illicit drug use as compared to psychosis only. Possibly, illicit drug using patients have more transient drug-related cognitive deficits. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine cognitive change the first weeks after admission to a psychiatric emergency ward, expecting more cognitive improvement at follow-up in the illicit drug group as compared to psychosis only. Patients with acute non-affective psychosis with (26%) and without illicit drug use were examined at baseline (n=123) and follow-up (n=67), with alternative forms of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status. Latent Growth Curve models, controlling for cognition at baseline and age differences between the groups, were used to analyze cognitive change. The illicit drug using patients showed the largest improvement in cognition, especially among the youngest patients. Younger patients with non-affective psychosis and illicit drug use showed more cognitive improvement the first weeks after acute psychosis as compared to psychosis only. This suggests that the illicit drug users constitute a sub-group with less stable cognitive deficits and less cognitive vulnerability
Hamilton-connectivity of 3-domination critical graphs with α=δ+1⩾5

AbstractA graph G is 3-domination critical if its domination number γ is 3 and the addition of any edge decreases γ by 1. Let G be a 3-domination critical graph with toughness more than one. It was proved that G is Hamilton-connected for the cases α⩽δ [Y.J. Chen, F. Tian, B. Wei, Hamilton-connectivity of 3-domination critical graphs with α⩽δ, Discrete Math. 271 (2003) 1–12] and α=δ+2 [Y.J. Chen, F. Tian, Y.Q. Zhang, Hamilton-connectivity of 3-domination critical graphs with α=δ+2, European J. Combin. 23 (2002) 777–784]. In this paper, we show G is Hamilton-connected for the case α=δ+1⩾5
The importance of formulation in the successful lyophilization of influenza reference materials

AbstractLyophilized Influenza antigen reference reagents are a critical resource in the quality control of influenza vaccines. A standard formulation has been used successfully at NIBSC for many years however, following the unexpected occurrence of a collapsed appearance in a particular batch a study was carried out to establish the impact of the sugar concentration in the formulation using modulated differential scanning calorimetry (mDSC) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR).There was a correlation between the presence and size of the mDSC eutectic temperature events and the freeze dried appearance of the cakes, which became progressively worse with increasing amounts of sugar. NMR spectroscopy could be used to positively identify and quantify the sugars in the formulations. MDSC can rapidly predict if the freeze dried appearance will be acceptable so as to assure the successful lyophilization of influenza reference preparations
Conservation of the oligomeric state of native VDAC1 in detergent micelles

AbstractThe voltage-dependent anion-selective channel (VDAC) is an intrinsic β-barrel membrane protein located within the mitochondrial outer membrane where it serves as a pore, connecting the mitochondria to the cytosol. The high-resolution structures of both the human and murine VDACs have been resolved by X-ray diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) in 2008. However, the structural data are not completely in line with the findings that were obtained after decades of research on biochemical and functional analysis of VDAC. This discrepancy may be related to the fact that structural biology studies of membrane proteins reveal specific static conformations that may not necessarily represent the physiological state. For example, overexpression of membrane proteins in bacterial inclusion bodies or simply the extraction from the native lipid environment using harsh purification methods (i.e. chaotropic agents) can disturb the physiological conformations and the supramolecular assemblies. To address these potential issues, we have developed a method, allowing rapid one step purification of endogenous VDAC expressed in the native mitochondrial membrane without overexpression of recombinant protein or usage of harsh chaotropic extraction procedures. Using the Saccharomyces cerevisiae isoform 1 of VDAC as a model, this method yields efficient purification, preserving VDAC in a more physiological, native state following extraction from mitochondria. Single particle analysis using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated conservation of oligomeric assembly after purification. Maintenance of the native state was evaluated using functional assessment that involves an ATP-binding assay by micro-scale thermophoresis (MST). Using this approach, we were able to determine for the first time the apparent KD for ATP of 1.2 mM
Inter-rater reliability for measurement of passive physiological movements in lower extremity joints is generally low: a systematic review

QuestionWhat is the inter-rater reliability for measurements of passive physiological or accessory movements in lower extremity joints?DesignSystematic review of studies of inter-rater reliability.ParticipantsIndividuals with and without lower extremity disorders.Outcome measuresRange of motion and end-feel using methods feasible in daily practice.Results17 studies were included of which 5 demonstrated acceptable inter-rater reliability. Reliability of measurements of physiological range of motion ranged from Kappa –0.02 for measuring knee extension using a goniometer to ICC 0.97 for measuring knee flexion using vision. Measuring range of knee flexion consistently yielded acceptable reliability using either vision or instruments. Measurements of end-feel were unreliable for all hip and knee movements. Two studies satisfied all criteria for internal validity while reporting acceptable reliability for measuring physiological range of knee flexion and extension. Overall, however, methodological quality of included studies was poor.ConclusionInter-rater reliability of measurement of passive movements in lower extremity joints is generally low. We provide specific recommendations for the conduct and reporting of future research. Awaiting new evidence, clinicians should be cautious when relying on results from measurements of passive movements in joints for making decisions about patients with lower extremity disorders
Local On-ramp Queue Management Strategy with Mainline Speed Recovery

AbstractRamp metering is an effective motorway control tool beneficial for mainline traffic, but the long on-ramp queues created interfere with surface traffic profoundly. This study deals with the conflict between mainline benefits and the costs of on-ramp and surface traffic. A novel local on-ramp queue management strategy with mainline speed recovery is proposed. Microscopic simulation is used to test the new strategy and compare it with other strategies. Simulation results reveal that the ramp metering with queue management strategy provides a good balance between the mainline and on-ramp performances
Factorization of radiative leptonic decays of B− and D− mesons

AbstractIn this work, we study the factorization of the radiative leptonic decays of B− and D− mesons, the contributions of the order O(ΛQCD/mQ) are taken into account. The factorization is proved to be valid explicitly at the order O(αsΛQCD/mQ). The hard kernel is obtained. The numerical results are calculated using the wave-function obtained in relativistic potential model. The O(ΛQCD/mQ) contribution is found to be very important, the correction to the decay amplitudes of B−→γeν¯ is about 20%–30%. For D mesons, the O(ΛQCD/mQ) contributions are more important
Chronological structure of a Gödel type universe with negative cosmological constant

AbstractWe show that the Gödel solution of five-dimensional gauged supergravity contains either closed time-like curves through every space–time point or none at all, dependent on the rotational parameter. In addition, we present a deformation of that solution with a parameter κ which characterizes the symmetry of four-dimensional base space: for κ=1,0,−1 it has spherical, flat and hyperbolic symmetry, respectively. Also investigated are the causal properties of the lifted solution in 10 dimensions
NCoR1 Is a Conserved Physiological Modulator of Muscle Mass and Oxidative Function

SummaryTranscriptional coregulators control the activity of many transcription factors and are thought to have wide-ranging effects on gene expression patterns. We show here that muscle-specific loss of nuclear receptor corepressor 1 (NCoR1) in mice leads to enhanced exercise endurance due to an increase of both muscle mass and of mitochondrial number and activity. The activation of selected transcription factors that control muscle function, such as MEF2, PPARβ/δ, and ERRs, underpins these phenotypic alterations. NCoR1 levels are decreased in conditions that require fat oxidation, resetting transcriptional programs to boost oxidative metabolism. Knockdown of gei-8, the sole C. elegans NCoR homolog, also robustly increased muscle mitochondria and respiration, suggesting conservation of NCoR1 function. Collectively, our data suggest that NCoR1 plays an adaptive role in muscle physiology and that interference with NCoR1 action could be used to improve muscle function
New algorithms for solving third- and fifth-order two point boundary value problems based on nonsymmetric generalized Jacobi Petrov–Galerkin method

AbstractTwo families of certain nonsymmetric generalized Jacobi polynomials with negative integer indexes are employed for solving third- and fifth-order two point boundary value problems governed by homogeneous and nonhomogeneous boundary conditions using a dual Petrov–Galerkin method. The idea behind our method is to use trial functions satisfying the underlying boundary conditions of the differential equations and the test functions satisfying the dual boundary conditions. The resulting linear systems from the application of our method are specially structured and they can be efficiently inverted. The use of generalized Jacobi polynomials simplify the theoretical and numerical analysis of the method and also leads to accurate and efficient numerical algorithms. The presented numerical results indicate that the proposed numerical algorithms are reliable and very efficient
Potential anti-inflammatory role of activin A in acute coronary syndromes

AbstractObjectivesWe sought to investigate whether activin A could be involved in the immunopathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes.BackgroundInflammatory mechanisms seem to play a pathogenic role in atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndromes, but the actual mediators have not been fully identified. Activin A, a pleiotropic member of the transforming growth factor-beta cytokine family, has recently been suggested to play a role in inflammation.MethodsWe examined the role of activin A and its endogenous inhibitor follistatin in patients with stable (n = 26) and unstable angina (n = 20) and healthy control subjects (n = 20) by different experimental approaches.Results1) Patients with stable angina had raised activin A concentrations, as assessed by protein levels in serum and messenger ribonucleic acid levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). 2) Although several activin A–related mediators were upregulated in PBMCs from patients with stable angina compared with controls (i.e., activin A and Smad3), no changes or even downregulation (i.e., Smad2) were seen in unstable disease. 3) The activin type II receptors, representing the primary ligand-binding proteins, were downregulated in unstable compared with stable angina. 4) Percutaneous coronary intervention induced a decrease in the activin A/follistatin ratio, suggesting downregulatory effects on activin A activity. 5) Although activin A dose-dependently suppressed the release of inflammatory cytokines from PBMCs in angina patients, an opposite effect was found in healthy controls.ConclusionsOur findings suggest an anti-inflammatory potential of activin A in angina patients, and such effects may be of particular relevance in unstable angina in which several of the activin parameters were downregulated
Are deviation from bi-maximal mixing and non-zero Ue3 related to non-degeneracy of heavy Majorana neutrinos?

AbstractWe propose a scenario that the mass splitting between the first generation of the heavy Majorana neutrino and the other two generations of degenerate heavy neutrinos in the seesaw framework is responsible for the deviation of the solar mixing angle from the maximal mixing, while keeping the maximal mixing between the tau and muon neutrinos as it is. On top of the scenario, we show that the tiny breaking of the degeneracy of the two heavy Majorana neutrinos leads to the non-zero small mixing angle Ue3 in the PMNS matrix and the little deviation of the atmospheric neutrino mixing angle from the maximal mixing