pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
Measurement of the total cross section from elastic scattering in pp collisions at √ s = 8 TeV with the ATLAS detector

A measurement of the total pp   cross section at the LHC at View the MathML sources=8 TeV is presented. An integrated luminosity of 500 μb−1500 μb−1 was accumulated in a special run with high-β⋆β⋆ beam optics to measure the differential elastic cross section as a function of the Mandelstam momentum transfer variable t. The measurement is performed with the ALFA sub-detector of ATLAS. Using a fit to the differential elastic cross section in the −t   range from 0.014 GeV20.014 GeV2 to 0.1 GeV20.1 GeV2 to extrapolate t→0t→0, the total cross section, σtot(pp→X)σtot(pp→X), is measured via the optical theorem to beView the MathML sourceσtot(pp→X)=96.07±0.18(stat.)±0.85(exp.)±0.31(extr.)mb,Turn MathJax onwhere the first error is statistical, the second accounts for all experimental systematic uncertainties and the last is related to uncertainties in the extrapolation t→0t→0. In addition, the slope of the exponential function describing the elastic cross section at small t   is determined to be View the MathML sourceB=19.74±0.05(stat.)±0.23(syst.)GeV−2
Robust Infrastructure Design in Rapid Transit Rail systems

AbstractIncidents and rolling stock breakdowns are commonplace in rapid transit rail systems and may disrupt the system performance imposing deviations from planned operations. A network design model is proposed for reducing the effect of disruptions less likely to occur. Failure probabilities are considered functions of the amount of services and the rolling stock's routing on the designed network so that they cannot be calculated a priori but result from the design process itself. A two recourse stochastic programming model is formulated where the failure probabilities are an implicit function of the number of services and routing of the transit lines
A kinetic analysis methodology to elucidate the roles of metal, support and solvent for the hydrogenation of 4-phenyl-2-butanone over Pt/TiO2

AbstractThe rate and, more importantly, selectivity (ketone vs aromatic ring) of the hydrogenation of 4-phenyl-2-butanone over a Pt/TiO2 catalyst have been shown to vary with solvent. In this study, a fundamental kinetic model for this multi-phase reaction has been developed incorporating statistical analysis methods to strengthen the foundations of mechanistically sound kinetic models.A 2-site model was determined to be most appropriate, describing aromatic hydrogenation (postulated to be over a platinum site) and ketone hydrogenation (postulated to be at the platinum–titania interface). Solvent choice has little impact on the ketone hydrogenation rate constant but strongly impacts aromatic hydrogenation due to solvent-catalyst interaction. Reaction selectivity is also correlated to a fitted product adsorption constant parameter. The kinetic analysis method shown has demonstrated the role of solvents in influencing reactant adsorption and reaction selectivity
A quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR assay for the assessment of drug activities against intracellular Theileria annulata schizonts

AbstractIntracellular schizonts of the apicomplexans Theileria annulata and Theileria parva immortalize bovine leucocytes thereby causing fatal immunoproliferative diseases. Buparvaquone, a hydroxynaphthoquinone related to parvaquone, is the only drug available against Theileria. The drug is only effective at the onset of infection and emerging resistance underlines the need for identifying alternative compounds. Current drug assays employ monitoring of proliferation of infected cells, with apoptosis of the infected host cell as a read-out, but it is often unclear whether active compounds directly impair the viability of the parasite or primarily induce host cell death. We here report on the development of a quantitative reverse transcriptase real time PCR method based on two Theileria genes, tasp and tap104, which are both expressed in schizonts. Upon in vitro treatment of T. annulata infected bovine monocytes with buparvaquone, TaSP and Tap104 mRNA expression levels significantly decreased in relation to host cell actin already within 4h of drug exposure, while significant differences in host cell proliferation were detectable only after 48–72h. TEM revealed marked alterations of the schizont ultrastructure already after 2h of buparvaquone treatment, while the host cell remained unaffected. Expression of TaSP and Tap104 proteins showed a marked decrease only after 24h. Therefore, the analysis of expression levels of mRNA coding for TaSP and Tap104 allows to directly measuring impairment of parasite viability. We subsequently applied this method using a series of compounds affecting different targets in other apicomplexan parasites, and show that monitoring of TaSP- and Tap104 mRNA levels constitutes a suitable tool for anti-theilerial drug development
Towards a spin-ensemble quantum memory for superconducting qubits

AbstractThis article reviews efforts to build a new type of quantum device, which combines an ensemble of electronic spins with long coherence times, and a small-scale superconducting quantum processor. The goal is to store over long times arbitrary qubit states in orthogonal collective modes of the spin-ensemble, and to retrieve them on-demand. We first present the protocol devised for such a multi-mode quantum memory. We then describe a series of experimental results using NV (as in nitrogen vacancy) center spins in diamond, which demonstrate its main building blocks: the transfer of arbitrary quantum states from a qubit into the spin ensemble, and the multi-mode retrieval of classical microwave pulses down to the single-photon level with a Hahn-echo like sequence. A reset of the spin memory is implemented in-between two successive sequences using optical repumping of the spins
Noether symmetric f(R) quantum cosmology and its classical correlations

AbstractWe quantize a flat FRW cosmology in the context of the f(R) gravity by Noether symmetry approach. We explicitly calculate the form of f(R) for which such symmetries exist. It is shown that the existence of a Noether symmetry yields a general solution of the Wheeler–DeWitt equation where can be expressed as a superposition of states of the form eiS. In terms of Hartle criterion, this type of wave function exhibits classical correlations, i.e. the emergent of classical universe is expected due to the oscillating behavior of the solutions of Wheeler–DeWitt equation. According to this interpretation we also provide the Noether symmetric classical solutions of our f(R) cosmological model
The interference between virtual photon and 1−− charmonium in e+e− experiment

Abstracte+e− experiments producing charmonium are reviewed. It is found that the contribution of the continuum amplitude via virtual photon was neglected in almost all the experiments and the channels analyzed. It is shown that the contribution of the continuum part may affect the final results significantly in ψ(2S) and ψ(3770) decays, while the interference between continuum and resonance amplitudes may even affect the J/ψ decays as well as the ψ(2S) and ψ(3770). This should be considered in analyzing the “ρπ puzzle” between J/ψ and ψ(2S) decays, and the difference between inclusive hadron and DD̄ cross sections in ψ(3770) decays
Comparison of fasting plasma glucose and haemoglobin A1c point-of-care tests in screening for diabetes and abnormal glucose regulation in a rural low income setting

AbstractAimsGlycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) has been suggested to replace glucose tests in identifying diabetes and pre-diabetes. We assessed agreement between fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1C rapid tests in classifying abnormal glucose regulation (AGR), and their utility for preventive screening in rural Africa.MethodsA population-based survey of 795 people aged 35–60 years was conducted in a mainly rural district in Uganda. FPG was measured using On-Call® Plus glucometers, and classified using World Health Organization (WHO) and American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria. HbA1C was measured using A1cNow® kits and classified using ADA criteria. Body mass index and blood pressure were measured. Percentage agreement between the two tests was computed.ResultsUsing HbA1C, 11.3% of participants had diabetes compared with 4.8% for FPG. Prevalence of HbA1C-defined pre-diabetes (26.4%) was 1.2 times and 2.5 times higher than FPG-defined pre-diabetes using ADA (21.8%) and WHO (10.1%) criteria, respectively. With FPG as the reference, agreement between FPG and HbA1C in classifying diabetes status was moderate (Kappa=22.9; Area Under the Curve (AUC)=75%), while that for AGR was low (Kappa=11.0; AUC=59%). However, agreement was high (over 90%) among negative tests and among participants with risk factors for type 2 diabetes (obesity, overweight or hypertension). HbA1C had more procedural challenges than FPG.ConclusionsAlthough low in the general sample, agreement between HbA1C and FPG is excellent among persons who test negative with either test. A single test can therefore identify the majority at lower risk for type 2 diabetes. Nurses if trained can conduct these tests
Generalized μ–τ reflection symmetry and leptonic CP violation

AbstractWe propose a generalized μ–τ reflection symmetry to constrain the lepton flavor mixing parameters. We obtain a new correlation between the atmospheric mixing angle θ23 and the “Dirac” CP violation phase δCP. Only in a specific limit our proposed CP transformation reduces to standard μ–τ reflection, for which θ23 and δCP are both maximal. The “Majorana” phases are predicted to lie at their CP-conserving values with important implications for the neutrinoless double beta decay rates. We also study the phenomenological implications of our scheme for present and future neutrino oscillation experiments including T2K, NOνA and DUNE
The Relationship of Left Ventricular Trabeculation to Ventricular Function and Structure Over a 9.5-Year Follow-Up The MESA Study

AbstractBackgroundLeft ventricular (LV) trabeculation is highly variable among individuals and is increased in some diseases (e.g., congenital heart disease or cardiomyopathies), but its significance in population-representative individuals is unknown.ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to determine if excessive LV trabeculation in population-representative individuals is associated with preceding changes in cardiac volumes and function.MethodsFor technical reasons, the extent of trabeculation, which is expressed as the ratio of noncompacted to compacted (NC/C) myocardium, was measured on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) long-axis cine images in 2,742 participants in the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) (mean age 68.7 years; 52.3% women; 56.4% with hypertension; 16.8% with diabetes) at examination 5. These were considered in quintiles of trabeculation extent; the NC/C ratio of quintile 5 was 2.46 to 5.41. We determined the relationship between the maximal NC/C ratio and the preceding change (9.5 years between examinations 1 and 5) in end-systolic volume indexed (ESVi) to body surface area. Secondary analyses assessed the associations between the maximal NC/C ratio and preceding changes in end-diastolic volume indexed (EDVi) to body surface area and the ejection fraction (EF).ResultsOver 9.5 years, the ESVi decreased by 1.3 ml/m2, the EDVi decreased by 5.1 ml/m2, and the EF decreased by 0.6% (p < 0.0001). Even in subjects with excessive trabeculation, there were no clinically relevant differences in LV volumes and systolic function changes among the quintiles of trabeculation extent.ConclusionsGreater extent of, and even excessive, LV trabeculation measured in end-diastole in asymptomatic population-representative individuals appeared benign and was not associated with deterioration in LV volumes or function during an almost 10-year period
Visceral leishmaniasis: host–parasite interactions and clinical presentation in the immunocompetent and in the immunocompromised host

SummaryVisceral leishmaniases are vector-borne parasitic diseases caused by protozoa belonging to the genus Leishmania. The heterogeneity of clinical manifestations and epidemiological characteristics of the disease reflect the complex interplay between the infecting Leishmania species and the genetic and immunologic characteristics of the infected host. The clinical presentation of visceral leishmaniasis depends strictly on the immunocompetency of the host and ranges from asymptomatic to severe forms. Conditions of depression of the immune system, such as HIV infection or immunosuppressive treatments, impair the capability of the immune response to resolve the infection and allow reactivation and relapses of the disease
Search for supersymmetry in events with soft leptons, low jet multiplicity, and missing transverse energy in proton–proton collisions at s=8 TeV

AbstractResults are presented from a search for supersymmetric particles in scenarios with small mass splittings. The data sample corresponds to 19.7 fb−1 of proton–proton collisions recorded by the CMS experiment at s=8 TeV. The search targets top squark (t˜) pair production in scenarios with mass differences Δm=m(t˜)−m(χ˜10) below the W-boson mass and with top-squark decays in the four-body mode (t˜→bℓνχ˜10), where the neutralino (χ˜10) is assumed to be the lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP). The signature includes a high transverse momentum (pT) jet associated with initial-state radiation, one or two low-pT leptons, and significant missing transverse energy. The event yields observed in data are consistent with the expected background contributions from standard model processes. Limits are set on the cross section for top squark pair production as a function of the t˜ and LSP masses. Assuming a 100% branching fraction for the four-body decay mode, top-squark masses below 316 GeV are excluded for Δm=25 GeV at 95% CL. The dilepton data are also interpreted under the assumption of chargino–neutralino production, with subsequent decays to sleptons or sneutrinos. Assuming a difference between the common χ˜1+/χ˜20 mass and the LSP mass of 20 GeV and a τ-enriched decay scenario, masses in the range m(χ˜1+)<307 GeV are excluded at 95% CL
Malignant tumors of the temporal bone – our experience

AbstractIntroductionMalignant tumors of the temporal bone are rare, with an estimated incidence of about 0.8–1.0 per 1,000,000 inhabitants per year. The vast majority of these tumors are squamous cell carcinomas and their treatment is eminently surgical.ObjectiveThis study is an attempt at systematizing the forms of clinical presentation, the therapeutic possibilities, and oncological outcomes of patients with malignant tumors of the temporal bone in a tertiary hospital in Portugal.MethodsThe authors present a retrospective study of temporal bone tumors treated and followed during otorhinolaryngology consultations between 2004 and 2014. A review of the literature is also included.ResultsOf the 18 patients included in the study, 16 had a primary tumor of the temporal bone, in most cases with squamous cell carcinoma histology. Of these, 13 patients were treated with curative intent that always included the surgical approach. Disease persistence was observed in one patient and local recurrence in five patients, on average 36.8 months after the initial treatment.ConclusionsThe anatomical complexity of the temporal bone and the close associations with vital structures make it difficult to perform tumor resection with margins of safety and thus, tumor relapses are almost always local. A high level of suspicion is crucial for early diagnosis, and stringent and prolonged follow-up after treatment is essential for diagnosis and timely treatment of recurrances
Mutations in Frizzled 6 Cause Isolated Autosomal-Recessive Nail Dysplasia

Inherited and isolated nail malformations are rare and heterogeneous conditions. We identified two consanguineous pedigrees in which some family members were affected by isolated nail dysplasia that suggested an autosomal-recessive inheritance pattern and was characterized by claw-shaped nails, onychauxis, and onycholysis. Genome-wide SNP array analysis of affected individuals from both families showed an overlapping and homozygous region of 800 kb on the long arm of chromosome 8. The candidate region spans eight genes, and DNA sequence analysis revealed homozygous nonsense and missense mutations in FZD6, the gene encoding Frizzled 6. FZD6 belongs to a family of highly conserved membrane-bound WNT receptors involved in developmental processes and differentiation through several signaling pathways. We expressed the FZD6 missense mutation and observed a quantitative shift in subcellular distribution from the plasma membrane to the lysosomes, where the receptor is inaccessible for signaling and presumably degraded. Analysis of human fibroblasts homozygous for the nonsense mutation showed an aberrant response to both WNT-3A and WNT-5A stimulation; this response was consistent with an effect on both canonical and noncanonical WNT-FZD signaling. A detailed analysis of the Fzd6−/− mice, previously shown to have an altered hair pattern, showed malformed claws predominantly of the hind limbs. Furthermore, a transient Fdz6 mRNA expression was observed in the epidermis of the digital tips at embryonic day 16.5 during early claw morphogenesis. Thus, our combined results show that FZD6 mutations can result in severe defects in nail and claw formation through reduced or abolished membranous FZD6 levels and several nonfunctional WNT-FZD pathways
Charge patch attraction and reentrant condensation in DNA–liposome complexes

AbstractWe investigated the formation of complexes between cationic liposomes built up by DOTAP and three linear anionic polyions, with different charge density and flexibility, such as a single-stranded ssDNA, a double-stranded dsDNA and the polyacrylate sodium salt [NaPAA] of three different molecular weights. Our aim is to gain further insight into the formation mechanism of polyion–liposome aggregates of different sizes (lipoplexes), by comparing the behavior of DNA with a model polyelectrolyte, such as NaPAA, with approximately the same charge density but with a higher flexibility. We employed dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements, in order to explore both the hydrodynamic and structural properties of the aggregates resulting from polyion–liposome interaction and to present a comprehensive picture of the complexation process. The phenomenology can be summarized in a charge ratio-dependent scenario, where the main feature is the formation of large equilibrium clusters due to the aggregation of intact polyion-coated vesicles. At increasing polyion–liposome ratio, the size of the clusters continuously increases, reaching a maximum at a well-defined value of this ratio, and then decreases (“reentrant” condensation). The aggregation mechanism and the role of the polyion charge density in the complex formation are discussed in the light of the recent theories on the correlated adsorption of polyelectrolytes at charged interfaces. Within this framework, the phenomena of charge inversion and the reentrant condensation, peaked at the isoelectric point, finds a simple explanation
What is the best fixation target? The effect of target shape on stability of fixational eye movements

AbstractPeople can direct their gaze at a visual target for extended periods of time. Yet, even during fixation the eyes make small, involuntary movements (e.g. tremor, drift, and microsaccades). This can be a problem during experiments that require stable fixation. The shape of a fixation target can be easily manipulated in the context of many experimental paradigms. Thus, from a purely methodological point of view, it would be good to know if there was a particular shape of a fixation target that minimizes involuntary eye movements during fixation, because this shape could then be used in experiments that require stable fixation. Based on this methodological motivation, the current experiments tested if the shape of a fixation target can be used to reduce eye movements during fixation. In two separate experiments subjects directed their gaze at a fixation target for 17s on each trial. The shape of the fixation target varied from trial to trial and was drawn from a set of seven shapes, the use of which has been frequently reported in the literature. To determine stability of fixation we computed spatial dispersion and microsaccade rate. We found that only a target shape which looks like a combination of bulls eye and cross hair resulted in combined low dispersion and microsaccade rate. We recommend the combination of bulls eye and cross hair as fixation target shape for experiments that require stable fixation
Assessing the fugitive emission of CH4 via migration along fault zones – Comparing potential shale gas basins to non-shale basins in the UK

AbstractThis study considered whether faults bounding hydrocarbon-bearing basins could be conduits for methane release to the atmosphere. Five basin bounding faults in the UK were considered: two which bounded potential shale gas basins; two faults that bounded coal basins; and one that bounded a basin with no known hydrocarbon deposits. In each basin, two mobile methane surveys were conducted, one along the surface expression of the basin bounding fault and one along a line of similar length but not intersecting the fault. All survey data was corrected for wind direction, the ambient CH4 concentration and the distance to the possible source. The survey design allowed for Analysis of Variance and this showed that there was a significant difference between the fault and control survey lines though a significant flux from the fault was not found in all basins and there was no apparent link to the presence, or absence, of hydrocarbons. As such, shale basins did not have a significantly different CH4 flux to non-shale hydrocarbon basins and non-hydrocarbon basins. These results could have implications for CH4 emissions from faults both in the UK and globally. Including all the corrected fault data, we estimate faults have an emissions factor of 11.5±6.3tCH4/km/yr, while the most conservative estimate of the flux from faults is 0.7±0.3tCH4/km/yr. The use of isotopes meant that at least one site of thermogenic flux from a fault could be identified. However, the total length of faults that penetrate through-basins and go from the surface to hydrocarbon reservoirs at depth in the UK is not known; as such, the emissions factor could not be multiplied by an activity level to estimate a total UK CH4 flux
Biodiversity, cultural pathways, and human health: a framework

Direct contact with biodiversity is culturally important in a range of contexts. Many people even join conservation organisations to protect biodiversity that they will never encounter first-hand. Despite this, we have little idea how biodiversity affects people's well-being and health through these cultural pathways. Human health is sensitive to apparently trivial psychological stimuli, negatively affected by the risk of environmental degradation, and positively affected by contact with natural spaces. This suggests that well-being and health should be affected by biodiversity change, but few studies have begun to explore these relationships. Here, we develop a framework for linking biodiversity change with human cultural values, well-being, and health. We argue that better understanding these relations might be profoundly important for biodiversity conservation and public health