Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optical Luminosity Functions of the Abell Galaxy Cluster ABCG 209 at z=0.21 ⋆

We derive the luminosity functions in three bands (BVR) for the rich galaxy cluster ABCG209 at z=0.21. The data cover an area of � 78 arcmin 2 in the B and R bands, while a mosaic of three pointings was obtained in the V band, covering an area of approximately 160 arcmin 2 . The galaxy sample is complete to B = 22.8 (Ngal = 339), V = 22.5 (Ngal = 1078) and R = 22.0 (Ngal = 679). Although the fit of a single Schechter function cannot be rejected in any band, the luminosity functions are better described by a sum of two Schechter functions for bright and faint galaxies, respectively. There is an indication for a presence of a dip in the luminosity functions in the range V = 20.5-21.5 and R = 20.0-21.0. We find a marked luminosity segregation, in the sense that the number ratio of bright-to-faint galaxies decreases by a factor 4 from the center to outer regions. Our analysis supports the idea that ABCG209 is an evolved cluster, resulting from the merger of two or more sub-clusters.
The SCUBA HAlf Degree Extragalactic Survey - III. Identification of radio and mid-infrared counterparts to submillimetre galaxies

Determining an accurate position for a submillimetre (submm) galaxy (SMG) is the crucial step that enables us to move from the basic properties of an SMG sample – source counts and 2D clustering – to an assessment of their detailed, multiwavelength properties, their contribution to the history of cosmic star formation and their links with present-day galaxy populations. In this paper, we identify robust radio and/or infrared (IR) counterparts, and hence accurate positions, for over two-thirds of the SCUBA HAlf-Degree Extragalactic Survey (SHADES) Source Catalogue, presenting optical, 24-μm and radio images of each SMG. Observed trends in identification rate have given no strong rationale for pruning the sample. Uncertainties in submm position are found to be consistent with theoretical expectations, with no evidence for significant additional sources of error. Employing the submm/radio redshift indicator, via a parametrization appropriate for radio-identified SMGs with spectroscopic redshifts, yields a median redshift of 2.8 for the radio-identified subset of SHADES, somewhat higher than the median spectroscopic redshift. We present a diagnostic colour–colour plot, exploiting Spitzer photometry, in which we identify regions commensurate with SMGs at very high redshift. Finally, we find that significantly more SMGs have multiple robust counterparts than would be expected by chance, indicative of physical associations. These multiple systems are most common amongst the brightest SMGs and are typically separated by 2–6 arcsec, ~15–50/ sin i kpc at z∼ 2, consistent with early bursts seen in merger simulations.
Dickkopf Homolog 3 Induces Stem Cell Differentiation into Smooth Muscle Lineage via ATF6 Signalling*

Background: The role of DKK3 in vascular SMC differentiation has not been investigated. Results: DKK3 induces myocardin expression via ATF6 signaling. Conclusion: DKK3 is essential for the ESC-SMC differentiation. Significance: This study provides the molecular mechanisms underlying DKK3 regulated ESC-SMC differentiation. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are a key component of healthy and tissue engineered vessels and play a crucial role in vascular development and the pathogenic events of vascular remodeling i.e. restenosis. However, the cell source from which they can be isolated is limited. Embryonic stem (ES) cells that have the remarkable capability to differentiate into vascular SMCs in response to specific stimuli provide a useful model for studying SMC differentiation. Previous studies suggested that dickkopf homolog 3 (DKK3) has a role in human partially induced pluripotent stem cell to SMC differentiation. Here, we demonstrate that the expression of DKK3 is essential for the expression of SMC markers and myocardin at both the mRNA and protein levels during mouse ES cell differentiation into SMCs (ESC-SMC differentiation). Overexpression of DKK3 leads to further up-regulation of the aforementioned markers. Further investigation indicates that DKK3 added as a cytokine activates activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), leading to the increased binding of ATF6 on the myocardin promoter and increased its expression. In addition, inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) promotes the expression of ATF6 and leads to further increase of myocardin transcription. Our findings offer a novel mechanism by which DKK3 regulates ESC-SMC differentiation by activating ATF6 and promoting myocardin expression.
Satellite measurements of trace gases using blind source separation

We propose a new method for trace gases concentration using satellite measurements. The main idea is to use the full retrieved waveform through a blind source separation algorithm, instead of processing differential observation taken from a few absorption lines. The main assumption in this work is that the spectral waveforms from atmosphere contributions can be considered statistically independent. Results show that the algorithm is able to operate quite good although some unwanted features from clouds are clearly observed.
A proposed model and measurement instrument for the formation of IS satisfaction: the case of end-user computing satisfaction

This paper presents a model that explicitly defines satisfaction and the antecedent factors that help form it. The model distinguishes between the notions of expectations and desires and argues that both have an impact on overall satisfaction in the form of the difference between priors and post hoc usage perceptions coupled with the individual’s evaluation of these discrepancies. These two types of satisfaction, in turn, will have both direct and multiplicative impact on overall satisfaction. Given this understanding, we highlight possible limitations in existing instruments and provide a solution for creating new measures that should overcome these limitations. A complete set of measures is provided in this paper for future empirical testing, which are general enough to allow researchers to create measures for other aspects related to IS satisfaction beyond those targeted in this paper. We employ our model within the context of the five satisfaction areas outlined by Doll and Torzadeh (1988). Building upon their initial set of perceptual measures, we examine whether there are indeed two types of discrepancy effects, whether there are multiplicative effects for each discrepancy, and whether there is a higher order interaction between the two discrepancy components. Partial least squares analyses of data consisting of over 200 instructional staff member at a large university related to their satisfaction with an online grading system are employed and the results presented at the conference.
Comorbidity of Adult Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder in Bipolar Patients: Prevalence, Sociodemographic and Clinical Correlates.

INTRODUCTION The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of adult attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbidity in bipolar patients and to investigate the influence of this comorbidity on the clinical characteristics of bipolar disorder (BD). METHOD A total of 135 patients with BD type I and II and BD not otherwise specified were included in this study. First, the Adult ADD/ADHD DSM-IV-Based Diagnostic Screening and Rating Scale (ADHD scale) was administered to all patients, and all of the patients were also interviewed for the diagnosis. Patients who were diagnosed as having ADHD comorbidity (n=23) on the basis of DSM-IV and those who were not diagnosed to have ADHD comorbidity (n=32) were compared in terms of sociodemographic and clinical correlates. RESULTS Twenty-three of 135 patients (17%) were found to have ADHD comorbidity. In the ADHD comorbidity group, the level of education and the number of suicide attempts were higher (p=.011 and .043, respectively). Although not significant, subthreshold depressive symptoms in interepisodic periods, the lifetime history of antidepressant use and the total number of lifetime depressive episodes tended to be more frequent in bipolar disorder with ADHD comorbidity group than in the control group. CONCLUSION Bipolar disorder has a frequent comorbidity with ADHD, and contrary to expectations, it might be related to the depressive aspect, rather than the manic aspect, of bipolar disorder. Early diagnosis of ADHD comorbidity in bipolar patients might help to prevent serious risk factors.
Latin America’s New World of Work: Changing Traits of Work and Problem Solving

Transitions to market models have had an important impact on the structure of the labor market and on structures of interest representation of the working classes in Latin America. Most notably they have caused pressures for a more flexibilized labor market and a shift within the working classes from the formal sector toward the informal sector. These changes have been accompanied by a severe challenge to the importance of labor unions as the privileged organizations through which the working classes have traditionally acted to defend their interests. As imperfect and problematic as Latin America’s “state corporatist” unions were as structures of representation, they nevertheless addressed, at the work place and more broadly in the political arena, productionist interests, such as wages, employment levels, and work conditions. The large informal sector that has come to comprise about half of the Latin American labor market works under conditions that are very different from the classical proletarian workforce that gave rise to unions. Under the new economic models widely adopted throughout Latin America, productionist issues have remained very important, or perhaps even increased in salience. Yet, the capacity of workers to address these issues has declined. These are the issues we explore in this study.
Understanding Consumer Responses to Product Risk Information

Two experiments examine how message framing moderates consumer responses to product risk information. The findings suggest that contrary to an influential theory, consumers exposed to loss-framed messages exhibit a general aversion to product risk involving both short-term adverse effects and more permanent harm. In contrast, consumers exposed to gain-framed messages differentiate among different types of product risk. They essentially ignore temporary product risks but give considerable decisional weight to risks of permanent harm. This article discusses the implications of these findings for those who design and regulate promotional messages that contain product risk disclosures.
Changing Frequency Separation of Kilohertz Quasi-periodic Oscillations in the Sonic-Point Beat-Frequency Model

We show that the sonic-point beat-frequency (SPBF) model of the pair of kilohertz quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) observed in neutron star X-ray binary systems predicts that the frequency separation Δν between them is usually not exactly equal to the spin frequency νs of the star. Although the stellar spin interacts with the orbital motion of the accreting gas at the sonic radius with a frequency equal to sonic-point beat frequency, the X-ray oscillations are produced by interaction of the gas with the surface of the star, and their frequencies are therefore affected by the flow of the gas from the sonic radius to the stellar surface. For prograde disk flow near the star, Δν is comparable to but usually less than νs, consistent with the observed values of Δν and the values of νs inferred from oscillations during X-ray bursts. We show that the SPBF model also explains naturally the decrease in Δν with increasing QPO frequencies seen in some sources and the plateau in the QPO frequency-X-ray flux correlation observed in 4U 1820-30. The model fits well the QPO frequency behavior observed in Sco X-1, 4U 1608-52, 4U 1728-34, and 4U 1820-30 (χ2/degrees of freedom = 0.4-2.1, not including systematic errors), giving masses ranging from 1.59 to 2.0 M☉ and spin rates ranging from 279 to 364 Hz. Previous work on the model has shown that it naturally explains many other properties of the kilohertz QPOs. These include the existence of just two principal kilohertz QPOs in a given source, the approximate commensurability of the burst oscillation frequency and Δν, and the high frequencies, coherence, and amplitudes of these QPOs. In the SPBF model, the existence of kilohertz QPOs is an effect of strong-field general relativity. Thus, if the model is validated, observations of the kilohertz QPOs can be used not only to determine the properties of neutron stars but also to explore quantitatively general relativistic effects in the strong-field regime.
An Examination of Linear and Nonlinear Causal Relationships Between Price Variability and Volume in Petroleum Futures Markets

This article examines the relationship between returns and trading volume for three petroleum futures contracts. Using daily data on futures prices and trading volume, the study first tests for linear causality between returns and volume. The results of this linear causality test show that futures returns and volume have no predictive power for one another. However, because the distribution of the returns and volume series provides some evidence of nonlinear dependence, the study formally tests for and finds evidence of significant nonlinearities in the returns and volume for the three petroleum futures contracts. The returns and volume series are then filtered for linear dependence through the use of a VAR process. A nonparametric test statistic based on the correlation inWe thank Andrew C. Szakmary for supplying the data used in this study. We also thank Deborah R. Kaplan and John Wagster for helpful comments and editorial assistance.
Teacher Attitudes toward Reading.

cate a major portion of their instructional time to the teaching of reading. In the words of one noted reading specialist, "Reading ability is recognized as centrally important, since without it very little academic learning can go on". (Harris, 1970) Nor is reading valued only in the schools. The ability to read is a prerequisite for all but the most menial jobs. Beyond this initial requirement for employment, wide reading in one's field is a generally accepted necessity for moving up the career ladder. As a result, countless speed reading courses and methods flourish as as-
Contributions of molecular binding events and cellular compliance to the modulation of leukocyte adhesion

The interaction of leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is central to the regulation of adhesion in leukocytes. In this report, we investigated the mechanisms by which phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) promotes LFA-1-dependent cell adhesion. The adhesion of PMA-stimulated cells to immobilized ICAM-1 was quantified in direct force measurements acquired by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Enhanced adhesion of PMA-stimulated cells to immobilized ICAM-1 stemmed from an increase in the number of LFA-1–ICAM-1 complexes formed between the two apposing surfaces on contact, rather than by affinity modulation of LFA-1. Single molecule force measurements revealed that the force spectrum of the LFA-1–ICAM-1 complex formed by PMA-stimulated cells is identical to the force spectrum of the complex formed by resting cells. Thus, PMA stimulation does not modify the mechanical strength of the individual LFA-1–ICAM-1 interaction. Instead, the enhanced cell adhesion of PMA-stimulated cells appears to be a complex process that correlates with changes in the mechanical properties of the cell. We estimate that changes in the elasticity of the cell gave rise to a more than 10-fold increase in cell adhesion.
Assessing the Dimensional Stability of Two Hardwood Species Grown in Turkey with Acoustic Measurements

The objective of this study was to examine the potential of acoustic measurement as a rapid and nondestructive method to predict the dimensional stability of oak (Quercus petrea) and chestnut (Castanea sativa) that are commonly used in floor industry. Ultrasonic velocity, specific gravity, and radial, tangential and volumetric shrinkages were measured on seventy-four 20by 20by 30-mm specimens obtained from freshly cut oak and chestnut stems at forestlands located in northwest part of Turkey. The ultrasonic velocities of the specimens decreased with increasing equilibrium moisture content (EMC). We found that specific gravity was not a good predictor of the transverse shrinkages as indicated by relatively weak correlations. Ultrasonic velocity, on the other hand, was found to be a significant predictor of the transverse shrinkages for both oak and chestnut. The best results for prediction of shrinkages of oak and chestnut were obtained when the ultrasonic velocity and specific gravity were used together. The multiple regression models we developed in this study explained 77% of volumetric shrinkages in oak and 72% of volumetric shrinkages in chestnut. It is concluded that both ultrasonic velocity and specific gravity be employed as predicting parameters to evaluate the dimensional stability of wood during manufacturing process.
SALL4 is a novel sensitive and specific marker for metastatic germ cell tumors, with particular utility in detection of metastatic yolk sac tumors

The correct diagnosis of metastatic germ cell tumors is critical, because these tumors can be effectively treated and are even cured with modern therapy. Their histopathologic diagnosis can be challenging without immunohistochemical markers, which currently have limitations. SALL4 is a novel stem cell marker essential to maintain pluripotency and self‐renewal of embryonic stem cells. In the current study, the authors investigated the utility of SALL4 as a potential diagnostic marker for metastatic germ cell tumors.
A Proximal-Gradient Homotopy Method for the Sparse Least-Squares Problem

We consider solving the $\ell_1$-regularized least-squares ($\ell_1$-LS) problem in the context of sparse recovery for applications such as compressed sensing. The standard proximal gradient method, also known as iterative soft-thresholding when applied to this problem, has low computational cost per iteration but a rather slow convergence rate. Nevertheless, when the solution is sparse, it often exhibits fast linear convergence in the final stage. We exploit the local linear convergence using a homotopy continuation strategy, i.e., we solve the $\ell_1$-LS problem for a sequence of decreasing values of the regularization parameter, and use an approximate solution at the end of each stage to warm start the next stage. Although similar strategies have been studied in the literature, there have been no theoretical analysis of their global iteration complexity. This paper shows that under suitable assumptions for sparse recovery, the proposed homotopy strategy ensures that all iterates along the homotopy sol.
Territorial behaviour and population dynamics in red grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus. I. Population experiments

Summary 1. Recent experiments on cyclic red grouse populations discovered that aggressiveness, induced by testosterone implants, depressed population density for more than a year after the implants were exhausted. 2. This confirms the observation, also made in previous studies of this territorial species, that aggressiveness can determine population density. Additionally, it hints at a form of social memory that sustains the effect of episodes of high aggressiveness after their cause has ceased to exist. 3. We explore the logical consequences of this observation with a simple model of the interaction between population density and aggressiveness. A flexible function describes how aggressiveness changes from year to year as a function of population density. At low densities animals are tolerant to conspecifics and aggressiveness falls from one year to the next. Conversely, at high densities aggressiveness rises. 4. In the model, current aggressiveness is set by aggressiveness in the previous year, and modified by last year’s population density (first version) or by current population density (second version). 5. We assume no particular behavioural mechanism underlying this process but derive conditions under which changes in aggressiveness, effected by density, can generate unstable dynamics. 6. The two versions of the model give fluctuations that differ in period and amplitude but have similar conditions for unstable dynamics. Specifically, the more abrupt the transition from tolerant to intolerant behaviour with increasing density, the more likely are cycles to occur. 7. We show how a previous model of the kinship hypothesis for red grouse cycles can be recast in the current terminology, and how the new models offer a more general way of examining red grouse population dynamics.
Azathioprine Acts upon Rat Hepatocyte Mitochondria and Stress-Activated Protein Kinases Leading to Necrosis: Protective Role of N-Acetyl-L-cysteine

Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant drug widely used. Our purpose was to 1) determine whether its associated hepatotoxicity could be attributable to the induction of a necrotic or apoptotic effect in hepatocytes, and 2) elucidate the mechanism involved. To evaluate cellular responses to azathioprine, we used primary culture of isolated rat hepatocytes. Cell metabolic activity, reduced glutathione, cell proliferation, and lactate dehydrogenase release were assessed. Mitochondria were isolated from rat livers, and swelling and oxygen consumption were measured. Mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways and proteins implicated in cell death were analyzed. Azathioprine decreased the viability of hepatocytes and induced the following events: intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH) depletion, metabolic activity reduction, and lactate dehydrogenase release. However, the cell death was not accompanied by DNA laddering, procaspase-3 cleavage, and cytochrome c release. The negative effects of azathioprine on the viability of hepatocytes were prevented by cotreatment with N-acetyl-l-cysteine. In contrast, 6-mercaptopurine showed no effects on GSH content and metabolic activity. Azathioprine effect on hepatocytes was associated with swelling and increased oxygen consumption of intact isolated rat liver mitochondria. Both effects were cyclosporine A-sensitive, suggesting an involvement of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore in the response to azathioprine. In addition, the drug's effects on hepatocyte viability were partially abrogated by c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 kinase inhibitors. In conclusion, our findings suggest that azathioprine effects correlate to mitochondrial dysfunction and activation of stress-activated protein kinase pathways leading to necrotic cell death. These negative effects of the drug could be prevented by coincubation with N-acetyl-l-cysteine.