Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE ULTRAVIOLET SPECTRUM AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MASS DONOR STAR IN HD 226868 = Cygnus X-1

We present an examination of high-resolution, ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy from Hubble Space Telescope of the photospheric spectrum of the O-supergiant in the massive X-ray binary HD 226868 = Cyg X-1. We analyzed this and ground-based optical spectra to determine the effective temperature and gravity of the O9.7 Iab supergiant. Using non-LTE, line-blanketed, plane-parallel models from the TLUSTY grid, we obtain Teff = 28.0 ± 2.5 kK and log g ≳ 3.00 ± 0.25, both lower than in previous studies. The optical spectrum is best fit with models that have enriched He and N abundances. We fit the model spectral energy distribution for this temperature and gravity to the UV, optical, and infrared (IR) fluxes to determine the angular size and extinction toward the binary. The angular size then yields relations for the stellar radius and luminosity as a function of distance. By assuming that the supergiant rotates synchronously with the orbit, we can use the radius–distance relation to find mass estimates for both the supergiant and black hole (BH) as a function of the distance and the ratio of stellar to Roche radius. Fits of the orbital light curve yield an additional constraint that limits the solutions in the mass plane. Our results indicate masses of 23+8−6 M☉ for the supergiant and 11+5−3 M☉ for the BH.
Longer durations of antitumour necrosis factor treatment are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective To assess the effects of treatment with antitumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents, methotrexate, or other non-biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) on cardiovascular event risks among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods We conducted a retrospective study using data from the MarketScan claims database. Patients with RA with ≥1 prescription for an index drug were included. Each patient's use of an index drug was calculated cumulatively as a time-varying exposure. The incidence of cardiovascular events among patients with RA was determined. Associations between drug exposures and occurrence of cardiovascular events were assessed with Cox proportional hazards models. Results Of 113 677 patients identified, 35.8%, 41.1% and 23.1% received anti-TNF agents, methotrexate and other DMARDs, respectively. Patients were treated for an average of 7.6 months; 2138 patients (1.9%) had a cardiovascular event following their index prescription. Each additional 6 months of anti-TNF therapy use versus non-use reduced the risk (HR; 95% CI) for any cardiovascular event by 12% (0.88; 0.81 to 0.95, p=0.002). Anti-TNF therapy was associated with a 13% and 12% reduction in cardiovascular events in patients aged ≥50 years (0.87; 0.80 to 0.95, p=0.002) and in those without prior methotrexate use (0.88; 0.78 to 0.99, p=0.04), respectively. Cumulative use of 1, 2 or 3 years of anti-TNF therapy versus non-use is expected to reduce cardiovascular event risks by 21%, 38% and 51%, respectively. Conclusions Anti-TNF therapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular events among patients with RA, older patients with RA and patients without prior exposure to methotrexate.
Price Asymmetric Relationships in Commodity and Energy Markets

Recent increases in the price of crude oil have led to a rise in the prominence of corn-based ethanol as an alternative source of energy. As a result linkages have been established between commodity and energy prices. The aim of this study is to determine if soybeans, corn, wheat, oil, and ethanol adjust their prices asymmetrically depending on whether their actual price is over or under-predicted with respect to one another. This study’s goal of determining if asymmetric price relationships exist is accomplished by using monthly time series price data incorporated into a distributed lag error correction model distinguishing between positive and negative price difference and positive and negative values of the error correction terms. The primary results of this study found that asymmetric price changes do occur in the commodity and energy markets. Interestingly, in all the asymmetric price adjustments that were found, with only one exception in the soybean-corn relationship, prices will adjust downward when the actual price of one variable is above its equilibrium price as determined by the price of another study variable and consequently would be expected to exhibit a downward adjustment in price in the following month.
Hall effect sensors performance investigation using three-dimensional simulations

Several Hall effect sensors were modeled and evaluated regarding the Hall voltage and sensitivity using 3D physical simulations. For accurate results the numerical offset and its temperature drift were analyzed. The versatility of the simulation allows various Hall sensor implementations. The simulation procedure could guide the designer in choosing the Hall cell optimum fabrication process, shape and dimensions in terms of the performances envisaged to be achieved.
Distributed real-time fault detection and isolation for cooperative multi-agent systems

In this paper we propose a distributed real-time fault detection, isolation and mitigation framework for multiagent systems performing cooperative tasks. Various system models and detection schemes with respect to communication and sensing are considered. Two communication protocols for fault detection are introduced first and proved to be effective. Then a scheme based on limited relative state measurements is developed. Furthermore, we propose fault isolation and mitigation steps to guarantee the accomplishment of a global objective. All schemes are distributed in the sense that at each step of the fault detection, isolation and mitigation every agent only uses locally available information. One key feature of the framework is the significant reduction of required computational resource when compared with the fault detection and isolation schemes based on unknown input observers. Later we show that the proposed framework can be applied to the consensus and other cooperative formation problems. Several computer simulations are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the framework.
Search for a Herbal Medicine: Anti-asthmatic Activity of MethanolicExtract of Curcuma longa

Ethnopharmacological evidence tells us that rhizomes of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae) have an imposing array of pharmacological activities and has been used traditionally to treat inflammatory conditions since ages. Curcumin is one of the major constituent in Curcuma longa L. , being accountable for its biological actions. Asthma is fundamentally the consequence of inflammatory process involving the respiratory system. In this present work we attempt to unravel the anti-asthmatic property of curcumin through changes brought about in some novel bio-molecular parameters that play a decisive role in the pathophysiology of inflammation and thereby in asthma. Short (15 days) and long (60 days) term studies were carried by dividing rats into 5 groups; each group consisted of 3 male and 3 female rats. Rats of all groups excluding the control (saline treated) group were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and apart from the control and the sensitized control (i.e. only OVA treated) groups, remaining three groups received standard drug (i.e. ketotifen and beclomethasone), curcumin (100 mg/kg) and (200 mg/kg) correspondingly. Broncho alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue homogenate were obtained following sacrifice of animals after 15 days (short term) and 60 days (long term) of treatment and then nitrate, malonyl dialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels and percentage of intact and granulated mast cells were determined. On treatment with OVA, nitrate, MDA and MPO levels were elevated, whereas the percentage of intact mast cells was decreased in comparison to control levels. A considerable decrease in the nitrite, MDA and MPO levels were observed in the Curcumin-II (200 mg/kg) treated group when compared to that treated with Curcumin-I (100 mg/kg). Curcumin appreciably refurbished the distorted bio-molecular parameters in asthma. But, the precise molecular machinery by which curcumin decreases the levels of malonyl
outputs Probabilistic parameterisation of the surface mass balance – elevation feedback in regional climate model simulations of the Greenland ice sheet

We present a new parameterisation that relates surface mass balance (SMB: the sum of surface accumulation and surface ablation) to changes in surface elevation of the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) for the MAR (Modèle Atmosphérique Régional: Fettweis, 2007) regional climate model. The motivation is to dynamically adjust SMB as the GrIS evolves, allowing us to force ice sheet models with SMB simulated by MAR while incorporating the SMB–elevation feedback, without the substantial technical challenges of coupling ice sheet and climate models. This also allows us to assess the effect of elevation feedback uncertainty on the GrIS contribution to sea level, using multiple global climate and ice sheet models, without the need for additional, expensive MAR simulations. We estimate this relationship separately below and above the equilibrium line altitude (ELA, separating negative and positive SMB) and for regions north and south of 77 ◦ N, from a set of MAR simulations in which we alter the ice sheet surface elevation. These give four “SMB lapse rates”, gradients that relate SMB changes to elevation changes. We assess uncertainties within a Bayesian framework, estimating probability distributions for each gradient from which we present best estimates and credibility intervals (CI) that bound 95 % of the probability. Below the ELA our gradient estimates are mostly positive, because SMB usually increases with elevation: 0.56 (95 % CI:−0.22 to 1.33) kg m−3 a−1 for the north, and 1.91 (1.03 to 2.61) kg m −3 a−1 for the south. Above the ELA, the gradients are much smaller in magnitude: 0.09 (−0.03 to 0.23) kg m−3 a−1 in the north, and 0.07 ( −0.07 to 0.59) kg m−3 a−1 in the south, because SMB can either increase or decrease in response to increased elevation. Our statistically founded approach allows us to make probabilistic assessments for the effect of elevation feedback uncertainty on sea level projections ( Edwards et al. , 2014). Published by Copernicus Publications on behalf of the European Geosciences Union. 182 T. L. Edwards et al.: Greenland SMB–elevation feedback parameterisation
Decrease in glomerulonephritis and Th1-associated autoantibody production after progesterone treatment in NZB/NZW mice.

OBJECTIVE While estrogen treatment exacerbates disease in models of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the effects of progesterone are unclear. This study was undertaken to assess the effects of continuous progesterone treatment on autoantibody production and spontaneous glomerulonephritis (GN) in a mouse model of SLE. METHODS Female (NZBxNZW)F1 (NZB/NZW) mice were treated with vehicle, 2 mg of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), or 10 mg of DMPA every 6 weeks. Survival, proteinuria, and serum anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) levels were monitored. At 39 weeks of age, kidneys were analyzed for abnormalities and glomerular accumulation of IgG subclasses and C3. Spleen leukocyte subsets were also analyzed. RESULTS DMPA treatment reduced mortality in a dose-dependent manner in association with reduced proteinuria and glomerular damage. High-dose DMPA treatment resulted in a reduction of total serum IgG and IgG2a anti-dsDNA antibody levels, whereas IgG1 anti-dsDNA antibody levels were modestly increased. High-dose DMPA reduced glomerular accumulation of IgG1, IgG2a, IgG3, and complement, while low-dose DMPA decreased glomerular IgG2a and IgG3 levels compared with vehicle treatment. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that treatment of premorbid female NZB/NZW mice with DMPA reduces mortality and attenuates spontaneous GN, likely through multiple mechanisms, including altered ratios of protective Th2-related IgG antibodies versus nephritogenic Th1-related IgG autoantibodies. Thus, estrogen and progesterone may have disparate effects on lupus autoimmunity, lending new significance to observed hormonal imbalances in patients with SLE. These data also suggest that treatment of SLE patients with DMPA may have therapeutic benefit.
Three novel IGSF1 mutations in four Japanese patients with X-linked congenital central hypothyroidism.

CONTEXT Congenital central hypothyroidism (C-CH) is a rare disease. We investigated the molecular basis of unexplained C-CH in 4 Japanese boys. PATIENTS AND METHODS C-CH was diagnosed by low free T4 and/or T3 and low basal TSH concentrations. We used whole-exome sequencing of one patient with C-CH to identify potential disease-causing mutations. Thereafter, PCR direct sequencing was performed to Identify genetic defects underlying C-CH in 3 more patients. We then assessed the effects of mutations identified in the Ig superfamily, member 1 (IGSF1), gene on protein expression and membrane trafficking. RESULTS All patients had congenital hypothyroidism, and 2 had definitive prolactin deficiency. Two patients were detected by neonatal screening. The other patients were diagnosed by short stature and failure to thrive. We identified a novel nonsense variant in IGSF1 by whole-exome sequencing in patient 1, which was confirmed by PCR direct sequencing (p.R1189X). PCR direct sequencing identified the identical nonsense mutation in patient 2. Patients 3 and 4 harbored distinct missense (p.V1082E) or nonsense (p.Q645X) mutations in IGSF1. The mothers of patients 1, 3, and 4 were heterozygous for these mutations. The R1189X mutant, which lacks the transmembrane domain, failed to traffic to the plasma membrane. V1082E could be observed at the cell surface, but at greatly diminished levels relative to the wild-type form of the protein. The severely truncated Q645X mutant could not be detected by Western blot. CONCLUSION Our findings provide additional genetic evidence that loss-of-function mutations in IGSF1 cause an X-linked form of C-CH and variable prolactin deficiency.
The development and initiation of a stroke awareness campaign for ethnic minorities. A qualitative analysis of knowledge translation and utilization through social networks

2 Objectives . 2 Methods . 2 Results . 2 Conclusion . 2 Acknowledgements . 3 List of tables . 12 List of figures . 13 List of abbreviations. 15 Chapter
Export instability, corruption and how the former influences the latter

Cette these a pour objectif d'approfondir l'analyse des conditions d'emergence et d'incidence de la corruption dans le monde. Nous y soulignons une dimension importante mais jusque-la peu documentee des activites de corruption, a savoir, leur contribution aux strategies informelles d'adaptation et de gestion du risque mises en place par les agents economiques pour se proteger contre l'instabilite de leur revenu. Le premier chapitre propose un etat des lieux de la recherche sur les definitions, les mesures, les typologies et les determinants de la corruption. Dans le deuxieme chapitre, les methodes usuelles de calcul de l'instabilite macroeconomique sont expliquees, sont appliquees aux donnees sur les recettes d'exportation d'un echantillon de pays developpes et en developpement, et sont comparees entre elles. Le troisieme chapitre presente et analyse une base de donnees retrospectives sur l'Indice de Vulnerabilite Economique, refletant le risque pour un pays de voir son developpement entrave par des chocs naturels et des chocs d'exportations, que nous avons calculee pour un echantillon de 128 pays en developpement et couvrant la periode 1975-2008. Dans le quatrieme chapitre, nous analysons les effets de l'instabilite des exportations sur la corruption dans les pays developpes et en developpement. Ces effets sont decomposes en un effet ex post, resultant de l'experience des agents economiques de l'instabilite des exportations, et un effet ex ante, resultant de leur perception de cette derniere. Nous testons empiriquement ces effets sur des donnees de perceptions de la corruption et de pots-de-vin payes par les entreprises. Nous mettons en evidence des effets ex post et ex ante de l'instabilite robustes, significatifs et non lineaires, dont le signe depend de la frequence et de la taille des chocs d'exportations. Nos resultats suggerent que la contrainte de liquidite est un canal transmission presume de ces non linearites: lorsque la contrainte de liquidite est forte l'instabilite des exportations aggrave l'incidence la corruption, alors qu'elle la reduit lorsque cette contrainte se relâche. Ainsi, en l'absence d'Etat et de marches financiers capables d'attenuer les effets de l'instabilite sur les performances economiques et le bien-etre, il est probable que les agents economiques aient recours a la corruption pour se proteger contre les fluctuations economiques.
Loan Loss Provisioning and the Business Cycle: Does Capital Matter? Evidence from Philippine Banks

Using a comprehensive and unique database of Philippine financial intermediaries from 20012009, we examine how the bank capital position influences the management of loan-loss provisioning. The results show evidence of capital management through loan-loss provisioning. We also find a procyclical behavior of banks in loan loss provisioning but such a link is influenced in a non-linear way by bank capitalization: both low-capitalized and wellcapitalized banks provision by less (more) during an economic expansion (downturn).
Color Difference and Memory Recall in Free-Flying Honeybees: Forget the Hard Problem

Free-flying honeybees acquire color information differently depending upon whether a target color is learnt in isolation (absolute conditioning), or in relation to a perceptually similar color (differential conditioning). Absolute conditioning allows for rapid learning, but color discrimination is coarse. Differential conditioning requires more learning trials, but enables fine discriminations. Currently it is unknown whether differential conditioning to similar colors in honeybees forms a long-term memory, and the stability of memory in a biologically relevant scenario considering similar or saliently different color stimuli. Individual free-flying honeybees (N = 6) were trained to similar color stimuli separated by 0.06 hexagon units for 60 trials and mean accuracy was 81.7% ± 12.2% s.d. Bees retested on subsequent days showed a reduction in the number of correct choices with increasing time from the initial training, and for four of the bees this reduction was significant from chance expectation considering binomially distributed logistic regression models. In contrast, an independent group of 6 bees trained to saliently different colors (>0.14 hexagon units) did not experience any decay in memory retention with increasing time. This suggests that whilst the bees’ visual system can permit fine discriminations, flowers producing saliently different colors are more easily remembered by foraging bees over several days.
An effective spatial-temporal denoising approach for depth images

Image retrieval and computer vision rely heavily on noise removal and image hole padding to ensure the accurate rendering of images from depth cameras. Noise can undermine the accuracy of depth values, resulting in object occlusion and temporal variation in depth pixels. This paper proposes an efficacious approach to dealing with this problem based on an exemplar-based inpainting method for the removal of noise from object-removed images obtained using RGB-D cameras. The proposed method was also applied to the Tsukuba Stereo database, which provides 3D video with ground truth disparity maps. Experiment results were evaluated in terms of peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and computation time. Moreover, the self-recorded RGB-D depth images database was used to verify the corrections in spatial and temporal variation of depth values. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method by comparing the original occluded depth images with the images being processed.
Rapid modulation of long‐term depression and spinogenesis via synaptic estrogen receptors in hippocampal principal neurons

Rapid modulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity by estrogen has long been a hot topic, but analysis of molecular mechanisms via synaptic estrogen receptors has been seriously difficult. Here, two types of independent synaptic plasticity, long‐term depression (LTD) and spinogenesis, were investigated, in response to 17β‐estradiol and agonists of estrogen receptors using hippocampal slices from adult male rats. Multi‐electrode investigations demonstrated that estradiol rapidly enhanced LTD not only in CA1 but also in CA3 and dentate gyrus. Dendritic spine morphology analysis demonstrated that the density of thin type spines was selectively increased in CA1 pyramidal neurons within 2 h after application of 1 nm estradiol. This enhancement of spinogenesis was completely suppressed by mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitor. Only the estrogen receptor (ER) alpha agonist, (propyl‐pyrazole‐trinyl)tris‐phenol (PPT), induced the same enhancing effect as estradiol on both LTD and spinogenesis in the CA1. The ERbeta agonist, (4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐propionitrile (DPN), suppressed LTD and did not affect spinogenesis. Because the mode of synaptic modulations by estradiol was mostly the same as that by the ERalpha agonist, a search was made for synaptic ERalpha using purified RC‐19 antibody qualified using ERalpha knockout (KO) mice. Localization of ERalpha in spines of principal glutamatergic neurons was demonstrated using immunogold electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. ERalpha was also located in nuclei, cytoplasm and presynapses.
Information Disclosure and Bank Risk‐Taking Under a Partially Implicit Deposit Insurance System: Evidence from China

type="main" xml:lang="en"> This article examines the role of information disclosure on bank risk-taking behaviour in China. The study uses a game theory model to analyse the interaction mechanism between bank risk-taking behaviour and its information disclosure under China's partially implicit deposit insurance system. It is found that banks that are more likely to receive a government bailout when they are in trouble tend to take excessive risk. In addition, the implicit guarantee weakens the market-monitoring effect of information disclosure. Using data from 60 commercial banks in China, we find strong empirical support for our findings.