Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A SPITZER/IRS SPECTRUM OF THE 2008 LUMINOUS TRANSIENT IN NGC 300: CONNECTION TO PROTO-PLANETARY NEBULAE

We present a Spitzer/IRS low-resolution mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectrum (5–14 μm) of the luminous transient discovered in the nearby galaxy NGC 300 in 2008 May. This transient had peak luminosity MV ≃ −13, showed an optical spectrum dominated by relatively narrow Balmer and Ca ii lines in emission, and its progenitor was identified in pre-explosion images as a dust-enshrouded ∼10 M☉ star, characteristics that make it a twin of SN 2008S. The Spitzer spectrum, obtained three months after discovery, shows that the transient is very luminous in the mid-IR. Furthermore, the spectrum shows strong, broad emission features at 8 μm and 12 μm that are observed in Galactic carbon-rich proto-planetary nebulae. Combining these data with published optical and near-IR photometry obtained at the same epoch, we find that the mid-IR excess traced by the Spitzer spectrum accounts for ∼20% of the total energy output. This component can be well explained by emission from ∼3 × 10−4 M☉ of pre-existing progenitor dust at temperature T ∼ 400 K. The spectral energy distribution of the transient also shows a near-IR excess that can be explained by emission from newly formed dust in the ejecta. Alternatively, both the near-IR and mid-IR excesses can together be explained by a single pre-existing geometrically thick dust shell. In light of the new observations obtained with Spitzer, we revisit the analysis of the optical spectra and kinematics, which were compared to the massive yellow-hypergiant IRC+10420 in previous studies. We show that proto-planetary nebulae share many properties with the NGC 300 transient and SN 2008S. We conclude that even though the explosion of a massive star (M ≳ 10 M☉) cannot be ruled out, an explosive event on a massive (M ∼ 6–10 M☉) carbon-rich AGB/super-AGB or post-AGB star is consistent with all observations of the transients and their progenitors presented thus far.
Familial confounding of the association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring substance use and problems.

CONTEXT Previous epidemiological, animal, and human cognitive neuroscience research suggests that maternal smoking during pregnancy (SDP) causes increased risk of substance use/problems in offspring. OBJECTIVE To determine the extent to which the association between SDP and offspring substance use/problems depends on confounded familial background factors by using a quasi-experimental design. DESIGN We used 2 separate samples from the United States and Sweden. The analyses prospectively predicted multiple indices of substance use and problems while controlling for statistical covariates and comparing differentially exposed siblings to minimize confounding. SETTING Offspring of a representative sample of women in the United States (sample 1) and the total Swedish population born during the period from January 1, 1983, to December 31, 1995 (sample 2). PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Adolescent offspring of the women in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (n = 6904) and all offspring born in Sweden during the 13-year period (n = 1,187,360). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Self-reported adolescent alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use and early onset (before 14 years of age) of each substance (sample 1) and substance-related convictions and hospitalizations for an alcohol- or other drug-related problem (sample 2). RESULTS The same pattern emerged for each index of substance use/problems across the 2 samples. At the population level, maternal SDP predicted every measure of offspring substance use/problems in both samples, ranging from adolescent alcohol use (hazard ratio [HR](moderate), 1.32 [95% CI, 1.22-1.43]; HR(high), 1.33 [1.17-1.53]) to a narcotics-related conviction (HR(moderate), 2.23 [2.14-2.31]; HR(high), 2.97 [2.86-3.09]). When comparing differentially exposed siblings to minimize genetic and environmental confounds, however, the association between SDP and each measure of substance use/problems was minimal and not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The association between maternal SDP and offspring substance use/problems is likely due to familial background factors, not a causal influence, because siblings have similar rates of substance use and problems regardless of their specific exposure to SDP.
Emotional Well-Being Factors Associated with Sexual Dysfunction in Adults with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes: Results from Diabetes MILES—Australia

Abstract Objective: Diabetes is a chronic health condition that requires daily self-management activities to prevent or delay the onset of serious long-term complications. The two main types of diabetes are Type 1 (T1D) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Although both differ in their etiology, they share similar challenges of self-management of blood glucose levels, which, if are persistently high over time can lead to serious long-term complications. Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common complication of both types of diabetes and affects both men and women. Although the physical aspects of SD are established, less is known about the emotional factors that may also impact SD in adults with diabetes. This study explored the emotional well-being factors associated with SD among 3,338 men and women with T1D and T2D. Methods: The relationships between self-reported SD and depressive and anxiety symptoms, and diabetes-specific distress, were examined using logistic regression modelling. Results: SD was associated with depressive symptoms (all sub-groups), anxiety (men/T2D; women/T1D/T2D), and diabetes-specific distress (women/T1D/T2D). Diabetes-specific distress was significantly higher in those with T2D who believed their SD was caused by their diabetes. Conclusions: SD impacts both men and women with T1D/T2D and is associated with emotional distress. Evaluation of SD and emotional problems should form part of routine clinical assessment.
Habitat Fragmentation and Ecological Traits Influence the Prevalence of Avian Blood Parasites in a Tropical Rainforest Landscape

In the tropical rainforests of northern Australia, we investigated the effects of habitat fragmentation and ecological parameters on the prevalence of blood-borne parasites (Plasmodium and Haemoproteus) in bird communities. Using mist-nets on forest edges and interiors, we sampled bird communities across six study sites: 3 large fragments (20–85 ha) and 3 continuous-forest sites. From 335 mist-net captures, we recorded 28 bird species and screened 299 bird samples with PCR to amplify and detect target DNA. Of the 28 bird species sampled, 19 were infected with Plasmodium and/or Haemoproteus and 9 species were without infection. Over one third of screened birds (99 individuals) were positive for Haemoproteus and/or Plasmodium. In forest fragments, bird capture rates were significantly higher than in continuous forests, but bird species richness did not differ. Unexpectedly, we found that the prevalence of the dominant haemosporidian infection, Haemoproteus, was significantly higher in continuous forest than in habitat fragments. Further, we found that ecological traits such as diet, foraging height, habitat specialisation and distributional ranges were significantly associated with blood-borne infections.
Learning about sex and relationships among migrant and refugee young people in Sydney, Australia: ‘I never got the talk about the birds and the bees’

Abstract In a multicultural nation such as Australia, it is important for young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds to have access to quality relationships and sexuality education, as they are known to be less well engaged with mainstream services. A study was undertaken to explore the complexities and opportunities for engaging this group with sexual and reproductive health information and care in Sydney, Australia. Interviews were undertaken with 27 migrant and refugee young people (aged 16–24 years), and 34 expert informants. Relationships and sexuality education was a dominant theme throughout both data sets. Nearly all young people reported that they were unable to discuss sexuality or sexual health with their parents, and most identified secondary school as the place where they first learned about these issues. Other sources of information were identified as the Internet, friends, health professionals and pornography. Participants appeared to have limited awareness of the different services available to them. Schools, as well as other education settings such as universities, private colleges and intensive English centres, are well placed to deliver relationships and sexuality education, and for migrant and refugee young people these may be valuable settings in which to access information rarely discussed in family or community environments.
Temporal Dissection of Rate Limiting Transcriptional Events Using Pol II ChIP and RNA Analysis of Adrenergic Stress Gene Activation

In mammals, increasing evidence supports mechanisms of co-transcriptional gene regulation and the generality of genetic control subsequent to RNA polymerase II (Pol II) recruitment. In this report, we use Pol II Chromatin Immunoprecipitation to investigate relationships between the mechanistic events controlling immediate early gene (IEG) activation following stimulation of the α1a-Adrenergic Receptor expressed in rat-1 fibroblasts. We validate our Pol II ChIP assay by comparison to major transcriptional events assessable by microarray and PCR analysis of precursor and mature mRNA. Temporal analysis of Pol II density suggests that reduced proximal pausing often enhances gene expression and was essential for Nr4a3 expression. Nevertheless, for Nr4a3 and several other genes, proximal pausing delayed the time required for initiation of productive elongation, consistent with a role in ensuring transcriptional fidelity. Arrival of Pol II at the 3’ cleavage site usually correlated with increased polyadenylated mRNA; however, for Nfil3 and probably Gprc5a expression was delayed and accompanied by apparent pre-mRNA degradation. Intragenic pausing not associated with polyadenylation was also found to regulate and delay Gprc5a expression. Temporal analysis of Nr4a3, Dusp5 and Nfil3 shows that transcription of native IEG genes can proceed at velocities of 3.5 to 4 kilobases/min immediately after activation. Of note, all of the genes studied here also used increased Pol II recruitment as an important regulator of expression. Nevertheless, the generality of co-transcriptional regulation during IEG activation suggests temporal and integrated analysis will often be necessary to distinguish causative from potential rate limiting mechanisms.
Wideband Measurements in Newborns: Relationship to Otoscopic Findings

iii Resume v Acknowledgments viii List of figures ix List of tables x List of abbreviations xi Chapter 1: Introduction 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Outline 6 Chapter 2: Anatomy of the Ear 7 2.1 Overview 7 2.2 Pinna 9 2.3 External Ear Canal 9 2.4 Tympanic Membrane 11 2.5 Ossicles 13 2.6 Middle-Ear Cavity and Eustachian Tube 15 Chapter 3: Newborn Hearing Screening 16 3.1 Basic Principles 16 3.2 Otoacoustic Emission 17 3.3 Auditory Brainstem Response 19 3.4 Tympanometry 21 3.4.1 226-Hz Tympanometry in Newborns 25 3.4.2 1-kHz Tympanometry in Newborns 26 3.5 Wideband Reflectance 27 Chapter 4: Materials and Methods 30 4.1 Subjects 30 4.2 Instruments 31 4.2.1 Otoscopy 31 4.2.2 Wideband Measurement System 31
Free-Radical Scavenging Properties and Reducing Power of Grape Cane Extracts from 11 Selected Grape Cultivars Widely Grown in China

Total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), related antioxidative and antiradical capabilities of grape cane extracts from 11 varieties (five V. vinifera cultivars and six Chinese wild grapes) widely grown in China were evaluated. Antioxidant properties were determined as DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging abilities, superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays, as well as reducing power. Phenolic profiles of the extracts were characterized by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques. All extracts exhibited strong antioxidant and effective free radical inhibition activities (EC50 values), which generally correlated negatively with TPC (r = −0.804 to −0.918) and TFC (r = −0.749 to −0.888). In comparison with gallic acid, Trolox and tert-butylhydroquinone (positive controls), most grape cane extracts showed more efficient scavenging effects toward different reactive oxygen species. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of (+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin, and trans-resveratrol as major phenolic components in the extracts. These results suggest that grape cane extracts may serve as a potential source of natural antioxidant for food and pharmaceutical application.
When lisp is faster than C

This paper compares the performance of the program evaluation phase of genetic programming using C and Common Lisp. A simple experiment is conducted, and the conclusion is that genetic programming implemented in Common Lisp using on-the-fly compilation of the evolved programs can be faster than an implementation in C, also when the compilation time is taken into consideration. The deciding factor is the number of times that each evolved program is evaluated.
Narrative Representation Theory: Identifying the human language with superstructure

Narrative Representation Theory (NRT), an evolved framework of Verse Analysis, has come into existence with the mission of explaining the operation of macro-systemic structure that could be hardwired in the brain. Based on the analyses of creoles or archetypal human languages, the theory puts forward the premise stating that the fundamental design of the human language faculty possesses the computational system for internalized discourse. The theory preserves the principles of Quint-patterning, Idea-formatting, N-ary-branching and X-numbering, complying respectively with the hierarchical orderings of constituency, the atomic elements of componentiality, the linear sequences of precedence and the specific measurement of terminal nodes. NRT tells that the macro-system of narrative superstructure must have emerged autonomously, yet links closely with the micro-system of phonology, morphology and syntax. This article explores for the first time scientific insights into the nature of human language, referring to recent research on the right cerebrum as well as on the prefrontal lobes of the brain, the relationship between mental disorders and their genetic deficiencies, and the investigations of human evolution during the period 200,000–40,000 years BP. All the converging evidence in biological sciences reinforces the hypothesis that the narrative superstructure of language faculty manifests as an inherent linguistic capacity in our mind.
High Expression of Wee1 Is Associated with Poor Disease-Free Survival in Malignant Melanoma: Potential for Targeted Therapy

Notoriously resistant malignant melanoma is one of the most increasing forms of cancer worldwide; there is thus a precarious need for new treatment options. The Wee1 kinase is a major regulator of the G2/M checkpoint, and halts the cell cycle by adding a negative phosphorylation on CDK1 (Tyr15). Additionally, Wee1 has a function in safeguarding the genome integrity during DNA synthesis. To assess the role of Wee1 in development and progression of malignant melanoma we examined its expression in a panel of paraffin-embedded patient derived tissue of benign nevi and primary- and metastatic melanomas, as well as in agarose-embedded cultured melanocytes. We found that Wee1 expression increased in the direction of malignancy, and showed a strong, positive correlation with known biomarkers involved in cell cycle regulation: Cyclin A (p<0.0001), Ki67 (p<0.0001), Cyclin D3 (p = 0.001), p21Cip1/WAF1 (p = 0.003), p53 (p = 0.025). Furthermore, high Wee1 expression was associated with thicker primary tumors (p = 0.001), ulceration (p = 0.005) and poor disease-free survival (p = 0.008). Transfections using siWee1 in metastatic melanoma cell lines; WM239WTp53, WM45.1MUTp53 and LOXWTp53, further support our hypothesis of a tumor promoting role of Wee1 in melanomas. Whereas no effect was observed in LOX cells, transfection with siWee1 led to accumulation of cells in G1/S and S phase of the cell cycle in WM239 and WM45.1 cells, respectively. Both latter cell lines displayed DNA damage and induction of apoptosis, in the absence of Wee1, indicating that the effect of silencing Wee1 may not be solely dependent of the p53 status of the cells. Together these results reveal the importance of Wee1 as a prognostic biomarker in melanomas, and indicate a potential role for targeted therapy, alone or in combination with other agents.
Ultrasonography in Diagnosis of Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Reliability of Novel Ultrasonic Indexes of Upper Trapezius Muscle.

BACKGROUND Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common non-articular musculoskeletal disorder. It is characterized by local and referred pain due to the presence of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). MTrPs most commonly involve the upper trapezius muscle and can be visualized using ultrasound imaging. This study was designed to determine the inter-rater reliability of some new ultrasonographic indices of the upper trapezius muscle and the sensitivity and specificity of 2D ultrasound imaging in the diagnosis of MPS. MATERIALS AND METHODS This semi-experimental study enrolled 15 participants of both genders (mean age: 40.60 ± 5.74 years) with suspected symptoms of MPS. In the first step of the study, the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography for diagnosis of MPS was determined in a double blind manner. In the second step, some ultrasonographic measurements, such as muscle thickness, area of MTrPs in longitudinal view, echogenicity of MTrPs in longitudinal view, echogenicity of muscle with MTrPs in longitudinal and transverse views, and the pennation angle of the upper trapezius muscle were measured twice and their reliability was determined using the value of the mean of the two measurements. RESULTS The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonographic diagnosis were 91% and 75%, respectively. The inter-rater reliability of upper trapezius muscle thickness, pennation angle, area of MTrPs, echogenicity of active MTrPs in longitudinal view, echogenicity of muscle with MTrPs in transverse view and echogenicity of muscle with MTrPs in longitudinal view were 0.91, 0.96, 0.93, 0.83, 0.93, and 0.91, respectively. CONCLUSIONS 1. Our findings indicated that ultrasonography is a useful method for the diagnosis of MPS owing to its high sensitivity. 2. Appropriate reliability of the quantitative ultrasonographic indices of interest, especially the area of MTrPs and their echogenicity, could be useful for long-term monitoring and designing interventional studies for better management of the syndrome.
USE OF PACLOBUTRAZOL TO CONTROL VEGETATIVE GROWTH AND IMPROVE FRUITING EFFICIENCY OF GRAPEVINES (Vitis vinifera L.)

Summary. Grapevines, characterized by intensive vegetative growth, were treated once or twice with paclobutrazol in concentrations of 1% and 0.1% at the time of bud bursting, two weeks before anthesis and at the time of anthesis. It was found that shoot growth was considerably inhibited and for the first time it was proved that the inhibition of growth differed, depending on the origin of shoots, and that the treatment at the time when the buds were bursting had a positive effect on grapevine productiveness. The effect of paclobutrazol was most obvious in shoots originating from dormant buds and to a lesser extent from trunks. The yield of grapes increased as a result of twice repeated grapevine treatment at the time the buds were bursting and two weeks before anthesis. This treatment did not produce a negative effect on grapevine productivity in the following year. Appllication of paclobutrazol in two consecutive years increased the quantity of grapes as a result of only spraying the grapevines at the time of bud bursting and before bloom. Sugar and acids contants in the grapes from the various treatments did not differ significantly. A negative effect on yield was observed in case the treatment was made at the time of blooming.
On right-wing movements, spheres, and resonances: an interview with Ben Anderson and Rainer Mühlhoff

ABSTRACT This interview began in Hamburg and Berlin and continued virtually, as an active email exchange, between November 2017 and April 2018. Our conversation was sparked by the recent and ongoing turn to the right in global politics. It departs from exploring ‘affective modes of inquiry’, which our interview partners have applied in recent articles. We then move on to discuss the events of Brexit in the UK and the return of the far right to German Parliament in 2017, as well as recent terms such as ‘techlash’ and ‘fake news’. Against this background, we tackle the core concern of this special issue by asking for the locations of affect in the concepts of ‘affective resonance’ and ‘(atmo)spheres’. Finally, we ponder the potential of ‘affective counterpolitics’ and the challenges this brings for an academic engagement with realpolitik.
Factor analytical modeling of C2–C7 hydrocarbon sources at an urban background site in Zurich (Switzerland): changes between 1993–1994 and 2005–2006

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés. Factor analytical modeling of C2? C7 hydrocarbon sources at an urban background site in Zurich (Switzerland): changes between 1993? 1994 and 2005? 2006 V. A. Lanz, B. Buchmann, C. Hueglin, R. Locher, S. Reimann, J. Staehelin
Spike Timing-Dependent Synaptic Depression in the In Vivo Barrel Cortex of the Rat

Spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) is a computationally powerful form of plasticity in which synapses are strengthened or weakened according to the temporal order and precise millisecond-scale delay between presynaptic and postsynaptic spiking activity. STDP is readily observed in vitro, but evidence for STDP in vivo is scarce. Here, we studied spike timing-dependent synaptic depression in single putative pyramidal neurons of the rat primary somatosensory cortex (S1) in vivo, using two techniques. First, we recorded extracellularly from layer 2/3 (L2/3) and L5 neurons, and paired spontaneous action potentials (postsynaptic spikes) with subsequent subthreshold deflection of one whisker (to drive presynaptic afferents to the recorded neuron) to produce “post-leading-pre” spike pairings at known delays. Short delay pairings (<17 ms) resulted in a significant decrease of the extracellular spiking response specific to the paired whisker, consistent with spike timing-dependent synaptic depression. Second, in whole-cell recordings from neurons in L2/3, we paired postsynaptic spikes elicited by direct-current injection with subthreshold whisker deflection to drive presynaptic afferents to the recorded neuron at precise temporal delays. Post-leading-pre pairing (<33 ms delay) decreased the slope and amplitude of the PSP evoked by the paired whisker, whereas “pre-leading-post” delays failed to produce depression, and sometimes produced potentiation of whisker-evoked PSPs. These results demonstrate that spike timing-dependent synaptic depression occurs in S1 in vivo, and is therefore a plausible plasticity mechanism in the sensory cortex.