Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The XMM-Newton Wide-Field Survey in the COSMOS Field. III. Optical Identification and Multiwavelength Properties of a Large Sample of X-Ray-Selected Sources

We present the optical identification of a sample of 695 X-ray sources detected in the first 1.3 deg2 of the COSMOS XMM-Newton survey, down to a 0.5-2 keV (2-10 keV) limiting flux of ~10-15 erg cm-2 s-1 (~5 × 10-15 erg cm-2 s-1). In order to identify the correct optical counterparts and to assess the statistical significance of the X-ray-to-optical associations we have used the "likelihood ratio technique. " Here we present the identification method and its application to the CFHT I-band and photometric catalogs. We were able to associate a candidate optical counterpart to ~90% (626) of the X-ray sources, while for the remaining ~10% of the sources we were not able to provide a unique optical association due to the faintness of the possible optical counterparts (IAB > 25) or to the presence of multiple optical sources, with similar likelihoods of being the correct identification, within the XMM-Newton error circles. We also cross-correlated the candidate optical counterparts with the Subaru multicolor and ACS catalogs and with the Magellan/IMACS, zCOSMOS, and literature spectroscopic data; the spectroscopic sample comprises 248 objects (~40% of the full sample). Our analysis of this statistically meaningful sample of X-ray sources reveals that for ~80% of the counterparts there is a very good agreement between the spectroscopic classification, the morphological parameters as derived from ACS data, and the optical-to-near-infrared colors: the large majority of spectroscopically identified broad-line active galactic nuclei (BL AGNs) have a pointlike morphology on ACS data, blue optical colors in color-color diagrams, and an X-ray-to-optical flux ratio typical of optically selected quasars. Conversely, sources classified as narrow line AGNs or normal galaxies are on average associated with extended optical sources, have significantly redder optical-to-near-infrared colors, and span a larger range of X-ray-to-optical flux ratios. However, about 20% of the sources show an apparent mismatch between the morphological and spectroscopic classifications. All the "extended" BL AGNs lie at redshift <1.5, while the redshift distribution of the full BL AGN population peaks at z ~ 1.5. The most likely explanation is that in these objects the nuclear emission is not dominant with respect to the host galaxy emission in the observed ACS band. Our analysis also suggests that the type 2/type 1 ratio decreases toward high luminosities, in qualitative agreement with the results from X-ray spectral analysis and the most recent modeling of the X-ray luminosity function evolution.
Randomized clinical trial of standard laparoscopic versus robot‐assisted laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease

Robotic systems for minimally invasive surgery may be of added value during extensive dissection and suturing in confined spaces, such as laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF). The purpose of this trial was to compare standard LNF with robot‐assisted Nissen fundoplication (RNF).
Analyzing emitter dopant inhomogeneities at textured Si surfaces by using 3D process and device simulations in combination with SEM imaging

The lowering of the phosphorus dopant density in the emitter of Si solar cells is a current topic in the photovoltaic industry. In lowly-doped emitters, diffusion inhomogeneities between the tops of the pyramids and the valleys affect the saturation current density J0. We quantify diffusion inhomogeneities by means of 3D process simulations, and we evaluate J0 by means of 3D device simulations. Finally, we compare the simulated diffusion results with a 2D dopant-contrast analysis obtained with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Both methods show a deeper in-diffusion at the top of the pyramid and a shallower in-diffusion in the valley regions. Within the pyramidal faces, the diffusion is between both of these extreme points and comparable with in-diffusion at planar structures. The results of the device simulations indicate that the increase of J0 from planar to textured surfaces depends on the dopant profile and the surface passivation, but that a factor of about 5 is observed in our example, as is observed experimentally.
The impact of social media in Sri Lanka: issues and challenges in mental health

Several suicides were reported in Sri Lanka recently where there were sufficient reasons to believe that the deaths were the direct result of the victims’ engagement with social media. Suicides-and other mental health problems-precipitated or propagated by social media is a global issue and are by no means confined to Sri Lanka. Restricting access to social media is not an option. Such measures are usually counterproductive and authorities promptly announced that such a measure is not being contemplated. Since policing social media has not proven successful, an appropriate response would be to design technology that helps to identify suspicious online behaviours, promoting parental supervision of social media activity when indicated, encouraging users to report cyberbullying or sexually predatory behaviour and educating users, especially those in vulnerable age groups about inappropriate behaviour on social media. It is a process that needs to be set in motion urgently and efficiently instead of being relegated to the bottom of a priority list when news of the social media inspired suicides are swept away from the headlines. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.4038/sljpsyc.v5i1. 7049 SL J Psychiatry 2014; 5 (1): 1-2
A built-in-test scheme for evaluating the parameters of floating-gate MOS transistors

In this paper, analog multiplexers, biasing circuit, decoders, a 16-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) converter, and a 32-bit advanced reduced instruction set computer (RISC) machine are employed to achieve a built-in-test scheme for evaluating the parameters of several floating-gate MOS transistors (FGTs). The feedback technology is applied so the parameters of FGTs can be evaluated with good accuracy. The proposed scheme does not require any matched components, and thus, it can be applied effectively to evaluate the parameters of multiple FGTs. The sampling time for each FGT is estimated to be 4.8 ms. Examples of analog-circuit applications are addressed to emphasize the necessity of the proposed scheme. Dynamic responses and static characteristics are demonstrated with experimental results.
The (co-)occurrence of problematic video gaming, substance use, and psychosocial problems in adolescents

Abstract Aims: The current study explored the nature of problematic (addictive) video gaming (PVG) and the association with game type, psychosocial health, and substance use. Methods: Data were collected using a paper and pencil survey in the classroom setting. Three samples were aggregated to achieve a total sample of 8478 unique adolescents. Scales included measures of game use, game type, the Video game Addiction Test (VAT), depressive mood, negative self-esteem, loneliness, social anxiety, education performance, and use of cannabis, alcohol and nicotine (smoking). Results: Findings confirmed problematic gaming is most common amongst adolescent gamers who play multiplayer online games. Boys (60%) were more likely to play online games than girls (14%) and problematic gamers were more likely to be boys (5%) than girls (1%). High problematic gamers showed higher scores on depressive mood, loneliness, social anxiety, negative self-esteem, and self-reported lower school performance. Nicotine, alcohol, and cannabis using boys were almost twice more likely to report high PVG than non-users. Conclusions: It appears that online gaming in general is not necessarily associated with problems. However, problematic gamers do seem to play online games more often, and a small subgroup of gamers – specifically boys – showed lower psychosocial functioning and lower grades. Moreover, associations with alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis use are found. It would appear that problematic gaming is an undesirable problem for a small subgroup of gamers. The findings encourage further exploration of the role of psychoactive substance use in problematic gaming.
Nitric oxide inhibits the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activity.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a polypotent regulatory molecule involved in a variety of activities, such as the modulation of the catalytic activity of cysteine-containing enzymes. The present study reports the modulation of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activity by NO, released by the NO-donors 3, 3-bis(aminoethyl)-1-hydroxy-2-oxo-1-triazene (NOC-18), (+/-)-(E)-4-ethyl-2-[(E)-hydroxyimino]-5-nitro-3-hexenamide (NOR-3), 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), 4-(phenylsulfonyl)-3-((2-(dimethylamino) ethyl)thio)furoxan oxalate (SNO-102), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). NO inhibits dose-dependently the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activity, likely due to oxidation of Cys residue(s). Present results, representing a new insight into the modulation mechanism of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activity, may be relevant to develop new strategies for inhibition of HIV-1 replication.
The acquisition of contrast : a longitudinal investigation of initial s+plosive cluster development in Swedish children

This Thesis explores the development of word-initial s+plosive consonant clusters in the speech of Swedish children between the ages of 1;6 and 4;6. Development in the word-initial consonant clusters is viewed as being determined by 1) the children’s ability to articulate the target sequence of consonants, 2) the level of understanding of which acoustic features in the adult model production are significant for the signalling of the intended distinction, and 3) the children’s ability to apply established production patterns only to productions where the acquired feature agrees with the adult target, to achieve a contrast between rival output forms. This Thesis employs a method where output forms are contrasted with attempted productions of potential homonym target words. Thus, development is quantified as an increase in the manifestations of phonetic features where it agrees with the adult norm, coupled by a decrease in the same feature in output forms where it is inappropriate according to the specifications of the phonological system of the ambient language. Acoustic investigations of cues of voicing, aspiration, place of articulation and syllable onset complexity, and auditory investigations of place, manner and syllable onset complexity were conducted. The Thesis has four outcomes. One, a description of the perceptual quality of the productions in terms of place, manner, voicing and syllable onset complexity is presented. Two, a developmental sequence of stable acquisition of these features is proposed; manner is shown to be acquired first, followed by syllable onset complexity and place of articulation. Evidence is provided that the voiced/aspirated distinction is still being acquired at the end of the investigated age period. Three, the developmental use of acoustic cues of place and voicing are described. Voice Onset Time and Spectral Skewness are shown to be used by children in order to increase the likeness to the adult target in terms of voicing and place of articulation. Aspiration Amplitude is shown to be used as an auxiliary cue to Voice Onset Time. The place cues Spectral Tilt Change, F2, Spectral Mean and Spectral Variance were shown to be used in order to refine already produced consonants rather than approach the adult target model. Four, the Thesis provides evidence of periods of confusions in the output of children. With the reductions of these patterns of confusion, evidence is provided of children’s re-organisation of their internal representation of the consonant to be produced.
Simultaneous 4 gestures 6 DOF real-time two-hand tracking without any markers

In this paper we present a novel computer vision based handtracking method, which is capable of simultaneously tracking 6+4 degrees of freedom (DOFs) of each human hand in real-time (25 frames per second) with the help of 3 (or more) off-the-shelf consumer cameras. '6+4 DOF' means that the system can track the global pose (6 continuous parameters for translation and rotation) of 4 different gestures. Different studies discovered the need for two-handed interaction to enable an intuitive 3D Human-Computer-Interaction. Previously, using both hands as at least 6 DOF input devices involved the use of either datagloves or markers. Applying our two-hand-tracking we evaluated the use of both hands as input devices for two applications: fly-through exploration of a virtual world and a mesh editing application.
Bloggers and Deliberative Democracy in Indonesia's Blogosphere

The study of the relationship between the Internet and democracy has produced two main debates. Some studies have said that the Internet has significantly contributed to democracy while others disagree. This study challenged the thesis of Habermas (2006) about the relationship between the Internet and Deliberative Democracy. This study was built on the following propositions: that the Internet causes bloggers to become parasitic, fragmented, and isolated; that it is effective in breaking down authoritarian regimes to create an egalitarian relationship, but it fails as a deliberative medium. This study used the concept of the public sphere and Habermas’ Deliberative Democracy (2006). It also explored the use of 2.0 qualitative methods with a hacking analysis perspective. Moreover, it gained data from the Internet by using the latest version of 2.0 Web and a virtual community. It focused on both discursive and non-discursive construction. The results of this study support only one of Habermas’ three propositions: that the Internet creates egalitarianism. Thus, this study rejects Habermas’ thesis apart from this one proposition. Furthermore, this study recommends that further research be done using the same propositions but on Twitter instead of the Internet.
High Levels of Plasma Protein C in Nephrotic Syndrome

Summary In patients with severe nephrotic syndrome determinations of plasma protein C : Ag levels (8 patients: 5 adults, 3 children) and protein C activity (3 out of 8 patients) revealed significantly elevated plasma protein C concentrations. Furthermore we observed a significant inverse correlation of protein C : Ag to AT III : Ag levels. No protein C : Ag could be detected in the urine of two patients studied. We conclude from our data, that changes of plasma protein C do not contribute to the high thrombotic tendency in nephrotic syndrome.
Using information technology

A brief status report is presented on the technologies that are coming, the ways in which users plan to use them, and what is likely to happen as technologies and users meet in the workplace. It is predicted that the next few years will once again see more new technology than anyone can absorb, making it necessary to sort it out, select the useful pieces, and implement them in ways that are meaningful to organizations. <<ETX>>
Priming Media Stereotypes Reduces Support for Social Welfare Policies: The Mediating Role of Empathy

Two experiments involving White participants tested the influence of media-based priming of Black stereotypes on support for government policy that assisted Black versus White persons-in-need. Experiment 1 showed that priming the “Black criminal” stereotype through exposure to photographs of Blacks looting after Hurricane Katrina reduced policy support for Black evacuees-in-need but did not influence support responses toward White evacuees-in-need. Experiment 2 showed that priming the “promiscuous Black female” stereotype through exposure to sexual rap music reduced policy support for a Black pregnant woman-in-need but did not influence support responses toward a White pregnant woman-in-need. Further tests of mediated moderation demonstrated that in both experiments, the interactive influence of priming Black stereotypes and race of persons-in-need on policy support was mediated by empathic responding.
Mice Fed Rapamycin Have an Increase in Lifespan Associated with Major Changes in the Liver Transcriptome

Rapamycin was found to increase (11% to 16%) the lifespan of male and female C57BL/6J mice most likely by reducing the increase in the hazard for mortality (i.e., the rate of aging) term in the Gompertz mortality analysis. To identify the pathways that could be responsible for rapamycin's longevity effect, we analyzed the transcriptome of liver from 25-month-old male and female mice fed rapamycin starting at 4 months of age. Few changes (<300 transcripts) were observed in transcriptome of rapamycin-fed males; however, a large number of transcripts (>4,500) changed significantly in females. Using multidimensional scaling and heatmap analyses, the male mice fed rapamycin were found to segregate into two groups: one group that is almost identical to control males (Rapa-1) and a second group (Rapa-2) that shows a change in gene expression (>4,000 transcripts) with more than 60% of the genes shared with female mice fed Rapa. Using ingenuity pathway analysis, 13 pathways were significantly altered in both Rapa-2 males and rapamycin-fed females with mitochondrial function as the most significantly changed pathway. Our findings show that rapamycin has a major effect on the transcriptome and point to several pathways that would likely impact the longevity.
Donor Site Sequelae after Autologous Breast Reconstruction with an Extended Latissimus Dorsi Flap

&NA; The indications for autologous reconstruction are increasing. The standard procedure is the transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap; however, this flap has contraindications and drawbacks. The latissimus dorsi muscle flap is simple and reliable. Hokin et al. demonstrated in 1983 that this flap can be extended and used for breast reconstruction without an implant. Since then, it has been widely studied in this setting and is known to provide good aesthetic results. Dorsal sequelae, conversely, were not appraised. The aim of this study was to assess objective and subjective dorsal sequelae after the harvest of an extended flap. Forty‐three consecutive patients who had had breast reconstruction with an autologous latissimus dorsi flap were assessed by a surgeon and a physiotherapist for muscular strength and shoulder mobility. Patient opinion was studied through a questionnaire. Mean delay between the operation and the evaluation was 19 months. Early complications, mainly dorsal seromas, were frequent after the harvest of an extended flap (72 percent). There was no late morbidity and, especially, no flap loss or partial necrosis. As for functional results, 37 percent of the patients had complete adjustment and 70 to 87 percent demonstrated no change in shoulder strength. Sixty percent of the patients experienced no limitation in everyday life, and 90 percent said they would undergo this procedure again. The authors show that dorsal sequelae after an extended latissimus dorsi flap are minimal and that this technique compares favorably with the transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 109: 1904, 2002.)
Numerical metrics for automated quantification of interstitial cell of Cajal network structural properties

Depletion of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) networks is known to occur in several gastrointestinal motility disorders. Although confocal microscopy can effectively image and visualize the spatial distribution of ICC networks, current descriptors of ICC depletion are limited to cell numbers and volume computations. Spatial changes in ICC network structural properties have not been quantified. Given that ICC generate electrical signals, the organization of a network may also affect physiology. In this study, six numerical metrics were formulated to automatically determine complex ICC network structural properties from confocal images: density, thickness, hole size, contact ratio, connectivity and anisotropy. These metrics were validated and applied in proof-of-concept studies to quantitatively determine jejunal ICC network changes in mouse models with decreased (5-HT2B receptor knockout (KO)) and normal (Ano1 KO) ICC numbers, and during post-natal network maturation. Results revealed a novel remodelling phenomenon occurring during ICC depletion, namely a spatial rearrangement of ICC and the preferential longitudinal alignment. In the post-natal networks, an apparent pruning of the ICC network was demonstrated. The metrics developed here enabled the first detailed quantitative analyses of structural changes that may occur in ICC networks during depletion and development.
Modeling Complex Current Waves of a Sural Nerve after Electric Stimulation in case of a Thin Myelin Sheath

A nerve conduction test checks whether the function of a nerve to conduct action potentials is normal or not by measuring compound action potential on the skin. In some neuropathies, a decrease in the thickness of the myelin sheath is observed. This is considered to be a cause of any delay or decay of the conduction of compound action potentials. However degenerated nerves include those with missing nerve fibers, which also decreases the velocity and amplitude of the potential. To investigate the effect of myelin sheath exfoliation, the compound action current was defined as modeling the source of compound action potentials, which are constructed as a complex of axonal currents of each nerve fiber inside a nerve. As a result, the thickness of the nerve fiber contributed to slowing the velocity of the current wave; however, the amplitude of the wave did not always decrease.
Elevated levels of C‐reactive protein are associated with impaired coronary collateral development

Background In vitro studies have shown that C‐reactive protein (CRP) attenuates nitric oxide production and inhibits angiogenesis, which may result in impaired collateral development. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between high sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) levels and the extent of coronary collaterals.