Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Imaging and Spectroscopic Survey of Galaxies within Prominent Nearby Voids. I. The Sample and Luminosity Distribution

We study the optical properties of a large sample of galaxies in low-density regions of the nearby universe. We make a 5 h-1 Mpc smoothed map of the galaxy density throughout the Center for Astrophysics Redshift Survey (CfA2) to identify galaxies within three prominent nearby "voids" with diameter ≳ 30 h-1 Mpc. We augment the CfA2 void galaxy sample with fainter galaxies found in the same regions from the more recent and deeper Century and Redshift surveys . We obtain B and R CCD images and high signal-to-noise long-slit spectra for the resulting sample of 149 void galaxies, as well as for an additional 131 galaxies on the periphery of these voids. Here we describe the photometry for the sample, including B isophotal magnitudes and B-R colors. For the 149 galaxies that lie in regions below the mean survey density, the luminosity functions in B and R are well fit by Schechter functions with respective parameters (αB = -0.5 ± 0.3, B* = -18.9 ± 0.2) and (αR = -0.9 ± 0.3, R* = -20.4 ± 0.3). The B luminosity function (LF) is consistent with typical survey LFs (e.g., the Southern Sky Redshift Survey), and the R LF is consistent with the Century Survey. The B and R LFs of 131 galaxies in the "void periphery"—regions between the mean density and twice the mean—have similar Schechter parameters. The CfA2 LF is inconsistent with both samples at the 3.5 σ level. When we narrow our analysis to the 46 galaxies in regions below half the mean density, the LF is significantly steeper: α ∼ -1.4 ± 0.5. The typical survey LFs are inconsistent with this subsample at the ∼2 σ level. The B-R color distribution of galaxies in the lowest density regions is also shifted significantly (∼3 σ) blueward of the higher density samples. The most luminous red galaxies (R ≲ -21) are absent from the lowest density regions at the 2.5 σ level.
C R ] 2 8 M ay 2 00 4 Resisting Attrition Attacks on a Peer-to-Peer System

Peer-to-peer systems are vulnerable to a trition attacks that include both traditional, network-level denial of ser vice attacks as well as application-level attacks in which malign peers conspire to waste loyal peers’ resources. We describe a set of defenses for the LOCKSS digital preservation system that help ensure that applicationlevel attacks even from powerful adversaries are less effective than network-level attacks, and that network-leve l attacks must be intense, wide-spread, and prolonged to impair the system.
Wavelet Domain Based Saliency Map Computation and Evaluation Using Novel Quadrant Based Approach

Saliency map is an important and very useful representation of visually important parts of the image. It highlights the salient parts of the image by limiting the visual information coming to the human visual system (HVS). Many models have been proposed in the literature for computing the saliency maps. All of them are having their own pros and cons. No model is perfect. But it has been analyzed that instead of looking for perfect saliency model one should use the concept of multiple models each having its own advantages. From the entire available models one should choose the saliency model which is most appropriate for the application under scan. Further rather than going for high contrast or full resolution saliency maps one should go for saliency maps with acceptable resolution, giving well defined boundaries and highlighting bigger as well as smaller objects of importance. This is because saliency maps generated are generally not the final output to evaluate, rather the application, for which computed saliency map has to be used, is being evaluated. So increasing the performance of application should be more emphasized rather improving the visual quality of saliency map. Keeping this concept in mind we have proposed wavelet domain based saliency using all four components of wavelet decomposing. All four components have been used to ensure that all visually important objects, whether small or large, are highlighted with acceptable resolution. Finally this work has been evaluated on various parameters and it has been found that proposed method is good for saliency detection as compared to other state-of-art methods. An evaluation method for measuring effectiveness of the method for locating true salient region has also been proposed in this work.
Effects of Kalsis, A Dietary Supplement, on Bone Metabolism in the Ovariectomized Rats

We studied the ability of Kalsis, a food supplement that contains selenium, citric acid, and vitamin E, to prevent the effects of ovariectomy on bone loss. Six-month-old, Wistar female rats were studied. Groups (n = 12): SHAM: sham-operated rats; OVX: ovariectomized rats, treated with vehicle; OVX + Kalsis: ovariectomized rats treated with Kalsis (25 mg/kg/day) for 3 months. Bone mineral density (BMD) was determined by DXA in lumbar spine and femur. Computerized microtomography (μCT) in femur and serum osteocalcin (BGP), aminoterminal propeptide of procollagen I (PINP), β-isomer of carboxyterminal telopeptide of collagen I (CTX), and 5b isoenzyme of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) were performed. Treatment with Kalsis prevented BMD loss in OVX group. μCT showed a decrease in BV/TV, and trabecular number, and an increase in trabecular separation in OVX rats. Kalsis administration attenuated partially bone loss observed by μCT due to ovariectomy. BGP, PINP, and the resorption index (CTX/TRAP) were increased in OVX group. Treatment with Kalsis maintained this increase. The mechanism of action of this supplement is not through a decrease in bone remodelling rate. The antioxidant action of this food supplement, due to the synergism of all its components, as a cause of its beneficial effect is suggested.
A Comparative Study of Prevalence of RTI/STI Symptoms and Treatment Seeking Behaviour among the Married Women in Urban and Rural Areas of Delhi

Background. In developing countries, women are at high risk for several reproductive health problems especially RTI/STIs. Since all RTIs/ STIs are preventable and most of them are curable, it is pertinent to study the determinants of the health seeking behaviour. Objectives. To compare the prevalence and treatment seeking behaviour about RTI/STI symptoms among the married women of reproductive age group (18–45 years) living in urban and rural area of Delhi. Methods. A cross-sectional study was done among the married women of reproductive age group residing in Pooth Khurd, a village in North West district of Delhi, and Delhi Gate, an urban locality situated in central Delhi. Results. In this study, the prevalence of RTI/STI symptoms was found to be similar in both urban (42.3%) and rural area (42%). In urban area, 73% sought treatment, while in rural area only 45.6% sought treatment. Prevalence of the symptoms was found to be higher among the study subjects who were not using any contraceptive method, had history of abortion, and were with lower educational status, in both urban and rural areas. Treatment seeking behaviour was significantly higher among the educated women, contraceptive users, and older age group women in both rural and urban area.
Hypothalamic Leptin Receptor and Signaling Molecule Expressions in Cafeteria Diet-Fed Rats

Although obesity is associated with a state of leptin resistance, it has been suggested that leptin may contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity-related hypertension. In previous studies, we reported that cafeteria diet feeding induces hyperleptinaemia and hyperinsulinemia in both male and female rats, with hypertension occurring only in male rats. However, when female rats were neonatally treated with testosterone (T), these animals develop hypertension when fed the cafeteria diet. These observations led us to investigate leptin signaling and some neuropeptides that are leptin targets in the hypothalamus of male, intact female, and T-treated female cafeteria diet-fed rats. A decrease in the hypothalamic leptin receptors (Ob-Ra and Ob-Rb) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA was observed only in male hypertensive cafeteria diet-fed rats. Although no alterations in Ob-R occurred in both groups of female cafeteria diet-fed rats, the hyperleptinaemic state of these animals had no influence on POMC mRNA levels. In intact female rats, expression of the suppressors of cytokines signaling SOCS-1, SOCS-2, SOCS-3, and cytokine inhibitor signaling were unaltered, whereas in T-treated females SOCS-3 was overexpressed. Finally SOCS-1 mRNA level was increased only in male rats. Because hyperinsulinemia was reported to counteract the leptin-induced stimulation of the sympathetic tone and because SOCS-1 and -3 are potential inhibitors of insulin signaling, our results suggest that the hypothalamic overexpression of SOCS-1 or SOCS-3 found in male or T-treated female rats after cafeteria diet feeding could block the negative influence of the hyperinsulinemia on the central pressor action of leptin, thereby contributing to their hypertensive state.
Social influence in small groups: An interactive model of social identity formation

The present paper tries to overcome the dualism of group-level vs. individualistic analysis of small group processes, by presenting a model of social identity formation that incorporates factors at both levels of analysis as well as their interaction. On the basis of prior theorising in the social identity tradition and a programme of research spanning several interactive group research paradigms, we suggest that within small groups a social identity can operate as a contextual given, which shapes the behaviour of individuals within the group, as much as the behaviour of individuals within the group can shape social identity. This proposal is supported by a programme of research into social influence within small interactive groups. This research explores deductive (top-down) processes through which existing identities influence group processes, but also shows a reciprocal influence through which intragroup discussion creates a sense of group identity in the apparent absence of any direct intergroup comparison (an inductive, or bottom-up, path). It is the interaction between these two forces that we believe is characteristic of the way in which small groups achieve a sense of social identity. Supporting this view, we describe research that suggests that processes of identity formation play a key role in decision making, productive collaboration, consensualisation, integrative negotiations, and the development of shared cognition.
Definition of Eight Mulberry Species in the Genus Morus by Internal Transcribed Spacer-Based Phylogeny

Mulberry, belonging to the order Rosales, family Moraceae, and genus Morus, has received attention because of both its economic and medicinal value, as well as for its important ecological function. The genus Morus has a worldwide distribution, however, its taxonomy remains complex and disputed. Many studies have attempted to classify Morus species, resulting in varied numbers of designated Morus spp. To address this issue, we used information from internal transcribed spacer (ITS) genetic sequences to study the taxonomy of all the members of generally accepted genus Morus. We found that intraspecific 5.8S rRNA sequences were identical but that interspecific 5.8S sequences were diverse. M. alba and M. notabilis showed the shortest (215 bp) and the longest (233 bp) ITS1 sequence length, respectively. With the completion of the mulberry genome, we could identify single nucleotide polymorphisms within the ITS locus in the M. notabilis genome. From reconstruction of a phylogenetic tree based on the complete ITS data, we propose that the Morus genus should be classified into eight species, including M. alba, M. nigra, M. notabilis, M. serrata, M. celtidifolia, M. insignis, M. rubra, and M. mesozygia. Furthermore, the classification of the ITS sequences of known interspecific hybrid clones into both paternal and maternal clades indicated that ITS variation was sufficient to distinguish interspecific hybrids in the genus Morus.
Comparative Data Mining for Microarrays : A Case Study Based on Multiple Myeloma

Michael Waddell Dept. of Computer Sciences & Dept. of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics University of Wisconsin Madison, WI 53706 Johanna Hardin Southwest Oncology Group Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Seattle, WA 98109 Bart Barlogie Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock, AR 72205 John Shaughnessy, Jr. Lambert Laboratory of Myeloma Genetics University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock, AR 72205
Rilkean Memories and the Self of a Robot

This paper discusses the concept of Rilkean memories, recently introduced by Mark Rowlands, to analyze the complex intermix of hardware and software related to the self of a robot. The Rilkean memory of an event is related to the trace of that episode left in the body of the individual. It transforms the act of remembering into behavioral and bodily dispositions, thus generating the peculiar behavioral style of the individual, which is at the basis of her autobiographical self. In the case of long-life operating robots, a similar process occurs: the software of the robot has to cope with the changes that happened in the body of the robot because of damaging events in its operational life. Thus, the robot, in compensating the damages of its body, acquires a particular behavioral style. The concept of Rilkean memory is essential in self-adapting robotics technologies where human intervention on a robot is not possible, and the robot must cope with its faults, and also in applications concerning green robotics.
Acute Hemodynamic Effects of Octreotide and Terlipressin in Patients with Cirrhosis: A Randomized Comparison

BACKGROUND:Octreotide and terlipressin are widely used in acute variceal hemorrhage to reduce the bleeding rate. They purportedly act by mesenteric arterial vasoconstriction, thus reducing portal venous flow (PVF) and portal pressure. Little is known about the immediate-early hemodynamic effects of these drugs.AIM:To compare the acute hemodynamic effects of octreotide and terlipressin in patients with cirrhosis.PATIENTS:Forty-two cirrhotic patients with a history of variceal bleeding were randomized to receive either octreotide 100 μg intravenous bolus followed by a continuous infusion at 250 μg/h (n = 21), or terlipressin 2 mg intravenous bolus (n = 21). METHODS:Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), and PVF, assessed by duplex Doppler ultrasonography, were measured before and at 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 min after the start of drug administration.RESULTS:Octreotide markedly decreased HVPG (−44.5 ± 17.8%) and PVF (−30.6 ± 13.6%) compared to the baseline at 1 min (p < 0.05). Thereafter, both variables rapidly returned toward the baseline, and by 5 min, no significant differences in HVPG (−7.1 ± 28.9%) and PVF (10.2 ± 26.2%) were noted. A similar transient effect on MAP and HR was observed. Terlipressin significantly decreased HVPG (−18.3 ± 11.9%) and PVF (−32.6 ± 10.5%) at 1 min (p < 0.05) and sustained these effects at all time points. The effects on arterial pressure and HR were also sustained.CONCLUSIONS:Octreotide only transiently reduced portal pressure and flow, whereas the effects of terlipressin were sustained. These results suggest that terlipressin may have more sustained hemodynamic effects in patients with bleeding varices.
Entropy of Convolutions on the Circle , I after

Let p ≥ 2 be any integer (p need not be prime), and T = R/Z the 1-torus. Denote by σp the p-to-one map x 7→ px (mod 1). The pair (T, σp) is a dynamical system that has additional structure: T is a commutative group (with the group operation being addition mod 1), and σp is an endomorphism of it. Even in such a simple system, the interaction between the dynamics and the algebraic structure of T can be quite subtle; the present work continues the study of this interaction, inspired by the fundamental work of Furstenberg [1].
Is unilateral adrenalectomy an alternative treatment for ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia?: Long-term follow-up of four cases.

OBJECTIVE ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia is a rare cause of Cushing's syndrome. Bilateral adrenalectomy is considered the treatment of choice, but the patient is obliged to receive lifetime steroid replacement therapy and is susceptible to adrenal insufficiency crisis. New therapeutic alternatives are being proposed as new etiopathological features of the disease are known. Unilateral adrenalectomy of the largest gland can be a safe and effective alternative, but only short-term follow-up is reported in the literature. We present four consecutive patients with ACTH-independent macronodular hyperplasia and long-term remission of Cushing's syndrome after unilateral adrenalectomy. SUBJECTS Four consecutive patients (two males and two females, mean age 50.3 years) with Cushing's syndrome due to ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia underwent unilateral adrenalectomy of the largest gland. RESULTS The weight of the resected glands ranged from 26.8 to 210 g. Two patients suffered transient post-surgical adrenal insufficiency and had steroid replacement therapy for 60 and 14 months respectively. After a mean follow-up of 78.8 months (range 30-137 months) all the patients persist without any evidence of Cushing's syndrome. Urinary free cortisol and serum cortisol, after the adrenal insufficiency stage, have always stayed within their normal ranges, but cortisol circadian rhythm and suppressibility after dexamethasone have never normalized. No further enlargement of the contralateral gland has been documented 62 to 126 months after surgery in three of the four patients. CONCLUSIONS Unilateral adrenalectomy can be an effective and safe alternative treatment for ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia, and can achieve long-term remission of Cushing's syndrome.
Transgenerational effects of posttraumatic stress disorder in babies of mothers exposed to the World Trade Center attacks during pregnancy.

CONTEXT Reduced cortisol levels have been linked with vulnerability to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the risk factor of parental PTSD in adult offspring of Holocaust survivors. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to report on the relationship between maternal PTSD symptoms and salivary cortisol levels in infants of mothers directly exposed to the World Trade Center collapse on September 11, 2001 during pregnancy. DESIGN Mothers (n = 38) collected salivary cortisol samples from themselves and their 1-yr-old babies at awakening and at bedtime. RESULTS Lower cortisol levels were observed in both mothers (F = 5.15, df = 1, 34; P = 0.030) and babies of mothers (F = 8.0, df = 1, 29; P = 0.008) who developed PTSD in response to September 11 compared with mothers who did not develop PTSD and their babies. Lower cortisol levels were most apparent in babies born to mothers with PTSD exposed in their third trimesters. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that effects of maternal PTSD related to cortisol can be observed very early in the life of the offspring and underscore the relevance of in utero contributors to putative biological risk for PTSD.
Throughput scaling laws for dual-radio random wireless networks

In this paper, we consider the throughput scaling laws for the dual-radio random wireless networks under the well-known protocol model[4]. The dual-radio network is one kind of heterogeneous wireless network, where some among the n nodes in the network are equipped with a secondary wireless interface, which has stronger connectivity and larger data transmission capability than the first normal wireless interface. The dual-radio networks provide a tradeoff and optimization between the hybrid wireless networks with wired infrastructure assistance (e.g., cellular networks) and the pure ad hoc wireless networks (e.g., sensor networks). Our analysis leads to improved results with a much finer lower bound on the throughput compared with the one shown in [1] using the max-flow min-cut theorem. The main results provide the throughput scaling laws, which bridge over the gap of throughput between the ad hoc networks and the hybrid networks. It is shown that the expected throughput increment of the dual-radio networks over the ad hoc networks by the additional wireless interfaces is mainly determined and dominated by the the capacity of the per pair dual-radio nodes, which form the congestion points.
Lust, Love, and Life: A Qualitative Study of Swedish Adolescents' Perceptions and Experiences with Pornography

There is a widespread concern in Western society about the visibility of pornography in public places and on the Internet. What are the consequences for young men and women, and how do they think about gender, sexuality, and pornography? Data was collected, through 22 individual interviews and seven focus groups, from 51 participants (36 women and 37 men aged 14–20 years) in Sweden. The results indicated a process of both normalization and ambivalence. Pornography was used as a form of social intercourse, a source of information, and a stimulus for sexual arousal. Pornography consumption was more common among the young men than among the women. For both the young men and women, the pornographic script functioned as a frame of reference in relation to bodily ideals and sexual performances. Most of the participants had acquired the necessary skills of how to deal with the exposure to pornography in a sensible and reflective manner.
Urban-rural differences in a population-based breast cancer screening program in Croatia

Aim To investigate urban-rural differences in the distribution of risk factors for breast cancer. Methods We analyzed the data from the first round of the “Mamma” population based-screening program conducted in Croatia between 2007 and 2009 and self-reported questionnaire results for 924 patients with histologically verified breast cancer. Reproductive and anthropometric characteristics, family history of breast cancer, history of breast disease, and prior breast screening history were compared between participants from the city of Zagreb (n = 270) and participants from 13 counties with more than 50% of rural inhabitants (n = 654). Results The screen-detected breast cancer rate was 4.5 per 1000 mammographies in rural counties and 4.6 in the city of Zagreb, while the participation rate was 61% in rural counties and 59% in Zagreb. Women from Zagreb had significantly more characteristics associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (P < 0.001 in all cases): no pregnancies (15% vs 7%), late age of first pregnancy (≥30 years) (10% vs 4%), and the most recent mammogram conducted 2-3 years ago (32% vs 14%). Women from rural counties were more often obese (41% vs 28%) and had early age of first live birth (<20 years) (20% vs 7%, P < 0.001 for both). Conclusion Identification of rural-urban differences in mammography use and their causes at the population level can be useful in designing and implementing interventions targeted at the reduction of inequalities and modifiable risk factors.