Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IONIZING PHOTON ESCAPE FRACTIONS FROM HIGH-REDSHIFT DWARF GALAXIES

It has been argued that low-luminosity dwarf galaxies are the dominant source of ionizing radiation during cosmological reionization. The fraction of ionizing radiation that escapes into the intergalactic medium from dwarf galaxies with masses less than ∼109.5 solar masses plays a critical role during this epoch. Using an extensive suite of very high resolution (0.1 pc), adaptive mesh refinement, radiation hydrodynamical simulations of idealized and cosmological dwarf galaxies, we characterize the behavior of the escape fraction in galaxies between 3 × 106 and 3 × 109 solar masses with different spin parameters, amounts of turbulence, and baryon mass fractions. For a given halo mass, escape fractions can vary up to a factor of two, depending on the initial setup of the idealized halo. In a cosmological setting, we find that the time-averaged photon escape fraction always exceeds 25% and reaches up to 80% in halos with masses above 108 solar masses with a top-heavy initial mass function (IMF). The instantaneous escape fraction can vary up to an order of magnitude in a few million years and tends to be positively correlated with star formation rate. We find that the mean of the star formation efficiency times ionizing photon escape fraction, averaged over all atomic cooling (Tvir ⩾ 8000 K) galaxies, ranges from 0.02 for a normal IMF to 0.03 for a top-heavy IMF, whereas smaller, molecular cooling galaxies in minihalos do not make a significant contribution to reionizing the universe due to much lower star formation rates. These results provide the physical basis for cosmological reionization by stellar sources, predominately atomic cooling dwarf galaxies.
Hepatic Dysfunction in Asphyxiated Neonates: Prospective Case-Controlled Study

Objective This study was performed to determine the occurrence of hypoxic hepatitis in full-term neonates after perinatal asphyxia and to correlate between the rise in enzymes and severity of asphyxia with Apgar score and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) grading of the neonates. Method and Material This prospective case-controlled study was conducted in a tertiary-level hospital in India for a period of 12 months. The study group A comprised 70 newborns suffering from birth asphyxia, while 30 healthy neonates were included in group B (control). All biochemical parameters of liver function, ie, serum alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein, serum albumin, bilirubin (total and direct), and international normalized ratio (INR), were measured on postnatal days 1, 3, and 10 in both study and control groups. Results In group A, 22.8% newborns had severe (Apgar score 0–3), 47.1% had moderate (Apgar score 4–5), and 30% had mild (Apgar score 6–7) birth asphyxia at five minutes. In all, 14.28% babies were in HIE stage I, 25.73% babies were in HIE stage II, and 11.42% babies were in HIE stage III. The rest of the newborns, 48.57%, were normal. The prevalence of liver function impairment was seen in 42.85% of asphyxiated neonates. On day 1, ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, PT, and INR were significantly higher, and total protein and serum albumin were significantly lower in group A than in group B. However, ALT and AST correlated well with increasing severity of HIE score. On day 3, there was a rising trend observed in the concentration of mean LDH as HIE staging of neonates progressed from stage 0 to stage III, and among various HIE stages, the difference in LDH was statistically significant. Conclusion We concluded that AST, ALT at 24 hours, and LDH at 72 hours of animation can be a utilitarian diagnostic tool to differentiate asphyxiated neonates from non-asphyxiated neonates and to discover the severity of perinatal asphyxia because of easy accessibility and feasibility of tests. The outcomes of this survey would be useful for physicians who receive neonates for whom birth details are not easily documented as most of the time the referred newborn infants lack asphyxia history either because the attendants do not know clearly the whole birth history or it was an unattended delivery, or the referring healthcare professional has not been observant because of legal threats. The neurological assessment also becomes difficult and inconclusive as ventilator treatment, sedative drugs, and anticonvulsant therapy would produce an evaluation of severity of hypoxic ischemic brain disease and neurological insult difficult.
Risk Factors for Neonatal Sepsis and Method for Reduction of Blood Culture Contamination.

BACKGROUND False-positive blood cultures findings may lead to a falsely increased morbidity and increased hospital costs. METHOD The survey was conducted as retrospective - prospective study and included 239 preterm infants (born before 37 weeks of gestation) who were treated in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Institute for Child and Youth Health Care of Vojvodina during one year (January 1st, 2012 to December 31st, 2012). The retrospective part of the study focused on examination of incidence of neonatal sepsis and determination of risk factors. In the prospective part of the study infants were sub-divided into two groups: Group 1- infants hospitalized in NICU during the first 6 months of the study; blood cultures were taken by the "clean technique" and checklists for this procedure were not taken. Group 2- neonates hospitalized in NICU during last 6 months of the study; blood cultures were taken by "sterile technique" and checklists for this procedure were taken. RESULTS The main risk factors for sepsis were prelabor rupture of membranes, low gestational age, low birth weight, mechanical ventilation, umbilical venous catheter placement, and abdominal drainage. Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase negative Staphylococcus were the most frequently isolated microorganisms in false-positive blood samples. CONCLUSIONS Education of employees, use of checklists and sterile sets for blood sampling, permanent control of false positive blood cultures, as well as regular and routine monthly reports are crucial for successful reduction of contamination rates.
Robust and fast learning for fuzzy cerebellar model articulation controllers

In this paper, the online learning capability and the robust property for the learning algorithms of cerebellar model articulation controllers (CMAC) are discussed. Both the traditional CMAC and fuzzy CMAC are considered. In the study, we find a way of embedding the idea of M-estimators into the CMAC learning algorithms to provide the robust property against outliers existing in training data. An annealing schedule is also adopted for the learning constant to fulfil robust learning. In the study, we also extend our previous work of adopting the credit assignment idea into CMAC learning to provide fast learning for fuzzy CMAC. From demonstrated examples, it is clearly evident that the proposed algorithm indeed has faster and more robust learning. In our study, we then employ the proposed CMAC for an online learning control scheme used in the literature. In the implementation, we also propose to use a tuning parameter instead of a fixed constant to achieve both online learning and fine-tuning effects. The simulation results indeed show the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
Omentin-1 Stimulates Human Osteoblast Proliferation through PI3K/Akt Signal Pathway

It has been presumed that adipokines deriving from adipose tissue may play important roles in bone metabolism. Omentin-1, a novel adipokine, which is selectively expressed in visceral adipose tissue, has been reported to stimulate proliferation and inhibit differentiation of mouse osteoblast. However, little information refers to the effect of omentin-1 on human osteoblast (hOB) proliferation. The current study examined the potential effects of omentin-1 on proliferation in hOB and the signal pathway involved. Omentin-1 promoted hOB proliferation in a dose-dependent manner as determined by [3H]thymidine incorporation. Western blot analysis revealed that omentin-1 induced activation of Akt (phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase downstream effector) and such effect was impeded by transfection of hOB with Akt-siRNA. Furthermore, LY294002 (a selective PI3K inhibitor) and HIMO (a selective Akt inhibitor) abolished the omentin-1-induced hOB proliferation. These findings indicate that omentin-1 induces hOB proliferation via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and suggest that osteoblast is a direct target of omentin-1.
African American Career Aspirations

The present study examined the relative influence of aspects of internalized racism on the career aspirations of a sample of African American adults. Participants (N = 315), ranging in age from 18 to 62 years, completed measures of internalized racism and career aspirations online. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the relative influence of internalized racism. Regression results indicated that participants who devalued and dismissed an African worldview and its themes had lower career aspirations.
A phase III multi-institutional randomized study of immunization with the gp100: 209-217(210M) peptide followed by high-dose IL-2 compared with high-dose IL-2 alone in patients with metastatic melanoma.

CRA9011 Background: In a phase II study, 13 (42%) of 31 patients with metastatic melanoma receiving high-dose (HD) IL-2 plus gp100:209-217(210M) peptide experienced objective responses (S.A. Rosenberg, et al, Nature Medicine 4: 321-327, 1998). Other studies showed a lower response rate (RR) but no randomized studies have been done. METHODS A prospective randomized phase III trial was conducted at 21 centers with 185 patients. Eligibility: stage IV or locally advanced stage III cutaneous melanoma, HLA A0201, no brain metastases, eligible for HD IL-2, and no previous HD IL-2 or gp100:209-217(210M). Arm 1 received HD IL-2 alone (720,000 IU/kg/dose) and Arm 2 gp100:209-217(210M) peptide + Montanide ISA followed by HD IL-2. The primary objective was clinical response. Secondary objectives were toxicity, disease free/progression free survival, immunologic response and quality of life. Central HLA typing, pathology review, and blinded response assessment were done at the NIH. Central data monitoring was done by The EMMES Corp. and a Data Safety Monitoring Board. RESULTS Numbers of patients enrolled, treated, and evaluable for response in Arm 1 were 94, 93, and 93 respectively; in Arm 2 91, 86, and 86. Toxicities were consistent with HD IL-2 ± vaccine. Investigator assessed RR showed significant improvement in overall RR for Arm 2=22.1% vs 9.7% (P=0.0223, Chi-Square) and progression free survival (PFS) in favor of Arm 2=2.9 months (1.7-4.5) vs 1.6 (1.5-1.8) (P=0.0101). Median overall survival favors Arm 2=17.6 months (11.8-26.6) vs 12.8 (8.7-16.3) (P=0.0964). Blinded response review is ongoing. CONCLUSIONS RR and PFS were superior with peptide vaccine and HD IL-2 compared to HD IL-2 alone. This represents the first evidence of clinical benefit of vaccination in patients with melanoma. [Table: see text].
Clinical risk factors demonstrate an age-dependent relationship with oxidative stress biomarkers in African Americans.

OBJECTIVE To examine the interaction of oxidative stress biomarkers with age, and also factors that influence oxidative stress such as body mass index (BMI) and fitness in a population of individuals with established higher risk of cardiovascular disease, African Americans. METHODS Blood samples were obtained from healthy college-age and middle-age to older African Americans. Participants underwent a graded exercise test. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total antioxidant capacity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels were measured. RESULTS TBARS levels were significantly (P = .001) lower in young participants relative to middle-age to older participants. SOD activity was significantly (P = .001) lower in middle-age to older participants with low fitness relative to participants with normal fitness, and lower (P = .04) in middle-age to older participants that were overweight relative to normal weight participants. DISCUSSION In a healthy middle-age to older population of African Americans, BMI and fitness are crucial for maintaining a healthy endothelium.
Culture‐Negative Neutrocytic Ascites: A Variant of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

A review of the medical records of patients diagnosed as having “spontaneous bacterial peritonitis” (SBP) revealed 18 episodes of culture‐negative neutrocytic ascites (CNNA) in 17 patients. The following criteria were all required in order to qualify for this diagnosis: (i) an ascitic fluid neutrophil count greater than 500 cells per mm3; (ii) negative ascitic fluid culture (5); (iii) absence of an intraabdominal source of infection; (iv) no antibiotic treatment within 30 days, and (v) no evidence of pancreatitis. Five patients had positive blood cultures. Two patients with CNNA had SBP in the past, and two other patients, who survived the episode of CNNA, subsequently developed SBP. Clinical signs and symptoms of patients with CNNA were not different from those of 32 patients with 33 episodes of culture‐positive SBP. The mortality of CNNA (50%) was not different from that of SBP (70%). Because of the high mortality and because of the similarity of CNNA to SBP, it is presumed that many patients with CNNA have bacterial infection of their ascitic fluid, and it is recommended that they be treated with antibiotics.
Limitations to enhancing the speed of onset of antidepressants — are rapid action antidepressants possible?

Existing antidepressant treatments suffer from a limited efficacy and a slow onset of action. Some first‐generation antidepressant drugs are still among the most effective treatments. Several neurobiological adaptive mechanisms are involved in the delayed action of antidepressants. Among these, a negative feed‐back involving somatodendritic autoreceptors plays an important role in such delay. In the case of the SSRIs, the prevention of this effect with 5‐HT1A autoreceptor antagonists enhances their effects at experimental level. Open‐label and placebo‐controlled trials with the mixed β‐adrenoceptor/5‐HT1A antagonist pindolol support that this agent reduces the latency to achieve a clinical improvement when used in combination with SSRIs. Displacement studies support that this action is mediated by its interaction with 5‐HT1A receptors. The design of clinical trials for the evaluation of fast‐acting antidepressants is critical. The use of loose criteria of response may result in a poor discriminating power. Conversely, stringent clinical criteria may be more helpful in revealing the differences between treatments. The data of a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial comparing fluoxetine plus placebo and fluoxetine plus pindolol suggests that the use of sustained response (i.e., one maintained until the end of the trial) is critical for the establishment of differences between treatments. Other factors, such as a placebo lead‐in phase or the frequency of visits, appear to play a minor role. Overall, these data indicate that faster antidepressant drugs can be obtained through a better knowledge of their actions in CNS. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paleointensity of the ancient Martian magnetic field

Mars today has no core dynamo magnetic field. However, the discovery of remanent magnetization in Martian meteorites and intense crustal magnetization suggests that Mars once had a global field. Here we present high resolution maps of the magnetic field of Martian meteorite ALH 84001. These maps are the most sensitive yet quantitative study of natural remanent magnetization (with resolved anomalies as weak as 1 × 10−14 Am2). ALH 84001 likely contains a 4 billion year old (Ga) thermoremanence partially overprinted by one or more poorly understood secondary components. Our data suggest that the paleointensity of the local paleofield was within an order of magnitude of that of the present‐day Earth. If this field were global in extent, it should have played a key role in Martian atmospheric and climatic evolution. However, it is still too weak to easily explain the intensity of Martian crustal paleomagnetic anomalies.
Microparticle‐associated tissue factor activity: a link between cancer and thrombosis?

Background: Cancer, in particular mucinous adenocarcinoma, is associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE). Tissue factor (TF), initiator of coagulation, plays a central role in the paradigm that clotting and tumor growth form a vicious circle, in which hypercoagulability facilitates the aggressive biology of cancer and vice versa. Expression of TF in tumors is associated with poor differentiation and poor prognosis. Patient/methods: We investigated the association between clinically manifest VTE and procoagulant properties of circulating microparticles (MP) isolated from blood of unselected pancreatic and breast adenocarcinoma patients' consecutive subjects, who presented with ultrasound or CT‐scan confirmed VTE, and healthy subjects. Results: Patients with disseminated breast and pancreatic cancer had significantly increased levels of MP‐associated TF activity compared with healthy controls, subjects with idiopathic acute VTE and non‐metastatic cancer patients. Patients with both high MP‐associated TF‐activity and MP‐associated epithelial mucin (MUC1) had a lower survival rate at 3–9 months follow‐up than those with low TF‐activity and no MUC1 expression: the likelihood of survival was 0.42 (95% CI: 0.19– 0.94) for an individual with these two predictor variables present, after adjustment for other factors (age cohort, type of cancer, VTE) in the Cox proportional hazards model. Conclusions: Our results suggest an important role for MP‐associated TF and MUC1 in the pathogenesis of thrombosis in disseminated mucinous adenocarcinoma patients. Future studies should reveal the mechanism underlying the observed associations.
The Composition and Priority of Corporate Debt: Evidence from Fallen Angels*

We examine the composition and priority structure of corporate debt for firms downgraded from investment grade to speculative grade. Our findings demonstrate the importance of recognizing debt heterogeneity in capital structure studies, and they support theoretical models in which debt structure is set to encourage bank monitoring. Firms experience dramatic changes in debt structure after a downgrade, despite maintaining similar leverage ratios. Post-downgrade, there is a sharp reduction in both bank and non-bank discretionary sources of debt finance, such as revolving credit facilities, commercial paper, and medium-term notes. Firms “spread” the priority structure after credit quality deterioration: While most debt is at the senior unsecured priority level before the downgrade, firms sharply increase their use of both secured bank debt and subordinated private placements and convertibles after the downgrade. Postdowngrade, the relative monitoring intensity of bank versus non-bank debt sharply increases.
A /spl mu/-analysis application to stability of optical networks

This work presents an application of control theory and /spl mu/-analysis to stability analysis of optical communication networks. The network transfer matrix representation is used and simplified so that the propagation time-delay is isolated on a link-by-link basis. The optical network stability problem is reformulated as a robust stability problem. Sufficient stability conditions are developed by applying /spl mu/- analysis and Pade approximation.
Selected anti-tumor vaccines merit a place in multimodal tumor therapies

Multimodal approaches are nowadays successfully applied in cancer therapy. Primary locally acting therapies such as radiotherapy (RT) and surgery are combined with systemic administration of chemotherapeutics. Nevertheless, the therapy of cancer is still a big challenge in medicine. The treatments often fail to induce long-lasting anti-tumor responses. Tumor recurrences and metastases result. Immunotherapies are therefore ideal adjuncts to standard tumor therapies since they aim to activate the patient's immune system against malignant cells even outside the primary treatment areas (abscopal effects). Especially cancer vaccines may have the potential both to train the immune system against cancer cells and to generate an immunological memory, resulting in long-lasting anti-tumor effects. However, despite promising results in phase I and II studies, most of the concepts finally failed. There are some critical aspects in development and application of cancer vaccines that may decide on their efficiency. The time point and frequency of medication, usage of an adequate immune adjuvant, the vaccine's immunogenic potential, and the tumor burden of the patient are crucial. Whole tumor cell vaccines have advantages compared to peptide-based ones since a variety of tumor antigens (TAs) are present. The master requirements of cell-based, therapeutic tumor vaccines are the complete inactivation of the tumor cells and the increase of their immunogenicity. Since the latter is highly connected with the cell death modality, the inactivation procedure of the tumor cell material may significantly influence the vaccine's efficiency. We therefore also introduce high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) as an innovative inactivation technology for tumor cell-based vaccines and outline that HHP efficiently inactivates tumor cells by enhancing their immunogenicity. Finally studies are presented proving that anti-tumor immune responses can be triggered by combining RT with selected immune therapies.
Differential Spontaneous Photon Emissions from Cerebral Hemispheres of Fixed Human Brains: Asymmetric Coupling to Geomagnetic Activity and Potentials for Examining Post-Mortem Intrinsic Photon Information

The emissions of biophotons have been considered a ubiquitous property of living systems and their components. We measured the “spontaneous” photon emissions from fixed whole and sectioned human brains within hyper-dark settings. Significant differences in photon counts were measured from different spatial planes. The flux densities were in the order of 2 × 10-12 W per m2. The right hemispheres but not the left hemispheres displayed more photon emissions whose spectral power density profiles exhibited a conspicuous amplitude peak between 7.9 and 8 Hz. Brains measured in the hyperdark (~10-12 W·m2) after removal from the typical lighting of the laboratory emitted more photons than those that had been maintained in the hyperdark for one week. The significant correlation between the numbers of photons emitted from the left hemisphere (but not the right) and global geomagnetic activity also exhibited energy equivalence between the photon flux densities and the geomagnetic shift within the cerebral volumes. These results indicate that what has been assumed to be fixed unresponsive human brain tissue still emits small numbers of photons that may be residuals from ambient light and can potentially interact with global geomagnetic activity. The medical implications for post-mortem intrinsic photonic information based upon the anisotropic microstructures within the hemispheres of the human cerebrum are discussed.