Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Confusion Errors in Astrometry and Counterpart Association

In very crowded fields, the modulation of the background by the sea of unresolved faint sources induces centroid shifts. The errors increase with the number of sources per beam. Even the most optimistic simulations of imaging data show that position errors can become severe (on the order of the beam size) at flux levels at which images contain 1/50 to 1/15 sources per beam, depending on the slope of the number-flux relation d log N/d log S. These problems are expected to be significant for recent observations of faint submillimeter sources and may be the reason that some sources appear to lack optical counterparts.
The Correlation between Computer Mediated Communication and Communication Apprehension

Millennials are a generation known for embracing modern technology and are known for defining much of current social culture. The reliance of Millennials on technology surpasses generations’ prior, and according to popular opinion, are a group known to “work differently from everyone else” (Smith, 2012). The research presented in this study targets Millennials—defined as individuals born in the 1980’s- 1990’s (Merriam-Webster, 2013)—by surveying university students about their preferred methods of communication as well as their levels of communication apprehension. Communication apprehension (CA) refers to a trait-like anxiety about communicating, with trait-like CA being a relatively stable personality characteristic (McCroskey, Richmond, & Davis, 1986). The research presented in this study explores the cultural stereotype that Millennials are losing their ability to communicate in face to face (F2F) interactions and are instead relying solely on their electronic communication channels. We wish to explore communication apprehension as a possible factor in the perceived reduction of face-to-face interaction.
Artemisinin dimer anticancer activity correlates with heme‐catalyzed reactive oxygen species generation and endoplasmic reticulum stress induction

Analogs of the malaria therapeutic, artemisinin, possess in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity. In this study, two dimeric artemisinins (NSC724910 and 735847) were studied to determine their mechanism of action. Dimers were >1,000 fold more active than monomer and treatment was associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis induction. Dimer activity was inhibited by the antioxidant L‐NAC, the iron chelator desferroxamine and exogenous hemin. Similarly, induction of heme oxygenase (HMOX) with CoPPIX inhibited activity, whereas inhibition of HMOX with SnPPIX enhanced it. These results emphasize the importance of iron, heme and ROS in activity. Microarray analysis of dimer treated cells identified DNA damage, iron/heme and cysteine/methionine metabolism, antioxidant response, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress as affected pathways. Detection of an ER‐stress response was relevant because in malaria, artemisinin inhibits pfATP6, the plasmodium orthologue of mammalian sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPases (SERCA). A comparative study of NSC735847 with thapsigargin, a specific SERCA inhibitor and ER‐stress inducer showed similar behavior in terms of transcriptomic changes, induction of endogenous SERCA and ER calcium mobilization. However, thapsigargin had little effect on ROS production, modulated different ER‐stress proteins and had greater potency against purified SERCA1. Furthermore, an inactive derivative of NSC735847 that lacked the endoperoxide had identical inhibitory activity against purified SERCA1, suggesting that direct inhibition of SERCA has little inference on overall cytotoxicity. In summary, these data implicate indirect ER‐stress induction as a central mechanism of artemisinin dimer activity. © 2009 UICC
XRCC1 gene polymorphism, diet and risk of colorectal cancer in Thailand.

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the interaction between the presence of a polymorphism of the XRCC1 gene and known risk factors for colorectal cancer in Thailand. MATERIALS AND METHODS A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in Thailand. The participants were 230 histologically confirmed new cases and 230 controls matched by sex and age and recruited from the same hospital. Information about demographic characteristics, life style, and dietary habits was collected using structured interviews, and blood samples were taken which were used for the detection of a homozygous and heterozygous polymorphisms of XRCC1. Associations were assessed using multiple conditional logistic regression. RESULTS In the univariate analysis, factors found to be significantly associated with an increased risk for CRC were the presence of the XRCC1 AA homozygote (OR= 4.95; 95% CI: 1.99-12.3), a first degree family history of cancer (OR= 1.74; 95% CI: 1.18-2.58), and a high frequency of pork consumption (OR= 1.49; 95% CI: 1.00-2.21). Intakes of fish fruit and vegetables appeared to be protective factors, but the associations were not statistically significant. In the multivariate analysis only the XRCC1 AA homozygote polymorphism and a family history of cancer emerged as risk factors (OR= 4.96; 95% CI: 1.90- 12.95 and OR=1.80; 95% CI: 1.18-2.72, respectively). CONCLUSIONS While the XRCC1 AA homozygote and a family history of cancer were found to be associated with an increased risk of CRC, none of the dietary intake variables were clearly identified as risk or protective factors. There is a need for further research to determine the reasons for this.
Appearance of the central singularity in spherical collapse

We analyze here the structure of nonradial nonspacelike geodesics terminating in the past at a naked singularity formed as the end state of inhomogeneous dust collapse. The spectrum of outgoing nonspacelike geodesics is examined analytically. The local and global visibility of the singularity is also examined by integrating numerically the null geodesics equations. The possible implications of the existence of such families for the appearance of a star in the late stages of gravitational collapse are considered. It is seen that the outgoing nonradial geodesics give an appearance to the naked central singularity like that of an expanding ball whose radius reaches a maximum before the star goes within its apparent horizon. The radiated energy (along the null geodesics), however, is shown to decay very sharply in the neighborhood of the singularity. Thus the total energy escaping via nonradial null geodesics from the naked central singularity vanishes in the scenario considered here.
Craniocaudal motion velocity in the cervical spinal cord in degenerative disease as shown by MR imaging

Purpose: To investigate, by means of MR phase imaging, the effects of compression on the velocity of craniocaudal motion in the spinal cord. Material and Methods: Spin-echo pulse sequences with velocity encoding gradients were used to examine 12 patients with cervical spondylosis and 6 normal volunteers. Oblique-axial phase images at 3 levels (cranial, middle and caudal), were obtained with prospective electrocardiogram gating. The middle level was set at the site where the spinal cord was most severely compressed, and the cranial and caudal sections were set where it was not compressed. Time-velocity curves were generated at these 3 levels and focal velocity change was correlated with motor function in the lower extremities. Results and Conclusion: The cord showed a higher motion velocity at the compression level than at noncompression levels. This paradoxical increase in velocity was observed in 7 out of 8 patients whose lower extremity motor function was impaired. Four patients with normal lower extremity motor function did not demonstrate this increase in velocity. An increase in motion velocity was therefore found to correlate with impaired lower extremity motor function.
What mediates the link between childhood maltreatment and depression? The role of emotion dysregulation, attachment, and attributional style

Background Childhood maltreatment (CM) has been shown to be related to a severe and/or chronic course of depression. This study investigated which psychological processes mediate this relationship. Method A large sample of acute or recovered depressed individuals (N=340) participated in an online survey assessing characteristics of depression, trauma exposure, and potential mediators (emotion regulation difficulties, attributional style, and attachment). Results The experience of CM was related to more severe depression and more depressive episodes. In multiple mediation models, emotion dysregulation, a depressogenic attributional style, and avoidance in close relationships conjointly mediated the relationship between CM and depression severity as well as number of depressive episodes. However, a significant direct path between CM and depression characteristics remained. Exploratory analyses suggested that posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity was an important additional mediator in our sample. Conclusions Our findings provide preliminary evidence for psychological mediators between CM and depression that may be promising targets for interventions tailored for the treatment of depression in this subgroup. Highlights of the article Childhood maltreatment (CM) is related to more severe depression. The study investigates how this relationship can be explained. CM was related to difficulties in emotion regulation, relationships and thinking style, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. Statistical analyses showed that these four variables were also able to (partly) explain how CM is related to more severe depression. Treatment for depression in individuals who have experienced CM may need to directly target these variables.
Down's syndrome screening in multiple pregnancies using alpha‐fetoprotein and free beta hCG

Second‐trimester distributions of the free beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels in 420 twin and 19 triplet pregnancies were measured and compared with the distributions in 6661 singleton pregnancies. On average, the levels of both analytes were twice as high in twins and over three times as high in triplets. Eight sets of twins discordant for Down's syndrome showed elevated levels of free beta hCG and reduced levels of AFP after correction of the multiple of the median for the presence of a twin pregnancy. Screening for Down's syndrome using the twin correction of the multiple of the median is expected to achieve a 51 per cent detection rate at a 5 per cent false‐positive rate using these two markers.
The Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus Cdc6-2 Protein, the Putative Helicase Loader, Dissociates the Minichromosome Maintenance Helicase

ABSTRACT The Cdc6-1 and -2 proteins from the archaeon Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus were previously shown to bind the minichromosome maintenance (MCM) helicase. It is shown here that Cdc6-2 protein dissociates the MCM complex. This observation supports the hypothesis that the Cdc6-2 protein functions as a helicase loader.
POVERTY IN THE NEWS

This article provides a framing analysis of mainstream press coverage of poverty (offline and online) in Canada and the UK, and compares mainstream news coverage to coverage on alternative news sites. The research questions the extent to which, and how, coverage of children and immigrants presents contemporary constructions of the ‘deserving’ and ‘undeserving poor’. It is argued that rationalizing and individualizing frames dominate coverage of poverty and immigration. The author suggests that the significance of the dominance of these frames is their ability to privilege and embed market-based approaches to poverty and immigration. An analysis of alternative news content reveals the extent to which social justice frames, the very frames that counter market-based approaches, are absent from mainstream news coverage. Overall, these results indicate that challenging problematic representations and approaches to poverty will require changing representations, an expansion of coverage that runs counter to news norms, and structural investments.
Therapeutic Effect of Cilostazol Ophthalmic Nanodispersions on Retinal Dysfunction in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

We previously prepared ophthalmic formulations containing cilostazol (CLZ) nanoparticles by bead mill methods (CLZnano), and found that instillation of CLZnano into rat eyes supplies CLZ into the retina. In this study, we investigated changes in the electroretinograms (ERG) of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ rats), a model of diabetes mellitus. In addition, we demonstrated that dispersions containing CLZ nanoparticles attenuate changes in the ERG of STZ rats. The instillation of CLZnano had no effect on body weight or plasma glucose and insulin levels. Furthermore, no corneal toxicity was observed in the in vivo study using STZ rats. The a-wave and b-wave levels in addition to oscillatory potentials (OP) amplitude decreased in STZ rats two weeks after the injection of streptozotocin, with the instillation of CLZnano attenuating these decreases. In addition, the level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the retinas of STZ rats was 9.26-fold higher than in in normal rats, with this increase also prevented by the instillation of CLZnano Thus, we have found that a-wave and b-wave levels in addition to OP amplitude are decreased in rats following the injection of excessive streptozotocin. Furthermore, the retinal disorders associated with diabetes mellitus are attenuated by the instillation of CLZnano. These findings provide significant information that can be used to design further studies aimed at developing anti-diabetic retinopathy drugs.
Social aspects of alcohol consumption in Poland: An investigation into students' perceptions

Purpose – Underpinning this research is an acknowledgement of the increasing attention paid to the social issues raised by young peoples' alcohol consumption. Although earlier research has identified a number of factors contributing to alcohol‐related problems in Poland, only a handful of studies attempted to better understand drinking patterns and their influence on alcohol consumption amongst Polish people. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the roles alcohol plays in the life of young people in Poland.Design/methodology/approach – All the data are collected on a university campus in Poland in late autumn 2007 from a group of ten university students. The research is conducted in three phases, using two research methods: focus groups and diaries. Purposive sample is used to establish two focus groups (Phases 1 and 3) each of which meet on two occasions, three weeks apart. In the first two week period between each focus group, respondents are asked to keep private diary (Phase 2) recording every occurr.
Serum tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) are associated with prognosis in esophageal cancer patients.

PURPOSE The matrix metalloproteinases, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases and angiogenesis contribute to growth and spread of cancer. We investigated the correlation between pretreatment serum levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), and clinicopathologic features and survival in patients with esophageal cancer (EC). MATERIAL/METHODS Serum TIMP-1 and VEGF-A were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 89 patients with EC, and 30 healthy controls. RESULTS Serum TIMP-1 and VEGF-A levels were significantly higher in patients with esophageal carcinoma than in the control group (p=0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). High levels of TIMP-1 were associated with histological type (p<0.001), tumor depth (p<0.001), stage (p<0.001) and lymph node metastases (p=0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that tumor size (p<0.001), tumor depth (p<0.001), stage (p<0.001), lymph node metastases (p=0.002), distant metastases (p=0.009) and resectability (p=0.003), were correlated with an elevated level of VEGF-A. Patients with elevated levels of TIMP-1 and VEGF-A had a significantly lower overall survival (p=0.02 and p=0.048, respectively), and disease-free survival (TIMP-1, p<0.001). CONCLUSION High serum levels of TIMP-1 and VEGF-A were found to be associated with tumor progression and unfavorable prognosis in patients with EC.
Racial Difference in Cochlear Pigmentation Is Associated With Hearing Loss Risk

Objectives The goals of this study are to characterize the distribution of melanin pigmentation in the human cochlea and to investigate differences in pigment content between races. Methods Human temporal bone specimens from the Johns Hopkins Temporal Bone Collection were examined. Demographic, clinical, and audiometric data were analyzed. Melanin pigmentation in the cochlea was quantified in each specimen. Results Nineteen African-American (AA) and 27 Caucasian specimens were selected for the study. The mean ages were 64 and 70 years for AA and Caucasian specimens, respectively (p = 0.21). At all cochlear turns, AA specimens contained significantly more pigmentation in the stria vascularis (p = 0.0003) and Rosenthal’s canal (p < 0.0001) compared with Caucasian specimens. Strial melanin content increased significantly with age. Cochlear pigmentation content was not associated with sex or hearing thresholds. Conclusion Melanin pigmentation is significantly more abundant in AA cochleae than in Caucasian cochleae. This study provides a detailed description of pigmentation in the cochlea and may help to explain the observed racial differences in hearing thresholds.
ACTH-dependent aldosterone excess due to adrenocortical adenoma: a variant of primary aldosteronism.

To investigate the alleged importance of ACTH in aldosteronism due to adrenocortical adenoma, we studied the regulation of aldosterone in this condition. Plasma concentrations of aldosterone, cortisol, and renin were measured under various circumstances, including short-term and long-term dexamethasone treatment and infusions of physiological amounts of ACTH and pressor doses of angiotensin II. Two groups of patients could be distinguished. In group 1 (6 cases) normalized plasma levels of aldosterone and cortisol during the day were significantly correlated (n % 29, r % 0.83, P 0.05). One day of dexamethasone treatment (0.5 mg, every 6 h) suppressed aldosterone to subnormal levels in group 1, but had little effect in group 2. Infusion of β–1–24 ACTH (1.25 μg/h) under dexamethasone suppresson produced large increments of aldosterone in both groups with a peak level of 43.3 ± 6.9 ng/100 ml, whereas cortisol did not rise above t.
Induction of innate immune gene expression following methyl methanesulfonate-induced DNA damage in sea urchins

Sea urchins are noted for the absence of neoplastic disease and represent a novel model to investigate cellular and systemic cancer protection mechanisms. Following intracoelomic injection of the DNA alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate, DNA damage was detected in sea urchin cells and tissues (coelomocytes, muscle, oesophagus, ampullae and gonad) by the alkaline unwinding, fast micromethod. Gene expression analyses of the coelomocytes indicated upregulation of innate immune markers, including genes involved in NF-κB signalling. Results suggest that activation of the innate immune system following DNA damage may contribute to the naturally occurring resistance to neoplastic disease observed in sea urchins.
Neural Network Weight Selection Using Genetic Algorithms

Neural networks are a computational paradigm modeled on the human brain that has become popular in recent years for a few reasons. First, despite their simple structure, they provide very general computational capabilities [HORN89]. Second, they can be manufactured directly in VLSI hardware and hence provide the potential for relatively inexpensive massive parallelism [MEAD89]. Most importantly, they can adapt themselves to different tasks, i.e. learn, solely by selection of numerical “weights”. How to select these weights is a key issue in the use of neural networks. The usual approach is to derive a special-purpose weight selection algorithm for each neural network architecture. Here, we dicuss a different approach. Genetic algorithms are a class of search algorithms modeled on the process of natural evolution. They have been shown in practice to be very effective at function optimization, efficiently searching large and complex (multimodal, discontinuous, etc.) spaces to find nearly global optima. The search space associated with a neural network weight selection problem is just such a space. In this chapter, we investigate the utilization of genetic algorithms for neural network weight selection.
Mapping, localization and motion planning in mobile multi-robotic systems

SUMMARY As researchers have pushed the limits of what can be accomplished by a single robot operating in a known or unknown environment, a greater emphasis has been placed on the utilization of mobile multi-robotic systems to accomplish various objectives. In transitioning from a robot-centric approach to a system-centric approach, considerations must be made for the computational and communicative aspects of the group as a whole, in addition to electromechanical considerations of individual robots. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art of mobile multi-robotic system research, with an emphasis on the confluence of mapping, localization and motion control of robotic system. Methods that compose these three topics are presented, including areas of overlap, such as integrated exploration and simultaneous localization and mapping. From these methods, an analysis of benefits, challenges and tradeoffs associated with multi-robotic system design and use are presented. Finally, specific applications of multi-robotic systems are also addressed in various contexts.
Descriptive Evidence That Risk Profiles for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia 1, 2, and 3 Are Unique

Objective: This study aimed to estimate if risk factor profiles for histologically confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 lesions differ from those for CIN 1 or 3. Methods: A total of 2,055 women positive for high-risk human papillomavirus, with a minimum of five cervical biopsies, were enrolled in the Shanxi Province Cervical Cancer Screening Study II. We evaluated risk factor profiles for CIN 2 in comparison with CIN 1 and 3. Polytomous logistic regression was used to generate odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals and to test for differences in odds ratios across histologic grades. Results: The risk for CIN 3 associated with three or more pregnancies and sexual intercourse within 4 months of childbirth was higher than that for CIN 2 (Pdifference = 0.02 and 0.0007, respectively). Significant differences in the associations of age groups with CIN 1 and 2 were observed, such that there were positive associations with CIN 2 but none for CIN 1. There was no difference in the association of number of sexual partners or reported number of abortions between CIN 1 and 2 or between CIN 3 and 2. Conclusions: In our study, the patterns of risk factor profiles for CIN 1, 2, and 3 were unique. Conventional grouping of CIN 2 with 3 for analysis of risk factors may need revisiting. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(9):2350–5)
Colorectal smartphone apps: opportunities and risks

Aim The increased utilization of smartphones within the clinical environment together with connected applications (apps) provides opportunity for doctors, including coloproctologists, to integrate such technology into clinical practice. However, the reliability of unregulated medical apps has recently been called into question. Here, we review contemporary medical apps specifically themed towards colorectal diseases and assess levels of medical professional involvement in their design and content.