Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Nature of Seyfert Galaxies with High [O III] λ5007 Blueshifts

We have studied the properties of Seyfert galaxies with high [O III] λ5007 blueshifts (“blue outliers”), originally identified because of their strong deviation from the MBH − σ relation of normal, narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) and broad-line Seyfert 1 (BLS1) galaxies. These blue outliers turn out to be important test beds for models of the narrow-line region (NLR), for mechanisms of driving large-scale outflows, for links between NLS1 galaxies and radio galaxies, and for orientation-dependent NLS1 models. We report the detection of a strong correlation of line blueshift with ionization potential in each galaxy, including the measurement of coronal lines with radial velocities up to 500-1000 km s−1, and we confirm a strong correlation between [O III] blueshift and line width. All [O III] blue outliers have narrow widths of their broad Balmer lines and high Eddington ratios. While the presence of nonshifted low-ionization lines signifies the presence of a classical outer quiescent NLR in blue outliers, we also report the absence of any second, nonblueshifted [O III] component from a classical inner NLR. These results place tight constraints on NLR models. We favor a scenario in which the NLR clouds are entrained in a decelerating wind, which explains the strong stratification and the absence of a zero-blueshift inner NLR of blue outliers. The origin of the wind remains speculative at this time (collimated radio plasma, thermal winds, or radiatively accelerated clouds). It is perhaps linked to the high Eddington ratios of blue outliers. Similar, less powerful winds could be present in all Seyfert galaxies, but would generally only affect the coronal line region (CLR), or level off even before reaching the CLR. Similarities between blue outliers in NLS1 galaxies and (compact) radio sources are briefly discussed.
Sexual Coercion in a Sample of Puerto Rican Gay Males

Abstract Sexual coercion as part of the cycle of domestic violence represents a serious threat for HIV infection among partners in general, and gay and bisexual men in particular. This study examined the experiences of Puerto Rican gay men with domestic violence and sexual coercion in the context of the HIV epidemic. A self-administered questionnaire was obtained from a sample of 302 Puerto Rican gay males, 49% of whom reported having a steady partner. Forty-eight percent (48%) reported experiences of emotional violence in their relationships, 26% reported physical violence, and 27% reported sexual violence. There was a positive correlation between being anally penetrated without a condom, the need to please the partner, and being HIV positive. Findings suggest that the manner in which violence is constructed and perceived in men may be related to vulnerability for violence and possibly HIV infection.
Influence of sleep state on frequency of swallowing, apnea, and arousal in human infants.

Apnea and arousal are modulated with sleep stage, and swallowing may interfere with respiratory rhythm in infants. We hypothesized that swallowing itself would display interaction with sleep state. Concurrent polysomnography and measurement of swallowing allowed time-matched analysis of 3,092 swallows, 482 apneas, and 771 arousals in 17 infants aged 1-34 wk. The mean rates of swallowing, apnea, and arousal were significantly different, being 23.3 +/- 8.5, 9.4 +/- 8.8, and 15.5 +/- 10.6 h(-1), respectively (P < 0.001 ANOVA). Swallows occurred before 25.2 +/- 7.9% and during 74.8 +/- 6.3% of apneas and before 39.8 +/- 6.0% and during 60.2 +/- 6.0% of arousals. The frequencies of apneas and arousals were both strongly influenced by sleep state (active sleep > indeterminate > quiet sleep, P < 0.001), whether or not the events coincided with swallowing, but swallowing rate showed minimal independent interaction with sleep state. Interactions between swallowing and sleep state were predominantly influenced by the coincidence of swallowing with apnea or arousal.
The diversity of poetry: how trainee teachers’ perceptions affect their attitudes to poetry teaching

ABSTRACT In response to a perceived reluctance to engage with poetry on the part of teachers and trainee teachers, a questionnaire was administered to a group of 48 trainees in their second year of training, before they undertook the part of their course dealing with the teaching of poetry. Their responses indicated that they had had a positive experience of poetry during their own primary education but had ceased to enjoy or understand poetry at secondary level. In discussing the responses, attention is drawn to the importance of understanding the difference between poetry as a specialist subject and as a vehicle for teaching other things. The difference between ‘enjoyment’ and ‘appreciation’, as outlined by Wittgenstein, is defined and applied to the study of poetry. Ways of extending trainees’ understanding and ability to teach poetry are explored. It is concluded that in order to get ‘on the inside of the subject they should (a) be allowed to respond freely to poetry at their own level and (b) be init.
Peer review improves the quality of MCQ examinations

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the introduction of peer review processes on the quality of multiple-choice examinations in the first three years of an Australian medical course. The impact of the peer review process and overall quality assurance (QA) processes were evaluated by comparing the examination data generated in earlier years (2008) with those held under the new QA regime (2009 and 2010) from the same blueprint. Statistical analysis and comparisons of overall examination performance were made by year. Regarding multiple-choice questions (MCQs), item analysis was used to compare the proportion of difficult and discriminating items and functional distractors on summative examinations in 2008 (pre-implementation of peer review) and 2009 and 2010 (post-implementation). The impact of peer review processes resulted in a decrease in the number of items with negative discrimination; increases in reliability, appropriate item difficulty, and numbers of items with significant discrimination. There was an associated improvement in the effectiveness of distractors for the MCQ items. The trend of overall improvement in the quality of MCQ items continued in 2009 and 2010. The introduction of QA processes, specifically peer review of MCQ items has resulted in a sustained improvement in the quality of MCQ items within our examinations.
The Global Rain Forest Mapping Project JERS-1 radar mosaic of tropical Africa: development and product characterization aspects

The Global Rain Forest Mapping Project (GRFM) is an international collaborative effort initiated and managed by the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA). The main goal of the project is to produce a high resolution wall-to-wall map of the entire tropical rain forest domain in four continents using the L-band SAR onboard the JERS-1 spacecraft. The processing phase, which entails the generation of wide area radar mosaics from the raw SAR data, was split according to the geographic area. In this paper, the focus is on the part related to Africa. The GRFM project's goal calls for the coverage of a continental scale area of several million km 2 using a sensor with the resolution of tens of meters. In the case of the African continent, this entails the assemblage of some 3900 high resolution SAR scenes into a bitemporal mosaic at 100 m pixel spacing and with known geometric accuracy. While this fact opens up an entire new perspective for vegetation mapping in the tropics, it presents a number of technical challenges. In this paper, we report on the solutions adopted in the GRFM Africa mosaic development and discuss some quantitative and qualitative aspects related to the characterization and validation of the GRFM products. In particular, the mosaic geolocation and its validation are discussed in detail. Indeed, the internal geometric consistency (subpixel accuracy in the coregistration of the two dates), and the absolute geolocation (residual mean squared error of 240 m with respect to ground control points) are key features of the GRFM Africa mosaic. Other important aspects that are discussed are the multiresolution decomposition approach, which allows for tracking the evolution of natural phenomena with scale; the internal semi-automatic radiometric calibration, which minimizes artifacts in the mosaic; and the thematic information content for vegetation mapping, which is illustrated by a few examples elaborated by visual interpretation. Experience gained so far indicates that the GRFM products constitute an important source of information for global environmental studies.
On the meaningfulness of existence: When life salience boosts adherence to worldviews

We investigated when and how life salience boosts adherence to worldviews. It was hypothesized that, similar to thoughts of mortality, thoughts about a meaningful existence increase adherence to worldviews. Study 1a, 1b, and 1c yielded support for the symmetric effects of life and mortality salience on existential thoughts and worldview adherence. Furthermore, study 2 showed that contemplating life's meaningfulness (versus meaninglessness) increased adherence to worldviews. Study 3 showed increased worldview adherence when contemplating life's meaningfulness (versus meaninglessness), and provided additional evidence that the effect on worldview adherence was mediated by the appraisals of life's meaningfulness. Finally, study 4 suggests that both reflecting on life and mortality leads to more worldview adherence under conditions of meaningful life appraisals. The findings are discussed with respect to research in existential psychology.
Globalization, Culture Wars, and Attitudes Toward Soccer in America: An Empirical Assessment of How Soccer Explains the World

This study examines the “culture wars” using the lens of attitudes toward soccer. Despite soccer's increasing popularity in the United States, anti-soccer rhetoric is fairly common. In his widely read book, How Soccer Explains the World (2004), Foer contends that the “culture wars,” including divisions over soccer, are better explained by reactions to globalization than social class or political ideology. Using data from a survey of Nebraskans, we find that attitudes about cultural globalization are the best predictor of soccer sentiment. Contrary to popular claims about the “culture wars,” most respondents were moderate in their attitudes toward both soccer and globalization.
Endoplasmic reticulum remains continuous and undergoes sheet-to-tubule transformation during cell division in mammalian cells

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a multifaceted cellular organelle both structurally and functionally, and its cell cycle–dependent morphological changes are poorly understood. Our quantitative confocal and EM analyses show that the ER undergoes dramatic reorganization during cell division in cultured mammalian cells as mitotic ER profiles become shorter and more branched. 3D modeling by electron tomography reveals that the abundant interphase structures, sheets, are lost and subsequently transform into a branched tubular network that remains continuous. This is confirmed by observing the most prominent ER subdomain, the nuclear envelope (NE). A NE marker protein spreads to the mitotic ER tubules, although it does not show a homogenous distribution within the network. We mimicked the mitotic ER reorganization using puromycin to strip the membrane-bound ribosomes from the interphase ER corresponding to the observed loss of ribosomes normally occurring during mitosis. We propose that the structural changes in mitotic ER are linked to ribosomal action on the ER membranes.
Analysis of Changes in Parathyroid Hormone and 25 (OH) Vitamin D Levels with Respect to Age, Gender and Season: A Data Mining Study

Summary Background: 25 (OH) vitamin D3 (25(OH)D) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) are important regulators of calcium homeostasis. The aim of this study was to retrospectively determine the cut–off for sufficient 25(OH)D in a four-season region and the influence of age, seasons, and gender on serum 25(OH)D and PTH levels. Methods: Laboratory results of 9890 female and 2723 male individuals aged 38.8±22.1 years who had simultaneous measurements of 25(OH)D and PTH were retrospectively analyzed by statistical softwares. Serum 25(OH)D and PTH levels were measured by a mass spectrometry method and by an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, respectively. Results: Mean serum 25(OH)D levels showed a sinusoidal fluctuation throughout the year and were significantly (p<0.01) higher in summer and autumn. On the other hand, PTH levels were significantly higher (p<0.01) in women and showed an opposite response to seasonal effects relative to 25(OH)D. Lowest levels of 25(OH)D were detected in people aged between 20 and 40 years whereas PTH hormone levels were gradually increasing in response to aging. The significant exponential inverse relationship that was found between PTH and 25(OH)D (PTH=exp(4.12–0.064*sqrt(25(OH)D)) (r=−0.325, R–squared=0.105, p<0.001)) suggested that the cut–off for sufficient 25(OH)D should be 75 nmol/L. Conclusions: Our retrospective study based on large data set supports the suitability of the currently accepted clinical cut–off of 75 nmol/L for sufficient 25(OH)D. However, the issue of assessing Vitamin D deficiency remains difficult due to seasonal variations in serum 25(OH)D. Therefore, PTH measurements should complement 25(OH)D results for diagnosing Vitamin D deficiency. It is imperative that seasonally different criteria should be considered in future.
Alterations of antioxidant status markers in dairy cows during lactation and in the dry period

The purpose of the study reported in this Research Communication was to evaluate alterations in concentration of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of plasma, plasma total thiols as markers of oxidative protein damage and malondialdehyde (as a final product of lipid peroxidation) in samples obtained at different stages of the lactation cycle and dry period of dairy cows. We found that TAC was significantly lower in the primiparous cows compared to multiparous cows. This study clearly demonstrates a need for monitoring primiparous cows during the production cycle, especially when they are faced with severe metabolic conditions. Furthermore, TAC may be a sensitive, reliable and useful indicator for measurement of cumulative effects of antioxidants as an addition to metabolic profile tests, which are currently used to analyse dairy cattle health.
Cambio organizacional y percepción de la justicia organizacional en una entidad de la ciudad de Bogotá-Colombia

The purpose of this research was to determine the relationship between perceived organizational justice and organizational change in a sample of 80 employees of a company of the defense sector in Bogota, by using a justice (Colquitt, 2001) and an organizational change measure (Grace & Forero 2010). Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software. The results indicated significant relationships and associations between organizational change and procedural, informative and interactional justices, but no correlation with distributive justice. The variable projection and development of change showed the highest correlation with the level of total justice in the organization, showing the approach to decision-making and talent management policies that senior management need to implement as a function of the organizational culture that the organization wants to reach.
Evaluating top-n recommendations "when the best are gone"

In a number of domains of interest for recommender systems, items are characterized by constrained and variable "capacity": the same product or service can be consumed by a limited number of users and the possibility of item consumption depends on contextual circumstances (e.g., time). Our work explores recommenders in the context of these "bounded" domains. We consider online hotel booking as a case study, and investigates if and how "missing" items (hotels that eventually becomes unavailable for users' consumption) affect the quality of recommendations. The paper proposes a technique for defining "missing" items as "best items", and presents an articulated empirical research in which recommendations for hotel online booking are evaluated in different experimental conditions with a user centric approach involving 142 participants.
Helping families support children's success at school : review of the evidence

This report outlines the research evidence concerning the forms of family/parental support that impact most positively upon children’s development and educational achievement. This two-month project focused on the identification of interventions, programmes and projects aimed at parental/family support that had been most effective in securing improved learning outcomes for children and young people. The aim of the report is twofold: first, to provide a summary of the most effective forms of family/parental support that make a difference to achievement, particularly in low-income communities; and secondly, based upon the best evidence, to highlight the components of an intervention strategy most likely to impact positively upon children’s development and educational achievement.
Community Risk Management of High-Risk Sex Offenders in Canada: Findings From a Quasi-Experimental Study

Much has been said about risk assessment and risk prediction of sexual recidivism, but few studies have examined the risk management of high-risk sex offenders returning to the community. The current study explores the impact of an intensive supervision program in the province of British Columbia, Canada. A quasi-experimental design was implemented to determine the impact of the program on recidivism. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses were conducted to determine the impact of the risk management program on recidivism. Mixed findings were observed as to the impact of the intensive supervision program. In spite of varying levels of supervision, the study showed that age, legal status, actuarial risk, and—to a lesser extent—education were all predictive of recidivism.
Absorption and Metabolism of Chlorogenic Acids in Cultured Gastric Epithelial Monolayers

Gastric absorption of feruloylquinic acid and di-O-caffeoylquinic acid analogs has never been investigated despite their potential contribution to the proposed beneficial health effects leading to reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Using a cultured gastric epithelial model, with an acidic apical pH, the relative permeability coefficients (Papp) and metabolic fate of a series of chlorogenic acids (CGAs) were investigated. Mechanistic studies were performed in the apical to basal direction and demonstrated differential rates of absorption for different CGA subgroups. For the first time, we show intact absorption of feruloylquinic acids and caffeoylquinic acid lactones across the gastric epithelium (Papp ∼ 0.2 cm/s). Transport seemed to be mainly by passive diffusion, because good linearity was observed over the incubation period and test concentrations, and we speculate that a potential carrier-mediated component may be involved in uptake of certain 4-acyl CGA isomers. In contrast, absorption of intact di-O-caffeoylquinic acids was rapid (Papp ∼ 2–10 cm/s) but nonlinear with respect to time and concentration dependence, which was potentially limited by interaction with an efflux transporter and/or pH gradient dependence. For the first time, methylation is shown in gastric mucosa. Furthermore, isoferulic acid, dimethoxycinnamic acid, and ferulic acid were identified as novel gastric metabolites of CGA biotransformation. We propose that the stomach is the first location for the release of hydroxycinnamic acids, which could explain their early detection after coffee consumption.
Asset Bubbles and Bailout

This paper theoretically investigates the relationship between asset price bubbles and bailout. We show that although bailout may mitigate adverse eÂ¤ects of bubbles' bursting ex-post, it is more likely to cause asset price bubbles by encouraging risk-taking behavior ex-ante. In other words, bubbles are more likely to occur, the more government bailout is anticipated. Moreover, when productivity is relatively low, the anticipated bailout accelerates bubbly booms and creates large bubbles, which results in a large scale government intervention when bubbles collapse.
The Implementation of the Creative Arts Curriculum in Secondary Schools in Nigeria

This paper focuses on the status of the implementation of the creative arts curriculum at the secondary school level. The New National Policy on Education recognized the creative Arts as core subjects at the junior secondary school level, but at the senior secondary school level, they are optional. With very good laid down objectives, one had expected that the curriculum would be able to produce creative, patriotic and productive Nigerians who will contribute optimally to national development, rather what we have on ground is a far cry from expectation, due to the poor implementation of the programme. Creative Art practices in our secondary schools presently is relegated to subordinate position to other subjects. Parents, sort of encourage their children/wards to paying more attention to science based discipline. Creative art teachers on their own part are not able to perform to the optimum, due to extraneous factors militating against the full realization of the laid down objectives. It is hoped that the result of this study will redirect educational planners to effect positive changes in the implementation of the creative arts curriculum. Through survey of a number of schools, interview and questionnaires administered to both teachers and students, a number of problems of implementation were identified and possible solutions were proffered.
Hairpin DNA-functionalized gold nanorods for mRNA detection in homogenous solution

Abstract. We report a fluorescent probe for mRNA detection. It consists of a gold nanorod (GNR) functionalized with fluorophore-labeled hairpin oligonucleotides (hpDNA) that are complementary to the mRNA of a target gene. This nanoprobe was found to be sensitive to a complementary oligonucleotide, as indicated by significant changes in both fluorescence intensity and lifetime. The influence of the surface density of hpDNA on the performance of this nanoprobe was investigated, suggesting that high hybridization efficiency could be achieved at a relatively low surface loading density of hpDNA. However, steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy revealed better overall performance, in terms of sensitivity and detection range, for nanoprobes with higher hairpin coverage. Time-resolved fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy revealed significant lifetime changes of the fluorophore upon hybridization of hpDNA with targets, providing further insight on the hybridization kinetics of the probe as well as the quenching efficiency of GNRs.