Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the AU Microscopii debris disk. Density profiles, grain properties, and dust dynamics

Context. AU Mic is a young M-type star surrounded by an edge-on optically thin debris disk that shares many common observational properties with the disk around β Pictoris. In particular, the scattered light surface brightness profile falls off as ${\sim} r^{-5}$ outside 120 AU for β Pictoris and 35 AU for AU Mic. In both cases, the disk color rises as the distance increases beyond these reference radii. Aims. In this paper, we present the first comprehensive analysis of the AU Mic disk properties since the system was resolved by Kalas et al. (2004, Science, 303, 1990). We explore whether the dynamical model, which successfully reproduces the β Pictoris brightness profile (e.g., Augereau et al. 2001, A&A, 370, 447), could apply to AU Mic. Methods. We calculate the surface density profile of the AU Mic disk by performing the inversion of the near-IR and visible scattered light brightness profiles measured by Liu (2004, Science, 305, 1442) and Krist et al. (2005, AJ, 129, 1008), respectively. We discuss the grain properties by analysing the blue color of the disk in the visible (Krist et al. 2005) and by fitting the disk spectral energy distribution. Finally, we evaluate the radiation and wind forces on the grains. The impact of the recurrent X-ray and UV-flares on the dust dynamics is also discussed. Results. We show that irrespective of the mean scattering asymmetry factor of the grains, most of the emission arises from an asymmetric, collisionally-dominated region that peaks close to the surface brightness break around 35 AU. The elementary scatterers at visible wavelengths are found to be sub-micronic, but the inferred size distribution underestimates the number of large grains, resulting in sub-millimeter emissions that are too low compared to the observations. From our inversion procedure, we find that the V - to H -band scattering cross sections ratio increases outside 40 AU, in line with the observed color gradient of the disk. This behavior is expected if the grains have not been produced locally, but placed in orbits of high eccentricity by a size-dependent pressure force, resulting in a paucity of large grains beyond the outer edge of the parent bodies' disk. Because of the low luminosity of AU Mic, radiation pressure is inefficient to diffuse the smallest grains in the outer disk, even when the flares are taken into account. Conversely, we show that a standard, solar-like stellar wind generates a pressure force onto the dust particles that behaves much like a radiation pressure force. With an assumed $\dot{M} \simeq 3\times10^{2}~\dot{M}_{\odot}$, the wind pressure overcomes the radiation pressure, and this effect is enhanced by the stellar flares. This greatly contributes to populating the extended AU Mic debris disk and explains the similarity between the β Pictoris and AU Mic brightness profiles. In both cases, the color gradient beyond 120 AU for β Pictoris and 35 AU for AU Mic, is believed to be a direct consequence of the dust dynamics.
Making Up People -- the Effect of Identity on Preferences and Performance in a Modernizing Society

It is typically assumed that being hard-working or clever is a trait of the person, in the sense that it is always there, in a fixed manner. However, in an experiment with almost 600 boys in India, cues to one's place in the traditional caste order turn out to influence the expression of these traits. The experiment assigned students to different treatments with respect to the salience of caste and had them solve mazes under incentives. It turned out that making caste salient can reduce output by about 25 percent, which is equivalent to twice the effect on output of being one year younger. The channels through which this occurs differ by caste status. For the upper castes, the decline in performance under piece rates can only be explained by a shift in preferences regarding the provision of effort. When the ascriptive caste order is cued, upper-caste individuals may think,"I don't need to excel. "In contrast, for the lower castes, which were traditionally"untouchables,"publicly revealing caste identity impairs the ability to learn and may lead individuals to think,"I can't (or don't dare to) excel. "This paper provides a measure of the impact that ascriptive, hierarchized identities can have on preferences and performance after a society -- in its public pronouncements and legislation -- has adopted norms of equality in a formal sense. The findings are important because they suggest that when contexts cue identities founded on the superseded rules of a hierarchical institution, the effects on human capital formation and development can be first-order. Contexts that make traditional identities salient are an underemphasized source of impediments to institutional change.
BVI photometry of the very old open cluster Berkeley 17

We have obtained BV I CCD imaging of Berkeley 17, an anticentre open cluster that competes with NGC 6791 as the oldest known open cluster. Using the synthetic colour magnitude diagrams (CMD) technique with three sets of evolutionary tracks we have determined that its age is 8.5 - 9.0 Gyr, it distance modulus is (m M)0= 12.2, with a reddening of E(B V ) = 0.62 - 0.60. Differential reddening, if present, is at the 5% level. All these values have been obtained using models with metallicity about half of solar (Z=0.008 or Z=0.01 depending on the stellar evolution tracks), which allows us to reproduce the features of the cluster CMD better than other metallicities. Finally, from the analysis of a nearby comparison field we think to have intercepted a portion of the disrupting Canis Major dwarf galaxy.
Usability issues with 3D user interfaces for adolescents with high functioning autism

Most literature on the usability of 3D user interfaces (3DUI) in ASD therapy consists of a series of case studies based on games for rehabilitation. These games have been largely successful. However, it is difficult to generalize the results of these specific case studies. The usability of atomic 3DUI interactions (e.g., rotation, translation) with respect to adolescents with ASD has not yet been evaluated. Adolescents with ASD often have enhanced spatial cognitive abilities and less efficient hand-eye coordination. Our main research question is "Do adolescents with ASD perform 3DUI tasks differently than typically developed adolescents and if so, why? " To address this question, we present a matched pair user study including adolescents without ASD (i.e. as controls) paired with adolescents who had a high ASD severity score, but were still considered high functioning. Our results give insight into the usability of 3DUI for adolescents with ASD and provide generalizable guidelines for future 3DUI applications for children with autism.
Multi-frequency polarimetry of the Galactic radio background around 350 MHz: II. A region in Horologium around l = 137, b = 7

We study a conspicuous ring-like structure with a radius of about 1.4 degrees which was observed with the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT) at 5 frequencies around 350 MHz. This ring is very prominent in Stokes Q and U, and less so in polarized intensity P. No corresponding structure is visible in total intensity Stokes I, which indicates that the ring is created by Faraday rotation and depolarization processes. The polarization angle changes regularly from the center of the ring outwards to a radius of more than 1.7 degrees. Thus, the structure in polarization angle is not ring-like but resembles a disk, and it is larger than the ring in P. The rotation measure (RM) decreases almost continuously over the disk, from RM = 0 rad/m2 at the edge, to -8 rad/m2 in the center, while outside the ring the RM is slightly positive. This radial variation of RM yields stringent constraints on the nature of the ring-like structure, because it rules out any spherically symmetrical magnetic field configuration, such as might be expected from supernova remnants or wind-blown bubbles. We discuss several possible connections between the ring and known objects in the ISM, and conclude that the ring is a predominantly magnetic funnel-like structure. This description can explain both the field reversal from outside to inside the ring, and the increase in magnitude of RM towards the center of the ring. The ring-structure in P is most likely caused by a lack of depolarization due to a very uniform RM distribution at that radius. Beyond the ring, the RM gradient increases, depolarizing the polarized emission, so that P decreases. In the SW corner of the field a pattern of narrow filaments of low polarization, aligned with Galactic longitude, is observed, indicative of beam depolarization due to abrupt changes in RM.
Development of a compact MRI system for trabecular bone microstructure measurements of the distal radius

A compact MRI system for trabecular bone (TB) microstructure measurements of the distal radius was developed using a 1.0 T permanent magnet and a compact MRI console. TB microstructure of the distal radius was clearly visualized using a three‐dimensional (3D) driven equilibrium spin‐echo (DESE) sequence in 23 min. The image obtained had a sufficient spatial resolution (150 μm × 150 μm × 500 μm) and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) (approximately 10) for 3D bone microstructure analysis. The system demonstrated the feasibility of using a permanent magnet compact MRI system as a clinical instrument for bone microstructure measurements of the distal radius. Magn Reson Med 58:225–229, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microphysical and optical properties of Arctic mixed-phase clouds. The 9 April 2007 case study.

Abstract. Airborne measurements in Arctic boundary-layer stratocumulus were carried out near Spitsbergen on 9 April 2007 during the Arctic Study of Tropospheric Aerosol, Clouds and Radiation (ASTAR) campaign. A unique set of co-located observations is used to describe the cloud properties, including detailed in situ cloud microphysical and radiation measurements along with airborne and co-located spaceborne remote sensing data (CALIPSO lidar and CloudSat radar). CALIPSO profiles indicate cloud top levels at temperature between −24°C and −21°C. In situ measurements confirm that the cloud-top lidar attenuated backscatter signal along the aircraft trajectory is linked with the presence of liquid water, a common feature observed in Arctic mixed-phase stratocumulus clouds. A low concentration of large ice crystals is also observed up to the cloud top resulting in significant CloudSat radar echoes. Since the ratio of the extinction of liquid water droplets to ice crystals is high, broadband radiative effects near the cloud top are mostly dominated by water droplets. CloudSat observations and in situ measurements reveal high reflectivity factors (up to 15 dBZ) and precipitation rates (1 mm h−1). This feature results from efficient ice growth processes. About 25% of the theoretically available liquid water is converted into ice water with large precipitating ice crystals. Using an estimate of mean cloud cover, a considerable value of 106 m3 h−1 of fresh water could be settled over the Greenland sea pool. European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) operational analyses reproduces the boundary layer height variation along the flight track. However, small-scale features in the observed cloud field cannot be resolved by ECMWF analysis. Furthermore, ECMWF's diagnostic partitioning of the condensed water into ice and liquid reveals serious shortcomings for Arctic mixed-phased clouds. Too much ice is modelled.
Should private storage be subsidized to stabilize agricultural markets after price support schemes are removed

Currently, there is increased focus on the methods in which public interventions stabilize agricultural markets. The subsidization of private storage is one of the options advocated. However, the efficiency of such an instrument is still being discussed and has not yet been explored in the context of imperfect information. Nevertheless, this is one of the potential sources of market fluctuations and one of the arguments in favor of a public intervention on agricultural markets. To fill this gap, our main objective in this paper is to simulate the effects of a subsidization of storage costs, aimed at stimulating private storage at the world level, on markets fluctuations following Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reforms, so as to stimulate private storage at the world level, and to study the welfare effects of this public intervention.
A Large French Case-Control Study Emphasizes the Role of Rare Mc1R Variants in Melanoma Risk

Background. The MC1R gene implicated in melanogenesis and skin pigmentation is highly polymorphic. Several alleles are associated with red hair and fair skin phenotypes and contribute to melanoma risk. Objective. This work aims to assess the effect of different classes of MC1R variants, notably rare variants, on melanoma risk. Methods. MC1R coding region was sequenced in 1131 melanoma patients and 869 healthy controls. MC1R variants were classified as RHC (R) and non-RHC (r). Rare variants (frequency < 1%) were subdivided into two subgroups, predicted to be damaging (D) or not (nD). Results. Both R and r alleles were associated with melanoma (OR = 2.66 [2.20–3.23] and 1.51 [1.32–1.73]) and had similar population attributable risks (15.8% and 16.6%). We also identified 69 rare variants, of which 25 were novel. D variants were strongly associated with melanoma (OR = 2.38 [1.38–4.15]) and clustered in the same MC1R domains as R alleles (intracellular 2, transmembrane 2 and 7). Conclusion. This work confirms the role of R and r alleles in melanoma risk in the French population and proposes a novel class of rare D variants as important melanoma risk factors. These findings may improve the definition of high-risk subjects that could be targeted for melanoma prevention and screening.
Steel Partners' activism efforts at United Industrial, Ronson, and BKF Capital

Purpose – This paper seeks to analyse Steel Partners' investments and activism targeting United Industrial, Ronson, and BKF Capital to provide context for the debate surrounding shareholder activism by hedge funds and how incumbent management should cope with it. Steel Partners is one of the busiest and most controversial activist investors in both the USA and Japan.Design/methodology/approach – An in‐depth clinical analysis of Steel Partners activism at three targets is performed. Context is then provided with a broader study of 63 companies targeted by Steel Partners.Findings – The paper reveals that Steel achieved remarkably different degrees of success with each target. This analysis suggests the use of longer post‐activism windows to examine performance, more nuanced definitions of successful activism, and the inclusion of officer and director ownership as a predictor of activist success and target performance.Practical implications – Managers wishing to maintain their independence face a difficult b.
Loss of Melanopsin-Expressing Ganglion Cell Subtypes and Dendritic Degeneration in the Aging Human Retina

In mammals, melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells (mRGCs) are, among other things, involved in several non-image-forming visual functions, including light entrainment of circadian rhythms. Considering the profound impact of aging on visual function and ophthalmic diseases, here we evaluate changes in mRGCs throughout the life span in humans. In 24 post-mortem retinas from anonymous human donors aged 10–81 years, we assessed the distribution, number and morphology of mRGCs by immunostaining vertical retinal sections and whole-mount retinas with antibodies against melanopsin. Human retinas showed melanopsin immunoreactivity in the cell body, axon and dendrites of a subset of ganglion cells at all ages tested. Nearly half of the mRGCs (51%) were located within the ganglion cell layer (GCL), and stratified in the outer (M1, 12%) or inner (M2, 16%) margin of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) or in both plexuses (M3, 23%). M1 and M2 cells conformed fairly irregular mosaics, while M3 cell distribution was slightly more regular. The rest of the mRGCs were more regularly arranged in the inner nuclear layer (INL) and stratified in the outer margin of the IPL (M1d, 49%). The quantity of each cell type decrease after age 70, when the total number of mRGCs was 31% lower than in donors aged 30–50 years. Moreover, in retinas with an age greater than 50 years, mRGCs evidenced a decrease in the dendritic area that was both progressive and age-dependent, as well as fewer branch points and terminal neurite tips per cell and a smaller Sholl area. After 70 years of age, the distribution profile of the mRGCs was closer to a random pattern than was observed in younger retinas. We conclude that advanced age is associated with a loss in density and dendritic arborization of the mRGCs in human retinas, possibly accounting for the more frequent occurrence of circadian rhythm disorders in elderly persons.
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HOARDING AND DISTRACTIBILITY By

of a thesis at the University of Miami. Hoarding is a debilitating disorder that has gained increasing interest in recent years, contributing to its re-classification as a discrete condition. However, much remains unclear about its underlying mechanisms of risk, though evidence implicates information processing deficits. In particular, the domain of inattention has been highlighted in extant clinical and phenomenological studies, though neuropsychological lab tests have produced largely mixed findings. The current study aimed to clarify the nature of attentional deficits by conducting a multi-method investigation, including an eye-tracking task designed to target distractibility, along with a sorting task as a behavioral measure of hoarding. Results indicated that self-reported attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms significantly predicted self-reported hoarding symptoms, though associations did not hold after controlling for general mood and anxiety levels. Reaction time on the distractibility task was associated with both the time taken to sort commonly hoarded objects, and the urge to acquire trivial items. An interaction effect of image type by hoarding symptom group was also observed, such that participants high on hoarding spent longer viewing distractor images than did those low on hoarding, in comparison to viewing a blank control screen. Findings are discussed in light of potential explanations, in addition to implications for future research to help clarify underlying attentional deficits.
Calcium-Binding Proteins S100A8 and S100A9 as Novel Diagnostic Markers in Human Prostate Cancer

Purpose: S100 proteins comprise a family of calcium-modulated proteins that have recently been associated with epithelial tumors. We examined the expression of two members of this family, S100A8 and S100A9, together with the S100 receptor RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) in human prostate adenocarcinomas and in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Experimental Design: Tissue specimens of 75 patients with organ-confined prostate cancer of different grades were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for expression of S100A8, S100A9, and RAGE. In addition, in situ hybridization of S100A8 and S100A9 was done for 20 cases. An ELISA was applied to determine serum concentrations of S100A9 in cancer patients compared with healthy controls or to patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Results: S100A8, S100A9, and RAGE were up-regulated in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and preferentially in high-grade adenocarcinomas, whereas benign tissue was negative or showed weak expression of the proteins. There was a high degree of overlap of S100A8 and S100A9 expression patterns and of S100A8 or S100A9 and RAGE, respectively. Frequently, a gradient within the tumor tissue with an increased expression toward the invaded stroma of the prostate was observed. S100A9 serum levels were significantly elevated in cancer patients compared with BPH patients or healthy individuals. Conclusion: Our data suggest that enhanced expression of S100A8, S100A9, and RAGE is an early event in prostate tumorigenesis and may contribute to development and progression or extension of prostate carcinomas. Furthermore, S100A9 in serum may serve as useful marker to discriminate between prostate cancer and BPH.
Evaluation of Dentifrice Containing Nano-hydroxyapatite for Dentinal Hypersensitivity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: This randomized, double-blind, parallel arm study was carried out to evaluate and compare the effectiveness between nano-hydroxyapatite (HAP) and a benchmark dentifrice in reducing dentin hypersensitivity. Materials and Methods: About 36 patients were selected, randomly divided into two groups and was evaluated clinically using three different stimuli, i.e., tactile, air blast, and cold water test. The patient’s responses to various stimuli were recorded using a visual analog scale at baseline and after 4 weeks. Results: Statistical analysis was done using unpaired and paired t-tests. It was seen that patients treated in both groups showed significant reductions scores across all sensitivity measures at the end of 4 weeks. Conclusion: The HAP containing toothpaste was effective in reducing dentin hypersensitivity with pre-existing benchmark toothpaste tested and hence can be advocated in the management of hypersensitivity.
Safety and tolerability of edivoxetine as adjunctive treatment to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants for patients with major depressive disorder

Objective: The aim of this analysis was to assess the safety profile of edivoxetine as adjunctive treatment to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants. Methods: A pooled analysis was conducted on data obtained from the integrated safety database of edivoxetine as adjunctive treatment to SSRIs. Safety and tolerability assessments included discontinuation rates, spontaneously reported treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), clinical laboratory tests, blood pressure (BP) and pulse, and electrocardiograms (ECGs). Results: The analysis included 1260 patients treated with adjunctive edivoxetine and 806 treated with adjunctive placebo. Study completion rates were 85.2% and 84.5% (p=0.994), respectively. Discontinuations due to adverse events were 4.9% and 3.5% (p=0.07), respectively. Significantly more patients in the adjunctive edivoxetine group compared with adjunctive placebo group reported at least one TEAE (56.8 vs 43.7%, p<0.001). The most common TEAEs (occurred ≥5% frequency) were hyperhidrosis, nausea, and tachycardia. Mean changes in sitting BP and pulse at the last visit were increased significantly in patients treated with adjunctive edivoxetine compared with adjunctive placebo (SBP: 2.7 vs 0.5 mm Hg, p<0.001; DBP: 4.1 vs 0.8 mm Hg, p<0.001; pulse: 8.8 vs −1.3 bpm, p<0.001). There were no clinically significant changes in laboratory measures. Conclusions: The tolerability and safety profile of edivoxetine as adjunctive treatment to SSRI antidepressants was consistent with its norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor mechanism of action, and was comparable with edivoxetine monotherapy treatment in patients with major depressive disorder.
Isolation and characterization of Azospirillum mutants excreting high amounts of indoleacetic acid

Mutants of Azospirillum brasilense Sp Cd, resistant to 5-fluorotryptophan (FT) excreted 3-indoleacetic acid (IAA), i.e., auxin, producing up to 16 μg/mL which was 30 times greater than the wild-typ.