Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling Star Formation in Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxies: A Case for Extended Dark Matter Halos

We propose a simple model for the formation of dwarf spheroidal galaxies, in which stars are assumed to have formed from isothermal gas in hydrostatic equilibrium inside extended dark matter halos. After expelling the leftover gas, the stellar system undergoes a dynamical relaxation inside the dark matter halo. These models can adequately describe the observed properties of three (Draco, Sculptor, and Carina) out of four Galactic dwarf spheroidal satellites studied in this paper. We suggest that the fourth galaxy (Fornax), which cannot be fitted well with our model, is observed all the way to its tidal radius. Our best-fitting models have virial masses of ~109 M☉, halo formation redshifts consistent with the age of oldest stars in these dwarfs, and shallow inner dark matter density profiles (with slope γ ~ -0.5, … ,0). The inferred temperature of gas is ~104 K. In our model, the "extratidal" stars observed in the vicinity of some dwarf spheroidal galaxies are gravitationally bound to the galaxies and are a part of the extended stellar halos. The inferred virial masses make Galactic dwarf spheroidals massive enough to alleviate the "missing satellites" problem of Λ cold dark matter cosmologies.
Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant Rescue Treatment for Bevacizumab Refractory Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

Purpose To evaluate the prognostic factors and outcomes of dexamethasone intravitreal implant (DEX implant) for intravitreal bevacizumab refractory macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods This was a retrospective, interventional case series. Medical records were reviewed, and a total of 38 eyes that were treated with DEX implant for macular edema secondary to BRVO that did not respond to at least two consecutive intravitreal bevacizumab injections (IBIs) were included. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield macular thickness, and central subfoveal choroidal thickness were evaluated at baseline, 2 months, and 6 months after DEX implantation. Results Patients had undergone an average of 6.32 ± 4.66 prior IBI treatments. The average BCVA improved from 0.53 ± 0.26 to 0.41 ± 0.25 and 0.44 ± 0.23 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) at 2 and 6 months, respectively (p < 0.001). The average central subfield macular thickness was 504.00 ± 121.54 µm at baseline and changed to 293.21 ± 74.17 µm and 427.28 ± 119.57 µm at 2 and 6 months, respectively (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002). Average central subfoveal choroidal thickness was 237.46 ± 92.21 µm at baseline and changed to 204.75 ± 74.74 µm and 226.86 ± 90.77 µm at 2 and 6 months, respectively (p < 0.001 and p = 0.455). Twenty-two eyes (58%) gained ≥0.1 logMAR at 2 months, while 16 eyes showed no improvement. Low BCVA at symptom presentation, low baseline BCVA, and shorter duration of macular edema were correlated with increased BCVA after treatment. Conclusions The DEX implant improves functional and anatomical outcomes for up to 6 months in about half of the patients treated with IBI refractory macular edema secondary to BRVO, particularly in patients with low initial and baseline BCVA.
Regulation of NADPH-dependent Nitric Oxide and reactive oxygen species signalling in endothelial and melanoma cells by a photoactive NADPH analogue

Nitric Oxide (NO) and Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are endogenous regulators of angiogenesis-related events as endothelial cell proliferation and survival, but NO/ROS defect or unbalance contribute to cancers. We recently designed a novel photoactive inhibitor of NO-Synthases (NOS) called NS1, which binds their NADPH site in vitro. Here, we show that NS1 inhibited NO formed in aortic rings. NS1-induced NO decrease led to an inhibition of angiogenesis in a model of VEGF-induced endothelial tubes formation. Beside this effect, NS1 reduced ROS levels in endothelial and melanoma A375 cells and in aorta. In metastatic melanoma cells, NS1 first induced a strong decrease of VEGF and blocked melanoma cell cycle at G2/M. NS1 decreased NOX4 and ROS levels that could lead to a specific proliferation arrest and cell death. In contrast, NS1 did not perturb melanocytes growth. Altogether, NS1 revealed a possible cross-talk between eNOS- and NOX4 –associated pathways in melanoma cells via VEGF, Erk and Akt modulation by NS1 that could be targeted to stop proliferation. NS1 thus constitutes a promising tool that modulates NO and redox stresses by targeting and directly inhibiting eNOS and, at least indirectly, NADPH oxidase(s), with great potential to control angiogenesis.
The Importance of Active Exploration, Optical Flow, and Task Alignment for Spatial Learning in Desktop 3D Environments

Arguments for the use of interactive 3D simulations in education and training depend to a large extent on an implicit assumption that a more accurate and complete spatial cognitive model can be formed through active user-controlled exploration of such an environment than from viewing an equivalent animation. There is a similar implicit assumption that the viewing of animated view changes provides advantages over the viewing of static images due to the value of optical flow. The results to date, however, do not clearly support these assumptions. In particular, the findings of Peruch, Vercher, and Gauthier (1995) and Christou and Bulthoff (1999) conflict in relation to the importance of active exploration and of optical flow. This article reports the results of two studies exploring the importance of active exploration and of optical flow for spatial learning in 3D environments. The results indicate that active exploration can provide greater spatial learning than viewing of animations, but only if there is an alignment between the task goals during this exploration and the spatial learning being tested. In addition, the results suggest that a set of well-chosen static views of the environment can in some cases allow the formation of as complete a spatial cognitive model as a set of animated views. The article concludes with an analysis of the methodologies used by Peruch et al. and by Christou and Bulthoff in light of the findings reported here, leading to a new explanation for their conflicting results.
A weakly universal cellular automaton on the pentagrid with two states

In this paper, we prove that there is a weakly universal cellular automaton on the pentagrid with two states. This paper improves in some sense a previous result with three states. Both results make use of a la Moore neighbourhood. However, the result with three states is rotation invariant while the result of the present paper is not. In both cases, at each step of the computation, the set of non quiescent states has always infinitely many cycles.
Endothelin Receptor Antagonists for the Treatment of Raynaud's Phenomenon and Digital Ulcers in Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis is a connective tissue disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin, internal organs, and widespread vasculopathy. Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers are vascular manifestations of this disease and cause significant morbidity. Current treatments are only moderately effective in reducing the severity of Raynaud's in a portion of patients and typically do not lead to substantial benefit in terms of the healing or prevention of digital ulcers. Several studies have evaluated the efficacy of targeting the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis-associated vascular disease. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the published studies and case reports evaluating the efficacy of endothelin receptor antagonists in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers associated with systemic sclerosis.
Asymmetric air-spaced cantilevers for vibration energy harvesting

This paper reports the study of asymmetric air-spaced cantilevers for vibration energy harvesting. Such novel structures increase the amplitude of the AC voltage generated, leading to a larger AC to DC energy conversion efficiency. The overall energy conversion efficiency is further increased by allowing the majority of the mechanical energy to be used for electricity generation. An analytical model for the bending of asymmetric air-spaced cantilevers is established by decomposing the cantilever deformation into pure bending and S-shape bending. This model is further verified by a discrete component model and finite element simulations. A criterion to determine the dominant bending mode is presented. Design optimization from an energy perspective has also been discussed. Finally, a prototype energy harvesting device based on asymmetric air-spaced cantilevers is constructed and tested. The results from these experiments show good agreement with the analytical model.
Methods for Taxonomic Studies of Rumen Ciliates (Alveolata: Ciliophora): A Brief Review

This review presents the principal methods used in taxonomic studies of rumen ciliates: live observation, Lugol staining, fixation and staining with methyl-green formalin saline (MFS) solution, protargol staining, silver carbonate impregnation, scanning electron microscopy and molecular techniques. Mastering these techniques is essential for successful research on the taxonomy of rumen ciliates. No single technique reveals all of the characteristics required for a complete description of a rumen ciliate; therefore, it is necessary to combine the use of these techniques as appropriate to the rumen ciliate group under study. Tables are provided to summarize: 1) morphological methods more appropriate for revealing morphological structures of interest, 2) morphological methods indicated for each group of rumen ciliates, and 3) main primers used for PCR amplification of the 18S rDNA of rumen ciliates.
Perceived discrimination and mental health disorders: the South African Stress and Health study.

OBJECTIVES To describe the demographic correlates of perceived discrimination and explore the association between perceived discrimination and psychiatric disorders. DESIGN A national household survey was conducted between 2002 and 2004 using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) to generate diagnoses of psychiatric disorders. Additional instruments provided data on perceived discrimination and related variables. SETTING A nationally representative sample of adults in South Africa. SUBJECTS 4351 individuals aged 18 years and older. OUTCOMES 12-month and lifetime mood, anxiety and substance use disorders. RESULTS In the multivariate analyses, acute and chronic racial discrimination were associated with an elevated risk of any 12-month DSM-IV disorder when adjusted for socio-demographic factors, but this association was no longer statistically significant when adjusted for other sources of social stress. In fully adjusted models, acute racial discrimination was associated with an elevated risk of lifetime substance use disorders. Acute and chronic non-racial discrimination were associated with an elevated risk of 12-month and lifetime rates of any disorder, even after adjustment for other stressors and potentially confounding psychological factors. The association of chronic non-racial discrimination and 12-month and lifetime disorder was evident across mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders in the fully adjusted models. CONCLUSION The risk of psychiatric disorders is elevated among persons who report experiences of discrimination. These associations are more robust for chronic than for acute discrimination and for non-racial than for racial discrimination. Perceived discrimination constitutes an important stressor that should be taken into account in the aetiology of psychiatric disorders.
Interactive virtual environment training for safe street crossing of right hemisphere stroke patients with Unilateral Spatial Neglect

Purpose. The goal of this study was to determine whether non immersive interactive virtual environments are an effective medium for training individuals who suffer from Unilateral Spatial Neglect (USN) as a result of a right hemisphere stroke, and to compare it to a standard computer visual scanning training. Method. Participants included 19 patients with right hemisphere stroke in two groups, 11 in an experimental group were given computer desktop-based Virtual Reality (VR) street crossing training and 8 in a control group who were given computer based visual scanning tasks, both for a total of twelve sessions, 9 hours total, over four weeks. Measures included: 1. Standard USN assessments, paper and pencil and ADL checklist; 2. Test on the VR street program; and 3. Actual street crossing videotaped. Testing was performed pre and post intervention. Results. The VR group achieved on the USN measures results that equaled those achieved by the control group treated with conventional visual scanning tasks. They improved more on the VR test and they did better on some measures of the real street crossing. Conclusions. Despite several limitations in this study the present results support the effectiveness of the VR street program in the treatment of participants with USN, and further development of the program.
Moisture effects on adhesion of non‐conductive adhesive attachments

Purpose – Personal and portable electronic devices are becoming an important part of the everyday lives. Electronics miniaturization has been and continues to be the most important driver in this development. The current level of miniaturization has made the use of solder joints challenging and new methods, such as adhesive attachments, have been developed. The applicability of these methods depends crucially on their long‐term reliability. Typical failures mechanisms in adhesive connection include cracking, open joints and delamination. Moisture is the principal cause of failures in adhesive attachments. The purpose of this paper is to examine the long‐term effects of moisture and extended temperature on non‐conductive adhesive (NCA) attachments.Design/methodology/approach – Moisture and extended temperature on NCA attachments are examined by strength tests and by finite element models.Findings – The increase in temperature and moisture induces stresses on the interface of the adhesive and the chip. In t.
Bootstrapping Supervised Machine-learning Polarity Classifiers with Rule-based Classification

In this paper, we explore the effectiveness of bootstrapping supervised machine-learning polarity classifiers using the output of domain-independent rule-based classifiers. The benefit of this method is that no labeled training data are required. Still, this method allows to capture in-domain knowledge by training the supervised classifier on in-domain features, such as bag of words. We investigate how important the quality of the rule-based classifier is and what features are useful for the supervised classifier. The former addresses the issue in how far relevant constructions for polarity classification, such as word sense disambiguation, negation modeling, or intensification, are important for this self-training approach. We not only compare how this method relates to conventional semi-supervised learning but also examine how it performs under more difficult settings in which classes are not balanced and mixed reviews are included in the dataset.
Cell death-induced regeneration in wing imaginal discs requires JNK signalling

Regeneration and tissue repair allow damaged or lost body parts to be replaced. After injury or fragmentation of Drosophila imaginal discs, regeneration leads to the development of normal adult structures. This process is likely to involve a combination of cell rearrangement and compensatory proliferation. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying these processes are poorly understood. We have established a system to allow temporally restricted induction of cell death in situ. Using Gal4/Gal80 and UAS-rpr constructs, targeted ablation of a region of the disc could be performed and regeneration monitored without the requirement for microsurgical manipulation. Using a ptc-Gal4 construct to drive rpr expression in the wing disc resulted in a stripe of dead cells in the anterior compartment flanking the anteroposterior boundary, whereas a sal-Gal4 driver generated a dead domain that includes both anterior and posterior cells. Under these conditions, regenerated tissues were derived from the damaged compartment, suggesting that compartment restrictions are preserved during regeneration. Our studies reveal that during regeneration the live cells bordering the domain in which cell death was induced first display cytoskeletal reorganisation and apical-to-basal closure of the epithelium. Then, proliferation begins locally in the vicinity of the wound and later more extensively in the affected compartment. Finally, we show that regeneration of genetically ablated tissue requires JNK activity. During cell death-induced regeneration, the JNK pathway is activated at the leading edges of healing tissue and not in the apoptotic cells, and is required for the regulation of healing and regenerative growth.
Echo Chambers

We find evidence of selective exposure to confirmatory information among 400,000 users on the investor social network StockTwits. Self-described bulls are 5 times more likely to follow a user with a bullish view of the same stock than self-described bears. Consequently, bulls see 62 more bullish messages and 24 fewer bearish messages than bears over the same 50-day period. These “echo chambers” exist even among professional investors and are strongest for investors who trade on their beliefs. Finally, beliefs formed in echo chambers are associated with lower ex-post returns, more siloing of information and more trading volume.
Evaluation of Deritis Ratio , Alkaline Phosphatase and Bilirubin in Liver Diseases

Liver diseases are common disorders encountered in clinical practice. Investigations in Liver diseases are used to detect hepatic abnormality, to measure its severity, to define its structural effect on the liver to look for specific causes of Liver diseases to assess prognosis and to evaluate therapy. Aims and Objectives: To study and compare the altered serum levels of Alkaline phosphatase, Bilirubin and Derits ratio in Liver disease and also to assess their usefulness in differential diagnosis of liver disease. Method: The patients admitted to Chigateri General Hospital and Bapuji Hospital Davangere were selected for the present study. Total number of 124 subjects were chosen which include 50 controls and the cases of Liver diseases. The liver diseases were further grouped into Acute Hepatitis, chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis of liver. Abbreviations: ALP-Alkaline phosphatase; Bil-Bilrubin; AST/ALTDeritis ratio AST-Aspartate transaminase; ALT-Alanine Transaminase. Results: The mean levels of Alkaline phosphatase was statistically significant in all liver diseases as compared to controls, the P value is highly significant P<0.001. There is no statistical significance observed in non alcoholic and alcoholic cirrhosis and duration wise comparison in cirrhosis of liver. The mean levels of total Bilirubin was increased in all groups of liver diseases studied when compared to controls. Derits ratio (AST/ALT ratio) It is statistically significant in chronic hepatitis, non alcoholic cirrhosis of liver, and alcoholic cirrhosis when compared to controls. It is statistically not significant in acute hepatitis when compared to controls. Conclusion: The liver function test can be of value prognostically and screening for liver disease in response to treatment.
Detection of p53 Mutations by Single‐strand Conformation Polymorphisms (SSCP) Gel Electrophoresis: A Comparative Study of Radioactive and Nonradioactive Silver‐stained SSCP Analysis

p53 mutations are the most common genetic abnormality in human tumors, but their clinical significance remains to he precisely elucidated. Conventional single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis, a well-established technique for detecting p53 mutations, uses radioactively labeled polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products, which migrate abnormally in the presence of mutations. We performed radioactive PCR-SSCP analysis in a series of 30 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded ovarian carcinomas and two cell lines (SW480 and Caov4) harboring known homozygous p53 mutations and compared the results with nonradioactive silver-stained SSCP. The purpose was to assess whether nonradioactive SSCP is suitable for detecting p53 mutations in a rapid, sensitive, cost-effective fashion, without the need of radioactive isotopes. We accomplished PCR amplification of p53 exons 5 through 8 in 26 carcinomas, and radioactive SSCP detected p53 mutations in 13 tumors: three mutations were localized in exon 5, six in exon 6, two in exon 7, and two in exon 8. All mutations were correctly identified with nonradioactive SSCP, except for one exon 8 mutation. To establish the sensitivity of nonradioactive SSCP, DNA samples of SW480 and Caov4 were mixed with increasing amounts (0–90%) of normal DNA and subjected to PCR-SSCP analysis. Mutations were detected until the concentration of SW480 and Caov4 was 15% and 10% respectively, of the total sample. The results of our investigation demonstrate that nonradioactive silver-stained SSCP is a sensitive, rapid, and simple technique to detect p53 mutations, even in formalin-fixed tissues, and could be easily used to investigate large series of patients to assess the clinical significance of p53 mutations in human tumors.
An 85-mV input, 50-µs startup fully integrated voltage multiplier with passive clock boost using on-chip transformers for energy harvesting

A fully integrated voltage multiplier with low startup voltage (VSTART) and fast startup is developed for the energy harvesting (e.g. thermoelectric energy harvester). The generation of the high frequency clock signal with large amplitude without using off-chip components is a key to achieve the voltage multiplier. The proposed passive clock boost using two on-chip transformers with the winding turns ratio of three reduces VSTART. The 138-MHz clock generation with a fully integrated LC oscillator enables the fast startup. The voltage multiplier fabricated in 65-nm CMOS achieves the lowest cold VSTART of 85mV in the published fully integrated voltage multiplier and the shortest startup time of 50μs.
Revenue Recycling and the Welfare Effects of Road Pricing

The authors explore the interaction between taxes on work-related traffic congestion and preexisting distortionary taxes in the labor market. A congestion tax raises the overall costs of commuting to work and discourages labor force participation at the margin when revenues are returned in lump-sum transfers. The resulting efficiency loss in the labor market can be larger that the Pigouvian efficiency gains from internalizing the congestion externality. By contrast, if congestion tax revenues are used to reduce labor taxes, the net impact on the labor supply is positive and the efficiency gain in the labor market can raise the overall welfare gains of the congestion tax by as much as 100 percent. Recycling congestion tax revenues in public transit subsidies produces a positive, but smaller, impact on the labor supply. In short, the authors' results indicate that the presence of preexisting tax distortions, and the form of revenue recycling, can crucially affect the size - and possibly even the sign - of the welfare effect of road pricing schemes. The efficiency gains from recycling congestion tax revenues in other tax reductions can amount to several times the Pigouvian welfare gains from congestion reduction.