Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Lyα blob and zabs ≈ zem damped Lyα absorber in the dark matter halo of the binary quasar Q 0151+048

Context. Q 0151+048 is a physical quasar (QSO) pair at z ∼ 1.929 with a separation of 3.3 arcsec on the sky. In the spectrum of the brighter member of this pair, Q 0151+048A, a damped Lyα absorber (DLA) is observed at a higher redshift. We have previously detected the host galaxies of both QSOs, as well as a Lyα blob whose emission surrounding Q 0151+048A extends over 5×3.3 arcsec. Aims. We seek to constrain the geometry of the system and understand the possible relations between the DLA, the Lyα blob, and the two QSOs. We also aim at characterizing the former two objects in more detail. Methods. To study the nature of the Lyα blob, we performed low-resolution, long-slit spectroscopy with the slit aligned with the extended emission. We also observed the whole system using the medium-resolution VLT/X-shooter spectrograph and the slit aligned with the two QSOs. The systemic redshift of both QSOs was determined from rest-frame optical emission lines redshifted into the NIR. We employed line-profile fitting technique, to measure metallicities and the velocity width of low-ionization metal absorption lines associated to the DLA and photo-ionization modeling to characterize the DLA further. Results. We measure systemic redshifts of zem(A) = 1.92924± 0.00036 and zem(B) = 1.92863± 0.00042 from the H β and Hα emission lines, respectively. In other words, the two QSOs have identical redshifts within 2σ. From the width of Balmer emission lines and the strength of the rest-frame optical continuum, we estimate the masses of the black holes of the two QSOs to be 109.33 M and 108.38 M for Q 0151+048A and Q 0151+048B, respectively. We then use the correlation between black hole mass and dark matter halo mass to infer the mass of the dark matter halos hosting the two QSOs: 1013.74 M and 1013.13 M for Q 0151+048A and Q 0151+048B, respectively. We observe a velocity gradient along the major axis of the Lyα blob consistent with the rotation curve of a large disk galaxy, but it may also be caused by gas inflow or outflow. We detect residual continuum in the DLA trough, which we interpret as emission from the host galaxy of Q 0151+048A. The derived H0 column density of the DLA is log NH0 = 20.34 ± 0.02 cm−2. Metal column densities are also determined for a number of low-ionization species resulting in an overall metallicity of 0.01 Z . We detect C ii∗, which allows us to make a physical model of the DLA cloud. Conclusions. From the systemic redshifts of the QSOs, we conclude that the Lyα blob is associated with Q 0151+048A rather than with the DLA. The DLA must be located in front of both the Lyα blob and Q 0151+048A at a distance greater than 30 kpc and has a velocity relative to the blob of 640 ± 70 km s−1. The two quasars accrete at normal Eddington ratios. The DM halo of this double quasar will grow to the mass of our local supercluster at z = 0. We point out that those objects therefore form an ideal laboratory to study the physical interactions in a z = 2 precursor of our local supercluster.
Intermediary Asset Pricing : Online Appendix

In this section we take the equilibrium Price/Dividend ratio F (y) as given, and verify that the specialist’s consumption policy c = Dt (1 + l − yt) is optimal subject to his budget constraint. Our argument is a variant of the standard one: it uses the strict concavity of u (·) and the specialist’s budget constraint to show that the specialist’s Euler equation is necessary and sufficient for the optimality of his consumption plan. Specifically, fixing t = 0 and the starting state (y0, D0), define the pricing kernel as ξt ≡ e−ρtc−γ t = e−ρtD −γ t (1 + l − ρyt) −γ . Consider another consumption profile ĉ which satisfies the budget constraint E [∫∞ 0 ĉtξtdt ] ≤ ξ0D0 (F0 − y0) (recall that the specialist’s wealth is D0 (F0 − y0); here we require that the specialist’s feasible trading strategies be well-behaved, e.g., his wealth process remains non-negative). Then we have
Seasonal variation in the nitrogen nutrition and carbon assimilation in wild and cultivated Aspalathus linearis (rooibos tea)

The Fynbos Biome of southern Africa is a Mediterranean-climate ecosystem with highly infertile soil. It is home to the endemic leguminous shrub Aspalathus linearis (rooibos tea), which is both an invaluable wild resource and commercially cultivated plant. Wild rooibos has a narrow geographic range and is confined to mountain ranges of the Cederberg Region. Under projected climate change, warmer and more arid conditions may place additional pressure on these range-restricted plants to survive in an already resource-limited environment. To understand the adaptive strategies that may allow rooibos to persist in its habitat under future climate change, the present study evaluated changes in the photosynthetic activity and nutrient cycling of wild and cultivated A. linearis, at the temperature and rainfall extremes of summer and winter. Wild and cultivated rooibos tea had different methods of adapting to nitrogen (N) nutrition and carbon (C) assimilation during wet and dry seasons. In particular, the wild plants were better able to tolerate summer drought by increased water use efficiency and maintaining higher levels of biological N2 fixation than was the cultivated tea.
Increasing uncertainty in cash flow simulation-based volatility estimation for real options: Actual increase in volatility or symptom of excess unresolved ambiguity uncertainty

This paper investigates how cash flow simulation-based volatility estimation methods work in the case of decreasing or increasing volatility during a project. Whereas contingent claims analysis-based methods work correctly in both situations, this does not necessarily hold for cash flow simulation-based methods, because the underlying asset value may not be known accurately in the beginning. Misinterpreting ambiguity for volatility may cause decision makers to significantly overestimate volatility, and therefore overestimating a project value with options. Ambiguity may also cause erroneous investment outlays as the decision maker cannot follow precisely the underlying asset value, because it is not an observable market price. This is problematic especially in the case of increasing volatility. This paper describes the dilemma and suggests some managerial advice on how to detect, understand, and mitigate the problem.
The potential of different lime tree (Tilia spp) genotypes for phytoextraction of heavy metals

The research of heavy metals contents (Pb, Mn, Zn, Ni, Fe) in soil in the area of the National Park „Fruska gora”, along the highway M21 shows lower values for manganese, zinc and iron than the maximum allowed quantity prescribed by law. For nickel and lead it shows higher values than maximum allowed quantity. The heavy metals contents in leaves of lime tree in 12 analyzed genotypes are far below average values in accordance with ECCE with all genotypes except genotype 7 for lead and genotypes 7 and 8 for iron. The results of analysis of variance components show that out of four components (locality, genotype, locality x genotype and error) only the interaction between locality and genotype does not contribute to variance. The contents of Pb, Mn, Fe and Zn in leaves is primarily influenced by genotype while Ni contents may be considered a consequence of locality. The selection of genotypes which is able to uptake greater quantities of heavy metals than other genotypes may serve as a solid basis for phytoextraction of heavy metals as a technology by which heavy metals, metalloids and radionuclides are extracted from environment through usage of suitable species and plant genotypes able to uptake and accumulate the given pollutants in parts of plant tissue. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 43007: Studying climate change and its influence on the environment: Impacts, adaptation and mitigation]
Electricity Consumption and Economic Growth : Evidence from Poland

Th e paper investigates the relationship between electricity consumption and economic growth in Poland for the period 2000 to 2012. Understanding the behavior of electricity consumption in relation to the economy is very important for improve a stable economic growth and development. Th e obtained results indicate that there is the causal relationship between electricity consumption and economic growth in Poland and the relationship is bi-directional. We also discovered the bi-directional causality between capital and economic growth. On the basis of the causality results we estimated a one-sector aggregate production function, where the electricity consumption was one of the input variables. Th e evaluated growth model showed that electricity consumption is a pro-growth variable, so the results indicate that economic growth of Poland is electricity-dependent. Th at’s allows to state that electricity is a limiting factor to economic growth of Poland.
From climate model ensembles to climate change impacts and adaptation: A case study of water resource management in the southwest of England

The majority of climate change impacts and adaptation studies so far have been based on at most a few deterministic realizations of future climate, usually representing different emissions scenarios. Large ensembles of climate models are increasingly available either as ensembles of opportunity or perturbed physics ensembles, providing a wealth of additional data that is potentially useful for improving adaptation strategies to climate change. Because of the novelty of this ensemble information, there is little previous experience of practical applications or of the added value of this information for impacts and adaptation decision making. This paper evaluates the value of perturbed physics ensembles of climate models for understanding and planning public water supply under climate change. We deliberately select water resource models that are already used by water supply companies and regulators on the assumption that uptake of information from large ensembles of climate models will be more likely if it does not involve significant investment in new modeling tools and methods. We illustrate the methods with a case study on the Wimbleball water resource zone in the southwest of England. This zone is sufficiently simple to demonstrate the utility of the approach but with enough complexity to allow a variety of different decisions to be made. Our research shows that the additional information contained in the climate model ensemble provides a better understanding of the possible ranges of future conditions, compared to the use of single‐model scenarios. Furthermore, with careful presentation, decision makers will find the results from large ensembles of models more accessible and be able to more easily compare the merits of different management options and the timing of different adaptation. The overhead in additional time and expertise for carrying out the impacts analysis will be justified by the increased quality of the decision‐making process. We remark that even though we have focused our study on a water resource system in the United Kingdom, our conclusions about the added value of climate model ensembles in guiding adaptation decisions can be generalized to other sectors and geographical regions.
Deinstitutionalisation and Adaptation of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: Results from Quebec.

Centre de readaptation en deficience intellectuelle de Quebec Abstract: During the past twenty years, an important body of research has examined the different impacts of deinstitutionalisation on the adaptation and quality of life of persons with intellectual disabilities. This empirical study was conducted with 136 persons with intellectual disabilities following the closure of the Hopital Saint-Julien (Quebec, Canada). Various questionnaires relating to adaptive and maladaptive behaviors, mental health problems, medication and to the relocation were completed. The measures were taken following the exit from institutions and subsequently after 27 months. Improvements are observed on adaptive and maladaptive behaviors, and on mental health. The relation between medication's evolution and the one noted for the maladaptive behaviors and mental health is examined. The relocation variable should be considered in future studies.
Stochastic generation of multi-site daily precipitation for theassessment of extreme floods in Switzerland

Many multi-site stochastic models have been proposed for the generation of daily precipitation, but they generally focus on the reproduction of low to high precipitation events. In this paper, a multi-site daily precipitation model is proposed and aims at reproducing the statistical features of extremely rare events at different temporal and spatial scales. Recent advances and various statistical methods (regionalization, disaggregation) are considered in order to obtain a robust and appropriate representation of the most extreme precipitation fields. Performances are shown at different temporal and spatial scales on a large region located in Switzerland.
CO2 laser surface patterning of nylon 6,6 and subsequent effects on wettability characteristics and apatite response

Simulated body fluid has been used previously to predict the osseointegration potential of materials by assessing the apatite response. This paper details a study carried out using a CO2 laser to induce a number of surface patterns which inherently modified both the surface chemistry and surface topography of nylon 6,6 and gave rise to a difference in apatite response. These induced patterns caused a reduction in hydrophilicity with increased contact angles of up to 10°. Following immersion in simulated body fluid for 14 days each sample was weighed revealing an increase in weight of up to 0·029 g indicating that an apatite layer had begun to form. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis identified the presence of calcium and phosphorous, two elements which support osteoblast cell response. It was found that the laser induced patterned samples gave rise to more layer crystals forming suggesting a more optimised surface for osteoblast cell growth.
Halophyte Biomass : A Promising Source of Renewable Energy (DESERT TECHNOLOGY 11 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE)

Halophytes are suggested as energy crops in arid saline lands. Anaerobic digestion of 7 halophytes collected in the Kyzylkum desert (Uzbekistan) were studied in batch-mode tests in mesophilic (35°C) and thermophilic (55°C) conditions with stirring and F/M=0.2. Obtained results showed that halophytic biomass should be considered as a valuable renewable source of biogas. Though high mineral content was detected in the biomass (i.e., Na + , K + , Cl - and SO4 2- ), total biogas yields in results of anaerobic degradation were about 200-400 mL (at 35°C) and 300-500 mL (at 55°C) from 1 gDM (with 60% of methane-gas). Total organic matter and organic carbon (OC) concentrations were determined to investigate plant biomass. Organic matter concentrations were between 736-900 mg VS/gDM. The highest organic carbon content found in biomass of Suaeda paradoxa, Atriplex nitens, Karelinia caspia and conventional grass Cynodon dactylon were 243.9, 337.6, 394 and 396 mg OC/gDM, respectively. Low OC content (about 200 mgOC/gDM) was measured in biomasses of Salicornia, Halostachys and Climacoptera. Results indicated that 40-60% of total organic matter in halophyte biomass can be decomposed into biogas. The highest yield of approximately 300-500 m 3 of biogas from 1 t DM could be produced from Atriplex nitens, Karelinia caspia, Suaeda paradoxa and Cynodon dactylon. After considering annual biomass yield of the studied plants, their current use, and biogas generation measured in the laboratory, Karelinia caspia (wild associations or cultivated plantations) is recommended as one of the most promising renewable sources for biogas production in desert salt-affected areas of Central Asia.
The Preferential Synthesis of p-Galactosidase in Escherichia coli

The induced formation of P-galactosidase in relation to overall protein synthesis in Escherichia coli was examined under conditions where the enzyme inducer was required for growth. There was, initially, a substantial production of /3-galactosidase without any detectable increase in total cell protein. This phenomenon has been termed ' preferential ' /3-galactosidase synthesis. The occurrence of preferential P-galactosidase synthesis indicates that P-galactosidase formation is a discrete event in cellular metabolism, and is not necessarily geared to overall cell growth. The data obtained also suggest that the carbon source(s) for preferential P-galactosidase synthesis might be of endogenous origin.
Multifractality: Theory and Evidence an Application to the French Stock Market

This article presents the basics of multifractal modelling and shows the multifractal properties of the French Stock Market (CAC40). Monte Carlo simulations prove that the Multifractal Model of Asset Returns (MMAR) is a better model to replicate the scaling properties observed in the CAC40 series than alternative specifications like GARCH or FIGARCH.
Photoevaporation of Molecular Clouds in Regions of Massive Star Formation as Revealed through H2 and Brγ Emission

We examine new and pre-existing wide-field, continuum-corrected, narrowband images in H2 1-0 S(1) and Brγ of three regions of massive star formation: IC 1396, Cygnus OB2, and Carina. These regions contain a variety of globules, pillars, and sheets, so we can quantify how the spatial profiles of emission lines behave in photodissociation regions (PDRs) that differ in their radiation fields and geometries. We have measured 450 spatial profiles of H2 and Brγ along interfaces between H ii regions and PDRs. Brγ traces photoevaporative flows from the PDRs, and this emission declines more rapidly with distance as the radius of curvature of the interface decreases, in agreement with models. As noted previously, H2 emission peaks deeper into the cloud relative to Brγ, where the molecular gas absorbs far-UV radiation from nearby O stars. Although PDRs in IC 1396, Cygnus OB2, and Carina experience orders of magnitude different levels of ionizing flux and have markedly differing geometries, all of the PDRs have spatial offsets between Brγ and H2 on the order of 1017cm. There is a weak negative correlation between the offset size and the intensity of ionizing radiation and a positive correlation with the radius of curvature of the cloud. We can reproduce both the size of the offsets and the dependencies of the offsets on these other variables with simple photoevaporative flow models. Both Brγ and H2 1-0 S(1) will undoubtedly be targeted in future James Webb Space Telescope observations of PDRs, so this work can serve as a guide to interpreting these images.
INFECTION OF SUSCEPTIBLE AVOCADO BY PHYTOPHTHORA

The mechanism of penetration and infection of Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands to susceptible avocado seedlings were investigated with the aid of lightand electronmicroscopy. Zoospore germ tubes penetrated directly after the formation of an appressorium-like structure. A description is given of the subsequent penetration of the epidermis and cortex. Phenolic aggregates were also observed inside cells.
Actual and Ideal Assessment Practices in South African Natural Sciences Classrooms

Abstract Assessment practices form an integral part of science teaching and learning. The purpose of this study was to investigate actual assessment practices and compare them to ideal assessment practices according to the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) policy documents. A purposive sample comprising five Grade 9 educators was selected: three from high performing schools and two from low performing schools. Data were collected through lesson observations, reviewing portfolios of the educators and learners, and also through semi-structured interviews. The results show that educators’ understanding of the various ideal roles of assessment ranged from 0% to 60% with the majority of items scored at 40%. This suggests a huge difference between actual and ideal assessment practices. These differences were identified from the purpose of assessment, integrating assessment and learning processes, outputs of assessment, the role of assessment, educators’ and learners’ portfolios, performancebased assessment tasks, the use of rubrics, and from the assessment of learning outcomes. The findings of this study may have far reaching implications in light of compliance to the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) introduced in the country.
Coronary stent fracture: detection with 64-section multidetector CT angiography in patients and in vitro.

PURPOSE To evaluate 64-section multidetector coronary computed tomographic (CT) angiography for the depiction of coronary stent fracture in patients and in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and informed patient consent was waived. The coronary CT angiograms obtained in 371 consecutive patients (268 men, 103 women; mean age, 62.9 years) with 545 stents were reviewed. All patients with stent fractures underwent conventional coronary angiography and/or fluoroscopy as part of their medical care. In phantom studies, magnified radiographs of three types of drug-eluting stents in their fully expanded, maximally bent, and unrolled states were obtained. CT angiography and fluoroscopy of a water phantom that contained two drug-eluting stents--Cypher and Taxus devices--with four fractures each were performed, and two radiologists blinded to the fracture information evaluated the images. RESULTS Twenty-four stents with fractures were identified. Eighteen fractured stents (13 Cypher, four Taxus, one S670) in 14 patients were detected with CT angiography; six (33%; two Cypher, four Taxus) of these 18 stents in five (36%) patients were not detected on conventional angiograms at the initial readings. Six fractured stents showed significant (>50%) recurrent in-stent stenosis. Of 58 arteries with overlapping stent placements, eight (14%) had fractures involving 11 stents. In the in vitro studies, 57 stent fractures (31 Cypher, 26 Taxus) were detected with CT angiography and 38 (18 Cypher, 20 Taxus) were detected with fluoroscopy. CONCLUSION Coronary CT angiography depicts stent fractures in patients and phantoms, even those fractures that are not clearly depicted by conventional angiography. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL http://radiology.rsnajnls. org/cgi/content/full/249/3/810/DC1.
Preparation , characterization and in vitro study of biocompatible fibroin hydrogel

In this study, Bombyx mori silk based hydrogels were prepared and their biorelevant properties like physical, chemical and thermal properties were studied. Firstly, silk fibroin aqueous solution was prepared and the molecular weight of fibroin protein was determined followed by particle size analysis for the confirmation of study. Silk fibroin hydrogels were prepared by treating a 12% (w/v) silk fibroin aqueous solution at 4°C (thermgel) and lyophilized. The swelling and thermorheological behaviour of fibroin hydrogels were studied. The morphology and crystalline structure of lyophilized hydrogels were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and wide-angle diffractometry, respectively while the surface functional groups were analyzed by FT-IR. The thermal behavior was also studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry and gravimetric method. The cytocompatibility of the hydrogels was evaluated through three-dimensional culture with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Lyophilized fibroin gel of high strength and high thermal stability were obtained. The β-crystelline structure of lyophilized fibroin hydrogel has shown excellent swelling capacity to mimic the living tissues. The surfaces of these hydrogels were found supporting to cell adherence and proliferation. hMNCs could survive and proliferate in the gel within 3 weeks, and the gel had good cytocompatibility. It was concluded that fibroin hydrogel not only has interpenetrating network structure but also has good cytocompatibility and could be used as injectable scaffolds able to promote in situ bone regeneration.