Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal Maneuvers for Distributed Aperture Imaging Systems

Optimal Maneuvers for Distributed Aperture Imaging Systems. (August 2012) Danielle Marie Fitch, B.S., Texas A&M University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. David C. Hyland Interest in space-borne, distributed multi-aperture interferometric systems is driven by a need for continuously sustained imaging with high resolution. Amplitude interferometry systems measure the Fourier components of the image corresponding to the wave vectors (locations in the so-called u-v plane) that are proportional to the relative positions of the apertures. Imaging to specified resolution demands measurement of the Fourier components with adequate signal-to-noise ratio over the interior of a disk in the u-v plane (the resolution disk). In this paper we concentrate on the case in which interferometric measurements are made while the apertures are changing their relative positions. This work discusses heuristic maneuvers and strategies for a system of two space-borne telescopes to cover the frequency plane while optimizing a cost function that includes both a measure of image quality and propulsive effort. The current study is motivated by previous research in which the optimization problem was formulated and the first-order necessary conditions (FONC) derived. The earlier work obtained short time horizon solutions to the FONC for various simple situations, but the complexity of the integro-differential equations for optimal
Substrate Proteins Take Shape at an Improved Bacterial Translocon

Characterization of Sec-dependent bacterial protein transport has often relied on an in vitro protein translocation system comprised in part of Escherichia coli inverted inner membrane vesicles or, more recently, purified SecYEG translocons reconstituted into liposomes using mostly a single substrate (proOmpA). A paper published in this issue (P. ABSTRACT Characterization of Sec-dependent bacterial protein transport has often relied on an in vitro protein translocation system comprised in part of Escherichia coli inverted inner membrane vesicles or, more recently, purified SecYEG translocons reconstituted into liposomes using mostly a single substrate (proOmpA). A paper published in this issue (P. Bariya and L. Randall, J Bacteriol 201:e00493-18, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.00493-18) finds that inclusion of SecA protein during SecYEG proteoliposome reconstitution dramatically improves the number of active translocons. This experimentally useful and intriguing result that may arise from SecA membrane integration properties is discussed here. Furthermore, determination of the rate-limiting transport step for nine different substrates implicates the mature region distal to the signal peptide in the observed rate constant differences, indicating that more nuanced transport models that respond to differences in protein sequence and structure are needed.
Delirium assessment in neuro‐critically ill patients: A validation study

Delirium is underinvestigated in the neuro‐critically ill, although the harmful effect of delirium is well established in patients in medical and surgical intensive care units (ICU). To detect delirium, a valid tool is needed. We hypothesized that delirium screening would be feasible in patients with acute brain injury and we aimed to validate and compare the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU and the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist against clinical International Classification of Diseases‐10 criteria as reference.
Magnesium and metabolic syndrome: A systematic review of epidemiologic evidence

Background: Epidemiologic evidence regarding the relation of magnesium intake or status and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been inconsistent and inconclusive. Objective: A comprehensive quantitative and qualitative assessment of current epidemiological evidence on magnesium and MetS were performed. Design: We systematically reviewed observational studies and randomized trials of dietary magnesium intake, blood status, or supplements and the MetS. We also performed a dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies to assess the strength and shape of the association between dietary magnesium intake and the MetS. Data Source: The search covers all the publications in PubMed and Cochrane Library up to August 2014. Study Selection: In total, 66 epidemiological articles reported the associations of dietary magnesium intake, blood levels, or magnesium supplements with the MetS and its components were included. Results: In observational studies, magnesium intake or blood magnesium status has been inversely associated with the metabolic components and prevalence of MetS. The meta-analysis results showed that magnesium intake was inversely associated with the risk of MetS; each 100 mg increment in magnesium intake was significantly associated with a reduction of 7% in the prevalence of MetS (odds ratio: 0.93; 95% confidence interval: 0.90-0.96; P for trend < 0.0001). Some small randomized trials with short duration support the potential prevented and therapeutic efficacy of magnesium in individual metabolic components. Conclusions: Available observational evidence suggests a possible protective effect of magnesium on MetS. However, prospective data has been limited. Future large-scale, well-designed longitudinal studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify a cause-and-effect relation between magnesium and the MetS.
The Volcanic Signal in Surface Temperature Observations.

Abstract Climate records of the past 140 years are examined for the impact of major volcanic eruptions on surface temperature. After the low-frequency variations and El Nino/Southern Oscillation signal are removed, it is shown that for 2 years following great volcanic eruptions, the surface cools significantly by 0.1°–0.2°C in the global mean, in each hemisphere, and in the summer in the latitude bands 0°–30°S and 0°–30°N and by 0.3°C in the summer in the latitude band 30°–30°60°N. By contrast, in the first winter after major tropical eruptions and in the second winter after major high-latitude eruptions, North America and Eurasia warm by several degrees, while northern Africa and southwestern Asia cool by more than 0.5°C. Because several large eruptions occurred at the same time as ENSO events, the warming produced by the ENSO masked the volcanic cooling during the first year after the eruption. The timescale of the ENSO response is only 1 year while the volcanic response timescale is 2 years, so the coo.
A new class of ice-binding proteins discovered in a salt-stress-induced cDNA library of the psychrophilic diatom Fragilariopsis cylindrus (Bacillariophyceae)

The psychrophilic pennate diatom Fragilariopsis cylindrus is a dominant polar diatom adapted to grow at extremely low temperatures and high salinities prevailing in the brine channels of sea ice. As a basis for deeper investigations of this physiological trait, we used an EST approach to find candidate genes involved in acclimation to salt stress in this diatom. From 2880 cDNA clones sequenced from the 5′ end, 1691 high-quality tentative unique sequences were assembled and analysed. Only 62% of these sequences have homologues in the genomes of two mesophilic diatoms, Thalassiosira pseudonana (centric) and Phaeodactylum tricornutum (pennate), which share 73–78% of their genes. Of the 1691 sequences, 44.2% could be functionally characterized by comparison with the Swiss-Prot and RefSeq databases. These include sequences encoding different ionic transporters and antiporters, reflecting the requirement to re-establish the ion homeostasis disturbed by exogenous salt stress. Furthermore, numerous genes encoding heat shock proteins (hsps), genes related to oxidative stress, and three key genes involved in the proline synthesis pathway, the most important organic osmolyte synthesized in F. cylindrus were identified. A major outcome of this analysis is the finding of four full-length ORFs showing significant similarities to ice-binding proteins (IBPs), which have been shown in a parallel study to be specific to sea ice diatoms, giving evidence of their ability to shape their habitat.
Ferritin heavy/light chain (FTH1/FTL) expression, serum ferritin levels, and their functional as well as prognostic roles in acute myeloid leukemia

We previously reported the prognostic value of serum ferritin in younger patients with intermediate‐risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The aims of this study were to confirm this finding in a larger cohort regardless of age and prognostic subgroups, to explore the expression and functional role of ferritin in AML cells as well as the regulation of serum ferritin levels in AML patients.
Communication That Is Maladaptive for Middle-Class Couples Is Adaptive for Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Couples

Demands for change in a relationship, particularly when met by behavioral withdrawal, foreshadow declines in relationship satisfaction. Yet demands can give partners opportunities to voice concerns, and withdrawal can serve to de-escalate conflict, stabilizing satisfaction instead (e.g., Overall, Fletcher, Simpson, & Sibley, 2009). We aim to reconcile these competing possibilities by arguing that withdrawal in response to requests for change will be detrimental among couples who possess the social, educational, and economic capital needed to address these requests, whereas withdrawal in response to partner demands will be constructive among couples with fewer resources for making the requested changes. Study 1 (N = 515 couples; 18-month follow-up) replicates the harmful effects of observed demand/withdraw communication on changes in wives’ satisfaction among relatively affluent couples, while documenting benefits of demand/withdraw communication among relatively disadvantaged couples. Using 4 waves of observational data, Study 2 (N = 431 couples; 9-, 18- and 27-month follow-ups) shows that socioeconomic risk moderates the covariation between the demand/withdraw pattern and wives’ relationship satisfaction, with higher levels of withdrawal again proving to be beneficial when socioeconomic risk is high. In both studies, behavioral withdrawal by men appears to be maladaptive when couples have resources and capacities to enact desired changes, but may be adaptive when those resources and capacities are lacking. Efforts to change couple communication without appreciating the larger social and economic contexts of those behaviors may be counterproductive.
Protective and curative effect of silymarin against chlorpyrifos-induced immunotoxicity in rats

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a widely used organophosphorus insecticide throughout the world in agriculture and anti-termites around homes. Silymarin is a naturally occurring substance and has antioxidant effects. For decades, it has been used clinically in Europe for the treatment of alcoholic liver disease and as anti-hepatotoxic agent. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the protective and curative effect of silymarin in attenuating the CPF-induced immunotoxicity in rats, by measuring the level of immunoglobulin G (IgG), lymphocyte viability, neutrophil phagocytic function assay, total white blood cells count (WBC) and relative differential white blood cells count, as well as nitric oxide (NO) level and catalase activity. The treatment with CPF decreased lymphocyte viability, neutrophil phagocytic index, total white blood cells count, relative lymphocyte count, IgG concentration and catalase activity. On the other hand, a high level of NO was detected upon animal treatment with CPF. Interestingly, preand post-treatment with silymarin to CPF-treated group improved the lymphocyte viability, total white blood cells count, relative lymphocyte count, catalase activity and the NO level. Preand post-treatment with silymarin recovered phagocytic activity of neutrophils and restored IgG level. In conclusion, silymarin has both protective and curative effects against CPF-induced immunotoxicity may be through its anti-oxidant effects.
Determinants of crop diversity in the regions of Bangladesh (1990–2008)

The paper measures the level of crop diversity and identifies factors influencing diversification using a panel data of 17 regions of Bangladesh covering a 19 year period (1990–2008). Results revealed the trends that agricultural areas allocated to high-yielding variety rice, spices and vegetables has increased, while areas cultivating traditional rice, minor cereals, oilseeds, pulses, jute and sugarcane has declined at variable rates across regions with significant differences. The level of crop diversity is also significantly different across regions and has decreased in 2008 from its 1990 level in most regions except Faridpur, Khulna and Sylhet. Among the determinants, an increase in the relative prices of vegetables and urea fertilizer, extension expenditure, labour stock per farm, average farm size, irrigation and a reduction in livestock per farm significantly increase crop diversity. Price policies to improve vegetable prices and investment in irrigation infrastructure and extension services are suggested to promote crop diversity in Bangladesh.
Sexual violence , pregnancy and childbirth

Background: Few studies have investigated the impact of sexual violence on health during pregnancy. We examined the association between sexual violence and the reporting of physical symptoms during pregnancy. Methods: A population-based national cohort study conducted by The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort study (MoBa) collected data from pregnant women through postal questionnaires at 17 and 32 weeks gestation. Three levels of sexual violence were measured: 1) mild (pressured into sexual relations), 2) moderate (forced with violence into sexual relation) and 3) severe (rape). Differences between women reporting and not reporting sexual violence were assessed using Pearson’s X test and multiple logistic regression analyses. Results: Of 78 660 women, 12.0% (9 444) reported mild, 2.8% (2 219) moderate and 3.6% (2 805) severe sexual violence. Sexual violence was significantly associated with increased reporting of pregnancy-related physical symptoms, both measured in number of symptoms and duration/degree of suffering. Compared to women not reporting sexual violence, the probability of suffering from ≥8 pregnancy-related symptoms estimated by Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) was 1.49 (1.41–1.58) for mild sexual violence, 1.66(1.50–1.84) for moderate and 1.78 (1.62–1.95) for severe. Severe sexual violence both previously and recently had the strongest association with suffering from ≥8 pregnancy-related symptoms, AOR 6.70 (2.34–19.14). Conclusion: A history of sexual violence is associated with increased reporting of pregnancy-related physical symptoms. Clinicians should consider the possible role of a history of sexual violence when treating women who suffer extensively from pregnancy-related symptoms.
Marmoset as a Model to Study Kidney Changes Associated With Aging

We evaluated whether the marmoset, a nonhuman primate, can serve as a good model to study aging-related changes in the kidney by employing healthy young and aged marmosets of both sexes. Aging was associated with glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, and arteriolosclerosis in both sexes; correspondingly, the content of matrix proteins was increased. Functionally, aging resulted in an increase in urinary albumin and protein excretion. There was a robust correlation between markers of fibrosis and functional changes. We explored signaling pathways as potential mechanistic events. Aging in males, but not in females, was associated with reduced renal cortical activity of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and a trend toward activation of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1); upstream of AMPK and mTORC1, Akt and IGF-1 receptor were activated. In both sexes, aging promoted kidney activation of transforming growth factor β-1 signaling pathway. While the expression of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), an enzyme involved hydrogen sulfide (H2S) synthesis, was reduced in both aged males and females, decreased H2S generation was seen in only males. Our studies show that the marmoset is a valid model to study kidney aging; some of the signaling pathways involved in renal senescence differ between male and female marmosets.
Postoperative Opioid Use in Sinonasal Surgery

Objective To survey patients following sinonasal surgery regarding postoperative pain and opioid use. Study Design Patients were surveyed for 4 days following sinus and/or nasal surgery regarding their pain level and use of prescribed opioids. Setting Four academic medical centers and 1 private practice institution. Subjects Consecutive adult patients undergoing sinonasal surgery. Results A total of 219 subjects met criteria and were included for analysis; 134 patients (61%) took 5 or fewer combination oxycodone (5-mg) and acetaminophen (325-mg) tablets in the first 3 postoperative days, and 196 patients (89.5%) took fewer than 15. Fifty-one patients (23%) consumed no opioid pain medication. Opioid consumption was positively correlated with postoperative pain (R2 = 0.2, P < .01) but was not correlated with the use of acetaminophen (R2 = 0.002, P = .48). No significant difference in postoperative pain or opioid consumption was seen with respect to age, sex, specific procedures performed, postoperative steroids, or smoking history. Current smokers reported higher average pain than nonsmokers (P < .001) and also required more postoperative opioids (P = .02). Conclusions An evidence-based approach to postoperative pain control following sinonasal surgery that reduces the number of unused and potentially diverted opioids is needed. The current study suggests that 15 combination oxycodone (5-mg) and acetaminophen (325-mg) tablets provide sufficient pain control for 90% of patients in the immediate postoperative period following sinonasal surgery, irrespective of the specific procedures performed, use of acetaminophen, or use of systemic steroids. Smoking status may help surgeons predict which patients will require larger opioid prescriptions.
A CANDIDATE GENE RESPONSE TO DROUGHT STRESS CONDITION IN RICE (Oryza sativa L.)

Drought is the most important constraint reducing rice yield in rainfed areas. The understanding of molecular basis of genes tolerance to drought stress will help to breed elite rice cultivars under lower water requirements. To offer some lights on candidate genes response to drought stress, we conducted the experiment in IR64 rice cultivar under artificial drought stressed-condition. Isolating and sequencing of candidate gene tolerant to drought was performed. The analysis of phylogenetic relationship with identified candidate genes in different species was also investigated. The results showed that isolated gene can responses to drought stress; and involves in the regulation of salt stress. It provides an overview and to shorten the list of genes response to drought stress condition. Looking forward in the future analysis, it needs to investigate the expression of this gene at different stages under drought stress conditions; and then an appropriate strategy to be required to introgress this gene into promising rice varieties for developing drought-tolerance rice varieties. Gene isolated in this study was submitted to GeneBank with Accession number GU269889.
An Analysis of Learners’ Intentions Toward Virtual Reality Learning Based on Constructivist and Technology Acceptance Approaches

Within a constructivist paradigm, the virtual reality technology focuses on the learner's actively interactive learning processes and attempts to reduce the gap between the learner’s knowledge and a real-life experience. Recently, virtual reality technologies have been developed for a wide range of applications in education, but further research is needed to establish appropriate and effective learning techniques and practices to motivate meaningful learning. Results showed that perceived self-efficacy and perceived interaction are two crucial factors affecting perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and learning motivation. Furthermore, learning motivation is also a predictor to affect perceived usefulness. After that, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and learning motivation are three important factors affecting learner intention to use the virtual reality learning environment.
Using person-centred key performance indicators to improve paediatric services: an international venture

Nurses are a critical part of the healthcare workforce and provide a significant proportion of care. There is a recognised gap in the evidence base regarding how to measure the impact of care and its contributions to the quality of the patient and family experience. This paper focuses on a set of eight key performance indicators (KPIs), developed from primary research led by a team at Ulster University to reflect core aspects of person-centred practice. The KPIs, having already been tested across a range of practice settings, are currently being implemented and further tested through an international study in the area of paediatrics. This study set out to explore their utility in supporting the development of person-centred practice across a range of services provided to sick children. The study involves children’s wards/hospitals in Australia (six sites across three states) and Europe (seven sites across four countries). Its purpose is twofold:1.To describe the person-centred KPIs and how they link to the person-centred nursing framework2.To describe how these KPIs are being further tested internationally across children’s services,and the benefits and challenges of this international approach
Symptomatic Response of the Elderly with Cardiovascular Disease during a Heat Wave in Slovenia.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to analyse the symptomatic response of elderly people to heat burden and indoor air quality exposure, and to create an index, the basis on which healthcare workers could react and prevent heat-related illnesses when the first symptoms appear. METHODS The impact of the indoor thermal environment was studied with regards to Humidex and indoor air quality by CO2 concentrations on elderly people's symptomatic response. It was a natural experiment in which two different groups of elderly people (>65 years) were observed: the first group had a diagnosed cardiovascular disease, and the second group did not have the disease. RESULTS The results show that the expression and aggravation of symptoms are related to an increase of heat burden and low indoor air quality. The symptoms under analysis do not have the same frequency distribution of intensity and, therefore, cannot be interpreted as a single universal symptom index. Instead, two indices must be created separately for both general and specific symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare workers should be educated about the interactive influences of the thermal environment and the air quality on health. Unsuitable conditions could be ascertained by the nursing home occupants' symptomatic response.