Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metal Abundances in the Magellanic Stream

We report on the first metallicity determination for gas in the Magellanic Stream, using archival Hubble Space Telescope (HST) GHRS data for the background targets Fairall 9, III Zw 2, and NGC 7469. For Fairall 9, using two subsequent HST revisits and new Parkes multibeam narrowband observations, we have unequivocally detected the MS I H I component of the Stream (near its head) in S II λλ1250, 1253, yielding a metallicity of [S II/H] = -0.55 ± 0.06(r)(s), where r and s are the associated random and systematic uncertainties, consistent with either an SMC or LMC origin and with the earlier upper limit set recently by Lu, Savage, & Sembach. We also detect the saturated Si II λ1260 line, but set a lower limit of only [Si II/H] ≳ -1.5. We present two HST serendipitous detections of the Stream, seen in Mg II λλ2796, 2803 absorption with column densities of (0.5–1) × 1013 cm-2 toward the Seyfert galaxies III Zw 2 and NGC 7469. These latter sight lines probe gas near the tip of the Stream (∼15° from the peak of the MS V H I component and ∼80° down-Stream of Fairall 9). For III Zw 2, the lack of an accurate H I column density determination and the uncertain Mg III ionization correction severely limit the degree to which we can constrain [Mg/H]; we found a lower limit of [Mg II/H I] ≳ -1.3 for this sight line. For NGC 7469, an accurate H I column density determination exists, but the extant Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS) spectrum limits our ability to constrain the Mg II column density, and we conclude that [Mg II/H I] ≳ -1.5 for this sight line. Ionization corrections associated with Mg III and H II suggest that the corresponding [Mg/H] may range lower by ∼0.3–1.0 dex. However, an upward revision of ∼0.5–1.0 dex would be expected under the assumption that the Stream exhibits a dust depletion pattern similar to that seen in both the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. While our abundance analysis allows us to rule out a primordial origin for the Stream, the remaining systematic uncertainties in the H I column density along the lines of sight makes it difficult to differentiate between an LMC and an SMC origin.
How Does the Cornea Change Under Corneal Reshaping Contact Lenses?

In recent years, our knowledge and understanding of corneal reshaping with contact lenses has steadily increased. Clinical experience has shown the technique to be safe and effective in patients with low to moderate degrees of myopia. Topographic analysis (Fig. 1) of patients undergoing corneal reshaping patients shows a flattening of the central cornea and steepening of the mid periphery. Recent data reported by Swarbrick et al. and Swarbrick and Alharbi indicate that the rapid reduction in myopia may be related to a central thinning of the epithelium. It is believed that differences in tear film thickness present beneath the corneal reshaping contact lens results in pressure forces that flatten the central epithelium and steepen the mid peripheral epithelium. It is unclear at this time exactly how the cornea responds physiologically and anatomically to these pressure forces. Current theories as to the possible mechanisms for these corneal changes include corneal bending, epithelial cell redistribution, epithelial cell compression, cellular compression with intercellular fluid transfer, increased cell mitosis, increased cell retention, stromal remodeling, and perhaps a combination of these factors occurring simultaneously or at different times during the reshaping process. A review of the aforementioned mechanisms may provide some insight into this complex refractive procedure.
NEURAL SUBSTRATES ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONCURRENT PERFORMANCE OF DUAL WORKING MEMORY TASKS

The neural substrates of the dual working memory (WM) process were investigated using concurrent performance of auditory and visual n-back- WM tasks. Based on the pre-fMRI behavioral testing, a lettered 1-back WM paradigm was implemented for an fMRI examination of healthy volunteers who performed (1) auditory, (2) visual, and (3) simultaneous visual and auditory WM tasks. The behavioral performance, as measured by the reaction time, was deteriorated in the dual task condition compared to the single task condition. Group analysis of the fMRI data revealed that the majority of activation identified during each component task was concurrently activated in the dual task condition. However, several neural substrates such as left middle frontal gyrus, left superior parietal lobule, posterior aspect of right inferior temporal gyrus, and bilateral parahippocampal gyri were selectively activated during the dual WM task. These data suggest that new neural networks come into play to assist in the greater load placed on the WM with the incongruent stimulation modality, which may also have implications in crossmodal integrative processes.
Application of the SC EXCELL model for rain attenuation prediction in tropical and equatorial regions

The aim of this paper is to provide additional information about the performance of the SC EXCELL model, specifically when applied to the prediction of rain attenuation in equatorial and tropical regions. The model generates a long-term rain attenuation Cumulative Distribution Functions (CDF) that separately accounts for stratiform and convective precipitation. The model assessment in estimating attenuation CDFs due to rain are carried out against experimental data for three particular South-East Asian regions, namely Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Thailand. The overestimation outcomes of the model suggest that to correctly predict rain attenuation on satellite communication links, the concurrency between rain attenuation and rain intensity measurement should be taken into account.
Ontology-based cooperation of information systems : contributions to database-to-ontology mapping and XML-to-ontology mapping. (Coopération des systèmes d'information basée sur les ontologies)

This thesis treats the area of ontology-based cooperation of information systems. We propose a global architecture called OWSCIS that is based on ontologies and web-services for the cooperation of distributed heterogeneous information systems. In this thesis, we focus on the problem of connecting the local information sources to the local ontologies within OWSCIS architecture. This problem is articulated by three main axes: 1) the creation of the local ontology from the local information sources, 2) the mapping of local information sources to an existing local ontology, and 3) the translation of queries over the local ontologies into queries over local information sources.
When shape matters: deformations of tiling spaces

We investigate the dynamics of tiling dynamical systems and their deformations. If two tiling systems have identical combinatorics, then the tiling spaces are homeomorphic, but their dynamical properties may differ. There is a natural map ${\mathcal I}$ from the parameter space of possible shapes of tiles to H1 of a model tiling space, with values in ${\mathbb R}^d$. Two tiling spaces that have the same image under ${\mathcal I}$ are mutually locally derivable (MLD). When the difference of the images is ‘asymptotically negligible’, then the tiling dynamics are topologically conjugate, but generally not MLD. For substitution tilings, we give a simple test for a cohomology class to be asymptotically negligible, and show that infinitesimal deformations of shape result in topologically conjugate dynamics only when the change in the image of ${\mathcal I}$ is asymptotically negligible. Finally, we give criteria for a (deformed) substitution tiling space to be topologically weakly mixing.
Inhibition of metastasis in a castration resistant prostate cancer model by the quinoline‐3‐carboxamide tasquinimod (ABR‐215050)

Tasquinimod (ABR‐215050) is an orally active quinoline‐3‐carboxamide analog that has completed phase II clinical trial in patients with castration resistant prostate cancer, showing promising inhibiting effects on the occurrence of metastasis and delayed disease progression. Its mechanism of action is not fully elucidated, but previous studies show anti‐angiogenic effects and strong interaction with the S100A9 protein.
Faith-based and Secular Pathways to Hope and Optimism Subconstructs in Middle-aged and Older Cardiac Patients

This study was designed to fill gaps in the new field of positive psychology. Using data from two sequential interviews, this study examined the effect of faith-based and secular pathways to hope and optimism among 226 middle-aged and older patients facing a major medical crisis—cardiac surgery. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that religious faith factors contributed to the agency component of hope and dispositional optimism indirectly through the use of prayer as a coping strategy. Other sociodemographically resourcable factors affected both the agency and pathway components of hope as well as dispositional optimism and dispositional pessimism directly or indirectly through their effects on emotional distress.
Strategies to decrease cardiovascular mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease.

cardiac failure (of nonspecific origin) is similarly high, if Today patients with chronic renal failure die no longer not higher (Table 1). It is therefore unlikely that corofrom the direct sequelae of uremia, except in undernary heart disease (CHD) fully explains the excess risk. developed countries. Nevertheless, the life expectancy Apart from atherosclerosis of the epicardial conduit of dialysed patients continues to be severely reduced, arteries and poorly defined cardiomyopathy, however, mainly as a consequence of fatal cardiovascular events features related to uremia per se (or to hemodialysis (CV). The excess cardiovascular risk is demonstrable per se) must play an important role, as suggested by the even in early stages of renal failure and remains elevated comparison between transplanted patients and patients to some extent even after renal transplantation. Reon the waiting list [7, 8]: Rapid improvement of survival versing the excessive cardiovascular risk is currently the after transplantation is seen particularly in high risk pagreatest challenge to clinical nephrology. tients, i.e., the diabetic or elderly patient.
The undrained shear strength characteristics of silty sand: an experimental study of the effect of fines

This laboratory investigation has been conducted to elucidate how the fines fraction affects the undrained residual shear strength and liquefaction potential of sand-silt mixtures (Algeria). A series of monotonic and cyclic undrained triaxial tests were carried out on undrained, reconstituted, saturated samples of sand with varying fines content ranging from 0 to 50%. These were undertaken in order to evaluate the effect of the fines fraction on the undrained residual shear strength and liquefaction potential of loose, medium dense, and dense sand-silt mixtures (Dr = 17%, 53%, 62% and 91%), under an initial confining pressure of 100 kPa. The results of the monotonic tests indicate that the stress-strain response and shear strength behaviour is controlled by the percentage of the fines fraction and the samples become contractive for the studied relative density (Dr = 17% and 91%). The undrained residual shear strength decreases as the gross void ratio decreases, and the fines content increases up to 30%. Above this level of fines, it decreases with increasing gross void ratio. Moreover, the undrained residual strength decreases linearly as the fines content and the intergranular void ratio increase. Cyclic test results show that for the studied amplitude, the increase in fines content leads to an acceleration of liquefaction. The liquefaction resistance decreases with the increase in gross void ratio and the loading amplitude.
The analysis of one or two blastomeres for PGD using fluorescence in-situ hybridization.

BACKGROUND The analysis of one or two blastomeres for PGD using fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) is debated. The proportion of analysable embryos, false negatives, false positives, sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV) and efficiency were evaluated when one or two blastomeres were analysed. METHODS Embryos of patients having PGD for aneuploidy screening were assigned non-randomly to two groups: group I (n = 413), more slow cleaving embryos with one nucleus for analysis, and group II (n = 1366), regularly cleaving embryos with two nuclei for analysis. A two-round FISH procedure was performed investigating seven chromosomes; 486 embryos were reanalysed. RESULTS The proportion of analysable embryos was significantly higher in group II (98.2 versus 95.9%) (P = 0.04). Despite the apparently increased false-positive rate (group I: 25.6% and group II: 13.6%) and the decreased PPV (group I: 91.9% and group II: 96.7%), specificity (group I: 74.4% and group II: 86.4%) and efficiency (group I: 93.5% and group II: 97.3%) in group I, no significance was reached (P = 0.11, P = 0.053, P = 0.11 and P = 0.06, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Although the analysis of one blastomere generates statistically significantly fewer embryos with a diagnosis than does the analysis of two blastomeres, the 2% difference may not be clinically relevant. The diagnostic accuracy is not significantly different between the two groups, hence not favouring the analysis of one or two blastomeres.
Learners' experiences of learning support in selected Western Cape schools

The study explored Western Cape primary and secondary school learners’ experiences regarding the provision and utilization of support services for improving learning. A qualitative interpretive approach was adopted and data gathered through focus group interviews involving 90 learners. Results revealed that learners received and utilized various forms of learning support from their schools, teachers, and peers. The learning support assisted in meeting learners’ academic, social and emotional needs by addressing barriers to learning, creating conducive learning environments, enhancing learners’ self-esteem and improving learners’ academic performance.
CALL PAPERS Mitochondrial Function/Dysfunction in Health and Disease Adenosine A 2a receptors and O 2 sensing in development

receptors mitochondrial oxidative phosphoryla- tion, via activation of adenylate kinase and the resulting exponential rise in the cellular AMP/ATP ratio, appears to be a critical factor underlying O 2 sensing in many chemoreceptive tissues in mammals. The elevated AMP/ATP ratio, in turn, activates key enzymes that are involved in physiologic adjustments that tend to balance ATP supply and demand. An example is the conversion of AMP to adenosine via 5 = -nucleotidase and the resulting activation of adenosine A 2A receptors, which are involved in acute oxygen sensing by both carotid bodies and the brain. In fetal sheep, A 2A receptors associated with carotid bodies trigger hypoxic cardiovascular chemoreﬂexes, while central A 2A receptors mediate hypoxic inhibition of breathing and rapid eye movements. A 2A receptors are also involved in hypoxic regulation of fetal endocrine systems, metabolism, and vascular tone. In developing lambs, A 2A receptors play virtually no role in O 2 sensing by the carotid bodies, but brain A 2A receptors remain critically involved in the roll-off ventilatory response to hypoxia. In adult mammals, A 2A receptors have been implicated in O 2 sensing by carotid glomus cells, while central A 2A receptors likely blunt hypoxic hyperventilation. In conclusion, A 2A receptors are crucially involved in the transduction mechanisms of O 2 sensing in fetal carotid bodies and brains. Postnatally, central A 2A receptors remain key mediators of hypoxic respi- ratory depression, but they are less critical for The the promotes adenosine formation from AMP in cytosol and extracellular space. Intracellular adenosine is transported extracellularly via an equilibrative nucleoside transporter. Activation of extracellular A 2A receptors stimulates cAMP formation by adenylyl cyclase (AC), which, in turn, promotes protein kinase A (PKA) inhibition of potassium currents. The fall in membrane potential ( (cid:6) V m ) activates voltage-gated Ca 2 (cid:2) channels, and the rise in intracellular Ca 2 (cid:2) leads to that
The Effect of Long-term Use of a Dentifrice Containing Zinc Citrate and a Non-ionic Agent on the Oral Flora

The effect on the oral ecology of daily use, for seven months, of a dentifrice containing 0.5% (w/w) zinc citrate and a non-ionic agent, i.e., 0.2% (wlw) Triclosan (2,4,4' -trichloro-2' -hydroxydiphenyl ether), has been monitored on 13 adult volunteers. Plaque and saliva were sampled monthly and the bacterial flora analyzed. Twenty-six volunteers used a placebo dentifrice as part of their normal oral hygiene for four months to establish the baseline microbial flora. The volunteers were then split into two equal groups: One group continued to use the placebo dentifrice; the other used the dentifrice containing zinc citrate and Triclosan. There was no evidence that seven months' use of a dentifrice containing 0.5% zinc citrate and 0.2% Triclosan caused shifts in the oral microbial ecology, nor was there any evidence of developing bacterial resistance to Triclosan.
An experimental evaluation of the thermodilution method for determination of cardiac output and of intracardiac right-to-left shunts.

The thermodilution method for cardiac output was tested on cats. Cold saline was injected in the left atrium and temperature recorded in the aorta. A close correlation was obtained to electromagnetically measured flows. Injections in the right atrium underestimated cardiac output. An artificial right-to-left shunt was inserted. Thermodilution curves after saline injections in the right atrium were analyzed according to the forward triangle method. A significant relation between calculated and measured shunt fractions was obtained with the thermodilution method as well as with the blood gas equation.
Synthetic anti-lipopolysaccharide peptides and hepatitis C virus infection

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although antiviral therapy has been markedly improved by the licensing of direct-acting antivirals, safety, resistance, high costs and difficult-to-treat patients remain important challenges. Areas covered: This article focuses and comments on the recent development of synthetic anti-lipopolysaccharide peptides (SALPs) which bind to highly sulfated glycosaminoglycan/heparan sulfate (HS) on cell surface. HS serves as a primary docking site for several viruses to their respective host cells before the viruses interact with their cell surface receptor(s). In vitro studies have shown that SALPs inhibit entry of HCV without cell toxicity. Expert opinion: SALPs prevent viral infection in cell culture model systems. Treatment studies of established HCV infection in cell culture models as well as proof-of-concept and safety studies in animal models are needed to evaluate their potential for drug development. The mechanism of action of SALPs as entry inhibitors suggests a potential application for HCV-infected patients to prevent reinfection of the liver graft in liver transplantation. Potential limitations may include high doses to obtain an antiviral effect and a target which is widely expressed and has a key function in cell physiology.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Highly Pathogenic Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Variant

ABSTRACT Following the 2006 outbreaks of the highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, the causative agent was identified as the highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV). To investigate whether the HP-PRRSV variant continues circulating and accelerating evolution, we sequenced and analyzed the complete genome of the identified HP-PRRSV field strain SD16. The sequence data indicate that the HP-PRRSV variant continues to prevail and accelerate evolution, especially in the nonstructural protein.
Regulatory Interaction between Calmodulin and the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor a

Growth factor-stimulated cell proliferation is preceded by a transient increase in the cytoplasmic Ca" concentration,' and calmodulin, an intracellular calcium receptor protein,' appears to intervene in the modulation of this process.3 Calmodulin binds to nuclear proteins and could therefore affect their functions! However, calmodulin does not control cell proliferation by acting exclusively at the nuclear level. Several lines of evidence obtained in our laboratory indicate that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a calmodulin-binding protein and that calmodulin acts as a modulator of its intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity. '. ' We have demonstrated that the EGFR can be isolated from solubilized rat liver plasma membranes by calmodulin-affinity chromatography. "' Binding of the EGFR to calmodulin-agarose occurs in the presence of Ca'", and its elution is achieved upon addition of EGTA. The preparation obtained contains a set of calmodulinbinding proteins associated with the plasma membrane. However, the major autophosphorylated protein in this preparation corresponds to the EGFR. This autophosphorylation is stimulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-a (TGF-a) with essentially the same effi~iency. ~ Furthermore, the isolated receptor presents both EGFand TGFa-stimulated tyrosine kinase activity towards the exogenous substrate PoIY-L-(GIu : Tyr). '. ' The identity of the isolated EGFR
Recent corticosteroid use and the risk of complicated varicella in otherwise immunocompetent children.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether recent corticosteroid use was associated with an increased risk of complicated varicella-zoster virus infection in otherwise immunocompetent children. STUDY DESIGN A case-control study design was used because the outcome of interest, complicated varicella-zoster virus infection, is rare. SETTING Cases and controls were selected from the population of children aged 2 months to 18 years admitted to two hospitals, between January 1979 and July 1994 in one and between January 1974 and July 1994 in the other, with diagnosis codes that indicated chickenpox. POPULATION Cases were defined as children with invasive varicella-zoster virus infection or associated invasive bacterial infection. Controls were defined as children with uncomplicated varicella admitted for elective surgery, fracture or burn management, psychiatric or social evaluation, treatment of simple dehydration, or evaluation of fever or rash not yet diagnosed. Exclusions included varicella-zoster virus infection in neonates and immunocompromised children. METHODS A priori criteria were formulated on the basis of a comprehensive literature review to define complicated varicella-zoster virus infection. Recent corticosteroid exposure was defined as corticosteroid use of any sort within 30 days of onset of the chickenpox rash. Data were abstracted by medical chart review. RESULTS In total, 167 cases and 134 controls were identified. Only three children (two cases and one control) had a history of recent corticosteroid therapy. Recent corticosteroid exposure was therefore not statistically associated with an increased risk of complicated varicella-zoster virus infection (odds ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.2 to 16.9). No differences between cases and controls were found in sex, history of asthma, or length of hospital stay. The mean age of cases was greater than that of controls (6.0 vs 4.7 years; P<.01). CONCLUSIONS Recent corticosteroid therapy in otherwise immunocompetent children does not appear to be associated with a statistically increased risk of complicated varicella. A conservative estimate of risk, using the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval, is markedly lower than previously published risk estimates.