Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The supernova rate in local galaxy clusters

We report a measurement of the supernova (SN) rates (Type Ia and core-collapse) in galaxy clusters based on the 136 supernovae of the sample described in Cappellaro, Evans & Turatto, and Mannucci et al. Early-type cluster galaxies show a Type Ia SN rate (0.066 SNuM) similar to that obtained by Sharon et al. and more than three times larger than that in field early-type galaxies (0.019 SNuM). This difference has a 98 per cent statistical confidence level. We examine many possible observational biases which could affect the rate determination, and conclude that none of them is likely to significantly alter the results. We investigate how the rate is related to several properties of the parent galaxies, and find that cluster membership, morphology and radio power all affect the SN rate, while galaxy mass has no measurable effect. The increased rate may be due to galaxy interactions in clusters, inducing either the formation of young stars or a different evolution of the progenitor binary systems. We present the first measurement of the core-collapse SN rate in cluster late-type galaxies, which turns out to be comparable to the rate in field galaxies. This suggests that no large systematic difference in the initial mass function exists between the two environments.
Multiple congenital anomalies-hypotonia-seizures syndrome is caused by a mutation in PIGN

Background This study reports on a hitherto undescribed autosomal recessive syndrome characterised by dysmorphic features and multiple congenital anomalies together with severe neurological impairment, chorea and seizures leading to early death, and the identification of a gene involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. Methods Homozygosity mapping was performed using Affymetrix Human Mapping 250k NspI arrays. Sequencing of all coding exons of the candidate genes was performed with primer sets designed using the Primer3 program. Fluorescence activated cell sorting was performed using conjugated antibody to CD59. Staining, acquisition and analysis were performed on a FACSCalibur flow cytometer. Results Using homozygosity mapping, the study mapped the disease locus to 18q21.32–18q22.1 and identified the disease-causing mutation, c.2126G→A (p.Arg709Gln), in PIGN, which encodes glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) ethanolamine phosphate transferase 1, a protein involved in GPI-anchor biosynthesis. Arginine at the position 709 is a highly evolutionarily conserved residue located in the PigN domain. The expression of GPI linked protein CD59 on fibroblasts from patients as compared to that in a control individual showed a 10-fold reduction in expression, confirming the pathogenic consequences of the mutation on GPI dependent protein expression. Conclusions The abundant expression of PIGN in various tissues is compatible with the diverse phenotypic features observed in the patients and with the involvement of multiple body systems. The presence of developmental delay, hypotonia, and epilepsy combined with multiple congenital anomalies, especially anorectal anomalies, should lead a clinician to suspect a GPI deficiency related disorder.
The NuSTAR Serendipitous Survey: The 40-month Catalog and the Properties of the Distant High-energy X-Ray Source Population

We present the first full catalog and science results for the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) serendipitous survey. The catalog incorporates data taken during the first 40 months of NuSTAR operation, which provide ≈20 Ms of effective exposure time over 331 fields, with an areal coverage of 13 deg2, and 497 sources detected in total over the 3–24 keV energy range. There are 276 sources with spectroscopic redshifts and classifications, largely resulting from our extensive campaign of ground-based spectroscopic follow-up. We characterize the overall sample in terms of the X-ray, optical, and infrared source properties. The sample is primarily composed of active galactic nuclei (AGNs), detected over a large range in redshift from z = 0.002 to 3.4 (median of ), but also includes 16 spectroscopically confirmed Galactic sources. There is a large range in X-ray flux, from to −11, and in rest-frame 10–40 keV luminosity, from to 46, with a median of 44.1. Approximately 79% of the NuSTAR sources have lower-energy (<10 keV) X-ray counterparts from XMM-Newton, Chandra, and Swift XRT. The mid-infrared (MIR) analysis, using WISE all-sky survey data, shows that MIR AGN color selections miss a large fraction of the NuSTAR-selected AGN population, from ≈15% at the highest luminosities ( erg s−1) to ≈80% at the lowest luminosities ( erg s−1). Our optical spectroscopic analysis finds that the observed fraction of optically obscured AGNs (i.e., the type 2 fraction) is , for a well-defined subset of the 8–24 keV selected sample. This is higher, albeit at a low significance level, than the type 2 fraction measured for redshift- and luminosity-matched AGNs selected by <10 keV X-ray missions.
Thermodynamic constraints on stochastic acceleration in compressional turbulence

Recent observations in the solar wind have revealed an important phenomenon. In circumstances where stochastic acceleration is expected, a suprathermal tail on the distribution function is formed with a common spectral shape: the spectrum is a power law in particle speed with a spectral index of −5. This common spectrum occurs in the quiet solar wind; in disturbed conditions downstream from shocks; and, in particular, throughout the heliosheath downstream from the termination shock of the solar wind currently being explored by Voyager 1. In this article, simple thermodynamic principles are applied to stochastic acceleration in compressional turbulence. The unique spectral index results when the entropy of the suprathermal tail has increased to the maximum allowable value. Relationships for the pressure in the suprathermal tail are also derived and found to be in agreement with observations. The results are shown to be consistent with the suprathermal tail arising from a cascade in energy, analogous to a turbulent cascade. The results may be applied broadly, because stochastic acceleration in compressional turbulence should be common in many astrophysical settings.
Geobrowsing Behaviour in Google Earth – A semantic Video Content Analysis of On-screen Navigation

In this paper, a semantic approach to the analysis of the recorded on-screen navigation within virtual globes is presented. The research question addressed is which specific geovisual browsing patterns can be identified during the use of Google Earth. In order to explore and visualize geobrowsing behaviour systematically, we have developed a novel system for the analysis of Google Earth tours, called Videana. The software’s functionality comprises the detection of ‘text bubbles’, the visualization of dominant/average colour values, and the allocation of ‘virtual camera’ movements. Based on a multiple case study this paper demonstrates that on-screen navigation behaviour is largely defined by the morphology of the landscape and, to a lesser extent, by the navigational aids and the additional multimedia information provided. Top view and orientation towards True North are most often retained. Users generally prefer satellite views rich in contrast where they can identify map contours. Thus, an established form of map use exists that has also been applied to
Hospitalizations for Anaphylaxis in Florida: Epidemiologic Analysis of a Population-Based Dataset

Background: Previous epidemiologic studies of anaphylaxis have been single-institution investigations. The objective of this study was to determine the annual hospital discharge rate and risk factors for anaphylaxis outcomes throughout Florida. Methods: 464 patients who were hospitalized in Florida for anaphylaxis and discharged in 2001 were identified using a statewide database and ICD-9-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification) codes. Linear regression was used to determine the predictors of length of stay (LOS) and total charges. Relative risks (RR) for ventilator-assisted respiration and anaphylaxis due to food were calculated using binomial regression. Results: Annual hospital discharge rate for anaphylaxis was 2.8/100,000 population. Hospital mortality rate was 0.86%. Median LOS was 1 day. Median total charges was USD 4,982. Asthmatics had increased risk of receiving ventilator-assisted respiration (adjusted RR = 2.72, p = 0.04). Likelihood of hospitalization for anaphylaxis increased with age for both sexes (p < 0.0001). Patients who were <18 years old were three times as likely to be hospitalized for food anaphylaxis (versus other causes) compared to patients who were 71+ years old (adjusted RR = 3.25, p = 0.004). Conclusion: Young age was associated with increased risk of hospitalization for anaphylaxis to foods. Asthmatics had increased risk of receiving ventilator-assisted respiration. Likelihood of hospitalization increased with age.
Characterisation of IRTKS, a novel IRSp53/MIM family actin regulator with distinct filament bundling properties

IRSp53 is a scaffold protein that contains an IRSp53/MIM homology domain (IMD) that bundles actin filaments and interacts with the small GTPase Rac. IRSp53 also binds to the small GTPase Cdc42 and to Scar/WAVE and Mena/VASP proteins to regulate the actin cytoskeleton. We have characterised a novel IMD-containing protein, insulin receptor tyrosine kinase substrate (IRTKS), which has widespread tissue distribution, is a substrate for the insulin receptor and binds Rac. Unlike IRSp53, IRTKS does not interact with Cdc42. Expression of IRTKS induces clusters of short actin bundles rather than filopodia-like protrusions. This difference may be attributable to a short carboxyl-terminal (Ct) extension present on IRTKS, which resembles a WASP-homology 2 (WH2) motif. Addition of the Ct extension to IRSp53 causes an apparent shortening of bundles induced by the IMD in vitro, and in cultured cells, suggesting that the Ct extension of IRTKS modulates the organising activity of the IMD. Lastly, we could not detect actin monomer sequestration by the Ct extension of IRTKS as would be expected with a conventional WH2 motif, but it did interact with actin filaments.
A novel single-nucleotide polymorphism at the 5'-flanking region of SAA1 associated with risk of type AA amyloidosis secondary to rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To address whether the gamma haplotype at exon 3 of the SAA1 gene is directly associated with type AA amyloidosis or is merely in linkage with an unknown polymorphism that is primarily associated with disease risk, we examined the SAA1 gene for new polymorphisms. METHODS We analyzed DNA samples from 44 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with AA amyloidosis (amyloid group), 55 RA patients without AA amyloidosis (RA group), and 58 non-RA healthy subjects (non-RA group). We also examined DNA samples from 50 Caucasians to compare linkage disequilibrium relationships involving SAA1 region polymorphisms between Japanese and Caucasoid populations. RESULTS We observed 3 novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5'-flanking region of SAA1: -61C/G, -13T/C, and -2G/A. Comparison of allele frequencies and ratios of individuals with particular alleles between the study groups revealed statistically significant differences between the amyloid and RA groups and between the amyloid and non-RA groups. Statistical analysis revealed that the -13T/C SNP was strongly associated with AA amyloidosis. In addition, we found tight linkage between the -13T allele and the alpha haplotype, rather than the beta haplotype, at exon 3 in the Caucasoid population, while -13T was closely linked to the gamma and beta haplotypes, rather than the alpha haplotype, in the Japanese population. Since the linkage disequilibrium relationship was reversed between the Japanese and Caucasoid populations, different exon 3 haplotypes of SAA1 are found to be associated with the risk of AA amyloidosis in different ethnic groups. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that the SAA1 -13T allele, rather than SAA1 exon 3 haplotypes, is primarily associated with AA amyloidosis risk.
Life Stress and Social Support in Diabetes: Association with Glycemic Control

The interrelationship of life stress, social support, and glucose regulation was studied in eighty patients with diabetes mellitus (insulin-dependent = 40, non-insulin-dependent = 40). Glucose control was measured using glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1); stress and social support were determined by the Social Readjustment Rating Scale and a Visual Analog Scale of social support. A two-way analysis of variance [social support (high/low) by life stress (high/low)] revealed that neither social support nor life stress was independently associated with HbA1. However, a significant interaction between these parameters was found. When reported stress was low, the HbA1 means were not statistically different for both high and low social support groups. As stress increased, variations in social support were associated with differences in glucose control. Under conditions of high stress, low social support subjects had significantly higher HbA1 than subjects with high social support (x̄ = 11.8% vs. x̄ = 9.9%, p = .04). These data suggest that during stressful times social support may insulate patients with diabetes from the adverse physiologic and behavioral consequences of stress and thereby foster better glucose control.
Phase II study of bevacizumab and temsirolimus combination therapy for recurrent glioblastoma multiforme.

BACKGROUND Bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy has recently shown promising efficacy in recurrent high-grade glioma. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) mutation in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients causes abnormally high activity of the pathways of Phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases (PI3K), Protein Kinase B (AKT), and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and is associated with unfavorable prognosis. Temsirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, has been well-tolerated in monotherapy, but with limited effects. The combination of temsirolimus and antibodies to vascular endothelial factor (VEGF) has not yet been investigated, but with the hypothesis that temsirolimus might provide complimentary therapeutic benefit in combination with bevacizumab, we included patients with progressive GBM after bevacizumab in an open phase II study. PATIENTS AND METHODS Adult patients with GBM recurrence after standard temozolomide chemoradiotherapy and bevacizumab-containing second-line therapy, received temsirolimus (25 mg i.v.) on days 1 and 8 and bevacizumab (10 mg/kg) on day 8, every two weeks. Assessments were performed every eight weeks. Blood samples for biomarkers were collected weekly for the first eight weeks and at progression. The primary end-point was median progression-free survival (PFS) and secondary end-points were radiographic response, overall survival (OS), and safety of the bevacizumab-temsirolimus combination. RESULTS Thirteen patients were included, whereof three went off-study during the first four weeks and were replaced. The trial was terminated at 13 patients, according to the planned two-stage design, because 0/10 patients obtained partial remission (PR). Two out of 10 patients obtained radiological stable disease (SD). The median PFS survival was eight weeks, and OS was 15 weeks. One patient had an serious adverse event (SAE) with a hypersensitive reaction to temsirolimus; overall, side-effects were mild, and the most common grade III side-effect was hypercholesterolaemia (4/10). Other grade III side-effects included hypertriglyceridaemia (1/10), thrombocytopenia (1/10), infection (1/10), hypertension (1/10), and hyperglycemia (1/10). CONCLUSION Temsirolimus can be safely administered in combination with bevacizumab. This study failed to detect activity of such a combination in patients with progressive GBM beyond bevacizumab therapy.
Pagetoid dyskeratosis of the prepuce. An incidental histologic finding resembling extramammary Paget's disease

Background: Pale cells resembling those of paget's disease have been seen as an incidental finding within the epidermis in a variety of benign papules most commonly located in intertriginous areas. This lesion, called pagetoid dyskeratosis, is considered a reactive process in which a small part of the normal population of keratinocytes is induced to proliferate. Among the inductors friction is suspected. As far as we know, these cells have not been reported in the penis.
Cutting Edge: Critical Role of Glycolysis in Human Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Antiviral Responses

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are vital to antiviral defense, directing immune responses via secretion of huge concentrations of IFN-α. These cells are critical in protecting the lung against clinically relevant respiratory viruses, particularly influenza (Flu), a virus responsible for substantial worldwide morbidity and mortality. How pDC responses to such viral pathogens are regulated, however, is poorly understood in humans. Using an unbiased approach of gene chip analysis, we discovered that Flu significantly affects metabolism in primary human pDCs. We demonstrate that Flu and RV, another common respiratory virus, induce glycolysis in pDCs and that this metabolic pathway regulates pDC antiviral functions, including IFN-α production and phenotypic maturation. Intranasal vaccination of human volunteers with live influenza virus also increases glycolysis in circulating pDCs, highlighting a previously unrecognized potential role for metabolism in regulating pDC immune responses to viral infections in humans.
FOA and 2-D DOA estimation with propagator method

The objective of this paper is to estimate frequency of arrival (FOA) and two-dimensional (2-D) direction of arrival angles (DOAs) from multiple narrowband sources. The proposed method employs a propagator method (PM) whose complexity is simpler than the previous DOA and FOA algorithms which typically use eigen-value decomposition (EVD) or singular value decomposition (SVD). To achieve this objective, we propose an antenna array configuration which can give accurate estimation of FOA and 2-D DOAs from multiple sources for a practical signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In addition, the proposed method shows no failure for the 2-D DOA estimations regardless of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) though estimation quality becomes worse as SNR decreases. Simulation results will verify the validity of the proposed method.
Australian Physiological and Pharmacological Society Symposium : Cellular and Mechanical Coupling in the Arteriolar Wall HETEROGENEITY IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF VASCULAR GAP JUNCTIONS AND CONNEXINS : IMPLICATIONS FOR FUNCTION

1. Gap junctions, which are comprised of members of a family of membrane proteins called connexins (Cx), permit the transfer of electrical and chemical information between adjacent cells in a wide variety of tissues. The aim of the present study was to compare the expression of Cx37, 40 and 43 in the smooth muscle and endothelium of a large elastic artery and two smaller muscular arteries of the rat. Serial section electron microscopy was also used to determine the presence of pentalaminar gap junctions in the smooth muscle and the incidence of myoendothelial gap junctions between the smooth muscle and endothelial cells in muscular arteries of different size. 2. Using immunohistochemistry, Cx37, 40 and 43 were found in the endothelium of the aorta, caudal and basilar arteries, with Cx43 being the least abundant. Connexin 43 was readily observed throughout the muscle layers of the aorta, but was not detected in the media of the caudal or basilar arteries. Connexin 40 was not detected in the media of any of the arteries, while very fine punctate staining was observed with Cx37 antibodies in the media of the caudal and basilar arteries, but not in the aorta. 3. Real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that the expression of mRNA for Cx43 was 15-fold greater in the aorta than in the caudal artery of the rat. 4. At the ultrastructural level, small pentalaminar gap junctions (< 100 nm) were found between the fine processes of adjacent smooth muscle cells and also between the smooth muscle and endothelial cells. The incidence of myoendothelial gap junctions in the mesenteric vascular bed and in the caudal artery increased as vessel size decreased. 5. In summary, heterogeneity exists within the vascular system with regard to the distribution of gap junctions and their constituent Cx. Such variation will have important consequences for the coordination and propagation of vascular responses. In muscular arteries, in comparison with elastic arteries, Cx37 may be more important than Cx43 for cell coupling within the smooth muscle layers. The correlation between the incidence of myoendothelial gap junctions and the role of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, relative to nitric oxide, in vasodilatory responses suggests that myoendothelial gap junctions play an important physiological role in the regulation of vascular tone.
In Vitro Induction of Nonspecific Resistance in Macrophages by Specifically Sensitized Lymphocytes

Experiments were carried out to determine whether macrophages can be activated in vitro to resist challenge with heterologous microorganisms. Sensitized spleen cells from guinea pigs chronically infected with Toxoplasma gondii were cultured with normal guinea pig peritoneal macrophages in the presence and absence of Toxoplasma antigen. Macrophage monolayers incubated with sensitized spleen cells and antigen were markedly resistant to challenge from Listeria monocytogenes. Resistance was manifested by prolonged survival of the monolayers and rapid intracellular killing of the bacteria. Macrophages incubated with sensitized spleen cells but in the absence of antigen, as well as macrophages cultured with normal spleen cells, in the presence or absence of antigen, were rapidly destroyed. Sensitized spleen cells responded to the presence of Toxoplasma antigen by increased uptake of tritium-labeled thymidine. Supernatant fluid medium obtained from cultures of macrophages, sensitized spleen cells, and antigen contained a macrophage migration inhibitory factor(s). In addition, these supernatant fluids were capable of inducing increased resistance to Listeria in normal macrophages.
Control of White Spot Lesions with Use of Fluoride Varnish or Chlorhexidine Gel During Orthodontic Treatment A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness of fluoride varnish and 2% chlorhexidine gel for controlling active white spot lesions (WSLs) adjacent to orthodontic brackets. STUDY DESIGN Thirty-five orthodontic patients (17.2 ± 2.3 years old) presenting 60 WSLs adjacent to orthodontic brackets were enrolled in this randomized, blind, 3-armed and controlled clinical trial. The patients were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 arms: (1) two applications of 5% NaF varnish- F, with one-week interval, (2) two applications of 2% chlorhexidine gel-CHX, with one-week interval and (3) usual home care-control (CO). The WSLs were scored by using a DIAGNOdent pen. An independent examiner scored the surfaces using Nyvad criteria for caries assessment. RESULTS A total of thirty patients presenting 51 lesions completed the study. All treatments reduced the fluorescence values during the experimental period; however, F induced faster remineralization than CHX. After 3 months, 70.58 % were inactive considering all groups. DIAGNOdent pen and Nyvad presented a significant correlation. CONCLUSION After 3 months of treatment, F, CHX and CO were capable of controlling the WSLs adjacent to the orthodontic brackets. However, the treatment with F was capable of controlling the progression of the WSLs in a shorter period of time.