Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PROBING THE COSMIC GAMMA-RAY BURST RATE WITH TRIGGER SIMULATIONS OF THE SWIFT BURST ALERT TELESCOPE

The gamma-ray burst (GRB) rate is essential for revealing the connection between GRBs, supernovae, and stellar evolution. Additionally, the GRB rate at high redshift provides a strong probe of star formation history in the early universe. While hundreds of GRBs are observed by Swift, it remains difficult to determine the intrinsic GRB rate due to the complex trigger algorithm of Swift. Current studies of the GRB rate usually approximate the Swift trigger algorithm by a single detection threshold. However, unlike the previously flown GRB instruments, Swift has over 500 trigger criteria based on photon count rate and an additional image threshold for localization. To investigate possible systematic biases and explore the intrinsic GRB properties, we develop a program that is capable of simulating all the rate trigger criteria and mimicking the image threshold. Our simulations show that adopting the complex trigger algorithm of Swift increases the detection rate of dim bursts. As a result, our simulations suggest that bursts need to be dimmer than previously expected to avoid overproducing the number of detections and to match with Swift observations. Moreover, our results indicate that these dim bursts are more likely to be high redshift events than low-luminosity GRBs. This would imply an even higher cosmic GRB rate at large redshifts than previous expectations based on star formation rate measurements, unless other factors, such as the luminosity evolution, are taken into account. The GRB rate from our best result gives a total number of GRBs per year that are beamed toward us in the whole universe.
Brain organoids: advances, applications and challenges

ABSTRACT Brain organoids are self-assembled three-dimensional aggregates generated from pluripotent stem cells with cell types and cytoarchitectures that resemble the embryonic human brain. As such, they have emerged as novel model systems that can be used to investigate human brain development and disorders. Although brain organoids mimic many key features of early human brain development at molecular, cellular, structural and functional levels, some aspects of brain development, such as the formation of distinct cortical neuronal layers, gyrification, and the establishment of complex neuronal circuitry, are not fully recapitulated. Here, we summarize recent advances in the development of brain organoid methodologies and discuss their applications in disease modeling. In addition, we compare current organoid systems to the embryonic human brain, highlighting features that currently can and cannot be recapitulated, and discuss perspectives for advancing current brain organoid technologies to expand their applications. Summary: In this Review, we discuss recent advances in the production of brain organoids, highlighting their potential applications as model systems for understanding disease states as well as normal brain development across species.
Learning Curve of C-Arm Cone-beam Computed Tomography Virtual Navigation-Guided Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Biopsy

Objective To evaluate the learning curve for C-arm cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) virtual navigation-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) and to determine the amount of experience needed to develop appropriate skills for this procedure using cumulative summation (CUSUM). Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed 2042 CBCT virtual navigation-guided PTNBs performed by 7 novice operators between March 2011 and December 2014. Learning curves for CBCT virtual navigation-guided PTNB with respect to its diagnostic performance and the occurrence of biopsy-related pneumothorax were analyzed using standard and risk-adjusted CUSUM (RA-CUSUM). Acceptable failure rates were determined as 0.06 for diagnostic failure and 0.25 for PTNB-related pneumothorax. Results Standard CUSUM indicated that 6 of the 7 operators achieved an acceptable diagnostic failure rate after a median of 105 PTNB procedures (95% confidence interval [CI], 14–240), and 6 of the operators achieved acceptable pneumothorax occurrence rate after a median of 79 PTNB procedures (95% CI, 27–155). RA-CUSUM showed that 93 (95% CI, 39–142) and 80 (95% CI, 38–127) PTNB procedures were required to achieve acceptable diagnostic performance and pneumothorax occurrence, respectively. Conclusion The novice operators' skills in performing CBCT virtual navigation-guided PTNBs improved with increasing experience over a wide range of learning periods.
Bayesian cluster finder: clusters in the CFHTLS Archive Research Survey

The detection of galaxy clusters in present and future surveys enables measuring mass-to-light ratios, clustering properties, galaxy cluster abundances and, therefore, constraining cosmological parameters. We present a new technique for detecting galaxy clusters, which is based on the matched filter algorithm from a Bayesian point of view. The method is able to determine the position, redshift and richness of the cluster through the maximization of a filter depending on galaxy luminosity, density and photometric redshift combined with a galaxy cluster prior that accounts for colour–magnitude relations and brightest cluster galaxy–redshift relation. We tested the algorithm through realistic mock galaxy catalogues, revealing that the detections are 100 per cent complete and 80 per cent pure for clusters up to z 20 (Abell richness ∼0, M∼ 4 × 1014 M⊙). The completeness and purity remain approximately the same if we do not include the prior information, implying that this method is able to detect galaxy cluster with and without a well-defined red sequence. We applied the algorithm to the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope Legacy Survey (CFHTLS) Archive Research Survey data, recovering similar detections as previously published using the same or deeper data plus additional clusters which appear to be real.
Influence of vintage, geographical location and agricultural management on yeast populations in Galician grape musts (NW Spain)

The influence of vintage, geographical location and farming system on yeast populations was evaluated in grape musts from Galicia (NW Spain) in three consecutive years. Grape samples were taken in organic and conventional vineyards from four Denominations of Origin (DOs) during the 2013, 2014 and 2015 vintages. Cultivable yeast populations were characterised at the quantitative and qualitative level. The general results show the existence of significant differences for yeast counts in musts among vintages and DOs, but not between farming systems. Given the geographical location of the grapes, the influence of vintage was significant in all DOs; however, the farming system only had a significant impact on viable yeasts in Rías Baixas, although the number of yeasts tended to be higher in organic samples than in conventional ones in most cases. Species richness was location dependent, with Rías Baixas and Ribeira Sacra showing the highest values. In addition, the type of yeasts varied between Denominations of Origin. From a total of 39 different yeast species identified, Metschnikowia spp. , Hanseniaspora uvarum and Aureobasidium spp. were the prevailing species. These major yeasts were found to be widely distributed. However, species such as Issatchenkia terricola, Starmerella bacillaris and different species of Candida, Pichia and Zygosaccharomyces genera were mainly found in Rías Baixas and Ribeira Sacra DOs. In contrast, Lachancea thermotolerans was isolated in Monterrei and Ribeiro DOs only. Accordingly, the ANOSIM and PERMANOVA analyses evidenced significant differences in species richness among different DOs and, to a lesser extent, among vintages, but not between farming systems.
Performance assessment to investigate the domain specificity of instructional skills among pre‐service and in‐service teachers of mathematics and economics

Background Key elements of instructional quality include the teacher's ability to immediately react in domain‐specific classroom situations. Such skills – defined as action‐related skills – can only be validly assessed using authentic representations of real‐life teaching practice. However, research has not yet explained how teachers apply domain‐specific knowledge for teaching and to what extent action‐related skills are transferable from one domain to another. Aims Our study aims to examine (1) the relationship between action‐related skills, content knowledge, and pedagogical content knowledge, and (2) the domain specificity of action‐related skills of (prospective) teachers in the two domains of mathematics and economics. Sample(s) We examined German pre‐service and in‐service teachers of mathematics (N = 239) and economics (N = 321), including n = 96 (prospective) teachers who teach both subjects. Methods Action‐related skills in mathematics and economics were measured using video‐based performance assessments. Content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge were assessed using established paper–pencil tests. Correlation analyses, linear regressions, and a path model were applied. Results In mathematics and economics, we find a similar pattern of moderate correlations between action‐related skills, content knowledge, and pedagogical content knowledge. Moreover, a significant correlation between action‐related skills in mathematics and economics can be explained almost entirely by underlying relations between content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge in both domains. Conclusions Our findings suggest that action‐related skills empirically differ from domain‐specific knowledge and should be considered as domain‐specific constructs. This indicates that teacher education should not only focus on domain‐specific teacher knowledge, but may also provide learning opportunities for action‐related skills in each domain.
Partonic quasidistributions of the proton and pion from transverse-momentum distributions

The parton quasi-distribution functions (QDFs) of Ji have been found by Radyushkin to be directly related to the transverse momentum distributions (TMDs) and to the Ioffe-time distributions (ITDs). This makes the QDF results at finite longitudinal momentum of the hadron interesting in their own right. Moreover, the QDF-TMD relation provides a gateway to the pertinent QCD evolution, with respect to the resolution scale Q, for the QDFs. Using the Kwiecinski evolution equations and well established parameterizations at a low initial scale, we analyze the QCD evolution of quark and gluon QDF components of the proton and the pion. We discuss the resulting breaking of the longitudinal-transverse factorization and show that it has little impact on QDFs at the relatively low scales presently accessible on the lattice, but the effect is visible in reduced ITDs at sufficiently large values of the Ioffe time. Sum rules involving derivatives of ITD and moments of the parton distribution functions (PDFs), which i.a. allow for consistency checks of the lattice calculations, are also presented.
Understanding the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Healthcare Professionals toward Climate Change and Health in Minnesota

Climate change is an urgent public health issue that is impacting health locally and across the world. Healthcare professionals are on the front lines for public health, caring for people affected by climate change; yet few studies have assessed their knowledge and experiences of local climate change effects. The purpose of this study was to improve our understanding of the health impacts of climate change in Minnesota from the perspective of healthcare professionals. An electronic survey was administered by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to a convenience sample of Board-certified nurses and physicians in Minnesota. Seventy-five percent of respondents agreed that climate change is happening, and 60% agreed that it is currently impacting the health of their patients. However, only 21% felt well prepared to discuss climate change, and only 4% discussed climate change with all or most of their patients. Similarly, results from open-ended questions highlighted the importance of climate change and acknowledged the challenges of discussing this topic. While most respondents recognized the health impacts of climate change, they also reported feeling uncomfortable discussing climate change with patients. Thus, there is an opportunity to develop targeted resources to support healthcare professionals in addressing climate change.
Influence of dissolution/reprecipitation reactions on metamorphic greenschist to amphibolite facies mica 40Ar/39Ar ages in the Longmen Shan (eastern Tibet)

Linking ages to metamorphic stages in rocks that have experienced low‐ to medium‐grade metamorphism can be particularly tricky due to the rarity of index minerals and the preservation of mineral or compositional relicts. The timing of metamorphism and the Mesozoic exhumation of the metasedimentary units and crystalline basement that form the internal part of the Longmen Shan (eastern Tibet, Sichuan, China), are, for these reasons, still largely unconstrained, but crucial for understanding the regional tectonic evolution of eastern Tibet. In situ core‐rim 40Ar/39Ar biotite and U–Th/Pb allanite data show that amphibolite facies conditions (~10–11 kbar, 530°C to 6–7 kbar, 580°C) were reached at 210–180 Ma and that biotite records crystallization, rather than cooling, ages. These conditions are mainly recorded in the metasedimentary cover. The 40Ar/39Ar ages obtained from matrix muscovite that partially re‐equilibrated during the post peak‐P metamorphic history comprise a mixture of ages between that of early prograde muscovite relicts and the timing of late muscovite recrystallization at c. 140–120 Ma. This event marks a previously poorly documented greenschist facies metamorphic overprint. This latest stage is also recorded in the crystalline basement, and defines the timing of the greenschist overprint (7 ± 1 kbar, 370 ± 35°C). Numerical models of Ar diffusion show that the difference between 40Ar/39Ar biotite and muscovite ages cannot be explained by a slow and protracted cooling in an open system. The model and petrological results rather suggest that biotite and muscovite experienced different Ar retention and resetting histories. The Ar record in mica of the studied low‐ to medium‐grade rocks seems to be mainly controlled by dissolution–reprecipitation processes rather than by diffusive loss, and by different microstructural positions in the sample. Together, our data show that the metasedimentary cover was thickened and cooled independently from the basement prior to c. 140 Ma (with a relatively fast cooling at 4.5 ± 0.5°C/Ma between 185 and 140 Ma). Since the Lower Cretaceous, the metasedimentary cover and the crystalline basement experienced a coherent history during which both were partially exhumed. The Mesozoic history of the Eastern border of the Tibetan plateau is therefore complex and polyphase, and the basement was actively involved at least since the Early Cretaceous, changing our perspective on the contribution of the Cenozoic geology.
Safety assessment of the indigenous probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum Kita-3 using Sprague–Dawley rats as a model

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum Kita-3 is a candidate probiotic from Halloumi cheese produced by Mazaraat Artisan Cheese, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This study evaluated the safety of consuming a high dose of L. plantarum subsp. plantarum Kita-3 in Sprague-Dawley rats for 28 days. Eighteen male rats were randomly divided into three groups, such as the control group, the skim milk group, and the probiotic group. Feed intake and body weight were monitored, and blood samples, organs (kidneys, spleen, and liver), and the colon were dissected. Organ weight, hematological parameters, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) concentrations, as well as intestinal morphology of the rats, were measured. Microbial analyses were carried out on the digesta, feces, blood, organs, and colon. The results showed that consumption of L. plantarum did not negatively affect general health, organ weight, hematological parameters, SGOT and SGPT activities, or intestinal morphology. The number of L. plantarum in the feces of rats increased significantly, indicating survival of the bacterium in the gastrointestinal tract. The bacteria in the blood, organs, and colon of all groups were identified using repetitive-polymerase chain reaction with the BOXA1R primers and further by 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis, which revealed that they were not identical to L. plantarum subsp. plantarum Kita-3. Thus, this strain did not translocate to the blood or organs of rats. Therefore, L. plantarum subsp. plantarum Kita-3 is likely to be safe for human consumption.
On the long and short nulls, modes and interpulse emission of radio pulsar B1944+17

We present a single pulse study of pulsar B 1944+17, whose non-random nulls dominate nearly 70 per cent of its pulses and usually occur at mode boundaries. When not in the null state, this pulsar displays four bright modes of emission, three of which exhibit drifting subpulses. B 1944+17 displays a weak interpulse whose position relative to the main pulse (Δφ IP―MP ) we find to be frequency independent. Its emission is nearly 100 per cent polarized, its polarization-angle traverse is very shallow and opposite in direction to that of the main pulse and it nulls approximately two-thirds of the time. Geometric modelling indicates that this pulsar is a nearly aligned rotator whose α value is hardly 2° - i.e. its magnetic axis is so closely aligned with its rotation axis that its sightline orbit remains within its conal beam. The star's nulls appear to be of two distinct types: those with lengths less than about eight rotation periods appear to be pseudo-nulls - i.e. produced by 'empty' sightline traverses through the conal beam system; whereas the longer nulls appear to represent actual cessations of the pulsar's emission engine.
Proteomic Profiling Revealed Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Photoreceptor Cells under Hyperglycemia

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) was identified as a leading cause of blindness and vision impairment in 2020. In addition to vasculopathy, DR has been found to involve retinal neurons, including amacrine cells and retinal ganglion cells. Despite possessing features that are susceptible to diabetic conditions, photoreceptor cells have received relatively little attention with respect to the development of DR. Until recently, studies have suggested that photoreceptors secret proinflammatory molecules and produce reactive oxygen species that contribute to the development of DR. However, the effect of hyperglycemia on photoreceptors and its underlying mechanism remains elusive. In this study, the direct effect of high glucose on photoreceptor cells was investigated using a 661w photoreceptor-like cell line. A data-independent sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH)-based proteomic approach was employed to study changes induced by high glucose in the proteomic profile of the cells. The results indicated that high glucose induced a significant increase in apoptosis and ROS levels in the 661w cells, with mitochondrial dysfunction among the major affected canonical pathways. The involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction was further supported by increased mitochondrial fission and reduced mitochondrial bioenergetics. Collectively, these findings provide a biological basis for a possible role of photoreceptors in the pathogenesis of DR.
X-ray and optical observations of four polars

We aim to study the temporal and spectral behaviour of four polar CVs from the infrared to X-ray regimes, refine our knowledge of the physical parameters of these systems at different accretion rates, and to search for a possible excess of soft X-ray photons. We analysed four XMM X-ray observations of three of the sources, two of them discovered in SDSS, one in RASS. The X-ray data were complemented by optical photometry and spectroscopy and, for two sources, archival Swift observations. SDSSJ0328 was X-ray bright in two XMM and two Swift observations, and shows transitions from high and low accretion states over a few months. It has no strong soft excess. We measured the magnetic field strength at the main pole to be 39 MG, the inclination to be 45<i<77 deg, and we have refined the long-term ephemeris. SDSSJ1333 was X-ray faint. We measured a faint phase X-ray flux and plasma temperature for this source, which spends almost all of its time accreting at a low level. Its inclination is less than about 76 degrees. 1RXSJ1730 was X-ray bright in the XMM data. Its spectrum contained a modest soft blackbody component, not luminous enough to be considered a strong soft excess. We inferred a magnetic field strength at the main pole of 20 to 25 MG, and that the inclination is less than 77 and probably less than 63 deg. V808 Aur was faint in the Swift observation but there is still strong evidence for bright and faint phases in X-rays and perhaps in UV. Residual X-ray flux from the faint phase is hard to explain by thermal emission from the WD surface, or by accretion onto the other pole. We give a revised distance estimate of 250pc. The three systems we could study in detail appear to be normal polars, with luminosity and magnetic field strength typical for this class of CV. None of these systems shows the strong soft excess thought commonplace in polars prior to the XMM era.
Heavy elements in old very metal-rich stars

We studied a sample of high proper motion, old and metal-rich dwarf stars, selected from the NLTT catalogue. The low pericentric distances and eccentric orbits of these solar neighbourhood stars indicate that they might have originated in the inner parts of the Galaxy. Chemical tagging can probe the formation history of stellar populations. To identify the origin of a sample of 71 very metal-rich dwarf stars, we derive the abundances of the neutron-capture elements Y, Ba, La, and Eu. The spectroscopic analysis is based on optical high-resolution echelle spectra obtained with the FEROS spectrograph at the ESO 1.52-m Telescope at La Silla, Chile. The abundances of Y, Ba, La, and Eu were derived through LTE analysis, employing the MARCS model atmospheres. The abundances of Y, Ba, La, and Eu vs. Fe and Mg as the reference elements indicate similarities between our sample of old metal-rich dwarf stars and the thin disk. On the other hand, the abundance ratios using O as the reference element, as well as their kinematics, suggest that our sample is clearly distinct from the thin-disk stars. They could be old inner thin-disk stars, as suggested previously, or bulge stars. In either cases they would have migrated from the inner parts of the Galaxy to the solar neighbourhood.
Lense-Thirring Precession and Quasi-periodic Oscillations in Low-Mass X-Ray Binaries

Relativistic dragging of inertial frames around fast-rotating collapsed stars is substantial and can give rise to observable effects. We consider kHz quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) sources, low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXRBs) containing an accreting neutron star. Within beat frequency models, both the Keplerian frequency of the innermost region of the accretion disk (~0.3-1.2 kHz) and the neutron star spin frequency (~0.3-0.4 kHz) are directly observed. From these, the Lense-Thirring precession frequency (tens of Hz) of the same material as gives rise to the kHz QPOs is determined within a factor of ~4, depending on the neutron star equation of state. The classical contribution from neutron star oblateness decreases the precession frequency slightly. The broad peaks at frequencies ~20-40 Hz in the power spectra of the "Atoll" sources 4U 1728-34, 4U 0614+091, and KS 1731-260 and their variations with the higher kHz QPO frequency are well matched by Lense-Thirring precession of material in the innermost disk region. We also suggest that the ~15-50 Hz horizontal branch QPOs of GX 5-1 and GX 17+2 (and likewise other Z-type LMXRBs) arise from the same mechanism.