Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE ACS VIRGO CLUSTER SURVEY. XVII. THE SPATIAL ALIGNMENT OF GLOBULAR CLUSTER SYSTEMS WITH EARLY-TYPE HOST GALAXIES

We study the azimuthal distribution of globular clusters (GCs) in early-type galaxies and compare them to their host galaxies using data from the ACS Virgo Cluster Survey. We find that in host galaxies with visible elongation (ϵ > 0.2) and intermediate to high luminosities (Mz < −19), the GCs are preferentially aligned along the major axis of the stellar light. The red (metal-rich) GC subpopulations show strong alignment with the major axis of the host galaxy, which supports the notion that these GCs are associated with metal-rich field stars. The metal-rich GCs in lenticular galaxies show signs of being more strongly associated with disks rather than bulges. Surprisingly, we also find that the blue (metal-poor) GCs can also show the same correlation. If the metal-poor GCs are part of the early formation of the halo and built up through mergers, then our results support a picture where halo formation and merging occur anisotropically, and that the present-day major axis is an indicator of the preferred merging axis.
Biological features of the pecten oculi of the European wild quail (Coturnix coturnix): Adaptative habits to Northern Egyptian coast with novel vision to its SEM–EDX analysis

The present investigation was prepared to give a complete ultrastructural characterization of the pecten oculi of the diurnal European wild Quail to describe their adaptation habits to the Northern Egyptian coast. Our work declares the first endeavor is the elemental analysis using scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray (SEM–EDX) to show the migration effect on their eye. The intra‐ocular quadrilateral trapezoid black pigmented plicated type pecten oculi were observed on the postero‐inferior wall of the eyeball with craniocaudal and posterio‐anterior directions along the fetal fissure. The pecten oculi consist of three parts: the basal, body, and apical. The basal part originated behind the optic nerve, forming the slightly elevated border, while the apical part was directed toward the ciliary body. There are 10–11 pleats with interpleat space. The coiled surface refers to numerous capillary vessels. The smooth head of each pleat was kidney‐like, strongly attached to a bridge. The vitreopecteneal limiting membrane separated the pecten oculi from the vitreous body. There are numerous melanosomes and little hyalocytes on the pecteneal pleat's outer surfaces. The thick basal part of each pleat had numerous thick longitudinal microfolds that refer to the numerous blood capillaries attached to the retina as supporting roots. SEM/EDX elemental analysis revealed that carbon is the highest element (half), while oxygen represents about one‐third. In the meantime, the lowest element is the phosphate at the apical part, while the lowest element in the rest is the sulfate. Finally, the pecten oculi are thought to be a reflection of the avian lifestyle and ecological adaptations.
Flexibility of Fast Brain Dynamics and Disease Severity in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Background and Objectives Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multisystem disorder, as supported by clinical, molecular, and neuroimaging evidence. As a consequence, predicting clinical features requires a description of large-scale neuronal dynamics. Normally, brain activity dynamically reconfigures over time, recruiting different brain areas. Brain pathologies induce stereotyped dynamics which, in turn, are linked to clinical impairment. Hence, based on recent evidence showing that brain functional networks become hyperconnected as ALS progresses, we hypothesized that the loss of flexible dynamics in ALS would predict the symptoms severity. Methods To test this hypothesis, we quantified flexibility using the “functional repertoire” (i.e., the number of configurations of active brain areas) as measured from source-reconstructed magnetoencephalography (MEG) in patients with ALS and healthy controls. The activity of brain areas was reconstructed in the classic frequency bands, and the functional repertoire was estimated to quantify spatiotemporal fluctuations of brain activity. Finally, we built a k-fold cross-validated multilinear model to predict the individual clinical impairment from the size of the functional repertoire. Results Comparing 42 patients with ALS and 42 healthy controls, we found a more stereotyped brain dynamics in patients with ALS (p < 0.05), as conveyed by the smaller functional repertoire. The relationship between the size of the functional repertoire and the clinical scores in the ALS group showed significant correlations in both the delta and the theta frequency bands. Furthermore, through a k-fold cross-validated multilinear regression model, we found that the functional repertoire predicted both clinical staging (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, in the delta and theta bands, respectively) and symptoms severity (p < 0.001, in both the delta and theta bands). Discussion Our work shows that (1) ALS pathology reduces the flexibility of large-scale brain dynamics, (2) subcortical regions play a key role in determining brain dynamics, and (3) reduced brain flexibility predicts disease stage and symptoms severity. Our approach provides a noninvasive tool to quantify alterations in brain dynamics in ALS (and, possibly, other neurodegenerative diseases), thus opening new opportunities in disease management and a framework to test, in the near future, the effects of disease-modifying interventions at the whole-brain level.
Psychological and Ethical Challenges of Introducing Whole Genome Sequencing into Routine Newborn Screening: Lessons Learned from Existing Newborn Screening

As a psychologist and an ethicist, we have explored empirically newborn screening consent and communication processes. In this paper we consider the impact on families if newborn screening uses whole genome sequencing. We frame this within the World Health Organization’s definition of health and contend that proposals to use whole genome sequencing in newborn screening take into account the ethical, practical and psychological impact of such screening. We argue that the important psychological processes occurring in the neonatal phase necessitate a clear justification that providing risk information at this stage provides a health benefit. We illustrate how research on current newborn screening can inform whole genome sequencing debates, whilst highlighting important gaps. Obtaining explicit, voluntary, and sufficiently informed consent for newborn screening is challenging, however we stress that such consent is ethically and legally appropriate and psychologically and practically important. We conclude by outling how this might be done.
Gamma-rays from ultracompact minihalos: potential constraints on the primordial curvature perturbation

Ultracompact minihalos (UCMHs) are dense dark matter structures, which can form from large density perturbations shortly after matter-radiation equality. If dark matter is in the form of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), then UCMHs may be detected via their gamma-ray emission. We investigate how the Fermi satellite could constrain the abundance of UCMHs and place limits on the power spectrum of the primordial curvature perturbation. Detection by Fermi would put a lower limit on the UCMH halo fraction. The smallest detectable halo fraction f{sub UCMH} > or approx. 10{sup -7} is for M{sub UCMH{approx}}10{sup 3}M{sub {center_dot}}. If gamma-ray emission from UCMHs is not detected, an upper limit can be placed on the halo fraction. The bound is tightest f{sub UCMH} < or approx. 10{sup -5} for M{sub UCMH{approx}}10{sup 5}M{sub {center_dot}}. The resulting upper limit on the power spectrum of the primordial curvature perturbation in the event of nondetection is in the range P{sub R} < or approx. 10{sup -6.5}-10{sup -6} on scales k{approx}10{sup 1}-10{sup 6} Mpc{sup -1}. This is substantially tighter than the existing constraints from primordial black hole formation on these scales; however, it assumes that dark matter is in the form of WIMPs, and UCMHs are not disruptedmore » during the formation of the Milky Way halo. « less
Quantum imaging technologies

Over the past three decades, quantum mechanics has allowed the development of technologies that provide unconditionally secure communication. In parallel, the quantum nature of the transverse electromagnetic field has spawned the field of quantum imaging that encompasses technologies such as quantum ghost imaging and high-dimensional quantum key distribution (QKD). The emergence of such quantum technologies also highlights the need for the development of methods for characterizing the elusive quantum state itself. In this document, we describe new technologies that use the quantum properties of light for security. The first is a technique that extends the principles behind QKD to the field of imaging. By applying the polarization-based BB84 protocol to individual photons in an active imaging system, we obtained images that are secure against intercept-resend jamming attacks. The second technology presented in this article is based on an extension of quantum ghost imaging. We used a holographic filtering technique to build a quantum ghost image identification system that uses a few pairs of photons to identify an object from a set of known objects. The third technology addressed in this document is a high-dimensional QKD system that uses orbital-angular-momentum (OAM) modes of light for encoding. Moving to a high-dimensional state space in QKD allows one to impress more information on each photon, as well as introduce higher levels of security. We discuss the development of two OAM-QKD protocols based on the BB84 and Ekert QKD protocols. The fourth and final technology presented in this article is a relatively new technique called direct measurement that uses sequential weak and strong measurements to characterize a quantum state. We use this technique to characterize the quantum state of a photon with a dimensionality of d=27, and measure its rotation in the natural basis of OAM.
Overexpression of Cancer- and Neurotransmitter-Associated Genes in the Nucleus Accumbens of Smokers

The effects of smoking in the human brain were explored at the molecular level in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), a key brain region involved in tobacco addiction. Gene expression data from post-mortem NAcc were analyzed according to smoking habits: Never smokers, Former smokers and Current smokers at the time of death. The effect of smoking was determined using an ANCOVA model, controlling for potential confounders (psychiatric diagnosis, gender, age, post-mortem interval, and brain pH) followed by pair-wise post-hoc comparisons. Q-values (false discovery rate adjusted p-values) < 0.05 were used in combination with afold change of > {+/-}1.3 to identify the most relevant genes. The greatest number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found in subjects with a recent history of smoking (Current smokers) compared to either Former or Never smokers. Only two genes were differentially expressed between Former and Never smokers, suggesting that the effects of smoking on gene expression in the brain may be transient. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) of DEGs identified a significant over-representation of neurotransmitter system genes (glutamate, GABA) in Current smokers. IPA also revealed many genes associated with cancer in Current smokers compared to Former and Never smokers despite no known cancer in any subjects. Genes associated with neoplasms, glioblastoma, gliomas and tumor regulations are among the top 10 transcripts. Our findings show that active smokers have a significant increase in cancer-related genes and alterations in glutamate and GABA neurotransmitter systems in the NAcc. To our knowledge this is the first study to identify cancer-related genes in the NAcc in Current smokers who have no evidence of cancer.
Castañeda’s third prong redux: the achievement of Arizona’s english language learners after proposition 203

ABSTRACT The authors evaluate the success of Arizona’s program for English Learners (ELs) twelve years after the implementation of Proposition 203 to determine whether it meets the “third prong” test of Castañeda v. Pickard (1981), which requires a demonstration of the effectiveness of a program after its implementation. This study is a follow-up to Mahoney, MacSwan, Haladyna, and Garcia (2010) and evaluates the performance of former English Language Learners (FEPs) versus monolingual English speakers (EPs). The data is collected from the statewide, student-level database of student scores for Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) for the years 2002-2013, effectively measuring the effects of Proposition 203 on the achievement of Arizona’s ELs whose entire school experience has been conditioned by the new law. The overall research design was cross-sectional where proficiency levels on the AIMS were examined during post-Proposition 203 years. The results show that the difference between the two groups has grown over time, indicating that the state’s achievement data does not support the conclusion that Arizona has improved educational outcomes for its ELs, failing the third prong test of Castañeda. Based on these results, the authors suggest repealing Proposition 203, as California and Massachusetts did for similar anti-bilingual education measures.
The Impacts on College Enrollment of a Charter Network Serving Disadvantaged Students: Evidence From KIPP Middle School Lotteries

Abstract Recent studies of charter school effectiveness have questioned whether charter school networks can produce a lasting impact on students’ long-term outcomes. Our study is the first to examine this issue at the network of Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) schools, which primarily serve disadvantaged students of color and constitute the nation’s largest charter school network. Using admission lotteries as a random assignment instrument, we estimate the impacts of 13 KIPP middle schools on college enrollment and persistence in college over the first two postsecondary years. Building on prior studies of KIPP that show KIPP middle schools have strong positive effects on middle school achievement, we find that KIPP middle schools also positively affect rates of enrollment in 4-year college programs. The magnitude of the estimated impact of a middle school admission offer (6.9%) and enrollment at a KIPP school (12.9%) is substantial relative to nationwide disparities in college enrollment across racial groups.
Analysis of the fostering and constraining factors for learners’ participation in the Spanish Heritage Education Program ALCE in Germany: proposals for improvement

ABSTRACT In recent years, Heritage Language Programs have been attracting more and more attention in the European academic and educational policy contexts. In Germany, many efforts are being undertaken to foster the teaching of heritage languages in schools. This paper provides an overview of the teaching of Spanish as a Heritage Language in Germany through the long-established Program ‘Spanish Culture and Language Lessons’ (Aulas de Lengua y Cultura Españolas) funded by the Spanish Ministry of Education for school-aged Spanish heritage speakers. The principal objectives of the study are to analyze the main fostering and constraining factors to participate in this program and to propose improvement measures. To achieve these purposes, a mixed quantitative and qualitative research methodology has been used. The findings are discussed according to these main topics arising during the research process: reasons for students to participate and learning needs, teaching challenges, family implication, relationship with the regular formal education system, blended learning, linguistic and culture diversity. Moreover, improvement measures for this Spanish Heritage Language program are suggested. The main conclusions may be useful for heritage language teachers and program managers in other heritage language (HL) programs in Germany and more generally in Europe.
The immigrant perspective: Eastern-European parental discourses about the value of French, plurilingualism and plurilingual literacy practices

ABSTRACT Parental involvement is a crucial, but often, neglected factor for success in learning languages. A growing number of Canadian students from immigrant families attend French Immersion programs and bring additional languages to the classroom. Yet, the role of Eastern-European immigrant parents in their children’s French Immersion education, their beliefs about speaking multiple languages, and developing literacy practices at home across multiple languages are under-researched. Rooted in a plurilingual framework to examine parental beliefs and practices, this paper uses critical discourse analysis to present data collected via interviews and journals. The data show that immigrant parents demonstrate awareness and a rich variety of beliefs about their children’s plurilingual learning; they value French for instrumental reasons; and offer individual solutions for plurilingual literacy development. Implications for educators include valuing parental ‘funds of knowledge’ and acknowledging how neoliberal educational policies widen the gap between plurilingual homes and bilingual classrooms.
Chaotic inflation in Jordan frame supergravity

We consider the inflationary scenario with non-minimal coupling in 4D Jordan frame supergravity. We find that there occurs a tachyonic instability along the direction of the accompanying non-inflaton field in generic Jordan frame supergravity models. We propose a higher order correction to the Jordan frame function for solving the tachyonic mass problem and show that the necessary correction can be naturally generated by the heavy thresholds without spoiling the slow-roll conditions. We discuss the implication of the result on the Higgs inflation in NMSSM.
Weinberg Soft Theorems from Weinberg Adiabatic Modes

Soft theorems for the scattering of low energy photons and gravitons and cosmological consistency conditions on the squeezed-limit correlation functions are both understood to be consequences of invariance under large gauge transformations. We apply the same method used in cosmology -- based on the identification of an infinite set of "adiabatic modes" and the corresponding conserved currents -- to derive flat space soft theorems for electrodynamics and gravity. We discuss how the recent derivations based on the asymptotic symmetry groups (BMS) can be continued to a finite size sphere surrounding the scattering event, when the soft photon or graviton has a finite momentum. We give a finite distance derivation of the antipodal matching condition previously imposed between future and past null infinities, and explain why all but one radiative degrees of freedom decouple in the soft limit. In contrast to earlier works on BMS, we work with adiabatic modes which correspond to large gauge transformations that are $r$-dependent.
Do the General Public and Health Care Professionals Think That Running Is Bad for the Knees? A Cross-sectional International Multilanguage Online Survey

Background: Running is a popular sport with widely recognized health benefits. Given the high rates of knee injury in runners and the growing prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), it may be useful to assess perceptions about running and knee joint health. Purpose: The objectives of this study were to (1) explore and compare the perceptions of the general public (PUB) and health care professionals (HCPs) on the topic of running and knee health and (2) explore recommendations about running and knee health provided by HCPs. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: We conducted an online survey between June 18 and October 1, 2020. The questionnaire included questions on running and knee health, and HCPs were asked about their typical recommendations and level of confidence in providing recommendations on the topic. Perceptions (proportions) were compared between the PUB and HCPs using the chi-square test. Results: In total, 4521 responses (PUB, n = 2514; HCPs, n = 2007) were analyzed. A greater proportion of HCPs perceived regular running as healthy for knees (86% vs 68%; P < .001). More of the PUB than HCPs (P < .001) believed that running frequently (29% vs 13%), long distances (54% vs 45%), and on hard surfaces (60% vs 36%) increased the risk of developing KOA. Running for those with KOA was perceived by the PUB as posing an increased risk of getting more knee pain (48%) and needing joint replacement surgery (38%), more so than by HCPs (26% and 17%, respectively). The majority of HCPs reported being relatively confident in providing evidence-based recommendations about running and knee health and mostly recommended that runners with KOA modify training parameters instead of quit. Conclusion: More HCPs perceived running as healthy for knees when compared with the PUB. Most HCPs felt confident in providing evidence-based recommendations about running and knee health.
Evaluation of Health Care Disparities in Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: Does Race and Insurance Matter?

Background: It is unknown whether race- or insurance-based disparities in health care exist regarding baseline knee pain, knee function, complete meniscal tear, or articular cartilage damage in patients who undergo anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Hypothesis: Black patients and patients with Medicaid evaluated for ACLR would have worse baseline knee pain, worse knee function, and greater odds of having a complete meniscal tear. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A cohort of patients (N = 1463; 81% White, 14% Black, 5% Other race; median age, 22 years) who underwent ACLR between February 2015 and December 2018 was selected from an institutional database. Patients who underwent concomitant procedures and patients of undisclosed race or self-pay status were excluded. The associations of race with preoperative Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) Pain subscale, KOOS Function subscale, and intraoperatively assessed complete meniscal tear (tear that extended through both the superior and the inferior meniscal surfaces) were determined via multivariate modeling with adjustment for age, sex, insurance status, years of education, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), meniscal tear location, and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey Mental Component Score (VR-12 MCS). Results: The 3 factors most strongly associated with worse KOOS Pain and KOOS Function were lower VR-12 MCS score, increased BMI, and increased age. Except for age, the other two factors had an unequal distribution between Black and White patients. Univariate analysis demonstrated equal baseline median KOOS Pain scores (Black, 72.2; White, 72.2) and KOOS Function scores (Black, 68.2; White, 68.2). After adjusting for confounding variables, there was no significant difference between Black and White patients in KOOS Pain, KOOS Function, or complete meniscal tears. Insurance status was not a significant predictor of KOOS Pain, KOOS Function, or complete meniscal tear. Conclusion: There were clinically significant differences between Black and White patients evaluated for ACLR. After accounting for confounding factors, no difference was observed between Black and White patients in knee pain, knee function, or complete meniscal tear. Insurance was not a clinically significant predictor of knee pain, knee function, or complete meniscal tear.