Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quasar-Galaxy Correlations: A Detection of Magnification Bias

Weak gravitational lensing by clusters and superclusters can change our perception of the distribution of bright background quasars through the phenomenon of magnification bias. It has been suggested that this lensing will lead to an association of moderate-redshift quasars (z ∼ 1.0–2.0) and foreground galaxies (z ∼ 0.2–0.3). We report on the analysis of a sample of 90 CCD fields centered on moderate-redshift quasars that are bright at both radio (S5 GHz > 1 Jy) and optical (V < 21.0) wavelengths, along with 12 control fields. The quasars presented here are chosen to have the highest potential for evidence of this weak lensing effect. We find no evidence for the presence of rich galaxy clusters (Abell richness class 1) in the foreground of these fields. However, using a Spearman rank-order correlation test, we detect a correlation between galaxy number density and angular distance from bright quasars on scales of ∼15′ with a significance of 96%. The observed correlation is unlikely the result of Galactic dust and is consistent with weak gravitational lensing of the quasars by foreground matter. We also determine the two-point angular correlation function between these background quasars and foreground galaxies. We find a correlation amplitude of 0.056 ± 0.020 over scales of ∼5′. This angular correlation is consistent with the semianalytic weak gravitational lensing models of Dolag & Bartelmann (published in 1997), which incorporate nonlinear evolution of mass clustering.
MRI Radiomics and Predictive Models in Assessing Ischemic Stroke Outcome—A Systematic Review

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality, resulting in substantial socio-economic burden for healthcare systems. With advances in artificial intelligence, visual image information can be processed into numerous quantitative features in an objective, repeatable and high-throughput fashion, in a process known as radiomics analysis (RA). Recently, investigators have attempted to apply RA to stroke neuroimaging in the hope of promoting personalized precision medicine. This review aimed to evaluate the role of RA as an adjuvant tool in the prognosis of disability after stroke. We conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines, searching PubMed and Embase using the keywords: ‘magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)’, ‘radiomics’, and ‘stroke’. The PROBAST tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Radiomics quality score (RQS) was also applied to evaluate the methodological quality of radiomics studies. Of the 150 abstracts returned by electronic literature research, 6 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Five studies evaluated predictive value for different predictive models (PMs). In all studies, the combined PMs consisting of clinical and radiomics features have achieved the best predictive performance compared to PMs based only on clinical or radiomics features, the results varying from an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.75–0.86) to an AUC of 0.92 (95% CI, 0.87–0.97). The median RQS of the included studies was 15, reflecting a moderate methodological quality. Assessing the risk of bias using PROBAST, potential high risk of bias in participants selection was identified. Our findings suggest that combined models integrating both clinical and advanced imaging variables seem to better predict the patients’ disability outcome group (favorable outcome: modified Rankin scale (mRS) ≤ 2 and unfavorable outcome: mRS > 2) at three and six months after stroke. Although radiomics studies’ findings are significant in research field, these results should be validated in multiple clinical settings in order to help clinicians to provide individual patients with optimal tailor-made treatment.
Articulatory targets for coronals in Taiwan Mandarin: A study of EMA, palatography, and linguagraphy

Coronal consonants hold a special status for their crowded space for articulatory contrasts. Mandarin and its variants are known to have rich inventories of coronal consonants, where a three-way coronal place contrast is usually maintained. Nonetheless, previous studies have reported a (partial) neutralization of coronal places of articulation in Taiwan Mandarin, while other acoustic studies contend that the three-way contrast remains. The aim of this study is to evaluate the purported coronal neutralization from an articulatory perspective. Five native speakers of Taiwan Mandarin participated in a set of electromagnetic articulographic (EMA), palatographic and linguagraphic experiments in order to investigate the articulatory targets of coronal consonants in Taiwan Mandarin. Our articulatory results are in general consistent with the acoustic results in previous studies, in that the three-way coronal place contrast does exist in Taiwan Mandarin, and the so-called “retroflexes” in Taiwan Mandarin were produced with constrictions being at “alveolar” zone, rather than “postalveolar” zone as in Beijing Mandarin.Coronal consonants hold a special status for their crowded space for articulatory contrasts. Mandarin and its variants are known to have rich inventories of coronal consonants, where a three-way coronal place contrast is usually maintained. Nonetheless, previous studies have reported a (partial) neutralization of coronal places of articulation in Taiwan Mandarin, while other acoustic studies contend that the three-way contrast remains. The aim of this study is to evaluate the purported coronal neutralization from an articulatory perspective. Five native speakers of Taiwan Mandarin participated in a set of electromagnetic articulographic (EMA), palatographic and linguagraphic experiments in order to investigate the articulatory targets of coronal consonants in Taiwan Mandarin. Our articulatory results are in general consistent with the acoustic results in previous studies, in that the three-way coronal place contrast does exist in Taiwan Mandarin, and the so-called “retroflexes” in Taiwan Mandarin were pro.
Photospheres of hot stars. IV - Spectral type O4

The basic stellar parameters of a supergiant (Zeta Pup) and two main-sequence stars, 9 Sgr and HD 46223, at spectral class O4 are determined using line profile analysis. The stellar parameters are determined by comparing high signal-to-noise hydrogen and helium line profiles with those from stellar atmosphere models which include the effect of radiation scattered back onto the photosphere from an overlying stellar wind, an effect referred to as wind blanketing. At spectral class O4, the inclusion of wind-blanketing in the model atmosphere reduces the effective temperature by an average of 10 percent. This shift in effective temperature is also reflected by shifts in several other stellar parameters relative to previous O4 spectral-type calibrations. It is also shown through the analysis of the two O4 V stars that scatter in spectral type calibrations is introduced by assuming that the observed line profile reflects the photospheric stellar parameters. 26 refs.
Volume changes of medial temporal lobe structures in patients with genetic generalized and temporal lobe epilepsy in relation to neuropsychological functions

Purpose In patients with epilepsy (PWE), cognitive and behavioural dysfunctions are associated with abnormalities in various brain areas. The aim of the study was to compare the volume of the hippocampus (VHIP), amygdala (VAMG) and parahippocampal gyrus (VPHG) with the results of neuropsychological assessment in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE). Methods 33 PWE were enrolled in the study (mean age 37.3), 10 with TLE and 23 GGE (12 with GGE with tonic-clonic seizure [GGE-GTCS], and 11 with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy). 19 healthy persons (mean age 32.2) were enrolled as the control group (CG). Measurements of VHIP, VAMG and VPHG were made with 3D completely balanced steady state (CBASS) and 3D T1-weighted sequence. All participants underwent a neuropsychological assessment using a multi-domain cognitive battery and emotional state questionnaires. Results The left hippocampus was significantly smaller in patients with left TLE (LTLE) and with GGE-GTCS, compared to the CG (p = 0.0069). In LTLE a significant enlargement of the right amygdala in comparison to the CG and other types of epilepsy were found (p = 0.0015). Among patients with LTLE and GGE-GTCS, impairment of attention and executive functions was statistically more common than in the CG. VHIP right (r = 0.25 p < 0.01) and VHIP left (r = 0.26 p < 0.04) were positively correlated with phonetic verbal fluency. Conclusions PWE showed changes in the volume of selected medial temporal lobe (MTL) structures. Selective impairment of attention and executive functions was found. Some neuropsychological findings correlate with volume changes in MTL structures. Antiseizure medications therapy could have an impact on the severity of neuropsychological dysfunctions.
Acceptability of Australian prehospital care quality indicators: An explanatory sequential mixed methods study

Background Systematically developed quality indicators (QIs) facilitate the measurement and monitoring of quality of care and ultimately meaningful quality improvement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of a predetermined suite of 84 scientifically valid prehospital care QIs from the provider perspective. Methods An explanatory sequential mixed methods study design was used. Quantitative data were obtained from 36 participants of an online survey in which they rated the acceptability of the QIs using a five-point numerical rating scale. Qualitative data were gathered by conducting semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of nine survey participants. The successional collection of quantitative and qualitative data facilitated integrated interpretations and conclusions about the acceptability of the QIs. Results Generally, the acceptability of all QIs in the suite was rated highly. Data suggested a positive association between acceptability and other key characteristics of QIs. QIs that were seen as clear, supported by scientific evidence, practical and meaningful tended to be more acceptable than those which were not. The benefits of outcome type QIs were recognised, but participants raised concerns about their sensitivity in the measurement of prehospital quality of care. To be acceptable, QIs which included time intervals needed to be specific about time-critical interventions. Further, the high acceptability of the QIs was explained by a connection to participants’ professional values and qualities. Assessing the QIs’ acceptability from a healthcare provider perspective meant that QIs on patient satisfaction frequently received lower ratings. Conclusion The findings of this study provide evidence of the acceptability of prehospital care providers of a proposed suite of QIs. Future research should evaluate the feasibility and reliability of the QIs. There is also a need to investigate how acceptable the proposed QIs are to patients and communities.
Two-temperature models of old supernova remnants with ion and electron thermal conduction

To investigate the potential effects thermal conduction may have on the evolution of old supernova remnants, we present the results of 1D (spherically symmetric) numerical simulations of a remnant in a homogeneous interstellar medium for four different cases: (1) without thermal conduction; (2) with both electron and ion thermal conduction assuming equal temperatures; (3) with electron thermal conduction only, following electron and ion temperatures separately; and (4) with both electron and ion thermal conduction following separate temperatures. We followed the entire evolution until the completion of the remnant bubble collapse. Our most significant result is that in remnant evolution studies concerned principally with either the shell or bubble evolution at late times, reasonable results are obtained with single-temperature models. When the electron and ion temperatures are followed separately, however, ion thermal conduction cannot safely be ignored.
Groups of Measure‐Preserving Homeomorphisms as Deformation Retracts

It is known that the group of homeomorphisms of a non‐compact, connected, metrizable manifold acts transitively on certain spaces of measures defined, among other properties, by their behaviour at the manifold's set of ‘ends’. As a generalization of previous work of Fathi in the realm of compact manifolds, it is shown that the given action admits a continuous section when restricted to ‘biregular’ homeomorphisms and measures. This result exhibits the isotropy groups of measure‐preserving homeomorphisms as deformation retracts of the corresponding acting groups.
Development of a measurement system of OH reactivity in the atmosphere by using a laser-induced pump and probe technique

A novel instrument for measuring OH reactivity in the troposphere has been developed by using a laser-induced pump and probe technique. Air was introduced into a flow tube and OH was produced artificially using O3 photolysis by 266 nm laser. The OH decay rate in the flow tube was monitored by the time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence technique. In this article, the instrument, that is, the measurement principle, the flow tube and the fluorescence detection cell, is presented in detail. Interference by absorption of the 266 nm laser light by O3, and photolysis of NO2 and HCHO was found to be negligible. The influence of recycled OH from the HO2+NO reaction on the measured OH reactivity was estimated by a box model calculation. The systematic error of the measured decay rate was found to be less than 5% even in high NO condition ([NO]=20 ppbv). The dependence of the measured decay rate on the flow rate in the reaction tube was investigated. A slight change in the total flow rate does not influence the me.
Impact of Differentially Synthesized Copper Oxide Nanoparticles on Haematological and Biochemical Changes of Common carp Cyprinus carpio

Metallic nanoparticles like iron, zinc, aluminium, copper, and nickel which are used in the removal of dyes and toxic materials from wastewater affect aquatic organisms including fishes. The present study deals with the impact of differentially synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles on haematological and biochemical changes of Common carp Cyprinus carpio . Hyptis suovelens leaf extract was used for the biological synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles. Copper (II) sulphate pentahydrate is used as a precursor and starch as a capping agent for chemical synthesis. Characterized by using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, Energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and X-ray diffraction. Acute toxicity of biologically and chemically synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles was conducted for a period of 96 hrs. Based on the Probit value sub-acute concentrations of biologically and chemically synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles such as 0 (control), 0.23, 0.31, 0.46, 0.93 ppm and 0.018, 0.024, 0.036, 0.072 ppm respectively for a period of 14 days under static condition. Hematological (Red blood corpuscle, white blood corpuscle, Polymorph Neutrophils, lymphocytes, Eosinophils, Hemoglobin) and biochemical parameters (protein, carbohydrate, lipids) in gill, muscle and liver were estimated after exposing the fish for 7 and 14 days. One-way ANOVA was used for the analysis. The mortality was increased with increased concentration of differentially synthesized CuO Nps on Cyprinus carpio . Haematological and biochemical parameters decreased with increased concentration of differentially synthesized CuO NPs when compared to control. Results conclude that the biologically synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles are less toxic than chemically synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles on Cyprinus carpio .
The effect of severe intensity bouts on muscle oxygen saturation responses in trained cyclists

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) quantifies muscle oxygenation (SmO2) during exercise. Muscle oxygenation response to self-paced, severe-intensity cycling remains unclear. Observing SmO2 can provide cycling professionals with the ability to assess muscular response, helping optimize decision-making. We aimed to describe the effect of self-paced severe intensity bouts on SmO2, measured noninvasively by a wearable NIRS sensor on the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle, and examine its reliability. We hypothesized a greater desaturation response with each bout, whereas, between trials, good reliability would be observed. Fourteen recreationally trained, and trained cyclists completed a ramp test to determine the power output (PO) at the respiratory compensation point (RCP). Athletes completed two subsequent visits of 50-minute sessions that included four severe-intensity bouts done at 5% above RCP PO. Muscle oxygenation in the VL was monitored using a wearable NIRS device. Measures included mean PO, heart-rate (HR), cadence, and SmO2 at bout onset, during work (work SmO2), and ΔSmO2. The bouts were compared using a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. For significant differences, a Fisher's least square difference post-hoc analysis was used. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used using trial and bout as main factors. Intraclass correlations (ICC) were used to quantify relative reliability for mean work, and standard error of the measurement (SEM) was used to quantify absolute agreement of mean work SmO2. Both PO and cadence showed no effect of bout or trial. Heart-rate at bout 2 (168 ± 8 bpm) and 4 (170 ± 7 bpm) were higher than bout 1 (160 ± 6 bpm). Onset SmO2 (%) response significantly increased in the final two bouts of the session. Mean work SmO2 increased across bouts, with the highest value displayed in bout 4 (36 ± 22%). ΔSmO2 showed a smaller desaturation response during bout 4 (27 ± 10%) compared to bout 3 (31 ± 10%). Mean work SmO2 ICC showed good reliability (ICC = 0.87), and SEM was 12% (CI 9-15%). We concluded that a non-invasive, affordable, wearable NIRS sensor demonstrated the heterogeneous muscle oxygenation response during severe intensity cycling bouts with good reliability in trained cyclists.
A PROPOSED MECHANISM OF SQUALL LINES: THE PRESSURE JUMP LINE

Abstract The squall line of 16 May 1948 in the area of the Cloud Physics Project, U. S. Weather Bureau micro-meteorological network of weather recording stations near Wilmington, Ohio, is analyzed by means of one-minute synoptic maps, x–t diagrams and isochrone maps. The relative behavior of the pressure jump, wind shift, temperature fall, maximum wind velocity, rain gush and pressure maximum forms the basis of a hypothesis concerning the physical mechanism of the squall line. Following the theory developed by Freeman, it is proposed that a squall line might be considered as a disturbance generated by accelerations along the cold front and which travels along the warm sector inversion as a gravitational wave. It is recommended that any series of meteorological events similar to this mechanism be called a Pressure Jump Line. The weather associated with the passage of a pressure jump line is then indicated. Speculatively it is proposed, by analogy to the theory of supersonic flow and shock waves, that the z.
Nonlinear wave collapse and strong turbulence

The theory and applications of wave self-focusing, collapse, and strongly nonlinear wave turbulence are reviewed. In the last decade, the theory of these phenomena and experimental realizations have progressed rapidly. Various nonlinear wave systems are discussed, but the simplest case of collapse and strong turbulence of Langmuir waves in an unmagnetized plasma is primarily used in explaining the theory and illustrating the main ideas. First, an overview of the basic physics of linear waves and nonlinear wave-wave interactions is given from an introductory perspective. Wave-wave processes are then considered in more detail. Next, an introductory overview of the physics of wave collapse and strong turbulence is provided, followed by a more detailed theoretical treatment. Later sections cover numerical simulations of Langmuir collapse and strong turbulence and experimental applications to space, ionospheric, and laboratory plasmas, including laser-plasma and beam-plasma interactions. Generalizations to self-focusing, collapse, and strong turbulence of waves in other systems are also discussed, including nonlinear optics, solid-state systems, magnetized auroral and astrophysical plasmas, and deep-water waves. The review ends with a summary of the main ideas of wave collapse and strong-turbulence theory, a collection of open questions in the field, and a brief discussion of possible future research directions. more » {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society} « less
Interaction of Metals, Menopause and COVID-19—A Review of the Literature

Simple Summary Identified in 2019, the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causes the disease entity named COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-19). Similarly, in 2003, SARS-CoV that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was identified. This has raised concerns about coronaviruses as disease-causing agents in both humans and animals. This literature review provides an extensive discussion of the relationship between metal exposure and menopause in women with a particular focus on the impact of menopause on the course of COVID-19 and the relationship between metals and SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans. Abstract A growing number of reports point to the possible role of environmental factors in determining the age of onset of menopause. Specific metals, such as mercury, cadmium, arsenic and lead can lead to fertility disorders, to endocrine dysregulation, and in addition, their high blood concentrations correlate with the onset of menopause. Changing concentrations of hormones in the blood during this period of a woman’s life can also have an impact on SARS-CoV-2 infection, and excessively high or low levels of metals may also be an important predictor for the course of COVID-19. Postmenopausal women are exposed to greater risk of serum biochemical changes, and with the possibility of nutritional disturbances, particularly involving trace minerals, the risk of age-related diseases is very high during this period. These adverse changes in serum trace minerals should be taken into consideration for the early diagnosis and prevention of menopause-related diseases. Dietary supplementation may be necessary, especially where levels are significantly reduced. We performed a manual search of scientific articles cited in major electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Google Scholar) in November 2022 to identify studies relevant to the relationship between metals, COVID-19 and menopause. The effects of metals on the course of menopause is a broad topic and should certainly still be a subject of research, due to, among other things, continuing environmental pollution and the use of metals in many areas of life.
A backward Monte Carlo approach to exotic option pricing†

We propose a novel algorithm which allows to sample paths from an underlying price process in a local volatility model and to achieve a substantial variance reduction when pricing exotic options. The new algorithm relies on the construction of a discrete multinomial tree. The crucial feature of our approach is that – in a similar spirit to the Brownian Bridge – each random path runs backward from a terminal fixed point to the initial spot price. We characterize the tree in two alternative ways: (i) in terms of the optimal grids originating from the Recursive Marginal Quantization algorithm, (ii) following an approach inspired by the finite difference approximation of the diffusion's infinitesimal generator. We assess the reliability of the new methodology comparing the performance of both approaches and benchmarking them with competitor Monte Carlo methods.