Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The 2-D structure of dusty disks around Herbig Ae/Be stars - I. Models with grey opacities

In this paper the two-dimensional structure of protoplanetary disks around Herbig Ae/Be stars is studied. This is done by constructing a self-consistent model based on 2-D radiative transfer coupled to the equation of vertical hydrostatics. As a simplifying assumption a grey opacity is used. It is found that the disk can adopt four different structures, dependent on the surface density distribution Σ(R) as a function of radius, i.e. on radial- and vertical optical depth of the disk. For the case of high to intermediate vertical optical depth, the temperature and density structures are in agreement with the simple "disk with inner hole" model of Dullemond et al. (2001, henceforth DDN01). At large radii the disk adopts a flaring shape as expected, and near the dust destruction radius (located at about 0.5 AU for most Herbig Ae stars) the disk is superheated and puffs up. The region directly behind this "puffed-up inner dust wall" is shadowed, as predicted by DDN01. For the case of intermediate to low vertical optical depth, but still high radial optical depth, the 2-D models show that the shadow can cover the entire disk. For such competely self-shadowed disks the inner rim emission in the near infrared constitutes the dominant part of the SED, since the flaring component in the mid- and far infrared is suppressed by the self-shadowing effect. When the disk is optically thin even in radial direction, it becomes unshadowed again because the inner rim can no longer block the stellar light. Such disks have relatively weak infrared excess compared to the stellar flux. Finally, for disks that flare at intermediate radii, but become too optically thin at large radii, the outer parts once again become shadowed. But this time the shadowing is caused by the flaring part of the disk, instead of the inner rim. The disk then consists of a bright inner rim, a shadow, a flaring part and finally a (dim) shadowed outer part. Different observational methods of determining the size of the disk (e.g. from the SED, from continuum mapping or from CO mapping) may yield different results.
Observations and Modeling of the 2-25 μm Emission from High-Mass Protostellar Object Candidates

This is a report on detailed modeling of young high-mass protostellar candidates during their most embedded and obscured phases. We performed narrowband mid-infrared imaging of three candidate high-mass protostellar objects in G11.94-0.62, G29.96-0.02, and G45.07+0.13 at Gemini Observatory using the Thermal-Region Camera and Spectrograph (T-ReCS). The sources were imaged through up to 11 narrowband filters, sampling their SEDs over the entire 2-25 μm infrared range. For the first time, we have fit the observed SEDs of massive protostars with models that take into account departures from spherical symmetry in the infalling envelopes. In this way, we have been able to derive from the models the detailed physical parameters for these earliest stages of massive stellar life. Our detailed modeling suggests that massive star formation can proceed in a way very similar to the formation of low-mass stars.
SEQUENTIAL STAR FORMATION IN RCW 34: A SPECTROSCOPIC CENSUS OF THE STELLAR CONTENT OF HIGH-MASS STAR-FORMING REGIONS

In this paper, we present VLT/SINFONI integral field spectroscopy of RCW 34 along with Spitzer/IRAC photometry of the surroundings. RCW 34 consists of three different regions. A large bubble has been detected in the IRAC images in which a cluster of intermediate- and low-mass class II objects is found. At the northern edge of this bubble, an H ii region is located, ionized by 3 OB stars, of which the most massive star has spectral type O8.5V. Intermediate-mass stars (2–3 M☉) are detected of G- and K-spectral type. These stars are still in the pre-main-sequence (PMS) phase. North of the H ii region, a photon-dominated region is present, marking the edge of a dense molecular cloud traced by H2 emission. Several class 0/I objects are associated with this cloud, indicating that star formation is still taking place. The distance to RCW 34 is revised to 2.5 ± 0.2 kpc and an age estimate of 2 ± 1 Myr is derived from the properties of the PMS stars inside the H ii region. Between the class II sources in the bubble and the PMS stars in the H ii region, no age difference could be detected with the present data. The presence of the class 0/I sources in the molecular cloud, however, suggests that the objects inside the molecular cloud are significantly younger. The most likely scenario for the formation of the three regions is that star formation propagated from south to north. First the bubble is formed, produced by intermediate- and low-mass stars only, after that, the H ii region is formed from a dense core at the edge of the molecular cloud, resulting in the expansion similar to a champagne flow. More recently, star formation occurred in the rest of the molecular cloud. Two different formation scenarios are possible. (1) The bubble with the cluster of low- and intermediate-mass stars triggered the formation of the O star at the edge of the molecular cloud, which in its turn induces the current star formation in the molecular cloud. (2) An external triggering is responsible for the star formation propagating from south to north.
Rapid-acting antidepressant drugs modulate affective bias in rats

How rapid-acting antidepressants (RAADs), such as ketamine, induce immediate and sustained improvements in mood in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) is poorly understood. A core feature of MDD is the prevalence of cognitive processing biases associated with negative affective states, and the alleviation of negative affective biases may be an index of response to drug treatment. Here, we used an affective bias behavioral test in rats, based on an associative learning task, to investigate the effects of RAADs. To generate an affective bias, animals learned to associate two different digging substrates with a food reward in the presence or absence of an affective state manipulation. A choice between the two reward-associated digging substrates was used to quantify the affective bias generated. Acute treatment with the RAADs ketamine, scopolamine, or psilocybin selectively attenuated a negative affective bias in the affective bias test. Low, but not high, doses of ketamine and psilocybin reversed the valence of the negative affective bias 24 hours after RAAD treatment. Only treatment with psilocybin, but not ketamine or scopolamine, led to a positive affective bias that was dependent on new learning and memory formation. The relearning effects of ketamine were dependent on protein synthesis localized to the rat medial prefrontal cortex and could be modulated by cue reactivation, consistent with experience-dependent neural plasticity. These findings suggest a neuropsychological mechanism that may explain both the acute and sustained effects of RAADs, potentially linking their effects on neural plasticity with affective bias modulation in a rodent model. Neuropsychological effects of rapid-acting antidepressants may explain both the acute and prolonged effects of a single drug dose in rats. Editor’s summary A core feature of major depressive disorder (MDD) is negative affective biases that occur when emotions alter how the brain processes information. Rapid-acting antidepressant (RAAD) drugs such as ketamine may induce an immediate improvement in patients with MDD by modulating these negative affective biases. Here, Hinchcliffe et al. developed an affective bias behavioral test in which rats learned to associate two different digging substrates with a food reward when they were in a negative or neutral affective state. The authors demonstrate that low, but not high, doses of RAADs could reverse the negative affective biases generated in this behavioral task by altering neural plasticity in the rat medial prefrontal cortex. —Orla Smith
Microglial Refinement of A-Fiber Projections in the Postnatal Spinal Cord Dorsal Horn Is Required for Normal Maturation of Dynamic Touch

Sensory systems are shaped in postnatal life by the refinement of synaptic connectivity. In the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, somatosensory circuits undergo postnatal activity-dependent reorganization, including the refinement of primary afferent A-fiber terminals from superficial to deeper spinal dorsal horn laminae which is accompanied by decreases in cutaneous sensitivity. Here, we show in the mouse that microglia, the resident immune cells in the CNS, phagocytose A-fiber terminals in superficial laminae in the first weeks of life. Genetic perturbation of microglial engulfment during the initial postnatal period in either sex prevents the normal process of A-fiber refinement and elimination, resulting in an altered sensitivity of dorsal horn cells to dynamic tactile cutaneous stimulation, and behavioral hypersensitivity to dynamic touch. Thus, functional microglia are necessary for the normal postnatal development of dorsal horn sensory circuits. In the absence of microglial engulfment, superfluous A-fiber projections remain in the dorsal horn, and the balance of sensory connectivity is disrupted, leading to lifelong hypersensitivity to dynamic touch.
Aerobic glycolysis of bronchial epithelial cells rewires Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia and promotes bacterial elimination

ABSTRACT The immune response to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection plays a key role in clinical symptoms. Previous investigations focused on the pro-inflammatory effects of leukocytes and the pivotal role of epithelial cell metabolic status in finely modulating the inflammatory response have been neglected. Herein, we examined how glycolysis in airway epithelial cells is affected by M. pneumoniae infection in an in vitro model. Additionally, we investigated the contribution of ATP to pulmonary inflammation. Metabolic analysis revealed a marked metabolic shift in bronchial epithelial cells during M. pneumoniae infection, characterized by increased glucose uptake, enhanced aerobic glycolysis, and augmented ATP synthesis. Notably, these metabolic alterations are orchestrated by adaptor proteins, MyD88 and TRAM. The resulting synthesized ATP is released into the extracellular milieu via vesicular exocytosis and pannexin protein channels, leading to a substantial increase in extracellular ATP levels. The conditioned medium supernatant from M. pneumoniae-infected epithelial cells enhances the secretion of both interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells, partially mediated by the P2X7 purine receptor (P2X7R). In vivo experiments confirm that addition of a conditioned medium exacerbates pulmonary inflammation, which can be attenuated by pre-treatment with a P2X7R inhibitor. Collectively, these findings highlight the significance of airway epithelial aerobic glycolysis in enhancing the pulmonary inflammatory response and aiding pathogen clearance.
THE GLOBAL BURDEN OF DISEASE FROM INDOOR AIR POLLUTION: RESULTS FROM COMPARATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT

Recent estimates (organized and coordinated by WHO) of the global burden of disease for some two dozen risk factors by age, sex, and region include, inter alia, malnutrition, hypertension, tobacco use, obesity, unsafe sex, and several environmental risk factors, including lead, climate change, and indoor and outdoor air pollution. Only two categories of indoor pollution were deemed sufficiently well characterized regarding both exposure and risk to attempt to make global estimates: environmental tobacco smoke and combustion products from household use of solid fuels (biomass and coal). We summarize here the approaches used to estimate the health impacts from solid fuel use, including exposure modeling and meta-analyses for major disease endpoints. Although all the risk factor studies are not yet completed, the results seem to place indoor air pollution as a major risk factor worldwide, perhaps fifth after malnutrition, tobacco, HIV, and poor water/hygiene/sanitation in attributable burden.
Disaster Preparedness in a Resettled Refugee Community: Qualitative Findings

Abstract Introduction: Under-resourced communities face disaster preparedness challenges. Research is limited for resettled refugee communities, which have unique preparedness needs. Study Objective: This study aims to assess disaster preparedness among the refugee community in Clarkston, GA. Methods: Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were completed with community stakeholders. Convenience sampling using the snowball method was utilized until thematic saturation was reached. Thematic analysis of interviews was conducted through an inductive, iterative approach by a multidisciplinary team using manual coding and MAXQDA. Results: Three themes were identified: First, prioritization of routine daily needs took precedence for families over disaster preparedness. Second, communication impacts preparedness. Community members speak different languages and often do not have proficiency in English. Access to resources in native languages and creative communication tactics are important tools. Finally, the study revealed a unique interplay between government, community-based organizations, and the refugee community. A web of formal and informal responses is vital to helping this community in times of need. Conclusion: The refugee community in Clarkston, GA faces challenges, and disaster preparedness may not be top of mind for them. However, clear communication, disaster preparedness planning, and collaboration between government, community-based organizations, and the community are possible areas to focus on to bolster readiness.
Determinants for university students’ location data sharing with public institutions during COVID-19: The Italian case

Abstract Data on real-time individuals’ location may provide significant opportunities for managing emergency situations. For example, in the case of outbreaks, besides informing on the proximity of people, hence supporting contact tracing activities, location data can be used to understand spatial heterogeneity in virus transmission. However, individuals’ low consent to share their data, proved by the low penetration rate of contact tracing apps in several countries during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, re-opened the scientific and practitioners’ discussion on factors and conditions triggering citizens to share their positioning data. Following the Antecedents → Privacy Concerns → Outcomes (APCO) model, and based on Privacy Calculus and Reasoned Action Theories, the study investigates factors that cause university students to share their location data with public institutions during outbreaks. To this end, an explanatory survey was conducted in Italy during the second wave of COVID-19, collecting 245 questionnaire responses. Structural equations modeling was used to contemporary investigate the role of trust, perceived benefit, and perceived risk as determinants of the intention to share location data during outbreaks. Results show that respondents’ trust in public institutions, the perceived benefits, and the perceived risk are significant predictor of the intention to disclose personal tracking data with public institutions. Results indicate that the latter two factors impact university students’ willingness to share data more than trust, prompting public institutions to rethink how they launch and manage the adoption process for these technological applications.
Effects of Three Gorges and Gezhouba reservoirs on river water temperature regimes

The impoundments of Three Gorges and Gezhouba resevoirs on the middle reach of the Yangtze River have changed the natural flow regimes and the natural river temperature regimes.Based on the field temperature data from 1959 to 2006 of Yichang hydrological station downstream of the cascaded reserviors,river water temperature variation and the extent of temperature alteration caused by the reservoir impoundments were analyzed for Yichang hydrological station.And the influence of temperature alteration on the spawning and reproduction of aquatic animals was studied.Results showed that Gezhouba reservoir had little effect on water release temperatures.However,monthly average temperature from September to February after Three Gorges impoundment as higher than the natural water temperature before the impoundment;monthly average temperature from March to May as lower than natural water temperatures.Three Gorges impoundment regulated river water temperature regimes and the release water temperature variation was lagging by a certain degree comparing natural water.The altered release water temperature had impacted the spawning and reproduction of Chinese sturgeon and four major Chinese carps and the spawning time as postponed about 10 days.The study provides the decision-making for the cascaded reservoirs implementing ecological operation to mitigate adverse effects.
Patient Centered Care and Turnover in Hospice Care Organizations

Hospice care has significantly changed over the past 40 years. The industry has seen a growth in utilization rates, an increase in insurance coverage, and changing governmental funding. To reduce the significant risk of employee turnover, hospice care organizations have responded to these pressures. This study examines whether nursing turnover is affected as organizations respond to environmental pressures for increased patient-centered care (PCC). Does the use of patient-centered approaches to meeting client needs reduce turnover in the nursing staff? Using hierarchical regression to analyze organizational, market, and personnel data from 695 hospices across the United States, this study finds innovative PCC practices are significantly related to reduced nursing turnover.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of MR-pro ADM, procalcitonin, and copeptin in sepsis

Abstract Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. There is a need for biomarkers that can be used for the diagnosis of sepsis and the early identification of patients at high risk of death. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between Mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM), procalcitonin (PCT), and copeptin in sepsis. A total of 28 sepsis, 32 septic shock, and 30 control patients were included in our prospective study. Patients’ MR-proADM, PCT, and copeptin levels were recorded. Sequential organ failure assessment scores, length of hospital stay, and 30-day mortality were also recorded. These values were compared between the sepsis, septic shock, and control groups. The mean age of all participants was 64.04 ± 15.83 years. In the study, 37 (61.6%) patients were female and 23 (39.3%) were male. There was no statistically significant difference in gender/age between all patient groups and the control group (for all, p > 0.05). We found a significant difference between the survivors and nonsurvivors in terms of MR-proADM, PCT, and copeptin levels. There was a significant difference between the sepsis and septic shock groups in terms of MR-proADM and PCT. A significant correlation was found between the length of hospital stay and MR-proADM and copeptin. MR-proADM, PCT, and copeptin may be useful in the prognosis of sepsis and to predict the length of stay in hospital and mortality.
The Effects of Bundle Payment in Health Care: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

The main objectives of this study were to document research on BPCI and review the literature for evidence pertinent to the advantages and limitations of the BPCI funding mechanism. We searched the PubMed database for bundle payment studies using the search terms bundle payment and BPCI program. A systematic approach was used to guide the synthesis of literature and the effects reported. Between 2008 and June, 2017, 51 studies were identified in PubMed which reported results on bundling of payments. Among these studies, 33.3% (n=17) were quantitative and 66.6% (n=34) were qualitative. 27 of the 51 articles reported positive financial outcomes, and 14 reported negative financial outcomes. 30 showed improvement in patient care while 9 showed deterioration in patient care. Effects varied by specialty and clinic characteristics. The long-term effects of the BPCI program on patient care need further empirical examination and additional research to evaluate its effectiveness.
Omniscient Video Super-Resolution with Explicit-Implicit Alignment

When considering the temporal relationships, most previous video super-resolution (VSR) methods follow the iterative or recurrent framework. The iterative framework adopts neighboring low-resolution (LR) frames from a sliding window, while the recurrent framework utilizes the output generated in the previous SR procedure. The hybrid framework combines them but still cannot fully leverage the temporal relationships. Meanwhile, the existing methods are limited in the receptive field of the optical flow or lack semantic constrains on motion information. In this work, we propose an omniscient framework to fully explore the temporal relationships in the video, which encompasses both LR frames and SR outputs from the past, present and future. The omniscient framework is more generic because the iterative, recurrent and hybrid frameworks can be regarded as its special cases. Besides, when addressing the motion information, most previous VSR methods adopt the explicit motion estimation and compensation, while many recent methods turn to implicit alignment. In implicit alignment methods, because basic non-local means suffers from heavy computational costs, we improve it by capturing the non-local correlations in a relatively local manner to reduce the complexity. Moreover, we integrate the explicit and implicit methods into an explicit-implicit alignment module to better utilize motion information. We have conducted extensive experiments on public datasets, which show that our method is superior over the state-of-the-art methods in objective metrics, subjective visual quality and complexity. In particular, on datasets of Vid4 and UDM10, our method improves PSNR by 0.19 dB, 0.49 dB against the most advanced method BasicVSR++, respectively.