Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Constraining Dark Matter distribution in galaxy clusters with MUSE

Clusters of galaxies are the most spectacular gravitational lenses in the universe. They deflect the light rays coming from the galaxies located in their background leading to the creation of numerous multiple images within their cores. These multiple images are used to constrain galaxy cluster dark matter distribution that typically represents ∼ 80% in such astrophysical objects. High resolution imaging with the Hubble Space Telescope allowed for the identification of a substantial number of strongly lensed objects, leading to precise mass models for a large number of galaxy clusters. Nevertheless, high resolution imaging is not enough and one needs to know the distance of the lensed object, i.e. its redshift, in order to obtain accurate mass models. The MUSE integral field unit on the VLT is perfectly suited to the observations of galaxy cluster cores where strong lensing is happening. When combined with high resolution images, MUSE observations of a cluster core typically lead to the extraction of more than 150 spectra of sources in the field of view. The analysis of MUSE data cubes allows for the measurement of the spectroscopic redshift of both multiple images and cluster members, thus adding strong constraints to the mass models. We present the analysis of MUSE observations of MS 0451, MACS J2129 and RX J2129, three galaxy clusters at redshift 0.55, 0.589 and 0.235 respectively. We measured 185, 189 and 158 spectroscopic redshifts among which were 44, 52 and 36 new cluster members and 2, 4 and 3 new systems of multiple images respectively. This resulted in a more accurate mass model for RX J2129 and a deep restructuration still in progress of the mass models of the last two clusters. The MUSE and HST data together have been revealed to be one of the most powerful combinations for accurately modeling the dark matter density within galaxy clusters.
Improvement of winter hardiness in oat from 1935 to 1992

The Uniform Oat Winter Hardiness Nursery was initiated in 1926 to improve the probability of selecting more winter-hardy oat (Avena sativa L.) germplasm under field conditions. The nursery has been grown at 141 locations in 31 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces and 986 cultivars and experimental lines have been tested. Survival data from 1935 to 1992 was used to (i) summarize nursery information, and (ii) evaluate progress in winter hardiness improvement. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for 10 check cultivars revealed four hardiness categories. Analysis of the same 10 checks by the method of pairwise rank superiority confirmed the relative rankings from the ANOVA results. Regression analyses from more than 1000 location-years in which differential winter killing occurred indicated significant genetic improvement in average winter hardiness of entries submitted for testing during the first 35 yr (1935 to 1970); the hardiness of elite entries has improved throughout the period of analysis (1935 to 1992) at an estimated rate of 0.26% per year. The decreased progress in average hardiness of entries since the mid1970s may be a result of reduced effort in breeding for winter hardiness due to lack of funding and/or exhaustion of genetic potential
Impact of Physical Activity on Health-Related Quality of Life in Post Liver Transplant Patients

Article History Received: 11.07. 2018 Accepted: 19.07. 2018 Published: 30.07. 2018 Abstract: Liver transplant is the corner for patients with end stage liver diseases. Posttransplant patients face many challenges including poor general health, physical inactivity and emotional problem. This article reviews studies that explored the impact of physical activity on health related quality of life (HRQOL) for post liver transplant patients. To collect evidence to supporting the relationship between physical activity and HRQOL for post liver transplant patients, a search of the PubMed, CINAHL, Psych Info, EbscoHost, Medline, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses databases was conducted using key phrases, including chronic liver disease, liver transplant, post liver transplant, liver transplant and physical activity, liver transplant and health-related quality of life. The main search parameters were studies written in English and those conducted between 2005 and 2014. The initial search resulted in 957 records. There were 246 duplicate records. These records were removed. Records were excluded if patients were pediatric, secondtime transplant recipients or receiving more than one organ transplant or if they had active infections. First records were excluded by screening the record titles; 453 records were excluded using this method. Next, records were excluded by screening the abstracts; 214 records were excluded using this method. Finally, records were excluded by screening the entire record text; an additional 37 records were excluded using this method.
Neuroglia in Infectious Brain Diseases

Abstract Download Free Sample In this book, we present a discussion of the immune functions of neuroglia and their interactions with common infectious diseases in the brain. While most is known about microglia and astrocytes, as are extensively reviewed here, our understanding of other glia, including oligodendrocytes and ependymal cells, continues to grow in terms of their response to infection. Our discussion focuses on the most clinically relevant and well-studied infectious diseases, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), among others, in their interactions with microglia and astrocytes. These immune responses within the central nervous system are crucial for protecting us from pathogens and yet must be carefully balanced with the need to protect brain structures that are sensitive to inflammatory damage. The complex interactions between pathogens and glia, as well as glia with other cells in the central nervous system, are an area of fascin.
Factors Influencing Reuse Intention of e-Payment in Thailand: A Case Study of PromptPay

: Thai e-commerce is growing rapidly in the past few years. The driving factors for the rapid growth arise from increased Internet and mobile phone use as well as improved e-payment and logistics. Thai government has come up with a national e-payment initiative called “PromptPay” with an aim to reduce the use of cash and catalyze the adoption of e-payment in Thailand. However, the use of e-payment in Thailand is still lagged behind other countires. The objective of this research is therefore to identify factors influencing reuse intension of e-payment in Thailand and their antecedents. For our preliminary study, we survey PromptPay 100 users in Bangkok and analyze the data using PLS-SEM technique. The results suggest that satisfaction and attitude positively impact reuse intention of PromptPay. In addition, perceived usefulness is found to be a driver of user satisfaction and positive attitude towards PromptPay, while positive confirmation affects satisfaction. However, trust is unexpectedly found to be insignificant to reuse intention of PromptPay. Our proposed conceptual model offers an alternative model studying e-payment adoption in other context, while our findings could help Thai government in planning their strategy for improving the diffusion rate of PromptPay in Thailand.
Genetic Structure of Creek Chub, a Headwater Minnow, in an Impounded River System

Abstract The population-level effects of landscape heterogeneity in migration corridors are not well understood, especially in aquatic ecosystems. Using 17 microsatellite loci, we assessed the spatial genetic structure of creek chub Semotilus atromaculatus, a headwater stream fish, in eight small tributaries (202 individuals) connected by a river (a lotic corridor) and eight small tributaries (200 individuals) connected by a nearby downstream reservoir (a lentic corridor). Genetic diversity measured in terms of gene diversity and allelic richness was higher in the river tributaries than reservoir tributaries. Both the river and reservoir tributaries exhibited significant population differentiation but differed in their patterns of isolation by distance. Pairs of river tributaries showed increasing genetic differentiation with increasing geographic distance, whereas reservoir tributaries showed no effect of geographic distance on genetic distance. Bayesian estimates of gene flow showed a trend of higher re.
EFFECT OF ADDING LIMESTONE FILLER AND VOLCANIC SCORIA ON THE PROPERTIES OF RECYCLED AGGREGATE CONCRETE

The use of Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) is limited in structural applications due to a loss of concrete strength and a reduction of its resistance against the aggressive environments. The objective of this study was to mitigate the drawbacks induced by using plain RCA, through adding limestone filler (LF) and Volcanic Scoria (VS) as cement replacement. The concrete performance was evaluated in terms of workability, mechanical and permeability-related properties. Workability was examined through the slump loss during 100 min of mixing. The investigated mechanical properties include compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of concrete. Water permeability, chloride penetrability and porosity have particularly been studied to evaluate the concrete permeability properties. The experimental part was conducted in accordance with international standards (EN, ASTM, ISO). The results revealed that the use of LF or/and VS could improve slump loss behaviour in Recycled Aggregate Concretes (RAC). Use of such additives in RAC could also produce greater compressive and splitting strengths than those of the plain RAC. The modulus of elasticity of plain RAC was much lower than that of the natural aggregate concrete. However, with these additives, the mechanical properties of RAC were comparable to those in natural aggregate concrete. Further, the results showed that the permeability properties of RAC have significantly been improved with the addition of both LF and VS. Dolomitic aggregates were used for comparison and SEM analysis was employed as well.
Remobilization of Dry Matter, Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Durum Wheat as Affected by Genotype and Environment

Field studies were carried out to determine dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) assimilation until anthesis and DM, N and P remobilization during grain filling in wheat. Twentyfive durum wheat (Triticum durum L.) varieties were grown in Tuscany at Grosseto and at Arezzo. At Grosseto 76% of DM was assimilated during pre-anthesis while at Arezzo the amount was 81%. At Grosseto 44% and at Arezzo 35% of N was accumulated until anthesis, while 33% of P was stored until anthesis in both localities. Cultivar differences in DM and N remobilization were positively related to pre-anthesis dry matter and N content at anthesis (r > 0.74). Environmental contraints on carbon, N and P availability in the plant are crucial factors in determining grain yield and N and P content in grain, affecting both accumulation and remobilization. In the low rainfall site of Grosseto, most of the grain yield originated from dry matter accumulation, while in the wetter environment of Arezzo remobilization and accumulation contributed equally to grain yield. Conversely, at Grosseto grain N content relied most on remobilization and at Arezzo remobilization and accumulation contributed equally. Finally, at Grosseto and at Arezzo accumulation of P was the main source of grain P content.
Engineering Applications of Computational Fluid Mechanics

Shallow rectangular reservoirs are common structures in urban hydraulics and river engineering. Despite their simple geometries, complex symmetric and asymmetric flow fields develop in such reservoirs, depending on their expansion ratio and length-to-width ratio. The original contribution of this study is the analysis of the kinetic energy content of the mean flow, based on UVP velocity measurements carried out throughout the reservoir in eleven different geometric configurations. A new relationship is derived between the specific mean kinetic energy and the reservoir shape factor. For most considered geometric configurations, leading to four different flow patterns, the experimentally observed flow fields and mean kinetic energy contents are successfully reproduced by an operational numerical model based on the depth-averaged flow equations and a two-length-scale k- turbulence closure. The analysis also highlights the better performance of this depth-averaged k- model compared to an algebraic turbulence model. Finally, the turbulent kinetic energy in the reservoir is derived from the experimental measurements and the corresponding numerical predictions based on the k- model agree satisfactorily in the main jet but not in the recirculation zones.
Variation, Association and Inheritance of Juvenile Wood Properties of Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden with Special Reference to the Effect of Rate of Growth

SYNOPSIS In South Africa existing knowledge on the properties of the juvenile wood of Eucalyptus grandis, their variation and intercorrelation is seriously lacking and not in accordance with the species commercial importance. Such information is important because of the fact that a large proportion of this species is grown under intensive short-rotation management for the production of mining timber and pulpwood. In this study the intercorrelation between wood properties, the variation among families and the effect of growth rate on these properties were studied in 216 young trees sampled from a full-sib diallel progeny trial consisting of 72 families established in the Eastern Transvaal by the Department of Environment Affairs. Results of a factor analysis indicated that the variation in the basic wood properties of young E. grandis is adequately described by studying wood density, fibre lengths and vessel properties such as size, frequency and fractional volume. All these properties vary significantly a.
Relationship between Inflammatory Biomarkers (CRP, TNF-alpha, Interleukin 6, and cystatin C) and Renal Function Tests among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-Khartoum

Introduction: Always chronic kidney disease has been bound to diabetes mellitus, especially type2. Inflammatory biomarkers, such as CRP, IL6, cystatin C and TNF-alpha) are usually play role in the development and increase risk of type 2 diabetes T2DM, as well as chronic kidney disease, so this study aimed to evaluate renal function tests and inflammatory biomarkers among T2DM and compare evaluated parameters with data of healthy individuals. Methods: Two hundred (200) subjects were enrolled in this study, 100 of them were patients with T2DM set as case group, , age ranged 33 and 55 years, and the other 100 were healthy individuals were set as control group. Blood samples were collected from both groups in order to assess renal function tests urea, creatinine by means of spectrophotometer based method, while Sodium and Potassium by easylyte device instrument and inflammatory biomarkers CRP, IL6, cystatin C and TNF-alpha by ELISA technique. Results: Inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, CRP, Cystatin C and TNF-alpha) levels in diabetic subjects were significantly higher than control group. We also found that serum creatinine and urea were higher in type 2 diabetes patients than normal subjects (p=0.001). Pearson’s correlation of serum creatinine and urea with inflammatory biomarkers brought different positive correlation with all parameters. Conclusion: Elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, CRP, Cystatin C and TNF-alpha) are positively associated with renal function tests serum creatinine and urea and increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Fatty Acid Composition in Ips calligraphus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) during Postembryonic Development

Gas-liquid chromotographic analyses using lipid extracts of Ips calligraphus (Germar) in its various developmental stages showed the presence of 8:0, 10:0, 12:0, 14:0, 16:0, 16:1, 18:0, 18:1, 18:2, 18:3, and 19:0 fatty acids, plus one unidentified compound. The rearing medium contained hark phloem of Pinus elliottii Engelmann var. elliottii and was qualitatively similar in fatty acid composition to beetle tissues. The major fatty acids in all developmental stages of I. calligraphus were 16- and 18-carbon acids, and 16:0 and 18:1 acids each comprised about 30–40% of the total. Both 16:0 and 18:1 acids decreased in each sex during adult maturation. Unsaturated acids together comprised about 50% of total in prepupae, 64% in mature virgin females, and 62% in stage-I (nonfeeding) larvae. The major unsaturated acid in adult beetles and stage-I larvae was 18:1. Percents of 18:2 and 18:3 acids were higher in adult virgin females than in adult males of the same age, a sexassociated difference that increased during adult maturation. Both 18:2 and 18:3 acids increased from the prepupal to 15-day-old adult stages, but the percent of 18:2 was highest (22%) and 18:3 lowest (trace) in stage-I larvae.
Evaluation of the Storage Root-Forming Legume Yam Bean ( Pachyrhizus spp.) under West African Conditions

The yam bean (Pachyrhizus spp.) contains three closely related cultivated species: P. tuberosus (Lam.) Sprengel, P. erosus (L.) Urban, and P. ahipa (Wedd.). Its storage root dry matter content (SRDM) is usually low, although genotypes with a high SRDM have been identified ('Chuin' accessions). Flowers are often removed through flower pruning (FP) to increase storage root fresh matter yield (SRFY). The main objectives of this study were to investigate the potential for use in Benin (West Africa), to estimate the effect of FP, and to test whether roots could be processed into gari. In total, 34 accessions were tested at one drought-stress and one irrigated location. Means and genetic variance components were estimated for 33 agronomic traits. Without FP, the SRFYs of P. tuberosus, P. erosus, and P. ahipa were 13.9, 23.4, and 12.4 t ha-1, respectively, and the seed yields were 2.2, 5.2, and 2.1 t ha-1, respectively. The FP caused SRFY to increase by 48, 91, and 61% in P. tuberosus, P. erosus, and P. ahipa, respectively. The storage root dry matter yield (SRDY) of P. erosus was only slightly higher (∼8.5 t ha-1) than that of the Chuin accessions (∼8.0 t ha-1). Under drought, the SRDY was least affected in P. erosus. Early-maturing P. ahipa accessions were identified. All species could be used to make gari, which contained, on average, 5.5% protein, 58.5% starch, and 23.8% total dietary fiber. The crop has the potential for use in West Africa and has a large genetic variation for genetic improvement.
Estimating root mass in maize using a portable capacitance meter

Time and expense are major constraints limiting the detection of genotypic differences in the length, structure, and growth rate of root systems in the soil. Recent development of a hand-held capacitance meter could enable the routine quantification of root mass. The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy with which a BK Precision 810A capacitance meter can estimate root fresh mass in maize (Zea mays L.) using a technique that allows a rapid and noninvasive capacitance reading. The capacitance meter measured root capacitance of maize grown under greenhouse (8 genotypes) and field (6 genotypes) conditions. After the capacitance readings, 14 plants per genotype were uprooted, roots were washed thoroughly, and root fresh mass was obtained. The statistical relationship between capacitance and root fresh mass in greenhouse experiments was significant early in the growth seasqn for all genotypes (r 2 = 0.73, P < 0.001), and significant only late in the growth season for inbreds (r 2 = 0.56, P < 0.001). Field studies showed that capacitance and root fresh mass were statistically correlated for all genotypes at flowering (r 2 = 0.69, P < 0.001). In conclusion, capacitance meters equipped with a clamp for rapid attachment to the plant may facilitate the nondestructive identification of genotypes with root characteristics that confer adaptation to various environments. Conditions for accurate capacitance measurements included a moist medium around the plant's root system and a consistent placement of the electrode at 6 cm above the crown.
Monitoring Vertebrate Populations

Preface. Basic Concepts. Sampling Designs and Related Topics. Enumeration Methods. Community Surveys. Detection of a Trend in Population Estimates. Guidelines for Planning Surveys. Fish. Amphibians and Reptiles. Birds. Mammals. Glossary of Terms. Glossary of Notation. Sampling Estimators. Common and Scientific Names of Cited Vertebrates. Subject Index.
Developmental Expression of Genes Involved in Neurosteroidogenesis: 3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase/Δ5-Δ4 Isomerase in the Rat Brain

In the central nervous system, neurosteroids, in particular progesterone, have neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects. We thus decided to study the developmental expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase/Δ5-Δ4 isomerase (3βHSD), an enzyme that converts pregnenolone to progesterone, in the male rat brain at 0, 7, 14, and 70 d after birth. 3βHSD mRNA was widely distributed throughout the brain, as shown by in situ hybridization. At all ages, the same cerebral structures were labeled, but the intensity of the hybridization signal constantly decreased during postnatal development. As the hippocampus is of particular interest because of its neuronal plasticity, we chose to quantify the changes in 3βHSD mRNA levels as well as progesterone and pregnenolone concentrations in this structure. Quantitative in situ hybridization confirmed a decrease in the expression of 3βHSD mRNA with progressing age, as revealed by a significant reduction in the density of silver grains per cell in the CA1 layer. This decreas.
First zoeal stages of grapsoid crabs (Crustacea: Brachyura) from the East African coast

In this study, the larvae of 14 grapsoid species from the East African coast are examined. Original descriptions of the first zoeal stage are provided for the grapsids Grapsus fourmanoiri , G. tenuicrustatus , Pachygrapsus minutus and P. plicatus , and the sesarmids Sarmatium crassum and Sesarma leptosoma . The first zoea of Ilyograpsus paludicola is illustrated for the first time. Redescriptions are presented for the grapsid Metopograpsus messor and the gecarcinid Cardisoma carnifex , while the appendage setation of the varunid Helice leachii , and the sesarmids Chiromantes eulimene , Neosarmatium meinerti , Parasesarma catenata and Perisesarma guttatum are also given and compared with previous work. The first zoeal stages of all these species can be identified, either by comparing their overall morphology or their appendage setation. The validity of combining setation features of the maxilla and maxillipeds to separate grapsoid families is further supported, but special attention is called to the sesarmid Sesarma leptosoma , which presents an unexpected setal arrangement on the basis of the first maxilliped. A more troublesome situation is that of the grapsid Ilyograpsus paludicola . The present descriptions provide evidence of a surprising combination of characters, suggesting that this species should be removed from the Grapsoidea as already indicated by other authors. © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2003, 137 , 355‐383. ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: First zoeal stages ‐ Grapsoidea ‐ Indo-Pacific ‐ mangroves ‐ rocky shores ‐ tidal flats