Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Worrall The X-ray Jets of Active Galaxies

Jet physics is again flourishing as a result of Chandra’s ability to resolve high-energy emission from the radio-emitting structures of active galaxies and separate it from the X-ray-emitting thermal environments of the jets. These enhanced capabilities have coincided with an increasing interest in the link between the growth of super-massive black holes and galaxies, and an appreciation of the likely importance of jets in feedback processes. I review the progress that has been made using Chandra and XMM-Newton observations of jets and the medium in which they propagate, addressing several important questions, including: Are the radio structures in a state of minimum energy? Do powerful large-scale jets have fast spinal speeds? What keeps jets collimated? Where and how does particle acceleration occur? What is jet plasma made of? What does X-ray emission tell us about the dynamics and energetics of radio plasma/gas interactions? Is a jet’s fate determined by the central engine?
An ultra-wideband dielectric resonator antenna with pattern reconfiguration

In this paper, an ultra-wideband dielectric resonator antenna is proposed for wireless communication device applications. The antenna can provide the monopole-like radiation pattern and the mushroom-like radiation pattern in the operation band from 3.9 to 12.2 GHz (VSWR≤2) through the in-phase feed and the out-phase feed of two input ports, respectively.
Damage quantification and reaction of bean genotypes (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to Meloidogyne incognita race 3 and M. javanica

The damage and the resistance levels of cultivars and accessions of common beans rescued in the South and mountain regions of Espirito Santo State, Brazil, to M. incognita race 3 and M. javanica parasitism were evaluated under a greenhouse. Four rescued bean genotypes ("FORT-10", "FORT-13", "FORT-16" and "FORT-19") and 2 commercial cultivars: "Perola", and "Apore", were tested. The cultivar "Rico-23" was included as standard of susceptibility to nematodes and non-inoculated plants constituted the control. Thus, the experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design in 3 (treatments considering nematodes) x 7 (genotypes and bean cultivars) factorial arrangement, with 7 replicates. Data were measured at 50 days after plant inoculation. For damage quantification, the following variables were evaluated: plant height (PHE), number of nodes (NNO), number of trifoliate leaves (NRT), fresh matter weight (FWE) and dry matter weight (DWE) of shoots, root weight (RWE), number of root nodules (NRO) and final population (FPO) of nematodes per root system. There were no significant differences between the effects caused by M. incognita and M. javanica, but both species showed inferior values of PHE, NNO, NRT, RWE, FWE and DWE compared to controls. Concerning the levels of resistance of bean plants to M. incognita, the genotypes "FORT-10", "FORT-13", "Apore" and "FORT-16" behaved as moderately resistant, the cultivars "Rico 23" and "Perola" low resistant, and the genotype "FORT-19" as highly susceptible. When parasitized by M. javanica, the beans "FORT-19", "Rico-23", "FORT-16" and "FORT-13" were low resistant, "Perola" and "Apore" susceptible and "FORT-10" highly susceptible.
Comparison of the VASP assay and platelet aggregometry in the evaluation of platelet P2Y12 receptor blockade.

INTRODUCTION It has been shown that incomplete blockade of platelet reactivity is a risk factor for future ischemic events in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Despite these findings, there is yet no gold standard of platelet reactivity estimation. The 2 most commonly used methods in platelet testing are platelet aggregometry and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation (VASP) assay. They both showed the predictive value for future adverse events in cardiac patients; however, there are few data that compare these 2 methods. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to compare the results of aggregometry (multi-electrode aggregometer [MEA]) and flow cytometric VASP assay used to determine platelet reactivity after the administration of P2Y12 receptor blockers. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included 17 healthy volunteers (12 men, 5 women; aged 41 ±10 years) and 12 patients (men, aged 62 ±12 years) with stable coronary artery disease treated with elective percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation. In volunteers, the blood was collected and tests were performed before and after 10-minute incubation with 5 nmol/l of cangrelol. In patients, the blood was collected for measurements before and after ingestion of 300 mg of clopidogrel. Aggregometry measurements included adenosine-diphosphate (ADP)-induced maximal aggregation (A(max)) and ADP-induced area under the aggregation curve (AUC). The platelet reactivity index (PRI) was determined using the VASP assay. RESULTS The use of cangrelor and clopidogrel was associated with a significant inhibition of platelet reactivity measured using the above methods. In both groups, the degree of inhibition was significantly greater when measured with the aggregation method compared with the VASP assay. The only significant coefficient of correlation between the VASP assay and aggregation results was observed in volunteers after platelet incubation with cangrelor (r= 0.81 between PRI and A(max), r = 0.68 between PRI and AUC). CONCLUSIONS Compared with the VASP assay, ADP-induced platelet aggregation shows a greater ability to detect a decrease in platelet aggregation after P2Y12 antagonists. These tests are not interchangeable because they measure different aspects of the P2Y12 receptor blockade.
Novel approaches to determine contractile function of the isolated adult zebrafish ventricular cardiac myocyte

The zebrafish is emerging as an attractive cost‐effective model for the study of structure–function relationships. However, cardiac contractile function in the zebrafish remains to be investigated. We applied novel approaches used to study contractile function at the cellular level in mammalian models to zebrafish. We found that contractile force regulation in the adult zebrafish shares many similarities with that in the mammalian myocardium as previously determined by others and ourselves, indicating that the zebrafish is an appropriate model system for the study of cardiac contractile biology.
Content and Grade Trends in State Assessments and NAEP

Each state is required by the No Child Left Behind Act to report the percents of its students who have reached a score level called “proficient” or above for certain grades in the content areas of reading (or a similar construct) and math. Using 2005 data from public web sites of states and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), state-to-state differences in percents were analyzed, both unconditionally and conditionally on NAEP, for (1) trend across content areas (horizontal moderation), (2) trend across grade levels (vertical moderation), and (3) consistency with NAEP. While there was considerable variation from state to state, especially on an idealistic-realistic dimension, the results generally show that states are relatively consistent in trends across grades and contents.
Cyclopentenone Prostaglandins of the J Series Inhibit the Ubiquitin Isopeptidase Activity of the Proteasome Pathway*

Electrophilic eicosanoids of the J series, with their distinctive cross-conjugated α,β-unsaturated ketone, inactivate genetically wild type tumor suppressor p53 in a manner analogous to prostaglandins of the A series. Like the prostaglandins of the A series, prostaglandins of the J series have a structural determinant (endocyclic cyclopentenone) that confers the ability to impair the conformation, the phosphorylation, and the transcriptional activity of the p53 tumor suppressor with equivalent potency and efficacy. However, J series prostaglandins have a unique structural determinant (exocyclic α,β-unsaturated ketone) that confers unique efficacy as an apoptotic agonist. In seeking to understand how J series prostaglandins cause apoptosis despite their inactivation of p53, we discovered that they inhibit the ubiquitin isopeptidase activity of the proteasome pathway. In this regard, J series prostaglandins were more efficacious inhibitors than representative members of the A, B, or E series prostaglandins. Disruption of the proteasome pathway with proteasome inhibitors can cause apoptosis independently of p53. Therefore, this finding helps reconcile the p53 transcriptional independence of apoptosis caused by Δ12-prostaglandin J2. This discovery represents a novel mechanism for proteasome pathway inhibition in intact cells. Furthermore, it identifies isopeptidases as novel targets for the development of antineoplastic agents.
The effects of capital on an income breeder: evidence from female Columbian ground squirrels

To maximize fitness, organisms must optimally allocate resources to reproduction, daily metabolic mainte- nance, and survival. We examined multiple years of live-trapping and observational data from a known-aged population of female Columbian ground squirrels, Spermophilus columbianus (Ord, 1815), to determine the influences of stored resources and daily resource income on the reproductive investments of females. We predicted that because yearling fe- males were not fully grown structurally while producing their first litter, they would rely exclusively on income for re- production, while reproductive investment in older females (≥2 years of age) would be influenced by both stored resources (capital) and daily income. Results from path analysis indicated that both yearlings and older females were income breeders. However, initial capital indirectly influenced investment in reproduction of yearling and older females. Females with the greatest initial capital maintained high body masses while investing relatively more income in repro- duction. By considering influences of both capital and income, important relationships can be revealed between these resources and their influence on life histories. Resume : Afin de maximiser leur fitness, les organisme doivent repartir de facon optimale leurs ressources entre la re- production, le maintien metabolique quotidien et la survie. Nous avons examine des donnees de piegeage d'animaux vi- vants et des observations sur plusieurs annees provenant d'une population de spermophiles du Columbia (Spermophilus columbianus (Ord, 1815)) femelles d'âge connu afin de determiner l'influence des ressources emmagasinees et de l'apport quotidien de ressources sur les investissements reproductifs des femelles. Notre prediction est que les femelles de 1 an, qui n'ont pas atteint leur maturite structurale au moment ou elles produisent leur premiere portee, dependent entierement des apports quotidiens pour leur reproduction; en revanche, chez les femelles plus âgees (de 2 ans), l'investissement reproductif depend a la fois des ressources emmagasinees (capital) et des apports quotidiens (revenu). Les resultats d'une analyse de sentier indiquent que les femelles tant de 1 an que plus âgees, se reproduisent a partir des apports quotidiens. Cependant le capital initial influence indirectement l'investissement reproductif des femelles de 1 an et des plus âgees. Les femelles possedant un capital initial plus important maintiennent une masse corporelle plus grande, tout en investissement relativement plus de leurs apports journaliers dans la reproduction. En tenant compte des influences a la fois du capital et des apports journaliers, on peut mettre a jour d'importantes relations entre ces ressour- ces et leur influence sur les cycles biologiques. (Traduit par la Redaction) Broussard et al. 552
A methodology for the real-time measurement of distal extremity temperature

The real-time measurement of distal extremity temperature may have a wide variety of uses, from assessing occupational cold exposure to determining the impact of autonomic dysfunction on normal thermoregulation. In this study, we describe a novel approach to the measurement of this physiologic parameter by the use of datalogger iButtons® affixed to the foot and outer clothing, the latter serving as an approximate measure of ambient temperature, in conjunction with the measurement of foot movement via actigraphy. This approach was piloted in 20 individuals, all of whom were also requested to maintain a diary of activities during the measurement period. The technique was found to be reliable and well tolerated amongst the group of subjects, with no individual suffering an adverse reaction (e.g. skin breakdown) while wearing the device. However, periods of ambient temperature data were suspect in at least 25% of the recordings, presumably due to misplacement of the sensor. Several approaches to data analysis suggested themselves, including separate analysis of the nocturnal/sleep and awake data sets. The use of datalogger iButtons® in conjunction with actigraphy appears to be a potential useful approach for the acquisition of real-time distal extremity temperature and movement data and has the potential of serving a variety of clinical and research purposes.
Parallel Readout of Optical Disks

Optical memory disks have been developed in recent years as mass storage media for audio, video, and computer memory applications. Write-once systems are already widely used, and reprogrammable systems are now starting to become commercially available as well. In all the existing systems the information stored in the optical disk is recorded and readout serially by focusing a laser beam on a single pixel. With an optical memory however it is possible to illuminate the disk with an extended beam and readout (as well as record in principle) large amounts of data in parallel [1]. This distinction between serial and Parallel Readout Optical Disks (PROD) is schematically shown in Fig.1. If the potential of PRODs is realized in practice it can eliminate the bottleneck that currently exists between mass memory and the information processing portion of a computer and thus greatly impact the speed with which computers can execute memory intensive problems. There are three main issues that we will address in this paper: The suitability of commercially available disks for this applications including the experimental characterization of a prototype magnetooptic system from SONY, the limitations imposed on parallel access due to the optical system, and the types of problems and computer architectures that can make effective use of the PROD capability.
Predictors and mediators of psychological adjustment in mothers of children newly diagnosed with cancer

Early psychological adjustment (PA) of mothers of children with cancer (MCC) and mothers of children with acute illnesses (MCA) were compared, and predictors and mediators of maternal adjustment were tested. Sixty‐nine MCC and 22 MCA completed standardized measures of depression, anxiety, global mental health (GMH), concurrent stress and strains, social support, coping strategies and child behavior. MCC reported greater depressive symptomatology, emotion‐focused coping, and social support than did MCA. For MCC, emotion‐focused coping and child behavior both predicted depression, anxiety, and GMH; concurrent stress and strain mediated the relationship between child behavior and depression and between emotion‐focused coping and each measure of adjustment. For MCA, only emotion‐focused coping predicted PA and concurrent stress and strains mediated the relationship between emotion‐focused coping and depression. These findings suggest that MCC have more PA difficulties that are uniquely related to their child's behavior than MCA. Concurrent stress and strains seems to be an important mediator of PA for both groups of mothers. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Network-based visualization tool for analyzing gene expression data

An integrated network-based visualization tool was designed to aid in the analysis of gene expression data, in which modules or subnetworks that are related to one another are extracted. These subnetworks could be relevant to the cause of disease. This tool may provide a mean to gain better understanding of the disease mechanism and help to discover new disease biomarkers for further in-depth analysis.
Barriers to health-care and psychological distress among mothers living with HIV in Quebec (Canada)

Health-care providers play a major role in providing good quality care and in preventing psychological distress among mothers living with HIV (MLHIV). The objectives of this study are to explore the impact of health-care services and satisfaction with care providers on psychological distress in MLHIV. One hundred MLHIV were recruited from community and clinical settings in the province of Quebec (Canada). Prevalence estimation of clinical psychological distress and univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to predict clinical psychological distress. Forty-five percent of the participants reported clinical psychological distress. In the multivariable regression, the following variables were significantly associated with psychological distress while controlling for sociodemographic variables: resilience, quality of communication with the care providers, resources, and HIV disclosure concerns. The multivariate results support the key role of personal, structural, and medical resources in understanding psychological distress among MLHIV. Interventions that can support the psychological health of MLHIV are discussed.
In reference to Admission after sleep surgery is unnecessary in patients without cardiovascular disease

In the article “Admission after sleep surgery is unnecessary in patients without cardiovascular disease,” Rotenberg et al. have made an important contribution regarding the risk of same-day discharge following sleep surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The conclusions were reached after finding a 0% incidence of readmissions or adverse events among same-day discharge patients. We urge caution, however, in generalizing the conclusions of their study to prematurely prompt changes in postoperative OSA monitoring policies until further prospective studies of adequate size and quality provide definitive data to support or refute this preliminary conclusion. A major objective of the study was to determine the complication rate postdischarge. We contend that the authors should provide a measure of the statistical imprecision for their 0% point estimate of adverse events by using a confidence interval (CI), as recommended by current guidelines. If zero events are observed in a dataset, how precisely do we know this 0% incidence? For dichotomous outcomes such as incidence of oxygen desaturation or death, the binomial distribution can be used to calculate CIs. However, a simple, easy-to-use approximation can be substituted (provided the sample size is 30). When zero events occur in a sample, the upper 95% confidence limit of the true population risk of the event (as a proportion) is 3/n, where n is the sample size. Although the authors appear to have powered their study using this concept of uncertainty, no upper confidence limit of the 0% incidence of adverse events was reported. Using the above rule, the upper 95% confidence limit is 3/39, or 7.7%. Therefore, given the sample size, the plausible range of adverse events, although observed to be 0% in this particular patient set, could plausibly be as high as 7.7% in future studies of similar patients. A risk of 7.7% would likely be unacceptable to most patients or caregivers for most serious adverse events. Therefore, this study is underpowered to conclude that “Most patients with OSA undergoing surgery can be safely discharged home without any subsequent respiratory complications. ” Larger studies are required to determine with adequate confidence whether it is safe to allow same-day postoperative discharge for patients with OSA following sleep surgery. A study of 500 patients with zero adverse events would have an upper 95% confidence limit of 0.6%, which would likely be acceptable to patients and caregivers. Larger studies would also more definitively conclude whether transient nocturnal oxygen desaturations in these patients are benign or linked to more serious adverse events. We encourage further efforts to expand the evidence base on this topic through larger studies and metaanalyses.
An Automatic Approach to Ship Detection in Spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar Imagery: An Assessment of Ship Detection Capability Using RADARSAT

Abstract : This report describes a methodology for automated ship and wake detection in space-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery. The methodology incorporates a multistage approach involving several algorithms which can be applied according to requirements, computational resources, and scene composition. We suggest that the localized K-distribution be used for scene segmentation and identification of regions containing probable targets. For a more detailed quantitative scene analysis and accountability for probabilities of occurrence of targets in conjunction with other oceanic features, a coupled neural-networks/Dempster-Shafer detection system is used. The mathematical morphology algorithm is better suited for SAR imagery with low signal-to-clutter ratios, as it incorporates neighbouring information and signal amplitudes for target detection. The methods are tested on several RADARSAT images with different imaging geometry and beam modes. On the basis of our findings, concerning the use of different RADARSAT imaging modes, we demonstrate conclusively that the STANDARD beam is far superior to SCANS AR-NARROW beam for automatic ship detection.
Cerebral magnetic resonance image segmentation using data fusion.

OBJECTIVE A semiautomated method is described for segmenting dual echo MR head scans into gray and white matter and CSF. The method is applied to brain scans of 80 healthy children and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS A probabilistic data fusion equation was used to combine simultaneously acquired T2-weighted and proton density head scans for tissue segmentation. The fusion equation optimizes the probability of a voxel being a particular tissue type, given the corresponding probabilities from both images. The algorithm accounts for the intensity inhomogeneities present in the images by fusion of local regions of the images. RESULTS The method was validated using a phantom (agarose gel with iron oxide particles) and hand-segmented images. Gray and white matter volumes for subjects aged 20-30 years were close to those previously published. White matter and CSF volume increased and gray matter volume decreased significantly across ages 4-18 years. White matter, gray matter, and CSF volumes were larger for males than for females. Males and females showed similar change of gray and white matter volumes with age. CONCLUSION This simple, reliable, and valid method can be employed in clinical research for quantification of gray and white matter and CSF volumes in MR head scans. Increase in white matter volume may reflect ongoing axonal growth and myelination, and gray matter reductions may reflect synaptic pruning or cell death in the age span of 4-18 years.
An exceptionally high density of muscle spindles in a slow‐tonic pigeon muscle

Histochemical and histological observations on the tiny wing muscle, M. coracotriceps, of the pigeon revealed a remarkably high density of muscle spindles (14,582 ± 2,302/g of muscle) – approximately 15 times the highest densities hitherto reported for any muscle. Furthermore, all of the extrafusal fibers of this muscle were of the slow‐tonic variety. This unique muscle probably functions as a mechanoreceptor extremely sensitive to changes in its own length.