Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ESO imaging survey: infrared deep public survey

This paper presents new J and Ks data obtained from observations conducted at the ESO 3.5m New Technology Telescope using the SOFI camera. These data were taken as part of the ESO Imaging Survey Deep Public Survey (DPS) and significantly extend the earlier optical/infrared EIS-DEEP survey presented in a previous paper. The DPS-IR survey comprises two observing strategies: shallow Ks observations providing nearly full coverage of pointings with complementary multi-band optical data and deeper J and Ks observations of the central parts of these fields. The DPS-IR survey provides a coverage of roughly 2.1 square degrees in Ks with 0.63 square degrees to fainter magnitudes and also covered in J, over three independent regions of the sky. The goal of the present paper is to describe the observations, the data reduction procedures, and to present the final survey products. The astrometric solution with an estimated accuracy of <0.15" is based on the USNO catalog. The final stacked images presented here number 89 and 272, in J and Ks, respectively, the latter reflecting the larger surveyed area. The J and Ks images were taken with a median seeing of 0.77" and 0.8". The images reach a median 5sigma limiting magnitude of J_AB~23.06 in an aperture of 2", while the corresponding limiting magnitude in Ks_AB is ~21.41 and ~22.16 mag for the shallow and deep strategies. Overall, the observed limiting magnitudes are consistent with those originally proposed. The quality of the data has been assessed by comparing the measured magnitude of sources at the bright end directly with those reported by the 2MASS survey and at the faint end by comparing the counts of galaxies and stars with those of other surveys to comparable depth and to model predictions. The final science-grade catalogs and images are available at CDS.
Physical fractionation of soil organic matter: Destabilization of deep soil carbon following harvesting of a temperate coniferous forest

Developing a better understanding of the processes involved in controlling soil carbon (C) storage and turnover in native forest soils is critical if we are to fully understand the role land management activities play in the global C cycle. Separating soil organic matter (SOM) into discrete fractions has been successfully used to isolate changes in the structure and function of the SOM pool in response to land management activities but investigations in native forest systems are rare. Using a density fractionation procedure, we isolated and characterized three distinct SOM fractions (free, intra‐aggregate, and organo‐mineral) across a postharvest forest age sequence. We describe age related variations in each of these fractions with respect to their contribution to soil mass, C storage, C concentrations, C‐to‐N ratios, and δ13C ratios. In conceptual models of SOM pool structure, the organo‐mineral fraction is assumed to be largely stable. We show that harvesting may increase the potential for loss of soil C (i.e., destabilize the soil C pool) and that a significant portion of the soil C pool may be cycling on decadal timescales. Isotopic evidence is consistent with a period of C loss attributable to increased rates of decomposition, with losses below 20 cm driving the trend. We encourage investigators studying the effects of forest harvesting on SOM storage to consider the deeper mineral soil (20+ cm) and how we may increase SOM turnover time and stabilization capacity in a native forest system.
Detection and extraction of the ECG signal parameters

This work investigates a set of efficient techniques to extract important features from the ECG data applicable in automatic cardiac arrhythmia classification. The selected parameters are divided into two main categories namely morphological and statistical features. Extraction of morphological features were achieved using signal processing techniques and detection of statistical features were performed by employing mathematical methods. Each specific method was applied to a pre-selected data segment of the MIT-BIH database. The classification of different heart beats were performed based upon the extracted features. The morphological features were found as the most efficient for further ECG signal analysis. However, because of ECG signal variability in different patients, the mathematical approach is preferred for a precise and robust feature extraction. As a result of the extracted features, an efficient computer based ECG signal classifier could be developed for detection of a vast range of cardiac arrhythmias.
Futures Trading: Informational Content of Open Interest and Trading Volume on Futures Price

In an agriculture dominated country, like India, farmers face not only yield risk but price risk as well. Commodity futures market play major role in the price risk management process, especially in agriculture. This study empirically analyses the informational content of open interest and trading volume on futures price determination on the basis of selected agricultural commodities. Breusch-Godfrey Serial Correlation LM Test is used for analyzing the role of informational content of open interest and trading volume on futures price. Empirical result shown that open interest playing a major role in futures price determination on commodity futures trading. In case of trading volume, the results show that a significant negative impact on futures price. The study strongly argues that the stockholders will be benefited through informational content of open interest and volume there by reducing the risk involved in the futures market. By monitoring the price trend, volume and open interest the technician is better able to measure the buying or selling pressure behind market moves. This will provide traders with valuable information to develop a suitable pricing strategy and an appropriate production and marketing plan for producers farming.
Variance-Optimal Hedging for Time-Changed Lévy Processes

Abstract In this article, we solve the variance-optimal hedging problem in stochastic volatility (SV) models based on time-changed Lévy processes, that is, in the setup of Carr et al. (2003). The solution is derived using results for general affine models in the companion article [Kallsen and Pauwels (2009)].
Synthesis, Characterization, Thermal, DNA binding, DFI, Antioxidant and Anticancer Studies of Bis (methylphenylmethanamine) Dichloroplatinum Complex

Bis (methylphenylmethanamine) dichloroplatinum (MMCP), a new Pt (II) complex, has been synthesized and characterized with different spectroscopic means. Thermal analysis expressed its heat absorption capacity and weight loss with respect to temperature. UV/Vis study performed in DMF and DMSO/phosphate buffer with 10, 30, 50, 70 and 90 μM that inveterate stability of the complex. The DNA binding activity studied with absorption spectroscopy, viscosity, surface tension, sound velocity, refractive index, conductivity and zeta potential which has confirmed its strong DNA interaction. The DFI study with comparison of viscosity and surface tension has been analyzed which explored its anticancer nature. The DPPH* scavenging effect was carried out with 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 and 400 μM which showed its antioxidant activity due to its terminating action against reactive species. In vitro anticancer results on MCF-7 cell line showed its anticancer activity.
Mycosphaerella leaf diseases of temperate eucalypts around the Southern Pacific rim

Research with Mycosphaerella spp. on eucalypts has been historically and strongly focused towards taxonomical species descriptions, extension of host, and geographical range. To date there is insufficient information to develop management prescriptions that can be applied operationally. The research concept we have adopted is an integration of empirical studies (detection, impact, epidemiology, and physiology) and designed experiments that provide a knowledge base from which models can be developed and validated. Our empirical studies and designed experiments form a core response to current industry priorities in Australia.
Anxiety and coping strategies among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes requires complex self-management routines to prevent the development of functional disability. Social support is associated with positive health outcomes in people with diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: People with type 2 diabetes [n=90] received a screening questionnaire assessing anxiety symptoms Arabic scale modified from the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. Ninety-two healthy matched control group included in this study. Then all subjects responded to all questionnaires of mental toughness questionnaire, emotional Security scale, and adult hope scale. RESULTS: Significant increase in anxiety among diabetic patients than the control group. No significant difference was found between two groups as regards emotional security scale, while significantly decreased in Challenge factor of mental toughness questionnaire among diabetic patients compared with control group. Significant positive correlation was found between total emotional security and total anxiety scale [r=0.287; p=0.0001]. A negative significant correlation was found between anxiety and total mental toughness questionnaire [r=-0.285; p=0.001]. CONCLUSION: The results explained a significant correlation between anxiety and diabetes. Regarding prevention, we suggest that, a chronically ill young adult should be recognized as a risk group for anxiety that would probably benefit from guidance in learning more active coping skills and maintaining a sense of personal control in facing chronic physical illness.
Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as MRI contrast agents - a comprehensive physical and theoretical study

Magnetite nanoparticles, especially superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, are established contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging. Magnetosomes, which are magnetite nanoparticles of biological origin, have been shown to have better contrast properties than current formulations possibly because of their larger size and high monodispersity. Here, we present an integrated study of magnetosomes and synthetic magnetite nanoparticles of varying size, hence, magnetic properties. We investigate not only the relaxation times as a measure for the contrast properties of these particles, but also their cytotoxicity and demonstrate the higher contrast of the larger particles. A theoretical model is presented that enables us to simulate the R2=R1 ratio of a contrast agent and con�rm that larger particles offer higher contrast. The results from this study illustrate the possibility to obtain colloidal stability of large magnetic nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging applications and serve as an impetus for a more quantitative description of the contrast effect as a function of the size.
Survivor rates of new entrants into an undergraduate degree programme under clearance uncertainty

Considering the clearance exercise in a Nigerian university setting, this study attempts to answer the question of the following sort: ‘What is the survivor rate of candidates offered (provisional) admission into a course of study in the face of clearance uncertainty? ’ We represent the problem as a system of differential equations within the framework of a network model with constant risk and then solve it using the Laplace transform. Rather than relying on steady-states fractional flow rates, we provide a transient solution to the problem. The survivor function for each entry level derived for the problem sheds some light on situations where a decision is to be made on two (or more) preferred courses and thus evades possible trauma in the application process. Résumé : Cette étude prend place dans la problématique de l’admission des étudiants dans les universités nigériannes. Elle se propose de répondre aux questions semblables à celle-ci : quel est le taux de survie (final) des candidats provisoirement admis à un programme dans une situation d’admission finale incertaine? Nous modélisons ce problème grâce à un système d’équations différentielles dans le cadre d’un modèle de réseau à risque constant. La transformation de Laplace est notre outil pour résoudre le problème théorique.
Change in body weight and treatment outcome in sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients treated under directly observed treatment short-course

Tuberculosis is the largest single infectious cause of death among young people and adults in the world, accounting for nearly two million deaths per year. The number of deaths yearly in India are 0.11 million; 9% of world mortality. Globally 10.4 million new cases of tuberculosis (TB) occur annually, out of which 2.8 million people are from India alone contributing 27% of the global tuberculosis load. In addition to this, the emergence and spread of multidrug‐resistant TB (MDR‐ TB) is threatening to destabilize global TB control. In developing countries like India, undernutrition and TB have a biface relationship. Weight loss or undernutrition is one of the important risk factor for progression of latent TB infection to active TB. At the population level it contributes to an estimated 55% of annual TB incidence in India. Weight loss, wasting and worsening ABSTRACT
A DIFFERENT STEERING FUNCTIONALITY WITH DISSIMILAR QOS NECESSITIES

Because of the diversity and complexity of applications running over WSNs, the Qi’s guarantee such networks gains growing attention within the research community. Generally, inside a network with light load, both requirements could be readily satisfied. However, a heavily loaded network is affected congestion, which increases the finish-to-finish delay. The work aims to concurrently enhance the fidelity for high-integrity programs and reduce the finish-to-end delay for delay-sensitive ones, even if your network is congested. As part of an info infrastructure, WSNs should be capable of supporting various programs within the same platform. Programs running on a single Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) platform will often have different Service quality (Qi’s) needs. Two fundamental needs are low delay and data integrity. However, in many situations, both of these requirements cannot be satisfied concurrently. Within this paper, in line with the idea of potential in physics, we advise IDDR, a multi-path dynamic routing formula, to solve this conflict. By creating an online hybrid potential field, IDDR separates packets of programs with different Qi’s needs based on the weight designated to every packet, and routes them for the sink through different paths to enhance the data fidelity for integrity-sensitive programs in addition to lessen the finish-to-finish delay for delay-sensitive ones. While using Lyapunov drift technique, we prove that IDDR is stable. Simulation results show IDDR provides data integrity and delay differentiated services.
Localized Jacobian ILU preconditioners for hydraulic fractures

We discuss the properties of a class of sparse localized approximations to the Jacobian operator that arises in modelling the evolution of a hydraulically driven fracture in a multi‐layered elastic medium. The governing equations involve a highly non‐linear coupled system of integro‐partial differential equations along with the fracture front free boundary problem. We demonstrate that an incomplete LU factorization of these localized Jacobians yields an efficient preconditioner for the fully populated, stiff, non‐symmetric system of algebraic equations that need to be solved multiple times for every growth increment of the fracture. The performance characteristics of this class of preconditioners is explored via spectral analysis and numerical experiment. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determining the Role of Cin85 and CD2AP in Septin-mediated Cytokinesis

Septins are a family of GTP-binding proteins implicated in mammalian cytokinesis. Our lab has shown that the N-terminal region of SEPT9 is critical during the later stage of cytokinesis abscission. The N-terminal region of SEPT9 contains two atypical proline-rich motifs targeted by certain SH3 containing proteins such as adaptor proteins Cin85 and CD2AP. Therefore it is possible that Cin85/CD2AP interacts with SEPT9 to complete cytokinesis. I have presented immunofluorescence microscopy images and abscission defect quantification data which strongly suggest that Cin85 and CD2AP function during cytokinesis. Through biochemical means, I have shown that the first three SH3 domains of Cin85 and CD2AP are required for their interaction with SEPT9 in vitro and in vivo. Lastly, the SEPT9 mutant that can not bind Cin85/CD2AP failed to rescue the abscission defect observed when SEPT9 is depleted. These results suggest that the interaction between Cin85/CD2AP and SEPT9 is required for abscission.
Measuring the dielectric constant of liquid on a chip with silicon nanowires : scientific investigation of the measurement principles and functionality

This project is about measuring the dielectric constant of liquid on a chip with silicon nanowires. This work is carried out under the umbrella of PhD research work on nanowire sensors, carried out by Marleen Mescher. This report comprises a theoretical description of nanowire sensors, which is combined with the device layout. In particular the liquid interfacing and the prevention of leakage when using solvents has been extensively studied. Dioxane has been selected as the liquid to complement water for characterization of the nanowire sensor, due to its low dielectric constant and miscibility. It was found that a sealing layer based on an acrylic adhesive on a polyester carrier proved sufficiently durable. In addition, silicone rubber has been identified as a suitable tubing material. These efforts resulted in a microfluidic setup that successfully contained the liquids for the duration of the experiments as reported in this research. An important part of this work covers the comparison of experiments focusing on air, water, and 1,4-dioxane. A method to extract the threshold and slope parameters was defined and executed. Based on calculations and experimental evidence the nanowire sensor has been shown to work and a change in transconductance of the sensor was successfully measured between water and dioxane. Recommendations were made to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of these measurements. Important conclusions were also made relating to the measurement methodology. The first conclusion is that just one measurement is not reliable and stabilization is required. The second conclusion is that time and the number of measurements are important parameters in this stabilization process. And finally, for each specific system these parameters could behave differently, requiring the identification of the dominant parameter in order to develop a reliable measurement protocol.
( Eulychnia acida PHIL.) UNDER THREE ENvIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN THE COqUIMbO REgION

Copao ( Eulychnia acida Phil.) is an endemic arborescent cactus restricted mainly to the semi-arid Coquimbo Region (29°54’28” S, 71°15’15” W), Chile. The area of distribution is from sea level to 1200 m.a.s.l. The edible fruit called rumpa is generally round, with green or pink peel and small scales on its surface, showing wide variability in size and weight. The aim of this work was to characterize the rumpa harvested in January 2009 and 2010 in three sectors of Coquimbo Region to determine chemical and nutritional composition in three fractions: pulp with seeds, juice, and peel. The research showed that this fruit is a good natural source of mainly soluble dietary fiber, which has a jellied texture and is present in the three fractions analyzed: 2% for juice, 3% for pulp with seeds, and approximately 5% for peel, making it potentially a good source of hydrocolloids for the food industry. The fruit is also a good source of vitamin C; around 55 mg 100 g -1 in peel, and 30 mg 100 g -1 in pulp with seeds and juice, values considered high compared to 18 mg 100 g -1 for prickly pear ( Opuntia ficus-indica [L.] Mill.) The main minerals were: K, Mg, Ca, and P. Total polyphenols and betalain pigments were also determined in the pulp with seeds and pink peel fractions, respectively. The nutritional characteristics, together with its high water content of around 96%, make rumpa a promising raw material for agro-industrial development of natural juices or isotonic drinks. This characterization helps in the recovery of an endemic native species by reducing potential threats to destroy wild populations of E. acid , especially near agricultural areas, and by promoting habitat conservation of the species in the region.
UTILIZING UNDERWATER THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELING TO ENHANCE ECOLOGICAL AND BIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF CORAL REEFS

Abstract. The structural complexity of coral reefs profoundly affects the biodiversity, productivity, and overall functionality of reef ecosystems. Conventional survey techniques utilize 2-dimensional metrics that are inadequate for accurately capturing and quantifying the intricate structural complexity of scleractinian corals. A 3-dimensional (3D) approach improves the capacity to accurately measure architectural complexity, topography, rugosity, volume, and other structural characteristics that play a significant role in habitat facilitation and ecosystem processes. This study utilized Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry techniques to create 3D mesh models for several Hawaiian corals that represent distinct morphological phenotypes. The orthophotos and digital elevation models generated from the SfM process were imported into geospatial analysis software in order to quantify several metrics pertaining to 3D complexity that are known to affect ecosystem biodiversity and productivity. The 3D structural properties of the reconstructed coral colonies were statistically analyzed to determine if the each species represents a unique morpho-functional group. The SfM reconstruction techniques described in this paper can be utilized for an array of research purposes to improve our understanding of how changes in coral composition affect habitat structure and ecological processes in coral reef ecosystems.
In silico Analysis of three Committed-Steps Involved in Triterpenoid Biosynthesis from Ganoderma lucidum

Ganoderma lucidum is widely considered as one of the most valuable Traditional Chinese Medicines, with various bioactive constituents and pharmaceutical effects. Triterpenoids are important effective ingredients of G. lucidum, which are synthesized mainly through the mevalonate pathway. In this study, we aimed to characterize and analyze three committed-step enzymes of the mevalonate pathway, 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A Reductase (HMGR), Farnesyl Diphosphate Synthase (FPPS) and Squalene Synthase (SQS), using various bioinformatic tools and servers. As a results, the molecular structures and physicochemical properties of the proteins and their encoding genes (Glhmgr, Glfpps and Glsqs) were studied. The GlHMGR and GlFPPS proteins are localized in the cytosol and lack any transmembrane topological structures. By contrast, GlSQS enters the secretory pathway via its transit peptide and has three transmembrane helices. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the three proteins could be classified into three large groups according to their significant functional association and genetic conservation. The secondary structures of the GlHMGR, GlFPPS and GlSQS comprise mainly α-helixes and random coils and the three tertiary structures were modeled successfully, including the identification of key motifs. Additionally, the expression levels of the three genes were compared on the basis of dbEST records. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that HMGR, FPPS and SQS from G. Lucidum have typical molecular structures and functions. In addition, we inferred that GlFPPS might be the perfect target for genetic engineering because of its position in a bottleneck step, as revealed by metabolic flux analysis.