Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neural Correlates of Sensory Eye Dominance in Human Visual White Matter Tracts

Abstract A significant proportion of the human neurotypical population exhibits some degree of sensory eye dominance (SED), referring to the brain’s preferential processing of one eye’s input versus another. The neural substrates underlying this functional imbalance are not well known. Here, we investigated the relationship between visual white matter tract properties and SED in the human neurotypical population. Observers’ performance on two commonly used dichoptic tasks were used to index SED, along with performance on a third task to address a functional implication of binocular imbalance: stereovision. We show that diffusivity metrics of the optic radiations (ORs) well predict behavioral SED metrics. We found no relationship between SED and stereosensitivity. Our data suggest that SED is not simply reflected by gray matter structural and functional alterations, as often suggested, but relates, at least in part to the microstructural properties of thalamocortical white matter.
Spin textures on general surfaces of the correlated topological insulator SmB 6

Employing the $\mathbf{k}\cdot\mathbf{p}$ expansion for a family of tight-binding models for SmB$_6$, we analytically compute topological surface states on a generic $(lmn)$ surface. We show how the Dirac-cone spin structure depends on model ingredients and on the angle $\theta$ between the surface normal and the main crystal axes. We apply the general theory to $(001)$, $(110)$, $(111)$, and $(210)$ surfaces, for which we provide concrete predictions for the spin pattern of surface states which we also compare with tight-binding results. As shown in previous work, the spin pattern on a $(001)$ surface can be related to the value of mirror Chern numbers, and we explore the possibility of topological phase transitions between states with different mirror Chern numbers and the associated change of the spin structure of surface states. Such transitions may be accessed by varying either the hybridization term in the Hamiltonian or the crystal-field splitting of the low-energy $f$ multiplets, and we compute corresponding phase diagrams.
The Spitzer-IRAC/MIPS Extragalactic Survey (SIMES). II. Enhanced Nuclear Accretion Rate in Galaxy Groups at z ∼ 0.2

For a sample of star-forming galaxies in the redshift interval 0.15 < z < 0.3, we study how both the relative strength of the active galactic nucleus (AGN) infrared emission, compared to that due to the star formation (SF), and the numerical fraction of AGNs change as a function of the total stellar mass of the hosting galaxy group ( ) between 1010.25 and 1011.9 M⊙. Using a multicomponent spectral energy distribution SED fitting analysis, we separate the contribution of stars, AGN torus, and star formation to the total emission at different wavelengths. This technique is applied to a new multiwavelength data set in the SIMES field (23 not-redundant photometric bands), spanning the wavelength range from the UV (GALEX) to the far-IR (Herschel) and including crucial AKARI and WISE mid-IR observations (4.5 μm < λ < 24 μm), where the black hole thermal emission is stronger. This new photometric catalog, which includes our best photo-z estimates, is released through the NASA/IPAC Infrared Science Archive (IRSA). Groups are identified through a friends-of-friends algorithm (∼62% purity, ∼51% completeness). We identified a total of 45 galaxies requiring an AGN emission component, 35 of which are in groups and 10 in the field. We find the black hole accretion rate (BHAR) ∝ ( and (BHAR/SFR) ∝ ( , while, in the same range of , we do not observe any sensible change in the numerical fraction of AGNs. Our results indicate that the nuclear activity (i.e., the BHAR and the BHAR/SFR ratio) is enhanced when galaxies are located in more massive and richer groups.
Complete Genome and Partial Megaplasmid Sequences of Mycobacterium pseudoshottsii Strain NJB1907-Z4, Isolated from an Aquarium-Reared Japanese Sardine (Sardinops melanostictus) in Japan

Mycobacterium pseudoshottsii, a slow-growing nontuberculous mycobacterium, has been isolated from wild and cultured fish. We report here the complete genome and partial megaplasmid sequences of a strain isolated from an aquarium-reared Japanese sardine (Sardinops melanostictus) in Japan, M. pseudoshottsii NJB1907-Z4. ABSTRACT Mycobacterium pseudoshottsii, a slow-growing nontuberculous mycobacterium, has been isolated from wild and cultured fish. We report here the complete genome and partial megaplasmid sequences of a strain isolated from an aquarium-reared Japanese sardine (Sardinops melanostictus) in Japan, M. pseudoshottsii NJB1907-Z4.
Statistical properties of flares and sunspots over the solar cycle

The present paper reviews results derived from statistical studies on solar activity indices. The prolonged minimum phase of cycle 23 raised the question of peculiarities inherent in cycle 23. The most important solar activity index is the relative sunspot number and though most of other indices are closely related, shifts are obtained between their peak activity of the order of 1-2 years. These shifts reveal a 22-yr pattern which can be attributed to solar interior or dynamo related processes. The minimum phase of cycle 23 is not found to be exceptional. Investigating the relative sunspot numbers over the past 150 years, solar cycles of more prolonged minima are observed. Since 1920 solar activity is quite high ('modern maximum') and cycle 23 might be the herald of the end of this phase.
Involvement of sialoglycans in SARS‐COV‐2 infection: Opportunities and challenges for glyco‐based inhibitors

Viral infections have been the causes of global pandemics, including the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019, which prompted the investigation into the infection mechanisms to find treatment and aid the vaccine design. Betacoronaviruses use spike glycoprotein on their surface to bind to host receptors, aiding their host attachment and cell fusion. Protein‐glycan interaction has been implicated in the viral entry mechanism of many viruses and has recently been shown in SARS‐CoV‐2. Here, we reviewed the current knowledge on protein‐glycan interactions that facilitate SARS‐CoV‐2 host entry, with special interest in sialoglycans present on both the virions and host cell surfaces. We also analyze how such information provides opportunities and challenges in glyco‐based inhibitors.
THE LINE POLARIZATION WITHIN A GIANT Lyα NEBULA

Recent theoretical work has suggested that Lyα nebulae could be substantially polarized in the Lyα emission line, depending on the geometry, kinematics, and powering mechanism at work. Polarization observations can therefore provide a useful constraint on the source of ionization in these systems. In this Letter, we present the first Lyα polarization measurements for a giant Lyα nebula at z≈ 2.656. We do not detect any significant linear polarization of the Lyα emission: PLyα = 2.6% ± 2.8% (corrected for statistical bias) within a single large aperture. The current data also do not show evidence for the radial polarization gradient predicted by some theoretical models. These results rule out singly scattered Lyα (e.g., from the nearby active galactic nucleus, AGN) and may be inconsistent with some models of backscattering in a spherical outflow. However, the effects of seeing, diminished signal-to-noise ratio, and angle averaging within radial bins make it difficult to put strong constraints on the radial polarization profile. The current constraints may be consistent with higher density outflow models, spherically symmetric infall models, photoionization by star formation within the nebula or the nearby AGN, resonant scattering, or non-spherically symmetric cold accretion (i.e., along filaments). Higher signal-to-noise ratio data probing to higher spatial resolution will allow us to harness the full diagnostic power of polarization observations in distinguishing between theoretical models of giant Lyα nebulae.
Variability-selected Low-luminosity Active Galactic Nuclei Candidates in the 7 Ms Chandra Deep Field-South

In deep X-ray surveys, active galactic nuclei (AGNs) with a broad range of luminosities have been identified. However, cosmologically distant low-luminosity AGN (LLAGN, erg s−1) identification still poses a challenge because of significant contamination from host galaxies. Based on the 7 Ms Chandra Deep Field-South (CDF-S) survey, the longest-timescale (∼17 years) deep X-ray survey to date, we utilize an X-ray variability selection technique to search for LLAGNs that remain unidentified among the CDF-S X-ray sources. We find 13 variable sources from 110 unclassified CDF-S X-ray sources. Except for one source that could be an ultraluminous X-ray source, the variability of the remaining 12 sources is most likely due to accreting supermassive black holes. These 12 AGN candidates have low intrinsic X-ray luminosities, with a median value of 7 × 1040 erg s−1. They are generally not heavily obscured, with an average effective power-law photon index of 1.8. The fraction of variable AGNs in the CDF-S is independent of X-ray luminosity and is only restricted by the total number of observed net counts, confirming previous findings that X-ray variability is a near-ubiquitous property of AGNs over a wide range of luminosities. There is an anticorrelation between X-ray luminosity and variability amplitude for high-luminosity AGNs, but as the luminosity drops to ≲1042 erg s−1, the variability amplitude no longer appears dependent on the luminosity. The entire observed luminosity–variability trend can be roughly reproduced by an empirical AGN variability model based on a broken power-law power spectral density function.
White dwarf masses in intermediate polars observed with the Suzaku satellite

Context. White dwarfs (WDs) in cataclysmic variables (CVs) are important experimental laboratories where the electron degeneracy is taking place on a macroscopic scale. Magnetic CVs increase in number especially in the hard X-ray band (10 keV) thanks to sensitive hard X-ray missions. Aims. From X-ray spectroscopy, we estimate the masses of nearby WDs in moderately-magnetized CVs, or Intermediate Polars (IPs). Methods. Using the Suzaku satellite, we aquired wide-band spectra of 17 IPs, covering 3−50 keV. An accretion column model of Suleimanov et al. (2005, A&A, 435, 191) and an optically-thin thermal emission code were used to construct a spectral emission model of IPs with resolved Fe emission lines. By simultaneously fitting the Fe line complex and the hard X-ray continuum of individual spectra, the shock temperature and the WD mass were determined with a better accuracy than in previous studies.
PARP1 proximity proteomics reveals interaction partners at stressed replication forks

Abstract PARP1 mediates poly-ADP-ribosylation of proteins on chromatin in response to different types of DNA lesions. PARP inhibitors are used for the treatment of BRCA1/2-deficient breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer. Loss of DNA replication fork protection is proposed as one mechanism that contributes to the vulnerability of BRCA1/2-deficient cells to PARP inhibitors. However, the mechanisms that regulate PARP1 activity at stressed replication forks remain poorly understood. Here, we performed proximity proteomics of PARP1 and isolation of proteins on stressed replication forks to map putative PARP1 regulators. We identified TPX2 as a direct PARP1-binding protein that regulates the auto-ADP-ribosylation activity of PARP1. TPX2 interacts with DNA damage response proteins and promotes homology-directed repair of DNA double-strand breaks. Moreover, TPX2 mRNA levels are increased in BRCA1/2-mutated breast and prostate cancers, and high TPX2 expression levels correlate with the sensitivity of cancer cells to PARP-trapping inhibitors. We propose that TPX2 confers a mitosis-independent function in the cellular response to replication stress by interacting with PARP1.
Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics Study of Lattice Thermal Conductivity/Conductance of Au-SAM-Au Junctions

In this paper, equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations were performed on Au-SAM (self-assembly monolayer)-Au junctions. The SAM consisted of alkanedithiol (―S―(CH 2 ) n ―S―) molecules. The out-of-plane (z-direction) thermal conductance and in-plane (x- and y-direction) thermal conductivities were calculated. The simulation finite size effect, gold substrate thickness effect, temperature effect, normal pressure effect, molecule chain length effect, and molecule coverage effect on thermal conductivity/ conductance were studied. Vibration power spectra of gold atoms in the substrate and sulfur atoms in the SAM were calculated, and vibration coupling of these two parts was analyzed. The calculated thermal conductance values of Au-SAM-Au junctions are in the range of experimental data on metal-nonmetal junctions. The temperature dependence of thermal conductance has a similar trend to experimental observations. It is concluded that the Au-SAM interface resistance dominates thermal energy transport across the junction, while the substrate is the dominant media in which in-plane thermal energy transport happens.
Correlation between the tissue ghrelin presence, disease activity and laboratory parameters in ulcerative colitis patients; immunohistochemical study

Background The aim of the study was to determine the differences in terms of ghrelin presence in the colon between the patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and control patients. Methods Sixty-one UC and 15 control patients were included in the study. Immunohistochemical staining for ghrelin was investigated in colonic biopsy samples of UC and control patients. UC patients were subdivided into Group A (absence of ghrelin staining) and Group B (presence of staining for ghrelin in biopsy samples). Disease activity scores, laboratory parameters and quantitative ghrelin staining were compared in both groups of UC patients, as well as with the observations in control patients. Results Cells in colonic mucosa stained for ghrelin were identified in twenty-three (37.7%) UC patients, while this proportion in control patients was 6/15(40%). A significant difference was found between Groups A and B for serum albumin concentration but not for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), hemoglobin concentration or leucocyte count. Mayo score/disease activity index (DAI) for UC were significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (p = 0.03). Conclusions There were no differences in the amount of colonic ghrelin staining between healthy individuals and UC patients. Colonic ghrelin staining in UC patients seems to be associated with the increased activity of this disease.
Probing the models: Abundances for high-mass stars in binaries

The complexity of composite spectra of close binary star system makes study of the spectra of their component stars extremely difficult. For this reason there exists very little information on the photospheric chemical composition of stars in close binaries, despite its importance for informing our understanding of the evolutionary processes of stars. In a long-term observational project we aim to fill this gap with systematic abundance studies for the variety of binary systems. The core of our analysis is the spectral disentangling technique, which allows isolation of the individual component star spectra from the time-series of observed spectra. We present new results for high-mass stars in close binaries. So far, we have measured detailed abundances for 22 stars in a dozen detached binary systems. The parameter space for the stars in our sample comprises masses in the range 8–22 M ⊙ , surface gravities of 3.1–4.2 (c.g.s.) and projected rotational velocities of 30–240 km s −1 . Whilst recent evolutionary models for rotating single stars predict changes in photospheric abundances even during the main sequence lifetime, no star in our sample shows signs of these predicted changes. It is clear that other effects prevail in the chemical evolution of components in binary stars even at the beginning of their evolution.
Molecular modelling, synthesis and in vitro evaluation of quinazolinone hybrid analogues as potential pancreatic lipase inhibitors

Abstract Obesity is a multifactorial metabolic disorder, growing in an alarming rate across the world. Amongst the numerous targets explored for obesity management, inhibition of pancreatic lipase (PL) is considered as one of the promising approaches. Orlistat is the only PL inhibitory drug approved for long term treatment of obesity. However, it is reported to possess hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Thus, novel drug candidates that act through PL inhibition are considered the hour’s need. Based on this aim, a series of quinazolinone hybrid analogues have been synthesized, characterized and evaluated for their PL inhibitory potential. The physicochemical properties and toxicity parameters suggested that these parameters are in an acceptable range for the screened analogues. Amongst the synthesised analogues, QH-25 exerted potential PL inhibition (IC50 = 16.99 ± 0.54 µM). Further, enzyme inhibition studies suggested a reversible competitive inhibition. Molecular docking of these analogues was in line with in vitro results, wherein the obtained MolDock scores exhibited a significant correlation with their inhibitory activity (Pearson’s r = 0.6629). To further confirm the stability of the QH-25-PL complex in a dynamic environment, a molecular dynamics study (100 ns) was carried out and the results suggested that this complex is stable at dynamic conditions. Overall, these results shed light on the quinazolinone hybrids as potential PL inhibitors. Further structural modification may result in the development of potent anti-obesity agents which acts through PL inhibition. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Phonon Transport in Single-Layer Transition Metal Dichalcogenides: a First-Principles Study

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are finding promising electronic and optical applications due to their unique properties. In this letter, we systematically study the phonon transport and thermal conductivity of eight semiconducting single-layer TMDCs, MX2 (M=Mo, W, Zr and Hf, X=S and Se), by using the first-principles-driven phonon Boltzmann transport equation approach. The validity of the single-mode relaxation time approximation to predict the thermal conductivity of TMDCs is assessed by comparing the results with the iterative solution of the phonon Boltzmann transport equation. We find that the phononic thermal conductivities of 2H-type TMDCs are above 50 W/mK at room temperature while the thermal conductivity values of the 1T-type TMDCs are much lower, when the size of the sample is 1 {\mu}m. A very high thermal conductivity value of 142 W/mK was found in single-layer WS2. The large atomic weight difference between W and S leads to a very large phonon bandgap which in turn forbids the scattering between acoustic and optical phonon modes and thus resulting in very long phonon relaxation time.
The decay of turbulence in rotating flows

We present a parametric space study of the decay of turbulence in rotating flows combining direct numerical simulations, large eddy simulations, and phenomenological theory. Several cases are considered: (1) the effect of varying the characteristic scale of the initial conditions when compared with the size of the box, to mimic “bounded” and “unbounded” flows; (2) the effect of helicity (correlation between the velocity and vorticity); (3) the effect of Rossby and Reynolds numbers; and (4) the effect of anisotropy in the initial conditions. Initial conditions include the Taylor-Green vortex, the Arn’old-Beltrami-Childress flow, and random flows with large-scale energy spectrum proportional to k4. The decay laws obtained in the simulations for the energy, helicity, and enstrophy in each case can be explained with phenomenological arguments that consider separate decays for two-dimensional and three-dimensional modes and that take into account the role of helicity and rotation in slowing down the energy dec.
Integral Field Spectroscopy of Balmer-dominated Shocks in the Magellanic Cloud Supernova Remnant N103B

We present results of integral field spectroscopy of Balmer-dominated shocks in the LMC supernova remnant (SNR) N103B, carried out using the Wide Field Integral Spectrograph (WiFeS ) on the 2.3 m telescope at the Siding Spring Observatory in Australia. Existing X-ray studies of N103B have indicated an SN Ia origin. Radiative shock emission from clumpy material surrounding the SNR may result from interaction of the forward shock with relic stellar wind material, possibly implicating a thermonuclear explosion in a single-degenerate binary system. The recently discovered Balmer-dominated shocks mark the impact of the forward shock with low density, partially neutral CSM gas, and form a partial shell encircling clumps of material exhibiting radiative shocks. The WiFeS spectra of N103B reveal broad Hα emission having a width as high as 2350 km s−1 along the northern rim, and both Hα and Hβ broad profiles having widths around 1300 km s−1 along the southern rim. Fits to the Hα line profiles indicate that in addition to the usual broad and narrow emission components, a third component of intermediate width exists in these Balmer-dominated shocks, ranging from around 125 km s−1 up to 225 km s−1 in width. This is consistent with predictions of recent Balmer-dominated shock models, which predict that an intermediate-width component will be generated in a fast neutral precursor. We derive a Sedov age of approximately 685 ± 20 years for N103B from the Balmer-dominated spectra, consistent with the young age of 380–860 years estimated from light echo studies.
Feedback, fairness, and validity: effects of disclosing and reusing multiple-choice questions in medical schools

ABSTRACT Background Disclosure of items used in multiple-choice-question (MCQ) exams may decrease student anxiety and improve transparency, feedback, and test-enhanced learning but potentially compromises the reliability and fairness of exams if items are eventually reused. Evidence regarding whether disclosure and reuse of test items change item psychometrics is scarce and inconclusive. Methods We retrospectively analysed difficulty and discrimination coefficients of 10,148 MCQ items used between fall 2017 and fall 2019 in a large European medical school in which items were disclosed from fall 2017 onwards. We categorised items as ‘new’; ‘reused, not disclosed’; or ‘reused, disclosed’. For reused items, we calculated the difference from their first ever use, that is, when they were new. Differences between categories and terms were analysed with one-way analyses of variance and independent-samples t tests. Results The proportion of reused, disclosed items grew from 0% to 48.4%; mean difficulty coefficients increased from 0.70 to 0.76; that is, items became easier, P < . 001, ηp 2 = 0.011. On average, reused, disclosed items were significantly easier (M = 0.83) than reused, not disclosed items (M = 0.71) and entirely new items (M = 0.66), P < . 001, ηp 2 = 0.087. Mean discrimination coefficients increased from 0.21 to 0.23; that is, item became slightly more discriminating, P = . 002, ηp 2 = 0.002. Conclusions Disclosing test items provides the opportunity to enhance feedback and transparency in MCQ exams but potentially at the expense of decreased item reliability. Discrimination was positively affected. Our study may help weigh advantages and disadvantages of using previously disclosed items.