Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measuring Accretion in Young Substellar Objects: Approaching the Planetary Mass Regime

We present observations of Hα emission-line profiles taken at Magellan Observatory for a sample of 39 young low-mass stars and brown dwarfs in the Taurus and Chamaeleon I star-forming regions. We have identified 11 new substellar accretors, more than tripling the number of known brown dwarfs with measurable accretion activity. These include the lowest-mass objects yet seen with accretion, with masses down to ~0.015 M☉. Using models of Hα emission produced in magnetospheric accretion flows, the most widely applicable primary calibrator now available, we determine the first estimates of mass accretion rates for objects at such extremely low masses. For the six objects with masses ≲0.03 M☉, we find accretion rates of ~5 × 10-12 M☉ yr-1, among the smallest yet measured. These new results continue the trend of decreasing mass accretion rate with decreasing (sub)stellar mass that we have noted previously for samples of more massive objects; the overall correlation is ∝ M2.1, and it now extends over a mass range of over 2 orders of magnitude. Finally, the absence of a discontinuity in the distribution of accretion rates with mass tends to suggest that stars and brown dwarfs share similar formation histories.
Epidemiological Overview of Hodgkin Lymphoma across the Mediterranean Basin

The epidemiology of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) has always been a source of fascination to researchers due to its heterogeneous characteristics of presentation. HL is an uncommon neoplasm of B-cell origin with an incidence that varies significantly by age, sex, ethnicity, geographic location and socioeconomic status. This complex pattern was also found to be replicated among Mediterranean basin populations. HL incidence rates progressively decreased from industrialized European countries such as France (ASR=2.61) and Italy (ASR=2.39) to less developed nations such as Albania (ASR=1.34) and Bosnia Herzegovina (ASR=1.1). Regarding HL mortality we have found that countries with the lowest incidence rates show the highest number of deaths from this cancer and viceversa. Finally, a wide gap in terms of survival was showed across the Mediterranean basin with survival rates ranged from 82.3% and 85.1% among Italian men and women, to 53.3 % and 59.3% among Libyan men and women, respectively. Factors such as the degree of socio-economic development, the exposure to risk factors westernization-related, the availability of diagnostic practices along with different genetic susceptibilities to HL may explain its variation across Mediterranean countries. Furthermore, the lack of health resources decisively contribute to the poor prognosis recorded in less developed region. In the future, the introduction of appropriate and accessible treatment facilities along with an adequate number of clinical specialists in the treatment of HL and other cancers are warranted in order to improve the outcomes of affected patients and treat a largely curable type of cancer in disadvantaged regions.
A Novel Gigabit Radio Transceiver for System-ona-Chip Wireless LAN The GigaRFIC Project

This paper presents a plan for creating radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) transceiver components for a gigabit per second wireless LAN terminal. The transceiver will operate in the 17-GHz frequency band and be fabricated in a SiGe BiCMOS process. The transceiver will use a direct conversion receiver and a vector modulator for transmission. This paper includes a discussion on direct conversion design issues. The transceiver IC represents a complete RF system. The RFIC blocks can also be incorporated with other IP blocks such as protocol cores for further SoC applications
Telavancin activity against Gram-positive bacteria isolated from respiratory tract specimens of patients with nosocomial pneumonia.

OBJECTIVES The antimicrobial activity of telavancin against 2279 clinical Gram-positive cocci obtained from patients with nosocomial pneumonia [NP; including those with ventilator-acquired pneumonia (VAP)] located in numerous medical centres worldwide was evaluated. METHODS A contemporary collection of 2279 non-duplicate consecutive Gram-positive clinical isolates were submitted from 87 hospitals located in North America (913 isolates), Latin America (222 isolates), Europe (690 isolates), and the Asia-Pacific region (454 isolates) as part of the international telavancin surveillance programme for 2007-08. Isolates were tested for susceptibility by the reference broth microdilution method (with 2%-5% lysed horse blood added for testing of streptococci). Interpretive criteria were those from CLSI (M100-S20, 2010) except for telavancin, for which the susceptible breakpoints approved by the US FDA were applied. RESULTS Telavancin was highly active against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC(90), 0.25 mg/L; 100% susceptible), coagulase-negative staphylococci (MIC(90), 0.25 mg/L), Streptococcus pneumoniae (MIC(90), 0.03 mg/L), viridans group streptococci (MIC(90), 0.06 mg/L; 100% susceptible), β-haemolytic streptococci (MIC(90), 0.06 mg/L; 100% susceptible) and vancomycin-susceptible enterococci (MIC(90), 0.5 mg/L; 100% susceptible). Telavancin inhibited all staphylococci at ≤ 0.5 mg/L. Among enterococci non-susceptible to vancomycin (all Enterococcus faecium), telavancin was active against isolates exhibiting a VanB phenotype (MIC, 0.06-0.12 mg/L), but less potent against VanA strains (MIC, ≥ 2 mg/L). CONCLUSIONS Telavancin demonstrated equal or greater potency than the comparators (vancomycin, teicoplanin, daptomycin, linezolid and quinupristin/dalfopristin) against Gram-positive pathogens implicated in NP. Telavancin showed elevated MIC values only against enterococcus isolates showing a VanA phenotype. The continued appearance of multidrug-resistant pathogens among Gram-positive isolates, mainly S. aureus, necessitates the introduction of new agents and longitudinal surveillance to monitor for the potential emergence of resistance.
Faculty development: a field of dreams

This chapter describes the faculty development efforts of the eight schools that participated in The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's “Preparing Physicians for the Future: Program in Medical Education. ” The authors define “faculty development” as the “enhancement of educational knowledge and skill of faculty members so that their educational contributions can extend to advancing the educational program rather than just teaching within it. ” Faculty development programs varied widely among the schools. Some schools had active programs in place, others initiated programs at the start of the project. This chapter explores the faculty development topics and methods, both shared and unique, among the eight schools. It then looks at the ways the schools motivated their faculties to participate in their programs. Finally, it describes some of the outcome measures that were used to gauge the effectiveness of the faculty development programs. The authors conclude that the eight schools' approaches and levels of commitment to their faculty development programs varied. They present lessons learned from the successes and failures of the various programs.
Targeting DOT1L action and interactions in leukemia: the role of DOT1L in transformation and development

Importance of the field: The establishment and maintenance of specialized chromatin is crucial for correct gene expression and chromosome stability in mammalian cells. Therefore, epigenetic insults are frequently observed in cancer. Several chromatin modifying enzymes have been implicated in leukemia, and are attractive candidates for the development of therapeutic agents. Areas covered in this review: The histone methyltransferase DOT1L is responsible for methylation of histone H3 at lysine 79 and is involved in the pathobiology of several leukemias, the majority of which are characterized by chromosomal translocations involving the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene. Leukemic translocations yield fusion proteins involving MLL and other proteins that physically interact with DOT1L. These oncogenic fusion proteins recruit DOT1L to ectopic loci (including HOX gene clusters), whose mis-expression contributes to the transformed phenotype. Studies from stem cells and certain leukemias suggest a second mechanism of leukemogenesis, in which reduced or mistargeted DOT1L activity yields altered centromeric chromatin and consequent chromosomal instability. Targeting DOT1L enzymatic activity as well as interactions with leukemogenic fusion proteins is discussed as possible leads in therapeutic interventions. What the reader will gain: In this review, we discuss the normal functions of DOT1L, its mechanistic roles in leukemogenesis, and possible strategies for targeting DOT1L in leukemia. DOT1L is an atypical histone lysine methyltransferase in that it does not contain an enzymatic domain common to all other lysine methyltranferases. This attribute makes DOT1L a unique and specifically targetable enzyme. An emerging role for DOT1L under normal cellular conditions as well as transformed conditions is emerging and shedding light on the biology and mechanisms of some translocation-induced leukemias. Take home message: DOT1L is critical in development, as shown in studies in mouse embryos and embryonic stem cells. DOT1L enzymatic activity is also required for the leukemic transformation capabilities of a number of oncogenic fusion proteins. In addition, interactions between DOT1L and oncogenic fusion proteins are necessary for the transformation process. Therefore, it may be possible to specifically target DOT1L enzymatic activity or DOT1L interactions with leukemogenic fusion proteins.
Platelet Surface‐bound IgG and Platelet‐specific IgG in Plasma in Childhood Thrombocytopenia

Abstract. Quantification of platelet‐bound immunoglobulin is widely used in the evaluation of thrombocytopenia. Several methods have been devised among which labelled ligand‐binding assays seem to be most appropriate. In series of adult patients such assays have been shown to be superior in separating immune‐thrombocytopenia from thrombocytopenia of non‐immune causes. We studied 62 children with thrombocytopenia of various causes, using radiolabelled protein A as a ligand to measure platelet‐surface bound IgG. The test was highly sensitive (93%) in detecting immune‐thrombocytopenia. The specificity, however, was only 57 %, which is less than in published studies of adults. In a number of cases presumed to be non‐immune‐thrombocytopenia, notably a few patients with leukaemia and bone marrow aplasia, we found increased amounts of platelet surface‐bound IgG. The significance of this finding is not clear. An indirect assay measuring platelet‐specific IgG in plasma was less sensitive (46 %) but highly specific for immune‐thrombocytopenia (89 %). The measurements of platelet‐surface‐bound IgG and platelet‐specific IgG in plasma are of limited diagnostic value in childhood thrombocytopenia but are useful in following the treatment in chronic ITP.
Racial Identity Development and Academic Achievement of Academically Gifted African American Students: Implications for School Counselors.

Gifted African American students are underrepresented and underserved in gifted education . The current article provides an overview of proper identification, racial identity development implications, psycho-social concerns and the importance of family involvement in the development of gifted African American students . A case study is presented to provide interventions school counselors can use with both students and parents as they advocate for underserved
Who are the breast cancer survivors in Malaysia?

INTRODUCTION Worldwide, breast cancer is the commonest cause of cancer death in women. However, the survival rate varies across regions at averages of 73%and 57% in the developed and developing countries, respectively. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the survival rate of breast cancer among the women of Malaysia and characteristics of the survivors. METHOD A retrospective cohort study was conducted on secondary data obtained from the Breast Cancer Registry and medical records of breast cancer patients admitted to Hospital Kuala Lumpur from 2005 to 2009. Survival data were validated with National Birth and Death Registry. Statistical analysis applied logistic regression, the Cox proportional hazard model, the Kaplan-Meier method and log rank test. RESULTS A total of 868 women were diagnosed with breast cancer between January 2005 and December 2009, comprising 58%, 25% and 17% Malays, Chinese and Indians, respectively. The overall survival rate was 43.5% (CI 0.573-0.597), with Chinese, Indians and Malays having 5 year survival rates of 48.2% (CI 0.444-0.520), 47.2% (CI 0.432-0.512) and 39.7% (CI 0.373-0.421), respectively (p<0.05). The survival rate was lower as the stages increased, with the late stages were mostly seen among the Malays (46%), followed by Chinese (36%) and Indians (34%). Size of tumor>3.0cm; lymph node involvement, ERPR, and HER 2 status, delayed presentation and involvement of both breasts were among other factors that were associated with poor survival. CONCLUSIONS The overall survival rate of Malaysian women with breast cancer was lower than the western figures with Malays having the lowest because they presented at late stage, after a long duration of symptoms, had larger tumor size, and had more lymph nodes affected. There is an urgent need to conduct studies on why there is delay in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer women in Malaysia.
Exploring the association between chorioamnionitis and respiratory outcome

Sir, We commend Zanardo et al. for their prospective study on chorioamnionitis, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and respiratory outcome after preterm birth. However, two fundamental issues complicate the interpretation of their findings. The authors laudably explored the association between chorioamnionitis and chronic lung disease (CLD) in a multivariable model, adjusting for potential confounders. An intriguing interaction between chorioamnionitis, gestational age and subsequent development of CLD was reported, suggesting that the effect of chorioamnionitis on CLD risk is, in fact, dependent on gestational age. However, the characteristics of this interaction were not reported and, furthermore, no odds ratios or confidence intervals for the individual factors in the model were provided. Thus, the reader is unable to interpret both the direction and magnitude of the reported associations. Secondly, from univariable analyses, the authors concluded that there is no reason to assume that chorioamnionitis influences lung maturation, as judged from similar incidences of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) between infants with and without chorioamnionitis. This contradicts the compelling available evidence from both human studies and several animal models, which indicates that antenatal inflammation enhances lung maturation and decreases both RDS incidence and severity. We propose that the inability to detect an association between chorioamnionitis and RDS incidence might be a result of the lack of adjustment for potential confounders, the most important being gestational age. From the baseline data provided by the authors, it is clear that the gestational age in infants with chorioamnionitis is, on average, 2.6 weeks lower. The similar RDS incidence between the two groups in the presence of such a large and significant difference in gestational age – gestational age being the most important predictor of RDS incidence – suggests that chorioamnionitis may well decrease the RDS risk when adjusted for gestational age. Indeed, such an effect has been reported previously in several studies, as reviewed elsewhere. In conclusion, we feel that it is important for the authors to supply additional information on the interaction between chorioamnionitis, gestational age and CLD, taking into account that, in cohort studies, the presence of interaction precludes a direct interpretation of the related main effects (chorioamnionitis and gestational age in this case). Moreover, we would be interested to learn how an adjustment for important confounders, including gestational age, would affect the association between chorioamnionitis and RDS in the reported cohort. j
PUMA: an operating system for massively parallel systems

This paper presents an overview of PUMA (Performance-oriented, User-managed Messaging Architecture), a message passing kernel. Message passing in PUMA is based an portals/spl minus/an opening in the address space of an application process. Once an application process has established a portal, other processes can write values into the portal using a simple send operation. Because messages are written directly into the address space of the receiving process, there is no need to buffer messages in the PUMA kernel and later copy them into the applications address space. PUMA consists of two components: the quintessential kernel (Q-Kernel) and the process control thread (PCT). While the PCT provides management decisions, the Q-Kernel controls access and implements the policies specified by the PCT. <<ETX>>
Entrenched Enemies, Tactical Partners, or Steadfast Allies? Exploring the Fault Lines Between Teacher Unions and Community Organizing in the United States

ABSTRACT Teachers’ unions and community organizing emerged out of shared collective struggles for social justice in the United States in the twentieth century. Beyond broad general aspirations for a better society, however, their interests and tactics have not always been compatible. This interpretive essay revisits three recent case studies of interaction between teachers and community organizing groups to investigate the conditions that can lead to episodic tactical relationships, entrenched polarization, or solidarity. The cases indicate that while there are many potential causes of mistrust between teachers and community activists, concrete and practical strategies can be forged that can improve student learning, benefit teachers collectively, and increase community engagement in public schools.
Science Learning via Participation in Online Citizen Science

We investigate the development of scientific content knowledge of volunteers participating in online citizen science projects in the Zooniverse (this http URL), including the astronomy projects Galaxy Zoo (this http URL) and Planet Hunters (this http URL). We use econometric methods to test how measures of project participation relate to success in a science quiz, controlling for factors known to correlate with scientific knowledge. Citizen scientists believe they are learning about both the content and processes of science through their participation. Won't don't directly test the latter, but we find evidence to support the former - that more actively engaged participants perform better in a project-specific science knowledge quiz, even after controlling for their general science knowledge. We interpret this as evidence of learning of science content inspired by participation in online citizen science.
Phonological information and linguistic experience in foreign accent detection

2008 Ph.D., Linguistics. Indiana University, Bloomington Minor: Speech and Hearing Sciences Dissertation Title: Phonological information and linguistic experience in foreign accent detection Advisors: Kenneth de Jong, Ph. D. (Chair), Stuart Davis, Ph. D. , DianeKewley-Port, Ph. D. , & Isabelle Darcy, Ph. D. 2005 M.A., Linguistics (M.A. track in Computational Linguistics). Indiana University 2001 B.A., English & French (Double Major). Ajou University, Korea 1999-2000 Exchange Student Program. University of Iowa, Iowa City
IT Project Portfolio Management - A Matter of Organizational Culture?

In a qualitative research approach, an interpretive case study has been conducted. 26 experts from a large financial service provider of the cooperative banking sector were interviewed. The impact of organizational culture on the management of an organization’s IT project portfolio was subject to inquiry. We have identified three core dimensions of the organizational culture of the analyzed bank: ‘safeguarding culture’, ‘consensus orientation’, and ‘sustainability orientation’. These three central cultural elements influenced the company’s project portfolio management in a way that the portfolio of projects was oversized, resulting in a shortage of key IT resources in individual projects. As a cultural issue, the organization placed more emphasis on a sustainable, long-term oriented, effective project portfolio, rather than on efficient single IT project performance.
Incremental Query Answering over Dynamic Contextual Information

Context awareness is one of the key requirements for realizing the vision of ubiquitous computing. Formal representation of context information is gaining an ever increasing number of advocates. Using the Web Ontology Language (OWL) is one of the well-established practices in this regard. Nevertheless, traditional OWL reasoning and thus query answering methods are not optimized for fast changes in context data. In this paper, we present an incremental query answering method for OWL based contextual information. Our approach consists of translating the ontology schema as well as queries into rules. These rules are then used to build the Rete network which incrementally maintains the query results as changes occur in the context data. We further employ a heuristic to adaptively prune the rules which do not affect the query results. Our incremental query answering approach requires no change in existing implementations and the empirical results suggest its practicality.
The Sustainability of Classical Literature and Education: based on the processes of knowledge creation and production

This research has investigated educational ways to sustain classical literature by drawing learners as assertive subjects to reproduce and distribute related knowledge of classical literature. The central point is for learners to recognize and explore their living places as the places where classical literature had actually been created. The summary of the discussion in the research is as follows. First, it investigates an educational approach to apply the model of knowledge, reproducing the process to sustain classical literature. Second, it investigates learners' contribution and roles to sustaining classical literature by playing an assertive role in knowledge distribution and creation. Third, it investigates possibilities to sustain classical literature by focusing on the 'place' and its contribution to literature history.