Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE ROLE OF THE ACCRETION DISK, DUST, AND JETS IN THE IR EMISSION OF LOW-LUMINOSITY ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI

We use recent high-resolution infrared (IR; 1–20 μm) photometry to examine the origin of the IR emission in low-luminosity active galactic nuclei (LLAGN). The data are compared with published model fits that describe the spectral energy distribution (SED) of LLAGN in terms of an advection-dominated accretion flow, truncated thin accretion disk, and jet. The truncated disk in these models is usually not luminous enough to explain the observed IR emission, and in all cases its spectral shape is much narrower than the broad IR peaks in the data. Synchrotron radiation from the jet appears to be important in very radio-loud nuclei, but the detection of strong silicate emission features in many objects indicates that dust must also contribute. We investigate this point by fitting the IR SED of NGC 3998 using dusty torus and optically thin (τmid-IR ∼ 1) dust shell models. While more detailed modeling is necessary, these initial results suggest that dust may account for the nuclear mid-IR emission of many LLAGN.
A Receptor for the Heterodimeric Cytokine IL-23 Is Composed of IL-12Rβ1 and a Novel Cytokine Receptor Subunit, IL-23R1

IL-23 is a heterodimeric cytokine composed of the IL-12p40 “soluble receptor” subunit and a novel cytokine-like subunit related to IL-12p35, termed p19. Human and mouse IL-23 exhibit some activities similar to IL-12, but differ in their capacities to stimulate particular populations of memory T cells. Like IL-12, IL-23 binds to the IL-12R subunit IL-12Rβ1. However, it does not use IL-12Rβ2. In this study, we identify a novel member of the hemopoietin receptor family as a subunit of the receptor for IL-23, “IL-23R. ” IL-23R pairs with IL-12Rβ1 to confer IL-23 responsiveness on cells expressing both subunits. Human IL-23, but not IL-12, exhibits detectable affinity for human IL-23R. Anti-IL-12Rβ1 and anti-IL-23R Abs block IL-23 responses of an NK cell line and Ba/F3 cells expressing the two receptor chains. IL-23 activates the same Jak-stat signaling molecules as IL-12: Jak2, Tyk2, and stat1, -3, -4, and -5, but stat4 activation is substantially weaker and different DNA-binding stat complexes form in response to IL-23 compared with IL-12. IL-23R associates constitutively with Jak2 and in a ligand-dependent manner with stat3. The ability of cells to respond to IL-23 or IL-12 correlates with expression of IL-23R or IL-12Rβ2, respectively. The human IL-23R gene is on human chromosome 1 within 150 kb of IL-12Rβ2.
ABCA8 Regulates Cholesterol Efflux and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels

Objective— High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are considered to protect against atherosclerosis in part by facilitating the removal of cholesterol from peripheral tissues. However, factors regulating lipid efflux are incompletely understood. We previously identified a variant in adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette transporter A8 (ABCA8) in an individual with low HDL cholesterol (HDLc). Here, we investigate the role of ABCA8 in cholesterol efflux and in regulating HDLc levels. Approach and Results— We sequenced ABCA8 in individuals with low and high HDLc and identified, exclusively in low HDLc probands, 3 predicted deleterious heterozygous ABCA8 mutations (p.Pro609Arg [P609R], IVS17-2 A>G and p.Thr741Stop [T741X]). HDLc levels were lower in heterozygous mutation carriers compared with first-degree family controls (0.86±0.34 versus 1.17±0.26 mmol/L; P=0.005). HDLc levels were significantly decreased by 29% (P=0.01) in Abca8b−/− mice on a high-cholesterol diet compared with wild-type mice, whereas hepatic overexpression of human ABCA8 in mice resulted in significant increases in plasma HDLc and the first steps of macrophage-to-feces reverse cholesterol transport. Overexpression of wild-type but not mutant ABCA8 resulted in a significant increase (1.8-fold; P=0.01) of cholesterol efflux to apolipoprotein AI in vitro. ABCA8 colocalizes and interacts with adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette transporter A1 and further potentiates adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette transporter A1–mediated cholesterol efflux. Conclusions— ABCA8 facilitates cholesterol efflux and modulates HDLc levels in humans and mice.
Factors Affecting Work Ability in Day and Shift‐Working Nurses

Satisfactory work ability is sustained and promoted by good physical and mental health and by favorable working conditions. This study examined whether favorable and rewarding work‐related factors increased the work ability among European nurses. The study sample was drawn from the Nurses' Early Exit Study and consisted of 7,516 nursing staff from seven European countries working in state‐owned and private hospitals. In all, 10.8% were day, 4.2% were permanent night, 20.9% were shift without night shift, and 64.1% were shift workers with night shifts. Participants were administered a composite questionnaire at baseline (Time 0) and 1 yr later (Time 1). The Work Ability Index (WAI) at Time 1 was used as the outcome measure, while work schedule, sleep, rewards (esteem and career), satisfaction with pay, work involvement and motivation, and satisfaction with working hours at Time 0 were included as potential determinants of work ability. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted after adjusting for a number of confounders (i.e., country, age, sex, type of employment, family status, and other job opportunities in the same area). Work schedule was not related to Time 1 changes in WAI. Higher sleep quality and quantity and more favorable psychosocial factors significantly increased work ability levels. Higher sleep quality and quantity did not mediate the effect of work schedule on work ability. No relevant interaction effects on work ability were observed between work schedule and the other factors considered at Time 0. As a whole, sleep and satisfaction with working time were gradually reduced from day work to permanent night work. However, scores on work involvement, motivation, and satisfaction with pay and rewards were the highest in permanent night workers and the lowest in rotating shift workers that included night shifts.
On the estimation of rain attenuation channels in millimeter wave radio networks

Modern wireless mesh networks are used to connect users with an existing core network creating multi-hop transmissions. Since these networks require large bandwidth to support increased data rates, the employment of frequencies above 10 GHz is desirable. At these frequency bands, rain attenuation is the dominant fading mechanism exhibiting spatial inhomogeneity. In this paper, we propose a method for estimation of rain fading channel by investigating the effect of correlation between the rain attenuations of different paths on the performance of modern networks. Since these rain attenuation channels are highly correlated, the rain attenuation of a specific path can be estimated by the values of rain attenuation of another path. Extended numerical results in various propagation conditions (geometric and climatic) investigate the performance gain of a linear and a non-linear estimator.
Rapid Photometric and Spectroscopic Variations of the X-Ray Source CYG X-2

Fluctuations of 0.04 mag on a time scale of minutes have been found in the optical flux of the candidate star for Cyg X-2. Comparison of radial velocities on a well-widened spectrogram with those of Lynds shows large changes, confirming an earlier suspicion of binary motion by E. M. Burbidge. The systemic velocity is y = -250 km/sec. A lower limit of 300 km/sec for the orbital velocity of one component relative to the other is indicated. The system parameters are m = m_1 + m_2 = 1, P < 0.4 M_☉ (days), and ɑ < 0.01 M_☉ a.u. , indicative of a very close binary system (m = m_1 + m_2). Eclipses are probable and may have been observed. Spectroscopic evidence may be present for gas streams moving with speeds of greater than 700 km/sec. Three independent arguments are given why the optical flux cannot primarily be non-thermal radiation connected with the production of the X-rays.
Optimization of Antennas and Waveguide Transitions

This thesis introduces a topology optimization approach to design, from scratch, efficient microwave devices, such as antennas and waveguide transitions. The design of these devices is formulated as a general optimization problem that aims to build the whole layout of the device in order to extremize a chosen objective function. The objective function quantifies some required performance and is evaluated using numerical solutions to the 3D Maxwell’s equations by the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The design variables are the local conductivity at each Yee edge in a given design domain, and a gradient-based optimization method is used to solve the optimization problem. In all design problems, objective function gradients are computed based on solutions to adjoint-field problems, which are also FDTD discretization of Maxwell’s equations but solved with different source excitations. For any number of design variables, the computation of the objective function gradient requires one solution to the original field problem and one solution to the associated adjoint-field problem. The optimization problem is solved iteratively using the globally convergent Method of Moving Asymptotes (GCMMA). By the proposed approach, various design problems, including tens of thousands of design variables, are formulated and solved in a few hundred iterations. Examples of solved design problems are the design of wideband antennas, dual-band microstrip antennas, wideband directive antennas, and wideband coaxial-to-waveguide transitions. The fact that the proposed approach allows a fine-grained control over the whole layout of such devices results in novel devices with favourable performance. The optimization results are successfully verified with a commercial software package. Moreover, some devices are fabricated and their performance is successfully validated by experiments.
Indoor Positioning Algorithm Based on Nonlinear PLS Integrated With RVM

Indoor positioning based on received signal strength indicator of WLAN has received more and more attention because of low cost and easy implementation. However, traditional localization algorithms often fail to achieve better positioning results because of multi-path effect and shadow effect. In order to solve the problem of multi-collinearity and more noise in WLAN indoor location data, this paper presents a novel nonlinear partial least square (PLS) method to address the problem of low precision in WLAN location. The proposed method integrates an inner relevant vector machine (RVM) function with an external linear PLS framework. First, the localization area is divided into a number of small areas by K-means algorithm. Then, PLS is applied to extract the features of the fingerprint database to reduce the number of the variable dimensions and eliminate the correlations. The obtained score matrices are used as the input and output of RVM. Finally, the coordinates of test points are regressed and predicted by the RVM-PLS algorithm. Simulation and experiments in real scenario prove the effectiveness of the proposed method. Compared with SVM-PLS, RBF-PLS, SVM-PCA, EBQPLS, PLS, SVM, RBF, RVM, and WKNN algorithm, the experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has higher positioning accuracy.
[Pain perception is not influenced by altered autonomic function in major depression].

OBJECTIVE Depression is a common comorbidity of chronic pain and chronic pain represents a common additional symptom of depressed patients. The physiological basis is unknown. METHODS We investigated the possible interrelation between autonomic dysfunction and altered pain perception in unmedicated patients (U1), after introduction of antidepressive therapy (U2) and after clinical remission. RESULTS In accordance with previous reports we found increased thermal pain thresholds in our unmedicated patients. Cardiac autonomic dysfunction was not evitable in unmedicated, depressed patients. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that autonomic dysfunction is unlikely to be involved in the pathophysiology of altered pain perception in depression.
Stochastic communication protocols for multi-agent consensus under jamming attacks

A consensus problem for multi-agent systems under jamming attacks is considered. Specifically, the agents are assumed to communicate over a shared network, where transmissions may fail at certain times due to jamming. We propose stochastic communication protocols so that the agents attempt to communicate with each other at random time instants that are unknown by the attacker. We obtain sufficient finite-time practical consensus conditions. Through a probabilistic analysis, we show that our communication protocols allow consensus under a class of attacks that were previously not considered. We demonstrate the efficacy of our results by considering two different strategies of the attacker: a deterministic attack strategy and a more malicious communication-aware strategy.
Modélisation longitudinales de marqueur du VIH

L'etude de l'evolution et de la valeur pronostique des marqueurs est tres frequente en epidemiologie. Le taux de lymphocytes T CD4+ et la charge virale plasmatique sont des marqueurs tres important de l'infection par le virus de l'immunodeficience humaine (VIH). La modelisation de l'evolution de ces marqueurs presente plusieurs difficultes methodologiques. D'une part, il s'agit de donnees repetees incompletes c'est a dire pouvant etre manquantes du fait de la sortie d'etude de certains sujets et de la censure de la charge virale liee a une limite de detection inferieure des techniques de mesure. D'autre part, ces deux marqueurs etant correles, il est important de prendre en compte cette information dans le modele. Nous avons propose des methodes basees sur le maximum de vraisemblance pour estimer les parametres de modeles lineaires mixtes prenant en compte l'ensemble de ces difficultes. Nous avons montre l'impact significatif de ces methodes biostatistiques sur les estimations et donc nous avons souligne l'importance de leur utilisation dans le cadre des marqueurs du VIH. Pour promouvoir leur diffusion, nous avons presente des possibilites d'implementation de certaines des methodes proposees dans des logiciels statistiques communs.
Shift invariant feature extraction for sEMG-based speech recognition with electrode grid

For Japanese vowel recognition based on surface electromyography (sEMG), an electrode grid has been shown to be effective in our previous studies. In this study, we aim to leverage potential of the electrode grid further by using with a spatial shift invariant feature extraction method that can compensate deviation of the attached site of the electrode grid. We verified efficiency of the shift invariant feature extraction method in improving the recognition accuracy. 2-D dual tree complex wavelet transform was employed as such a shift invariant feature extraction method. Our result shows that shift invariant feature can provide additional information that cannot be provided when the channel signals are utilized independently.
MONOAMINES (SEROTONIN AND CATECHOLAMINES) AND THEIR DERIVATIVES IN INFANTILE AUTISM: AGE‐RELATED CHANGES AND DRUG EFFECTS

Levels of dopamine (DA) and its derivatives homovanillic acid (HVA), 3–4 dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), 3‐methoxytyramine (3MT) and norepinephrine + epinephrine (NE + E), and serotonin (5HT) and its derivative 5‐hydroxyindolacetic acid (5HIAA) were determined from the urine of 156 autistic children aged two to 12 years 6 months, and compared with those of age‐matched mentally retarded non‐autistic and normal controls. Very significant group and age effects were found for DA, HVA, 3MT, NE + E and 5HT. High HVA, 3MT, NE + E and 5HT levels were found in autistic and non‐autistic children. The DA, HVA, 3MT, NE + E, 5HT and 5HIAA levels decreased significantly with age in the three groups. Significantly decreased levels of DA and HVA were observed in autistic children on haloperidol, compared with non‐medicated autistic children. The results are discussed in relation to the hypothesis of a maturation defect of monoaminergic systems in autism.
Agile!: The Good, the Hype and the Ugly, Written by Bertrand Meyer

Find the secret to improve the quality of life by reading this agile the good the hype and the ugly. This is a kind of book that you need now. Besides, it can be your favorite book to read after having this book. Do you ask why? Well, this is a book that has different characteristic with others. You may not need to know who the author is, how well-known the work is. As wise word, never judge the words from who speaks, but make the words as your good value to your life.
Immune serum confers protection against syphilitic infection on hamsters

Pooled serum from hamsters immune to syphilitic infection conferred complete protection on recipient hamsters challenged with Treponema pallidum subsp. endemicum. Cutaneous lesions did not develop, and the recipients' lymph nodes weighed less than those of controls and contained no treponemes. Treponemicidal activity in the pooled immune serum was relatively high. When treponemes were incubated in immune serum and complement and the suspension was then inoculated into hamsters, recipients developed neither lesions nor enlarged lymph nodes teeming with treponemes. With hamsters already infected for several weeks, however, immune serum failed to impair or influence the progression of syphilis. Treponemes were eliminated only when immune serum was administered within a short time of syphilitic infection. These results demonstrate that hamsters develop an effective serum-mediated treponemicidal response, but this response is not sufficient to eliminate treponemes at the primary foci of infection.
Single-molecule Fluorescence Lifetime and Anisotropy Measurements of the Red Fluorescent Protein, DsRed, in Solution¶

Abstract Fluorescence lifetime and anisotropy measurements were made on the red fluorescent protein (DsRed) from tropical coral of the Discosoma genus, both at single-molecule and bulk concentrations. As expected from previous work, the fluorescence lifetime of DsRed in solution is dependent on laser power, decreasing from an average fluorescence lifetime in the beam of about 3.3 ns at low power (3.5 ns if one extrapolates to zero power) to about 2.1 ns at 28 kW/cm2. At the single-molecule level, exciting with 532 nm, 10 ps laser pulses at 80 MHz repetition rate, DsRed particles entering the laser beam initially have a lifetime of about 3.6 ns and convert to a form having a lifetime of about 3.0 ns with a quantum yield of photoconversion on the order of 10−3 (calculated in terms of photons per DsRed tetramer). The particles then undergo additional photoconversion with a quantum yield of roughly 10−5, generating a form with an average lifetime of 1.6 ns. These results may be explained by rapid photoconversion of one DsRed monomer in a tetramer, which acts as an energy transfer sink, resulting in a lower quantum yield for photoconversion of subsequent monomers. Multiparameter correlation and selective averaging can be used to identify DsRed in a mixture of fluorophores, in part exploiting the fact that fluorescent lifetime of DsRed changes as a function of excitation intensity.
Design and Simulation of a Proposed Radon Based OFDM Transceiver

In this paper, a class of discrete Radon transform, namely, finite Radon transform is proposed for the first time as a new technique in the realization of the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). The Radon transform is chosen in the OFDM structure to serve as a data mapper instead of the conventional data mapping techniques like the phase shift keying (PSK) mapping, in a way that ensure increasing the orthogonality of the system. The Fourier domain approach is found here to be the more suitable way for obtaining the forward and the inverse of the Radon transform. It is shown that this new application increases the orthogonality significantly due to the use of the inverse Fourier transform twice, namely, in the data mapping and in the sub-carrier modulation also, due to the use of an efficient criterion in determining the mapped data, which is called the optimal ordering criterion
Perspectives on narrow‐band imaging endoscopy for superficial squamous neoplasms of the orohypopharynx and esophagus

Narrow‐band imaging (NBI) is widely available and over the last decade has been applied as a detection and characterization technique for superficial neoplasms of the aerodigestive tract. The aims of the present study were to systematically review clinical trials of NBI endoscopy and to investigate an upgraded NBI system using a novel endoscope for superficial squamous neoplasms in the orohypopharynx and esophagus.
Translation and localization of children’s rights in youth-produced digital media in the Global South: A hermeneutic exploration

Through the study of two UNICEF-supported youth media initiatives from Palestine, this article theorizes and generates new empirical knowledge about the encounter between constructions of youth in rights-based discourses of UNICEF and young people’s digital media narratives. The research encountered instances where the universal discourse of children’s rights did not connect with the local realities of youth (constraints) but found that young people translate children’s rights to construct new meanings to suit their local contexts and experiences (possibilities).
Radial graft contraction may relate to subnormal visual acuity in Descemet stripping (automated) endothelial keratoplasty

Since 1998, we have introduced various concepts for endothelial keratoplasty, popularised as ‘deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty’ (DLEK), ‘Descemet stripping (automated) endothelial keratoplasty’ (DSEK/DSAEK) and ‘Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty’ (DMEK). 1 Large clinical studies on DSEK/DSAEK reported a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) averaging 20/40 (0.5) at 6 months after surgery, with only few cases reaching ≥20/25 (≥0.8). 2 3 In a first series of DMEK surgeries for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, a majority of cases reached ≥20/25 (≥0.8). 4 Apparently, a cornea may obtain a better optical performance after transplantation of an isolated donor Descemet membrane and its endothelium in DMEK, than with a thicker graft also containing donor posterior stroma as used in DSEK/DSAEK.1 If so, compromised optical quality of the transplanted cornea may relate to the presence of donor stroma in DSEK grafts. In this letter, we describe a potential mechanism of how donor posterior stroma may limit final BCVA in endothelial keratoplasty, by progressive graft contraction. A …