Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring contemporary amateur meteorology through an historical lens

This paper examines contemporary amateur meteorology as a socio-cultural phenomenon through a historical lens. In particular it identifies the continuities and discontinuities in amateur meteorology both at an institutional and individual level. The rationale for undertaking this investigation is twofold. First, sociological work (Stebbins, 1977; 1981; 1992) has resulted in calls for more social science research on modern amateurism as meaningful social practice. Following this it is our contention that such research might be usefully informed by analysis of the practices and perspectives of, and organizational arrangements associated with, amateur meteorologists in the past. A second justification for our investigation relates to concerns about the scientific emphasis of contemporary climate change debates (Hulme, 2008). One way of addressing this is to undertake research that investigates how different groups of people (both past and present) relate to and find meaning in weather and climate, particularly at the local level. Amateur meteorologists represent one such group. A research focus on amateur meteorology is further justified by the establishment in 2010 by the UK’s Meteorological Office, in collaboration with the Royal Meteorological Society and the Department of Education, of a Weather Observer’s Website (WOW) through which amateur observers can submit climate data (Weather News, 2011). This development signals a formal recognition of amateur meteorology by two of the organizations representing meteorology’s professional interests. The Climatological Observers Link (COL) is perhaps the most significant organization representing amateurs who observe and record the weather on a daily basis (Brugge, 2010). Members of COL were invited to participate in the research during a presentation at the organization’s annual general meeting in October 2007 and through an advertisement in the COL bulletin. Interviewees represented a cross-section of amateur meteorologists in terms of their socio-economic status, geographical location, recording practices, level of skill and expertise, degree and length of engagement in COL, and their relationships with professionals and the general public. 23 indepth interviews with COL members were completed between 2008 and 2010. Following this, a brief history is provided of meteorological science in the UK, its professionalization and an associated process of ‘amateurization’ (Alberti, 2001). Several themes, identified within the historical scholarship on amateur science and amateur meteorology, are then introduced and used to interpret the qualitative interview data. This approach affords insight into the links with and divergences from the practices, experiences and perspectives of amateur meteorology of the past. The paper concludes with some suggestions for how research on modern amateur meteorology might be progressed.
Interferon- (cid:2) is increased in the gut of patients with irritable bowel syndrome and modulates serotonin metabolism

Interferon- (cid:2) is increased in the gut of patients with irritable bowel syndrome and modulates serotonin metabolism. Am J Physiol Gas- trointest Liver Physiol 310: G439–G447, 2016. immune activation and altered serotonin metabolism participate in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, the recipro-cal interplay between these two systems remains unknown. We evaluated the expression and release of interferon (IFN)- (cid:2) from the colonic mucosa of patients with IBS and its impact on serotonin reuptake transporter ( SERT ) gene expression in Caco-2 cells. qPCR was used to evaluate IFN- (cid:2) gene expression in colonic mucosal biopsies, whereas IFN- (cid:2) protein amount was assessed by ELISA. Colonic T box expressed in T cells (T-bet) and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 protein amount were evaluated by Western blot. The impact of colonic mucosal mediators on SERT gene expression was evaluated in Caco-2 cells using qPCR. IFN- (cid:2) receptor was silenced in Caco-2 cells to determine the effect of IFN- (cid:2) released by mucosal biopsies. Compared with asymptomatic controls (ACs), the expression of IFN- (cid:2) gene and its transcription factor T-bet were markedly increased in the colonic mucosa of patients with IBS. Compared with ACs, IFN- (cid:2) protein tissue levels and its release by mucosal biopsies were signiﬁcantly increased in IBS. The exposure of Caco-2 cells to IBS supernatants induced a signiﬁcant decrease in SERT gene expression, independently of IBS subtypes, compared with AC mucosal supernatants. In Caco-2 cells, IFN- (cid:2) receptor silencing reversed the reduction of SERT expression evoked by IBS supernatants vs. nonsilenced cell lines. IFN- (cid:2) gene, its transcription factor T-bet, IFN- (cid:2) protein expression, and its release are increased in the colonic mucosa of patients with IBS and downregulate SERT gene expression in vitro. These results suggest that IFN- (cid:2) downregulates SERT expression, hence likely playing a role in altered serotonin metabolism of patients with IBS. (cid:11) 0.01). Compared with ACs, a signiﬁcant IFN- (cid:2) gene expression increase was found for all 3 IBS subgroups [i.e., 11 patients with diarrhea- predominant IBS (IBS-D), # P (cid:11) 0.01; 5 patients with constipation-predomi-nant IBS (IBS-C), § P (cid:11) 0.05; 3 patients with mixed-predominance IBS (IBS-M), @ P (cid:11) 0.05]. Data are expressed as relative quantiﬁcation using comparative Ct (2 (cid:4)(cid:8)(cid:8) Ct ). B IFN- (cid:2) protein amount in the colonic mucosa of 15 ACs and 38 patients with IBS. Compared with ACs, a signiﬁcant increase in IFN- (cid:2) amount was detected in IBS colonic mucosa (* P (cid:11) 0.05). Regarding the IBS subgroups, IBS-D reached statistical signiﬁcance (# P (cid:11) 0.05) compared with ACs; results are reported as means (cid:10) SE.
Discrepancy in Illness-related Goals and Quality of Life in Chronically Ill Patients: The Role of Self-efficacy

The present study examined the relationship between the discrepancy in chronically ill patients' perceptions of the importance and attainability of illness-related goals and their quality of life and psychological well-being. Whether self-efficacy beliefs moderated or mediated the relationship between goal discrepancy and quality of life and well-being was also examined. The sample included patients with asthma, diabetes and heart failure. As expected, it was found that more discrepancy in goal importance and attainability was generally associated with lower levels of quality of life and psychological well-being. Self-efficacy in achieving desired health outcomes was found to mediate this relationship. No support was found for the moderating hypothesis.
Beyond the equation model of society – the postponement of motherhood in post-state socialism in an interdisciplinary life-course perspective

The dramatic decline in fertility in European countries with a state-socialist past and the trend towards postponing childbearing are indicative of the acceleration of the process of European modernization in these countries. Research in this area is dominated by demography and other approaches attempting to “measure” social phenomena within an explanatory framework. Despite its diverse emphasis on materialist, idealist and institutionalist factors, the demographic approach can be criticized for neglecting the interdisciplinary challenge behind the phenomenon. Instead, these approaches operate on the basis of an “equation model of society” that essentially attempts gradually to enhance the illumination of the black box that “contains” the passage of young women to adulthood, leaving them with fewer children born at a later age. While acknowledging the contributions of this research, the article suggests considering the life-course perspective in its full potential as a starting point for an interdisciplinary triangulation of the issue. It argues that a certain life-cours eapproach could supplement the available accounts of causes and consequences with an in-depth analysis of the phenomenon as a “social fact”, studying it in terms of “cultures of postponement” of motherhood.
Artificial Neural Networks to Improve Current Harmonics Identification and Compensation

Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) have demonstrated very interesting properties in adaptive identification schemes and control laws. In this work, they are employed for the on-line control strategy of an Active Power Filter (APF) in order to improve its performance. Indeed, neural-based approaches are synthesized to design adaptive and efficient harmonic identification schemes. The proposed neural approaches are employed for compensating for the changing harmonic distortions introduced in a power distribution system by unknown nonlinear loads. The implementation of the ANNs has been optimized on a digital signal processor for real-time experiments. The feasibility of the implementation has been validated and the neural compensation schemes exhibit good performances compared to conventional approaches. By their learning capabilities, ANNs are able to take into account time-varying parameters such as voltage sags and harmonic content changes, and thus appreciably improve the performance of the APF compared to the one obtained with traditional compensating methods.
[A prevalence survey of blindness and visual impairment in adults aged equal or more than 60 years in Beixinjing blocks of Shanghai, China].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence rate of blindness and low vision and the leading cause of blindness in residents aged > or = 60 years in Beixinjing blocks, Shanghai. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out by Shanghai First People's Hospital, affiliated Shanghai Jiaotong University and Shanghai Beixinjing Community hospital from November 2007 to April 2008. Randomly cluster sampling method was used, and all the individuals aged > or = 60 years in 8 communities from Beixinjing blocks, Shanghai was enrolled in this study. The pinhole visual acuity and presenting visual acuity were measured separately in each eye. External eye, anterior segment and ocular fundus were examined by the ophthalmologist using slit lamp-microscopes, direct ophthalmoscopy and non-mydriatic digital camara. Assigned ophthalmologic doctors assured the leading blind causes of every blind person. The survey was preceded by a pilot study where operational methods were refined and quality assurance evaluation was carried out. RESULTS 3851 individuals were examined, and the response rate was 92.73%. According to WHO diagnostic criteria: 29 persons were diagnosed as blindness, 11 male (37.93%) and 18 female (62.07%). 104 persons were diagnosed as low vision, 37 male (35.58%) and 67 female (64.42%). The prevalence rates of blindness and low vision were 0.75% and 2.70%. The leading causes of blindness were macular degeneration, cataract, corneal diseases, and retinal detachment. According to presenting vision diagnostic criteria: 61 persons were diagnosed as severe binocular blindness, 20 male (32.79%) and 41 female (67.21%). 66 persons were diagnosed as slight binocular blindness, 27 male (40.91%) and 39 female (59.09%). 276 persons were diagnosed as monocular blindness, 120 male (43.48%) and 156 female (56.52%). The prevalence of severe binocular blindness, slight binocular blindness and monocular blindness was 1.58%, 1.71% and 7.17%, respectively. The leading causes of blindness were macular degeneration, cataract, ametropia and corneal diseases. CONCLUSION The leading cause of blindness was macular degeneration. The prevalence of degenerative retinopathy in this area is on the rise.
Capitalizing on the Curriculum

For many institutions, finding new resources and positioning themselves well in the technology-rich, competitive environment has become a high priority. Universities have long capitalized on their research to both maximize prestige and generate revenue. Many institutions now view their curriculum and courses as capital. Some engage in for-profit curriculum-based ventures and others enter into strategic alliances. These activities raise questions for shared governance in initiating and operating activities intended to capitalize on the curriculum. This article explores how these new activities and traditions of shared governance and institutional autonomy intersect, identifying potential conflicts and raising questions for campus leaders.
3T MRI improves the detection of transmantle sign in type 2 focal cortical dysplasia

Type 2 focal cortical dysplasia (FCD2) is one of the main causes of refractory partial epilepsy, but often remains overlooked by MRI. This study aimed to elucidate whether 3T MRI offers better detection and characterization of FCD2 than 1.5T, using similar coils and acquisition time.
Variations in Clinical PET/CT Operations: Results of an International Survey of Active PET/CT Users

This study gathered information about clinical PET/CT operations worldwide to help guide discussions on the use and standardization of clinical PET/CT. Methods: A Web-based survey of PET/CT users was initiated in November 2009 through e-mail advertising using Academy of Molecular Imaging databases. Recipients were asked 58 questions related to demographics (e.g., location, number of PET/CT systems, and staffing), PET/CT operations and use, and variations in 18F-FDG oncology imaging protocols. Results: The responders were from centers in the Americas (71%), Europe (22%), Asia-Pacific (6%), and Middle East (1%), with most responding sites representing public health care institutions (60%). PET/CT systems were most frequently installed in nuclear medicine departments (59%). Of the sites operating a PET/CT system, 16% had 10 y or more of stand-alone PET experience. About 40% of all sites operated at least 2 PET/CT systems. PET/CT was most frequently used for applications in torso or whole-body oncology (87%), radiation therapy planning (4%), cardiology (4%), and neurology (5%). The average interval of fasting before an 18F-FDG PET/CT examination was 7 ± 3 h (range, 4–12 h). Blood glucose levels were measured at 99% of sites, but acceptable maximal glucose levels varied substantially (an upper limit of 200 mg/dL was applied at >50% of the institutions). A weight-based radioactivity dose injection was performed at 44% of sites. The mean 18F-FDG activity injected was 390 MBq (range, 110–585 MBq) for 3-dimensional PET of a 75-kg patient. The mean uptake time was 64 ± 14 min (range, 20–90 min). Split protocols involving patient repositioning and adapted imaging parameters were used at 51% of sites. Only 41% used patient positioning aids. Intravenous or oral CT contrast material was used at 52% of sites in up to 25% of patients. Most sites (90%) measured maximum standardized uptake value as an index of tissue glucose use. Only 62% of sites provided a fully integrated PET/CT report. Conclusion: An international survey among clinical PET/CT users revealed significant variations in standard 18F-FDG PET/CT protocols. This finding illustrates the need for continuous training and ongoing standardization in an effort to optimize PET/CT in oncology.
SAR405838: A Novel and Potent Inhibitor of the MDM2:p53 Axis for the Treatment of Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma

Purpose: Dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) is an aggressive malignancy that can recur locally or disseminate even after multidisciplinary care. Genetically amplified and expressed MDM2, often referred to as a “hallmark” of DDLPS, mostly sustains a wild-type p53 genotype, substantiating the MDM2:p53 axis as a potential therapeutic target for DDLPS. Here, we report on the preclinical effects of SAR405838, a novel and highly selective MDM2 small-molecule inhibitor, in both in vitro and in vivo DDLPS models. Experimental Design: The therapeutic effectiveness of SAR405838 was compared with the known MDM2 antagonists Nutlin-3a and MI-219. The effects of MDM2 inhibition were assessed in both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro and in vivo microarray analyses were performed to assess differentially expressed genes induced by SAR405838, as well as the pathways that these modulated genes enriched. Results: SAR405838 effectively stabilized p53 and activated the p53 pathway, resulting in abrogated cellular proliferation, cell-cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Similar results were observed with Nutlin-3a and MI-219; however, significantly higher concentrations were required. In vitro effectiveness of SAR405838 activity was recapitulated in DDLPS xenograft models where significant decreases in tumorigenicity were observed. Microarray analyses revealed genes enriching the p53 signaling pathway as well as genomic stability and DNA damage following SAR405838 treatment. Conclusions: SAR405838 is currently in early-phase clinical trials for a number of malignancies, including sarcoma, and our in vitro and in vivo results support its use as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of DDLPS. Clin Cancer Res; 22(5); 1150–60. ©2015 AACR.
Capacitated cloudlet placements in Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks

In this paper we study the cloudlet placement problem in a large-scale Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (WMAN) that consists of many wireless Access Points (APs). Although most existing studies in mobile cloud computing mainly focus on energy savings of mobile devices by offloading computing-intensive jobs from them to remote clouds, the access delay between mobile users and the clouds usually is large and sometimes unbearable. Cloudlet as a new technology is capable to bridge this gap, and has been demonstrated to enhance the performance of mobile devices significantly while meeting the crisp response time requirements of mobile users. In this paper we consider placing multiple cloudlets with different computing capacities at some strategic local locations in a WMAN to reduce the average cloudlet access delay of mobile users at different APs. We first formulate this problem as a novel capacitated cloudlet placement problem that places K cloudlets to some locations in the WMAN with the objective to minimize the average cloudlet access delay between the mobile users and the cloudlets serving their requests. We then propose a fast yet efficient heuristic. For a special case of the problem where all cloudlets have the identical computing capacity, we devise a novel approximation algorithm with a guaranteed approximation ratio. In addition, We also consider allocating user requests to cloudlets by devising an efficient online algorithm for such an assignment. We finally evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms through experimental simulations. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms are promising and scalable.
Performance Perceptions of Organizational Citizenship Behaviours at Work: A Bi-Level Study Among Managers and Employees

Organizational citizenship behaviours (OCB) are 'extra-role', work-directed actions theorized to contribute to organizational effectiveness. However, the link between OCB and performance is not firmly based on empirical study. First, we argue that managers and employees may have different perceptions of OCB. The level of OCB will be perceived to be higher by managers than by employees. Second, we suggest that 'best' performing employees will have higher levels of OCB, and a stronger OCB-performance linkage than 'worst' performers. Using a sample of unionized workers and their managers, we investigated perceptions of OCB and the magnitude of OCB performance relationships from two hierarchical levels: managers and employees. 'Best' performing employees scored higher on OCB, and had a stronger OCB-performance linkage than the 'worst' performing group for helping-type OCBs. Managers scored employees lower on OCB than employees scored their peers. In addition, managers perceived a stronger OCB-performance link than employee respondents. The results provide new and pragmatic implications of the OCB construct, including managerial clarification of 'extra' versus expected behaviours, review of job descriptions, moving valuable OCBs from 'extra-role' to expected, and enhancing OCB by providing rewards. We suggest further causal studies to determine the specific contributions of various OCBs, identification and management of workplace antecedents of OCB, and determination of the reasons for the bi-level differences in perceptions.
Benton Revised Visual Retention Test Performance of Black Adolescents According to Age, Sex, and Ethnic Identity

As part of a battery, the Benton Revised Visual Retention Test was individually administered to 100 black adolescent students in southeastern Virginia, aged 12 or 13 yr. The Benton test, Form C, Administrations A and C were scored for both Total Errors and Total Number Correct. A multivariate analysis of variance indicated no significant differences between ages, but there were differences between boys' and girls' scores. There were two significant interactions for age, sex, and measured ethnic identity on Administration C for Total Number Correct and Total Errors for the group. Administration A, scored for categorical errors, produced significant univariate F ratios for Total Errors, Distortion, and Total Right Errors on the classification of ethnic identity. Alternative interpretations are feasible, and further research into the influences of experimental and cultural variables on visual perception is needed.
Altered expression and activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) in hepatitis C virus infection: in vivo and in vitro studies

Background: Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) play a critical role in antiviral defence. STAT3 is also important in cell protection against inflammatory damage. STAT proteins are activated by interferons and by hepatoprotective cytokines of the interleukin 6 superfamily, including cardiotrophin 1. Methods: We analysed the status of STATs in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected livers and the relationship between expression and activation of STATs and HCV replication in Huh7 cells transfected with HCV genomic replicon. Results: STAT3α expression was reduced in HCV infected livers showing an inverse correlation with serum alanine aminotransferase. In patients with HCV infection, nuclear staining for phosphorylated STAT3 was faint in parenchymal cells (although conspicuous in infiltrating leucocytes), in contrast with strong nuclear staining in hepatocytes from control livers. Expression and activation of STAT1 (a factor activated by both interferon (IFN)-α and IFN-γ) were increased in HCV infected livers, particularly in those with high inflammatory activity. Conversely, phosphorylated STAT2 (a factor selectively activated by IFN-α) was undetectable in livers with HCV infection, a finding that was associated with marked downregulation of the two functional subunits of the IFN-α receptor. HCV replication in Huh7 cells caused STAT3α downregulation and blocked STAT3 phosphorylation by either IFN-α or cardiotrophin 1. HCV replication in Huh7 cells also inhibited STAT1 and STAT2 activation by IFN-α while there was no impairment of STAT1 phosphorylation by the proinflammatory cytokine IFN-γ. Conclusions: STAT3 is downregulated in HCV infected livers and in Huh7 cells bearing the full length HCV replicon. HCV replication is associated with impaired Jak-STAT signalling by antiviral and cytoprotective cytokines. These effects may favour viral replication while facilitating the progression of liver disease.