Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Two Causes of the 2004 Hot Summer in East Asia

Japan and neighboring regions experienced record-breaking hot weather during the 2004 summer. Two kinds of teleconnection patterns are considered to account for the anomalous anticyclone over these regions. One, originating from the western North Pacific (WNP), was responsible for the anomalous hot weather during the second half of June. The other, embedded in the mid-latitude Asian Jet, was discernible during early July. The Asian summer monsoon (ASM) was stronger than normal, which was consistent with the warmer Asian land surface in the pre-monsoon season. During the boreal spring, enhancement of convection occurred over the tropical Indian Ocean (IO) and WNP. These anomalous tropical heat sources are responsible for anticyclonic circulation extending over the Asian continent and resultant increase in the land surface temperature due to suppression of rainfall. The enhancement of thermal gradient between the Asian continent and the adjacent oceans are consistent with the strong ASM. An east-west asymmetric air-sea heat exchange across South china Sea is newly proposed to explain the connection between the ASM intensity and the localized convection to the east of the Philippines in June.
Apoptosis induction by the satratoxins and other trichothecene mycotoxins: relationship to ERK, p38 MAPK, and SAPK/JNK activation.

The satratoxins are members of the trichothecene mycotoxin family that are produced by the fungus Stachybotrys and that have been etiologically associated with building-related health problems. The purpose of this study was to relate cytotoxic and apoptotic capacities of satratoxins and other trichothecenes to the activation of three groups of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) (extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), p38 MAPK, and stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK)). Two myeloid models, RAW 264.7 murine macrophage and U937 human leukemic cells were used. Upon evaluating representative trichothecenes in the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) cleavage assay, cytotoxicity was evident according to the following rank order: satratoxin G, roridin A, and verrucarin A > T-2 toxin, satratoxin F, H > nivalenol, and vomitoxin. Comparable results were found when measuring trichothecene-mediated apoptosis using DNA fragmentation and fluorescence microscopy assays, thus suggesting that cytotoxicity was mediated through an apoptotic process. Assessment of MAPK activation using Western blot analysis revealed that trichothecenes activated not only SAPK/JNK and p38 MAPK but also ERK. Activation of MAPKs by satratoxins and other trichothecenes correlated with and preceded apoptosis. The concentration of satratoxin G sufficient for protein synthesis inhibition correlated with that required for apoptosis and activation of all three MAPKs. Cycloheximide had similar effects to trichothecenes, suggesting that ribosome binding or protein synthesis inhibition may play roles in MAPK activation and apoptosis induction. Apoptosis induction by satratoxin G and vomitoxin was markedly enhanced when ERK activation was selectively inhibited by ERK-specific inhibitor PD98059, thus indicating a negative role for ERK. Inhibition of p38 MAPK activity with the p38-specific inhibitor SB203580 had no effect on apoptosis induction by the highly toxic satratoxin G. However, SB203580 moderately inhibited apoptosis induction by the less toxic trichothecene vomitoxin, thus implying a partial role of p38 MAPK in trichothecene-induced apoptosis. The results suggest that the satratoxins are among the most potent trichothecenes and that MAPKs may play integral roles in the diverse toxic manifestations of these mycotoxins.
The contribution of pH‐dependent mechanisms to fatigue at different intensities in mammalian single muscle fibres

1 The contribution of intracellular pH (pHi) to the failure of Ca2+ release and inhibition of contractile proteins observed during fatigue was assessed in single intact mouse muscle fibres at 22 °C. Fatigue was induced by repeated tetani at intensities designed to induce different levels of intracellular acidosis. Force and either intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i; measured using indo‐1) or pHi (measured using SNARF‐1) were recorded in fibres fatigued at two different intensities. 2 Intensity was varied by the repetition rate of tetani and quantified by the duty cycle (the fraction of time when the muscle was tetanized). Stimulation at the low intensity (duty cycle ∼0.1) reduced force to 30 % of initial values in 206 ± 21 s (60 ± 7 tetani); at the high intensity (duty cycle ∼0.3) force was reduced to 30 % in 42 ± 7 s (43 ± 7 tetani) (P < 0.05; n= 14). 3 When force was reduced to 30 % of initial values, tetanic [Ca2+]i had fallen from 648 ± 87 to 336 ± 64 nm (48 % decrease) at the low intensity but had only fallen from 722 ± 84 to 468 ± 60 nm (35 % decrease) at the higher intensity (P < 0.05 low vs. high intensity; n= 7). 4 Fatigue resulted in reductions in Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile proteins which were greater at the high intensity (pre‐fatigue [Ca2+]i required for 50 % of maximum force (Ca50) = 354 ± 23 nm; post‐fatigue Ca50= 421 ± 48 nm and 524 ± 43 nm for low and high intensities, respectively). Reductions in maximum Ca2+‐activated force (Fmax) were similar at the two intensities (pre‐fatigue Fmax= 328 ± 22 μN; post‐fatigue Fmax= 271 ± 20 and 265 ± 19 μN for low and high intensities, respectively). 5 Resting pHi was 7.15 ± 0.05. During fatigue at the low intensity, pHi was reduced by 0.12 ± 0.02 pH units and at the high intensity pHi was reduced by 0.34 ± 0.07 pH units (P < 0.05; n= 5). 6 Our results indicate that the more rapid fall in force at a high intensity is due to a reduction in Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile proteins, probably related to the greater acidosis. Our data also indicate that the failure of Ca2+ release and reduced maximum Ca2+‐activated force observed during fatigue are not due to reductions in intracellular pH.
Biosynthesis and Characterization of Manganese and Zinc Nanoparticles

The biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles is an expanding research area due to the potential applications for the ecofriendly development of novel technologies. Generally, nanoparticles are prepared by a variety of chemical methods which are not environmentally friendly. Present study reported a fast, convenient and intracellular method for the synthesis of manganese and zinc nanoparticles by reducing Manganese sulphate and Zinc sulphate with the help of Streptomyces sp. HBUM171191. The characterization of nanoparticles was done by using UV-Vis Spectrophotometer. The morphology of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by Transmission Electron microscopy (TEM). The size of MnSO 4 and ZnSO 4 was ranges from 10 to 20nm.
Both raw and retrograded starch decrease serum triacylglycerol concentration and fat accretion in the rat

Male Wistar rats were meal-fed on diets containing various amounts of resistant starch in the form of raw starch (either amylomaize starch, potato starch or modified high-amylose starch) or retrograded starch (prepared from each of the starches) for 6 weeks. Two diets containing normal maize starch were fed as diets poor in resistant starch. Energy absorption (energy consumption minus faecal energy loss), growth, weight of the epididymal fat pads, serum total cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations and a number of intestinal and faecal variables were determined. The resistant starches affected all the variables determined except the serum total cholesterol concentration. Relationships were found between energy absorption and both growth and the weight of the fat pads, and between the weight of the fat pads and both the serum triacylglycerol concentration and the serum total cholesterol concentration. No clear differences between the effects of ihe two types of resistant starch (raw starch ν. retrograded starch) were found except that raw potato starch hardly stimulated H2 excretion and led to lower amounts of propionic and butyric acids in the caecal contents than the other starches. The results suggest that dietary resistant starch reduces energy absorption leading to less abdominal depot fat and lower serum triacylglycerol concentrations.
ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BACTERIA PATHOGENS IN BLOOD AND STOOL SAMPLES AMONG PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH TYPHOID FEVER SYMPTOMS IN ALUPE, BUSIA COUNTY

Typhoid fever is a waterborne and foodborne disease caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (S. Typhi). Studies have established that some patients presenting with typhoid-like symptoms are usually inflicted by other bacteria pathogens, which may or may not be transmitted by fecal oral route. It is common belief that typhoid fever cases are high in Alupe and continue to cause significant morbidity among the people of Alupe, Busia County. The study focused on isolation and characterization of the bacteria pathogens in blood and stool among patients presenting with typhoid fever symptoms at two health facilities located in Alupe, Busia County. A total of one hundred and fifty patients were recruited and thereafter their blood and stool samples collected. Subsequently, laboratory analysis at KEMRI-CIPDCR was done to isolate and characterize bacteria pathogens as well as their antibiotic susceptibility profiles done. One hundred and forty nine blood cultures and 140 stool cultures were performed. Bacterial pathogens were detected in 11 positive cultures with both gram-positive (27.3%) and gram-negative bacteria (72.7%) obtained. Bacteria isolated from blood cultures included Staphylococcus aureus (50%), Proteus mirabilis (16.67%) and Escherichia coli (33.33%). Those from stool cultures included Escherichia coli (80%) and Shigella dysentriae (20%). Using Widal test, 73 (50%) samples tested positive for typhoid but there was no S. Typhi isolated from both blood and stool cultures. All the isolates showed moderate to high resistance to ampicillin-cloxacillin, tetracycline and cefuroxime. The high susceptibility of the isolates to gentamicin, chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin is a welcome relief to increasing widespread multi-drug resistance. In Alupe, a malaria endemic region, S. Typhi is not the main cause of invasive bacteremia in patients presenting with signs and symptoms of typhoid fever. There is need for improved diagnostic methods; patients presenting with typhoid fever symptoms should also be screened for other bacteria pathogens in addition to Salmonella to enhance proper treatment and overall control of multi-drug resistance due to misdiagnosis and improper prescription of antibiotics.
A Theoretical Study Of The Transient AndSteady-state Cardiorespiratory ResponseTo Exercise

The cardiorespiratory adjustments during exercise have been analyzed through a mathematical model. It includes central chemoreceptors, responding to carbon dioxide in cerebral tissue, peripheral chemoreceptors, sensitive to arterial oxygen and carbon dioxide pressure and to arterial potassium concentration, the neurogenic mechanisms of exercise hyperpnea (including a fast and a slow dynamics), and local blood flow regulation. The model is able to simulate with good accuracy the cardiorespiratory adaptations clinically observed in response to several patterns of exercise, both as to the steady-state and dynamic conditions. In particular, the superimposition among the mechanisms included in the model reproduces the temporal heterogeneity of the ventilation response to a step work load during both the ON and OFF transitions. By using the model, the mechanisms contributing to each temporal phase have been individuated, and the functional importance of the different dynamics in the ventilatory response has been quantitatively assessed. The model may be of value to suggest possible scenarios able to interpret the complexity of ventilation control in exercise.
Use of multiple molecular subtyping techniques to investigate a Legionnaires' disease outbreak due to identical strains at two tourist lodges

A multistate outbreak of Legionnaires' disease occurred among nine tour groups of senior citizens returning from stays at one of two lodges in a Vermont resort in October 1987. Interviews and serologic studies of 383 (85%) of the tour members revealed 17 individuals (attack rate, 4.4%) with radiologically documented pneumonia and laboratory evidence of legionellosis. A survey of tour groups staying at four nearby lodges and of Vermont-area medical facilities revealed no additional cases. Environmental investigation of common tour stops revealed no likely aerosol source of Legionella infection outside the lodges. Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 was isolated from water sources at both implicated lodges, and the monoclonal antibody subtype matched those of the isolates from six patients from whom clinical isolates were obtained. The cultures reacted with monoclonal antibodies MAB1, MAB2, 33G2, and 144C2 to yield a 1,2,5,7 or a Benidorm 030E pattern. The strains were also identical by alloenzyme electrophoresis and DNA ribotyping techniques. The epidemiologic and laboratory data suggest that concurrent outbreaks occurred following exposures to the same L. pneumophila serogroup 1 strain at two separate lodges. Multiple molecular subtyping techniques can provide essential information for epidemiologic investigations of Legionnaires' disease.
On the Role of Personality Traits in Followee Recommendation Algorithms

Followee recommendation is a problem rapidly gaining importance in Twitter and other micro-blogging communities. Most traditional recommendation systems only rely on content or topology, disregarding the effect of psychological characteristics over the followee selection process. As personality is considered one of the primary factors that influence human behaviour, this study aims at assessing the impact of personality in the accurate prediction of followees. It analyses whether user personality could condition followee selection by combining personality traits with the most common followee recom- mendation factors.
The biometrics of Twite Carduelis flavirostris in Ireland and Britain

In this paper we analyse and compare biometric data of Twite Carduelis flavirostris from Ireland, England and Scotland (Orkney). Data were separated by season (breeding or winter) to account for potential mingling of populations during the winter. The mean wing length of wintering male Twites, but not females, differed significantly between the countries. In the winter, for both sexes, Scottish Twites were significantly heavier than Irish and English ones, which did not differ from one another. Breeding Irish Twites were heavier than breeding English Twites, in both sexes. Males in all countries had longer wings than females. Males were heavier than females in Ireland and England but sexes were of equal mass in Scotland. These results raise questions about the structure, origins and behaviour of wintering Twite populations. Some of the difficulties of ageing and sexing Twites are discussed.
Extravascular Lung Water, B-Type Natriuretic Peptide, and Blood Volume Contraction Enable Diagnosis of Weaning-Induced Pulmonary Edema*

Objective:We tested whether the changes in extravascular lung water indexed for ideal body weight could detect weaning-induced pulmonary edema. We also studied the diagnostic value of blood volume contraction indices and B-type natriuretic peptide variations. Design:Prospective study. Setting:ICU. Patients:Twenty-one patients who failed a first spontaneous breathing trial. Interventions:None. Measurements and Main Results:We performed a second 60-minute T-tube spontaneous breathing trial. Before and at the end of spontaneous breathing trial, we recorded pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, the extravascular lung water indexed for ideal body weight, plasma B-type natriuretic peptide level, hemoglobin, and plasma protein concentrations. Weaning-induced pulmonary edema was defined by the association of signs of clinical intolerance and a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure greater than or equal to 18 mm Hg at the end of spontaneous breathing trial. Because some patients performed several spontaneous breathing trial, a primary analysis included all spontaneous breathing trial and a secondary analysis included only the first spontaneous breathing trial of each patient. In primary analysis, 36 spontaneous breathing trials were analyzed, 21 spontaneous breathing trial with weaning-induced pulmonary edema and 15 without. During spontaneous breathing trial, extravascular lung water indexed for ideal body weight increased only in cases with weaning-induced pulmonary edema (25% ± 23%). Plasma protein concentration, hemoglobin concentration, and B-type natriuretic peptide also significantly increased only in cases with weaning-induced pulmonary edema (9% ± 3%, 9% ± 4%, 21% ± 23%, respectively). The areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves to detect weaning-induced pulmonary edema were 0.89 (95% CI, 0.78–0.99) for extravascular lung water indexed for ideal body weight, 0.97 (0.93–1.01) for spontaneous breathing trial–induced changes in plasma protein concentration, 0.96 (0.90–1.01) for changes in hemoglobin concentration, and 0.76 (0.60–0.93) for changes in B-type natriuretic peptide. An increase in extravascular lung water indexed for ideal body weight greater than or equal to 14% diagnosed weaning-induced pulmonary edema with a sensitivity of 67% (95% CI, 43–85%) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI, 78–100%). The secondary analysis confirmed these results. Conclusions:Spontaneous breathing trial–induced increases in extravascular lung water indexed for ideal body weight, plasma protein concentrations, hemoglobin concentration, and B-type natriuretic peptide are reliable alternatives to the pulmonary artery catheter for diagnosing weaning-induced pulmonary edema.
The homeobox gene Gsx2 controls the timing of oligodendroglial fate specification in mouse lateral ganglionic eminence progenitors

The homeobox gene Gsx2 has previously been shown to be required for the specification of distinct neuronal subtypes derived from lateral ganglionic eminence (LGE) progenitors at specific embryonic time points. However, its role in the subsequent generation of oligodendrocytes from these progenitors remains unclear. We have utilized conditional gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches in order to elucidate the role of Gsx2 in the switch between neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis within the embryonic ventral telencephalon. In the absence of Gsx2 expression, an increase in oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) with a concomitant decrease in neurogenesis is observed in the subventricular zone of the LGE at mid-stages of embryogenesis (i.e. E12.5-15.5), which subsequently leads to an increased number of Gsx2-derived OPCs within the adjacent mantle regions of the cortex before birth at E18.5. Moreover, using Olig2cre to conditionally inactivate Gsx2 throughout the ventral telencephalon with the exception of the dorsal (d)LGE, we found that the increase in cortical OPCs in Gsx2 germline mutants are derived from dLGE progenitors. We also show that Ascl1 is required for the expansion of these dLGE-derived OPCs in the cortex of Gsx2 mutants. Complementing these results, gain-of-function experiments in which Gsx2 was expressed throughout most of the late-stage embryonic telencephalon (i.e. E15.5-18.5) result in a significant decrease in the number of cortical OPCs. These results support the notion that high levels of Gsx2 suppress OPC specification in dLGE progenitors and that its downregulation is required for the transition from neurogenesis to oligodendrogenesis.
Type species of the basal Ibexian trilobite Corbinia Walcott, 1924

The type species of the eurekiid trilobite Corbinia Walcott, C. horatio Walcott, 1924, possesses very short palpebral lobes located opposite 2p glabellar lobe. The palpebral lobes of species of Eurekia Walcott and of Corbinia apopsis Winston and Nicholls, 1967, are considerably longer and located opposite 1p and 2p glabellar lobes. Corbinia is here restricted to the type species, and C. apopsis is assigned to Eurekia. Corbinia horatio occurs in the Basal Silty Member of the Survey Peak Formation of southern Alberta and appears to be confined to the lower part of the Eurekia apopsis Subzone of the Saukia Zone (basal Ibexian).
Performance of recalibration systems for GCM forecasts for southern Africa

Two regression‐based methods that recalibrate the ECHAM4.5 general circulation model (GCM) output during austral summer have been developed for southern Africa, and their performance assessed over a 12‐year retroactive period 1989/90–2000/01. A linear statistical model linking near‐global sea‐surface temperatures (SSTs) to regional rainfall has also been developed. The recalibration technique is model output statistics (MOS) using principal components regression (PCR) and canonical correlation analysis (CCA) to statistically link archived records of the GCM to regional rainfall over much of Africa, south of the equator. The predictability of anomalously dry and wet conditions over each rainfall region during December–February (DJF) using the linear statistical model and MOS models has been quantitatively evaluated. The MOS technique outperforms the raw‐GCM ensembles and the linear statistical model. Neither the PCR‐MOS nor the CCA‐MOS models show clear superiority over the other, probably because the two methods are closely related. The need to recalibrate GCM predictions at regional scales to improve their skill at smaller spatial scales is further demonstrated in this paper. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Seepage, leaching, and embankment instability

Water-retention dykes at a hydroelectric generating station in southeastern Manitoba experienced irregular instabilities over many years after they were heightened in the late 1940s. Samples from an unstable section of dyke showed considerable reductions in gypsum content and increased brittleness compared with those of neighbouring unloaded clay. The samples also showed that lowering the content of gypsum reduced the sizes of yield loci and the strains required for strain softening to occur. These observations and the time-dependent nature of the problem suggested that seepage from the forebay had leached naturally occurring cementation from the foundation clay and subsequently changed its behaviour. Stress–deformation modeling indicated the foundation clay had yielded during initial construction and again when the dykes were heightened. Seepage from the forebay occurred at different rates in different locations through the irregular sand–silt partings that are generally present in proglacial clays. Leac.