Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Framework to Determine the Limits of Achievable Skill for Interannual to Decadal Climate Predictions

In interannual to decadal predictions, forecast quality may arise from the initial state of the system, from long‐term changes due to external forcing such as the increase in greenhouse gases concentrations, and from internally generated variability in a model. In this study, we use a new framework to investigate achievable skill of decadal predictions by comparing perfect‐model prediction experiments with predictions of the real world in order to identify margins for possible improvements to prediction systems. In addition, we assess the added value from capturing the initial state in the climate system over changes due to climate forcing in decadal predictions focusing on annual average near‐surface temperature. We find that ideal initialization may substantially improve the predictions during the first two lead years particularly in parts of the Southern Ocean, Indian Ocean, the tropical Pacific and North Atlantic, and some surrounding land areas (the lead time is the elapsed time since the beginning of a prediction). On longer time scales, the predictions rely more on model performance in simulating low‐frequency variability and long‐term changes due to external forcing. This framework identifies the limits of predictability using the National Centre for Atmospheric Research Community Climate System Model Version 4 and clarifies the margins of achievable improvements from enhancing different components of the prediction system such as initialization, response to external forcing, and internal variability. We encourage similar experiments to be performed using other climate models, to better understand the dependence of predictability on the model used.
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in steele‐richardson‐olszewski syndrome

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, localized to the lentiform nucleus, was carried out in nine patients with a clinical diagnosis of Steele‐Richardson‐Olszewski syndrome (SRO) and in eight healthy age‐matched controls. Three of the nine SRO patients had a so‐called “eye of the tiger sign” with high signal in the globus pallidus surrounded by a ring of low signal on T2 weighted magnetic resonance imaging previously only reported in Hallervorden‐Spatz disease. One of these patients had pathologically proven SRO at postmortem. The SRO group showed a significant reduction in the median concentration from N‐acetyl groups (median, 6.87 mM; range, 4.92–10.59 mM; p < 0.015) compared with the control group (median, 9.85 mM; range, 9.26–11.0 mM). The N‐acetylaspartate concentration was significantly reduced in seven of the nine patients studied. The reduction of the N‐acetylaspartate‐creatine ratio from the lentiform nucleus in the SRO group may reflect neuronal loss, occurring predominantly in the globus pallidus. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy may be a useful, noninvasive technique to help differentiate the various parkinsonian syndromes.
Differential long‐term neurotoxicity of HIV‐1 proteins in the rat hippocampal formation: A design‐based stereological study

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) proteins, gp120 and Tat, are believed to play a role in mediating central nervous system (CNS) pathology in HIV‐1 infected patients. Using design‐based stereology, we examined the role of neonatal intrahippocampal injections of gp120 and Tat on the adult hippocampus (∼7½ month). Postnatal day (P)1‐treated Sprague‐Dawley rats were bilaterally injected with vehicle (VEH, 0.5 μl sterile buffer), gp120 (100 ng), Tat (25 μg) or combined gp120 + Tat (100 ng + 25 μg). Using Nissl‐stained tissue sections, we quantified total neurons in five subregions of the rat hippocampus [granual layer (GL), hilus of the dentate gyrus (DGH), cornu ammonis fields (CA)2/3, CA1, and subiculum (SUB)], and total glial cells (astrocytes and oligodendrocytes) in two subregions (DGH and SUB). Estimates of cell area and cell volume were taken in the DGH. There was a significant reduction of neuron number in the CA2/3 subfield by Tat and gp120, and a significant reduction in the DGH by Tat only. For glial cells, numbers of astrocytes in the DGH and SUB were increased by the Tat protein, whereas no effects were noted for gp120. Finally, for oligodendrocytes Tat increased cell number in the DGH but not in any other region; gp120 had no detectable effect in any brain region. Estimates of cell area and cell volume of the three different cell types revealed no significant differences between treatments. Collectively, these results suggest differential effects of gp120 and Tat on the estimated total number of neurons, as well as on the number of glial cells. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MYOC Mutations in Black South African Patients with Primary Open-angle Glaucoma: Genetic Testing and Cascade Screening

Abstract Background: Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is an important cause of irreversible blindness in South Africa. Mutations in the MYOC gene are important in monogenic POAG. This study aimed to characterize potentially pathogenic MYOC mutations in this population. Materials and Methods: Self-identified black South African POAG patients (215) and unaffected control participants (214) had ophthalmological examinations and DNA extraction. Potentially pathogenic MYOC variants were genotyped in the study population. Family members of participants with the mutations were screened for glaucoma clinically and for the mutations using Sanger sequencing. Results: The following mutations were genotyped: Gly374Val (2 POAG patients), Lys500Arg (3 POAG patients) and Tyr453del (5 POAG patients). None of the relatives screened for Gly374Val had the mutation or POAG. The Lys500Arg mutation did not co-segregate with the disease in an affected family. The Tyr453del mutation co-segregated with the disease, but demonstrated incomplete penetrance. POAG patients with the Tyr453del mutation had adult-onset POAG with high intraocular pressures and advanced cupping. Conclusions: Overall, 3.3% of black South Africans with POAG have a Gly374Val or Tyr453del MYOC mutation. The Tyr453del mutation is incompletely penetrant. That the mutation is necessary but insufficient introduces a counseling dilemma. Mutation screening can, however, identify high-risk individuals who can be monitored to detect early signs of the disease. The Gly374Val mutation is predicted to be damaging to MYOC. The Lys500Arg mutation is predicted to be benign and tolerated. This study has important implications for the management and counseling of black South African patients with POAG and their families.
High ID2 protein expression correlates with a favourable prognosis in patients with primary breast cancer and reduces cellular invasiveness of breast cancer cells

ID proteins have been implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation in various cell types during normal development as well as in the formation of cancer. Our aim was to delineate the expression of ID2 by immunohistochemistry in primary breast cancer in order to detect potential associations with cell cycle regulatory proteins and/or clinicopathologic parameters. We further overexpressed ID2 in a breast cancer cell line to elaborate potential effects on proliferation and invasiveness. We observed large variations in ID2 expression in primary breast cancer, and the protein was localised to both the nucleus and cytoplasm. Interestingly, a high cytoplasmic ID2 protein level correlated with a favourable prognosis. Overexpressing ID2 in the MDA‐MB‐468 breast cancer cell line generated a marked cytoplasmic localisation of the protein and reduced the invasive capacity of cells. Modest enhancement of cell proliferation was further detected in ID2‐overexpressing cells. In conclusion, ID2 protein expression varies substantially within primary breast tumours and high cytoplasmic levels of ID2 might reflect a less aggressive breast tumour phenotype. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seasonal variation of plankton population of Borobila beel in Rangpur district

Seasonal variation of the plankton populations with some water quality parameters of Borobila beel, Rangpur district was carried out during July 2003 to June 2004. Total plankton ranged from 98.3×10 4 to 35.0×10 5 cells/l with mean values of 19.67±9.77×10 5 cells/l. A total of 51 genera of planktons were recorded belonging to Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Dinophyceae, Crustacea and Rotifera. Among the phytoplankton, Euglenophyceae was the most dominant group and contributing 33% of total phytoplankton in Borobila beel. The greatest abundance of phytoplankton was recorded in November with an average number 28.83×10 5 cells/l. The minimum abundance of phytoplankton was recorded in January (61.7×10 4 cells/l). Among the zooplanktons Crustacea was dominant, contributing 71% of the total zooplankton population. The abundance of zooplankton showed two peaks of which one in the month of August (81.7x 10 4 cells/l) and another in the month of May (16.7 x10 4 cells/l). Phytoplankton and zooplankton have a nominal positive relationship. Zooplankton was less increased with the increasing of phytoplankton. Key words: Water quality parameters, plankton population, Borobila beel. Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 26, 2007. pp. 49-54
The evolution of outsourcing research: what is the next issue?

Although many researchers and practitioners have discussed different aspects of outsourcing in the past, there have been only a handful of papers that grapple these complex issues from a broad perspective. The main purpose of this study is to lay an integrative groundwork for the understanding of outsourcing, including its key research areas, its evolution, its theoretical models, and its future research trend. From our review of the past studies, we identify the key research areas and their evolution that help to provide a deeper understanding on the outsourcing trend. Essentially, we propose that the previous research can be represented in two stages: the first stage based on clients' view, hierarchical relationship, and win-lose strategy; the second stage based on both the clients and the service providers' views, equal relationship, and win-win strategy. From this classification, we introduce an integrative perspective that focuses on both stages as a way to understand the emergence of partnership-based outsourcing. The critical outsourcing issues and the integrative theoretical perspective presented in this study may provide new insights in the direction and focus of future outsourcing research.
High Diversity of ankA Sequences of Anaplasma phagocytophilum among Ixodes ricinus Ticks in Germany

ABSTRACT In Germany humans with acute granulocytic ehrlichiosis have not yet been described. Here, we characterized three different genes of Anaplasma phagocytophilum strains infecting German Ixodes ricinus ticks in order to test whether they differ from strains in other European countries and the United States. A total of 1,022 I. ricinus ticks were investigated for infection with A. phagocytophilum by nested PCR and sequence analysis. Forty-two (4.1%) ticks were infected. For all positive ticks, parts of the 16S rRNA and groESL genes were sequenced. The complete coding sequence of the ankA gene could be determined in 24 samples. The 16S rRNA and groESL gene sequences were as much as 100% identical to known sequences. Fifteen ankA sequences were ≥99.37% identical to sequences derived from humans with granulocytic ehrlichiosis in Europe and from a horse with granulocytic ehrlichiosis in Germany. Thus, German I. ricinus ticks most likely harbor A. phagocytophilum strains that can cause disease in humans. Nine additional sequences were clearly different from known ankA sequences. Because these newly described sequences have never been obtained from diseased humans or animals, their biological significance is currently unknown. Based on this unexpected sequence heterogeneity, we propose to use the ankA gene for further phylogenetic analyses of A. phagocytophilum and to investigate the biology and pathogenicity of strains that differ in the ankA gene.
Change in algal symbiont communities after bleaching, not prior heat exposure, increases heat tolerance of reef corals

Mutualistic organisms can be particularly susceptible to climate change stress, as their survivorship is often limited by the most vulnerable partner. However, symbiotic plasticity can also help organisms in changing environments by expanding their realized niche space. Coral–algal (Symbiodinium spp.) symbiosis exemplifies this dichotomy: the partnership is highly susceptible to ‘bleaching’ (stress‐induced symbiosis breakdown), but stress‐tolerant symbionts can also sometimes mitigate bleaching. Here, we investigate the role of diverse and mutable symbiotic partnerships in increasing corals' ability to thrive in high temperature conditions. We conducted repeat bleaching and recovery experiments on the coral Montastraea cavernosa, and used quantitative PCR and chlorophyll fluorometry to assess the structure and function of Symbiodinium communities within coral hosts. During an initial heat exposure (32 °C for 10 days), corals hosting only stress‐sensitive symbionts (Symbiodinium C3) bleached, but recovered (at either 24 °C or 29 °C) with predominantly (>90%) stress‐tolerant symbionts (Symbiodinium D1a), which were not detected before bleaching (either due to absence or extreme low abundance). When a second heat stress (also 32 °C for 10 days) was applied 3 months later, corals that previously bleached and were now dominated by D1a Symbiodinium experienced less photodamage and symbiont loss compared to control corals that had not been previously bleached, and were therefore still dominated by Symbiodinium C3. Additional corals that were initially bleached without heat by a herbicide (DCMU, at 24 °C) also recovered predominantly with D1a symbionts, and similarly lost fewer symbionts during subsequent thermal stress. Increased thermotolerance was also not observed in C3‐dominated corals that were acclimated for 3 months to warmer temperatures (29 °C) before heat stress. These findings indicate that increased thermotolerance post‐bleaching resulted from symbiont community composition changes, not prior heat exposure. Moreover, initially undetectable D1a symbionts became dominant only after bleaching, and were critical to corals' resilience after stress and resistance to future stress.
Geophysicae Scattering of field-aligned beam ions upstream of Earth ’ s bow shock

Field-aligned beams are known to originate from the quasi-perpendicular side of the Earth’s bow shock, while the diffuse ion population consists of accelerated ions at the quasi-parallel side of the bow shock. The two distinct ion populations show typical characteristics in their velocity space distributions. By using particle and magnetic field measurements from one Cluster spacecraft we present a case study when the two ion populations are observed simultaneously in the foreshock region during a high Mach number, high solar wind velocity event. We present the spatialtemporal evolution of the field-aligned beam ion distribution in front of the Earth’s bow shock, focusing on the processes in the deep foreshock region, i.e. on the quasi-parallel side. Our analysis demonstrates that the scattering of field-aligned beam (FAB) ions combined with convection by the solar wind results in the presence of lower-energy, toroidal gyrating ions at positions deeper in the foreshock region which are magnetically connected to the quasi-parallel bow shock. The gyrating ions are superposed onto a higher energy diffuse ion population. It is suggested that the toroidal gyrating ion population observed deep in the foreshock region has its origins in the FAB and that its characteristics are correlated with its distance from the FAB, but is independent on distance to the bow shock along the magnetic field.
Virulence may determine the necessary duration and dosage of oseltamivir treatment for highly pathogenic A/Vietnam/1203/04 influenza virus in mice.

BACKGROUND Control of highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza viruses is a major public-health concern. Antiviral drugs could be the only option early in the pandemic.METHODS. BALB/c mice were given oseltamivir (0.1, 1, or 10 mg/kg/day) twice daily by oral gavage; the first dose was given 4 h before inoculation with H5N1 A/Vietnam/1203/04 (VN1203/04) virus. Five- and 8-day regimens were evaluated.RESULTS. Oseltamivir produced a dose-dependent antiviral effect against VN1203/04 in vivo (P<.01). The 5-day regimen at 10 mg/kg/day protected 50% of mice; deaths in this treatment group were delayed and indicated the replication of residual virus after the completion of treatment. Eight-day regimens improved oseltamivir efficacy, and dosages of 1 and 10 mg/kg/day significantly reduced virus titers in organs and provided 60% and 80% survival rates, respectively (P<.05). Overall, the efficacy of the 5- and 8-day regimens differed significantly (death hazard ratio, 2.658; P<.01). The new H5N1 antigenic variant VN1203/04 was more pathogenic in mice than was A/HK/156/97 virus, and a prolonged and higher-dose oseltamivir regimen may be required for the most beneficial antiviral effect.CONCLUSIONS. Oseltamivir prophylaxis is efficacious against lethal challenge with VN1203/04 virus in mice. Viral virulence may affect the antiviral treatment schedule.
A randomized clinical trial of activated charcoal for the routine management of oral drug overdose.

BACKGROUND Activated charcoal (AC) is commonly used for the routine management of oral drug overdose. AIM To determine whether the routine use of activated charcoal has an effect on patient outcomes. DESIGN Randomized controlled unblinded trial. METHODS We recruited all adult patients presenting with an oral overdose at The Canberra Hospital, excluding only transfers, late presenters, those who had ingested drugs not adsorbed by activated charcoal or where administration was contraindicated, and very serious ingestions (at the discretion of the admitting physician). Patients were randomized to either activated charcoal or no decontamination. RESULTS The trial recruited 327 patients over 16 months. Of 411 presentations, four refused consent, 27 were protocol violations and 53 were excluded from the trial. Only seven were excluded due to the severity of their ingestion. The most common substances ingested were benzodiazepines, paracetamol and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants. More than 80% of patients presented within 4 h following ingestion. There were no differences between AC and no decontamination in terms of length of stay (AC 6.75 h, IQR 4-14 vs. controls 5.5 h, IQR 3-12; p=0.11) or secondary outcomes including vomiting, mortality and intensive care admission. DISCUSSION Routine administration of charcoal following oral overdose did not significantly influence length of stay or other patient outcomes following oral drug overdose. There were few adverse events. This does not exclude a role in patients who present shortly after ingestion of highly lethal drugs.
Multiple myeloma: is a shift toward continuous therapy needed to move forward?

Multiple myeloma (MM) accounts for 1% of all cancers and 13% of all hematologic malignancies. Melphalan–prednisone plus melphalan–prednisone–thalidomide or melphalan–prednisone–bortezomib are considered the standards of care for newly diagnosed, transplant-ineligible patients with MM (older than 65 years). In newly diagnosed, transplant-eligible patients with MM (younger than 65 years), a novel agent-based induction followed by high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation, is the standard approach. The availability of novel agents has considerably increased the treatment options of this disease, but almost all patients relapse after achieving a maximal response to first-line therapy. New drugs and new treatment approaches are urgently needed to improve outcome in MM patients Continuous therapy can be a valid option to keep the patient symptom-free and to prolong progression-free survival and overall survival.
Clinical utility and differential effects of prostaglandin analogs in the management of raised intraocular pressure and ocular hypertension

Prostaglandin analogs (PGA) are powerful topical ocular hypotensive agents available for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Latanoprost 0.005% and travoprost 0.004% are prodrugs and analogs of prostaglandin F2α. Bimatoprost 0.03% is regarded as a prostamide, and debate continues as to whether it is a prodrug. The free acids of all 3 PGAs reduce IOP by enhancing uveoscleral and trabecular outflow via direct effects on ciliary muscle relaxation and remodeling of extracellular matrix. The vast majority of clinical trials demonstrate IOP-lowering superiority of latanoprost, bimatoprost and travoprost compared with timolol 0.5%, brimonidine 0.2%, or dorzolamide 2% monotherapy. Bimatoprost appears to be more efficacious in IOP-lowering compared with latanoprost, with weighted mean difference in IOP reduction documented in one meta-analysis of 2.59% to 5.60% from 1- to 6-months study duration. PGAs reduce IOP further when used as adjunctive therapy. Fixed combinations of latanoprost, bimatoprost or travoprost formulated with timolol 0.5% and administered once daily are superior to monotherapy of its constituent parts. PGA have near absence of systemic side effects, although do have other commonly encountered ocular adverse effects. The adverse effects of PGA, and also those found more frequently with bimatoprost use include ocular hyperemia, eyelash growth, and peri-ocular pigmentary changes. Iris pigmentary change is unique to PGA treatment. Once daily administration and near absence of systemic side effects enhances tolerance and compliance. PGAs are often prescribed as first-line treatment for ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma.
Attraction of Planococcus ficus males to racemic and chiral pheromone baits: flight activity and bait longevity

The vine mealybug (VM), Planococcus ficus (Signoret), is a worldwide pest and affects mainly grapevine and figs. In Israel, (S)‐lavandulyl senecioate [(S)‐LS] and (S)‐lavandulyl isovalerate [(S)‐LI] were identified from VM reared for several generations on potato sprouts, when compared with the identification of only (S)‐LS from feral females. Racemic lavandulyl senecioate (LS) can be used for fieldwork because the unnatural enantiomer is benign and does not affect the activity of the pheromone. Lures loaded with 200 μg of LS remained active for 24 weeks but it is recommended to replace lures after 12 weeks to preserve constant and high attractiveness. Delta sticky traps, baited with 50 or 200 μg of LS were used to determine the daily flight pattern and the seasonal flight activity including vine plant infestation. A positive correlation between peak mealybug density and male capture was observed strengthening the usefulness of the pheromone traps for monitoring the pest. Addition of racemic or the two enantiomers of lavandulyl isovalerate (LI) to LS decreased the capture of VM males. The level of inhibition varied during 2003–2004. Both enantiomers of LI displayed the same antagonistic activity. Addition of (S)‐lavandulol to the pheromone resulted in shut‐down of the traps. Inhibition by the antipode, (R)‐lavandulol, was moderate indicating a certain degree of chiral discrimination.