Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial and temporal interactions of solar and wind resources in the next generation utility

The “next generation” electric utility must incorporate variable renewable resources, including wind and solar, in much larger quantities than conventionally thought possible. While resource variability presents a challenge, it should be possible to reduce and manage that variability by geographically distributing renewables, combining them with different renewables, and having more dynamic control of electric loads. This study shows that interconnecting individual solar generation sites into geographically diverse arrays can reduce power output variability, and that including solar generation sites in arrays of geographically diverse wind sites can further reduce the total variability beyond what is possible for either resource type alone. Specifically, optimized portfolios offer an average decrease in variability of 55% below the average of all individual sites. Finally, it was observed that, in the modeled system, only a small subset of the potential sites in an interconnected array need to be included to achieve these variability reductions.
Progressive Attention Networks for Visual Attribute Prediction

We propose a novel attention model that can accurately attends to target objects of various scales and shapes in images. The model is trained to gradually suppress irrelevant regions in an input image via a progressive attentive process over multiple layers of a convolutional neural network. The attentive process in each layer determines whether to pass or block features at certain spatial locations for use in the subsequent layers. The proposed progressive attention mechanism works well especially when combined with hard attention. We further employ local contexts to incorporate neighborhood features of each location and estimate a better attention probability map. The experiments on synthetic and real datasets show that the proposed attention networks outperform traditional attention methods in visual attribute prediction tasks.
A Note on the Reestablishment of the Cheetah Population in the Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa

INTRODUCTION The establishment of protected areas is recognized as a means to conserve large mammal species (Craigie et al., 2010), and cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) conservation is well served by these protected areas (Marnewick, 2015). In South Africa, if not in one of the larger national parks (>10 000 km) or free-roaming in the northern provinces (Marnewick et al., 2007), populations of cheetahs occur in medium-sized reserves and form part of a managed metapopulation where periodic transfers of individuals occur between them to retain genetic integrity (Buk, Van der Merwe, Marnewick, & Funston, 2018). The Pilanesberg National Park (hereafter Pilanesberg) is one such reserve within the managed metapopulation. Here, we firstly document the reproductive success of a single reintroduced female cheetah and, secondly, discuss the population’s recovery in the context of the managed metapopulation.
Respiratory Health Effects of Airborne Particulate Matter: The Role of Particle Size, Composition, and Oxidative Potential—The RAPTES Project

Background: Specific characteristics of particulate matter (PM) responsible for associations with respiratory health observed in epidemiological studies are not well established. High correlations among, and differential measurement errors of, individual components contribute to this uncertainty. Objectives: We investigated which characteristics of PM have the most consistent associations with acute changes in respiratory function in healthy volunteers. Methods: We used a semiexperimental design to accurately assess exposure. We increased exposure contrast and reduced correlations among PM characteristics by exposing volunteers at five different locations: an underground train station, two traffic sites, a farm, and an urban background site. Each of the 31 participants was exposed for 5 hr while exercising intermittently, three to seven times at different locations during March–October 2009. We measured PM10, PM2.5, particle number concentrations (PNC), absorbance, elemental/organic carbon, trace metals, secondary inorganic components, endotoxin content, gaseous pollutants, and PM oxidative potential. Lung function [FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 sec), FVC (forced vital capacity), FEF25–75 (forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of vital capacity), and PEF (peak expiratory flow)] and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) were measured before and at three time points after exposure. Data were analyzed with mixed linear regression. Results: An interquartile increase in PNC (33,000 particles/cm3) was associated with an 11% [95% confidence interval (CI): 5, 17%] and 12% (95% CI: 6, 17%) FENO increase over baseline immediately and at 2 hr postexposure, respectively. A 7% (95% CI: 0.5, 14%) increase persisted until the following morning. These associations were robust and insensitive to adjustment for other pollutants. Similarly consistent associations were seen between FVC and FEV1 with PNC, NO2 (nitrogen dioxide), and NOx (nitrogen oxides). Conclusions: Changes in PNC, NO2, and NOx were associated with evidence of acute airway inflammation (i.e., FENO) and impaired lung function. PM mass concentration and PM10 oxidative potential were not predictive of the observed acute responses.
Model of the hydro-information system of the Republic of Macedonia

This paper presents a model of the hydro-information system of the Republic of Macedonia. The model is based on the latest information technologies using GIS, integrated database and specialized applications, allowing further development and upgrade. The paper describes research objectives, methodology of work and expected results in the development of the model of the hydro-information system of the Republic of Macedonia.
Comparison of Public Perception in Desert and Rainy Regions of Chile Regarding the Reuse of Treated Sewage Water

The objective of this study was to compare the public perception in desert and rainy regions of Chile regarding the reuse of treated sewage water. The methodology of this study consisted of applying a survey to the communities of San Pedro de Atacama (desert region) and Hualqui (rainy region) to identify attitudes about the reuse of sewage water. The survey was applied directly to men and women, 18 to 90 years old, who were living in the studied communities. The results indicate that inhabitants of San Pedro de Atacama (desert region) were aware of the state of their water resources, with 86% being aware that there are water shortages during some part of the year. In contrast, only 55% of residents in Hualqui (rainy region) were aware of water shortages. With respect of the reuse of treated sewage water, 47% of respondents in San Pedro de Atacama understood the concept, as compared to 27% in Hualqui. There was more acceptance of using treated sewage water for non-potable purposes than as drinking water.
Exposure to complex environments results in more sparse representations of space in the hippocampus

The neural circuitry mediating sensory and motor representations is adaptively tuned by an animal's interaction with its environment. Similarly, higher order representations such as spatial memories can be modified by exposure to a complex environment (CE), but in this case the changes in brain circuitry that mediate the effect are less well understood. Here, we show that prolonged CE exposure was associated with increased selectivity of CA1 “place cells” to a particular recording arena compared to a social control (SC) group. Furthermore, fewer CA1 and DG neurons in the CE group expressed high levels of Arc protein, a marker of recent activation, following brief exposure to a completely novel environment. The reduced Arc expression was not attributable to overall changes in cell density or number. These data indicate that one effect of CE exposure is to modify high‐level spatial representations in the brain by increasing the sparsity of population coding within networks of neurons. Greater sparsity could result in a more efficient and compact coding system that might alter behavioural performance on spatial tasks. The results from a behavioural experiment were consistent with this hypothesis, as CE‐treated animals habituated more rapidly to a novel environment despite showing equivalent initial responding.
A Carboxy-terminal Inter-Helix Linker As the Site of Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Bisphosphate Action on Kv7 (M-type) K+ Channels

The regulation of M-type (KCNQ [Kv7]) K+ channels by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) has perhaps the best correspondence to physiological signaling, but the site of action and structural motif of PIP2 on these channels have not been established. Using single-channel recordings of chimeras of Kv7.3 and 7.4 channels with highly differential PIP2 sensitivities, we localized a carboxy-terminal inter-helix linker as the primary site of PIP2 action. Point mutants within this linker in Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 identified a conserved cluster of basic residues that interact with the lipid using electrostatic and hydrogen bonds. Homology modeling of this putative PIP2-binding linker in Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 using the solved structure of Kir2.1 and Kir3.1 channels as templates predicts a structure of Kv7.2 and 7.3 very similar to the Kir channels, and to the seven-β-sheet barrel motif common to other PIP2-binding domains. Phosphoinositide-docking simulations predict affinities and interaction energies in accord with the experimental data, and furthermore indicate that the precise identity of residues in the interacting pocket alter channel–PIP2 interactions not only by altering electrostatic energies, but also by allosterically shifting the structure of the lipid-binding surface. The results are likely to shed light on the general structural mechanisms of phosphoinositide regulation of ion channels.
Clinical effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of nurse‐led care in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized trial comparing with rheumatologist‐led care

BACKGROUND AND AIM The concept of nurse-led care (NLC) was not familiar in China. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of NLC versus rheumatologist-led care (RLC) in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Patients of either gender (aged ≥18 years) with RA were enrolled at Wenhai Central Hospital, China (January 2015 to December 2015). The participants were then randomized to NLC or RLC. Outcomes of both the groups were compared in terms of effectiveness by measuring the Disease Activity Score 28, visual analogue scores pertaining to pain and fatigue, and duration of morning stiffness. Costs associated with resource use for RA were assessed and compared between both groups. RESULTS A total of 214 RA patients in 2 groups (n = 107 in each group) were enrolled and analysed. Improvements in clinical outcomes (disease activity, pain, fatigue, and morning stiffness) over 12 months were significantly greater in the NLC group compared to RLC (P < 0.001). Overall, costs associated with resource use were higher in the RLC group compared to the NLC group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our preliminary finding suggested that RA patients managed by NLC compared to RLC may have better clinical outcomes and more cost-effective care in China.
Lactic Acid Polymers as Biodegradable Carriers of Fluoroquinolones: An In Vitro Study

ABSTRACT A biodegradable polymer of dl-dilactide that facilitates release of ciprofloxacin or pefloxacin at levels exceeding MICs for the causative microorganisms of chronic osteomyelitis is described. Duration and peak of release were found to depend on the molecular weight of the polymer. Its characteristics make it promising for treating chronic bone infections.
Geogenic CO2 affects inorganic soil properties and the composition of soil organic matter in physical fractions

The presence of geogenic CO2 has been recently identified as a soil-forming factor in soil on mofette sites. Topsoil samples (with a maximum CO2 concentration of 52% at 10 cm depth) were studied along a transect on a mofette site in the NW Czech Republic to further understand the processes within soil and the soil properties induced by CO2 in the soil atmosphere. Geogenic CO2 negatively affected the cation exchange capacity, the ratio of exchangeable Ca and Mg, and the total contents of Al, Mg and Mn. No effect was detected on a chemical index of weathering and the mineralogical composition of the clay fractions, which might be explained by the acidic parent material and the progress of soil development. Diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy indicated that the composition of particulate soil organic matter was partially affected by CO2 concentrations: the higher the CO2 concentrations, the smaller the extent of oxidative transformation and the smaller the abundance of carboxyl groups. In the clay fractions, stabilisation of transformed soil organic matter (SOM) was promoted by exchangeable Al. This study quantifies, for the first time, the correlation between geogenic CO2 and several inorganic soil properties and the composition of SOM in physical fractions.
Exploring the Perceptions of Anal Cancer Screening and Behaviors Among Gay and Bisexual Men Infected With HIV.

BACKGROUND The incidence of anal cancer is on the rise among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM). Given the increasing availability of screening, this study explored anal cancer screening awareness and behaviors among MSM infected with HIV. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with 58 MSM infected with HIV. RESULTS Other than 2 participants treated for anal cancer and 3 treated for precancerous anal lesions, the majority of participants had never heard of anal cancer. Men reported lack of awareness and recommendations from their health care professionals as the greatest barriers to screening. Upon learning about their risk for anal cancer and the availability of screening, the men were eager to discuss screening with their physicians. Participants provided numerous recommendations for future interventions, including training health care professionals to promote screening, disseminating information pertaining to anal cancer through social networks, and creating media campaigns to raise awareness about the need to screen for this type of cancer. CONCLUSIONS Future intervention work should focus on ensuring that health care professionals, particularly among HIV/primary care specialists, promote screening for anal dysplasia. It is critical that intervention methods use a community-based approach to raise awareness about the need to screen for anal cancer, especially among MSM infected with HIV.
Relationship between antibacterial activity of chitosan and surface characteristics of cell wall.

AIM Five representative waterborne pathogens were used to illustrate the relationship between chitosan's antibacterial activity and the surface characteristics of the bacterial cell wall. METHODS Chitosan was prepared with averaged 75% or 95% deacetylated degree to examine its antibacterial activity against waterborne pathogens. Fresh microbial inoculants for the antibacterial assessment were prepared on nutrient agar at 37 degrees for 24 h. The evaluation items of antibacterial mechanism included hydrophilicity and negative charge analysis of cell surface, and adsorptive characteristics of chitosan to bacterial cell. All the experiments were applied in triplicate tests at least. RESULTS Although cell wall hydrophilicity was similar among Gram-negative bacteria, the distribution of negative charge on their cell surfaces was quite different. More negatively charged cell surfaces had a greater interaction with chitosan, a phenomenon further confirmed by transmission electron micrography (TEM). CONCLUSION Results showed the hydrophilicity in Gram-negative bacteria was much higher than in Gram-positive ones. The correlation coefficient 0.988 between the amount of absorbed chitosan and its inhibition efficiency indicated a close relationship.
Natural Flavonoids as Potential Herbal Medication for the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus and its Complications

Diabetes mellitus, together with its various complications, is becoming a serious threat to human health. Natural products are secondary metabolites widely distributed in plants, having a broad range of biological activities. The development of antidiabetic medication from natural products, especially those originating from plants with a traceable folk-usage history in treating diabetes, is receiving more attention. Many studies highlighted not only the benefits of natural flavonoids with hypoglycemic effects, but also their importance in the management of diabetic complications. This review describes selected natural flavonoids that have been validated for their hypoglycemic properties, together with their mechanisms of action. Also discussed are their activities in the treatment of diabetic complications demonstrated via laboratory diabetic animal models, in vitro and clinical trials using human subjects. Published papers from 2000 to date on flavonoids and diabetes were covered through accessing Web of Science and multiple databases for biomedical sciences. The major potential benefits of natural flavonoids discussed in this review clearly suggest that these substances are lead compounds with sufficient structural diversity of great importance in the antidiabetic drug developing process.
Inactivation of Salmonella on Eggshells by Chlorine Dioxide Gas

Microbiological contamination of eggs should be prevented in the poultry industry, as poultry is one of the major reservoirs of human Salmonella. ClO2 gas has been reported to be an effective disinfectant in various industry fields, particularly the food industry. The aims of this study were to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of chlorine dioxide gas on two strains of Salmonella inoculated onto eggshells under various experimental conditions including concentrations, contact time, humidity, and percentage organic matter. As a result, it was shown that chlorine dioxide gas under wet conditions was more effective in inactivating Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Gallinarum compared to that under dry conditions independently of the presence of organic matter (yeast extract). Under wet conditions, a greater than 4 log reduction in bacterial populations was achieved after 30 min of exposure to ClO2 each at 20 ppm, 40 ppm, and 80 ppm against S. Enteritidis; 40 ppm and 80 ppm against S. Gallinarum. These results suggest that chlorine dioxide gas is an effective agent for controlling Salmonella, the most prevalent contaminant in the egg industry.
Preclinical evaluation of therapeutic effects of targeted cytotoxic analogs of somatostatin and bombesin on human gastric carcinomas

New modalities are necessary for the treatment of patients with unresectable gastric carcinoma. The authors investigated whether receptors for somatostatin and bombesin were present in human gastric carcinoma lines and tested the antitumor effects of cytotoxic somatostatin analog AN‐238 and cytotoxic bombesin conjugate AN‐215.
Cold spray coating: review of material systems and future perspectives

Cold gas dynamic spray or simply cold spray (CS) is a process in which solid powders are accelerated in a de Laval nozzle toward a substrate. If the impact velocity exceeds a threshold value, particles endure plastic deformation and adhere to the surface. Different materials such as metals, ceramics, composites and polymers can be deposited using CS, creating a wealth of interesting opportunities towards harvesting particular properties. CS is a novel and promising technology to obtain surface coating, offering several technological advantages over thermal spray since it utilizes kinetic rather than thermal energy for deposition. As a result, tensile residual stresses, oxidation and undesired chemical reactions can be avoided. Development of new material systems with enhanced properties covering a wide range of required functionalities of surfaces and interfaces, from internal combustion engines to biotechnology, brought forth new opportunities to the cold spraying with a rich variety of material combinations. As applications multiply, the total number of studies on this subject is expanding rapidly and it is worth summarizing the current state of knowledge. This review covers different material systems that have been studied up to now with an emphasis on potential innovative applications. This includes metallic, ceramic and metal matrix composite (MMC) coatings and their applications. Polymer (both as substrate and coating) and metal embedment in the polymer are also covered. CS has emerged as a promising process to deposit nanostructured materials without significantly altering their microstructure whereas many traditional consolidation processes do. Relevant material systems containing nanostructured powders are also considered. A critical discussion on the future of this technology is provided at the final part of the paper focusing on the microstructural bonding mechanisms for those relatively less explored material systems. These include MMCs involving more than one constituent, ceramics, polymers and nanostructured powders. Future investigations are suggested especially to quantitatively link the process parameters and the behaviour of the material systems of interest during impact.
What has become of the psychotherapy of schizophrenia? *

The psychotherapy of schizophrenia has undergone major changes in the past two generations and mirrors larger paradigmatic shifts in thinking about severe mental illness and its treatment. Despite being endangered acutely by fiscal crises in our current health care systems, the psychotherapy of schizophrenia continues to evolve in a healthy manner as advances are made In our understanding of schizophrenia.
Evidence for Selective Transformation of Autoreactive Immature Plasma Cells in Mice Deficient in Fasl

Germline mutations in Fas and Fasl induce nonmalignant T cell hyperplasia and systemic autoimmunity and also greatly increase the risk of B cell neoplasms. B lymphomas occurring in Fasl mutant (gld) mice usually are immunoglobulin (Ig) isotype switched, secrete Ig, and are plasmacytoid in appearance but lack Myc translocations characteristic of other plasma cell (PC) neoplasms. Here, we explore the relationship between B cell autoreactivity and transformation and use gene expression profiling to further classify gld plasmacytoid lymphomas (PLs) and to identify genes of potential importance in transformation. We found that the majority of PLs derive from antigen-experienced autoreactive B cells producing antinuclear antibody or rheumatoid factor and exhibit the skewed Ig V gene repertoire and Ig gene rearrangement patterns associated with these specificities. Gene expression profiling revealed that both primary and transplanted PLs share a transcriptional profile that places them at an early stage in PC differentiation and distinguishes them from other B cell neoplasms. In addition, genes were identified whose altered expression might be relevant in lymphomagenesis. Our findings provide a strong case for targeted transformation of autoreactive B cells in gld mice and establish a valuable model for understanding the relationship between systemic autoimmunity and B cell neoplasia.