Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RELAÇÃO INTENSIDADE-DURAÇÃO-FREQUÊNCIA DE CHUVAS EXTREMAS NA REGIÃO NORDESTE DO BRASIL

As relacoes intensidade-duracao-frequencia (IDF) possibilitam a determinacao da chuva de projeto, importante no dimensionamento de obras hidraulicas nas areas urbanas e rurais. A escassez de estacoes pluviograficas levou ao desenvolvimento de metodologias que permitam a estimacao da relacao IDF por meio de tecnicas de desagregacao de chuvas utilizando dados de pluviometros. Neste contexto, objetivaram-se a geracao de mapas tematicos dos parâmetros ajustados das relacoes IDF, para 2.042 estacoes pluviometricas, localizadas na regiao Nordeste do Brasil. Foram selecionadas as estacoes pluviometricas que apresentaram series historicas com, no minimo, 15 anos de observacoes diarias ininterruptas. As chuvas de 1 dia foram desagregadas, permitindo assim a geracao das series de chuvas com duracoes de 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 60, 360, 480, 600, 720 e 1440 minutos. O modelo de probabilidade de Gumbel foi empregado na analise da distribuicao de frequencia e na estimativa das chuvas intensas para os periodos de retorno de 5, 10, 25, 50 e 100 anos. Na verificacao da aderencia das frequencias estimadas as observadas utilizou-se do teste do Qui-quadrado e a qualidade do ajuste dos parâmetros das relacoes IDF, o coeficiente de desempenho de Willmott. Para todas as estacoes empregadas neste estudo, os coeficientes de desempenho de Willmott apresentaram valores acima de 0,85, conferindo um perfeito ajuste das relacoes IDF com coeficientes de determinacao proximos de 1,0. A constatacao da dependencia espacial dos parâmetros da relacao IDF por meio do coeficiente de variacao, permitiu a utilizacao da tecnica de krigagem na regionalizacao dos valores, gerando mapas tematicos que originaram informacoes para locais desprovidos de monitoramento. A qualidade da superficie predita foi avaliada por meio da analise de erros gerados pela validacao que seguiram uma distribuicao normal, premissa basica desejavel em geoestatistica.
Randomised clinical trials.

persistent cough following radiotherapy. An inhalation of lignocaine relieved the cough within two hours and the effect continued for a week when a further inhalation was given. Since that time there has been no recurrence of the severe coughing fits. Each of these patients obtained relief with lignocaine 400 mg in saline administered via a Bird Micronebulizer. Salbutamol 2-5 mg was given by wet inhalation immediately before each treatment. It is our impression that mucus clearance was not impaired in these three patients. From this very limited experience we would not withhold lignocaine aerosol treatment in any patient who had distressing and otherwise uncontrollable cough and was suffering a fatal illness. We would agree with you that further evaluation of this technique is necessary in other types of illness giving rise to severe cough, particularly until the possible effects on mucus clearance is better understood. C J STEWART T J CoADY
VDR FokI polymorphism and its potential role in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus and its complications

The aim of the study is evaluating the associations of FokI vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and its relations with postpartum metabolic syndrome. In a cohort study, 303 women referred to outpatient clinic of Shariati Hospital. The VDR FokI genotypes were determined. All subjects were followed 6–12 weeks after delivery. The frequencies of Ff, FF, and ff genotypes were 30.4% (49), 63.4% (102), and 6.2% (10), respectively, in healthy pregnancies and 34.5% (49), 54.9% (78), and 10.6% (15), respectively, in GDM patients. The ff genotype was more common in GDM patients. Healthy individuals had higher frequency of F allele, suggesting that F allele may have a role in decreased incidence of GDM. Concerning the GDM risk factors, f allele had significant association with prepregnancy obesity and family history of diabetes. In postpartum follow-up, women who developed metabolic syndrome were significantly older with higher prepregnancy body mass index, had more family history of diabetes, and also their ff genotype was two fold more frequent. Our results indicate a meaningful association between FokI VDR genotypes and an increase risk of GDM in Iranian population as well as its effects on postpartum metabolic syndrome.
Antibody Responses to Zika Virus Infections in Environments of Flavivirus Endemicity

ABSTRACT Zika virus (ZIKV) infections occur in areas where dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV), yellow fever virus (YFV), and other viruses of the genus Flavivirus cocirculate. The envelope (E) proteins of these closely related flaviviruses induce specific long-term immunity, yet subsequent infections are associated with cross-reactive antibody responses that may enhance disease susceptibility and severity. To gain a better understanding of ZIKV infections against a background of similar viral diseases, we examined serological immune responses to ZIKV, WNV, DENV, and YFV infections of humans and nonhuman primates (NHPs). Using printed microarrays, we detected very specific antibody responses to primary infections with probes of recombinant E proteins from 15 species and lineages of flaviviruses pathogenic to humans, while high cross-reactivity between ZIKV and DENV was observed with 11 printed native viruses. Notably, antibodies from human primary ZIKV or secondary DENV infections that occurred in areas where flavivirus is endemic broadly recognized E proteins from many flaviviruses, especially DENV, indicating a strong influence of infection history on immune responses. A predictive algorithm was used to tentatively identify previous encounters with specific flaviviruses based on serum antibody interactions with the multispecies panel of E proteins. These results illustrate the potential impact of exposure to related viruses on the outcome of ZIKV infection and offer considerations for development of vaccines and diagnostics.
An 8-bit 500kS/s semi-digital cyclic ADC with time-mode residue voltage generation

This work presents a semi-digital cyclic ADC with time-mode residue voltage generation. In the proposed scheme, the conventional switched-capacitor MDAC is replaced with a time-mode circuit which generates the residue voltage by controlling the charge and discharge interval of a capacitor. As a result, a semi-digital cyclic ADC can be realized using simple circuit components including capacitors, comparators, DC current source, and digital logics. Without the amplifier, the analog blocks can operate under a lower supply voltage that leads to reduced power consumption. Furthermore, a compact ADC can be realized by using small sized capacitors. An 8-bit, 500kS/s cyclic ADC is realized using CMOS 0. 35μm technology, where the power consumption is 36. 7μW.
Updating of RDF / S Databases under Negative and Tuple-Generating Constraints

In this paper, we address the issue of updating RDF/S databases, in which constraints are imposed. Contrary to standard approaches where constraints are restricted to those inherently defined by the data model, we also consider constraints imposed by the particular application modelled by the database. All these constraints fall in two categories, called positive and negative, generalizing the well known keyforeign key constraints. Based on a chasing technique, we propose a deterministic update strategy which deals with sets of insertions and deletions over RDF/S instances, while satisfying consistency and minimal change requirements. The time complexity of our approach is polynomial.
First record of Pipistrellus kuhlii (Chiroptera) from Slovakia

Pipistrellus kuhlii (Kuhl, 1817) has a Palearctic and Afrotropic distribution. It ranges from the Canary Islands eastward to 93◦ E in S Asia, most of Africa and throughout S and W Europe – from the Iberian Peninsula and France to S Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, the Balkan states and SW Russia (VERNIER & BOGDANOWICZ, 1999; HORACEK et al., 2000; SPITZENBERGER & BAUER, 2001; BOGDANOWICZ, 2004). On 31 May 2006 an adult male P. kuhlii was recorded in City Park of Nitra (Nitrianska pahorkatina Highlands, W Slovakia, 48◦18′ N, 18◦04′ E; 140 m a.s.l.). The bat was caught in a 3.5 m high mist net erected on a bank of a small fishpond (ca. 200 × 80 m) surrounded by willows. External measurements of the bat were: body 43 mm, tail 40 mm, forearm 32.8 mm, hind foot 6 mm, ear 11 mm, tragus 5 mm, 3 finger 58.2 mm, 5 finger 41.2 mm and wingspan 235 mm. The weight was 4.9 g. The bat was yellow-brown in color on the dorsal side of its body; the ears and face were brown. The wing was bordered by a 1–1.5 mm contrasting white margin between the 3 finger and the tail (Fig. 1). The first upper incisor had a single cusp and the second incisor was almost impossible to recognise (15× magnifying glass). At the same location, several Pipistrellus nathusii (Keyserling et Blasius, 1839) were caught simultaneously with the P. kuhlii, so it was possible to compare the characteristics of both these quite similar species. The bat was photographically documented, banded (SLOVAKIA A 0597), allowed to drink and released again in the park, at night, on 4 June 2006. The nearest record of this species is from Vienna, Austria, 130 km W (BOGDANOWICZ, 2004). Nitra is now the most northerly location recorded for this species in C Europe and it is consistent with its anticipated spread northwards (FIEDLER et al., 1999; BOGDANOWICZ, 2004). The occurrence of this species in an urban area was also typical for this species, as it exhibits one of the highest degrees of synanthropy among bat species in Europe (BOGDANOWICZ, 2004). It is interesting that four congeneric species were hunting together in the park: Pipistrellus kuhlii, P. pipistrellus (Schreber, 1774), P. pygmaeus (Leach, 1825) and P. nathusii. Although P. kuhlii was already listed as a member of Slovakian mammal fauna (BABOR, 1943) this was challenged by FERIANC (1946) as unsubstantiated. A Pipistrellus sp. with a white margin on the wing membrane was mistnetted in Kirť (Ipeľska kotlina basin, S Slovakia, 48◦06′ N, Fig. 1. Contrasting white margin on the wing (between the 3rd finger and the tail) is typical character for P. kuhlii.
A LAT Mutation That Inhibits T Cell Development Yet Induces Lymphoproliferation

Mice homozygous for a single tyrosine mutation in LAT (linker for activation of T cells) exhibited an early block in T cell maturation but later developed a polyclonal lymphoproliferative disorder and signs of autoimmune disease. T cell antigen receptor (TCR)–induced activation of phospholipase C–γ1 (PLC-γ1) and of nuclear factor of activated T cells, calcium influx, interleukin-2 production, and cell death were reduced or abrogated in T cells from LAT mutant mice. In contrast, TCR-induced Erk activation was intact. These results identify a critical role for integrated PLC-γ1 and Ras-Erk signaling through LAT in T cell development and homeostasis.
Dogwood Borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) Infestation of Horned Oak Galls

Abstract Pin oak, Quercus palustris Muenchhausen, is the primary host for the gall wasp Callirhytis cornigera (Osten Sacken). Woody stem galls formed by C. cornigera may be infested by the dogwood borer, Synanthedon scitula (Harris), an important pest of flowering dogwood, Cornus florida L. Previous research has shown that S. scitula has a bimodal seasonal flight pattern, with peaks in late spring and midsummer. We tested the hypothesis that moths emerging from dogwoods largely account for the first flight pulse, whereas emergence from stem galls contributes disproportionately to the second pulse. Seasonal flight activity of S. scitula was monitored with pheromone traps baited with Z,Z-3,13-octadecadien-1-ol acetate. Traps were hung near plantings of dogwoods in suburban landscapes or near heavily galled pin oaks. Borer emergence from dogwood was monitored by sampling infested trees for pupal exuviae, and from galls that were collected and held in outdoor rearing cages. The impact of S. scitula on C. cornigera larvae was assessed by weighing, measuring, and dissecting galls. Flight activity of S. scitula began on 5 May and ended on 13 October 1999, with peaks in late May and in late July to early August. The flight pattern was similar for the two types of trapping sites, and moths emerged from both hosts during both flight periods. Proportionately more moths emerged from dogwoods during the first flight pulse than during the second, but emergence from galls was nearly evenly divided between the two flight peaks. We therefore reject the hypothesis that emergence of borers from galls contributes disproportionately to the second flight period. Approximately 12–15% of stem galls (2–3 yr old) contained S. scitula larvae. Feeding and tunneling by borers contributed to gall desiccation and reduced horn development, but rarely killed C. cornigera larvae. This study has implications for management of S. scitula because borers emerging from horned oak galls may represent a threat to dogwood.
Synaptic relationships between neurons containing vasopressin, gastrin‐releasing peptide, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, and glutamate decarboxylase immunoreactivity in the suprachiasmatic nucleus: Dual ultrastructural immunocytochemistry with gold‐substituted silver peroxidase

In order to examine the morphological substrates for neuronal connections between cells of the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) that contain immunoreactivity for different neurotransmitters, a double ultrastructural immunocytochemical analysis was used. For double immunostaining, the first neuroactive substance antigen was labeled with goldsubstituted silver‐intensified peroxidase (GSSP), which results in a granular gold deposit of high electron and light opacity. The second antigen was labeled with peroxidase and a diaminobenzidine chromagen.
Polythene and Plastics-degrading microbes from the mangrove soil

Biodegradation of polythene bags and plastic cups was analyzed after 2, 4, 6, and 9 months of incubation in the mangrove soil. The biodegradation of polythene bags was significantly higher (up to 4.21% in 9 months) than that of plastic cups (up to 0.25% in 9 months). Microbial counts in the degrading materials were recorded up to 79.67 x 104 per gram for total heterotrophic bacteria, and up to 55.33 x 102 per gram for fungi. The microbial species found associated with the degrading materials were identified as five Gram positive and two Gram negative bacteria, and eight fungal species of Aspergillus. The species that were predominant were Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Micrococcus (Gram +ve), Moraxella, and Pseudomonas (Gram –ve) and two species of fungi (Aspergillus glaucus and A. niger). Efficacy of the microbial species in degradation of plastics and polythene was analyzed in shaker cultures. Among the bacteria, Pseudomonas species degraded 20.54% of polythene and 8.16% of plastics in one-month period. Among the fungal species, Aspergillus glaucus degraded 28.80% of polythene and 7.26% of plastics in one-month period. This work reveals that the mangrove soil is a good source of microbes capable of degrading polythene and plastics.
Indian Women ’ s Perspectives on Reproduction and Childlessness : Narrative Analysis

The present study attempted to explore the perspectives of Indian women on reproduction and childlessness. 250 women were requested to enlighten by their views about reproduction and infertility, using an open ended interview which had four questions. The narrative analysis revealed social, religious and medical issues influences their views regarding conception and childlessness. Results suggested that having a baby is essential and valuable for women as they are symbols of motherhood. Baby brings honor and esteem for females in the eyes of in-laws. Most of the women followed religious activities as well as medical treatment for conception and to overcome infertility.
Rethinking cultural competence

In recent years, cultural competence has become a popular term for a variety ofstrategies to address the challenge of cultural diversity in mental health services.This issue of Transcultural Psychiatry presents papers from the McGill AdvancedStudy Institute in Cultural Psychiatry on ‘‘Rethinking Cultural Competencefrom International Perspectives,’’ which was held in Montreal, April 27and 28, 2010. Selected papers from the meeting have been supplemented withother contributions to the journal that ﬁt the theme. Taken together, thesepapers show how conceptual analysis and critique of cultural competence canpoint toward ways to improve the cultural responsiveness, appropriateness andeﬀectiveness of clinical services, and in doing so contribute to reducinghealth disparities.Cultural diversity poses challenges to mental health services for many reasons.Culture inﬂuences the experience, expression, course and outcome of mentalhealth problems, help-seeking and the response to health promotion, preventionor treatment interventions. The clinical encounter is shaped by diﬀerencesbetween patient and clinician in social position and power, which are associatedwith diﬀerences in cultural knowledge and identity, language, religion and otheraspects of cultural identity. Speciﬁc ethnocultural or racialized groups may suﬀerhealth disparities and social disadvantage as a result of the meanings and mater-ial consequences of their socially constructed identities. In some instances, cul-tural processes may create or constitute unique social and psychological problemsor predicaments that deserve clinical attention. In culturally diverse societies,the dominant culture, which is expressed through social institutions, includingthe health care system, regulates what sorts of problems are recognized and whatkinds of social or cultural diﬀerences are viewed as worthy of attention.A large literature shows the importance of social determinants of healthincluding social status, employment, education, wealth and social support
The Aging Sperm: Is the Male Reproductive Capacity Ticking to Biological Extinction?

In other to provide some insight into the issue of male fertility with aging, several experimental, clinical and crossâsectional epidemiological studies have been undertaken to characterize the relationship between paternal ages as a marker of the semen quality and male fertility status. The present review summarizes, comprehensively, the mechanisms that tend to relate male aging and semen quality with their consequences on semen parameters. Review of English languageâpublished research articles from 1980, through 2013 was executed using Medline and Medscape databases. It was found that the semen volume, concentration and vitality of spermatozoa declined significantly with age. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentations, as well as abnormalities of sex chromosomes, were also reported as having a significant association with men’s age which may be one of the reasons for failure in some traditional in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles.
Broadband half-mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW) Wilkinson power divider

A broadband H-plane Wilkinson power divider that makes use of the half-mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW) technique is presented in this work for the first time. This broadband power divider utilizes the half-mode structure of SIWs such that the overall size is largely reduced at least by half. In addition, the lossy network or resistor branch is integrated with the SIW structure in order to obtain good output matching and isolation if unbalanced signals are combined or divided. The proposed concept is then validated by theoretical analysis and measurements. Good input return loss (S11) and insertion loss (S21, S31) performances are obtained theoretically and experimentally across a very broad bandwidth from 18 GHz up to 40 GHz. In the meanwhile, output return loss (S22, S33) and isolation (S23) better than −10 dB are also ensured across a 64% bandwidth from 18 GHz to 35 GHz.
Giant‐cell tumour of the salivary gland with associated carcinosarcoma

A 66-year-old woman presented with a parotid mass which had been present and stable for 13 years but, in the weeks prior to admission, had rapidly enlarged. Parotidectomy yielded a 5 cm, ovoid, well-circumscribed tumour with focal calcification. Microscopy demonstrated the majority of the tumour (approximately 80%) to be a giant-cell tumour characterized by numerous osteoclast-like giant cells regularly distributed amongst mononuclear stromal cells (Figure 1 ). The stromal cells, in areas, appeared benign but in other areas showed features of malignancy with enlarged, hyperchromatic nuclei and many mitoses. Growing like a crescentic cap upon the giant-cell tumour was a carcinosarcoma in which giant cells were absent (Figure 2). The epithelial portion of the carcinosarcoma resembled salivary duct carcinoma while the stromal portion was composed of malignant spindled cells with focal osteoid formation. The malignant mononuclear component of the giantcell tumour and the mesenchymal portion of the carcinosarcoma were virtually identical and appeared to blend together (Figure 3). Pleomorphic adenoma was
Novel antioxidant canolol reduces glucocorticoid induced oxidative stress in broiler chickens.

Canolol (4-vinyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol) a potent antioxidant extracted from canola oil was recently identified. Canolol exhibits a strong antialkylperoxyl radical activity more than well-known antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin C and quercetin. However, the antioxidative effect of canolol has been little studied in vivo. Therefore, the objective of this study was to research the possible antioxidative effects of canolol under oxidative stress in vivo using broiler chickens. Chickens were divided into 4 groups as fellows: control group, stress group (20 mg corticosterone/ kg diet), canolol group (100 mg canolol/ kg diet) and stress + canolol group. Chicks received the dietary treatment from 15 to 29 days of age. The body weight gain was significantly decreased by stress (corticosterone treatment), but canolol retained body weight gain under the stress. The same trend was observed in relative breast muscle weight. Moreover, canolol group was superior to the control group in the non-stressed groups. Stress decreased significantly the feed efficiency, and this effect was minimized by canolol treatment, while feed consumption was not affected by stress and canolol. Canolol significantly reduced the markers of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress as plasma total cholesterol and tissues TBARS and preserved high αtocopherol concentrations in liver and muscles. It may be concluded that, canolol enhances the broiler performance under oxidative stress.