Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Summer drought predictability over Europe: empirical versus dynamical forecasts

Seasonal climate forecasts could be an important planning tool for farmers, government and insurance companies that can lead to better and timely management of seasonal climate risks. However, climate seasonal forecasts are often under-used, because potential users are not well aware of the capabilities and limitations of these products. This study aims at assessing the merits and caveats of a statistical empirical method, the ensemble streamflow prediction system (ESP, an ensemble based on reordering historical data) and an operational dynamical forecast system, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts—System 4 (S4) in predicting summer drought in Europe. Droughts are defined using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index for the month of August integrated over 6 months. Both systems show useful and mostly comparable deterministic skill. We argue that this source of predictability is mostly attributable to the observed initial conditions. S4 shows only higher skill in terms of ability to probabilistically identify drought occurrence. Thus, currently, both approaches provide useful information and ESP represents a computationally fast alternative to dynamical prediction applications for drought prediction.
Comparison of Tear Lipid Profile among Basal, Reflex, and Flush Tear Samples

Purpose To determine whether tear collection by flushing the ocular surface with saline (flush tears) or collection by stimulation (reflex tears) can be used as an alternative to basal tear collection for the identification and quantification of lipids in the tear film. Methods Tear samples were collected from 10 participants with no history of ocular surface disease or contact lens wear. Up to 10 &mgr;l of basal, reflex, and flush tear samples were collected from each eye using a microcapillary tube on three occasions with the order of methods randomized and allowing at least 24 hours between each collection method. Lipids were quantified from each tear sample using nano-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Results Total lipids significantly differed in their concentration (pmol/&mgr;l) and mole % with each collection technique. Cholesterol esters [mean % (SE)] formed the major component of the total lipidome in basal [54.8% (3.1)], reflex [35.7% (6.4)], and flush [33.0% (3.1)] tear samples. However, the mole % of each lipid class substantially varied with each tear collection method. Nonpolar lipids, including cholesterol, wax esters, and triacylglycerols, dominated the tear lipidome in basal [92.8% (1.9)], reflex [71.8% (7.9)], and flush [83.6% (3.8)] tear samples. However, the mole % of phospholipids in reflex [27.5% (8.1)] and flush [15.8% (3.8)] tear samples was higher (p = 0.005) than that in basal tears [5.4% (2.0)]. Conclusions Flush or reflex tears did not have similar lipid profiles in either concentration or in mole % to basal tears. It is recommended that basal tears are used for tear lipid analysis as the reflex or flush tears contain very low levels of most lipid components.
Screening for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): can high-risk children be identified in first grade?

AIM Recent studies have demonstrated the beneficial long-term effects of an indicated parent support programme for acting out behaviour in pre-school children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits. In this study we wanted to assess different thresholds for screening with the Conners scale for hyperactive-inattentive behaviours in first grade for ADHD in grade four. METHOD The study population consisted of 422 first graders (6- to 7-year-olds) in one municipality in Stockholm County who were screened with Conners 10-item scale and followed up by ADHD assessment in grade four. Sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and positive predictive value (PPV) of the screening by parents and teachers in first grade for being diagnosed with ADHD in fourth grade were calculated. RESULTS The prevalence of pervasive and situational ADHD was 5.7% and 5.9% respectively. A score ≥ 10 on the Conners scale in first grade in teachers' reports identified 63% [95% confidence interval (CI): 43-79] of children diagnosed with pervasive ADHD in grade four (P < 0.001) with a PPV of 29% and a positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 6.72. Parental reports of a score ≥ 10 yielded a lower sensitivity (29%; 95% CI: 15-49), PPV of 20% and LR+ of 4.24 for pervasive ADHD. The best predictor was a combination of parent and teacher scores ≥ 10 with a PPV of 50% and LR+ of 16.63. Associations with situational ADHD were weak with LR+ of 1.81 and 2.49, respectively, for teachers' and parental scores ≥ 10. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates a strong association between a teacher's report of a score ≥ 10 on the Conners scale in first grade and pervasive ADHD in grade four, while parental reports were less predictive.
Blood pressure and heart rate regulating capacity of the carotid sinus during changes in blood volume distribution in man.

The influence of changes in blood volume distribution on the carotid baroreflex was studied in 18 subjects. Blood volume distribution was changed by varying the pressure around the lower body above and below ambient, thereby varying the amount of blood pooled in this region and exerting a secondary influence on the central blood volume. The carotid arterial stretch receptors were stimulated by varying the pressure in air-tight box enclosing the neck. To obtain a standardized carotid sinus stimulus (SCS) the pressure in the box was varied sinusoidally between - 10 and - 40 mmHg with a fixed freqency of 0.03 Hz. The effects on heart rate and blood pressure were assessed by harmonic analysis performed off-line on a digital computer. During lower body negative pressure of -40 mmHg (LBNP -40), i.e. during a procedure known to reduce the central blood volume, SCS induced an augmented effect on the blood pressure regulating capacity but not on the heart rate response. Expressing the blood pressure regulating capacity as peak-to-peak changes in systolic arterial pressure, the response during LBNP -40 mmHg was almost twice the control value. The opposite stimulus-lower body postive pressure-influenced the SCS-induced effects only slightly but on the average a minor reduction in both blood pressure and heart rate regulating capacity was found compared with the control condition, though the difference did not reach significant levels. The results support the hypothesis that changes in blood volume distribution modify the function of the carotid baroreflex, possibly via intrathoracic receptors sensitive to changes in central blood volume and/or central venous pressure.
Changing response of the North Atlantic/European winter climate to the 11 year solar cycle

Recent studies have presented conflicting results regarding the 11 year solar cycle (SC) influences on winter climate over the North Atlantic/European region. Analyses of only the most recent decades suggest a synchronized North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)-like response pattern to the SC. Analyses of long-term climate data sets dating back to the late 19th century, however, suggest a mean sea level pressure (mslp) response that lags the SC by 2–4 years in the southern node of the NAO (i.e. Azores region). To understand the conflicting nature and cause of these time dependencies in the SC surface response, the present study employs a lead/lag multi-linear regression technique with a sliding window of 44 years over the period 1751–2016. Results confirm previous analyses, in which the average response for the whole time period features a statistically significant 2–4 year lagged mslp response centered over the Azores region. Overall, the lagged nature of Azores mslp response is generally consistent in time. Stronger and statistically significant SC signals tend to appear in the periods when the SC forcing amplitudes are relatively larger. Individual month analysis indicates the consistent lagged response in December–January–February average arises primarily from early winter months (i.e. December and January), which has been associated with ocean feedback processes that involve reinforcement by anomalies from the previous winter. Additional analysis suggests that the synchronous NAO-like response in recent decades arises primarily from late winter (February), possibly reflecting a result of strong internal noise.
Developing histone deacetylase inhibitors in the therapeutic armamentarium of pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Introduction: Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are commonly dysregulated in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) and have a central role in the development and progression of the disease. HDAC is a family of enzymes involved in deacetylation of lysine residues on histone and non-histone proteins. Deacetylation of histone proteins leads to compaction of the DNA/histone complex resulting in inhibition of gene expression. Deacetylation of non-histone proteins can affect the stability and function of key proteins leading to dysregulation of cellular signaling pathways. HDAC inhibitors have been shown to potentiate the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of several cytotoxic agents, in vitro and in vivo PA xenograft models. Areas covered: The areas covered include the biology and function of the HDAC isoenzymes and their significant role in multiple oncogenic pathways in PA. Preclinical and clinical trials evaluating HDAC inhibitors are also reviewed. Expert opinion: Despite discouraging early phase clinical trials evaluating HDAC inhibitors in PA, this strategy deserves further evaluation guided by better preclinical studies in identifying the role of specific HDAC isoenzyme inhibitors in PA. Evaluation of the effects of HDAC inhibitors on PA stem cell function and epithelial to mesenchymal transformation is also an evolving area that holds future potential for these agents. Such preclinical studies will yield insight into the functionality of HDAC isoenzymes, which can then be translated into rationally designed clinical trials. One such strategy could focus on HDAC inhibition employed in combination with proteasome inhibition targeting the aggresome pathway in PA.
Differential Vulnerability of Hippocampus, Basal Ganglia, and Prefrontal Cortex to Long-Term NMDA Excitotoxicity

In human brain, nonartherosclerotic calcification is associated with normal aging and several pathological conditions without any clear significance. In all situations, calcification appears predominantly in the basal ganglia, but is also frequent in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. alpha-Amino-(3-hydroxi-5-methyl-4-isoxazol-4-il)-propionic acid-induced lesion of the globus pallidus is associated in rats with the formation of calcium deposits similar to those observed in the human brain. To determine whether direct neuronal activation may induce calcification, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) was microinjected in rat hippocampus, globus pallidus, and lateral prefrontal cortex. Two months later, neuronal death was associated with calcium deposits that were characterized in terms of distribution and size. A unique population of deposits was present in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, whereas in the globus pallidus two main groups could be differentiated. Calcification was always associated with a significant microglial reaction as shown by the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor autoradiography. Monoamine oxidase B autoradiography, reflecting the astroglial reaction, was also significantly increased. Our results provide evidence that acute NMDA neuronal activation leads with time to calcification associated with a glial reaction and indicate that nonartherosclerotic calcification in the human brain may develop from an acute NMDA receptor activation. A key role of the metabotropic mGluR1 receptor is also suggested.
Indivisible Wholes & Fragmented Realities: On the Aggregation of Disaster Risk Information

Division of labor and trade have been prerequisites for the development of welfare societies. Ironically, this specialization has caused a fragmentation of the knowledge necessary to understand risks that may undermine societal safety. This has not only prompted a need for inter-organizational exchange and integration of disaster risk information, it has also prompted a need for understanding how it ought to be done.Using Sweden as a study case, this thesis explores what aggregation of disaster risk information from multiple organizations entails in terms of activities, the challenges involved, and means to address them. Specifically, it focuses on public authorities and their quest to understand and cater for societal safety by assembling, synthesizing, and disseminating disaster risk information, as well as providing feedback on information received from others. Inspired by critical realism and design science, the studies are based on multiple methodologies and sources, involving literature reviews, content analyses, and experiments, as well as extensive interaction (through workshops and interviews) with disaster management professionals. The outcomes include a suggested definition for aggregation in the context of disaster risk management systems, and the identification of the causes and effects of a number of challenges related to its realization. However, the thesis also contains proposals that are likely to facilitate the aggregation of disaster risk information and, hence, the chance to make sound decisions in support of societal safety. (Less)
Mitochondrial DNA Mutations, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis in Mammalian Aging

Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) accumulate in tissues of mammalian species and have been hypothesized to contribute to aging. We show that mice expressing a proofreading-deficient version of the mitochondrial DNA polymerase g (POLG) accumulate mtDNA mutations and display features of accelerated aging. Accumulation of mtDNA mutations was not associated with increased markers of oxidative stress or a defect in cellular proliferation, but was correlated with the induction of apoptotic markers, particularly in tissues characterized by rapid cellular turnover. The levels of apoptotic markers were also found to increase during aging in normal mice. Thus, accumulation of mtDNA mutations that promote apoptosis may be a central mechanism driving mammalian aging.
Understanding Social Performance: A ‘Practice Drift’ at the Frontline of Microfinance Institutions in Bangladesh

This article examines the role of microfinance staff and procedures in enabling microfinance's social mission. It does so primarily through studying institutional ruling relations and practices in rural Bangladesh. Attempting to move away from the linear and deterministic approaches of impact studies, it ethnographically scrutinizes the everyday practices of implementers. Findings point to the emergence of systemic practices that jeopardize microfinance institutions’ potential to perform their social mission. These include low client‐selection standards, hard selling of loans and forceful loan renewal, little follow‐up on loan use, and abusive and violent client‐retention and repayment‐collection strategies. This is conceptualized as a ‘practice drift’ as distinct from the commonly reported ‘mission drift’. Rather than stemming from planned, top‐down changes in institutional mission and strategy, practice drift emerges from a displacement of decision‐making processes to the branches. The article argues that observed changes in microfinance practice are enabled by decentralized structures and management systems that leave the choice of tactics used to achieve targets to the discretion of field staff.
The Pathology of Human Diabetic Neuropathy

Quantitative morphological data are presented from a series of studies assessing both nerve fiber and capillary pathology in 30 diabetic patients with varying stages and symptoms of neuropathy. There is a significant relationship between clinical measures of neuropathic severity and myelinated fiber loss. However, unmyelinated fibers continue to regenerate even in patients with established neuropathy. Microvascular abnormalities, particularly basement membrane thickening and endothelial cell hyperplasia, are an early feature of diabetic microangiopathy and relate to neuropathic severity. There are no neurophysiological or morphological differences between patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes nor between diabetic patients with and without painful neuropathy.
Understanding smallholder farmers' capacity to respond to climate change in a coastal community in Central Vietnam

Climate change as expressed by erratic rainfall, increased flooding, extended droughts, frequency tropical cyclones or saline water intrusion, poses severe threats to smallholder farmers in Vietnam. Adaptation of the agricultural sector is vital to increase the resilience of smallholder farmers’ livelihoods in times of climate change. To complement efforts already implemented by farmers to reduce social vulnerability it is important to understand how farmers perceive their current and future capacity to adapt to climate change. This paper aims to explore smallholder farmers’ capacity to respond to climate change in current and future agricultural production. We carried out open, in-depth interviews (n = 13), focus group discussions, and structured interviews (n = 114) in the Thua Thien Hue province. Our findings show that farmers nowadays experience more extreme climate variability. Farmers report increasing stresses due to temperature increase and droughts. The autonomous adaptation strategies adopted by farmers include; adjusting the season calendar, using tolerant varieties and breeds, applying integrated crop production models, and income diversification. The motives for adopting particular planned adaptation options differ between farmers in crop production and livestock production. Four factors were found to be significant (p < .05) in influencing the spread of adaptation measures (AMs) farmers adopted: farm income, the number of available information sources, number of workers on the farm, and farmable land available during the summer season. Farmers report several barriers to implement adaptation strategies including; market price fluctuations, lack of skilled labour, lack of climate change information, and lack of capacity to learn and apply techniques in their daily practice. While both crop and livestock farmers participated in one or several training courses on climate change in the past years, livestock farmers were still uncertain about their future capacity and possible AMs.
Novel use of synthetic oligonucleotide insertion mutants for the study of homologous recombination in mammalian cells.

Thymidine kinase-deficient mouse L cells have been transformed with plasmid DNAs carrying 8-base-pair Xho I linker insertion mutations in the coding region of the herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase gene. When the mutant plasmids are introduced individually into LTK- cells, transformation efficiencies are greatly reduced relative to the wild type. However, when two mutant plasmids are cotransferred into the same LTK- recipients, significantly higher frequencies of transformation are observed (30-300 times). Here we demonstrate the usefulness of linker insertions for the study of homologous recombination in detecting the existence of normal thymidine kinase gene sequences (i.e., sequences lacking the insertions after recombination are substantiated by DNA . DNA hybridization). In addition, the frequencies of recombination in the various "crosses" are consistent with the known positions of the mutations.
Food Waste Recovery with Takakura Portable Compost Boxes in Offices and Working Places

The Takakura technique converts food waste into compost. This project explored the potential use of composting in offices and workplaces. The method involves using small boxes containing a fermentation substrate where food waste is added. Two Takakura composting boxes (TCBs) were placed in the kitchens of the Chemistry Department and the Environmental Engineering buildings at the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Costa Rica. Food waste from both buildings, comprising the food waste of 45 staff members, were composted from June to December 2015. All types of food, except grease, oil, raw meat, and bones, were processed. The mass and volume of food added to the boxes were quantified daily. A chemical analysis of the compost was also performed. A speech was given to educate the staff members about the system. A survey, before and after the speech, was developed to evaluate the knowledge and tolerance towards composting in closed spaces. A total mass of 88.29 kg, equivalent to 232 L of residues, was processed, from which 17.37 kg (37 L) of compost was obtained. This represented a mass and volume reduction of 80% and 84%, respectively. Compost analysis gave a C/N ratio of 14.7/1, indicative of maturity. Most of the staff members (92%) agreed to the separation of waste at the source. However, 37% suggested allocating the box outside the building. The survey, after the speech, showed that educating staff is necessary before installing boxes at a workplace.
Reframing birth: a consequence of cesarean section.

AIM This paper is a report of a study to describe the childbirth expectations, influences and knowledge of a group of Western Australian women who experienced a cesarean section (CS) and would prefer a CS in a subsequent pregnancy. BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that a previous CS is not an indication for an elective CS in a subsequent pregnancy, but western world data indicate high probability of repeat CS. METHODS Community advertisements invited women who had experienced a CS to participate in a telephone interview. The thematic analysis presented in this paper is derived from data collected during 2003/2004 from 49 participants who had initially expected to birth vaginal but had a CS and who had planned a CS in a subsequent pregnancy or stated that they would choose this option in a future pregnancy. FINDINGS Before the first CS most women expected and wanted to give birth normally. After having a CS, however, many reframed vaginal birth as uncertain, unsafe and unachievable. For this group of women, the medical discourse that promoted CS as the safest option was a major influence on their decisions. As a result, they reconstructed CS as an acceptable alternative that was safer for them and their babies, allowed them to be better prepared, and was convenient. CONCLUSION In the present climate, enabling women to keep birth 'fear' in perspective may be an important strategy if we are to improve the uptake of vaginal birth after CS and the quality of care offered to women during the normal, but major, life event of childbirth.