Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of an appropriate low flow forecast model for the Meuse River.

This study investigates the selection of an appropriate low flow forecast model for the Meuse River based on the comparison of output uncertainties of different models. For this purpose, three data driven models have been developed for the Meuse River: a multivariate ARMAX model, a linear regression model and an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model. The uncertainty in these three models is assumed to be represented by the difference between observed and simulated discharge. The results show that the ANN low flow forecast model with one or two input variables(s) performed slightly better than the other statistical models when forecasting low flows for a lead time of seven days. The approach for the selection of an appropriate low flow forecast model adopted in this study can be used for other lead times and river basins as well.
A Computational Model of the Electromagnetic Heating of Biological Tissue with Application to Hyperthermic Cancer Therapy

To investigate the potentialities of hyperthermia as a cancer therapy, computer simulations have been performed. This simulation consists of two tuccessive steps. First, the heat generated in a distribution of biological tissue when irradiated by a source of electromagnetic radiation is computed. The mathematical tool for determining the disbution of generated heat is the domain-integral-equation technique. This technique enables us to determine in a body with arbitrary distribution of permittivity and conductivity the electromagnetic field due to prescribed sources. The integral equation is solved numerically by an iterative minimization of the integrated square error. From the computed distribution of generated heat, the temperature distribution follows by solving numerically the pertaining heat transfer problem. The relevant differential equation together with initial and boundary conditions is solved numerically using a finite-element technique in space and a finite-difference technique in time. Numerical results pertaining to the temperature distribution in a model of the human pelvis are presented.
Temperature-sensitive mutations in the gene encoding the small subunit of the vaccinia virus early transcription factor impair promoter binding, transcription activation, and packaging of multiple virion components

The vaccinia virus D6R open reading frame encodes the small subunit of the heterodimeric vaccinia virus early transcription factor (VETF) that activates transcription of early genes in vitro. VETF binds early gene promoters and has a DNA-dependent ATPase activity that is essential for activation of transcription. To examine the relationship between the structure and function of VETF, we have localized the mutations in two temperature-sensitive viruses whose lesions previously were mapped to the D6R gene. For both mutants, a single G-to-A nucleotide change that would alter protein coding potential was identified. In mutant E93, the codon for alanine 25 was changed to that of threonine, and in mutant S4 the codon for valine 278 was replaced with that for methionine. The molecular phenotype of each mutant was assessed by expressing mutant transcription factors in HeLa cells by using a vaccinia virus-T7 system and characterizing the proteins' activities in vitro. The A25T mutant activated transcription to a lesser extent than wild-type VETF, and the V278M mutant had no demonstrable transcription factor activity. Both mutant proteins were shown to be defective for promoter binding, accounting for their impairment in transcription activation. The functional defects for both mutants were observed at permissive as well as nonpermissive temperatures. The mutant proteins retained ATPase activity but required higher DNA concentrations to activate the ATPase. These results indicate that the small subunit of VETF is essential for its promoter binding activity and likely contacts the promoter DNA. Immunoblotting experiments showed that the virion particles from the two mutant viruses contained about half the VETF of wild-type virus, suggesting that promoter binding may contribute to packaging of VETF into the virion particle. RNA polymerase, mRNA capping enzyme, and nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase I were found at similarly reduced levels in the virion, indicating that packaging of some virion core enzymes may be interdependent.
Lower prevalence of IL-4 receptor alpha-chain gene G variant in very-low-birth-weight infants with necrotizing enterocolitis.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Altered production of immunoregulatory cytokines is associated with the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants. According to data obtained in adults, functional genetic polymorphisms influence cytokine production capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether functional polymorphisms of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-4 receptor alpha-chain (IL-4ra), IL-6, and IL-10 genes might be associated with the risk of NEC in VLBW infants. METHODS Dried blood spot samples of 46 VLBW infants with NEC were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods. Samples from 90 VLBW infants without NEC were used as controls. RESULTS Infants with NEC carried the mutant variant of IL-4ra less frequently than controls (0.125 v 0.224; P <.05) even after adjustment for risk factors of NEC. No significant differences were found in the allelic frequencies of IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL-10 genes between NEC and control infants. CONCLUSIONS Carrier state of IL-4ra mutant allele might be associated with lower risk of NEC in VLBW infants. This genetic variant is associated with enhanced IL-4 effect. IL-4 is a major regulator of Th1-Th2 shift. The authors hypothesize that infants carrying the IL-4ra mutant allele might have Th2 skewness that might defend against the development of NEC.
Fuel price and income elasticities of the road transport 1 demand in Europe : a dynamic panel data analysis

5 This article proposes an econometric analysis of the demand for mobility, vehicle stock 6 and new registrations in the European road sector (EU-27 Member States + Croatia and 7 Norway). The role played by di erent variables on road tra c is estimated using dynamic 8 panel-data modeling at the European level and by clusters. Counter to GDP per capita, 9 which appears to be an unavoidable driver of the road transport demand, we nd statistically 10 signi cant fuel price elasticities for only one third of the estimated models. Furthermore, the 11 magnitude of the in uence of these determinants di ers widely between three distinct groups 12 of countries. Taken together, these results encourage policymakers to design national-level 13 measures lowering the purchase costs rather than speci c action on fuel taxes in order to 14 reduce CO2 emissions of the European transport sector. 15 16 JEL codes: R40; C23. 17
Application of nightlight satellite imagery for assessing flooding potential area in the Mekong river basin

High population density in deltaic settings, especially in Asia, tends to increase and causes coastal flood risk because of lower elevations and significant subsidence. Large flood annually causes numerous deaths and huge economic losses. In this paper, an innovative technology of spatial satellite imagery has been used as tool to analyze the socio-economic flood-related damage in Mekong river basin. The relationship between nightlight intensity and flood damages has been determined for the period of 1992-2013 with a spatial resolution of 30 arc sec (0.0083°), which is nearly one kilometer at the equator. Flow path distance was calculated to identify the distance of each cell to river network and to examine how nightlight intensity correlate to the area close to and far from river network. Statistical analysis results highlight the significant correlation between nocturnal luminosity intensity and flood-related damages in countries along the Mekong river (i.e., Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam). This result reveals that the areas close to the river network correspond to high human distribution and causes huge damage during flooding. The result may provide key information to the region with respect to decisions, attentions, and mitigation strategies.
REAL-LIFE CONFIGURATION STIRRED TANKS : A COMPUTATIONAL INVESTIGATION USING CFD

This study outlines the development of a modeling approach for mixing in stirred tanks found in wastewater treatment plants with emphasis on the Hyperboloid mixing technology introduced by the INVENT® HyperClassic mixer. The methodology adopted was to use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in small, medium and large scale mixing units to identify the best suitable technique while comparing model results data available in the literature. The modeling of the moving zones was carried out using the multiple reference frame (MRF) model in full scale with the steady state approximation which is well documented for providing very reasonable time-average flow predictions in many applications. ANSYSTM was used as the base platform for the 3D CFD calculations whose flow predictions were compared to published simulation results and experimental data by Delgon et al. (2006), Wu et al. (1989), Delafosse et al. (2008), Escudié et al. (2003) and Roussinova et al. (2003) respectively. The simulation results from this study for the k-ε turbulence model compare reasonably well with the published data (both CFD models and experimental data primarily obtained by the LDV (Laser Doppler Velocimetry) technique) for the small, medium and large case studies. Moreover the results obtained indicate that the mean velocity time-averaged flow predictions are not significantly influenced by either the grid resolution or discretization scheme provided reasonably fine grids are used. The preliminary MRF simulations on the pilot study at the Wards Island WWTP, shows visually good results when compared to the results from INVENT®. The mixing plane model, where flow field data from adjacent zones are spatially averaged at the interface will also be performed along with the sliding mesh model approach which provides unsteady flow field information. Additional parameters such as velocity gradient, G, and dissipation rate will be used to compare field data obtained by the City College of New York (CCNY) for validation of the model output of the HyperClassic® mixer. This will in-turn allow for optimizing the mixer configuration at the wastewater treatment plant.
JET STILLING BASIN

A stilling basin is designed to dissipate the kinetic energy of the flow in a hydraulic jump. Sometimes an abrupt rise is introduced based on land topography and design requirements to increase the energy dissipation and to reduce the length of the jump. The main objective of the present study is to use the abrupt rise in a radial stilling basin at certain positions to create a jet flow. Experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of the relative position and relative depth of the rise on the characteristics of the jet. The results of experiments are compared with the free hydraulic jump in a radial basin of flat horizontal bed. The dimensional analysis was used to correlate the jet characteristics to the other relevant flow and rise parameters. Also Theoretical models are developed for the prediction of the relative depth and the relative energy loss of the jet. It is found that in comparison with the case of free jump in flat bed the values of the relative depth and relative energy loss are higher and the percentage of increase decrease with the increase of the rise position to the gate. It is found also that the values of relative length are lower comparing to the free jump and the percentage of decrease decreases with the increase of the rise position to the gate.
Outcome of hospital-treated depression at 4.5 years

Background Direct comparisons of the prognosis for treated depression in adult and elderly cohorts are few, but suggest higher morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Aims To examine outcome in two such groups after 4.5 years and compare results with those reported elsewhere. Method Fifty-six adults (aged under 65) and 54 elderly people (over 65) with primary depression were assessed 4.5 years after receiving hospital treatment, and factors influencing the outcome were explored. Results Recovery rates were higher in the adults than in the elderly (42.8% v. 24%), largely due to higher rates of death (33%) and dementia (14.8%) in the latter group, who also suffered more serious health problems (62.9% v. 28.5%). Survival analysis showed no difference in the recovery time between cohorts, with over 90% recovered after 25 weeks. After deducting the natural deaths, melancholic illness proved a poor outcome predictor in the adults. Conclusions The outlook for elderly depressed patients is poorer than for younger patients because of concurrent physical disease, a higher death rate and the development of dementia.
Effect of GnRH and PGF2α administration in early post partum period on fertility in retained placenta buffaloes

The present research experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of GnRH and PGF2α administration on post partum fertility in retained placenta buffaloes. Total thirty six Murrah buffaloes with retained placenta condition were selected and the placentas were removed manually and intra-uterine boluses were kept (3 boluses per day for 3 consecutive days post-partum) in experimental buffaloes. The buffaloes were divided into three groups comprising twelve buffaloes in each group. Buffaloes from Group-I were treated with injection buserlin acetate (10 µg) i/m while from Group-II with injection tiaprost-trometamol 0.750 mg i/m on day 14 post calving while buffaloes from Group-III were kept as control. The average days required for involution of uterus were 29.16±0.78, 27.41±0.58 and 31.5±1.05 while average days required for exhibition of first postpartum oestrus were 49.33±5.86, 47.66±4.18 and 67.08±4.42 in Group-I, II and III, respectively. The first service conception rate was highest (33.33%) in Group-II while 25 and 16% in Group-I and III, respectively.
Effectiveness of mammography screening in reducing breast cancer mortality in women aged 39-49 years: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Mammography screening of women >50 years of age significantly reduces breast cancer mortality in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of mammography screening in women aged 39-49 years in reducing breast cancer mortality and to discuss previously published meta-analyses. METHODS PubMed/MEDLINE, OVID, COCHRANE, and Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) databases were searched, and extracted references were reviewed. Dissertation abstracts and clinical trials databases available online were assessed to identify unpublished works. All assessments were independently done by two reviewers. All trials included were RCTs, published in English, included data on women aged 39-49, and reported relative risk (RR)/odds ratio (OR) or frequency data. RESULTS Nine studies were identified: the Kopparberg, Ostergotland (The Two-County study), Health Insurance Plan (HIP), Canada, Stockholm, Gothenburg, Edinburgh, Age, and Malmo trials. The individual trials were quality assessed, and the data were extracted using predefined forms. Using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model, the results from the seven RCTs with the highest quality score were combined, and a significant pooled RR estimate of 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72-0.97) was calculated. Post hoc sensitivity analyses excluding studies with randomization before 1980 caused a loss of statistical significance (RR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.56, 1.13). CONCLUSIONS Mammography screenings are effective and generate a 17% reduction in breast cancer mortality in women 39-49 years of age. The quality of the trials varies, and providers should inform women in this age group about the positive and negative aspects of mammography screenings.
Boar semen cytomorphology features after intramuscular injections of sedimin ® and subsequent diet fortification by a zeolite-containing product

The aim of this study was the cytomorphology analysis of the semen of Landrace boars maintained on microelement biogenic preparations in view of ecological and geographical conditions. The intergroup differences in sperm and micromorphology of sperm cells have been analyzed. The quantitative and qualitative changes in the semen after using the test biologics have been revealed. Intergroup statistically significant differences have been marked in such morphometric parameters of the semen as head width, tail length, and the head length to its width ratio. It has been revealed that the most usual deviations in sperm morphology are the loop form of the flagellum end, an uneven contour of the middle part, and a cytoplasmic droplet on the flagellum. It was found that with all boars grown with addition of the studied dietary supplements, the number of abnormal sperm cells decreased as they grew older that showed the reducing of teratozoospermic index.
Culturally Responsive Gatekeeping Practices in Counselor Education

This article summarizes findings related to a qualitative study involving eight counselor educators who taught in CACREP-accredited programs in the south east region of the United States. Data analysis revealed an emergent theory of gatekeeping practices and interwoven themes related to diversity and multiculturalism. This article presents each phase of the gatekeeping process and includes an emphasis on multiculturalism. In addition, suggestions regarding how this process pertains to counselor education will be made as well as recommendations for future research.
Dynamic Clips of Emotional and Pain Facial Expressions-Validation of a Stimulus Set -

Emotional facial expressions have been intensively investigated using photographs. However, because facial expressions are highly dynamic, there is a need for stimuli that include this important temporal dimension. Moreover, the facial expression of pain is not included in any available stimulus set. Here, we describe 1-sec film clips recorded in 8 actors who displayed facial expressions of six emotions (anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness and surprise), or pain, compared to neutral expression. Prototypicality and distinctness of all stimuli were confirmed by two trained judges using the Facial Action Coding System. Discrimination by naïve volunteers and subjective evaluations of the clips on expression intensity, arousal and valence, confirmed the validity and specificity of the 7 expressions. This set of dynamic facial expressions provides unique material to further explore the perception of facial expressions of emotion and pain and their role in the regulation of social behaviour and cognition.
THE INFLUENCE OF MICROFIBRIL ANGLE ON CREEP SCOTCH PINE WOOD UNDER TENSILE STRESS ALONG THE GRAINS

The inf luence of microfibril angle on the process of creep of microtome wood (Pinus sylvestris L.) samples of constant but varying in different samples moisture content, under different tensile stress levels was studied. The wood density was proved not to be a reliable indicator of its technological quality. Mechanical parameters of wood subjected to tensile stress along the grains were shown to be determined by the microfibril angle in S2 layer of the secondary cell wall. Increase in MFA from 10 to 18° was found to cause a linear increase in total creep irrespectively of tensile stress applied and moisture content. For higher MFA the total deformation of wood is greater than that following from linear approximation of the relation for MFA in the range 10-18°. The intensity of specific wood creep increases under tensile stress along the grains and of high moisture content with increasing MFA. For the wood samples of constant low moisture content such a correlation is not always found.
Local Co-Governance : An Exploratory Study on the Third Sector ’ s Artificial Autonomy

Local governments are increasingly seen as key facilitators of co-governance processes, enabling collaborative local networks. It is claimed in this article that the necessarily synergistic relationship between local government and civil society in facilitating governance mechanisms requires further elaboration. The issue of who initiates grassroots governance and how autonomous from political power it really is, is seminal to the definition of governance itself. Literature on co-governance lacks the recognition of the impacts of institutional incentives to civic participation, which may not always have the desired effects. This article intends to weigh up the autonomy of grassroots governance and the extent to which it corresponds to a mechanism of shared responsibilities. Through the analysis of data from Portuguese municipalities, it contributes to a wider discussion on the nature and distinctiveness of grassroots governance,
THRESHOLD STOCHASTIC UNIT ROOT MODELS

This paper introduces a new class of stochastic unit root (STUR) processes, where the randomness of the autorregresive unit root is driven by a threshold variable. These new models, the threshold autorregresive stochastic unit root (TARSUR) models, are stationary in some regimes and mildly explosive in others. TARSURmodels are not only an alternative to fixed unit root models but present interpretation, estimation and testing advantages with respect to the existent STUR models. The paper analyzes the stationarity properties of the TARSUR models and proposes a simple t-statistic for testing the null hypothesis of a fixed unit root versus a stochastic unit root hypothesis. It is shown that its asymptotic distribution (AD) depends on the knowledge we have about the threshold values: known, unknown but identified, and unknown and unidentified. In the first two cases the AD is a standard Normal distribution, while in the last one the AD is a functional of Brownian Motions and Brownian Sheets. Monte Carlo simulations show that the proposed tests behave very well in finite samples and that the Dickey-Fuller test cannot easily distinguish between an exact unit root and a threshold stochastic unit root. The paper concludes with applications to stock prices and interest rates where the hypothesis of a fixed unit root is rejected in favor of the threshold stochastic unit root.
PATHOGENICITY OF BATRACHOCHYTRIUM DENDROBATIDIS IN TWO THREATENED CALIFORNIA AMPHIBIANS : RANA DRAYTONII AND AMBYSTOMA CALIFORNIENSE

—Infection by the amphibian chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, can be lethal but the effects of infection are species-specific. California, with the highest level of amphibian endemism in the United States, also harbors the greatest number of at-risk species, but few taxa occurring there have been tested for the effects of B. dendrobatidis infection. For this reason, I examined the consequences of infection in two threatened California species: Rana draytonii and Ambystoma californiense. Consistent with previous reports, both species were found to be susceptible to infection, but no animals died and all infected animals survived the 18-month study. Comparisons of skin slough rates for A. californiense revealed that infected salamanders sloughed at three times the rate of uninfected salamanders, a pattern that may have long-term energetic costs. My results indicate that long-term studies are needed to understand the population-level consequences of sublethal infection by B. dendrobatidis.