Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glacier response to climate perturbations: an accurate linear geometric model

In order to understand the fundamental parameters governing glacier advance and retreats, and also the spectral properties of fluctuations in glacier length in response to noisy weather, we examine outputs of a numerical flowline model solving the shallowice equations with sliding. The numerical results reveal a surprising simplicity; the time evolution and spectral shape of glacier excursions depend on a single parameter, a time constant determined by the geometrical properties of the glacier. Furthermore, the numerical results reveal that perturbations in mass balance over the glacier surface set in motion a sequence of events that can be roughly described as occurring in three overlapping stages: (1) changes in interior thickness drive (2) changes in terminus flux, which in turn drive (3) changes in glacier length. A simple, third-order linear model, 1 which extends previous models in the literature, successfully captures these important features of the glacier flow. This three-stage linear model is readily invertible to recover climate history; provides clear physical insight and analytical expressions for some important metrics of glacier behavior such as variance, sensitivity, and excursion probabilities; and also facilitates uncertainty analysis. The linear model can also be adapted for arbitrary catchment geometry, and is applied to Nigardsbreen, Norway.
Green tea leaves mediated ZnO nanoparticles and its antimicrobial activity

Abstract Plant-mediated synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles (NPs) have multiple advantages over conventional synthetic methods like easy, inexpensive, eco-friendly, nontoxic by-products and no critical conditions of temperature and pressure required. In this study, 9.1 g ZnO NPs were synthesized from 230 mL of 0.2 M Zinc acetate dihydrate and 100 mL of green tea leaves extract at room temperature (25°C). The leaves extract was prepared by heating 10gm dried leaves in 100 mL of deionized distilled water at 80°C for 2 h. The synthesized ZnO NPs were dried at 40°C for 24 h and calcined at 100°C for 1 h. The agar well diffusion method was used to evaluate ZnO NPs for antimicrobial activity of selected pathogenic strains. A clear zo“ne of inhibition was measured; 40.05 mm ± 0.137 for Staphylococcus aureus, 36.15 mm ± 0.304 for Escherichia coli and 40.10 mm ± 0.050 for Aspergillus niger that were comparably better results than standard antibiotic Gentamycin that showed 25 and 26 mm zone of inhibition for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration scored as 9. 765µg ± 0.00, 9. 531µg ± 0.00 and 5000µg ± 0.00 for Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia Coli and Aspergillus niger respectively, was documented low concentration than reported so far concentrations of green tea ZnO NPs.
Metabolism of desloratadine by chimeric TK-NOG mice transplanted with human hepatocytes

Abstract 1. Desloratadine is an antiallergic drug with species-dependent metabolic profiles in mice, rats, monkeys and humans. We investigated whether humanized-liver mice could reproduce the reported human-specific in vivo metabolic profile for desloratadine in terms of the formation of 3-hydroxydesloratadine and its O-glucuronide. 2. Hepatocytes prepared from humans and humanized-liver mice both preferentially catalyzed the formation of 3-hydroxydesloratadine and its O-glucuronide in vitro. 3. After a single oral administration of desloratadine, plasma levels of desloratadine and its metabolites (3-hydroxydesloratadine and its O-glucuronide) in humanized-liver mice were lower and higher, respectively, than those in control mice. 4. The amounts of 3-hydroxydesloratadine and its O-glucuronide excreted in humanized-liver mouse feces and urine were higher than those of the control mice, whereas 5- and 6-hydroxydesloratadine formation were predominant in the feces and urine samples from control mice. A significant correlation (r = 0.68) for the dose percentage of urinary and fecal metabolites of desloratadine was only observed between the humanized-liver mice and the reported values for humans. 5. These results indicated that urinary 3-hydroxydesloratadine O-glucuronide and fecal desloratadine, 3-hydroxydesloratadine and 5-hydroxydesloratadine were the major excretion pathways of desloratadine in humanized-liver mice, which is reasonably similar to that reported for humans.
The Exchange Rate Response to Monetary Policy Innovations

We present a new data fact: in response to a monetary tightening, the domestic currency tends to appreciate in developed countries but depreciate in developing countries. A model is developed to rationalize this contrasting pattern. It has three key channels of monetary transmission: a liquidity demand channel, a fiscal channel, and an output channel. The paper shows that a calibrated version of the model can explain the contrast between developed and developing countries. Using counterfactual experiments and empirical evidence, we identify differences in the liquidity demand effect as critical in explaining the contrasting responses generated by the model. (JEL E23, E43, E52, F31, F33, O19)
Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Dental Pulp Somatic Cells

During early development, human dental pulp is originated from neural crest, which is a transient embryonic structure (Fig. 1). According to current knowledge, neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) have the capacity to self-renewal and display a developmental potential almost the same as embryonic stem (ES) cells (Kerkis and Caplan, 2012). These postmigratory NCSCs generate all craniofacial bones, the majority of the peripheral nervous system cells and tissues, as well as several non-neural cell types, such as smooth muscle cells of the cardiovascular system, pigment cells in the skin, cartilage, connective tissue, corneal epithelium and dental pulp among them. Although postmigratory, postnatal NCSCs are of restricted developmental potential they maintain functional characteristics resembling their embryonic counterparts and an ability to differentiate into a broad spectrum of cell types (Le Douarin et al., 2004, 2007, 2008; Dupin et al., 2007; Le Douarin & Dupin, 2003, 2012).
Trough Lopinavir Concentrations do not Predict Virologic Response to Lopinavir / Ritonavir-Based Three-Drug Regimens in Antiretroviral-Naïve Patients

Background: Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) guidance suggests that lopinavir trough concentration < 1 or < 3 mcg/mL may be associated with virologic failure. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the association between lopinavir exposure and virologic response in antiretroviral-naïve subjects. Methods: Data from previously antiretroviral-naïve subjects enrolled in 5 clinical trials of lopinavir/ritonavir (administered BID or QD) plus 2 NRTIs were utilized. Plasma HIV-1 RNA and lopinavir trough concentrations were collected simultaneously at multiple post-baseline visits. Lopinavir exposure and virologic response relationship
Development of synchronous switching controller for gas circuit breakers

Synchronous switching controller (SSC) applied to gas circuit breakers (GCB) has been developed. The SSC is able to open and close the contacts of the GCB at the pre-determined point on wave for minimizing the switching surges. This paper proposes the new controlled switching algorithm to minimize the total delay time and the control error. A new algorithm for detecting voltage and current zero crossing points and predicting the next operating time of the GCB is introduced. For a 145 kV GCB with the SSC installed the proposed algorithm has been verified by various tests. The SSC performed successful operations and the standard deviation from the target point is within 0.5 msec at ambient temperatures from -30 to 60 degrees C for different control voltages. The making tests at voltage zero also works well in a capacitive load circuit at 145 kV and 362 kV ratings.
Right care, first time: a highly personalised and measurement‐based care model to manage youth mental health

Mood and psychotic syndromes most often emerge during adolescence and young adulthood, a period characterised by major physical and social change. Consequently, the effects of adolescent‐onset mood and psychotic syndromes can have long term consequences. A key clinical challenge for youth mental health is to develop and test new systems that align with current evidence for comorbid presentations and underlying neurobiology, and are useful for predicting outcomes and guiding decisions regarding the provision of appropriate and effective care. Our highly personalised and measurement‐based care model includes three core concepts: ▶ A multidimensional assessment and outcomes framework that includes: social and occupational function; self‐harm, suicidal thoughts and behaviour; alcohol or other substance misuse; physical health; and illness trajectory. ▶ Clinical stage. ▶ Three common illness subtypes (psychosis, anxious depression, bipolar spectrum) based on proposed pathophysiological mechanisms (neurodevelopmental, hyperarousal, circadian). The model explicitly aims to prevent progression to more complex and severe forms of illness and is better aligned to contemporary models of the patterns of emergence of psychopathology. Inherent within this highly personalised approach is the incorporation of other evidence‐based processes, including real‐time measurement‐based care as well as utilisation of multidisciplinary teams of health professionals. Data‐driven local system modelling and personalised health information technologies provide crucial infrastructure support to these processes for better access to, and higher quality, mental health care for young people.
The relationship between the BMI‐adjusted weight loss grading system and quality of life in patients with incurable cancer

Weight loss (WL) has long been recognized as an important factor associated with reduced quality of life (QoL) and reduced survival in patients with cancer. The body mass index (BMI)‐adjusted weight loss grading system (WLGS) has been shown to be associated with reduced survival. However, its impact on QoL has not been established. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between this WLGS and QoL in patients with advanced cancer.
Eugenol Exerts Apoptotic Effect and Modulates the Sensitivity of HeLa Cells to Cisplatin and Radiation

Eugenol is a phytochemical present in different plant products, e.g., clove oil. Traditionally, it is used against a number of different disorders and it was suggested to have anticancer activity. In this study, the activity of eugenol was evaluated in a human cervical cancer (HeLa) cell line and cell proliferation was examined after treatment with various concentrations of eugenol and different treatment durations. Cytotoxicity was tested using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme leakage. In order to assess eugenol’s potential to act synergistically with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, cell survival was calculated after eugenol treatment in combination with cisplatin and X-rays. To elucidate its mechanism of action, caspase-3 activity was analyzed and the expression of various genes and proteins was checked by RT-PCR and western blot analyses. Eugenol clearly decreased the proliferation rate and increased LDH release in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. It showed synergistic effects with cisplatin and X-rays. Eugenol increased caspase-3 activity and the expression of Bax, cytochrome c (Cyt-c), caspase-3, and caspase-9 and decreased the expression of B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2, cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) indicating that eugenol mainly induced cell death by apoptosis. In conclusion, eugenol showed antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects via apoptosis and also synergism with cisplatin and ionizing radiation in the human cervical cancer cell line.
Effect of a Different Number of Amine-Functional Groups on the Gas Sorption and Permeation Behavior of a Hybrid Membrane Comprising of Impregnated Linde T and 4,4′- (Hexafluoroisopropylidene) Diphthalic Anhydride-Derived Polyimide

The bottleneck of conventional polymeric membranes applied in industry has a tradeoff between permeability and selectivity that deters its widespread expansion. This can be circumvented through a hybrid membrane that utilizes the advantages of inorganic and polymer materials to improve the gas separation performance. The approach can be further enhanced through the incorporation of amine-impregnated fillers that has the potential to minimize defects while simultaneously enhancing gas affinity. An innovative combination between impregnated Linde T with different numbers of amine-functional groups (i.e., monoamine, diamine, and triamine) and 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene) diphthalic anhydride (6FDA)-derived polyimide has been elucidated to explore its potential in CO2/CH4 separation. Detailed physical properties (i.e., free volume and glass transition temperature) and gas transport behavior (i.e., solubility, permeability, and diffusivity) of the fabricated membranes have been examined to unveil the effect of different numbers of amine-functional groups in Linde T fillers. It was found that a hybrid membrane impregnated with Linde T using a diamine functional group demonstrated the highest improvement compared to a pristine polyimide with 3.75- and 1.75-fold enhancements in CO2/CH4 selectivities and CO2 permeability, respectively, which successfully lies on the 2008 Robeson’s upper bound. The novel coupling of diamine-impregnated Linde T and 6FDA-derived polyimide is a promising candidate for application in large-scale CO2 removal processes.
A Longitudinal, Population-Level, Big-Data Study of Helicobacter pylori-Related Disease across Western Australia

Helicobacter pylori, responsible for chronic ulcers and most stomach cancers, infects half of the world’s population. The Urea Breath Test (UBT) is one of the most accurate and reliable non-invasive methods for diagnosing active H. pylori infection. The objective was to use longitudinal, population-wide UBT data for Western Australia to look for H. pylori-related disease patterns. We collected 95,713 UBT results from 77,552 individuals for the years 2010–2015, likely representing all of the UBT samples analysed in Western Australia. Data collected also included sex, age and residential postcode. Other data reported here were inferred via a comparison with the 2011 Australian Census using a specially written Python program. While women appear to have more H. pylori-related disease than men, there is no difference in the disease rates once women’s higher rates of presentation for testing are taken into account. On the other hand, while the treatment strategy for H. pylori infection is generally very effective in Western Australia, failure of the first-line treatment is significantly more common in women than men. Migrants and Aboriginal Australians have elevated rates of H. pylori-related disease, while the rate for non-Aboriginal Australian-born West Australians is very low. However, no significant associations were found with other socio-economic indicators. We conclude that, for some people, H. pylori-related disease is not a solved problem.
Fall foliar sprays prevent boron-deficiency symptoms in grapes

Foliar spraying was found to be an effective method to rapidly increase boron levels in most vegetative and reproductive tissues in grapevines. The reduction of fruit-set deficiency symptoms with a pre-bloom or bloom spray was immediate but not complete. Foliar sprays applied during the previous fall were more effective in reducing such symptoms than pre-bloom or bloom sprays. This may be due to the earlier incorporation of boron in reproductive tissues, especially dormant buds. Grapevine foliage is also more tolerant to boron postharvest in the fall, when 1 pound per acre of actual boron can be safely applied. Spring and summer sprays of boron should be limited to 1/2 pound per acre per application to avoid phytotoxicity.
The Effect of Biostimulation and Biostimulation-Bioaugmentation on Biodegradation of Oil-Pollution on Sandy Beaches Using Mesocosms

To investigate a suitable biological remediation approaches for anticipating oil spills in Cilacap sandy beach (Indonesia), some alternative strategies using biostimulation and a combination of biostimulation-bioaugmentation have been evaluated in inter tidal near shore Cilacap, Indonesia. The purpose of the study was to compare the efficacy of biostimulation using slow release fertilizer (SRF) only, combination of biostimulation-single strain bioaugmentation, and combination of biostimulation-consortium bioaugmentation, to enhance oil degradation. The experiment was conducted using sediment polluted 100,000 ppm Arabian Light Crude Oil in a mesocosm system for 90 days. The parameters measured were oil depletion, bacterial growth and changes in environmental conditions. The results showed that the affectivity on oil depletion of biostimulation-bioaugmentation combination was observed faster and higher than biostimulation only. At the 16 th day application, the biostimulation with the added consortium and single strain treatment, increased oil depletion percentage by 2.2 and 1.6 times that of the control, respectively. For a longer period of treatment, both of combination treatments showed similar efficacy in degrading oil contamination in sandy beach. It is proposed that combination of biostimulation-bioaugmentation with the consortium is relatively better alternative for combating oil-pollution for a short period.
Sandbank Epitheliopathy of the Conjunctiva (SEC) A New Indicator in Dry Eye Diagnostics Useful for Optimized Ocular Surgery

Introduction: Increasing awareness of the importance of dry eye disease for the outcome of ocular surgery does emphasize the need for facilitated diagnostic of the ocular surface condition. Currently, corneal fluorescein staining is usually evaluated using the modified Oxford scale in which conjunctival staining is of minor importance and, based on the counting of dots, difficult to assess. We searched an alternative, easily accessible rating option to evaluate conjunctival changes associated with dry eye disease. Methods: Using standard fluorescein staining, cobalt blue light, and yellow filter we investigated routinely the conjunctiva of patients over 6 months. The specific staining of the conjunctiva was documented digitally 0-30 seconds after instillation of the dye. The staining pattern of patients with dry eye was analyzed. Results: A clearly distinct change of conjunctival staining on the bulbar conjunctiva was observed in eyes with tear film insufficiency. This sign is easily visible by the use of blue light with a yellow barrier filter. The sign is termed sandbank epitheliopathy of the conjunctiva (SEC). Its’ anatomical correlate are ripples of the conjunctiva that, clearly stained with Fluoresceine, do increase with the severity of dry eye. This specific conjunctival staining does vary with the severity of dry eye. Discussion: A new conjunctival indicator dry eye disease is presented. The pathophysiological processes leading to SEC are outlined. The ease of access to see SEC gives an alternative to the grading conjunctival fluorescein staining with the Oxford scale. The SEC scale ranges from 0 to 3. The presence of conjunctival stress due to increased friction at the ocular surface does begin at SEC grade I. A practical guide with case illustrations is presented leading to a preliminary grading scale. Conclusion: Sandbank epitheliopathy of the conjunctiva (SEC) can be identified in patients with dry eye disease. As soon as SEC is clearly visible on the conjunctiva, pre- and postoperative treatment with tear fluid modifying agents such as gels or high molecular weight tear fluid substitutes or tear fluid additives is encouraged in order to minimize their potential negative impact on the surgical result.
Unmodified autologous stem cells at point of care for chronic myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND Numerous studies investigated cell-based therapies for myocardial infarction (MI). The conflicting results of these studies have established the need for developing innovative approaches for applying cell-based therapy for MI. Experimental studies on animal models demonstrated the potential of fresh, uncultured, unmodified, autologous adipose-derived regenerative cells (UA-ADRCs) for treating acute MI. In contrast, studies on the treatment of chronic MI (CMI; > 4 wk post-MI) with UA-ADRCs have not been published so far. Among several methods for delivering cells to the myocardium, retrograde delivery into a temporarily blocked coronary vein has recently been demonstrated as an effective option. AIM To test the hypothesis that in experimentally-induced chronic myocardial infarction (CMI; > 4 wk post-MI) in pigs, retrograde delivery of fresh, uncultured, unmodified, autologous adipose-derived regenerative cells (UA-ADRCs) into a temporarily blocked coronary vein improves cardiac function and structure. METHODS The left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery of pigs was blocked for 180 min at time point T0. Then, either 18 × 106 UA-ADRCs prepared at “point of care” or saline as control were retrogradely delivered via an over-the-wire balloon catheter placed in the temporarily blocked LAD vein 4 wk after T0 (T1). Effects of cells or saline were assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, late gadolinium enhancement CMR imaging, and post mortem histologic analysis 10 wk after T0 (T2). RESULTS Unlike the delivery of saline, delivery of UA-ADRCs demonstrated statistically significant improvements in cardiac function and structure at T2 compared to T1 (all values given as mean ± SE): Increased mean LVEF (UA-ADRCs group: 34.3% ± 2.9% at T1 vs 40.4 ± 2.6% at T2, P = 0.037; saline group: 37.8% ± 2.6% at T1 vs 36.2% ± 2.4% at T2, P > 0.999), increased mean cardiac output (UA-ADRCs group: 2.7 ± 0.2 L/min at T1 vs 3.8 ± 0.2 L/min at T2, P = 0.002; saline group: 3.4 ± 0.3 L/min at T1 vs 3.6 ± 0.3 L/min at T2, P = 0.798), increased mean mass of the left ventricle (UA-ADRCs group: 55.3 ± 5.0 g at T1 vs 71.3 ± 4.5 g at T2, P < 0.001; saline group: 63.2 ± 3.4 g at T1 vs 68.4 ± 4.0 g at T2, P = 0.321) and reduced mean relative amount of scar volume of the left ventricular wall (UA-ADRCs group: 20.9% ± 2.3% at T1 vs 16.6% ± 1.2% at T2, P = 0.042; saline group: 17.6% ± 1.4% at T1 vs 22.7% ± 1.8% at T2, P = 0.022). CONCLUSION Retrograde cell delivery of UA-ADRCs in a porcine model for the study of CMI significantly improved myocardial function, increased myocardial mass and reduced the formation of scar tissue.