Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transfer of Satellite Rainfall Uncertainty from Gauged to Ungauged Regions at Regional and Seasonal Time Scales

Abstract Hydrologists and other users need to know the uncertainty of the satellite rainfall datasets across the range of time–space scales over the whole domain of the dataset. Here, “uncertainty” refers to the general concept of the “deviation” of an estimate from the reference (or ground truth) where the deviation may be defined in multiple ways. This uncertainty information can provide insight to the user on the realistic limits of utility, such as hydrologic predictability, which can be achieved with these satellite rainfall datasets. However, satellite rainfall uncertainty estimation requires ground validation (GV) precipitation data. On the other hand, satellite data will be most useful over regions that lack GV data, for example developing countries. This paper addresses the open issues for developing an appropriate uncertainty transfer scheme that can routinely estimate various uncertainty metrics across the globe by leveraging a combination of spatially dense GV data and temporally sparse surrog.
Role of the AtRad1p endonuclease in homologous recombination in plants

Using a specific recombination assay, we show in the plant Arabidopsis thaliana that AtRad1 protein plays a role in the removal of non‐homologous tails in homologous recombination. Recombination in the presence of non‐homologous overhangs is reduced 11‐fold in the atrad1 mutant compared with the wild‐type plants. AtRad1p is the A. thaliana homologue of the human Xpf and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rad1 proteins. Rad1p is a subunit of the Rad1p/Rad10p structure‐specific endonuclease that acts in nucleotide excision repair and inter‐strand crosslink repair. This endonuclease also plays a role in mitotic recombination to remove non‐homologous, 3′‐ended overhangs from recombination intermediates. The Arabidopsis atrad1 mutant (uvh1), unlike rad1 mutants known from other eukaryotes, is hypersensitive to ionizing radiation. This last observation may indicate a more important role for the Rad1/Rad10 endonuclease in recombination in plants. This is the first direct demonstration of the involvement of AtRad1p in homologous recombination in plants.
Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) producing phaeochromocytoma: direct IL‐6 suppression by non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs

A 35‐year‐old Japanese woman presented with a phaeochromocytoma and demonstrated marked inflammatory reactions and pyrexia as a result of excessive production of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) by the tumour. Serum IL‐6 level was 262 ng/l (normal; < 4·0 ng/l). Fever and inflammatory markers were largely overcome by the administration of the nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, naproxen, and all symptoms disappeared soon after the tumour was excised. Immunohistochemical study revealed positive staining using an antihuman IL‐6 antibody and Northern analysis showed increased IL‐6 mRNA levels in the tumour. Cultured tumour cells showed IL‐6 protein synthesis, and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs such as naproxen and indomethacin directly inhibited IL‐6 release. These results indicate that the effects of naproxen in vivo were due, at least in part, to direct suppression of IL‐6 secretion from the tumour.
Seeds of Brassicaceae weeds have an inherent or inducible response to the germination stimulant karrikinolide.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Karrikinolide (KAR(1)) is a smoke-derived chemical that can trigger seeds to germinate. A potential application for KAR(1) is for synchronizing the germination of weed seeds, thereby enhancing the efficiency of weed control efforts. Yet not all species germinate readily with KAR(1), and it is not known whether seemingly non-responsive species can be induced to respond. Here a major agronomic weed family, the Brassicaceae, is used to test the hypothesis that a stimulatory response to KAR(1) may be present in physiologically dormant seeds but may not be expressed under all circumstances. METHODS Seeds of eight Brassicaceae weed species (Brassica tournefortii, Raphanus raphanistrum, Sisymbrium orientale, S. erysimoides, Rapistrum rugosum, Lepidium africanum, Heliophila pusilla and Carrichtera annua) were tested for their response to 1 µm KAR(1) when freshly collected and following simulated and natural dormancy alleviation, which included wet-dry cycling, dry after-ripening, cold and warm stratification and a 2 year seed burial trial. KEY RESULTS Seven of the eight Brassicaceae species tested were stimulated to germinate with KAR(1) when the seeds were fresh, and the remaining species became responsive to KAR(1) following wet-dry cycling and dry after-ripening. Light influenced the germination response of seeds to KAR(1), with the majority of species germinating better in darkness. Germination with and without KAR(1) fluctuated seasonally throughout the seed burial trial. CONCLUSIONS KAR(1) responses are more complex than simply stating whether a species is responsive or non-responsive; light and temperature conditions, dormancy state and seed lot all influence the sensitivity of seeds to KAR(1), and a response to KAR(1) can be induced. Three response types for generalizing KAR(1) responses are proposed, namely inherent, inducible and undetected. Given that responses to KAR(1) were either inherent or inducible in all 15 seed lots included in this study, the Brassicaceae may be an ideal target for future application of KAR(1) in weed management.
Possible interaction between clindamycin and cyclosporin

We report two cases of a suspected interaction between clindamycin and cyclosporin. Case 1 was in a 48 year old woman with α1-antitrypsin deficiency who had right sided single lung transplantation for end stage pulmonary emphysema. After B cell lymphoma affecting the transplanted lung was diagnosed, immunosuppression was reduced to a target concentration of cyclosporin of 100-150 μg/l Owing to bronchopulmonary infection with …
Widespread body pain and mortality: prospective population based study.

Abstract Objective: To determine whether there is excess mortality in groups of people who report widespread body pain, and if so to establish the nature and extent of any excess. Design: Prospective follow up study over eight years. Mortality rate ratios were adjusted for age group, sex, and study location. Setting: North west England. Participants: 6569 people who took part in two pain surveys during 1991-2. Main outcome measures: Pain status at baseline and subsequent mortality. Results: 1005 (15%) participants had widespread pain, 3176 (48%) had regional pain, and 2388 (36%) had no pain. During follow up mortality was higher in people with regional pain (mortality rate ratio 1.21, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.44) and widespread pain (1.31, 1.05 to 1.65) than in those who reported no pain. The excess mortality among people with regional and widespread pain was almost entirely related to deaths from cancer (1.55 (1.09 to 2.19) for regional pain and 2.07 (1.37 to 3.13) for widespread pain). The excess cancer mortality remained after exclusion of people in whom cancer had been diagnosed before the original survey and after adjustment for potential confounding factors. There were also more deaths from causes other than disease (for example, accidents, suicide, violence) among people with widespread pain (5.21, 0.94 to 28.78). Conclusion: There is an intriguing association between the report of widespread pain and subsequent death from cancer in the medium and long term. This may have implications for the long term follow up of patients with “unexplained” widespread pain symptoms, such as those with fibromyalgia. What is already known on this topic Widespread body pain, the cardinal symptom of fibromyalgia, is common An organic basis for symptoms is found in only a small proportion of people Treatment is difficult, and studies with short term follow up have shown that symptoms commonly persist What this study adds This was the first study with long term follow up of people with widespread pain in the community These people experience an increased mortality and the excess is principally related to deaths from cancer
Inhibition of p97-dependent Protein Degradation by Eeyarestatin I*

Elimination of misfolded proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by ER-associated degradation involves substrate retrotranslocation from the ER lumen into the cytosol for degradation by the proteasome. For many substrates, retrotranslocation requires the action of ubiquitinating enzymes, which polyubiquitinate substrates emerging from the ER lumen, and of the p97-Ufd1-Npl4 ATPase complex, which hydrolyzes ATP to dislocate polyubiquitinated substrates into the cytosol. Polypeptides extracted by p97 are eventually transferred to the proteasome for destruction. In mammalian cells, ERAD can be blocked by a chemical inhibitor termed Eeyarestatin I, but the mechanism of EerI action is unclear. Here we report that EerI can associate with a p97 complex to inhibit ERAD. The interaction of EerI with the p97 complex appears to negatively influence a deubiquitinating process that is mediated by p97-associated deubiquitinating enzymes. We further show that ataxin-3, a p97-associated deubiquitinating enzyme previously implicated in ER-associated degradation, is among those affected. Interestingly, p97-associated deubiquitination is also involved in degradation of a soluble substrate. Our analyses establish a role for a novel deubiquitinating process in proteasome-dependent protein turnover.
Delay in maternal transcript degradation in ovine embryos derived from low competence oocytes

Oocytes from prepubertal animals have a reduced ability to undergo embryo development and produce viable offspring. The present work used an ovine model consisting of oocytes derived from adult and prepubertal donors to assess the molecular status of oocytes and preimplantation embryos with different developmental competence. The lower potential of oocytes of young donors was confirmed in terms of in vitro developmental capabilities and kinetics. A panel of genes including maternal effect (DPPA3, GDF9, NMP2, ZAR1) and housekeeping genes (ACTB, RPL19, SDHA, YWHAZ, ATP1A1), genes involved in DNA methylation (DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B), genomic imprinting (IGF2R), pluripotency (NANOG, POU5F1) and cell cycle regulation (CCNB1, CDK1, MELK) was relatively quantified. Temporal analysis during oocyte maturation and preimplantation embryo development evidenced patterns associated with donor age. With a few gene‐specific exceptions, the differential model showed a reduced transcript abundance in immature prepubertal oocytes that completely reversed trend after fertilization, when higher mRNA levels were consistently observed in early embryos, indicating a delay in maternal transcript degradation. We propose that the molecular shortage in the prepubertal oocyte may affect its developmental potential and impair the early pathways of maternal mRNA clearance in the embryo. While confirming the different potential of oocytes derived from adult and prepubertal donors, our work showed for the first time a consistent delay in maternal transcript degradation in embryos derived from low competence oocytes that interestingly recalls the delayed developmental kinetics. Such abnormal transcript persistence may hinder further development and represents a novel perspective on the complexity of developmental competence.
Exploring the key predictors of retention in emergency nurses.

AIM To explore the factors that predict the retention of nurses working in emergency departments. BACKGROUND The escalating shortage of nurses is one of the most critical issues facing specialty areas, such as the emergency department. Therefore, it is important to identify the key influencing and intermediary factors that affect emergency department nurses' intention to leave. METHODS As part of a larger study, a cross-sectional survey was completed by 261 registered nurses working in the 12 designated emergency departments within rural, urban community and tertiary hospitals in Manitoba, Canada. RESULTS Twenty-six per cent of the respondents will probably/definitely leave their current emergency department jobs within the next year. Engagement was the key predictor of intention to leave (P < 0.001). Engagement was also associated with job satisfaction, compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and burnout (P < 0.05). In an ordinal least-squares model (R(2) = 0.44), nursing management, professional practice, collaboration with physicians, staffing resources and shift work emerged as significant influencing factors for engagement. CONCLUSIONS Engagement plays a central role in emergency department nurses intention to leave. Addressing the factors that influence engagement may reduce emergency department nurses' intention to leave. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT This study highlights the value of research-based evidence as the foundation for developing innovative strategies for the retention of emergency department nurses.
Recruitment of medial prefrontal cortex neurons during alcohol withdrawal predicts cognitive impairment and excessive alcohol drinking

Chronic intermittent access to alcohol leads to the escalation of alcohol intake, similar to binge drinking in humans. Converging lines of evidence suggest that impairment of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) cognitive function and overactivation of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) are key factors that lead to excessive drinking in dependence. However, the role of the mPFC and CeA in the escalation of alcohol intake in rats with a history of binge drinking without dependence is currently unknown. To address this issue, we examined FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (Fos) expression in the mPFC, CeA, hippocampus, and nucleus accumbens and evaluated working memory and anxiety-like behavior in rats given continuous (24 h/d for 7 d/wk) or intermittent (3 d/wk) access to alcohol (20% vol/vol) using a two-bottle choice paradigm. The results showed that abstinence from alcohol in rats with a history of escalation of alcohol intake specifically recruited GABA and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons in the mPFC and produced working memory impairments associated with excessive alcohol drinking during acute (24–72 h) but not protracted (16 –68 d) abstinence. Moreover, abstinence from alcohol was associated with a functional disconnection of the mPFC and CeA but not mPFC and nucleus accumbens. These results show that recruitment of a subset of GABA and CRF neurons in the mPFC during withdrawal and disconnection of the PFC–CeA pathway may be critical for impaired executive control over motivated behavior, suggesting that dysregulation of mPFC interneurons may be an early index of neuroadaptation in alcohol dependence.
Gene expression profile of hyperoxic and hypoxic retinas in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy.

PURPOSE To determine a profile of gene expression in retinas of a murine model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). METHODS OIR was induced in C57BL/6N mice by exposing postnatal day (P)7 pups to 75% oxygen for 5 days and then returning them to room air at P12. Gene microarrays containing more than 47,000 transcripts were used to study the changes in gene expression in retinas isolated immediately (P12) and at 12 hours (P12.5) after exposure to hyperoxia. The retinas of P12 mice raised under normoxic conditions served as control subjects. Quantitative RT-PCR and multiplex ELISA were performed to validate the microarray analyses. RESULTS The expression of 83 gene transcripts was significantly altered in the hyperoxic P12 retinas. These genes were classified as cellular components or were associated with development, metabolism, transport, stress response, cell adhesion, inflammation, or vision. The genes related to retinal growth, such as Pdgfb and Robo4, which are associated with vascular development, were downregulated. In contrast, the expression levels of 95 genes were significantly altered in the hypoxic P12.5 retinas, which contained several known hypoxia-regulated genes including Vegfa and Hif1a. The differentially expressed genes were broadly clustered into the development, inflammation, metabolism, signaling, antiapoptosis, cellular component, transport, glycolysis, and vision groups. Those associated with organogenesis (e.g., Vegfa, Igfbp3, Tnfrsf12a, and Nestin) and to inflammation (e.g., Ccl3, Ccl4, and MHCs) were upregulated. The results of quantitative RT-PCR and multiplex ELISA were in agreement with the microarray data. CONCLUSIONS These alterations in gene expression may determine the hyperoxic growth retardation, postischemic inflammation, neovascularization, and remodeling in retinas of murine OIR.
Prevalence of Astrovirus Infection among Chilean Children with Acute Gastroenteritis

ABSTRACT The frequency of astrovirus infection in 456 Chilean children with diarrhea was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse transcriptase PCR, and cell culture. Astrovirus was detected in 16.5% of rotavirus-negative and 7% of rotavirus-positive samples obtained from emergency rooms or hospitals and in 11% of samples from day care centers. HAst-1 was the predominant serotype identified.
Effects of Gingko biloba extract (EGb 761) on vascular smooth muscle cell calcification induced by β-glycerophosphate

Abstract Objective To investigate the effects of Gingko biloba extract (EGb 761) on calcification induced by β-glycerophosphate in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells. Methods Rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells were cultured with various concentrations of EGb 761 and β-glycerophosphate for 7 days. Calcium content in the cells, alkaline phosphatase activity, cell protein content, NF-κB activation, and reactive oxygen species production were assayed, respectively. Results The calcium depositions of vascular smooth muscle cells of the β-glycerophosphate group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.01), and were inhibited by EGb 761 in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Data showed β-glycerophosphate induced the enhanced expression of alkaline phosphatase, up-regulated the NF-κB activity and increased reactive oxygen species production of vascular smooth muscle cells while these decreased when administrated with EGb 761(p < 0.05). Conclusions EGb 761 significantly reduced deposition of calcium induced by β-glycerophosphate in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells. It not only reduced the deposition of calcium, but also inhibited osteogenic transdifferentiation, which may be associated with decreasing expression of alkaline phosphatase, down-regulating the NF-κB activity, and reducing reactive oxygen species production of vascular smooth muscle cells, and may have the potential to serve as a role for vascular calcification in clinical situations.
The Ponseti Method for Clubfoot Treatment in Low and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review of Barriers and Solutions to Service Delivery

Background: Use of the minimally invasive Ponseti method has been increasing in low and middle-income countries, where most of the world’s children with clubfoot are born. This method requires a system of service delivery involving screening, serial casting with or without a tenotomy to achieve correction, and long-term use of an orthosis to maintain correction. The goal of this systematic review is to evaluate the barriers to service delivery and the solutions that have been proposed or implemented to address these barriers. Methods: A literature search of Medline, Embase, and SCOPUS produced 3251 results. Twenty-four papers were selected for final review. Barriers and their attempted solutions were organized into a previously described health barrier model. We reported on high-impact, sustainable solutions that are feasible for organizations to implement, as opposed to solutions that require major policy or country-wide infrastructure changes. Results: Common barriers found to have the most impact on patient care included financial constraints, transportation, difficulties with brace and cast care, self-perceived health status, lack of physical resources, and provider’s lack of knowledge and skill. The most common solutions detailed were education of the provider or patient and financial assistance for patients. Conclusions: Recognizing that contextually relevant solutions to the challenges of setting up a system for clubfoot service delivery are required, several common barriers have emerged within this systematic review of papers from multiple countries, including spatial accessibility, affordability, and availability. Programs can best prepare for challenges by placing clinics close to population centers and/or allocating funds to subsidize transportation, ensuring that an adequate supply of materials are available for the casting and tenotomy, and enhancing the education of families and health providers. Strengthening communication and establishing partnerships between individuals and organizations promoting the Ponseti method will improve systems for service delivery. Level of Evidence: Level IV—prognostic study.
Design Studies of  ${\hbox{Nb}}_{3}{\hbox{Sn}}$ High-Gradient Quadrupole Models for LARP

Insertion quadrupoles with large aperture and high gradient are required to achieve the luminosity upgrade goal of 1035 cm-2s-1 at the large hadron collider (LHC). In 2004, the US Department of Energy established the LHC accelerator research program (LARP) to develop a technology base for the upgrade. Nb3Sn conductor is required in order to operate at high field and with sufficient temperature margin. We report here on the conceptual design studies of a series of 1 m long ldquohigh-gradient quadrupolesrdquo (HQ) that will explore the magnet performance limits in terms of peak fields, forces and stresses. The HQ design is expected to provide coil peak fields of more than 15 T, corresponding to gradients above 300 T/m in a 90 mm bore. Conductor requirements, magnetic, mechanical and quench protection issues for candidate HQ designs will be presented and discussed.
Soft Systems Methodology - A Conceptual Model of Knowledge Management Systems Initiatives in Malaysian Public Universities

The implementation of knowledge management systems (KMS) initiatives is recognized by its highly complex situations and difficult to manage, involving a range of interrelated and overlapping components of technology, organization and people. The objective of the study is to demonstrate how the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) approach can be applied to investigate the implementation of KMS initiatives in their natural setting. The study is carried out through four case studies within Malaysian Public Universities (MPUs) representing different characteristics of universities based on the year of their establishment. The findings reveal the process of KMS initiatives contains six different kinds of activity through the development of conceptual model. Furthermore, the analysis was conducted to identify factors influencing the activities within the proposed conceptual model. In this sense, the application of SSM recommends the advantage of a comprehensive analysis by integrating both the process and the factors influencing the implementation of KMS initiatives in the higher education context, especially in the MPUs.