Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Paper No 341 : Potential for the implementation of evaporative cooling in a subhumid warm climate through the use of the humidex index

In this paper we analyzed the application of direct evaporative cooling (dEC) in a subhumid warm climate (Aw, a savanna, Köeppen classification.) Three localities with different altitudes – 0.0, 500 and 1,000 mosl – in the state of Colima, Mexico, were studied. Despite the fact that bioclimatic theory does not recommend applying dEC to such climate, the results suggest that its application can significantly increase comfort hours. The humidex index, widely used by the Canadian meteorological service, is the thermal sensation that is perceived by a human being through the combined effect of relative heat and humidity. This index was used to provide a clear estimator of increase in comfort hours. dEC implies an increase in relative humidity, and thus, when analyzed through any other index, it was seen it brings about an important decrease in temperature; however, it also causes an increase in hygric discomfort hours. However, the utility of the humidex index lies in the fact that by integrating both variables into one single data, it can be determined whether dEC does indeed increase comfort. Firstly, the mean times which were a result of evaporative cooling with different humidification efficacies were calculated. Then the humidex index for these new heat and humidity conditions was also calculated, and the sensations of no discomfort (or comfort,) some discomfort, great discomfort and dangerous were registered. At 0.0 mosl, comfort hours can be increased by 190%; at 500 mosl, by 220%, and at 1,000 mosl, by 150%. It is concluded that evaporative cooling is a technique with high potential for use in subhumid warm climates, and one which does not affect hygric comfort.
Modification of Virtual Reality Combined with a Mental Task Stimulates Cortisol in Volunteers

Immersive, stereoscopic virtual reality (VR) systems provide a powerful multimedia tool for a laboratory simulation of distinct scenarios including stressful situations close to reality. Thus far, cortisol secretion as a neuroendocrine parameter of stress has not been evaluated within a VR paradigm. Ninety-four healthy subjects were subjected to a VR paradigm and a cognitive stress task. It was tested (a) if the modification of reality induced by dynamic VR as opposed to static VR can be regarded as a stressor and (b) if it can modify an additional cognitive stress response. In addition, the impact of gender on cortisol responses was assessed. A significant cortisol increase was observed only after the combined application of both conditions, but not after the dynamic VR or the cognitive stress alone. Cortisol reactivity was greater for men than for women. We conclude that dynamic VR does not affect cortisol secretion per se, but increases cortisol responses in a dual task paradigm. This provides the basis for the application of VR in neuroscientific research, which includes the assessment of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation.
Characterization of Inhomogeneity in Silicon Dioxide Films on 4H-Silicon Carbide Epitaxial Substrate Using a Combination of Fourier Transform Infrared and Cathodoluminescence Spectroscopy

We measured the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra of silicon dioxide (SiO2) films grown on 4H-silicon carbide (4H-SiC) substrates and confirmed that the phonon observed at around 1150-1250 cm−1 originates from the upper branch of the surface phonon polaritons (SPPs) in the SiO2 films and that its frequency is sensitive to the oxide thickness. The relative intensity of the upper branch of SPPs normalized by that of the transverse optical phonon (TO) tended to increase with decreasing channel mobility (CM). A comparison of the FT-IR and CL measurements shows that the relative intensity is correlated with an inhomogeneity in the SiO2–SiC interface and the CM of SiC devices. A combination of FT-IR spectroscopy and CL spectroscopy provides us with a large amount of data on the inhomogeneity, defect, and oxide thickness of SiO2 films on 4H-SiC substrates.
Demonstration of a symmetric 10 Gb/s QPSK subcarrier multiplexed WDM PON with IM/DD transceivers and a bandwidth-limited RSOA

Full-duplex 10 Gb/s/λ transmission is demonstrated over a 20 km single feeder WDM PON. BER performance below the RS(255,223) FEC threshold is achieved for OLT launch powers, ranging from 0 dBm to 9 dBm, proving flexibility to network operators.
Improving forecast quality in practice

Robert and Fotios discuss the results of their important new survey on the key elements for improving the quality of the forecasting function. A lot more is involved here than software and statistical methodology; it? s also about removing organizational impediments, developing appropriate performance benchmarks and motivational incentives, and improving data reliability and flow within the organization. Copyright International Institute of Forecasters, 2015
The Second Laminin G-type Domain of Protein S Is Indispensable for Expression of Full Cofactor Activity in Activated Protein C-catalysed Inactivation of Factor Va and Factor VIIIa

Summary Vitamin K-dependent protein S is a cofactor to the anticoagulant serine protease activated protein C (APC) in the proteolytic inactivation of the procoagulant, activated factor V (FVa) and factor VIII (FVIIIa). In the FVa degradation, protein S selectively accelerates the cleavage at Arg306, having no effect on the Arg506 cleavage. In the FVIIIa inactivation, the APC-cofactor activity of protein S is synergistically potentiated by FV, which thus has the capacity to function both as a pro- and an anticoagulant protein. The SHBG-like region of protein S, containing two laminin G-type domains, is required for the combined action of protein S and FV. To elucidate whether both G domains in protein S are needed for expression of APC-cofactor activities, chimeras of human protein S were created in which the individual G domains were replaced by the corresponding domain of the homologous Gas6, which in itself has no anticoagulant activity. In a plasmabased assay, chimera I (G1 from Gas6) was as efficient as wild-type recombinant protein S, whereas chimera II (G2 from Gas6) was less effective. The synergistic cofactor activity with FV in the inactivation of FVIIIa was lost by the replacement of the G2 domain in protein S (chimera II). However, chimera I did not exert full APC-cofactor activity in the FVIIIa degradation, indicating involvement of both G domains or the entire SHBG-like region in this reaction. Chimera I was fully active in the degradation of FVa in contrast to chimera II, which exhibited reduced cofactor activity compared to protein S. In conclusion, by using protein S-Gas6 chimeric proteins, we have identified the G2 domain of protein S to be indispensable for an efficient inactivation of both FVIIIa and FVa, whereas the G1 domain was found not to be of direct importance in the FVa-inactivation experiments.
Intraventricular Infusion of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Promotes Cerebral Angiogenesis with Minimal Brain Edema

OBJECTIVE Therapeutic cerebral angiogenesis, i.e., using angiogenic factors to enhance collateral vessel formation within the central nervous system, is a potential method for cerebral revascularization. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent endothelial cell mitogen that also increases capillary permeability, particularly in ischemic tissue. The purpose of this study was to assess the angiogenic and capillary permeability effects of chronic intraventricular infusion of exogenous VEGF in nonischemic brain tissue, because many patients with impaired cerebrovascular reserve do not exhibit chronic cerebral ischemia. METHODS Recombinant human VEGF165 was infused into the right lateral ventricle of rats at a rate of 1 &mgr;l/h for 7 days, at concentrations of 1 to 25 &mgr;g/ml, with osmotic minipumps. Control animals received vehicle only. Vessels were identified in laminin immunohistochemical analyses. Capillary permeability and brain edema were assessed with Evans blue extravasation, [3H]inulin permeability, and brain water content measurements. RESULTS Vessel density was dose-dependently increased by VEGF165 infusions, with significant increases occurring in animals treated with 5 or 25 &mgr;g/ml, compared with control animals (P < 0.01). Significant enlargement of the lateral ventricles was observed for the highest-dose group but not for animals treated with other doses. Capillary permeability was assessed in animals treated with a dose of 5 &mgr;g/ml. An increase in capillary permeability in the diencephalon was identified with Evans blue extravasation and [3H]inulin permeability assessments; however, the brain water content was not significantly increased. CONCLUSION Chronic intraventricular infusions of VEGF165 increased vascular density in a dose-dependent manner. There seems to be a therapeutic window, because infusion of VEGF165 at a concentration of 5 &mgr;g/ml resulted in a significant increase in vessel density with minimal associated brain edema and no ventriculomegaly.
Truncated hemoglobin 1 is a new player in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii acclimation to sulfur deprivation

Truncated hemoglobins constitute a large family, present in bacteria, in archaea and in eukaryotes. However, a majority of physiological functions of these proteins remains to be elucidated. Identification and characterization of a novel role of truncated hemoglobins in the model alga provides a framework for a more complete understanding of their biological functions. Here, we use quantitative RT-PCR to show that three truncated hemoglobins of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, THB1, THB2 and THB12, are induced under conditions of depleted sulfur (S) supply. THB1 underexpression results in the decrease in cell size, as well in levels of proteins, chlorophylls and mRNA of several S-responsive genes under S starvation. We provide evidence that knock-down of THB1 enhances NO production under S deprivation. In S-deprived cells, a subset of S limitation-responsive genes is controlled by NO in THB1-dependent pathway. Moreover, we demonstrate that deficiency for S represses the nitrate reduction and that THB1 is involved in this control. Thus, our data support the idea that in S-deprived cells THB1 plays a dual role in NO detoxification and in coordinating sulfate limitation with nitrate assimilation. This study uncovers a new function for the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii THB1 in the control of proper response to S deprivation.
S-adenosyl-L-methionine production by an ergosterol-deficient mutant of Scheffersomyces stipitis.

S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM, SAMe ; AdoMet) is an important methyl donor in many reactions, and recently has attracted much attention due to its expanding application in pharmacy. Efficient ways of its production have been widely researched. In this study it was demonstrated that erg6 mutant of yeast Scheffersomyces stipitis (former Pichia stipitis), obtained by UV mutagenesis and selected by resistance to nystatin, could be used for production of SAM. The mutant strain showed higher ability to accumulate SAM than its parental strain. The experiments demonstrated different dependence of erg6 mutant strain on several cultivation conditions in comparison to parental strain, its higher sensibility to oxidative stress, as well as strong dependence of SAM accumulation on the cell growth phase and supplementation of growth media with methionine.
The Effect of Dementia Patient’s Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional/ Behavioral Problems on Caregiver Well-Being: Findings From a Spanish-Speaking Sample From Colombia, South America

The current study aims to (1) determine whether there is a relationship between the problems of patients with dementia and the psychosocial functioning of the caregiver, (2) determine whether these relationships exist independent of sociodemographic and caregiving-related variables, and (3) determine which type of problems of patients with dementia best predict the psychosocial functioning of the caregiver. In all, 73 family caregivers were recruited from Bogota, Colombia. The caregivers completed a checklist of problems presented by the person with dementia, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-12), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Number of cognitive and behavioral/emotional problems presented by the person with dementia was positively correlated with caregiver PHQ-9 and ZBI scores. Number of behavioral/emotional problems was negatively correlated with ISEL-12 scores. Cognitive and behavioral/emotional problems, but not physical, presented by the person with dementia were associated with higher levels of depression and burden of caregiver. Behavioral/emotional difficulties were associated with lower caregiver-perceived social support rating.
Prevalence of Mutations in Discoidin Domain-Containing Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 2 (DDR2) in Squamous Cell Lung Cancers in Korean Patients

Purpose The discoidin domain-containing receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (DDR2) is known to contain mutations in a small subset of patients with squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the lung. Studying the DDR2 mutations in patients with SCC of the lung would advance our understanding and guide the development of therapeutic strategies against lung cancer. Materials and Methods We selected 100 samples through a preliminary genetic screen, including specimens from biopsies and surgical resection, and confirmed SCC by histologic examination. DDR2 mutations on exons 6, 15, 16, and 18 were analyzed by Sanger sequencing of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples. The functional effects of novel DDR2 mutants were confirmed by in vitro assays. Results We identified novel somatic mutations of DDR2 in two of the 100 SCC samples studied. One mutation was c.1745T>A (p.V582E) and the other was c.1784T>C (p.L595P), and both were on exon 15. Both patients were smokers and EGFR/KRAS/ALK-triple negative. The expression of the mutant DDR2 induced activation of DDR2 by the collagen ligand and caused enhanced cell growth and tumor progression. Moreover, dasatinib, a DDR2 inhibitor, showed potential efficacy against DDR2 L595P mutant–bearing cells. Conclusion Our results suggest that a mutation in DDR2 occurs naturally with a frequency of about 2% in Korean lung SCC patients. In addition, we showed that each of the novel DDR2 mutations were located in a kinase domain and induced an increase in cell proliferation rate.
Deposition and diffusion of platinum nanoparticles in porous carbon assisted by plasma sputtering

Catalytic nano-clusters of platinum are deposited by high density plasma sputtering into porous carbon gas diffusion layers for low temperature fuel cell electrodes. This plasma process leads to the deposition of catalyst onto the surface of the substrate and assists its diffusion in the carbon layer. In this work, we discuss the influence of the plasma parameters on this diffusion of platinum. D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. PACS: 81.15. Cd; 66.10. Cb
Club guessing sequences and filters

Abstract We investigate club guessing sequences and filters. We prove that assuming V = L, there exists a strong club guessing sequence on μ if and only if μ is not ineffable for every uncountable regular cardinal μ. We also prove that for every uncountable regular cardinal μ, relative to the existence of a Woodin cardinal above μ, it is consistent that every tail club guessing ideal on μ is precipitous.
ACCELERATING AXON GROWTH TO OVERCOME LIMITATIONS IN FUNCTIONAL RECOVERY AFTER PERIPHERAL NERVE INJURY

OBJECTIVEInjured peripheral nerves regenerate at very slow rates. Therefore, proximal injury sites such as the brachial plexus still present major challenges, and the outcomes of conventional treatments remain poor. This is in part attributable to a progressive decline in the Schwann cells' ability to provide a supportive milieu for the growth cone to extend and to find the appropriate target. These challenges are compounded by the often considerable delay of regeneration across the site of nerve laceration. Recently, low-frequency electrical stimulation (as brief as an hour) has shown promise, as it significantly accelerated regeneration in animal models through speeding of axon growth across the injury site. METHODSTo test whether this might be a useful clinical tool, we carried out a randomized controlled trial in patients who had experienced substantial axonal loss in the median nerve owing to severe compression in the carpal tunnel. To further elucidate the potential mechanisms, we applied rolipram, a cyclic adenosine monophosphate agonist, to rats after axotomy of the femoral nerve. RESULTSWe demonstrated that effects similar to those observed in animal studies could also be attained in humans. The mechanisms of action of electrical stimulation likely operate through up-regulation of neurotrophic factors and cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Indeed, the application of rolipram significantly accelerated nerve regeneration. CONCLUSIONWith new mechanistic insights into the influencing factors of peripheral nerve regeneration, the novel treatments described above could form part of an armament of synergistic therapies that could make a meaningful difference to patients with peripheral nerve injuries.
Validation of the Bowel Function Index to detect clinically meaningful changes in opioid-induced constipation

Abstract Objective: The Bowel Function Index (BFI) is a clinician-administered, patient-reported, 3-item questionnaire to evaluate opioid-induced constipation in cancer and non-cancer chronic pain patients. The objective of the present analysis was to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the BFI using data from clinical studies of oral prolonged release (PR) oxycodone/naloxone. Methods: OXN2401 was a multicenter, controlled, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study including oral PR oxycodone combined with oral PR naloxone as well as oral PR oxycodone combined with corresponding naloxone placebo. OXN3401 and OXN3001 were 12-week multicenter, controlled, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group studies of a fixed combination of oral PR oxycodone/naloxone versus PR oxycodone. In addition, a placebo group was included in study OXN3401. BFI psychometric characteristics (reliability, reproducibility, convergent/known groups validity, and responsiveness) were evaluated. Results: Demographic data (n=985) were comparable and analyses indicated a high degree of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha >0.7). Change of less than 5 points in BFI was indicative of high reproducibility. Correlations between BFI item and total scores to stool frequency were statistically significant and in the low-to-moderate range (OXN2401 –0.23 to –0.29, p < 0.001; OXN3401 range –0.26 to –0.40, p < 0.001; OXN3001 –0.14 to –0.15, p < 0.05). Data indicate that a BFI score change of ≥12 points represents a clinically meaningful change in constipation. Limitations: This publication for validation of BFI only includes data from three clinical trials. However, another publication of an additional specifically designed cross-sectional validation study is in preparation. Conclusion: The BFI is a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of opioid-induced constipation in chronic pain patients. Psychometric analyses from clinical trials support the BFI's psychometric properties.
Testing a sequential stochastic simulation method based on regression kriging in a catchment area in Southern Hungary

Modelling spatial variability and uncertainty is a highly challenging subject in soil- and geosciences. Regression kriging (RK) has several advantages; nevertheless it is not able to model the spatial uncertainty of the target variable. The main aim of this study is to present and test a sequential stochastic simulation approach based on regression kriging (SSSRK), which can be used to generate alternative and equally probable realizations in order to model and assess the spatial variability and uncertainty of the target variable, meanwhile the advantages of the RK technique are retained. The SSSRK method was tested in a catchment area, in Southern Hungary for the modelling of spatial variability and uncertainty of soil organic matter (SOM) content. In the first step, the auxiliary information was derived according to the soil forming factors; then the RK system was built up, which provides the base of SSSRK. 100 realizations were generated, which reproduced the model statistics and honored the input dataset. These realizations provide 100 simulated values for each grid node, which number is appropriate to calculate the cumulative distributions. Using these distributions the following maps were derived: map of expected values, the corresponding 95% confidence interval’s width, furthermore the probability of the event of {SOM < 1.5%}, since this threshold value is highly informative in soil protection and management planning. The resulted maps showed that, SSSRK is a valuable technique to model and assess the spatial variability and uncertainty of the target variable. Furthermore, the comparison of RK and SSSRK showed that, the SSSRK’s E-type estimation and the RK estimation gave almost the same results due to the fairly high R 2 value of the regression model (R 2 =0.809), which decreased the smoothing effect.
LaeA, a Regulator of Morphogenetic Fungal Virulence Factors

ABSTRACT Opportunistic animal and plant pathogens, well represented by the genus Aspergillus, have evolved unique mechanisms to adapt to and avoid host defenses. Aspergillus fumigatus, an increasingly serious pathogen owing to expanding numbers of immunocompromised patients, causes the majority of human infections; however, an inability to identify bona fide virulence factors has impeded therapeutic advances. We show that an A. fumigatus mutation in a developmentally expressed transcriptional regulator (ΔlaeA) coordinating morphological and chemical differentiation reduces virulence in a murine model; impaired virulence is associated with decreased levels of pulmonary gliotoxin and multiple changes in conidial and hyphal susceptibility to host phagocytes ex vivo. LaeA, a conserved protein in filamentous fungi, is a developmental regulator of virulence genes and, possibly, the first antimicrobial target specific to filamentous fungi that are pathogenic to plants and animals.
Co-design of a crowdsourcing solution for disaster risk reduction

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is a complex field in which a huge amount of data is used to plan preventive measures, get prepared to natural disasters, and effectively respond when they strike. This work focuses on the definition of a co-design methodology to integrate a crowdsourcing solution in the DRR processes. We define the proposed methodology, and implement it involving operators and experts in the DRR domain (crisis managers, technical services, first responders). We show how a participatory design approach helps in the design of a crowdsourcing solution that experts are willing to integrate into their DRR procedures.