Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contrasting climate change impact on river flows from high-altitude catchments in the Himalayan and Andes Mountains

Significance Changes in the hydrology of high-altitude catchments may have major consequences for downstream water supply. Based on model projections with a higher spatiotemporal resolution and degree of process complexity than any previous intercontinental comparative study, we show that the impacts of climate change cannot be generalized. These impacts range from a high climatic sensitivity, decreasing runoff, and significant seasonal changes in the Central Andes of Chile to increasing future runoff, limited seasonal shifts, but increases in peak flows in the Nepalese Himalaya. This study constrains uncertainty about response times and mechanisms controlling glacier and runoff response to climate and sets a benchmark for process-based modeling of the climate change impact on the hydrology of high-altitude catchments. Mountain ranges are the world’s natural water towers and provide water resources for millions of people. However, their hydrological balance and possible future changes in river flow remain poorly understood because of high meteorological variability, physical inaccessibility, and the complex interplay between climate, cryosphere, and hydrological processes. Here, we use a state-of-the art glacio-hydrological model informed by data from high-altitude observations and the latest climate change scenarios to quantify the climate change impact on water resources of two contrasting catchments vulnerable to changes in the cryosphere. The two study catchments are located in the Central Andes of Chile and in the Nepalese Himalaya in close vicinity of densely populated areas. Although both sites reveal a strong decrease in glacier area, they show a remarkably different hydrological response to projected climate change. In the Juncal catchment in Chile, runoff is likely to sharply decrease in the future and the runoff seasonality is sensitive to projected climatic changes. In the Langtang catchment in Nepal, future water availability is on the rise for decades to come with limited shifts between seasons. Owing to the high spatiotemporal resolution of the simulations and process complexity included in the modeling, the response times and the mechanisms underlying the variations in glacier area and river flow can be well constrained. The projections indicate that climate change adaptation in Central Chile should focus on dealing with a reduction in water availability, whereas in Nepal preparedness for flood extremes should be the policy priority.
Weight bearing and velocity in trans-tibial and trans-femoral amputees

The purpose of this study was to review the clinical utility of static weight bearing (SWB) and maximal self-selected ambulatory velocity as objective quantifiable measures in an outpatient lower limb prosthetic clinic. Seventy-three (n=73) consecutive trans-tibial (TTA) and trans-femoral amputees (TFA) attending an outpatient prosthetic clinic were studied. Prosthetic weight bearing was measured on a bathroom scale (mass in kg), normalised to body mass then expressed as a percentage and labelled static weight bearing (SWB). Maximum safe self-selected ambulatory velocity over a 10 metre level walkway (m/s) was measured with a stopwatch. The SWB mean for the TTA group was 94.93% (range 77 – 100%) and 88.36% for the TFA group (range 43 – 100%). The mean ambulatory velocity was 1.70 m/s (range 0.07 – 5.75) for the TTA group and 0.78 m/s (range 0.10 – 1.54) for the TFA group. A statistically significant relationship (p<0.05) was found between SWB and ambulatory velocity in trans-tibial and trans-femoral amputees in this study. A ceiling effect was noted in the trans-tibial group with 42% achieving 100% SWB through their prosthetic limb so it was concluded that ambulatory velocity was the more sensitive measure in established trans-tibial prosthetic limb users. SWB may be the more appropriate quantifiable measure for use in established trans-femoral prosthesis users. Prosthetic training programmes would benefit from the objective measurement of SWB. Once optimal SWB was achieved, ambulatory velocity would be the more sensitive measure of prosthetic use.
Single Spectrum End Point Predict of BOF with SVM

— SVM ( Support Vector Machine ) is a new method in the artificial neural network ( ANN ). In the steel making, how to use computer to predict the end point of BOF accuracy is a great problem. A lot of method and theory have been claimed, but most of the results is not satisfied. Now the hot topic in the BOF end point predicting is to use optical way the predict the end point in the BOF. And we found that there exist some regular in the characteristic curve of the flame from the mouse of pudding. And we can use SVM to predict end point of the BOF, just single spectrum intensity should be required as the input parameter. Moreover, its compatibility for the input space is better than the BP network.
Ribozyme-based therapeutic approaches for autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa.

PURPOSE To design, generate, and compare in vitro a range of hammerhead ribozymes targeting retinal transcripts implicated in autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP) and thereby identify ribozymes that may be valuable as therapeutic agents for adRP. To address mutational heterogeneity in rhodopsin and peripherin-linked adRP using mutation-independent ribozyme-based therapeutic approaches. METHODS Ribozyme and cDNAs constructs were cloned into pcDNA3 and expressed in vitro from the T7 promoter. Cleavage reactions were separated on polyacrylamide gels, visualized by autoradiography, and quantified using an instant imager. Ribozymes targeting rhodopsin and peripherin transcripts in a mutation-independent manner (Rz9, Rz10, and Rz40) and a multimeric ribozyme (RzMM) targeting rhodopsin transcripts were evaluated for in vitro activity. Parameters such as V:(max), K:(m), k(2) and k(-1) were established for each ribozyme. RESULTS Four ribozymes targeting retinal transcripts were evaluated. Mutation-independent ribozymes targeting degenerate sites or untranslated regions in retinal transcripts resulted in cleavage products of predicted size, whereas transcripts from modified replacement genes remained intact. Detailed kinetic evaluation of ribozymes revealed substantial differences in cleavage rates between ribozymes. CONCLUSIONS Mutation-independent hammerhead ribozymes targeting rhodopsin and peripherin have been screened in vitro, and a number of extremely efficient ribozymes identified subsequent to detailed kinetic analyses, suggesting that these ribozymes may provide mutation-independent methods of treating adRP. These are the first ribozymes reported that potentially will provide benefit for inherited retinopathies.
Dietary acrylamide exposure among Finnish adults and children: the potential effect of reduction measures

A deterministic exposure assessment using the Nusser method that adjusts for within-subject variation and for nuisance effects among Finnish children and adults was carried out. The food consumption data covered 2038 adults (25–74 years old) and 1514 children of 1, 3 and 6 years of age, with the data on foods’ acrylamide content obtained from published Finnish studies. We found that acrylamide exposure was highest among the 3-year-old children (median = 1.01 µg kg−1 bw day−1, 97.5th percentile = 1.95 µg kg−1 bw day−1) and lowest among 65–74-year-old women (median = 0.31 µg kg−1 bw day−1, 97.5th percentile = 0.69 µg kg−1 bw day−1). Among adults, the most important source of acrylamide exposure was coffee, followed by casseroles rich in starch, then rye bread. Among children, the most important sources were casseroles rich in starch and then biscuits and, finally, chips and other fried potatoes. Replacing lightly roasted coffee with dark-roasted, swapping sweet wheat buns for biscuits, and decreasing the acrylamide content of starch-based casseroles and rye bread by 50% would result in a 50% decrease in acrylamide exposure in adults. Among children, substituting boiled potatoes for chips and other friend potatoes and replacing biscuits with sweet wheat buns while lowering the acrylamide content of starch-based casseroles by 50% would lead to acrylamide exposure that is only half of the original exposure. In conclusions, dietary modifications could have a large impact in decreasing acrylamide exposure.
Young Entrepreneurs in the Mobile Telephony Sector in Ghana: From Necessities to Aspirations

ABSTRACT Despite increasing research interest in the mobile telephony sector, only a few studies have devoted attention to informal businesses in the sector. Using qualitative field data collected on young mobile telephony entrepreneurs in Accra, this paper argues that despite the businesses being ‘informal’, they cannot be dismissed as ‘necessity’ enterprises unworthy of support. On the contrary, many young entrepreneurs have aspirations which are influencing their desire to stay in business. The article thus questions the bifurcated nature of entrepreneurial motivations, using the burgeoning mobile telephony sector as a case study, and draws out implications for policy support for youth-run businesses in the informal sector generally.
Genetic structure of a natural population of Dictyostelium discoideum, a cellular slime mould

Dictyostelium discoideum is a eukaryotic microbe feeding on soil bacteria. A first step towards describing the genetic structure of populations of this species was made by examining multiple isolates from a single locale. The isolates were grown clonally and their RFLP patterns compared, using a probe specific for a family of tRNA genes. Thirty‐nine types were distinguished in 54 isolates. To determine if genetic exchange occurs among members of the population, an analysis of linkage disequilibrium was performed on the RFLP data. Little disequilibrium was found, implying gene flow in the population. In conflict with this result is the finding that no recombinant progeny were recovered from many attempted crosses between pairs of isolates. The tentative conclusion is that genetic exchange does not in fact occur, and that the observed shuffling of RFLP bands is caused by insertion and excision of transposons known to be associated with the tRNA genes of Dictyostelium.
Properties of superior vestibular nucleus flocculus target neurons in the squirrel monkey. I. General properties in comparison with flocculus projecting neurons.

1. Using single-unit recording and microstimulation methods, a group of flocculus target neurons (FTNs) were identified in the superior vestibular nucleus (SVN) and were studied using visual-vestibular interaction paradigms in alert squirrel monkeys. The response properties of these FTNs were characterized and compared with those of flocculus projecting neurons (FPNs). 2. FTNs were monosynaptically inhibited by single-pulse flocculus stimulation. The mean inhibition latency was 1.0 +/- 0.57 (SD) ms (n = 40) and the mean inhibition period was 6.7 +/- 2.69 ms. FTNs were also monosynaptically activated by VIIIth nerve stimulation. The mean response latency was 1.10 +/- 0.25 ms (n = 12). This is about the same as that of the FPNs (1.14 +/- 0.16 ms, n = 17). 3. The most characteristic response property of the FTNs is their firing rate modulation during visual following eye movements induced by sinusoidal rotation of an optokinetic drum at 0.5 Hz. This modulation was mainly related to eye velocity and was therefore termed a visual following eye velocity signal. The average eye velocity gain for all FTNs is 0.79 spikes.s-1.deg-1.s-1. In contrast, the responses of FPNs were not modulated under the same conditions. 4. Even though FTNs are inhibited by the flocculus, they have a relatively higher mean firing rate (124 +/- 23 spikes/s, n = 45) than FPNs (66 +/- 28 spikes/s, n = 42). The underlying mechanism may be related to commissural facilitation of FTNs and commissural inhibition of FPNs. 5. Thirty FTNs were identified as upward eye velocity FTNs because their firing rate increased for upward eye velocity during a visual following eye movement. The mean eye velocity sensitivity was 1.09 spikes.s-1.deg-1.s-1. Most of these cells also modulated during vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) in the dark, with firing rate increasing for downward head velocity. During VOR suppression the firing rate either did not modulate or modulated in phase with head or drum velocity with a smaller amplitude in comparison with the response during visual following. For all cells (with 1 exception) the response during a visual following eye movement can be approximately predicted by a linear vectorial subtraction of the response during VOR suppression and the response during VOR in the dark [modulation response vector of FTNs during visual following of the optokinetic stimulus (OKR) approximately modulation response vector of FTNs during VOR suppression-modulation response vector of FTNs during VOR in the dark]. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A Novel Ratiometric Probe Based on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots and Rhodamine B Isothiocyanate for Detection of Fe3+ in Aqueous Solution

A ratiometric probe for determining ferric ions (Fe3+) was developed based on nitrogen-doped carbon dots (CDs) and rhodamine B isothiocyanate (RhB), which was then applied to selective detection of Fe3+ in PB buffer solution, lake water, and tap water. In the sensing system, FePO4 particles deposit on the surface of CDs, resulting in larger particles and surface passivation. The fluorescence (FL) intensity and the light scattering (LS) intensity of CDs can be gradually enhanced with the addition of Fe3+, while the FL intensity of RhB remains constant. The ratiometric light intensity of CDs LS and RhB FL was quantitatively in response to Fe3+ concentrations in a dynamic range of 0.01–1.2 μM, with a detection limit as low as 6 nM. Other metal ions, such as Fe2+, Al3+, K+, Ca2+, and Co2+, had no significant interference on the determination of Fe3+. Compared with traditional probes based on single-signal probe for Fe3+ detection, this dual-signal-based ratiometric probe exhibits a more reliable and stable response on target concentration and is characterized by easy operation in a simple fluorescence spectrophotometer.
Structural Brain Abnormalities in Patients with Parkinson Disease: A Comparative Voxel-Based Analysis Using T1-Weighted MR Imaging and Magnetization Transfer Imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In PD, tissue damage occurs in specific cortical and subcortical regions. Conventional MR images have only limited capacity to depict these structural changes. The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether voxel-based MT imaging could indicate structural abnormalities beyond atrophy measurable with T1-weighted MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients with PD without dementia (9 in H&Y stage 1, thirteen in H&Y 2, eleven in H&Y 3, three in H&Y 4) and 23 age-matched control subjects were studied with T1-weighted MR imaging and MT imaging. Voxel-based analyses of T1-weighted MR imaging was performed to investigate brain atrophy, while MT imaging was used to study abnormalities within existing tissue. Modulated GM and WM probability maps, sensitive to volume, and nonmodulated maps, indicative of tissue density, were obtained from T1-weighted MR imaging. Effects seen on MTR images, but absent on density maps, were attributed to damage of existing tissue. RESULTS: Contrary to T1-weighted MR imaging, MT imaging was sensitive to the progression of brain pathology of the neocortex and paraventricular WM. MTR images and T1-based volume images, but not density images, showed a progression of disease in the olfactory cortex, indicating the occurrence of atrophy as well as damage to existing tissue in this region. MTR images revealed bilateral damage to the SN, while T1-weighted MR imaging only showed left-sided abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that voxel-based MT imaging permits a whole-brain unbiased investigation of CNS structural integrity in PD and may be a valuable tool for identifying structural damage occurring without or before measurable atrophy.
Increased Risk of Cancer Mortality Associated with Cadmium Exposures in Older Americans with Low Zinc Intake

Cadmium (Cd) exposure has been associated with increased cancer risk, and zinc (Zn) appears to reduce that risk. However, little is known about the combined influence of Cd and Zn on cancer risk. The aim of this study was to examine relationships between Cd exposure, Zn intake, and cancer mortality risks. The analyses used 5204 subjects aged 50 yr or older from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988–1994) and the mortality follow-up through December 31, 2006. Cox proportional hazards models were used to test associations. In total, 569 cancer deaths were recorded during an average follow-up of 12.4 yr, including 155 from lung, 61 from prostate, and 26 from breast cancer. A positive association between Cd and cancer mortality risk was identified for both genders. Despite limited cause-specific deaths, the increased risk associated with Cd was significant for lung cancer in men. All-cause cancer mortality risk was significantly elevated among women with Zn intakes below the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) compared with women who met the RDA. The effect of low dietary Zn was not observed in men. Similar trends for prostate and breast cancer deaths were not significant. There was a significant inverse association between cancer deaths and the Zn-to-Cd ratio for both genders. Cd exposure is an important independent risk factor of cancer mortality in older Americans and the risk appears exaggerated in those with inadequate dietary Zn. Additional studies are required to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which Zn participates in the carcinogenic influence of Cd.
Midlife dietary patterns and mortality in the population-based study of Swedish twins

Abstract Background We examined midlife dietary patterns in relation to (1) sociodemographic and health-related characteristics and (2) survival. Methods A two-step cluster analysis of a 12-item food questionnaire was used to derive dietary patterns in a cohort of 16 649 members of the Swedish Twin Registry, a prospective, population-based study of twins. The average age at baseline (1967) was 55.5 years; the follow-up for all-cause mortality extended until 2011 (26.8±12.35 years or 345 127 person-years) via death records. Results Four dietary patterns (classes) distinguishable by demographic and health characteristics emerged: Moderate Intake and Starch Diet (Class 1), Moderate Intake Diet with Low Flour-Based Foods (Class 2), Meat and Starch Diet (Class 3) and Low Meat Intake Diet (Class 4). Membership in Class 3 was associated with 7% increased risk of mortality compared with Class 2 independent of baseline age, cohort, sex and body mass index. These results were mostly explained by sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. When follow-up was restricted to those in the study for 20+ years, both Classes 1 and 3 conferred increased risk of mortality compared with Class 2, independent of covariates. Analyses conducted within twin pairs revealed similar results. Conclusions Midlife diet over-represented by meat and starch-based foods may increase the risk of mortality, whereas the diet low in starch may be beneficial. These results appear to be independent of factors shared by twins, as well as at least partially a function of social and lifestyle factors, particularly marital status and smoking.
Reduction of the Torque Ripple and Magnetic Force of a Rotatory Two-Phase Transverse Flux Machine Using Herringbone Teeth

The transverse flux machine (TFM) is a promising driving machine, especially for the low-speed applications, because it has greater power density, torque, and efficiency than the conventional electrical motors. However, the TFM has a complicated structure, a large torque ripple, and, occasionally, an unbalanced magnetic force. This paper investigates the effects of teeth geometry on torque ripple and unbalanced magnetic force in a rotatory two-phase TFM using the 3-D finite element method, and proposes a rotatory two-phase TFM with herringbone teeth to reduce the torque ripple and eliminate the unbalanced magnetic force.
Automated acoustic analysis of task dependency in adductor spasmodic dysphonia versus muscle tension dysphonia

Distinguishing muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) from adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) can be difficult. Unlike MTD, ADSD is described as “task‐dependent,” implying that dysphonia severity varies depending upon the demands of the vocal task, with connected speech thought to be more symptomatic than sustained vowels. This study used an acoustic index of dysphonia severity (i.e., the Cepstral Spectral Index of Dysphonia [CSID]) to: 1) assess the value of “task dependency” to distinguish ADSD from MTD, and to 2) examine associations between the CSID and listener ratings.
The role of magnesium in the endothelial dysfunction caused by global ischemia followed by reperfusion: in vitro study of canine coronary arteries

Objective—To study the role of magnesium in the endothelial dysfunction of canine coronary arteries caused by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) global ischemia followed by reperfusion. Design—Segments of canine coronary arteries were suspended in organ chambers to measure isometric contraction by prostaglandin F 2α , and relaxed by acetylcholine (ACh), sodium fluoride (NaF), calcium ionophore (A 23187 ) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in crescent concentrations. The investigation protocol had groups with six dogs: CONTROL group (without CPB), CPB group (105 min of CPB without aortic cross‐clamping), ISCH group (45 min of CPB with aortic cross‐clamping), ISCH/REP group (45 min of aortic cross‐clamping followed by 60 min of reperfusion). The coronary relaxations were evaluated with (phase I), without (phase II) and restored magnesium (phase III) to the organ bath. Results—The presence of magnesium in the organ bath was associated with the greater relaxation in response to agonists of the nitric oxide production. The removal of magnesium from the organ bath was associated with the reduction in the intensity of vessel relaxation. The magnesium restoration to the organ bath was associated with the additional reduction in the intensity of relaxation with the exception of NaF that allowed re‐acquisition of the relaxation observed in the presence of magnesium. Conclusion—This in vitro study demonstrates that magnesium ion favorably influences the nitric oxide production by the coronary endothelium, attenuating the endothelial dysfunction caused by global ischemia followed by reperfusion.
Student Performance on Computer-Based Tests versus Paper-Based Tests in Introductory Financial Accounting: UAE Evidence

This study examines whether the use of technology-based assessment tool affects the examinations' scores of students from both genders. The study, therefore, ascertains whether the mode of student testing (computer-based or paper-based) in an introductory-level financial accounting course impacted students' scores (a direct measure of learning). In doing so, the study relies on experimental design wherein the type of examination is being controlled together with other contextual variables such as timing of the exam, instructors, and the gender of students. The sample consists of 78 students undertaking financial accounting courses at Zayed University during the summer semester. A simple difference in means statistics test shows that there is no statistically significant difference between the students' paper-based and computer-based scores. However, benchmark regression analysis showed that males performed better than females on CBT, and females outperformed males on PBT. The paper provides evidence from the Gulf region as of how technology-based assessment is affected by the gender, which matter needs to be addressed by university instructors working in Middle East universities.