Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CEREALS PROSPECTS IN INDIA TO 2020: IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICY

Achieving food security has been the overriding goal of agricultural policy in India. The introduction and rapid spread of high-yielding rice and wheat varieties in the late 1960s and early 1970s resulted in steady output growth for foodgrains. Public investment in irrigation and other rural infrastructure and research and extension, together with improved crop production practices, has significantly helped to expand production and stocks of foodgrains. Foodgrain production, which was 72 million metric tons in 1965/66, rose to 185 million tons in 1994/95. (In this brief, all tons are metric tons.) Imports, which averaged 6 million tons per year from the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s, have been negligible in recent years, and grain stocks, which were just 2.2 million tons in 1965/66, rose to 31 million tons in 1995.
The effect of an education programme (MEDIAS 2 BSC) of non‐intensive insulin treatment regimens for people with Type 2 diabetes: a randomized, multi‐centre trial

A self‐management oriented education programme (MEDIAS 2 BSC) for people with Type 2 diabetes who are on a non‐intensive insulin treatment regimen was developed. In a randomized, multi‐centre trial, the effect of MEDIAS 2 BSC was compared with an established education programme that acted as a control group.
Morphometry of hilar ectopic granule cells in the rat

Granule cell (GC) neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG) does not always proceed normally. After severe seizures (e.g., status epilepticus [SE]) and some other conditions, newborn GCs appear in the hilus. Hilar ectopic GCs (EGCs) can potentially provide insight into the effects of abnormal location and seizures on GC development. Additionally, hilar EGCs that develop after SE may contribute to epileptogenesis and cognitive impairments that follow SE. Thus, it is critical to understand how EGCs differ from normal GCs. Relatively little morphometric information is available on EGCs, especially those restricted to the hilus. This study quantitatively analyzed the structural morphology of hilar EGCs from adult male rats several months after pilocarpine‐induced SE, when they are considered to have chronic epilepsy. Hilar EGCs were physiologically identified in slices, intracellularly labeled, processed for light microscopic reconstruction, and compared to GC layer GCs, from both the same post‐SE tissue and the NeuroMorpho database (normal GCs). Consistently, hilar EGC and GC layer GCs had similar dendritic lengths and field sizes, and identifiable apical dendrites. However, hilar EGC dendrites were topologically more complex, with more branch points and tortuous dendritic paths. Three‐dimensional analysis revealed that, remarkably, hilar EGC dendrites often extended along the longitudinal DG axis, suggesting increased capacity for septotemporal integration. Axonal reconstruction demonstrated that hilar EGCs contributed to mossy fiber sprouting. This combination of preserved and aberrant morphological features, potentially supporting convergent afferent input to EGCs and broad, divergent efferent output, could help explain why the hilar EGC population could impair DG function. J. Comp. Neurol. 519:1196–1218, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Till Porn Do Us Part? A Longitudinal Examination of Pornography Use and Divorce

As pornography use becomes more commonplace in the United States, and increasingly so among younger cohorts, a growing literature is considering its potential connection to key social and cultural institutions. The current study examined the relationship between pornography use and one such institution: marriage. We drew on three-wave longitudinal data from 2006 to 2014 General Social Survey panel studies to determine whether married Americans’ pornography use predicted their likelihood of divorce over time and under what social conditions. We employed a doubly robust strategy that combines entropy balancing with logistic regression models. We found that the probability of divorce roughly doubled for married Americans who began pornography use between survey waves (N = 2,120; odds ratio = 2.19), and that this relationship held for both women and men. Conversely, discontinuing pornography use between survey waves was associated with a lower probability of divorce, but only for women. Additional analyses also showed that the association between beginning pornography use and the probability of divorce was particularly strong among younger Americans, those who were less religious, and those who reported greater initial marital happiness. We conclude by discussing data limitations, considering potential intervening mechanisms and the possibility of reverse causation, and outlining implications for future research.
Searching for Biological Markers of Personality: Are There Neuroendocrine Markers of Anxiety?

The existence of stable individual differences in cognitive and emotional capabilities both in animals and humans is well-accepted. The theories of personality assume that such individ‐ ual differences can be categorized and that the richness of individual differences in humans would be the result of the combination of differences in a few underlying personality fac‐ tors. The most accepted contemporary theory is that of “Big Five” [1] that consider five high‐ est order factors: neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness. However, the nature of some of the putative factors is still a matter of dispute in the differ‐ ent theories. Within this framework, the factors extraversion and neuroticism have been as‐ sociated to the response to positive and negative emotions, respectively. Moreover, it is typically distinguished between personality and temperament, the latter term referring to biological predisposition that is noted early in life and will eventually lead to adult person‐ ality [2]. Emotionality may be considered as relatively stable individual characteristic so that subjects labeled as highly emotional will strongly react to emotional stimuli, particularly negative ones. It is of interest to know how high neuroticism subjects react to stressful situa‐ tions and which are the consequences of such exposure. It has been reported that in re‐ sponse to an adverse event high neuroticism soldiers showed larger increases in psychiatric symptoms than low neuroticism subjects [3], but no differences in the response were ob‐ served after controlling for pre-trauma symptoms. These data question the existence of high stress responsiveness in high neuroticism subjects.
Behavioral correlations of dopamine receptor activation

According to the classification scheme of Kebabian and Calne,2 there are two types of dopamine (DA) receptors: D1 (activation of which causes increased cyclic AMP formation) and D2 (activation of which causes no increment in cyclic AMP). It is not clear what role the different receptors play in mediating motor behavior. Using drugs that act selectively at only one receptor site, we studied the effects of D1 and D2 receptor activation in two different models of parkinsonism—the rotating rat and the reserpinized mouse. Neither the D1 agonist nor the D2 agonist, given alone, could overcome reserpine akinesia, but together they restored locomotor activity. In rats with unilateral nigrostriatal lesions, both drugs induced a rotational response, each with a distinct temporal pattern. Pretreatment with alpha-methyl-paratyrosine (an inhibitor of DA synthesis) led to decrements in the rotational response induced by D2 agonists, but not that induced by D1 agonists. The mechanism by which these DA agonists induce motor activity is different; activation of both types of DA receptors seems to be necessary for normal motor behavior.
Do aposematism and Batesian mimicry require bright colours? A test, using European viper markings

Predator avoidance of noxious prey, aposematism and defensive mimicry are normally associated with bright, contrasting patterns and colours. However, noxious prey may be unable to evolve conspicuous coloration because of other selective constraints, such as the need to be inconspicuous to their own prey or to specialist predators. Many venomous snakes, particularly most vipers, display patterns that are apparently cryptic, but nevertheless highly characteristic, and appear to be mimicked by other, non–venomous snakes. However, predator avoidance of viper patterns has never been demonstrated experimentally. Here, the analysis of 813 avian attacks on 12 636 Plasticine snake models in the field shows that models bearing the characteristic zigzag band of the adder (Vipera berus) are attacked significantly less frequently than plain models. This suggests that predator avoidance of inconspicuously but characteristically patterned noxious prey is possible. Our findings emphasize the importance of mimicry in the ecological and morphological diversification of advanced snakes.
Cytotoxic Bromoindole Derivatives and Terpenes from the Philippine Marine Sponge Smenospongia sp.

A detailed chemical analysis of a Philippine marine sponge Smenospongia sp. has been performed. This study yielded four new metabolites, 5-bromo-l-tryptophan (1), 5-bromoabrine (2), 5,6-dibromoabrine (3) and 5-bromoindole-3-acetic acid (4). The pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloid, makaluvamine O (5) as well as 5,6-dibromotryptamine (6), aureol (7) and furospinulosin 1 (8) were also isolated. Although 1 and 4 have been synthesized previously, this is the first report on the isolation of these compounds from a natural source. The furanosesterterpene furospinulosin 1 (8) was obtained for the first time from the genus Smenospongia. The structures of all compounds were established by spectroscopic methods (UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR, MS, [α]ᴅ). The cytotoxic potential of 1−8 was evaluated in a panel of isogenic HCT-116 human colon tumor cell lines.
SURFACE FLUX TRANSPORT MODELING FOR SOLAR CYCLES 15–21: EFFECTS OF CYCLE-DEPENDENT TILT ANGLES OF SUNSPOT GROUPS

We model the surface magnetic field and open flux of the Sun from 1913 to 1986 using a surface flux transport model, which includes the observed cycle-to-cycle variation of sunspot group tilts. The model reproduces the empirically derived time evolution of the solar open magnetic flux and the reversal times of the polar fields. We find that both the polar field and the axial dipole moment resulting from this model around cycle minimum correlate with the strength of the following cycle.
NewsQA: A Machine Comprehension Dataset

We present NewsQA, a challenging machine comprehension dataset of over 100,000 human-generated question-answer pairs. Crowdworkers supply questions and answers based on a set of over 10,000 news articles from CNN, with answers consisting of spans of text in the articles. We collect this dataset through a four-stage process designed to solicit exploratory questions that require reasoning. Analysis confirms that NewsQA demands abilities beyond simple word matching and recognizing textual entailment. We measure human performance on the dataset and compare it to several strong neural models. The performance gap between humans and machines (13.3% F1) indicates that significant progress can be made on NewsQA through future research. The dataset is freely available online.
Estrogen-Dependent Proteolytic Cleavage of Semaphorin 4D and Plexin-B1 Enhances Semaphorin 4D-Induced Apoptosis during Postnatal Vaginal Remodeling in Pubescent Mice

Around the fifth week after birth, the vaginal cavity in female mouse pups opens to the overlaying skin. This postnatal tissue remodeling of the genital tract occurs during puberty, and it largely depends upon hormonally induced apoptosis that mainly occurs in the epithelium at the lower part of the mouse vaginal cavity. Previously, we showed that most BALB/c mice lacking the class IV Semaphorin (Sema4D) develop imperforate vagina and hydrometrocolpos; therefore, we reasoned that the absence of Sema4D-induced apoptosis in vaginal epithelial cells may cause the imperforate vagina. Sema4D signals via the Plexin-B1 receptor; nevertheless detailed mechanisms mediating this hormonally triggered apoptosis are not fully documented. To investigate the estrogen-dependent control of Sema4D signaling during the apoptosis responsible for mouse vaginal opening, we examined structural and functional modulation of Sema4D, Plexin-B1, and signaling molecules by analyzing both wild-type and Sema4D−/− mice with or without ovariectomy. Both the release of soluble Sema4D and the conversion of Plexin-B1 by proteolytic processing in vaginal tissue peaked 5 weeks after birth of wild-type BALB/c mice at the time of vaginal opening. Estrogen supplementation of ovariectomized wild-type mice revealed that both the release of soluble Sema4D and the conversion of Plexin-B1 into an active form were estrogen-dependent and concordant with apoptosis. Estrogen supplementation of ovariectomized Sema4D−/− mice did not induce massive vaginal apoptosis in 5-week-old mice; therefore, Sema4D may be an essential apoptosis-inducing ligand that acts downstream of estrogen action in vaginal epithelium during this postnatal tissue remodeling. Analysis of ovariectomized mice also indicated that Sema4D contributed to estrogen-dependent dephosphorylation of Akt and ERK at the time of vaginal opening. Based on our results, we propose that apoptosis in vaginal epithelium during postnatal vaginal opening is induced by enhanced Sema4D signaling that is caused by estrogen-dependent structural changes of Sema4D and Plexin-B1.
Ochratoxin A: Molecular Interactions, Mechanisms of Toxicity and Prevention at the Molecular Level

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a widely-spread mycotoxin all over the world causing major health risks. The focus of the present review is on the molecular and cellular interactions of OTA. In order to get better insight into the mechanism of its toxicity and on the several attempts made for prevention or attenuation of its toxic action, a detailed description is given on chemistry and toxicokinetics of this mycotoxin. The mode of action of OTA is not clearly understood yet, and seems to be very complex. Inhibition of protein synthesis and energy production, induction of oxidative stress, DNA adduct formation, as well as apoptosis/necrosis and cell cycle arrest are possibly involved in its toxic action. Since OTA binds very strongly to human and animal albumin, a major emphasis is done regarding OTA-albumin interaction. Displacement of OTA from albumin by drugs and by natural flavonoids are discussed in detail, hypothesizing their potentially beneficial effect in order to prevent or attenuate the OTA-induced toxic consequences.
Predicting Metapopulation Responses to Conservation in Human-Dominated Landscapes

Loss of habitat to urbanization is a primary cause of population declines as human-dominated landscapes expand at increasing rates. Understanding how the relative effects of different conservation strategies is important to slow population declines for species in urban landscapes. We studied the wood thrush Hylocichla mustelina, a declining forest-breeding Neotropical migratory species, and umbrella species for forest-breeding songbirds, within the urbanized mid-Atlantic United States. We integrated 40 years of demographic data with contemporary metapopulation model simulations of breeding wood thrushes to predict population responses to differing conservation scenarios. We compared four conservation scenarios over a 30-year time period (2014–2044) representing A) current observed state (Null), B) replacing impervious surface with forest (Reforest), C) reducing brown-headed cowbird Molothrus ater parasitism pressure (Cowbird removal), and D) simultaneous reforesting and cowbird removal. Compared to the Null scenario, the Reforest scenario increased mean annual population trends by 54 % , the Remove cowbirds scenario increased mean annual population trends by 38 %, and the scenario combining reforestation and cowbird removal increased mean annual population trends by 98 %. Mean annual growth rates (λ) per site were greater in the Reforest (λ = 0.94) and Remove cowbirds (λ = 0.92) compared to the Null (λ = 0.88) model scenarios. However, only by combining the positive effects of reforestation and cowbird removal did wood thrush populations stop declining (λ = 1.00). Our results suggest that independently replacing impervious surface with forest habitat around forest patches and removing cowbirds may slow current negative population trends. Furthermore, conservation efforts that combine reforestation and cowbird removal may potentially benefit populations of wood thrushes and other similarly forest-breeding songbird species within urbanized fragmented landscapes that typify the mid-Atlantic United States.
Ethnic Differences in Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms: Disadvantage in Family Background, High School Experiences, and Adult Characteristics∗

Although research investigating ethnic differences in mental health has increased in recent years, we know relatively little about how mental health trajectories vary across ethnic groups. Do these differences occur at certain ages but not others? We investigate ethnic variation in trajectories of depressive symptoms, and we examine the extent to which disadvantages in family background, high school experiences, and adult characteristics explain these differences. Employing random-coefficient modeling using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, we find that blacks and Hispanics experience higher symptom levels in early adulthood in comparison to whites, but equivalent levels by middle age. Ethnic differences remained in early adulthood after including all covariates, but those differences were eliminated by middle age for Hispanics after controlling for demographics only, and for blacks after accounting for the age-varying relationship between income and depressive symptoms. These results highlight the importance of integrating a life course perspective when investigating ethnic variations in mental health.
3D Seismic Interpretation of a Plio-Pleistocene Mass Transport Deposit in the Deepwater Taranaki Basin of New Zealand

A series of Plio-Pleistocene mass transport deposits (MTD) have been identified in the deepwater Taranaki Basin, in New Zealand, using the Romney 3D seismic survey, which covers an area of approximately 2000 km. One of these MTDs has been chosen for description and interpretation based on high confidence mapping of its boundary surfaces. The deposit exhibits an array of interesting features similar to those documented by researchers elsewhere plus a unique basal feature unlike those previously observed. The basal shear surface exhibits erosional features such as grooves, “monkey fingers”, and glide tracks. Internally, the MTD is typically characterized by low impedance, chaotic, semi-transparent reflectors surrounding isolated coherent packages of seismic facies interpreted as intact blocks rafted within the mass transport complex. Distally, the deposit presents outrunner blocks and pressure ridges. The new element described in this work consists of a composite feature that includes a protruding obstacle (“shield block”) on the paleo-seafloor that acted as a barrier to subsequent flows as they advanced downslope. These blocks disrupt the incoming flow and result in elongate, downflow negative features (“erosional shadow scours”), which are then infilled by the mass transport deposit, and are preserved as elongate isochore thicks. Kinematic evidence provided by various structures suggests that the MTD flow direction was SE-NW toward bathyal depths. The features presented and the absence of extensional headwall structures, such as local arcuate glide planes and rotated slide blocks, suggest that this part of the deposit belongs to the translational to distal domain of the MTD, and its source area is expected to be somewhere toward the SE in a paleo continental slope.
Trypanosoma cruzi: in vitro induction of macrophage microbicidal activity

Normal, resident and inflammatory mouse peritoneal macrophages can be induced to display microbicidal activity against trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi by exposure to products from antigen-pulsed, sensitized spleen cell populations. Optimal macrophage microbicidal activity was achieved by constant exposure and daily renewal of the spleen cell factors. Macrophages obtained after an intraperitoneal injection of mild inflammatory agents were rapidly induced, displaying trypanocidal activity 24 h after exposure to the active spleen cell factor(s), and by 48 h, parasites were no longer observed. Resident peritoneal macrophages required 24 h longer for activation. Removal of the factor(s) before achieving complete disappearance of intracellular parasites led to resumed growth of the surviving organisms. The spleen cell factor(s) is effective when added either before or after exposure of the macrophages to trypomastigotes, and does not itself alter parasite viability. Dilution of the factor(s) up to 1:16 still results in significant trypanocidal activity. In vivo activated cells, obtained after a specific secondary challenge of animals infected with T. cruzi or Bacille Calmette-Guerin, lose their trypanocidal activity under in vitro conditions. This loss of activity can be prevented or restored by the addition of the active spleen cell factor(s). Induction of trypanocidal activity is also obtained with products from Concanavalin A- or lipopolysaccharide-stimulated normal spleen cells.
An Exploratory Study of Information Systems Resistance: The Case of Mobile Banking Systems in Korea and Finland

This study investigates mobile banking systems adoption in two countries; Korea and Finland, and proposes a mobile banking resistance model. Both Korea and Finland are currently using the most advanced wireless infrastructure and mobile banking systems. However, numerous inhibitors of mobile banking systems have delayed the widespread use of mobile banking systems. This study reports the significant inhibitors of mobile banking systems as well as the characteristics of those who are classified as non-adopters. More specifically, this paper finds whether the people who do not use mobile banking systems actually reject, postpone or oppose it. To accomplish the research objective, this study deploys the combination of the qualitative and quantitative research method. In the first phase, a case study using semi-structured interview is deployed to identify the factors inhibiting mobile banking use. 20 non-mobile banking users from Korea and Finland were interviewed in this phase of study. The result indicated that well developed traditional electronic banking services in both countries are significant barriers to mobile banking adoption. In addition, perceived risk and lack of knowledge about mobile banking contribute to non-adoption or rejection of mobile banking systems. In the second phase, the proposed mobile banking resistance model will be tested using a survey. Findings from the use of qualitative methods will be explained further with quantitative analysis of SEM.