Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Instrumental Record of Debris Flow Initiation During Natural Rainfall

[1] The middle of a hillslope hollow in the Oregon Coast Range failed and mobilized as a debris flow during heavy rainfall in November 1996. Automated pressure transducers recorded high spatial variability of pore water pressure within the area that mobilized as a debris flow, which initiated where local upward flow from bedrock developed into overlying colluvium. Postfailure observations of the bedrock surface exposed in the debris flow scar reveal a strong spatial correspondence between elevated piezometric response and water discharging from bedrock fractures. Measurements of apparent root cohesion on the basal (Cb) and lateral (Cl) scarp demonstrate substantial local variability, with areally weighted values of Cb = 0.1 and Cl = 4.6 kPa. Using measured soil properties and basal root strength, the widely used infinite slope model, employed assuming slope parallel groundwater flow, provides a poor prediction of hydrologic conditions at failure. In contrast, a model including lateral root strength (but neglecting lateral frictional strength) gave a predicted critical value of relative soil saturation that fell within the range defined by the arithmetic and geometric mean values at the time of failure. The 3-D slope stability model CLARA-W, used with locally observed pore water pressure, predicted small areas with lower factors of safety within the overall slide mass at sites consistent with field observations of where the failure initiated. This highly variable and localized nature of small areas of high pore pressure that can trigger slope failure means, however, that substantial uncertainty appears inevitable for estimating hydrologic conditions within incipient debris flows under natural conditions.
Angling for Influence: Institutional Proliferation in Development Banking

Why do states build new international organizations (IOs) in issue areas where many institutions already exist? Prevailing theories of institutional creation emphasize their ability to resolve market failures, but adding new IOs can increase uncertainty and rule inconsistency. I argue that institutional proliferation occurs when existing IOs fail to adapt to shifts in state power. Member states expect decision-making rules to reflect their underlying power; when it does not, they demand greater influence in the organization. Subsequent bargaining over the redistribution of IO influence often fails due to credibility and information problems. As a result, under-represented states construct new organizations that provide them with greater institutional control. To test this argument, I examine the proliferation of multilateral development banks since 1944. I leverage a novel identification strategy rooted in the allocation of World Bank votes at Bretton Woods to show that the probability of institutional proliferation is higher when power is misaligned in existing institutions. My results suggest that conflict over shifts in global power contribute to the fragmentation of global governance.
Systemic Factors Associated With Prosocial Skills and Maladaptive Functioning in Youth Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence

Children are frequently present in homes in which intimate partner violence (IPV) occurs. Following exposure to IPV, children may develop behavioral health difficulties, struggle with regulating emotions, or exhibit aggression. Despite the negative outcomes associated with witnessing IPV, many children also display resilience. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model, this study examined person-level, process-level (microsystem), and context-level (mesosystem) factors associated with positive and negative functioning among youth exposed to IPV. Participants were 118 mothers who reported on their 6- to 14-year-old children. All mothers experienced severe physical, psychological, and/or sexual IPV in the past 6 months. Linear regression modeling was conducted separately for youth maladaptive functioning and prosocial skills. The linear regression model for maladaptive functioning was significant, F(6, 110) = 9.32, p < . 001, adj R2 = 27%, with more severe IPV (β = .18, p < .05) and more negative parenting practices (β = .34, p < .001) associated with worse child outcomes. The model for prosocial skills was also significant, F(6, 110) = 3.34, p < . 01, adj. R2 = 14%, with less negative parenting practices (β = −.26, p < .001) and greater community connectedness (β = .17, p < .05) linked to more prosocial skills. These findings provide critical knowledge on specific mutable factors associated with positive and negative functioning among children in the context of IPV exposure. Such factors could be incorporated into strength-based interventions following family violence.
Paper-ink interactions: Microscale droplet absorption into paper for inkjet printing

This thesis concerns paper and ink interactions related to inkjet printing. Themain purpose of this work was to gain a deeper understanding in whichparameters control the flow of ink into papers and how the ink interacts with thepaper surface. The overall objective was to find key parameters to optimize theprint quality in inkjet printing. Characterization of paper-surfaces in terms of porosity, surface roughness andsurface energy was made. Objective and subjective measurements were used forprint quality evaluation. Light microscopy imaging and SEM was used to see howink interacts with the paper surface in a printed image. A high speed camera wasused to study the absorption of picolitre sized inkjet droplets into fine papers.An initial study on the effect of paper properties on print quality was made.Result indicated that there were small differences in print quality for pilot paperswith different composition (in a specific parameter window) and the commercialpaper COLORLOK® reproduced a noticeable high colour gamut compared to theother samples.Research was made to see how surface fixation can affect the print quality forprintouts made with pigmented ink. Surface fixation promotes retention of thepigmented colorant in the outermost surface layer of the paper and has beendenoted “colorant fixation” in this thesis.It was shown that applying colorant fixation onto a paper surface beforeprinting can increase the detail reproduction in a printed image. Differentconcentrations of calcium chloride were applied onto the paper surface on fullscaleproduced non-commercial papers. Test printing was made with a SoHo(Small office/Home office) printer using pigmented ink and results showed thatusing calcium chloride as surface treatment can lead to aggregation of pigments atthe surface resulting in a higher detail reproduction.Fast absorption of the carrier liquid into the paper and fast fixation ofcolourants on the surface is important in inkjet printing to avoid colour to colourbleeding. These demands will be more pronounced when the printing speedincreases. It is important to understand which parameters affect the absorption process tobe able to control the mechanisms and to optimize the print quality.A study of absorption of picolitre size inkjet droplets into fine paper was madein this work. Theoretical equations describing fluid absorption into capillaries weretested and compared with experimental results. The result showed that the timedependence in the Lucas-Washburn (L-W) equation fits fairly well to data whereasthe L-W equation overestimates the penetration depth.The results are directly applicable to paper and printing industry and can beused as a base for future studies of absorption of picolitre sized droplets intoporous materials and for studies of aggregation of colloidal particles on surfaces.
On the Spatial Performance of Users in Indoor VLC Networks with Multiple Reflections

In this paper, we present a stochastic geometry based framework to analyze the performance of downlink indoor visible light communication (VLC) networks at a typical receiver while considering reflections from the walls. A typical receiver is a arbitrarily located user in the room and may not necessarily be at the center and hence sees an asymmetric transmitter location process and interference at itself. We first derive the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) and rate coverage probability for a typical user. We then present a framework to model the impact of wall reflections and extend the analysis to study the performance of VLC network in the presence of wall reflections. We show that the impact of user's location and reflections is significant on the performance of the user.
Prevailing practices in the use of antibiotics by dairy farmers in Eastern Haryana region of India

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the antibiotic use in dairy animals and to trace its usage pattern among the small, medium, and large dairy farmers in Eastern Haryana region of India. Materials and Methods: Karnal and Kurukshetra districts from Eastern region of Haryana state were purposively selected, and four villages from each district were selected randomly. From each village, 21 farmers were selected using stratified random sampling by categorizing into small, medium, and large farmers constituting a total of 168 farmers as respondents. An antibiotic usage index (AUI) was developed to assess usage of antibiotics by dairy farmers. Results: Frequency of veterinary consultancy was high among large dairy farmers, and they mostly preferred veterinarians over para-veterinarians for treatment of dairy animals. Small farmers demanded low-cost antibiotics from veterinarians whereas large farmers rarely went for it. Antibiotics were used maximum for therapeutic purposes by all categories of farmers. Completion of treatment schedules and follow-up were strictly practiced by the majority of large farmers. AUI revealed that large farmers were more consistent on decision-making about prudent use of antibiotics. Routine use of antibiotics after parturition to prevent disease and sale of milk without adhering to withdrawal period was responsible for aggravating the antibiotic resistance. The extent of antibiotic use by small farmers depended on the severity of disease. The large farmers opted for the prophylactic use of antibiotics at the herd level. Conclusion: Antibiotic usage practices were judicious among large dairy farmers, moderately prudent by medium dairy farmers and faulty by small farmers. The frequency of veterinary consultancy promoted better veterinary-client relationship among large farmers.
Several Growth Characteristics of an Invasive Cyprinid Fish (Carassius gibelio Bloch, 1782)

Age composition, length-weight relationships, growth, and condition factors of the gibel carp (Carassius gibelio Bloch, 1782) were determined using specimens collected from Seyitler Reservoir between July 2005 to June 2006. A total of 149 gibel carp were observed and examined. The age composition of the samples ranged between I and VII years of age. It has been determined than 82.55% of the obtained samples are comprised of females, 16.11% is comprised of males and 1.34% is comprised of immature. The population is dominated by females able to reproduce gynogenetically. The mean fork lengths and mean weights of the population were 14.8-32.5 cm and 43.1-807.3 g respectively. The length-weight relation were calculated as W = 0.0696 L 2.132 , r=0.838 for females, for males W = 0.2942 L 2.6417 r=0.784 and W = 0.0274 L 2.9382 , r=0.813 for all samples. The mean Fulton Condition Factor was calculated as 2.342 for females, 2.064 for males and 2.276 for all samples. Age-length and age-weight relations were determined according to von Bertalanffy growth equation formula. Growth parameters of the population were Lt = 48.09 [1-e -0.093(t+0.29) ], and Wt=2323.62 [1-e -0.093(t+0.29) ] 2.9382 . The growth performance index value (O´) was computed as 5.37 for all specimens.
Economic Forces Influencing Value-Added Food Industries: Implications for Southern Agriculture

During the past few decades, U. S. agriculture has experienced remarkable gains in productivity and efficiency. While the number of farms has declined, the economic activities supporting production agriculture continue to comprise a major sector of the U. S. economy. The value-added food and fiber complex serves as an important link between production agriculture and the larger U. S. economy. Value-added products from agriculture have a retail value of more than $700 billion annually and engage about 20 percent of the U. S. labor force (ESCOP).
The effect of virulence genotypes of Helicobacter pylori on eradication therapy in children

Background/Aim: It is important to eradicate Helicobacter pylori at an early stage in patients during childhood to potentially prevent the development of H. pylori-related diseases. Studies have demonstrated that the virulence genotype of H. pylori influences the efficacy of eradication therapy. The efficacy of triple therapy has decreased significantly, which has seriously affected the clinical outcome of children with H. pylori infection. In this study we aimed to investigate the influence of virulence genotypes of H. pylori on triple eradication therapy in children. Patients and Methods: H. pylori strains were isolated from the gastric antrum mucosa in children with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted to determine the H. pylori cagA, vacA, and iceA genotypes. All patients with H. pylori infection were administered 14-day triple therapy. After drug withdrawal for at least 4 weeks, the 13C-urea breath test (13C-UBT) was used to observe the therapeutic effect of H. pylori eradication. The eradication rates were evaluated by intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses. Results: A total of 107 patients were enrolled in this study. Nine patients were lost to follow-up, and 98 patients were administered eradication therapy. Based on ITT and PP analyses, the H. pylori eradication rate was 64.5% (69/107) and 70.4% (69/98), respectively. Among the successful eradication groups, the cagA-positive, vacA s1a, vacA s1c, vacA m1, vacA m2, iceA 1, and iceA 2 genes were identified in 72.8%, 68.1%, 76.9%, 60.0%, 74.6%, 71.8%, and 75.0% of strains, respectively. Of the unsuccessful eradication groups, the cagA-positive, vacA s1a, vacA s1c, vacA m1, vacA m2, iceA 1, and iceA 2 genes were identified in 27.2%, 31.9%, 23.1%, 40.0%, 25.4%, 28.2%, and 25.0% of strains, respectively. No statistically significant differences were noted in the detection rate of the H. pylori genotypes between the H. pylori successful and unsuccessful eradication groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The cagA, vacA, and iceA genotypes of H. pylori are not associated with the efficacy of omeprazole-based triple therapy on the eradication of H. pylori infection in children.
Nitric oxide-mediated posttranslational modifications control neurotransmitter release by modulating complexin farnesylation and enhancing its clamping ability

Nitric oxide (NO) regulates neuronal function and thus is critical for tuning neuronal communication. Mechanisms by which NO modulates protein function and interaction include posttranslational modifications (PTMs) such as S-nitrosylation. Importantly, cross signaling between S-nitrosylation and prenylation can have major regulatory potential. However, the exact protein targets and resulting changes in function remain elusive. Here, we interrogated the role of NO-dependent PTMs and farnesylation in synaptic transmission. We found that NO compromises synaptic function at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in a cGMP-independent manner. NO suppressed release and reduced the size of available vesicle pools, which was reversed by glutathione (GSH) and occluded by genetic up-regulation of GSH-generating and de-nitrosylating glutamate-cysteine-ligase and S-nitroso-glutathione reductase activities. Enhanced nitrergic activity led to S-nitrosylation of the fusion-clamp protein complexin (cpx) and altered its membrane association and interactions with active zone (AZ) and soluble N-ethyl-maleimide-sensitive fusion protein Attachment Protein Receptor (SNARE) proteins. Furthermore, genetic and pharmacological suppression of farnesylation and a nitrosylation mimetic mutant of cpx induced identical physiological and localization phenotypes as caused by NO. Together, our data provide evidence for a novel physiological nitrergic molecular switch involving S-nitrosylation, which reversibly suppresses farnesylation and thereby enhances the net-clamping function of cpx. These data illustrate a new mechanistic signaling pathway by which regulation of farnesylation can fine-tune synaptic release.
Homogeneous differentiation of hepatocyte‐like cells from embryonic stem cells: applications for the treatment of liver failure

One of the major hurdles of cellular therapies for the treatment of liver failure is the low availability of functional human hepatocytes. While embryonic stem (ES) cells represent a potential cell source for therapy, current methods for differentiation result in mixed cell populations or low yields of the cells of interest. Here we describe a rapid, direct differentiation method that yields a homogeneous population of endoderm‐like cells with 95% purity. Mouse ES cells cultured on top of collagen‐sandwiched hepa‐tocytes differentiated and proliferated into a uniform and homogeneous cell population of endoderm‐like cells. The endoderm‐like cell population was positive for Foxa2, Sox17, and AFP and could be further differentiated into hepatocyte‐like cells, demonstrating hepatic morphology, functionality, and gene and protein expression. Incorporating the hepatocyte‐like cells into a bioartificial liver device to treat fulminant hepatic failure improved animal survival, thereby underscoring the therapeutic potential of these cells. —Cho, C. H. , Parashurama, N. , Park, E. Y. H. , Suganuma, K. , Nahmias, Y. , Park, J., Tilles, A. W. , Berthiaume, F. , Yarmush, M. L. Homogeneous differentiation of hep‐atocyte‐like cells from embryonic stem cells: applications for the treatment of liver failure. FASEB J. 22, 898–909 (2008)
Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite, β-Tricalcium Phosphate and Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Particles to Act as Local Delivery Carriers of Curcumin: Loading, Release and In Vitro Studies

The successful synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HA), β-Tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and two biphasic mixtures (BCPs) of the two was performed by means of wet precipitation. The resulting crystals were characterized and the BCP composition was analyzed and identified as 13% HA—87% TCP and 41% HA—59% TCP. All samples were treated with curcumin solutions, and the degree of curcumin loading and release was found to be proportional to the TCP content of the ceramic. No further cytotoxicity was observed upon MG-63 treatment with the curcumin-loaded ceramics. Finally, the alkaline phosphatase activity of the cells was found to increase with increasing content of TCP, which provides an encouraging proof of concept for the use of curcumin-loaded synthetic biomaterials in bone remodeling.
Growth zoning in tetrahedrite-tennantite from the Hock Hocking Mine, Alma, Colorado

The Hock Hocking is a small Pb-Zn-Ag-Au mine witlin the Alma district, Park County, Colorado. Ore occurs in fissure-faults that cut a series of pre-Pennsylvanian dolomites, quartzites and shales. Ore minerals consist predominantly of pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena and sphalerite, along with lesser amounts of tetrahedrite-tennantite, jalpaite, polybasite, stromeyerite, electrum and native silver in a gangue of manganoan dolomite and quartz. Microprobe analysis of growth-zoned tetrahedrite-tennantite coexisting with sphalerite of constant composition shows that Fe,/Zn is positively conelated with As/(As + Sb) in the semimetal site. Based on fluid-inclusion temperatures, paftlgenetic constraints and previous experimental studies (Sack & Loucks 1983, 1985), it appears that the Gibbs energy for the reciprocal reaction CulgZn2SbaSl3 + Cu16FgAsaSl3 = Cu19Zn2As4S13 + Cu1qFe2SbaS13 is temperature-independent over the range 200-500oC.
Intake of Fatty Fish Alters the Size and the Concentration of Lipid Components of HDL Particles and Camelina Sativa Oil Decreases IDL Particle Concentration in Subjects with Impaired Glucose Metabolism

SCOPE Intake of long-chain n-3 PUFAs affects the lipoprotein subclass profile, whereas the effect of shorter chain n-3 PUFAs remains unclear. We investigated the effect of fish and camelina sativa oil (CSO) intakes on lipoprotein subclasses. METHODS AND RESULTS Altogether, 79 volunteers with impaired glucose metabolism were randomly assigned to CSO, fatty fish (FF), lean fish (LF), or control group for 12 weeks. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to determine lipoprotein subclasses and their lipid components. The average HDL particle size increased in the FF group (overall p = 0.032) as compared with the control group. Serum concentrations of cholesterol in HDL and HDL2 (overall p = 0.024 and p = 0.021, respectively) and total lipids and phospholipids in large HDL particles (overall p = 0.012 and p = 0.019, respectively) increased in the FF group, differing significantly from the LF group. The concentration of intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) particles decreased in the CSO group (overall p = 0.033) as compared with the LF group. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that FF intake causes a shift toward larger HDL particles and increases the concentration of lipid components in HDL, which may be associated with the antiatherogenic properties of HDL. Furthermore, CSO intake decreases IDL particle concentration. These changes may favorably affect cardiovascular risk.
Prevalence and variables associated with an abnormal ankle-brachial index among patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Objectives The longer survival of patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and the introduction of the highly active antiretroviral therapy have increased the number of chronic conditions; among these, cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study is to determine patient, disease, and factors associated with peripheral arterial disease in a population of patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Methods A prospective nested case–control study of a cohort of patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome was conducted in a tertiary medical center in Mexico City. A sample size of 206 patients was calculated. Medical history, relevant laboratory data, peripheral arterial exam, and screening ankle-brachial index tests were obtained. Results The prevalence of abnormal ankle-brachial indexes was 20% (42 patients). Patient’s mean age was 44 years ±13. The majority (98.5%) were actively receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy; active smoking was reported in 55 (27%), arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus were found in 24 (12%) and 22 (11%) patients. Median time from the human immunodeficiency virus diagnosis was eight years (Interquartile range ±11); the mean CD4 count was 481, with a mean viral load of 13,557 copies (SD ± 69025.27) and 1889.18 (SD ± 9052.77) for patients with normal and abnormal ankle-brachial index and a median of 40 (IQ ± 2). Viral load (p = 0.04) and number of years with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (p = 0.04) were significantly associated with abnormal ankle-brachial indexes. Conclusions Abnormal ankle-brachial index seems to be more frequent in Mexican patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome when compared with the general population at the same age. The most important factors associated with arterial disease were the viral load and the number of years with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02264509.