Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A comparative approach to modelling multiple urban land use changes using tree-based methods and cellular automata: the case of Greater Tokyo Area

ABSTRACT Urban multiple land use change (LUC) modelling enables the realistic simulation of LUC processes in complex urban systems; however, such modelling suffers from technical challenges posed by complicated transition rules and high spatial heterogeneity when predicting the LUC of a highly developed area. Tree-based methods are powerful tools for addressing this task, but their predictive capabilities need further examination. This study integrates tree-based methods and cellular automata to simulate multiple LUC processes in the Greater Tokyo Area. We examine the predictive capability of 4 tree-based models – bagged trees, random forests, extremely randomised trees (ERT) and bagged gradient boosting decision trees (bagged GBDT) – on transition probability prediction for 18 land use transitions derived from 8 land use types. We compare the predictive power of a tree-based model with multi-layer perceptron (MLP) and among themselves. The results show that tree-based models generally perform better than MLP, and ERT significantly outperforms the three other tree-based models. The outstanding predictive performance of ERT demonstrates the advantages of introducing bagging ensemble and a high degree of randomisation into transition probability modelling. In addition, through variable importance evaluation, we found the strongest explanatory powers of neighbourhood characteristics for all land use transitions; however, the size of the impacts depends on the neighbourhood land use type and the neighbourhood size. Furthermore, socio-economic and policy factors play important roles in transitions ending with high-rise buildings and transitions related to industrial areas.
Two‐dimensional electrophoresis of recombinant human erythropoietin: A future method for the European Pharmacopoeia?

Quality assurance of recombinant protein drugs concerning identity and purity represents a difficult task, in particular, when post‐translational modifications lead to a heterogeneous mixture of biomolecules. We chose Neorecormon® (rh‐EPO, Roche) for our studies to demonstrate the efficiency of two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE) to analyse post‐translationally modified recombinant drugs. More than 40 protein spots in the range from isoelectric point (pI) 3.5–4.5 and 32–45 kDa could be separated. Enzymatic deglycosylation revealed that the heterogeneity of the protein pattern is mainly caused by variations in glycosylation. In comparison to the separately performed isoelectric focusing and sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, as requested by the European Pharmacopoeia, we see a great synergy to use 2‐DE for the analysis of rh‐EPO. A by far higher resolution can be achieved, allowing an improved differentiation of the various rh‐EPO glycoforms. Sequential deglycosylation of sialic acids, N‐glycosides and the O‐glycoside lead to significant shifts both in apparent relative molecular mass and pI. Comparing the 2‐DE patterns of rh‐EPO before and after deglycosylation allows on the one hand valuable information to be gained on the glycosylation of the recombinant protein and shows on the other hand how significantly the 2‐DE protein pattern can be influenced by the glycosylation. As the equipment for the performance of 2‐DE has improved significantly over the last decade, we see 2‐DE as a reliable method, which should be approved for the routine quality assurance of recombinant drugs and also recommended for the European Pharmacopoeia.
The clinical efficacy and safety of sildenafil in premature ejaculate : a meta-analysis

This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of sildenafil therapy compared with other agents in patients with premature ejaculation (PE) but without erectile dysfunction (ED). Systematically literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, Science Direct/Elsevier, CNKI, and the Cochrane Library. The mean difference (MD) or relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess the efficacy and safety of sildenafil treatment compared with other agents in men with PE. 13 studies, including 506 cases and 506 controls, were identified. The results suggested that when compared with other agents, sildenafil had a better effect on intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) (MD: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.23-1.90), number of coitus per week (MD: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.72-0.84) and overall coitus satisfaction rate (RR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.17-1.48), However, a higher but acceptable rate of adverse events was found in the patients treated with sildenafil (RR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.28-3.53). The present study shows that sildenafil was more effective in prolonging IELT, increasing the number of coitus per week and increasing the overall coitus satisfaction rate with an acceptable rate of side effects than other treatment agents.
Adhesion studies on dental enamel surfaces irradiated by a rapidly scanned carbon dioxide laser

In this study, we investigated the influence of different laser scanning patterns on the adhesive strength of laser irradiated enamel surfaces both with and without post ablation acid etching. Previous studies of dental enamel surfaces ablated by a rapidly scanned carbon dioxide laser indicated that the highly uniform smooth surfaces produced by the scanned laser beam yielded low bond strength and acid etching was required in order to attain a high bond strength. However, since the enamel surface after ablation by CO2 lasers is more resistant to acid dissolution it is desirable to avoid acid etching before bonding. The overlap between adjacent laser spots was varied to modify the effective surface roughness. In addition, small retention holes were drilled at higher laser intensity with varying spacing to increase the adhesive strength without acid etching. Varying the degree of overlap between adjacent laser spots did not significantly influence the bond strength with post ablation acid etching. The bond strength was significantly higher without acid etching with retention holes spaced 250-μm apart.
Genetic diversity, population structure and AFLP markers associated with maize reaction to southern rust

Bragantia, Campinas, v. 78, n. 2, p.183-196, 2019 ABSTRACT: Maize is one of the species with greater genetic diversity among cereals and possibly the most diverse crop species known. Accessing this variability is essential for maize breeding, allowing breeders to achieve progress of yield increasing, overcome environmental challenges or deal with pests and diseases. Among the maize diseases, southern rust is one of the most important, causing significant losses in yield and presenting severe epidemics worldwide. In the present study, the AFLP technique was applied to analyze population structure and genetic diversity among 145 tropical maize inbred lines, and to test for preliminary evidence of association between AFLP markers and the reaction to southern rust. Disease severity was evaluated in two crop seasons and the accessions were genotyped through AFLP using four primer combinations. PLANT BREEDING Article
HEMATOLOGY, PLASMA BIOCHEMISTRY, AND SEROSURVEY FOR SELECTED INFECTIOUS AGENTS IN SOUTHERN GIANT PETRELS FROM PATAGONIA, ARGENTINA

In conjunction with reproductive and feeding ecology studies on southern giant petrels (SGP, Macronectes giganteus) blood samples were collected for baseline health evaluations. Twenty-five adult SGP from a breeding colony in Chubut, Argentina, were sampled during two consecutive breeding seasons, 1999–2000 (n=15) and 2000–01 (n=10). Values for hematology, plasma biochemistry, and minerals are described for 20 birds in apparent good physical condition. A serologic survey of exposure to selected infectious agents was also conducted on all 25 birds sampled. Southern giant petrels were serologically negative for evidence of exposure to infectious laryngotracheitis virus, avian encephalomyelitis virus, avian influenza virus, avian reovirus, infectious bursal disease virus, infectious bronchitis virus, paramyxovirus 1, 2, and 3 virus, Chlamydophila, and Aspergillus. Antibodies to avian adenovirus were found in 14% of SGP during the first sampling season, and 60% in the second year. Additionally, all birds were negative for antibodies to Salmonella pullorum at the first sampling date, but 90% had low titers the following breeding season. This study contributes to understanding the health status of South Atlantic seabirds and to establishment of baseline information for SGP. Long-term monitoring of pelagic predator-scavenger seabirds such as SGP should be established for the surveillance of marine ecosystem health.
Effect of i.v. acetaminophen on total hip or knee replacement surgery: a case-matched evaluation of a national patient database.

PURPOSE The effects of i.v. acetaminophen on adverse events, hospital length of stay (LOS), and overall hospital costs for total hip or knee replacements were evaluated. METHODS We conducted a matched-pairs analysis of adult inpatients who underwent elective total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty in hospitals participating in the Premier Healthcare Alliance from January 1, 2011, to November 30, 2012. Each case who received i.v. acetaminophen on the day of surgery was matched to a control who did not receive i.v. acetaminophen within the same hospital. Treatment groups were analyzed for differences in the rate of adverse effects, LOS, and hospital resource utilization. RESULTS A total of 22,146 cases and controls were similar in terms of age, race, sex, marital status, insurance status, and preoperative comorbidities. Overall adverse events were significantly lower with i.v. acetaminophen (24.3%) than with controls (26.3%, p < 0.001), numerically less frequent in all subgroups, and significantly less frequent for renal, infectious, and miscellaneous adverse events (all p < 0.05). I.V. acetaminophen was also associated with a shorter LOS, with 1 out of 11 patients discharged one day earlier (p < 0.001) and lower average hospital costs: $16,381 for cases compared with $16,927 for controls (p < 0.001). Cost savings estimated by structural equation modeling of $547 per patient were due to $325 from direct effects and $222 from indirect effects, the latter mediated through adverse events and reduced LOS. CONCLUSION In this retrospective cohort study of case-matched patients who underwent total hip or knee replacement surgery, multimodal analgesia with i.v. acetaminophen was associated with improved clinical outcomes in terms of fewer adverse events, shortened LOS, and reduced total hospital resources compared with patients who did not receive i.v. acetaminophen.
Bank Ownership and Lending: Does Bank Ownership Matter?

Abstract Using the Central and Eastern European (CEE) bank-level data covering 2004–12, this article examines the differences in foreign-owned banks’ loan growth and its determinants in comparison with privately-owned domestic banks. The results indicate the greatest differences in the context of bank capital and liquidity. Bank capital remains an important loan growth determinant only for domestic private banks during the non-crisis periods and bank liquidity is of greater importance to domestic private banks during the crisis periods. This highlights local regulatory authorities’ limited ability to harness loan growth and excessive risk-taking during the non-crisis periods and points at the benefits of multinational banking groups’ internal capital markets during the crisis periods.
Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology of Healthcare-Associated Infections Due to Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)–Producing Strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae That Harbor Multiple ESBL Genes

Objectives. To characterize healthcare-associated infections due to extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae that harbor multiple ESBL genes, as opposed to a single ESBL gene. Methods. All patients with a confirmed healthcare-associated infection due to an ESBL-producing strain of E. coli or K. pneumoniae were enrolled in the study. Molecular typing of isolates was performed, and the comparative risks and outcomes of patients were analyzed. Results. Among 71 patients with healthcare-associated infection due to an ESBL-producing strain of E. coli or K. pneumoniae, the gene for CTX-M, with or without other ESBL genes, was identified in all 51 (100%) of the patients infected with an E. coli strain and in 18 (90%) of the 20 patients infected with a K. pneumoniae strain. Of these 71 patients, 17 (24%) met the definition of healthcare-associated infection due to an ESBL-producing strain that harbored multiple genes; in multivariate analysis, previous exposure to 3 or more classes of antibiotics (adjusted odds ratio, 4.5 [95% confidence interval, 1.7-75.2]) was the sole risk factor for healthcare-associated infection due to an ESBL-producing strain that harbored multiple ESBL genes. Isolates recovered from patients with healthcare-associated infection due to an ESBL-producing strain that harbored multiple ESBL genes were more resistant to various antibiotic classes, and, compared with patients with healthcare-associated infection due to an ESBL-producing strain that harbored a single ESBL gene, they were more likely to have ineffective initial empirical antimicrobial therapy (52% vs 94%; odds ratio, 5.1 [95% confidence interval, 1.04-14.5]). Conclusions. CTX-M ESBL is highly prevalent in Thailand. Patients with healthcare-associated infection due to an ESBL-producing strain that harbored multiple ESBL genes were more likely to have had ineffective initial empirical antimicrobial therapy, and, given that antibiotic selection pressure was the only associated risk, we suggest focused antimicrobial stewardship programs to limit the emergence and spread of healthcare-associated infection due to ESBL-producing strains in this middle-income country.
BANKING SERVICES PRICE INDEX: AN EXPLORATORY ANALYSIS FOR INDIA

In this paper we examine the issues involved for constructing a bank output price index for India. As well know, traditionally, the major part of banks' revenue comes from their activities in relation to financial intermediation, though in recent years, banks are increasingly tending to provide many direct services. Thus, an ideal price index for banking services would cover prices of both direct and intermediation services. As direct services are charged explicitly, measuring and pricing these banking services pose no special conceptual problem, except possibly the difficulties due to certain data deficiencies. But the issue is very complex conceptually for intermediation services. Besides, the implementation of the existing theory of price index of financial intermediation services is limited mainly due to the lack of required data and/or pronounced estimation problems. In this context, this paper presents some empirical results in respect to prices of banks' intermediation services for India.
The effect of moderate exercise training on oxygen uptake post-aortic/mitral valve surgery.

BACKGROUND This study determined the response of aortic and/or mitral valve replacement/reconstruction (AVR/MVR) surgery patients to a 3-month exercise rehabilitation program (ERP) of moderate intensity, frequency, and duration that commenced approximately 9 weeks post-operatively. METHODS Based on geographic proximity and availability of transportation to attend ERP classes, 29 experimental subjects were enrolled in the ERP and 20 control subjects received standard care that did not include the ERP, but did not prohibit activity/exercise. Exercise tolerance was determined from estimated oxygen uptake (VO2) during exercise tolerance testing (GXT) before and after standard care or the ERP. RESULTS VO2 at the maximum stage of the GXT increased significantly (P < or = 05) for the experimental (4.89 +/- 5.07 mL/kg/min) and control (5.11 +/- 4.48 mL/kg/min) groups. No significant between-group differences were noted in VO2 at the maximum stage of the exercise testing or at the target heart rate (HR). Furthermore, reported exercise levels of subjects in both groups were comparable and sufficient for training effects to occur. CONCLUSION Alternate strategies to improve exercise tolerance such as home-based rehabilitation programs should be investigated for relatively healthy aortic and/or mitral valve surgical patients.
The relationships between green consumption cognition and behavioral intentions for consumers in the restaurant industry

The concept of green consumption has become a more concerning issue for environmental protection among many countries in recent years, especially in how to apply it to the restaurant industry has become an important development for the restaurant businesses in the future. The purpose of this study is to apply the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to examine the relationships between green consumption cognition and consumption behavioral intentions for consumers in the restaurant industry. In this study, 620 questionnaires for consumers were totally distributed. The effective sample size and response rate for the survey was 435 and 70.16% respectively. The results of this study show that the green consumption cognition, green consumption attitude, green subjective norm and green perceived behavioral control for consumers in restaurants have positively significant impacts. Meanwhile, the green consumption cognition, green consumption attitude, green subjective norm and green perceived behavioral control for consumers have also positively significant impacts on their behavioral intentions of consumption for restaurants.
Increased levels of circulating interleukin‐6 in patients with hodgkin's disease

Expression of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐6 receptors has been demonstrated in Hodgkin and Reed‐Sternberg (H and RS) cells in vitro and in vivo. In order to evaluate the clinical significance of IL‐6 serum levels in patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD), we tested the sera of 56 untreated patients with HD by means of a sensitive sandwich ELISA. While IL‐6 was only rarely detectable in healthy controls or patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, 32 of 56 patients (57 per cent) had detectable IL‐6 levels (range 12–32pg/ml). The rates of detectable IL‐6 levels and the median levels were not correlated with age, sex, histological subtype, stage or the presence of B‐symptoms, nor with any of a wide spectrum of laboratory parameters tested, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate, total leukocyte and lymphocyte counts, serum levels of soluble CD8, CD25 or CD30. The rates of complete remissions and freedom from treatment failure were not different in IL‐6‐negative and IL‐6‐positive patients. Except in one of 23 follow‐up sera taken after therapy, IL‐6 was no longer detectable even for patients who suffered from progressing disease, suggesting that the neoplastic H and RS cells are not the major source of circulating IL‐6.
In vivo and in vitro effects of stellate ganglion blockade on radial and internal mammary arteries.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of stellate ganglion blockade (SGB) on the internal mammary (IMA) and radial arteries (RA) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery with in vivo and in vitro studies. DESIGN Prospective, randomized trial. SETTING University hospital. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-seven patients undergoing CABG surgery. INTERVENTIONS SGB was performed on 19 patients before anesthesia induction. Another group of 18 patients underwent surgery without SGB. Diameters of proximal RA, distal RA, and IMA were determined by Doppler ultrasonography before (T1) and after (T2) anesthesia induction. Control or blocked IMA and RA segments were obtained. Norepinephrine (NE) was applied to determine the contractile force of IMA and RA rings in a concentration-dependent manner. The maximal contractile response and the sensitivity of the vessels were compared. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The diameters of IMA and distal RA were statistically larger in the SGB group than those in the control group at T2. NE-induced maximum contraction was higher in the blocked RA rings than those in the control RA and blocked IMA rings. The sensitivity of IMA segments to NE was higher than that of RA segments in the SGB group. The control and blocked IMA segments showed similar sensitivity to NE. CONCLUSION The present results show that SGB not only increases distal RA and IMA diameters but is also associated with in vitro differences, the mechanism of which remains to be elucidated. Therefore, SGB might be considered as an alternative to topical and systemic vasodilators for reducing vasospasm in patients undergoing CABG.
Necrotizing Fasciitis: Improved Survival With Early Recognition by Tissue Biopsy and Aggressive Surgical Treatment

Background. Necrotizing fasciitis is a soft tissue gangrenous infection that is optimally treated by early diagnosis,radical surgical debridement of all involved necrotic tissue, broad spectrum antibiotics, and aggressive nutritional support. The early clinical diagnosis of an area of necrotizing fasciitis is difficult and frequently unreliable. We are reporting a series of cases in which an early, accurate diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis was established by a frozen section tissue biopsy obtained at the bedside. Methods. Over a 15-year period, a consecutive series of 43 patients had a bedside biopsy under local anesthesia with immediate frozen section evaluation. All patients were seen in the hospital or emergency room for treatment of an inflammatory process. Results. These 43 patients had bedside biopsy and frozen section evaluation of an inflammatory process. Twelve patients were found to have necrotizing fasciitis. These patients were treated with immediate surgical debridement of all gross necrotic tissue, broad spectrum antibiotics, and adequate nutritional support. All of them survived. No cases of infectious gangrene occurred in the group of patients whose biopsy did not reveal necrotizing fasciitis. Conclusion. Frozen section tissue biopsy is a useful adjunct in establishing an early, accurate diagnosis of infectious gangrene.