Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating behavioral responses of nesting lesser snow geese to unmanned aircraft surveys

Abstract Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are relatively new technologies gaining popularity among wildlife biologists. As with any new tool in wildlife science, operating protocols must be developed through rigorous protocol testing. Few studies have been conducted that quantify the impacts UAS may have on unhabituated individuals in the wild using standard aerial survey protocols. We evaluated impacts of unmanned surveys by measuring UAS‐induced behavioral responses during the nesting phase of lesser snow geese (Anser caerulescens caerulescens) in Wapusk National Park, Manitoba, Canada. We conducted surveys with a fixed‐wing Trimble UX5 and monitored behavioral changes via discreet surveillance cameras at 25 nests. Days with UAS surveys resulted in decreased resting and increased nest maintenance, low scanning, high scanning, head‐cocking and off‐nest behaviors when compared to days without UAS surveys. In the group of birds flown over, head‐cocking for overhead vigilance was rarely seen prior to launch or after landing (mean estimates 0.03% and 0.02%, respectively) but increased to 0.56% of the time when the aircraft was flying overhead suggesting that birds were able to detect the aircraft during flight. Neither UAS survey altitude nor launch distance alone in this study was strong predictors of nesting behaviors, although our flight altitudes (≥75 m above ground level) were much higher than previously published behavioral studies. Synthesis and applications: The diversity of UAS models makes generalizations on behavioral impacts difficult, and we caution that researchers should design UAS studies with knowledge that some minimal disturbance is likely to occur. We recommend flight designs take potential behavioral impacts into account by increasing survey altitude where data quality requirements permit. Such flight designs should consider a priori knowledge of focal species’ behavioral characteristics. Research is needed to determine whether any such disturbance is a result of visual or auditory stimuli.
Psychophysiological responses to food exposure: an experimental study in binge eaters.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to investigate psychophysiological responses to food exposure in binge eaters. METHOD Thirty female volunteers reporting regular binge attacks were compared with 30 nonbinge eaters. Subjects attended individually for the single laboratory session. Continuous measures of heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), electrodermal activity (EDA), and respiration rate were taken during rest and exposure to their favorite binge food. In addition, psychophysiological monitoring continued while subjects were allowed to eat after food exposure. Participants also completed inventories assessing restrained eating style (FEV, Revised Restraint Scale). Ratings of nervousness, distress, desire to binge, and hunger were collected repeatedly throughout the experiment. RESULTS The results indicate higher psychophysiological arousal in binge eaters than in nonbinge eaters. Binge eaters maintained a higher arousal level in BP and EDA throughout the food exposure trial than controls. HR during food exposure predicted the relative amount of food consumed during the eating trial across all subjects. This relationship, however, was more pronounced in binge eaters than controls and in restrained compared to unrestrained binge eaters. DISCUSSION The implications of these results are discussed in terms of conditioning and arousal models of cue reactivity in binge eating.
Poor family functioning mediates the link between childhood adversity and adolescent nonsuicidal self‐injury

Background Non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) is a common harmful behavior during adolescence. Exposure to childhood family adversity (CFA) is associated with subsequent emergence of NSSI during adolescence. However, the pathways through which this early environmental risk may operate are not clear. Aims We tested four alternative hypotheses to explain the association between CFA and adolescent‐onset NSSI. Methods A community sample of n = 933 fourteen year olds with no history of NSSI were followed up for 3 years. Results Poor family functioning at age 14 mediated the association between CFA before age 5 and subsequent onset of NSSI between 14 and 17 years. Conclusions The findings support the cumulative suboptimal environmental hazards (proximal family relationships as a mediator) hypothesis. Improving the family environment at age 14 may mitigate the effects of CFA on adolescent onset of NSSI.
Testing the Suitability of Zerovalent Iron Materials for Reactive Walls

Environmental Context. Groundwater remediation is generally a costly, long-term process. In situ remediation using permeable reactive barriers, through which the groundwaters pass, is a potential solution. For redox-sensitive contaminants in groundwater, a metallic iron barrier (zerovalent iron, ZVI) can immobilize or degrade these dissolved pollutants. Scrap iron materials are a low-cost ZVI material but, because of the wide variation of scrap metal compositions, testing methods for characterizing the corrosion behaviour need to be developed. Abstract. Zerovalent iron (ZVI) has been proposed as reactive material in permeable in situ walls for contaminated groundwater. An economically feasible ZVI-based reactive wall requires cheap but efficient iron materials. From an uranium treatability study and results of iron dissolution in 0.002 M EDTA by five selected ZVI materials, it is shown that current research and field implementation is not based on a rational selection of application-specific iron metal sources. An experimental procedure is proposed which could enable a better material characterization. This procedure consists of mixing ZVI materials and reactive additives, including contaminant releasing materials (CRMs), in long-term batch experiments and characterizing the contaminant concentration over the time.
Observational Evidence of Neighborhood Scale Reductions in Air Temperature Associated with Increases in Roof Albedo

The effects of neighborhood-scale land use and land cover (LULC) properties on observed air temperatures are investigated in two regions within Los Angeles County: Central Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley (SFV). LULC properties of particular interest in this study are albedo and tree fraction. High spatial density meteorological observations are obtained from 76 personal weather-stations. Observed air temperatures were then related to the spatial mean of each LULC parameter within a 500 m radius “neighborhood” of each weather station, using robust regression for each hour of July 2015. For the neighborhoods under investigation, increases in roof albedo are associated with decreases in air temperature, with the strongest sensitivities occurring in the afternoon. Air temperatures at 14:00–15:00 local daylight time are reduced by 0.31 °C and 0.49 °C per 1 MW increase in daily average solar power reflected from roofs per neighborhood in SFV and Central Los Angeles, respectively. Per 0.10 increase in neighborhood average albedo, daily average air temperatures were reduced by 0.25 °C and 1.84 °C. While roof albedo effects on air temperature seem to exceed tree fraction effects during the day in these two regions, increases in tree fraction are associated with reduced air temperatures at night.
Public Opinion on Education Policy in Germany

To better understand the political economy constraints of education policy, we have conducted the annual ifo Education Survey in Germany since 2014. This paper summarizes selected key findings on the German publics' preferences for education policies ranging from early childhood education and schools to the apprenticeship system, universities, and lifelong learning. While the emerging picture is complex and multifaceted, some general patterns emerge. The majority of Germans is surprisingly open to education reform and favors clear performance orientation. Survey experiments indicate that information can have substantial effects on public policy preferences. Overall, education policies seem important for respondents' voting behavior.
Accounting for Non‐Economic Factors in Demand for Transportation Fuels: A Comparative Study of South Korea and Indonesia

This paper demonstrates the importance of capturing the influence of non&#8208;economic factors such as changes in economic structure and life style in estimating energy demand functions for transportation fuels. Using annual time series data for South Korea and Indonesia from 1971 to 2016 in an Unrestricted Error Correction Model, the paper estimates the energy demand functions for transportation fuels as well as the growth of the underlying demand trend (which captured the effects of non&#8208;economic factors). The estimated elasticities are in the range of 1.103 to 1.82 for long&#8208;run income elasticity and &#8722;0.024 to 0.009 for price elasticity in the long&#8208;run. However, the estimated coefficient of the linear trend variable ranged from &#8722;0.36 to 0.009. The overall result suggests that demand for transportation fuels are more elastic to changes in real income than real prices in the long run. The relative magnitude and sign on the coefficient of the trend variables (both linear and stochastic) suggest that South Korea is more efficient in transport sector energy consumption than Indonesia, on the other hand, Non&#8208;technical exogenous factors (such as motorisation and traffic congestion) tend to outweigh energy efficiency improvements in Indonesia.
Cell cycle‐dependent localization of two novel prokaryotic chromosome segregation and condensation proteins in Bacillus subtilis that interact with SMC protein

Disruption of ypuG and ypuH open reading frames in Bacillus subtilis leads to temperature‐sensitive slow growth, a defect in chromosome structure and formation of anucleate cells. The genes, which were named scpA and scpB, were found to be epistatic to the smc gene. Fusions of ScpA and ScpB to the fluorescent proteins YFP or CFP showed that both proteins co‐localize to two or four discrete foci that were present at mid‐cell in young cells, and within both cell halves, generally adjacent to chromosomal origin regions, in older cells. ScpA and ScpB foci are associated with DNA and depend on the presence of SMC and both Scps. ScpA and ScpB are associated with each other and with SMC in vivo, as determined using the FRET technique and immunoprecipitation assays. Genes similar to scpA and scpB are present in many bacteria and archaea, which suggests that their gene products form a condensation complex with SMC in most prokaryotes. The observed foci could constitute condensation factories that pull DNA away from mid‐cell into both cell halves.
The improvement in walking speed induced by resistance training is associated with increased muscular strength but not skeletal muscle mass in older women

Abstract Objective: The purpose of the present study was to analyze whether improvements in fast walking speed induced by resistance training (RT) are associated with changes in body composition, muscle quality, and muscular strength in older women. Methods: Twenty-three healthy older women (69.6 ± 6.4 years, 64.95 ± 12.9 kg, 1.55 ± 0.07 m, 27.06 ± 4.6 kg/m²) performed a RT program for 8 weeks consisting of 8 exercises for the whole body, 3 sets of 10–15 repetitions maximum, 3 times a week. Anthropometric, body composition (fat-free mass [FFM], skeletal muscle mass [SMM], legs lean soft tissue [LLST], fat mass), knee extension muscular strength (KE1RM), muscle quality index (MQI [KE1RM/LLST]), and 10-meter walking test (10-MWT) were performed before and after the intervention. Results: Significant (P < .05) changes were observed from pre- to post-training for FFM (+1.6%), MQI (+7.2%), SMM (+2.4%), LLST (+1.8%), KE1RM (+8.6%), fat mass (−1.4%), and time to perform 10-MWT (−3.7%). The percentage change in 10-MWT was significantly associated with percentage change in MQI (r = −0.46, P = .04) and KE1RM (r = −0.45, P = .04), however not associated percentage of changes in SMM (r = 0.01, P = .97), LLST (r = −0.22, P = .33), and body fat (r = 0.10, P = .66). Conclusion: We conclude that the improvement in the 10-MWT after an 8-week RT program is associated with increases in lower limb muscular strength and muscle quality, but not with muscle mass or body fat changes in older women.
Innovative work behavior of managers: Implications regarding stressful challenges of modernized public- and private-sector organizations

Background: The present study was firstly aimed to find out the nature of stressful life events arising out of the innovative challenges in modernized organizations; and secondly, it tried to identify the relationship between innovative work behavior of managers and the levels of stress arising out of stressful events in modernized organizations (public and private) in West Bengal. Materials and Methods: Data was collected from a sample of 200 managers, by using 3 tools (General Information Schedule, Life Event Inventory and Innovative Work Behavior Scale) through a face-to-face interview. Responses were subjected to both quantitative and qualitative analyses. The data was statistically treated for ‘t’ and ANOVA. Results: Data highlighted the fact that the qualitative profile of stressful events in the lives of managers expressed specificity in terms of their organizational type (public- and private-sector modernized organizations), and levels of stress from stressful life events were significantly higher among the modernized private-sector managers than those among public-sector managers. The prevalence of innovative work behavior was moderately higher among managers of private-sector modernized organizations than their counterparts in public-sector organizations. The trends of innovative work behavior of the managers indicated much variability due to interaction of their level of perceived stressful challenges for innovation and the global forces of change that have unleashed dynamic, systematic and higher expectation level from them.
Energetics of glutamate receptor ligand binding domain dimer assembly are modulated by allosteric ions

The activity of many ligand-gated ion channels and cell surface receptors is modulated by small molecules and ions, but an understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms is scarce. For kainate, but not AMPA subtype glutamate receptors, the binding of Na+ and Cl− ions to discrete, electrostatically coupled sites in the extracellular ligand binding domain (LBD) dimer assembly regulates the rate of entry into the desensitized state, which occurs when the dimer interface ruptures and the channel closes. Studies on glutamate receptors have defined the LBD dimer assembly as a key functional unit that controls activation and desensitization. Here we use analytical ultracentrifugation to probe the energetic effects of allosteric ions on kainate receptor dimer stability in solution, using a GluR6 mutant that desensitizes slowly. Our results show that sodium and chloride ions modulate kainate receptor dimer affinity as much as 50-fold, and that removal of either Cl− or Na+ disrupts the dimer. The applicability of a similar allosteric mechanism for modulation of delta2 glutamate receptors by Ca2+ was also tested. Our results indicate that ions can contribute substantial free energy to active state stabilization in both these receptors, and provide quantitative measurements of the energetic consequences of allosteric ion binding to a ligand-gated ion channel.
Concordance between self-reported and sternal skin conductance measures of hot flushes in symptomatic perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: a systematic review

Objective:Sternal skin conductance is considered the gold standard in hot flush and night sweat measurement, but results sometimes differ from women's own self-reports. To date, there has been no systematic review of concordance between sternal skin conductance and self-report measures. An exploratory meta-analysis was conducted to quantify concordance between these measures and to explore the reasons for discordance between them. Methods:A search of Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsychInfo from inception to December 2009 was conducted. Studies that measured self-reported hot flushes and/or night sweats and sternal skin conductance concurrently in symptomatic perimenopausal and postmenopausal women were retained for data extraction. Studies were included if data on concordance between the two measures were available. Results:Concordance rates overall were 29%, but variability between studies was too broad to identify a single typical concordance rate. However, concordance rates for ambulatory monitoring were more homogeneous and also had a 29% concordance rate. Nonambulatory studies tended to result in more concordant hot flushes (54%) than ambulatory studies did, and night sweats tended to be under-reported more often than over-reported (46% and 22%, respectively). Conclusions:Concordance rates were typically lower than early reports of sternal skin conductance measures but were highly variable between studies. Possible measurement error and study conditions might partly explain the discordance and variation in study findings, but further exploration of the effects of symptom perception is warranted. Use of both measures concurrently is likely to achieve more reliable and valid measurement of hot flushes and night sweats than either measure alone.
Interactions of Arabidopsis RS Domain Containing Cyclophilins with SR Proteins and U1 and U11 Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein-specific Proteins Suggest Their Involvement in Pre-mRNA Splicing*

Ser/Arg (SR)-rich proteins are important splicing factors in both general and alternative splicing. By binding to specific sequences on pre-mRNA and interacting with other splicing factors via their RS domain they mediate different intraspliceosomal contacts, thereby helping in splice site selection and spliceosome assembly. While characterizing new members of this protein family in Arabidopsis, we have identified two proteins, termed CypRS64 and CypRS92, consisting of an N-terminal peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase domain and a C-terminal domain with many SR/SP dipeptides. Cyclophilins possess a peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase activity and are implicated in protein folding, assembly, and transport. CypRS64 interacts in vivo and in vitro with a subset of Arabidopsis SR proteins, including SRp30 and SRp34/SR1, two homologs of mammalian SF2/ASF, known to be important for 5′ splice site recognition. In addition, both cyclophilins interact with U1–70K and U11–35K, which in turn are binding partners of SRp34/SR1. CypRS64 is a nucleoplasmic protein, but in most cells expressing CypRS64-GFP fusion it was also found in one to six round nuclear bodies. However, co-expression of CypRS64 with its binding partners resulted in re-localization of CypRS64 from the nuclear bodies to nuclear speckles, indicating functional interactions. These findings together with the observation that binding of SRp34/SR1 to CypRS64 is phosphorylation-dependent indicate an involvement of CypRS64 in nuclear pre-mRNA splicing, possibly by regulating phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of SR proteins and other spliceosomal components. Alternatively, binding of CypRS64 to proteins important for 5′ splice site recognition suggests its involvement in the dynamics of spliceosome assembly.
Chronic Myelopathy Associated to Intramedullary Cysticercosis

Study Design. Case report. Objective. Discuss an isolated intramedullary neurocysticercosis (NCC) case in an adult patient with chronic progressive onset myelopathic symptomatology with clinical, radiologic, and pathologic correlation. Summary of Background Data. NCC is the most common parasitic infection in the central nervous system. Spinal NCC belongs to the group of extraparenchymal forms of NCC and it is considered an extremely rare form characterized by a distinct clinical entity due to mass effect on the spinal cord. Methods. Description of a 62-year-old male patient case who presented with chronic but progressive low cord myelopathy who underwent radiologic investigation through magnetic resonance imaging depicting a thoracic intramedullary cystic lesion at level T11. Results. Surgical excision of the intramedullary lesion was preformed and pathologic study confirmed a cysticercus. There was complete resolution of the neurologic symptoms and follow-up monitoring was unremarkable. Conclusion. Although intramedullary is a rare NCC location, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis in high-risk populations especially when cord compression and myelopathy symptoms are present. Magnetic resonance imaging remains the investigative and follow-up modality of choice, and promptly lesion recognition is fundamental for surgical planning and to improve the patient outcome.
Smart specialization policies: innovative performance models from European regions

ABSTRACT This research seeks to identify the factors that best explain the performance of regional innovation in Europe, in the era of smart specialization. Data were collected from the Regional Innovation Scoreboard 2016 and a quantitative methodology was followed using linear regressions as statistical methods. The results allowed us to reach four explanatory models of performance innovation for Innovative Regions Leader, Strong, Moderate and Modest. Some policies have also been suggested as possible regional innovation measures that can help policy makers to clarify and improve the innovation performance of these regions.
The deep inferior epigastric perforator flap for breast reconstruction: Is this the ideal flap for Asian women?

INTRODUCTION This study aims to evaluate the outcome and safety of the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap for breast reconstruction in a group of Southeast Asian women treated in our unit and to identify risk factors for breast reconstruction using the DIEP flap in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a prospective study on 50 consecutive DIEP flap breast reconstructions by a single surgeon in an academic institution between July 1999 and July 2006. Data on patient demographics, diagnosis, procedure type, adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatments, risk factors and complications were prospectively collected and registered in a clinical database. Outcome variables include total flap loss, partial flap loss, fat necrosis and minor complications related to the donor site or flap. Known risk factors are analysed to determine if they affect outcome in terms of complication rate in this group of patients. RESULTS Total flap loss, partial flap loss and fat necrosis complication rates were 6%, 4% and 10%, respectively. Flap complication rates were comparable to those quoted by previous studies done worldwide. Obesity (BMI >27) is a statistically significant factor associated with development of DIEP flap complications in our population. CONCLUSION Breast reconstruction with DIEP flap is a safe and reliable method when used in Southeast Asian women, offering optimal results with less donor -site morbidity. Obesity increases the incidence of flap complication in this group of patients.