Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antihypertensive activity of KR-31081, an orally active nonpeptide AT1 receptor antagonist

The pharmacological profile of KR-31081, a newly synthesized AT1 receptor antagonist, was evaluated in pithed rats, conscious renal hypertensive rats (RHRs) and conscious furosemide-treated beagle dogs. In pithed rats, KR-31081 (i.v.) induced a non-parallel right shift in the dose-pressor response curve to angiotensin II (ID50: 0.05 mg/kg) with a dose-dependent reduction in the maximum responses; this antagonistic effect was about 40 times more potent than losartan (ID50: 1.74 mg/kg) which showed competitive antagonism. KR-31081 did not alter the responses induced by other agonists such as norepinephrine and vasopressin. In RHRs, orally given KR-31081 produced a dose-dependent and long-lasting (>24 h) antihypertensive effect with a higher potency to losartan (ED20: 0.30 and 3.36 mg/kg, respectively). In furosemide-treated dogs, orally given KR-31081 produced a dose-dependent and long-lasting (>8h) antihypertensive effect with a rapid onset of action (time to Emax: 1-1.5 h) and 20-fold greater potency than losartan (ED20: 0.41 and 8.13 mg/kg, respectively). These results suggest that KR-31081 is a potent, orally active AT1 receptor antagonist useful for the research and diagnostic tools as an added exploratory potential.
Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide exchanges in an age‐sequence of temperate pine forests

We investigated soil carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) exchanges in an age‐sequence (4, 17, 32, 67 years old) of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) forests in southern Ontario, Canada, for the period of mid‐April to mid‐December in 2006 and 2007. For both CH4 and N2O, we observed uptake and emission ranging from −160 to 245 μg CH4 m−2 h−1 and −52 to 21 μg N2O m−2 h−1, respectively (negative values indicate uptake). Mean fluxes from mid‐April to mid‐December across the 4, 17, 32, 67 years old stands were similar for CO2 fluxes (259, 246, 220, and 250 mg CO2 m−2 h−1, respectively), without pattern for N2O fluxes (−3.7, 1.5, −2.2, and −7.6 μg N2O m−2 h−1, respectively), whereas the uptake rates of CH4 increased with stand age (6.4, −7.9, −10.8, and −23.3 μg CH4 m−2 h−1, respectively). For the same period, the combined contribution of CH4 and N2O exchanges to the global warming potential (GWP) calculated from net ecosystem exchange of CO2 and aggregated soil exchanges of CH4 and N2O was on average 4%, <1%, <1%, and 2% for the 4, 17, 32, 67 years old stand, respectively. Soil CO2 fluxes correlated positively with soil temperature but had no relationship with soil moisture. We found no control of soil temperature or soil moisture on CH4 and N2O fluxes, but CH4 emission was observed following summer rainfall events. LFH layer removal reduced CO2 emissions by 43%, increased CH4 uptake during dry and warm soil conditions by more than twofold, but did not affect N2O flux. We suggest that significant alternating sink and source potentials for both CH4 and N2O may occur in N‐ and soil water‐limited forest ecosystems, which constitute a large portion of forest cover in temperate areas.
Chemistry of the Shiant Isles Main Sill, NW Scotland, and Wider Implications for the Petrogenesis of Mafic Sills

Major and trace element data for the Tertiary, Shiant Isles Main Sill, NW Scotland, are used to discuss its complex internal differentiation. Vertical sections through the sill exhibit sharp breaks in chemistry that coincide with changes in texture, grain size and mineralogy. These breaks are paired, top and bottom, and correspond to the boundaries of intrusive units, confirming a four-phase multiple-intrusion model based on field relations, petrography, mineralogy and isotopes. Whole-rock chemistry is consistent with this model and necessitates only minor revisions to the intrusive and differentiation mechanisms previously proposed. The rocks contain strongly zoned minerals (e.g. olivine Fo70–5, clinopyroxene Mg# ¼ 75–5, plagioclase An75–5) indicating almost perfect fractional crystallization, but whole-rock compositions do not show such extreme variations. Thus, while residual liquids became highly evolved in situ, they mainly became trapped within the crystal network and did not undergo wholesale inward migration. Some inward (mainly upward) concentration of residual liquids did occur to form a ‘sandwich horizon’, but the more volatile-rich, late-stage liquids that did not crystallize in situ appear to have migrated to higher levels in the sill to form pegmatitic horizons. Parental liquid compositions are modelled for the intrusive units and it is concluded that the original parent magma formed by partial melting of upper mantle that was more depleted in LREE than the sources of most Scottish Tertiary basaltic rocks. Incompatible trace elements in the picrodolerite–crinanite intrusive unit support isotope evidence that its parent magma was contaminated by crustal material. Attempts to reconcile the chemical characteristics of the sill with a recently proposed petrogenetic model based on a single intrusion of magma differentiated by novel, but controversial, processes fail comprehensively. It is predicted that the complex petrogenetic history of the Shiant Isles sill is not unusual and could become the model for other large (>50m thick) sills.
Gender and relative-age differences in math fluency using curriculum-based measurement.

This research is comprised of several studies using Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM) math fluency from a Canadian school district. The pre-study investigated inter-rater reliability for 38 markers. After marking 14 Grade 7 CBM math probes a eorrelation mean of . 98, and median of . 99 were calculated for the markers. Unanimous agreement was reached by the markers on 40% of the questions completed by the students. Despite a high correlation between markers additional analysis determined several issues contributing to marker discrepancy including addition errors, unmarked questions, and not following marking rules. The main study investigated gender and relative-age differences, effect sizes, and effect size comparisons. Two additional studies examined performance group differences and grade retention. A sample consisting of 1754 Grade 1 to 7 students participated in all aspects of the main study and performance group differences. Seventy Grades 1 to 7 students, eliminated from the main study, comprised the grade retention study. Using a 2 X 3 X 3 repeated measures ANOVA the results indicated no evidence of gender, relativeage differenees or an interaction. Additional investigation with t tests, and effect sizes noted a gender difference for Grade 1 and 2 only. Most effect sizes were trivial for gender and relative-age differences. One gender or relative-age was not favoured over another. Effect size results were compared to CBM reading and writing as well as the results of other math research. Differences between performance groups were not evident. Retained students did not perform as well as the students who were in the appropriate grade for their age.
Does the Location of Directors Matter? Information Acquisition and Board Decisions

Abstract Using data on over 4,000 individual residential addresses, we find that geographic distance between directors and corporate headquarters is related to information acquisition and board decisions. The fraction of a board’s unaffiliated directors who live near headquarters is higher when information-gathering needs are greater. When the fraction of unaffiliated directors living near headquarters is lower, nonroutine chief executive officer (CEO) turnover is more sensitive to stock performance. Also, the level, intensity, and sensitivity of CEO equity-based pay increase with board distance. Overall, our results suggest that geographic location is an important dimension of board structure that influences directors’ costs of gathering information.
The impact of group selection on student performance and satisfaction

Investigates whether the performance and attitudes of students could be improved by giving them some control over the group selection process. Groups were formed either by randomly combining paired friends or by randomly assigning all students. Students completed a group exercise and a group case. The dependent variables were the project grades and student satisfaction. Student satisfaction was measured using a questionnaire. The results show that attitudes of students were more positive when they were allowed to choose a single friend in the group. The project grades were significantly higher when students were paired, and this result was true regardless of their grade point averages. The interaction between group selection and grade point average is explained, and the paper concludes that the best group selection is to pair friends and then combine them to form groups with high ability rather than randomly assigning students to groups.
Credit Growth in Central and Eastern Europe: Convergence or Boom?

Credit to the private sector has been growing very rapidly in a number of Central and Eastern European countries in recent years. The main question is whether this dynamics is an equilibrium convergence process or may rather pose stability risks. Using panel econometric techniques, this paper attempts to identify the equilibrium credit/GDP levels of the new EU countries, disentangling the observed growth into an equilibrium trend and an excess (boom) component. In the paper the pooled mean group estimator was used for its flexibility and efficiency. Using instrumental variable technique we tested whether long run endogeneity affects the consistency. The estimations show that large part of the credit growth in new member states can be explained by the catching-up process, and, in general, credit/GDP ratios are below the levels consistent with macroeconomic fundamentals. However, in Latvia and Estonia credit growth is found to be significantly faster than what would be justified along the equilibrium path.
The Role of Arts Participation in Students' Academic and Nonacademic Outcomes: A Longitudinal Study of School, Home, and Community Factors.

This longitudinal study draws on positive youth development frameworks and ecological models to examine the role of school-, home- and community-based arts participation in students’ academic (e.g., motivation, engagement) and nonacademic (e.g., self-esteem, life satisfaction) outcomes. The study is based on 643 elementary and high school students from 15 schools conducted over the course of 2 academic years. Structural equation modeling showed that beyond sociodemographics, prior achievement, and prior variance in outcome measures, school predictors of academic and nonacademic outcomes were arts engagement and in-school arts participation; home predictors were parent–child arts interaction and home-based arts resources; and community arts predictors were participation in and attendance at arts events and external arts tuition (the latter, a negative effect). Implications for theory, policy, funding, and practice are discussed.
Gradient Population Optimization: A Tensorflow-Based Heterogeneous Non-Von-Neumann Paradigm for Large-Scale Search

This paper presents a novel scalable algorithm, Gradient Population Optimization (GPO), which is specifically designed to optimize cost functions with extremely high dimensionality. GPO uses the Tensorflow platform, a non-von-Neumann computation model, which implements dataflow graphs on heterogeneous computing hardware (e.g., multi-core central processing unit, graphics processing unit (GPU), and field-programmable gate array) in order to perform massively parallel processing tasks on scalable platforms, such as the cloud. GPO is based on the combination of population-based dynamics with gradient-based determinism, in which a coupling term is introduced between the local and global corrections to the positions of population’s agents’ positions. The GPO exhibited excellent performance in most of the standard benchmark functions that were tested. In particular, GPO demonstrated superb scalability in solving large-scale optimization problems using GPU-hardware-accelerated computing platform, positing the algorithm as an effective strategy for real-life massive scale problems, such as machine learning, data mining, and modeling wireless communication systems, such as 5G and massive MIMO.
Price-Setting Behaviour of Norwegian Firms – Results of a Survey

In the first half of 2007, Norges Bank conducted a survey of price-setting behaviour among a random sample of Norwegian firms. This article presents the results of the survey. The background to the survey is that modern monetary policy theory makes a number of assumptions about how the individual firm sets its prices. For example, it is often assumed that all firms are alike, that there is a certain interval between each time a price is changed, and that price-setters are forward-looking. At the same time, aggregate price movements are a result of all participants’ pricing decisions. An insight into what determines prices at the individual firm is therefore very useful for a central bank. The results of the survey support a number of key theoretical assumptions. Almost half of the firms in the survey stated that they change their prices only once a year. Firms have some market power and set the price as a mark-up over costs, and expectations of the future play a role when firms set the price. Other results from the survey fit less well with the assumptions often made in the literature. For example, there are clear differences in price-setting behaviour between different types of firms. There is also little support for the direct costs associated with changing the price being an important reason why many prices remain unchanged over time.
CAUSES OF CONFLICTS IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN NIGERIA: CONSULTANT’S AND CONTRACTOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Construction projects are prone to conflicts. This is due to the multiplicity of individuals handling different phases of the projects. Empirical evidence from previous studies shows that conflicts affects projects outcomes, if not properly managed. Identification of the significant causes of conflicts is critical to minimizing the likelihood of conflicts occurring in projects. Thus, this study was aimed at identifying and assessing causes of conflicts in Nigeria based on the perception of consultants and contractors. To achieve the study’s objectives, a 64-item questionnaire was used to collect information on experiences of construction professionals on the causes of conflicts in Nigerian construction projects. Responses from 69 professionals working for consultants and contractors were analysed. Seven significant causes of conflicts in the Nigerian context were identified. Based on the survey results, poor financial projections on the client’s side was identified as the most significant cause of conflicts. Furthermore, it was found that there are no difference in the perception of both groups of respondents. Taken together, these findings support strong recommendations on the need for effective management of finance on the client side, and engagement of experienced consultants in project. Implementation of these recommendations will minimize the likelihood of conflicts occurring in construction projects. http://dx.doi. org/10.4314/njt.v35i2. 6
NEW TRIASSIC ASTEROIDEA (ECHINODERMATA) SPECIMENS AND THEIR EVOLUTIONARY SIGNIFICANCE

The Paleozoic-Mesozoic transition saw the disappearance of asteroid stem groups and the ascent of the crown group, but late Paleozoic and Triassic asteroids are rare and transition events are poorly documented. Three new Middle and Late Triassic specimens augment existing data; included are a specimen of Trichasteropsis weissmanni from Germany, a specimen of Trichasteropsis ? sp. indet. from Italy, and a possible member of the extant Poraniidae from Slovenia. Presence of a small ossicle at the interbrachial midline and adjacent to the marginal series of the new T. weissmanni specimen is consistent with similar expressions not only of other trichasteropsids but also occurrence of two interbrachial ossicles in Paleozoic, stem-group asterozoans; presence is in turn consistent with a hypothesis of derivation of the axillary/odontophore coupling from two ossicles rather than direct derivation of the crown-group odontophore from a single stem-group axillary. Morphology of Trichasteropsis ? sp. indet. , including, for example, the evenly-tapering arms are reminiscent of those of diverse crown-group asteroids whereas the enlarged distal arms of T. weissmanni are unique, the morphology of T ? sp. indet. thereby potentially indicative of a plesiomorphic, stemward positioning within the Trichasteropsiidae. The range of the Poraniidae is tentatively extended to the Carnian. Similarities shared by the Poraniidae and the Trichasteropsiidae suggest stemward positioning within crown-group diversification; however, known Triassic fossils do not appear closely related to extant taxa identified in recent molecular studies as basal within the crown-group. A temperate climate is suggested as preferred by the Triassic asteroids rather than a tropical, warmer one.
Control of Colletotrichum Speckle of Hass Avocado

In the season of 1995/1996, Hass avocados in the Burgershall area were severely affected by a new disease which consisted of a multitude of minute (0.1 to 0.5 mm), shiny black spots on the surface of the fruit. The spots were caused by Colletotrichum and the disease is referred to as 'speckle'. Copper spray programmes were evaluated for control and a two spray programme, in early November and January is considered the minimum for Hass affected by the disease. Benlate can be substituted for one of the copper sprays.
The economic value of improved environmental health in Victorian rivers

To address the poor health of approximately one third of Victoria's rivers, current government targets include delivering significant improvements in river health by 2010. The quantification of benefits associated with improvements in river health arising from policy initiatives and projects enables the use of benefit-cost analysis to assess the viability of investment options. The non-market valuation technique known as choice modelling was used to generate benefit estimates for a selection of Victorian rivers. Monetary values were estimated for four attributes of environmental improvement: the percentage of pre-settlement fish species and populations; the percentage of the river's length with healthy vegetation on both banks; the number of native waterbird and animal species with sustainable populations; and the percentage of the river suitable for primary contact recreation without threat to public health. The relevance of the approach to management and policy issues is demonstrated.
Spread of Hoax in Social Media

We discuss the way of hoax spreading as gossip and rumor throughout the social media, i.e.: Twitter, by observing an empirical case in Indonesia. We discuss the spreading factor of the gossip in the social media and see the epidemiology of the propagation hoax before and after the hoax being clarified in the conventional mass media. The discussions brought us to the open enrchiment analysis of the sociology of gossip and rumors within the online services like Twitter for future observation of human behavior.
A comparison of eddy-covariance and large aperture scintillometer measurements with respect to the energy balance closure problem

Abstract. We analyzed the seasonal variations of energy balance components over three different surfaces: irrigated cropland (Yingke, YK), alpine meadow (A'rou, AR), and spruce forest (Guantan, GT). The energy balance components were measured using eddy covariance (EC) systems and a large aperture scintillometer (LAS) in the Heihe River Basin, China, in 2008 and 2009. We also determined the source areas of the EC and LAS measurements with a footprint model for each site and discussed the differences between the sensible heat fluxes measured with EC and LAS at AR. The results show that the main EC source areas were within a radius of 250 m at all of the sites. The main source area for the LAS (with a path length of 2390 m) stretched along a path line approximately 2000 m long and 700 m wide. The surface characteristics in the source areas changed with the season at each site, and there were characteristic seasonal variations in the energy balance components at all of the sites. The sensible heat flux was the main term of the energy budget during the dormant season. During the growing season, however, the latent heat flux dominated the energy budget, and an obvious "oasis effect" was observed at YK. The sensible heat fluxes measured by LAS at AR were larger than those measured by EC at the same site. This difference seems to be caused by the so-called energy imbalance phenomenon, the heterogeneity of the underlying surfaces, and the difference between the source areas of the LAS and EC measurements.
Hydrodynamical wind on vertically self-gravitating ADAFs in the presence of toroidal magnetic field

We present the effect of a hydrodynamical wind on the structure and the surface temperature of a vertically self-gravitating magnetized advection-dominated accretion flows (ADAFs) using self-similar solutions. Also a model for an axisymmetric, steady-state, vertically selfgravitating hot accretion flow threaded by a toroidal magnetic field has been formulated. The model is based on α-prescription for turbulence viscosity. It is found that the thickness and radial velocity of the disc are reduced significantly as wind gets stronger. In particular, the solutions indicated that the wind and advection have the same effects on the structure of the disc. We also find that the thin ADAF becomes hotter by including the wind parameter and the self-gravity parameter.
EFFECTS OF FEMALE IMMIGRANTS ON DEMOGRAPHY AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATION OF PRAIRIE VOLE (MICROTUS OCHROGASTER) POPULATIONS

Abstract We experimentally investigated effects of female immigrants on demography and social organization of prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) populations. We tested the hypothesis that increased immigrant pressure by unrelated adult females would decrease the survivorship of juveniles and indirectly decrease the proportion of communal groups in the populations. We established prairie vole populations in 8 enclosures (32 × 32 m). Four populations were supplemented with adult female immigrants, and the other 4 served as control populations in which no females were introduced. The results showed that adult female immigrants reduced the proportion of females and the proportion of juveniles in resident populations but did not change the social organization. We concluded that adult female immigrants did negatively affect resident populations. However, the direct numerical input and subsequent reproduction by immigrants would compensate for their negative effect on resident populations.
A Critical Heat Generation for Safe Nuclear Fuels after a LOCA

This study applies a thermo-elasto-plastic-creep finite element procedure to the analysis of an accidental behavior of nuclear fuel as well as normal behavior. The result will be used as basic data for the robust design of nuclear power plant and fuels. We extended the range of mechanical strain from small or medium to large adopting the Hencky logarithmic strain measure in addition to the Green-Lagrange strain and Almansi strain measures, for the possible large strain situation in accidental environments. We found that there is a critical heat generation after LOCA without ECCS (event category 5), under which the cladding of fuel sustains the internal pressure and temperature for the time being for the rescue of the power plant. With the heat generation above the critical value caused by malfunctioning of the control rods, the stiffness of cladding becomes zero due to the softening by high temperature. The weak position of cladding along the length continuously bulges radially to burst and to discharge radioactive substances. This kind of cases should be avoid by any means.