Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dwindling or thriving? Making sense of the diversity of agricultural and rural dynamics in Thailand

A vast amount of research has focused on the dynamics of the Thai agricultural sector and rural areas. The study describes two narratives that have emerged from the existing research. One narrative portrays a thriving innovative agricultural sector, striving to develop systems to promote and guarantee good agricultural practices. The other narrative depicts a dwindling agricultural sector with an ageing farming population or where farmers have diverse non-farming activities and where farming no longer constitutes a major source of income. Most research studies fail to consider the link between the two apparently contradictory narratives. Similarly, recent national development plans in Thailand make reference to both narratives, without establishing a formal link between the two. This study proposes how future research could be oriented to establish a link to further our understanding of the current changes taking place in the agricultural sector and in rural areas in Thailand.
Optical clearing agent reduces scattering of light by the stratum corneum and modulates the physical properties of coenocytes via hydration

The interaction between light and the skin determine how the skin looks to the human eye. Light can be absorbed, scattered, and reflected by different components of the skin in a variety of different ways. Here, we focus on the scattering properties of the outmost layer, the stratum corneum (SC). However, we currently have limited methods with which to distinguish the scattering of light by SC from the changes due to other components of the skin.
Corporate real estate, stock market valuation and the reputational effects of eco-certification

Abstract Improving the energy efficiency of retail stores has become an important strategy for retailers. However, why do some retailers obtain Energy Star certification for their stores while others do not? We argue that retailers pursue this certification to capture reputational benefits of the Energy Star label when their stock market valuation is low. Using longitudinal data for US retailers (grocery and department stores) over the period of 2002 to 2014, we find that stock market valuation measured by Tobin’s Q explains (1) the likelihood of a retailer obtaining Energy Star certification and (2) the share of Energy Star-certified stores in a retailer’s portfolio. Operating expenses on the other hand do not appear to drive the decision to obtain Energy Star certification. Our results also suggest that the motivations of retailers to obtain LEED and Energy Star certification differ.
Differential display implicates cyclophilin A in adult cortical plasticity

Removal of retinal input from a restricted region of adult cat visual cortex leads to a substantial reorganization of the retinotopy within the sensory‐deprived cortical zone. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying this reorganization. We used differential mRNA display (DDRT‐PCR) to compare gene expression patterns between normal control and reorganizing visual cortex (area 17–18), 3 days after induction of central retinal lesions. Systematic screening revealed a decrease in the mRNA encoding cyclophilin A in lesion‐affected cortex. In situ hybridization and competitive PCR confirmed the decreased cyclophilin A mRNA levels in reorganizing cortex and extended this finding to longer postlesion survival times as well. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry extended these data to the protein level. In situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry further demonstrated that cyclophilin A mRNA and protein are present in neurons. To exclude the possibility that differences in neuronal activity per se can induce alterations in cyclophilin A mRNA and protein expression, we analyzed cyclophilin A expression in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of retinally lesioned cats and in area 17 and the dLGN of isolated hemisphere cats. In these control experiments cyclophilin A mRNA and protein were distributed as in normal control subjects indicating that the decreased cyclophilin A levels, as observed in sensory‐deprived area 17 of retinal lesion cats, are not merely a reflection of changes in neuronal activity. Instead our findings identify cyclophilin A, classically considered a housekeeping gene, as a gene with a brain plasticity‐related expression in the central nervous system.
Near Field Enhancement and Subwavelength Imaging Using Resonantly Loaded Apertures

It is demonstrated that the electromagnetic (EM) transmission through a subwavelength or non-resonant aperture in a conductive screen can be dramatically enhanced by loading it with folded metallic strips exhibiting resonant properties. When illuminated by an EM plane wave these loaded apertures enable very tight, subwavelength, collimation of the EM power in the near field zone. We propose planar and quasi-planar resonant insertion geometries that should allow, for the first time, two-dimensional dual-polarization subwavelength field confinement along with ability to focus both electric and magnetic fields. The proposed technique for resonance transmission enhancement and near field confinement forms a basis for a new class of microwave near field imaging probe with subwavelength resolution capable of operating over a wide range of imaging distances (0.05-0.25λ). Measurement results demonstrate the possibility of high contrast (more than 3 dB in amplitude and 40 degrees in phase) near field subwavelength imaging of 2D and 3D resonant and non-resonant metallic and dielectric targets in free space and in moderately lossy layered media.
Effects of tyrosine kinase signaling inhibition on survival after cecal ligation and puncture in diet-restricted mice.

BACKGROUND Malnutrition impairs host immunity, resulting in high mortality and morbidity due to infections. Phosphorylation of protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) is a key step in the signaling of many cellular functions, including immune cell functions. Malnutrition may affect this signaling in response to surgical insults. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of PTK inhibition on mortality in ad libitum and in diet-restricted mice after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Moreover, tyrosine phosphorylation of peritoneal cells from these animals was evaluated. METHODS Survival study: Mice (n = 45) received chow, 146 g/kg per day (ad libitum) or 36.5 g/kg per day (diet-restricted), for 7 days. Two hours before CLP, one-half the mice in each group were given a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, AG 556 (3.0 mg/kg i.p.), and the others received vehicle. Survival was observed up to 7 days after CLP. Effects of AG 556 on survival with a lesser degree of malnutrition (chow 73 g/kg per day) were also examined (n = 41). Measurement of tyrosine phosphorylation: mice (n = 20) were assigned to the ad libitum and diet-restricted (chow 36.5 g/kg per day) groups. Peritoneal cells were harvested either before or 2 hours after glycogen injection. Glycogen treatment elicits polymorphonuclear neutrophil influx into the peritoneal cavity. The cells were incubated with or without N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). Tyrosine phosphorylation in the cells was examined using flow cytometry, laser scanning cytometry, and Western blotting. RESULTS Diet restriction significantly reduced survival compared with the ad libitum group. AG 556 treatment decreased the survival of ad libitum, but not in diet-restricted mice in both survival experiments. Stimulation of peritoneal cells with fMLP increased tyrosine phosphorylation in the ad libitum group (23% increase before glycogen and 18% after glycogen), but not in the diet-restricted group (-9% before glycogen and 3% after glycogen). CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of tyrosine kinase signaling impairs the ability of a well-nourished host to survive CLP-induced sepsis, while having no effects on survival in diet-restricted mice. Peritoneal cells from diet-restricted animals are unable to increase PTK phosphorylation in response to stimulation, which may be the mechanism underlying impaired host defense during malnutrition.
Anatomical Basis for Apparent Subepithelial Cleft Lip: A Histological and Ultrasonographic Survey of the Orbicularis Oris Muscle

Objective: To determine if there is an anatomic basis for subepithelial orbicularis oris muscle defects by directly comparing ultrasonographic images of the upper lip with corresponding histological sections obtained from cadavers. Methods: Ultrasound was performed on the upper lips of previously frozen, unpreserved cadaver heads (n = 32), followed by dissection and sectioning of the upper lips. The ultrasound sequences were scored by a panel of raters, classifying the orbicularis oris muscle as negative, positive, or unknown for the presence of an orbicularis oris discontinuity (subepithelial defect). Based on ultrasound, six lip specimens were chosen for histological sectioning, were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Gomori trichrome stain, and were evaluated with light microscopy at low (8×) and intermediate (100×) magnification. Results: One cadaver was scored positive for an orbicularis oris muscle discontinuity based on ultrasound; whereas, the remaining cadavers were scored negative. Of the cadavers with negative ultrasound scores, two were noted to have orbicularis oris muscles with “irregular” features (e.g., excessive localized thinning or asymmetry). From histology, the area of discontinuity as visualized on the positively scored ultrasound was characterized by both disorganized orbicularis oris muscle fibers and excess connective tissue within the muscle belly. In contrast, the localized thinning observed on some of the negatively scored ultrasounds was not confirmed by histology. Conclusions: Abnormalities of the orbicularis oris muscle visualized by ultrasound have an anatomic basis as revealed through histology. Ultrasound is a useful tool for noninvasively identifying discontinuities of the orbicularis oris muscle.
Voltage Stability Analysis of Wind Farm Integration into Transmission Network

In some regional grids in China, wind power penetration will increase rapidly because of the abundant wind resources in those areas and the government policy impetus. However, the power system security and stability may be affected due to the higher wind power penetration. Because majority of the wind farms with higher installed capacity intends to be connected into the transmission network of 220 kV voltage level, their impacts are becoming more widespread. In the grid impact studies of wind power integration, voltage stability is the mostly concerned problem that will affect the operation and security of wind farms and power grid. In this paper, the detailed wind turbines steady-state model and dynamic model are used to explore the wind power integration impact on voltage stability of the power system; the load flow calculation (P-V curve and V-Q curve) and dynamic contingency study are conducted; the different impacts on voltage stability of integrating wind farms based on different wind turbines technologies are illustrated and the following conclusions are presented: a. Wind turbines equipped with simple induction generator are not provided with reactive power regulation capability. Voltage stability deterioration is mainly due to the large amount of reactive power absorbed by the wind turbine generators during the continuous operation and system contingencies. b. Wind turbines equipped with doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) controlled by the PWM converters are provided with reactive power regulation capability; can absorb or supply reactive power during normal operation. The adverse affect on local network voltage stability is mitigated so that more wind power installed capacity can be incorporated into the grid. c. The transient voltage stability characteristics of wind turbines with DFIG are better than wind turbines with induction generator because of the voltage control capability of the DFIG based wind turbines; The DFIG based wind turbines have a better voltage recovery performance than the IG based wind turbines with same rating.
Chronic kidney disease as a coronary disease equivalent--a comparison with diabetes over a decade.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Whether chronic kidney disease (CKD) should also be considered a coronary disease equivalent like diabetes is not clear. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & METHODS Veterans with and without diabetes and with and without CKD were prospectively recruited. A competing Cox regression model was used to describe the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in the two groups (CKD and diabetes) over a decade of follow-up. RESULTS The incidence rate of MI in those without CKD was 0.047/yr and in those with CKD was 0.206/yr. Multivariate adjustment revealed the incident rate ratio for MI in CKD as 3.5 and for diabetes mellitus as 2.5. The cumulative incidence for MI was influenced by CKD and diabetes. CKD was associated with a subhazard ratio for MI of 3.74; in contrast, diabetes was associated with a subhazard ratio for MI of 2.6. For the outcome of all-cause mortality, after multivariate adjustment, CKD was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.86, which was similar to the HR of 2.27 for prevalent coronary artery disease. The HR for diabetes was NS at 1.35. CONCLUSIONS CKD is associated with a risk of death similar to that of established coronary artery disease and higher than that of diabetes mellitus. CKD is associated with a risk of MI that is at least as much as that from diabetes mellitus. Among veterans, CKD appears to be a coronary disease equivalent.
Performance of Community-Based Glaucoma Screening Using Frequency Doubling Technology and Heidelberg Retinal Tomography

Purpose: To assess the performance of a community-based glaucoma screening algorithm in the general population. Methods: A total of 659 individuals aged 50–90 years were screened for glaucoma. Presenting visual acuity, family history of glaucoma, FDT perimetry, and HRT tests were assessed. Additional samples of participants served as control groups. Participants identified as glaucoma positive received a full ophthalmic examination. Based on this exam a consensus diagnosis was made which served as the gold standard. Results: The optimal screening strategy combining visual acuity and family history with FDT and HRT had sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values and negative predictive values of 96.8%, 89.7%, 31.9%, and 99.8% respectively for detecting glaucoma. Conclusions: By combining assessments of presenting visual acuity and family history of glaucoma with Frequency Doubling Technology perimetry and Heidelberg Retina Tomography, we devised a community glaucoma-screening algorithm that showed a high sensitivity and specificity for detecting glaucoma in the general population.
Different metastatic potentials of ras‐ and src‐transformed BALB/c 3T3 A31 variant cells

The metastatic phenotype of tumor cells is thought to be induced by an aberrant signaling cascade or cascades that are different from those required for tumorigenicity. Oncogene‐transfected cells with different tumorigenicities and metastatic potentials have been used to identify such pathways and responsible molecules. However, oncogenes that can induce tumorigenicity in recipient cells also frequently induce the metastatic phenotype at the same time. The difficulty in obtaining cell lines that are tumorigenic but not metastatic has hampered such studies. In this report, we transfected the activated c‐Ha‐ras oncogene into BALB/c 3T3 A31 variant cells and found that the transfectants were tumorigenic but they did not form metastatic lung nodules in the experimental metastasis assay. The phenotype was very stable and was maintained during cultivation. On the other hand, the metastatic potentials of either the transfected cells or the original variant cells could be induced by transfection of the v‐src oncogene. The src transfectants formed extensive nodules in lung when injected into the tail veins of congeneric mice. The cell motility of the metastatic src transfectants on Matrigel‐coated dishes was greater than that of the ras transfectants. The src transfectants were also invasive in Matrigel when analyzed on a filter. These variant cells transformed by the ras and src oncogenes will be a useful system for identifying the signaling cascades responsible for the metastatic potential of tumors. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Explaining Asian Americans’ academic advantage over whites

Significance We find that the Asian-American educational advantage over whites is attributable mainly to Asian students exerting greater academic effort and not to advantages in tested cognitive abilities or socio-demographics. We test explanations for the Asian–white gap in academic effort and find that the gap can be further attributed to (i) cultural differences in beliefs regarding the connection between effort and achievement and (ii) immigration status. Finally, we highlight the potential psychological and social costs associated with Asian-American achievement success. The superior academic achievement of Asian Americans is a well-documented phenomenon that lacks a widely accepted explanation. Asian Americans’ advantage in this respect has been attributed to three groups of factors: (i) socio-demographic characteristics, (ii) cognitive ability, and (iii) academic effort as measured by characteristics such as attentiveness and work ethic. We combine data from two nationally representative cohort longitudinal surveys to compare Asian-American and white students in their educational trajectories from kindergarten through high school. We find that the Asian-American educational advantage is attributable mainly to Asian students exerting greater academic effort and not to advantages in tested cognitive abilities or socio-demographics. We test explanations for the Asian–white gap in academic effort and find that the gap can be further attributed to (i) cultural differences in beliefs regarding the connection between effort and achievement and (ii) immigration status. Finally, we highlight the potential psychological and social costs associated with Asian-American achievement success.
Murine Cytomegalovirus Containing a Mutation at Open Reading Frame M37 Is Severely Attenuated in Growth and Virulence In Vivo

ABSTRACT A pool of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) mutants was generated by using a Tn3-based transposon mutagenesis procedure. One of the mutants, RvM37, which contained the transposon sequence at open reading frame M37, was characterized both in tissue culture and in immunocompetent BALB/c and immunodeficient SCID mice. Our results provide the first direct evidence to suggest that M37 is not essential for viral replication in vitro in NIH 3T3 cells. Compared to the wild-type strain and a rescued virus that restored the M37 region, the viral mutant was severely attenuated in growth in both BALB/c and SCID mice after intraperitoneal infection. Specifically, titers of the Smith strain and rescued virus in the salivary glands, lungs, spleens, livers, and kidneys of the SCID mice at 21 days postinfection were about 5 × 105, 2 × 105, 5 × 104, 5 × 103, and 1 × 104 PFU/ml of organ homogenate, respectively; in contrast, titers of RvM37 in these organs were less than 102 PFU/ml of organ homogenate. Moreover, the virulence of the mutant virus appeared to be significantly attenuated because none of the SCID mice infected with RvM37 had died by 120 days postinfection, while all animals infected with the wild-type and rescued viruses had died by 26 days postinfection. Our results suggest that M37 probably encodes a virulence factor and is required for MCMV virulence in SCID mice and for optimal viral growth in vivo.
Targeted poverty alleviation in China: segmenting small tourism entrepreneurs and effectively supporting them

Abstract Cultivating and encouraging local small tourism enterprises (STEs) is considered an effective way to alleviate poverty. Chinese local governments tend to concentrate their limited policies and initiatives on targeting STEs and effective ways to achieve better performance, following the proposed government policy called Targeted Poverty Alleviation by Tourism Development (TPATD). To discover which group is targeted and how, this study classified small tourism entrepreneurs and examined determinants of their performance. A quota sampling survey of 273 entrepreneurs in five tourism communities within a scenic area known as Yuntai Mountain was conducted in 2016. Seven determinants were identified: business skills, leadership, innovation, social relations, governmental support, autonomy, and locus of control. Three distinct small tourism entrepreneur segments were classified as independents, followers, and autodidacts. Each segment is worth helping but in different ways. Leadership, business skills, and innovation are key determinants of performance for all segments. Governmental support should be more visible, targeted, and recognized by locals. The administrative subcontract of TPATD in China is also discussed.
Erythropoietin down‐regulates proximal renal tubular reabsorption and causes a fall in glomerular filtration rate in humans

Non‐technical summary Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) decreases circulating levels of renin and aldosterone, two hormones regulating water and salt homeostasis, but the effect of rHuEPO on renal function is unknown. This study demonstrates that rHuEPO reduces the reabsorption of water and sodium in the proximal renal tubules and, probably by activation of the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism, also causes a fall in glomerular filtration rate. Thus, the decrease in plasma concentrations of renin and aldosterone may be secondary to increased end‐proximal tubular delivery of water and sodium. In conclusion, the fall in proximal reabsorption together with a reduced filtered load and a decrease in angiotensin II and aldosterone‐dependent tubular reabsorption are expected to increase the oxygen tension in the renal tissue. This may serve to down‐regulate the endogenous renal synthesis of EPO in the presence of high levels of circulating rHuEPO.
Postthoracotomy Pain and Pulmonary Function Following Epidural and Systemic Morphine

Thirty patients undergoing thoracotomy for lung resection were entered in a randomized, double-blind trial comparing the effects of epidural (E) versus intravenous (iv) morphine on postoperative pain and pulmonary function. Postoperatively the patients were given repeated doses of either 5.0 mg of morphine epidurally or 0.05–0.07 mg/kg morphine intravenously until there were no further spontaneous complaints of pain. Two, 8, and 24 h post-operatively, the following indices were measured: linear analogue pain score, somnolence score, vital signs, arterial PaO2, PaCO2 and pH, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Patients receiving epidural morphine had significantly less pain at 2 h (P < 0.01) and 8 h (P < 0.004) postoperatively. There was no difference in vital signs except for significantly slower respiratory rates at 2 h (P < 0.04), 8 h (P < 0.02) and 24 h (P < 0.01) in the epidural group. No significant differences occurred in the somnolence scores or blood–gas measurements, which were within normal limits. The epidural morphine group has significantly less decrease in both FVC at 2 h (E –1.8 ± 2 l, iv –2.5 ± 0.2 l, P < 0.03), 8 h (E –1.4 ± 0.2 l, iv –2.1 ± 0.2 l, P < 0.01), and 24 h (E –1.2 ± 0.2 l, iv –2.0 ± 0.2 l, P < 0.02), and FEV1 at 2 h (E –1.3 ± 0.2 l, iv –1.9 ± 0.2 l, P < 0.04), 8 h (E –1.0 ± 0.2 l, iv –1.7 ± 0.2 l, P < 0.01), and 24 h (E –0.8 ± 0.1 l, iv –1.5 ± 0.2 l, P < 0.01). In addition, the epidural morphine group had significantly less decrease in PEFR at 24 h (E –134 ± 29 l · min ·-1, iv –238 ± 30 l · min-1, P < 0.03). The authors conclude that lumbar epidural morphine is highly effective in alleviating pain and improving respiratory function in postthoracotomy patients.