Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Downscaling Pesticide Use Data to the Crop Field Level in California Using Landsat Satellite Imagery: Paraquat Case Study

Exposure to pesticides has been associated with increased risk of many adverse health effects. To understand the relationships between pesticide exposure and health outcomes, epidemiologists need information on where pesticides are applied in the environment. California maintains one of the most comprehensive pesticide use reporting systems in the world, yet the data are only recorded at a coarse geographic scale of approximately 2.6 km2 area. A method is presented that uses Landsat image time series to downscale California pesticide use data to the crop field-level. The approach is demonstrated using paraquat applied to vineyard and cotton fields.
Longterm effects of parasite exposure early in life on song duration and singing 1 strategy – a case study in great tits 2 3

Song is a sexually selected trait in many bird species and has been suggested to function as a signal of a male’s health and parasite resistance. Here we present an experimental field study on the long-term effects of parasite exposure early in life on adult bird song. We exposed nestling great tits (Parus major) to ectoparasitic hen fleas (Ceratophyllus gallinae) and on their recruitment into the local breeding population assessed the response to a playback of a challenging male in their breeding territory. We show, to our knowledge for the first time in a wild bird population, that parasite exposure early in life affects bird song: song duration of males that were exposed to parasites early in life was reduced by 32% compared with males that grew up in a flea-free environment. Early parasite exposure also significantly reduced the degree of song overlap with the playback, which has been shown to correlate with social status. There was no effect of early parasite exposure on the number of different song types sung or on the latency until the males started the vocal response to the playback. These results suggest that mates or rivals can use song duration and song overlap as proxies for an individual’s exposure to parasites early in life. It thereby highlights both the importance of parasites in maintaining honesty of sexually selected traits and the costs of parasitism in terms of reduced attractiveness and competitiveness. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arp012 Posted at the Zurich Open Repository and Archive, University of Zurich ZORA URL: https://doi.org/10.5167/uzh-76104 Accepted Version Originally published at: Bischoff, Linda; Tschirren, Barbara; Richner, Heinz (2009). Long-term effects of early parasite exposure on song duration and singing strategy in great tits. Behavioural Ecology, 20:265-270. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arp012 Longterm effects of parasite exposure early in life on song duration and singing 1 strategy – a case study in great tits 2 3 Linda L. Bischoff, Barbara Tschirren & Heinz Richner 4 5 Evolutionary Ecology Lab, Ecology and Evolution Institute, University of Bern, 6 Baltzerstrasse 6, 3012 Bern, Switzerland 7 8 Centre for the Integrative Study of Animal Behaviour, Macquarie University, Syd9 ney, NSW 2109, Australia 10 11 * author for correspondence: linda.bischoff@esh.unibe. ch 12 13 Short title: Parasites affect bird song 14 15
Short-term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Versus Open Right Hemihepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: Laparoscopic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is performed in a relatively small number of institutions. Its operative results have been reported to be comparable with that of open laparotomy; however, information on laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy (LRH) is scarce. This study aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes of the right hemihepatectomy via laparoscopic and open approach to treat HCC at a single institution. Methods: From January 2010 to 2015, we performed right hemihepatectomy in 77 HCC patients. LRH was performed in 35 patients and open right hemihepatectomy (ORH) was performed in 42 patients. All clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The mean LRH operative time was longer than ORH (309±108 vs. 223±110 min; P<0.02). The median blood loss for the LRH was 293±82.5 mL compared with 433±105.5 mL for the ORH, showing a highly significant difference. Length of hospital stay was shorter in LRH patients compared with those following ORH (9±2 vs. 15±3 d; P<0.05). The postoperative morbidity rate was also significantly different between the groups, a tendency toward more severe complications in the ORH group compared with LRH group. Conclusions: LRH can decrease complications, shorten hospitalization time, is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective way.
Variations on a theme

English This article compares the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) as implemented at three schools in the USA. The author hypothesizes that the schools each offer a unique form of the program based on the respective context and capacity to implement the IBPYP. The author found consistency among the faculties in their explanation of key components of the program. Variation existed in the implementation of these concepts. The author concludes that this variation is due to the different contexts of implementation and to the ambiguity inherent in the IBPYP. French Cette étude compare la mise en oeuvre du Programme primaire (PP) de l'Organisation du Baccalauréat International (IBO) dans trois établissements scolaires aux États-Unis. L'auteur émet l'hypothèse que chacun d'eux propose une forme unique de ce programme basée sur leur contexte respectif et leur capacité à le mettre en oeuvre. L'auteur a découvert une certaine cohérence dans les explications que le corps enseignant de chacun de ces établissements donnait des éléments clés du programme. Il existait toutefois des différences dans la mise en oeuvre de ces concepts. L'auteur conclut que ces variations sont dues aux différents contextes de mise en oeuvre et à l'ambiguïté inhérente au PP. Spanish Este estudio compara cómo tres colegios en Estados Unidos implementan el Programa de la Escuela Primaria (PEP) de la Organización del Bachillerato Internacional. La hipótesis del autor es que cada colegio tiene una forma propia y única de ofrecer el programa, en función de su contexto y de su capacidad. El autor observó coherencia en la explicación de los componentes clave del programa dada por los docentes de los tres colegios. También observó diferencias en su implementación de estos conceptos. El autor concluye que estas diferencias se deben a los distintos contextos de implementación y a la ambigu¨edad inherente al PEP.
Alginates as haemostatic agents: worth revisiting?

Many patients present with wounds which are bleeding or prone to bleeding, and so cannot be treated with a noninteractive dressing. These wounds include: 8 Partialand full-thickness wounds 8 Arterial and venous ulcers 8 Diabetic foot ulcers 8 Pressure ulcers 8 Fungating lesions 8 Post-surgical wounds 8 Toe nail avulsions 8 Donor sites 8 Traumatic wounds 8 Wounds post debridement (sharp, surgical or hydrosurgery).
Occurrence of aflatoxin in some of the food and feed in Nepal.

BACKGROUND There are many contaminants like aflatoxin present in food products. Aflatoxin in comparison to many other contaminants is very toxic and also carcinogenic. There are reports of outbreak of aflatoxin toxicity in many parts of the world. AIM To find out the level of aflatoxin in common food and feed. SETTING The study was conducted in 16 districts of the Eastern region of Nepal. METHODS AND MATERIALS Samples were collected from retailers and whole sellers from 1995 to 2003. Common food items that had high chances of infestation were collected. Food sample were taken to the laboratory to estimate the level of aflatoxin. The thin layer chromatography method was used to detect aflatoxin in the samples and comparison of fluorescence of sample spot with fluorescence of standard for estimation. RESULT There were 832 samples for aflatoxin detection and estimation. One-third samples were found to be contaminated with aflatoxin. The highest percentage of contamination was found in peanut butter/vegetable oil (42.5%) and the lowest in areca nut (25%). Highest proportion of cornflakes samples were found to be contaminated with aflatoxin by more than the recommended value (30 ppb) and contamination in peanut was the lowest. CONCLUSION People consume many common food items that contain aflatoxin. It is of high importance for the concerned department to give attention to this important public health issue. Even in small doses, continuous consumption can lead to many health problems. So it is of paramount importance to detect and control these contaminants in food items.
Electron microscopic observations on the vascular barrier in the cortex of the thymus of the mouse

The thymus of newborn and young adult mice of the DBA strain was studied under the electron microscope after fixation in osmium tetroxide and embedding in araldite. In most of the animals several intravenous doses of Thorotrast were administered within 24 or 48 hours of thymectomy.
Cigarette smoking, N-acetyltransferase genes and the risk of advanced colorectal adenoma.

BACKGROUND Cigarette use is associated with greater risk for colorectal adenoma, a colorectal cancer precursor. N-acetyltransferases, NAT1 and NAT2, are important enzymes involved in the metabolism of aromatic amine carcinogens present in cigarette smoke. Our interest is in the polymorphisms within the NAT1 and NAT2 genes that influence the tobacco-colorectal tumor relationship by impacting on the metabolic activation and detoxification of tobacco smoke-derived carcinogens. METHODS In the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) cancer screening trial, we compared NAT1 and NAT2 gene variant distributions for 772 cases with left-sided advanced adenoma and 777 gender and age-matched controls. Individual NAT1 and NAT2 diplotypes were assigned and NAT2 acetylator phenotypes were derived. RESULTS Risks for advanced colorectal adenoma were significantly increased among recent smokers (current smokers or those who quit less than 10 years ago) (odds ratio [OR] = 2.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7-3.1) and among those who smoked more than 20 cigarettes per day (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3-2.2), compared with nonsmokers. Risk decreased with increasing NAT2 phenotypic activity (0: slow, 1: intermediate, and 2: rapid) (OR trend: 0.8; 95% CI: 0.7-1.0, p-trend = 0.04) overall. When stratified by smoking status, significant phenotype-associated trends were observed among recent smokers (OR trend = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3-0.7, p trend <0.001) (p-interaction = 0.02), but not among past or nonsmokers. Diplotypes most strongly associated with lower risks in smokers were NAT2*4/*5B (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1-0.8, p = 0.01) and NAT2*4/*4 (OR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.04-0.7, p = 0.02), categorized as intermediate and rapid acetylators, respectively. One NAT1 diplotype, NAT1*4/*10 (OR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.9, p = 0.03), was also associated with a decreased risk in smokers. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicated that NAT2 gene variants associated with a slow acetylator phenotype were more susceptible to the effects of tobacco smoking with respect to adenoma risk, providing leads for disease prevention.
Outcomes for Patients With Cervical Cancer Treated With Extended-Field Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy and Concurrent Cisplatin

Objective To evaluate disease outcomes and toxicity in patients with cervical cancer treated with extended-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Materials and Methods We included all patients treated with extended-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy and concurrent weekly cisplatin from 2003 to 2010 at 2 institutions. Overall survival and disease-free survival were estimated using Kaplan-Meier method. Locoregional failure (LRF), distant failure, and competing mortality were calculated using cumulative incidence functions. Acute and late toxicity were graded using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group late radiation morbidity scoring criteria, respectively. Results The study included 21 patients, 14 and 20 of which had positive para-aortic and pelvic nodes, respectively. The median follow-up was 22 months. Eighteen-month overall survival and disease-free survival were 59.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 41.2%–86.4%) and 42.9% (95% CI, 26.2%–70.2%). Eighteen-month cumulative incidences of LRF, distant failure, and competing mortality were 9.5% (95% CI, 1.5–26.8%), 42.9% (95% CI, 21.3–62.9%), and 4.8% (95% CI, 0.3–20.2%), respectively. Eighteen-month cumulative incidences of late grade 3 or higher-grade genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity were 4.8% (95% CI, 0.2%–20.3%) and 0%, respectively. Conclusions Intensity-modulated extended-field radiotherapy was associated with low rates of late toxicity and LRF. High rates of distant failure indicate that this group of patients could benefit from intensified systemic therapy.
Wireless Backhaul Networks With Precoding Complex Field Network Coding

In this paper, we propose a network coding scheme for up-link wireless backhaul networks to increase the throughput while guaranteeing full diversity order. The key advance proposed is the employment of precoding complex field matrices for two user and two base station backhaul networks to achieve throughput of 1 symbol/channel use while guaranteeing full diversity order for this one-way two-hop communications setting. In particular, the throughput of the considered wireless backhaul network using the proposed network coding scheme is 50% higher than that using conventional complex field network coding (CFNC) and 200% higher than that using conventional amplify-and-forward (AF) relay transmission. Importantly, the considered network obtains full diversity order, i.e., the diversity order is the same as that of the respective conventional CFNC and AF relay networks. Numerical results indicate that the simulation results of the pairwise error probability tightly converge to the asymptotic curves in the high signal-to-noise ratio.
The Personality Profile of Young Adults With Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder

Delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD) is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder characterized by a substantial delay in the major sleep period, resulting in difficulties falling asleep and awakening at a socially desirable time in the morning. This study is the first to investigate the NEO-Personality Inventory-Revised profile of young adults with DSPD. The study includes 40 patients diagnosed with DSPD (mean age = 20.7) and 21 healthy controls (mean age = 21.1). Results showed that young adults with DSPD scored higher on Neuroticism, lower on Extroversion, and much lower on Conscientiousness than the control group. Assessing the personality profile of young adults with DSPD before initiating treatment might provide useful clinical guidance regarding the individual needs for follow up during treatment. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00834886.
Kansyore fisher-foragers and transitions to food production in East Africa: the view from Wadh Lang'o, Nyanza Province, Western Kenya

The site of Wadh Lang'o in southern Nyanza Province (Kenya) has produced a very large faunal assemblage in association with Kansyore, Elmenteitan and Urewe ceramics. The stratigraphy of the site appears to be intact and six dates have been obtained from the sequence, making this the best opportunity to look at diachronic change in subsistence strategies in this region. The main results of the zooarchaeological analysis are presented here, with emphasis on the Kansyore component. Two important findings are discussed: first, the fish remains, when taken together with remains from other Kansyore sites and considering the behavioural traits of these fish, suggest that Kansyore riverside and lakeshore sites were occupied in distinct seasons and used together in a single settlement and subsistence system. Second, the mammalian remains suggest that while Kansyore foragers hunted a broad range of taxa, they also began to consume domesticates perhaps as early as the mid- to late-third millennium cal. BC. This suggests that occupants of late Kansyore sites were in contact with food producers, but whether the domestic animal remains are the result of exchange, or of adopting food production, remains ambiguous.
Rape and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Examining the Mediating Role of Explicit Sex–Power Beliefs for Men Versus Women

Many rape survivors exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and recent literature suggests survivors’ beliefs about sex and control may affect PTSD symptoms. The present study examined beliefs about sex and power as potential mediators of the relationship between rape and PTSD symptoms for men versus women. Participants (N = 782) reported lifetime history of rape, current PTSD symptoms, and beliefs about sex and power. Women reported higher levels of lifetime history of rape than men (19.7% for women; 9.7% for men). While rape history predicted PTSD symptoms for both genders, beliefs about sex and power were shown to be a significant partial mediator of this relationship for men, but not for women. Results extend the literature on rape and PTSD by suggesting that survivors’ beliefs about sex and power are connected and can affect their PTSD symptoms. Additionally, results illustrate how sexual violence against men may reaffirm male gender roles that entail power and aggression, and ultimately affect trauma recovery.
The Effect of Four Commonly Used Root Conditioner Agents in Different Time Periods Applied on Periodontally Diseased and Healthy Teeth

Statement of Problem: Root surface contamination or infection can potentially change the consequences of regenerative periodontal therapies and therefore the modification and disinfection of the contaminated root surfaces are necessary. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the surface characteristics of the extracted human teeth after exposure to four root conditioners in different time periods. Materials and Methods: The study samples were prepared from 40 freshly extracted teeth including 20 affected teeth with periodontal diseases and 20 healthy teeth. After performing root planning, 240 dentinal block samples were prepared and each affected and healthy sample was randomly allocated to receive one of the following root conditioners; Ethylenediaminetetraaceti acid (EDTA), citric acid, doxycycline, and tetracycline or rinsed with normal saline as the control agent. The prepared specimens were evaluated using scanning electron microscope and the inter-group differences and changes in study indices; dentin (%), tubular spaces (%), and diameter of dentinal tubules (μm²) were compared using one-way ANOVA test. Results: In the control group receiving normal saline, the changes in the indicators of dentin, tubular spaces, and diameter of dentinal tubules remained insignificant in all time periods. EDTA, citric acid, and tetracycline had chelating effects on the study indices; however, doxycycline led to gradual decrease of the tubular space and diameter as well as increase in dentin percentage. Conclusions: In different time intervals and when considering healthy or affected tooth surfaces, the effect of conditioning agents could be different. Amongst the four agents used, EDTA and tetracycline consistently increased the diameter of tubules and percentage of patent tubules in both healthy and diseased teeth.
Comparison between phaco-deep sclerectomy converted into phaco-trabeculectomy and uneventful phaco-deep sclerectomy.

PURPOSE To evaluate and compare the results and complications of eyes that underwent a phaco-deep sclerectomy (DS) converted into phaco-trabeculectomy due to an intraoperative macroperforation with eyes undergoing uneventful phaco-DS. METHODS The authors reviewed 106 eyes having a planned phaco-DS; 10 of them (9.4%) had to be converted into phaco-trabeculectomy because of a large perforation during the nonpenetrating procedure. Intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, glaucoma medication evolution, and complications were evaluated and compared between groups. RESULTS Eyes undergoing uneventful phaco-DS (n=96, Group 1) had a significantly higher postoperative IOP compared with those undergoing transformed phaco-trabeculectomy (n=10, Group 2) (p<0.05). One year postoperatively, 81.2% and 100% of the eyes in the Group 1 and 2, respectively, had an IOP 21 mmHg without treatment (p=0.206). One year postoperatively, eyes that underwent uneventful phaco-DS needed more glaucoma medications than eyes converted into phaco-trabeculectomy (p=0.014). Visual acuity improved more quickly in Group 1 (p<0.05). Hyphema and choroidal detachment rates were significantly higher in Group 2 (p=0.002 and p=0.027, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Phaco-DS converted into phaco-trabeculectomy provides better midterm IOP control when compared with uneventful phaco-DS, but has more complications and worse visual acuity in the early postoperative period.
The Long-Run Benefits of Punishment

Experiments have shown that punishment enhances socially beneficial cooperation but that the costs of punishment outweigh the gains from cooperation. This challenges evolutionary models of altruistic cooperation and punishment, which predict that punishment will be beneficial. We compared 10- and 50-period cooperation experiments. With the longer time horizon, punishment is unambiguously beneficial.
Allosteric Modulators of the CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor: A Structural Update Review

Abstract In 2005, the first evidence of an allosteric binding site at the CB1R was provided by the identification of three indoles of the company Organon that were allosteric enhancers of agonist binding affinity and, functionally, allosteric inhibitors of agonist activity. Since then, structure–activity relationships of indoles as CB1R modulators have been reported. Targeting the allosteric site on CB1R, new families structurally based on urea and on 3-phenyltropane analogs of cocaine have been discovered as CB1R-negative allosteric modulators (NAMs), respectively, by Prosidion and by the Research Triangle Park. Endogenous allosteric ligands of different nature have been identified more recently. Thus, the therapeutic neuroprotection application of lipoxin A4, an arachidonic acid derivative, as an allosteric enhancer of CB1R activity has been confirmed in vivo. It was also the case of the steroid hormone, pregnenolone, whose negative allosteric effects on Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) were reproduced in vivo in a behavioral tetrad model and in food intake and memory impairment assays. Curiously, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonist fenofibrate or polypeptides such as pepcan-12 have been shown to act on the endocannabinoid system through CB1R allosteric modulation. The mechanistic bases of the effects of the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) are still not fully explained. However, there is evidence that CBD behaves as an NAM of Δ9-THC- and 2-AG. Allosteric modulation at CB1R offers new opportunities for therapeutic applications. Therefore, further understanding of the chemical features required for allosteric modulation as well as their orthosteric probe dependence may broaden novel approaches for fine-tuning the signaling pathways of the CB1R.