Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing the willingness to pay for on-farm water infrastructure

The use of on-farm surface water infrastructure for irrigation is a recommendation by water resource managers to address groundwater overdraft. A contingent valuation question estimates Arkansas producers' willingness to pay (WTP) to convert farmland into an on-farm reservoir and tail-water recovery system. The estimated mean WTP to convert land into water storage is −US$1,748 ac−1 (−US$4,319 ha−1), but this WTP varies substantially across farms by irrigation practice and perception of water scarcity. Producers who use conservation practices or live in water scarce regions have a mean WTP between US$5,279 to US$21,124 ac−1 (US$13,045 to US$52,198 ha−1) while producers who do not use conservation practices or live in water abundant regions have a mean WTP between −US$7,424 and −US$12,025 ac−1 (−US$18,345 to −US$29,714 ha−1). The significant variation in the WTP suggests that conservation programs would be more cost-effective by tailoring extension activities and government cost-shares to regional- and producer-specific characteristics.
Prostaglandin Receptor Subtypes, EP3C and EP4, Mediate the Prostaglandin E2-induced cAMP Production and Sensitization of Sensory Neurons*

Although a number of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor subtypes have been cloned, limited studies have been performed to elucidate subtypes that subserve specific actions of this eicosanoid, in part because of a paucity of selective receptor antagonists. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and antisense oligonucleotides, we examined which prostaglandin E2receptor (EP receptor) subtypes are expressed in sensory neurons and which mediate the PGE2-induced increase in cAMP production and augmentation of peptide release. Reverse transcription-PCR of cDNA isolated from rat sensory neurons grown in culture revealed PCR products for the EP1, EP2, EP3C, and EP4 receptor subtypes but not the EP3A or EP3B. Preexposing neuronal cultures for 48 h to antisense oligonucleotides of EP3C and EP4 mRNA diminished expression of the respective receptors by ∼80%, abolished the PGE2-stimulated production of cAMP, and blocked the ability of PGE2 to augment release of immunoreactive substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide. Pretreating with individual antisense against the EP2, EP3C, or EP4 receptors or combinations of missense oligonucleotides had no effect on PGE2-induced activity. Treatment with antisense to EP3C and EP4 receptor subtypes did not alter the ability of forskolin to increase cAMP or enhance peptide release. These results demonstrate that sensory neurons are capable of expressing multiple EP receptor subtypes but that only the EP3C and EP4 receptors mediate PGE2-induced sensitization of sensory neurons.
Effect of feeding different levels of Azolla pinnata on blood biochemicals, hematology and immunocompetence traits of Chabro chicken

Aim: The present study was conducted to see the effect of feeding different levels of Azolla meal on blood biochemicals, hematology and immunocompetence traits of Chabro chicken. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 160 Chabro chicks, which were randomly divided into four treatment groups each with four replicates of 10 birds. The first treatment (T1) served as a control in which basal diets was offered without Azolla supplementation while in T2, T3, and T4 groups, basal diet was replaced with Azolla meal at 5%, 7.5%, and 10% levels, respectively. A feeding trial was conducted upto 8 weeks. At the last week of trial, blood samples were collected randomly from one bird of each replicate and plasma was separated to estimate certain biochemical parameters, some blood metabolites, minerals and enzymes like alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Hematological parameters such as hemoglobin, packed cell volume, total leukocytes count and differential leukocytes count were estimated in fresh blood just after collection. The humoral immune response was measured against sheep red blood cells,and cell-mediated immune response was measured against phyto hemagglutinin lectin from Phaseolus vulgaris (PHA-P). Results: The study showed that hematological profile of the Chabro bird was not affected by any treatment except heterophil and lymphocyte which was found higher in T2 and T3 groups and eosinophil was found higher in a T3 group than control. Blood glucose, creatinine, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, uric acid, and triglycerides were found similar in all the groups and within the normal values for broiler chicken. Liver enzymes and macro mineral content in blood were found similar in all the treatment groups and within normal physiological range. Although AST was found higher in 10% replacement group than control, the value was within normal range for broiler chicken. Although antibody titer was found similar in all the experimental groups in the present study, cell-mediate immune response (response to PHA-P) was found higher in 5%, 7.5%, and 10% replacement groups than control(p<0.05). Conclusion: Similar blood biochemical parameters and higher cell-mediated immune response in Azolla replacement group indicated immune-modulatory effect of Azolla meal without any toxicity.
Deep architecture for Heparin dosage prediction during continuous renal replacement therapy

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is the mainstream approach currently for blood purification. The process needs anticoagulation to prevent blood coagulation. Heparin, as a widely used anticoagulant, requires the doctor to give an appropriate dosage. In this paper, a new method for Heparin dosage prediction is proposed based on deep learning. The proposed deep architecture consists of two parts, i.e., a deep belief network (DBN) at the bottom and a regression layer at the top. The DBN is employed for unsupervised feature learning. It can learn effective features for the prediction task without using the recorded dosage, only using the clinical examination indexes. To incorporate task learning in the deep architecture, a regression layer is used above the DBN which uses the recorded dosage for a supervised learning. Experiments on test datasets show good performance of the deep architecture and it achieves at least 10% higher accuracy at 5% coincidence rate than other traditional prediction approaches.
PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY IN ELDERLY FROM VIÇOSA/MG, BRASIL.

UNLABELLED The prevalence of vitamin B12 nutritional deficiency increases with age and it is particularly common in elderly people. The objective this study was determining its prevalence and the factors associated with this condition in non-institutionalized elderly from Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. METHODS a cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted in order to identify the prevalence and the factors associated with vitamin B12 deficiency among the elderly population in Viçosa (MG). Data were collected from August 2011 to June 2012, by means of a household survey and hematological and biochemical tests performed in 340 elderly. RESULTS the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in this group was 17.4% (95% CI, 13.4% - 21.4%). Cognitive impairment appears to be an important factor related to vitamin B12 deficiency. CONCLUSIONS the current paper contributes to studies that emphasize some factors that may affect elderly performance in their natural aging process, especially when these factors are associated with cognitive impairment and lead to significant disability and loss of quality of life. Thus, the herein presented results were able to provide more comprehensive knowledge on the relation between B12 deficiency and its impact on this population. They also proved to be relevant for planning public health programs and initiatives that target on this age group.
Bayesian Risk Forecasting for Long Horizons

We present an accurate and efficient method for Bayesian forecasting of two financial risk measures, Value-at-Risk and Expected Shortfall, for a given volatility model. We obtain precise forecasts of the tail of the distribution of returns not only for the 10-days-ahead horizon required by the Basel Committee but even for long horizons, like one-month or one-year-ahead. The latter has recently attracted considerable attention due to the different properties of short term risk and long run risk. The key insight behind our importance sampling based approach is the sequential construction of marginal and conditional importance densities for consecutive periods. We report substantial accuracy gains for all the considered horizons in empirical studies on two datasets of daily financial returns, including a highly volatile period of the recent financial crisis. To illustrate the flexibility of the proposed construction method, we present how it can be adjusted to the frequentist case, for which we provide counterparts of both Bayesian applications.
A CMOS Low-Dropout Regulator With a Momentarily Current-Boosting Voltage Buffer

An energy-efficient voltage buffer for a low-dropout regulator (LDO) is presented in this paper. The voltage buffer contains a current-boosting circuit with quick-on and auto-off features so that it can momentarily provide an extra current to charge and discharge the large gate capacitance of the power transistor. The voltage buffer is therefore able to increase the slew rate at the gate of the power transistor, whereas the quiescent current of the LDO remains constantly low in the steady state. Moreover, the proposed current-boosting circuit has a capacitive shunt feedback network to improve the loop bandwidth of the LDO. The proposed voltage buffer is applied to an LDO implemented in a 0.35-μm CMOS technology. The LDO operates at a 2-V supply, and the regulated voltage is 1.8 V. The maximum output current is 100 mA. The measured quiescent current is about 4 μA. The load transient deviation of the regulated voltage is small. The proposed voltage buffer can effectively reduce the transient voltage spikes.
The validity of race and ethnicity in enrollment data for Medicare beneficiaries.

OBJECTIVE To assess the validity of race/ethnicity in Medicare databases for studies of racial/ethnic disparities. DATA SOURCES The 2010 Medicare Consumer Assessments of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS(®)) survey was linked to Medicare enrollment data and local area characteristics from the 2000 Census. STUDY DESIGN Race/ethnicity was cross-tabulated for CAHPS and Medicare data. Within each self-reported category, demographic, geographic, health, and health care variables were compared between those that were and were not similarly identified in Medicare data. DATA COLLECTION METHODS The Medicare CAHPS survey included 343,658 responses from elderly participants (60 percent response rate). Data were weighted for sampling and nonresponse to be representative of the national population of elderly Medicare beneficiaries. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Self-reported Hispanics, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and American Indians were underidentified in Medicare enrollment data. Individuals in these groups who were identified in Medicare data tended to be more strongly identified with their group, poorer, and in worse health and to report worse health care experiences than those who were not so identified. CONCLUSIONS Self-reported members of racial and ethnic groups other than Whites and Blacks who are identified in Medicare data differ substantially from those who are not so identified. These differences should be considered in assessments of disparities in health and health care among Medicare beneficiaries.
Utilization and outcomes of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE Demand for minimally invasive radical prostatectomy (MIRP) to treat prostate cancer is increasing; however, outcomes remain unclear. We assessed utilization, complications, lengths of stay, and salvage therapy rates for MIRP versus open radical prostatectomy assessed whether MIRP surgeon volume is associated with better outcomes. METHODS We identified 2,702 men undergoing MIRP and open radical prostatectomy during 2003 to 2005 from a national 5% sample of Medicare beneficiaries. We assessed the association between surgical approach and outcomes, adjusting for surgeon volume, age, race, comorbidity, and geographic region. RESULTS MIRP utilization increased from 12.2% in 2003 to 31.4% in 2005. Men undergoing MIRP versus open radical prostatectomy had fewer perioperative complications (29.8% v 36.4%; P = .002) and shorter lengths of stay (1.4 v 4.4 days; P < .001); however, they were more likely to receive salvage therapy (27.8% v 9.1%, P < .001). In adjusted analyses, MIRP versus open radical prostatectomy was associated with fewer perioperative complications (odds ratio [OR], 0.73; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.90), shorter lengths of stay (parameter estimate, -2.99; 95% CI, -3.45 to -2.53) but more anastomotic strictures (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.87) and higher rates of salvage therapy (OR, 3.67; 95% CI, 2.81 to 4.81). Patients of high-volume MIRP experienced fewer anastomotic strictures (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.99) and less salvage therapy (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.88 to 0.98). CONCLUSION Men undergoing MIRP versus open radical prostatectomy have lower risk for perioperative complications and shorter lengths of stay, but are at higher risk for salvage therapy and anastomotic strictures. However, risk for these unfavorable outcomes decreases with increasing MIRP surgical volume.
Die Ausgaben für Reisen - das Fallbeispiel Schweiz. Eine Analyse auf Basis des hedonischen Ansatzes

Der vorliegende Beitrag exploriert die Ausgaben von Schweizer Reisenden, anlehnend an die nachfrageseitige Perspektive des hedonischen Ansatzes. Auf Basis der konstituierenden Elemente einer Reise (Zahl der Reisteilnehmer, Dauer der Reise, Wahl der Destination, des Verkehrsmittels sowie der Beherbergungsart und -kategorie) werden mittels einer log- linearen Regression die effektiven Gesamtkosten einer Reise und damit verbunden die gesamthaften Ausgaben geschatzt. Es zeigt sich, dass diese pro Person und Reise in Abhan-gigkeit der Dauer und Distanz unterproportional zunehmen, sowie in Abhangigkeit der teilnehmenden Haushaltsmitglieder unterproportional abnehmen. Treiber zu erhohten Ausgaben insgesamt sind die Art und Kategorie der Ubernachtung im Allgemeinen sowie die Hotellerie im Speziellen. Die Verkehrsmittelwahl hat dagegen keine deterministische Wirkung.
PANRETINAL PHOTOCOAGULATION COMBINED WITH INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB IN HIGH-RISK PROLIFERATIVE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab as an adjunctive treatment to panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) for high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy with or without clinically significant macular edema (CSME). Methods: In forty-one eyes with high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy, intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 mL) before PRP (Plus group) or PRP alone (PRP group) was performed. Primary outcome measures were changes in best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness (CMT). Secondary outcome measures were the proportion of visual loss ≥0.1 logMAR, increase in CMT ≥50 &mgr;m, and eyes with development of vitreous hemorrhage. Result: Best-corrected visual acuity was significantly worse at 3 months (P = 0.041) in the PRP group, whereas in the plus group, there was no significant change. Central macular thickness decreased significantly at 1 month and 3 months (P = 0.012, 0.008) in the Plus group, whereas in the PRP group, there was no significant change. In eyes with CSME, there was no significant change in best-corrected visual acuity in both groups. Central macular thickness decreased significantly at 1 month and 3 months (P = 0.003, 0.001) in the Plus group, whereas in the PRP group, there was no significant change. In eyes without CSME, best-corrected visual acuity was significantly worse at 1 month and 3 months (P = 0.047, 0.011) in the PRP group, whereas in the Plus group, there was no significant change. Central macular thickness was significantly worse at 1 month and 3 months (P = 0.004, 0.016) in the PRP group, whereas in the Plus group, there was no significant change. In eyes without CSME, the proportion of eyes with visual loss ≥0.1 logMAR at 1 month was significantly higher in the PRP group than in the Plus group (P = 0.020). The proportion of eyes with development of vitreous hemorrhage was significantly lower in the Plus group than in the PRP group (P = 0.023). Conclusion: Intravitreal bevacizumab before PRP can be an effective adjunctive treatment to PRP in the treatment of high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy, especially if there is not CSME.
Association of syndecan-1 with tumor grade and histology in primary invasive cervical carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES The expression of syndecan-1, a cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan, is reduced during malignant transformation of squamous cells. Studies on squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck have shown that syndecan-1-positive tumors are associated with longer overall and recurrence-free survival. The purpose of this study was to analyze syndecan-1 expression in invasive cervical carcinoma and to examine the association of syndecan-1 expression with prognostic factors and overall survival. METHODS The study population consisted of 124 patients treated for primary invasive carcinoma of the uterine cervix at the Turku University Central Hospital during the years 1970-1988. The material consisted of 102 (82.3%) squamous cell carcinomas, 16 (12.9%) adenocarcinomas and 1 (0.8%) adenosquamous carcinoma, 1 (0.8%) small cell carcinoma, 1 (0. 8%) adenoid basal carcinoma, 1 (0.8%) carcinosarcoma, and 2 (1.6%) unclassified cervical carcinomas. Syndecan-1 expression was determined on paraffin-embedded tissue blocks using a human syndecan-1-specific monoclonal antibody B-B4 and immunohistochemistry. The expression of syndecan-1 was classified according to staining intensity as well as the percentage of positively stained tumor cells. RESULTS Staining intensity was strong in 44 (36%) samples, while 24 (19%) specimens remained syndecan-1-negative. In 49 (40%) samples, the percentage of syndecan-1-positive cells was >/=90%. Syndecan-1 expression, as determined by >/=50% positively stained tumor cells, was associated with the grade of differentiation (P = 0.03) and squamous histology (P < 0.001), but was not associated with clinical stage (P = 0.16) or disease-free survival (P = 0.86). Age (P = 0.003) and clinical stage (P < 0.001) were significant prognostic factors, but syndecan-1 expression determined neither by percentage of positively stained tumor cells nor by staining intensity was associated with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS In cervical carcinoma syndecan-1 is associated with histological differentiation grade and squamous histology, but does not predict clinical outcome.
Characterization , classification and agricultural usage of vertisols developed on neogen aged calcareous marl parent materials

Vertisols that strongly influenced by argillipedoturbation, contain high levels of plant nutrients and well productive when irrigated. However, owing to their high clay content, they are not well suited to cultivation without painstaking management. The aim of this research was to determine physical, chemical and morphological properties and classification of the Vertisols formed on neogene clay lime deposits under intensive agricultural actives in the Bursa province which is the fourth most industrialized and populated city in Turkey. Vertisols comprise 23.693 hectares or 2,1 percent of the land area of Bursa Province. Most of the Vertisols are under the rain-fed agriculture practices and cereals (wheat and barley), tobaccos, and sunflowers are the most important cash crops. Some of them are irrigated for horticultural crops (tomato, pepper and onion) and sugar beets production. According to findings from preliminary field-works and the existing maps and reports, eleven different soil profiles formed on the neogene aged calcareous marl parent materials were described and sampled. All studied Vertisols are found to be generally deep, dark colored with strong wedge-shaped structure, high in CEC and base saturation with calcium and magnesium occupying more than 90 percent of the exchange site, low organic material and have sufficient amounts of nutrients for crops. The agricultural potential of the soils were also found to be limited due to high clay and CaCO3 contents of sub surface horizons, steep slopes and a hard pan formation due to inappropriate soil tilling. On the basis of morphological and physicochemical analysis, soil profiles were classified as a Typic and Chromic Haploxerert according to Soil Taxonomy (Soil Survey Staff, 1975 and 1999) and as an Eutric Vertisol according to FAO/Unesco Soil Map of the World Legend (FAO/Unesco, 1974 and 1990) classification systems.
Biomechanical Comparison of Medial Collateral Ligament Reconstructions Using Computer-Assisted Navigation

Background The medial collateral ligament is a broad ligament that functions as the primary stabilizer against valgus knee stress, particularly at 30° of flexion. Hypothesis A double-bundle reconstruction technique that better restores the native medial collateral ligament anatomy will restore valgus and external rotation stability to a medial collateral ligament–deficient knee. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Seven fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were studied. A surgical navigation system was used to determine valgus opening and external rotation at 0° and 30° with a 9.8-N·m valgus stress applied to the tibia graft isometry at multiple points on the tibia and femur. Intact and disrupted medial collateral ligament knees were used as controls. Four repair techniques were tested: Bosworth, modified Bosworth, anatomical single bundle, and anatomical double bundle. Results Complete sectioning of the medial collateral ligament resulted in an increase in valgus opening of 5° at 0° and 7.7° at 30°. External rotation increased 4.6° at 0° and 9.7° at 30°. Single-bundle techniques (Bosworth, anatomical single bundle) did not restore valgus laxity at 0° or 30°; the anatomical single bundle did not restore external rotation at 0°. Double-bundle techniques (modified Bosworth, anatomical double bundle) restored valgus laxity and external rotation to the native knee conditions at 0° and 30°. At 30°, the modified Bosworth was 0.3° tighter and the anatomical double bundle 0.2° tighter than was the intact knee. The center of the medial collateral ligament origin on the femur to the proximal insertion of the superficial medial collateral ligament resulted in the most isometric graft position. Conclusion Medial collateral ligament reconstruction configurations that use a double-bundle reconstruction better resist valgus and external rotations in response to valgus stress than do single-bundle techniques. Clinical Relevance Although the medial collateral ligament often heals without surgical intervention, surgical reconstruction is occasionally necessary in grade III medial collateral ligament and combined ligamentous injuries to the knee. Double-bundle reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament better resists valgus forces across the knee and may allow for better surgical outcome after medial collateral ligament reconstruction.