Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biodiversity productive effects in milk farms of western France: a multi-output primal system

It is widely recognized that human activities and especially agriculture have negative impacts on biodiversiy. However, biodiversity can also benefit to farmers through its positive effects on production. This two-way causality relationship between biodiversity and agriculture has raised numerous authors to examine the behaviour of farmers regarding environment. However, only few empirical studies have analysed biodiversity management considering previous results in production economics. Indeed, they usually do not take into account farmers’ strategic choices. These studies did notably not correct for the endogenous bias linked to simultaneity of choices between input and output levels and did not take into account market evolution. On the other hand, production economic studies have rarely introduced ecological feedbacks in the production function and prefer to analyse environmental effects in an ex-post way. On this paper, we estimate crop and milk primal production functions of a sample of mixed farms of western France. Our sample is composed of 5654 FADN observations from 2002 to 2014 in French regions of Bretagne, Basse-Normandie and Pays-de-la-Loire. We estimate the productive effect of biodiversity taking into account for the variable input endogenous biases and joint technology specificity. Using Three Stage Least Square method, we estimate linear and quadratic of both production functions with ad-hoc addition of variable input demand functions. We measure biodiversity through the utilization of landscape metric indicators. For the first time in this literature, we examine the effect of two kind of biodiversity: arable land biodiversity and permanent grassland biodiversity. Our preliminary results seem to confirm previous results of the literature on the productive effect of arable land biodiversity on crop production. For the first time in empirical economics analysis, we find that permanent grasslands enhance crop production. On the other side, milk production is less sensible to biodiversity but it seems that permanent grasslands decrease milk production. The effect of arable land biodiversity on milk production is not robust for the moment. Our results can be useful for policymakers as they bring new insights on the management of biodiversity by farmers.
Can We Identify Parents Who Do Not Verbally Share Concerns for Their Children's Development?

Objective: We aimed to identify characteristics of parents who do not voice developmental concerns when prompted by their children's nurse and/or primary care provider (PCP), despite reporting concerns on parent-completed questionnaires. Methods: We reviewed 376 medical records of children seen for a 9-month well-child visit in an urban pediatric clinic between September 2011 and December 2012 for sociodemographic variables hypothesized to affect parents' sharing of developmental concerns: the child's birth order and gender; parents' education level, employment, relationship status, and primary language; and family size and racial/ethnic background. The target population was parents who reported concerns on the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS), a routinely administered, parent-completed screening questionnaire. We subdivided parents who reported concerns on the PEDS (N = 86) based on whether they voiced developmental concerns when prompted by their children's nurse and/or PCP. Two-sided Fisher's exact tests and logistic regression evaluated the relationship between sociodemographic variables and parents' voicing of developmental concerns. Results: Only parent education approached significance, as parents with less than a high school education (<HS) were more likely to not voice concerns for their children's development than parents with at least a high school degree or equivalent (≥HS) (63% compared to 35%, p = .056). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that parents with <HS were 3.238 (1.085–9.663, 95% CI, p = .035) times more likely to not verbally share developmental concerns than those with ≥HS. Conclusion: Parents with low educational attainment may be more likely to not verbally share their developmental concerns. For children of such parents, early detection of developmental delay may be strengthened by use of written questionnaires.
Interaction Among Mitochondria, Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinases, and Nuclear Factor‐κB in Cellular Models of Parkinson's Disease

Abstract: Oxidative stress induced by acute complex I inhibition with 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium ion activated biphasically the stress‐activated c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and the early transcription factor nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) in SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Early JNK activation was dependent on mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) activity, whereas late‐phase JNK activation and the cleavage of signaling proteins Raf‐1 and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase (MEK) kinase (MEKK)‐1 appeared to be ANT‐independent. Early NF‐κB activation depended on MEK, later activation required an intact electron transport chain (ETC), and Parkinson's disease (PD) cybrid (mitochondrial transgenic cytoplasmic hybrid) cells had increased basal NF‐κB activation. Mitochondria appear capable of signaling ETC impairment through MAPK modules and inducing protective NF‐κB responses, which are increased by PD mitochondrial genes amplified in cybrid cells. Irreversible commitment to apoptosis in this cell model may derive from loss of Raf‐1 and cleavage/activation of MEKK‐1, processes reported in other models to be caspase‐mediated. Therapeutic strategies that reduce mitochondrial activation of proapoptotic MAPK modules, i.e., JNK, and enhance survival pathways, i.e., NF‐κB, may offer neuroprotection in this debilitating disease.
siRNA binding proteins of microglial cells: PKR is an unanticipated ligand

Small interfering RNA (siRNA), double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) 21–23 nucleotides (nt) long with two nt 3′ overhangs, has been shown to mediate powerful sequence‐specific gene silence in mammalian cells through RNA interference (RNAi). Due to its high efficiency and high specificity siRNA has been used as a powerful post genomic tool and a potent therapeutic candidate. However, there is still a lot to learn about the mobility of siRNA inside cells and the cellular factors that might interfere with the specificity and activity of siRNA. Microglia are the brain's effector cells of the innate immune system and suitable targets in the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Here, we show the cellular uptake and intracellular distribution of siRNA in murine microglial N9 cells. siRNA was internalized by microglial N9 cells without transfection reagent and mainly localized to the endosomes However, no significant gene silencing effects were observed. Its cellular uptake and cellular distribution pattern were similar with that of a same length single stranded DNA (ssDNA). Further, cellular binding proteins of siRNA were purified and identified by mass spectrometry. Negative control siRNA and siRNA targeted to β‐actin were used in this part of experiment. Most of the siRNA binding proteins for negative control siRNA and siRNA targeted to β‐actin were dsRNA‐binding proteins, such as dsRNA‐dependent protein kinase R (PKR). Furthermore, both control siRNA and siRNA targeted to β‐actin activated PKR in N9 cells, which suggest that siRNA might cause off‐target effects through activation of PKR. J. Cell. Biochem. 97: 1217–1229, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Observation and assessment of local economic development with regard to the application of the local multiplier

ABSTRACT This contribution deals with the observation and evaluation of the issues of local economic development with a focus on the relatively new method of the local multiplier LM3. The main objective of this article is to evaluate the application possibilities of selected tools for the analysis of local economic development, in order to verify the effectiveness of the methodology of the local multiplier LM3 and to discuss the possibilities of its practical use. This LM3 method is perceived to be one of the convenient methods on how to capture certain components of local economic development. This indicator of the power of local economies is verified within field research in two case studies conducted in the Šumava region in Southwest Bohemia. The added value of this contribution is both methodological and practical. Currently, there exist only very few studies using the LM3 method in the Czech Republic and they do not offer satisfying evaluation of possible broader use of this method in the area of local development in the specific Czech regions. Having summarized two new case studies, this article contributes to the methodological discussion of the LM method and includes concrete practical recommendations for future research and also practical use.
Predictors for Dropping-Out From Methadone Maintenance Therapy Programs Among Heroin Users in Southern Taiwan

This study examined the methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) retention rates of heroin users in Taiwan and the predictors for dropout in the 18-month period after starting MMT. We consecutively recruited 368 intravenous heroin users receiving MMT in 2007–2008 and applied Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to determine the predictive effect of pre- and in-treatment variables on early discontinuation of MMT. The retention rate at 18 months was 32.3%. High heroin expenses, more severe harm caused by heroin use, perceived lower family support, and lower methadone dosage at 3 months after starting MMT increased the risk of dropout in the follow-up period.
Novel coding, translation, and gene expression of a replicating covalently closed circular RNA of 220 nt

Significance We describe the smallest (220 nt) replicating covalently closed circular (CCC) RNA (nanogenome) that contains numerous unique and novel properties of coding and translation. It is the smallest of all viroids and virusoids and the only one to encode proteins. No noncoding sequences could be identified. Initiation and termination codons are combined in UGAUGA, and read-throughs generate larger proteins. This is the only CCC RNA to be directly translated by eukaryotic ribosomes. It also contains an internal ribosome entry site and it defies the classical Kozak scanning model for initiation of translation. Is it a living fossil or is it a novel trend in genomic evolution? The highly structured (64% GC) covalently closed circular (CCC) RNA (220 nt) of the virusoid associated with rice yellow mottle virus codes for a 16-kDa highly basic protein using novel modalities for coding, translation, and gene expression. This CCC RNA is the smallest among all known viroids and virusoids and the only one that codes proteins. Its sequence possesses an internal ribosome entry site and is directly translated through two (or three) completely overlapping ORFs (shifting to a new reading frame at the end of each round). The initiation and termination codons overlap UGAUGA (underline highlights the initiation codon AUG within the combined initiation-termination sequence). Termination codons can be ignored to obtain larger read-through proteins. This circular RNA with no noncoding sequences is a unique natural supercompact “nanogenome. ”
3R variant of thymidylate synthase 5'-untranslated enhanced region contributes to colorectal cancer risk: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Studies investigating the association of 2R/3R polymorphism in the thymidylate synthase 5'-untranslated enhanced region (TSER) and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk have reported conflicting results. Thus, a meta-analysis was performed to summarize the data on the potential association. METHODS Pubmed, Embase and CBM databases were searched for all available studies. Links between the TSER 2R/3R polymorphism and CRC risk were estimated by odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Seven case-control studies with a total of 2723 cases and 4030 controls were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that the 3R variant of TSER 2R/3R polymorphism contributes to CRC risk in two comparison models (OR 3R vs. 2R =1.10, 95%CI 1.02-1.18, P = 0.015; OR Homozygote comparison model = 1.22 1.04-1.43, 95%CI 1.04- 1.43, P = 0.012). Subgroup analyses by ethnicity further demonstrated a contribution in Caucasians with three comparison models (OR 3R vs. 2R = 1.10, 95%CI 1.02-1.19, P = 0.015; OR Homozygote comparison model = 1.21, 95%CI 1.03-1.41, P = 0.019; OR Recessive comparison model = 1.18, 95%CI 1.05-1.33, P = 0.008). However, the association in the Asian population was still uncertain due to the limited data (all P values were more than 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our meta-analysis suggests that the 3R variant of Thymidylate synthase 5'-untranslated enhanced region 2R/3R polymorphism contributes to gastric cancer risk in the Caucasian population, while any association in Asian populations needs further study.
Day-of-The-Week Anomaly: An Illusion Or A Reality? Evidence From Naira/Dollar Exchange Rates

This study examines the day-of-the-week effect in the Nigerian foreign exchange market (Naira against the US dollars), its volatility as well as the asymmetric effects, for the period of 12th May 2009 to 12th June, 2015. The empirical results of GARCH-t(1,1), EGARCH-t(1,1), GJR-GARCH-t(1,1), IGARCH and the OLS methodology shows that the detection of the day-of-theweek effect is influenced by the choice of the volatility model applied. Similarly, the highest or lowest volatility market day goes with the influence of these models. Thus this study clearly support the argument of Charles (2010), that, the days of the week anomalies lies on the choice of model specified.
Building brand relationship quality among hotel loyalty program members

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of the loyalty program members’ satisfaction toward the hotel loyalty program benefits and the customer management relationship initiatives of individual hotels on the brand relationship quality (BRQ), i.e. their relationship quality with the hotel brand, and its outcomes. The moderating impact of membership level on the hypothesized relationships was also investigated. Design/methodology/approach A usable sample of 920 active members of a hotel loyalty program was obtained. Structural equation modeling with partial least squares method was used to estimate the structural relationships and to investigate the moderating effect of membership level. Findings Employee’s customer orientation, membership communication and hotel stay-related benefits are determinants of the loyalty program members’ BRQ. BRQ is also confirmed as a higher-order construct of three latent variables which include trust, satisfaction and commitment. Moderating effects of the membership were partially supported in this study. The strongest effect of BRQ is on members’ word of mouth followed by shares of purchase. BRQ is found to have negative relationship with members’ willingness to serve as marketing resource, but the impact was small. Research limitations/implications This is a cross-sectional study with a population of active loyalty program members of only one luxury hotel group. The sample size of the top-tier members is also smaller in comparison to the other two groups. Practical implications This study contributes to the understanding of the antecedents and consequences of BRQ and the body of knowledge about loyalty program for hotel industry. Originality/value This is one of the few studies investigating the effectiveness of hotel loyalty programs from the active members’ perspective and the moderating effect of membership level on the relationships among BRQ, its antecedents and its outcomes.
Expression and activity of IL‐17 in cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas (mycosis fungoides and sezary syndrome)

Interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) is a proinflammatory cytokine mainly produced by activated CD4+ CD45RO T cells. In mice, we have demonstrated that, depending on the model, IL‐17 may act as a tumor growth‐promoting or ‐inhibiting factor. In order to address the relevance of these models in human tumors, we look for the natural expression and activity of IL‐17 in mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary syndrome (SS). These cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas were selected because they are usually CD3+ CD4+ CD45RO+, a phenotype similar to nontransformed T cells producing IL‐17. We show that in vitro activated malignant T cells derived from MF or SS patients express IL‐17 mRNA and secrete this cytokine. However, IL‐17 does not act in vitro as a growth factor for MF or SS cell lines. In addition, 5 out of 10 MF/SS biopsies expressed IL‐17 mRNA, while this cytokine was not detected in normal skin. IL‐17 was not observed in the biopsies derived from 2 patients initially identified as MF, whereas an upregulation of this cytokine was clearly demonstrated during progression of the disease in these patients. An association between IL‐17 expression and polymorphonuclear neutrophil infiltration was also recorded in this group of MF/SS patients. A more detailed analysis of 2 patients with a pustular form of MF and SS revealed that IL‐17 may participate in the recruitment of polymorphonuclear neutrophils via a paracrine mechanism involving keratinocyte‐released IL‐8. This study is the first report demonstrating that some human tumor cells could express IL‐17, a cytokine that represents an early event in the development of the inflammatory reaction within the tumor microenvironment, a process that may influence tumor phenotype and growth. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of long-term treatment with low-dose mifepristone on the endometrium.

BACKGROUND Mifepristone in low daily doses has contraceptive potential by inhibiting ovulation and menstruation. Because follicular development is maintained, the endometrium is exposed to estrogen for prolonged periods unopposed by progesterone. METHODS Endometrial biopsies were collected from 90 women in Edinburgh and Shanghai before (late proliferative) and 60 and 120 days after taking 2 or 5 mg mifepristone per day for 120 days. RESULTS Ovulation and menstruation were inhibited in >90% of cycles and estrogen production was similar to that observed during the follicular phase of the control cycle. By 120 days, endometrial thickness increased significantly in women in Edinburgh but decreased in Shanghai. Endometrial histology showed inactive proliferative or cystic changes with dense stroma. There was a significant decrease in markers of proliferation, i.e. mitotic index and Ki67 staining. There were no pregnancies in a total of 200 women-months in 50 sexually active women who used no other method of contraception. CONCLUSIONS We confirm that ovulation and menstruation were suppressed in the majority of cycles and there was asynchrony between ovarian activity and endometrial histology, which showed no signs of hyperplasia or atypia. These preliminary data suggest that daily low-dose mifepristone is potentially a safe estrogen-free contraceptive pill which has the added health benefit of amenorrhoea.
Financing preferences: evidence from the Korean market

ABSTRACT We investigate the financing decisions of Korean firms during the period of 1996–2015. Korean firms follow a matching strategy for funding their cash needs. Cash inflows from investing activities are the primary source of funding for capital expenditures, and cash inflows from financing activities are the major means of covering cash outflows from financing activities. We also find that Korean firms’ financing practice of handling cash deficits can be described by the pecking order model modified and augmented by cash flow variables. Cash inflows from investing activities account for the major portion of financing to make up for cash deficits, followed by short- and long-term debt, and then equity financing.
Cellular and subcellular immunolocalization of alpha1-fetoprotein and albumin in rat liver. Reevaluation of various experimental conditions.

Unite de Recherches de Physiopathologie Hepatique (I.N.S.E.R.M.), Hopital Beaujon, 92110 Clichy, France (AG.); Unite de Recherches Hepatologiques (I.N.S.E.R.M.), Hopital Pontchaillou, 35011 Rennes, France (A.G., C.B.); Department ofBiochemistry, School ofMedicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232 (LB., RB., J.-F.C.); and Department ofHematology, University Hospital, Laval University, Quebec, G1V4G2, Canada (J.-P.V.)
Gait Event Detection in Real-World Environment for Long-Term Applications: Incorporating Domain Knowledge Into Time-Frequency Analysis

Detecting gait events is the key to many gait analysis applications that would benefit from continuous monitoring or long-term analysis. Most gait event detection algorithms using wearable sensors that offer a potential for use in daily living have been developed from data collected in controlled indoor experiments. However, for real-word applications, it is essential that the analysis is carried out in humans' natural environment; that involves different gait speeds, changing walking terrains, varying surface inclinations and regular turns among other factors. Existing domain knowledge in the form of principles or underlying fundamental gait relationships can be utilized to drive and support the data analysis in order to develop robust algorithms that can tackle real-world challenges in gait analysis. This paper presents a novel approach that exhibits how domain knowledge about human gait can be incorporated into time-frequency analysis to detect gait events from long-term accelerometer signals. The accuracy and robustness of the proposed algorithm are validated by experiments done in indoor and outdoor environments with approximately 93 600 gait events in total. The proposed algorithm exhibits consistently high performance scores across all datasets in both, indoor and outdoor environments.
Safety of Clinical and Non-Clinical Decision Makers in Telephone Triage: A Narrative Review

Patient safety is a persistent problem in telephone triage research; however, studies have not differentiated between clinicians’ and non-clinicians’ respective safety. Currently, four groups of decision makers perform aspects of telephone triage: clinicians (physicians, nurses), and non-clinicians (emergency medical dispatchers (EMD) and clerical staff). Using studies published between 2002–2012, we applied Donabedian’s structure-process-outcome model to examine groups’ systems for evidence of system completeness (a minimum measure of structure and quality). We defined system completeness as the presence of a decision maker and four additional components: guidelines, documentation, training, and standards. Defining safety as appropriate referrals (AR) – (right time, right place with the right person), we measured each groups’ corresponding AR rate percentages (outcomes). We analyzed each group’s respective decision-making process as a safe match to the telephone triage task, based on each group’s system structure completeness, process and AR rates (outcome). Studies uniformly noted system component presence: nurses (2-4), physicians (1), EMDs (2), clerical staff (1). Nurses had the highest average appropriate referral (AR) rates (91%), physicians’ AR (82% average). Clerical staff had no system and did not perform telephone triage by standard definitions; EMDs may represent the use of the wrong system. Telephone triage appears least safe after hours when decision makers with the least complete systems (physicians, clerical staff) typically manage calls. At minimum, telephone triage decision makers should be clinicians; however, clinicians’ safety calls for improvement. With improved training, standards and CDSS quality, the 24/7 clinical call center has potential to represent the national standard.