Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Economic and environmental impacts of production intensification in agriculture: comparing transgenic, conventional, and agroecological maize crops

ABSTRACT Contemporary society is characterized by faith in the technological paradigm as a solution to economic, social, and environmental challenges. This has led to a lack of critical analysis toward the contradictions inherent to production systems. In the primary sector, this phenomenon is expressed by the creation of a productivist ideology in which “producing more is better. ” The negative aspects of the production techniques are hidden or classified as necessary evils to be solved with more technology. A case study compared three corn production systems on family farming: a) organic agroecological maize with open-pollinated variety (OAM), b) conventional hybrid maize (CHM), and c) transgenic hybrid maize (THM). The CHM and THM had greater production costs and productivity driven primarily by high dosages of fertilizer and the price of GM seeds. The high doses of nitrogenous fertilizer contaminate water and food with nitrates and nitrites. Economic viability of CHM and THM depends on large-scale production and public subsidies to purchase inputs and outsource risks through crop insurance. This article demonstrates that increasing agricultural productivity through the intensive use of inputs contrasts with the diminishing return on invested capital, and increases the environmental impacts without changing the economic performance of the activity.
Post Hoc Analysis: Early Changes in ADHD-RS Items Predict Longer Term Response to Atomoxetine in Pediatric Patients

Data from 5 atomoxetine trials in pediatric outpatients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were divided into training and validation data sets to develop models predicting atomoxetine treatment response, using changes in individual ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) items early in treatment. Treatment response was predicted after 1 week by a ≥1-point score decrease in ADHD-RS item 15 (“easily distracted;” positive predictive values [PPVs]: 84.9%, 74.3%, and 73.3%; negative predictive values [NPVs]: 52.6%, 50.5%, and 46.3%; training and 2 validation data sets, respectively); after 2 to 3 weeks, by a ≥1-point score decrease in ADHD-RS item 1 (“fails to give close attention or makes careless mistakes;” PPV = 77.7% and 77.9%) and by the absence of a ≥1-point score decrease on ADHD-RS items 1 and 10 (“on the go;” NPV = 72.2% and 77.5%), or by the combination of items 1 and 10 (PPVs: 75.1% and 75.4%; NPVs: 72.2% and 77.5%; training and validation data sets, respectively).
The Decoupling of Monetary Policy from Long-Term Rates in the U.S. during the Great Moderation

Monetary theory typically assumes that the pass-through from policy-controlled interest rates to longer term rates and yields is complete, rapid and symmetric. We investigate these assumptions by applying the Nonlinear ARDL (NARDL) model advanced by Shin, Yu and Greenwood-Nimmo (2013) to the analysis of interest rate pass-through in the U.S. We fi nd five stylised fi ndings as follows: (i) rate cuts are passed through more completely than rate hikes in the long-run; (ii) rate hikes are passed through more rapidly than rate cuts in the short-run; (iii) pass-through has become less complete during the Great Moderation; (iv) the speed of adjustment has increased during the Great Moderation; and (v) the 2003-5 decoupling 'conundrum' identifi ed by Alan Greenspan is statistically indistinct from previous monetary contractions. Where pass-through exhibits such complexities, our findings suggest that demand management policies involving manipulation of the short-term interest rate may encounter signifi cant difficulties in the absence of regulatory reform.
The quality of research in sports journals

Objective: To examine the evidence base of sports medicine research. Methods: A sample of four major journals that present core research in sport and exercise medicine (British Journal of Sports Medicine, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, and Physical Therapy) was examined using assessment criteria taken from the READER method. Results: Randomised controlled trials comprised 10% or less of all original research articles. Observational/descriptive studies were the most commonly published study design. There was a highly significant difference (p<0.0001) in the contents of the four journals but when they were compared by categorising the better quality methods together (randomised control trial, case-control, and cohort studies), the difference was not significant (p = 0.09). Conclusions: The overall pattern of publication type seems remarkably stable over medical journals, indicating that the quality of sports medicine research is comparable to that in other specialities.
High current density M-type cathodes for VEDs

The emission performance and life of most VEDs (vacuum electron devices) is directly related to the capability of cathode. As the main force of thermionic sources, dispenser cathodes made of a porous tungsten pellet impregnated with Ba, Ca aluminates, such as M type cathodes (coated with Osmium, Iridium or Osmium/Ruthenium) and scandate cathodes, play an important role in the electron beam devices. This paper presents some results obtained during the investigation of M-type cathodes used in TWTs (traveling wave tubes) and klystrons. The investigation covers the following experiments: (i) the lifetime test in close space diode to evaluate the long term life capability of M-type cathodes operated at different temperatures and loads to fulfill the missions for VEDs; (ii) the assessment of performances of M-type cathode delivery high current density up to 32A/cm/sup 2/ in standard Pierce electron gun; (iii) the application of M-type cathode in practical X-band dual mode TWTs and Ka, X band MBKs (multi beam klystrons); (iv) the investigation of high reliable "quasi ceramic" potted heaters that shorten the warm-up time significantly. The experimental approach such as cathode structures, test vehicles and experimental techniques are also demonstrated in this paper.
The Effects of Group Size and Reproductive Status on Vigilance in Captive Callithrix jacchus

Previous work on mammals and birds has often demonstrated a negative relationship between group size and individual vigilance. However, this relationship has received only weak support in nonhuman primates. This result may be due to the failure to distinguish different forms of vigilance such as antipredatory vigilance and social monitoring. Here, we tested the effects of group size, reproductive status (breeding vs. nonbreeding), and sex on antipredatory vigilance and social monitoring in captive common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Behavioral observations using one‐zero sampling were conducted on adult members of three captive groups of small, medium, and large size. Data were analyzed using a series of general linear models (GLMs) analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs). We found an overall negative group size effect on antipredatory vigilance and that breeders, especially breeding males, were significantly more vigilant than nonbreeders. Conversely, we found that social monitoring increased with group size. Unlike the results for antipredatory vigilance, neither breeders and nonbreeders nor males and females differed in their amounts of social monitoring. However, the effect of group size appeared to differ for nonbreeding males compared to all other adults. Our results generally support the idea that individuals in larger groups are safer with breeding males likely playing a prominent role in protection from predation. The increase in social monitoring may be related to increased reproductive competition with the presence of adult offspring, but future studies need to clarify the target of social monitoring in both breeders and nonbreeders. Overall, the study underlines the importance of distinguishing different forms of vigilance and other factors as they may confound the effects of group size on antipredatory vigilance. Am. J. Primatol. 74:613–621, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Local dynamics of proteins and DNA evaluated from crystallographic B factors

Distributions of scaled B factors from 704 protein–DNA complexes reflect primarily the neighbourhood of amino-acid and nucleotide residues: their flexibility grows from the protein core to protein–protein and protein–DNA interfaces, to solvent-exposed residues. Some of the findings clearly observed at higher resolution structures can no longer be observed for structures at low resolution indicating problems in refinement protocols.
Efficacy of an Internet-based behavioral intervention for adults with insomnia.

CONTEXT Insomnia is a major health problem with significant psychological, health, and economic consequences. However, availability of one of the most effective insomnia treatments, cognitive behavioral therapy, is significantly limited. The Internet may be a key conduit for delivering this intervention. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of a structured behavioral Internet intervention for adults with insomnia. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Forty-five adults were randomly assigned to an Internet intervention (n = 22) or wait-list control group (n = 23). Forty-four eligible participants (mean [SD] age, 44.86 [11.03] years; 34 women) who had a history of sleep difficulties longer than 10 years on average (mean [SD], 10.59 [8.89] years) were included in the analyses. INTERVENTION The Internet intervention is based on well-established face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy incorporating the primary components of sleep restriction, stimulus control, sleep hygiene, cognitive restructuring, and relapse prevention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The Insomnia Severity Index and daily sleep diary data were used to determine changes in insomnia severity and the main sleep variables, including wake after sleep onset and sleep efficiency. RESULTS Intention-to-treat analyses showed that scores on the Insomnia Severity Index significantly improved from 15.73 (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.07 to 17.39) to 6.59 (95% CI, 4.73 to 8.45) for the Internet group but did not change for the control group (16.27 [95% CI, 14.61 to 17.94] to 15.50 [95% CI, 13.64 to 17.36]) (F(1,42) = 29.64; P < . 001). The Internet group maintained their gains at the 6-month follow-up. Internet participants also achieved significant decreases in wake after sleep onset (55% [95% CI, 34% to 76%]) and increases in sleep efficiency (16% [95% CI, 9% to 22%]) compared with the nonsignificant control group changes of wake after sleep onset (8% [95% CI, -17% to 33%) and sleep efficiency (3%; 95% CI, -4% to 9%). CONCLUSIONS Participants who received the Internet intervention for insomnia significantly improved their sleep, whereas the control group did not have a significant change. The Internet appears to have considerable potential in delivering a structured behavioral program for insomnia. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00328250.
Lectin from Agaricus bisporus inhibited S phase cell population and Akt phosphorylation in human RPE cells.

PURPOSE Lectin from the edible mushroom Agaricus bisporus (ABL) was found to inhibit cell proliferation of some ocular and cancer cell lines. To elucidate how ABL inhibited RPE cell proliferation, we investigated the changes in cell cycle distribution and cell proliferation-related signaling pathways after ABL treatment. METHODS Primary human RPE cells were isolated and grown in DMEM/F12 with or without the ABL (20 or 90 μg/mL) for 3 days. Analysis of cell cycle was performed by flow cytometry. Phosphorylation status of Erk, Jnk, p38, and Akt as well as p53 expression levels were investigated by Western blotting. The role of phosphorylated-Akt in RPE cell proliferation was further evaluated using LY294002. RESULTS After ABL treatment (90 μg/mL), the amount of cells present in the S phase was found to be reduced. These changes were not apparent in cells treated with 20 μg/mL ABL. In addition, Erk and Akt were found to be hyperphosphorylated and hypophosphorylated, respectively. The expression levels of phosphorylated-Jnk, phosphorylated-p38, and p53 were not altered when compared with those of the control cells. When RPE cells were treated with LY294002 and deprived from phosphorylated-Akt expression, cell proliferation rate was reduced. Reduction in the amount of cells present in S phase was also observed. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that ABL hypophosphorylated Akt and this observation is in line with the fact that ABL attenuates cell proliferation. As the level of p53 was not significantly altered by ABL, this indicated that ABL-arrested cell cycle progression was independent of p53 activation.
Lung transplanation after 125 days on ECMO for severe refractory hypoxemia with no prior lung disease.

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has become a viable and increasingly utilized option for the treatment of refractory hypoxemia in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, options are limited for ARDS patients who fail to wean from ECMO. The high rates of infection, presence of extrapulmonary end organ damage, ICU-acquired weakness, and high short-term mortality associated with ARDS are all significant hurdles that make lung transplantation a difficult prospect to consider. However, ECMO support has been used as a bridge to transplant in patients with other underlying chronic lung diseases. Our case illustrates the successful use of lung transplantation for a patient with no previous lung disease who developed refractory ARDS requiring protracted ECMO support. The use of ambulatory ECMO with early institution of physical therapy is an essential component in preparing such patients for successful transplantation.
Socioeconomic factors and persistent racial disparities in childhood vaccination.

OBJECTIVE To better understand the effects of socioeconomic factors on racial disparities in childhood vaccination. METHODS The National Immunization Survey data collected in 1999-2003 among children 19-35 months of age were analyzed using chisquare tests for trends and logistic regression modeling. Statistical significance was based on P<0.05. RESULTS When adjusted by mother's education and household income, racial disparities in childhood vaccination were substantially reduced. The adjustment for mother's education reduced the disparity only slightly, but the adjustment for household income had the greater impact. CONCLUSIONS Research should examine socioeconomic differences across populations to better understand racial disparities in health.
Program Profile: A Service-Learning Model for Intergenerational Conversation about Science and Current Events between Longterm Care Residents and University Students: Case Study

ABSTRACT The population of the United States is aging rapidly, and older adults are transitioning to long-term care (LTC) with higher levels of education. Furthermore, projected workforce shortages reinforce the need for students who will enter the healthcare and social services sectors and who will work with this population. This creates a need for innovative and cognitively-stimulating LTC programming models, and development of intergenerational communication skills. Here, we describe a case study of one such model for accomplishing both aims. This report describes a service-learning, educational framework for intergenerational communication through service learning by providing scientific programming to LTC residents. Programming is led by university students. Background information, steps for implementation, assessment of efficacy, and future directions are discussed. With this report, it is our hope that this programming model will be a useful tool for LTC facilities and gerontology educators for intergenerational engagement between residents of LTC and students, for mutual benefit. This model also aims to promote interest in gerontology and aging education amongst students earlier in their academic and professional careers.
A spatial and temporal analysis of commute pattern changes in Central Texas

The Austin–San Antonio Corridor, which encompasses the Austin metropolitan area and the San Antonio metropolitan area, has experienced a significant increase of commute traffic since 1990. Previous research suggested that the level of traffic congestion in the corridor increased significantly in the past two decades. An analysis of the commute patterns would help better understand the underlying causes of traffic congestion and provide information for urban planning and traffic management. Based on the US Census Transportation Planning Package Part 3 Journey-to-Work data for 1990 and 2000, this study developed a set of GIS-based methods to analyze the spatial and temporal change of commute patterns and commute flows in the Austin–San Antonio Corridor. The analyses revealed communities that experienced a significant increase of commute traffic and identified major travel corridors that carry a high proportion of the traffic in the area. The findings from this study should be particularly useful to public transportation providers seeking information for improving the coordination of rural-to-urban public transportation services.
Malignant melanoma of the vulva and vagina: a report of 23 cases presenting in a 10-year period

In the 10-year period ending December 1991, 14 patients with primary melanoma of the vulva and nine with primary melanoma of the vagina were diagnosed and treated. Of the patients with vulval melanoma, three were treated surgically with wide local excision of the tumor alone, six had wide local excision with inguinal node dissection, and five had radical vulvectomy with inguinal node dissection. Four of the patients with vaginal melanoma had wide local excision; two had wide local excision with inguinal and or pelvic node dissection; and three had surgery that was more radical than this. Two years after diagnosis, all of the patients whose tumors were 2 mm thick or more had died, or were alive but had distant metastases. This was independent of the apparent surgical success of local excision of the disease. We consider that conservative procedures in the management of invasive melanoma of the lower female genital tract should be the rule, and that radical procedures should be reserved for palliation rather than cure.
The activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes and the biotransformation of selected anthelmintics in the model tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta

SUMMARY The drug-metabolizing enzymes of some helminths can deactivate anthelmintics and therefore partially protect helminths against these drugs' toxic effect. The aim of our study was to assess the activity of the main drug-metabolizing enzymes and evaluate the metabolism of selected anthelmintics (albendazole, flubendazole, mebendazole) in the rat tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta, a species often used as a model tapeworm. In vitro and ex vivo experiments were performed. Metabolites of the anthelmintics were detected and identified by HPLC with spectrofluorometric or mass–spectrometric detection. The enzymes of H. diminuta are able to reduce the carbonyl group of flubendazole, mebendazole and several other xenobiotics. Although the activity of a number of oxidation enzymes was determined, no oxidative metabolites of albendazole were detected. Regarding conjugation enzymes, a high activity of glutathione S-transferase was observed. A methyl derivative of reduced flubendazole was the only conjugation metabolite identified in ex vivo incubations of H. diminuta with anthelmintics. The results revealed that H. diminuta metabolized flubendazole and mebendazole, but not albendazole. The biotransformation pathways found in H. diminuta differ from those described in Moniezia expanza and suggest the interspecies differences in drug metabolism not only among classes of helminths, but even among tapeworms.
The benefits of creative therapy for people with dementia.

AIM To evaluate the use of creative therapy, including dance, drama, music and movement, with people who have dementia attending one NHS organisation that provides day treatment and inpatient services. METHOD A one-day training package in the use of creative therapy in dementia care was commissioned from a dance movement psychotherapist. Creative therapy sessions, including dance, drama, music and movement activities were implemented over an eight-week period, a minimum of three times a week. Observational outcomes of creative self-expression, communication, pleasure and enjoyment, and general engagement were recorded. FINDINGS Implementation of creative therapy resulted in improvements in creative self-expression, communication, pleasure and enjoyment, and general engagement in people with dementia. CONCLUSION The evaluation has emphasised the positive effects of creative or artistic approaches on dementia care, and supports previous research on the use of such approaches in NHS dementia care services. Further research on the immediate and longer-term outcomes and benefits of creative therapy for people with dementia is recommended to support the routine availability of such therapy in dementia care.
The Relative Effectiveness of Empirical and Physical Models for Simulating the Dense Undercurrent of Pyroclastic Flows under Different Emplacement Conditions

TITAN2D, VolcFlow, LAHARZ, and ∆H/L or energy cone models each employ different rheologies or empirical relationships and therefore differ in appropriateness of application for different types of mass flows and topographic environments. Previous work has focused on single-deposit comparisons of models. In this work, these models are used to recreate the inundation areas of the dense-basal undercurrent of all 13 mapped, land-confined, Soufriere Hills Volcano dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) emplaced from 1996-2010 to test the relative effectiveness of different computational models. Best-fit model results and their input parameters are compared with results using observation- and deposit-derived input parameters and those using empirically-derived input parameters from the FlowDat global database (Ogburn, 2012, 2014; Ogburn et al. 2016). Not only does this work provide a useful comparison of the operational aspects and behavior of various models, but it also enriches conceptual understanding of the dynamics of the PDCs themselves. Results indicate that TITAN2D is able to reproduce inundated areas well using flux sources, although velocities are often unrealistically high. VolcFlow is also able to replicate flow runout well, but does not capture the lateral spreading in distal regions of larger-volume flows. Both models are better at reproducing the inundated area of single-pulse, valley-confined, smaller-volume flows than sustained, highly unsteady, larger-volume flows, which are often partially unchannelized. LAHARZ is fast to run and can give a rough approximation of inundation, but there are problems with deriving the equation coefficients for PDCs and the designation of starting locations. The ∆H/L cone model is also very quick to run and gives reasonable approximations of runout distance, but does not inherently model flow channelization or directionality and thus unrealistically covers all interfluves.