Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevention, Cleanup, and Reuse Benefits from the Federal UST Program

This paper attempts to comprehensively identify all relevant benefit categories associated with prevention and remediation of releases from underground storage tanks (USTs), as well as from reuse of formerly (or potentially) contaminated UST sites. The benefit categories include improvements in human health, ecosystem services, aesthetics, recreational opportunities, and land productivity. A qualitative explanation of each benefit category is provided and examples of UST sites associated with each is offered. The suggestion is not that all the categories are associated with all UST sites. Instead, there is a great deal of variability across sites, as illustrated by four case studies presented in this paper’s appendix. The paper also offers background information on the problem of UST releases, as well as descriptions of the regulatory program and the population of regulated systems and facilities.
Deforestation and environmental valuation of mangaba tree (Hancornia speciosa Gomes) in Sergipe State, Brazil

The aim of the current study is to evaluate deforestation in mangaba tree (Hancornia speciosa Gomes) growing areas and environmental valuation in fairs held in Sergipe State, in order to suggest environmental service payment mechanisms to help conserving natural mangaba tree-growing areas in the state. Land use and cover, as well as deforestation, were measured based on MapBiomas data. Information about annual mangaba production was extracted from data provided by IBGE on Vegetable Extraction and Silviculture Production. The environmental valuation by mangaba consumers at fairs was measured through questionnaire application. Natural mangaba tree-growing areas in Sergipe State have shown low rates of forest cover and natural non-forest sites in the last 34 years. However, these areas are mainly used for agricultural purposes, a fact that compromises mangaba production. Sergipe State has shown considerable reduction in mangaba production rates from 1995 to 2016; however, such a production presented remarkable recovery in the last three years. Contingent valuation has shown that potential stakeholders are willing to financially contribute to the conservation of both mangaba trees and the Atlantic Forest.
The Great Indian Migration Wave, 1870-2010: Persistence & Consequences

Regions covering over twenty percent of the Indian population have experienced persistent male-dominated, semi-permanent, remittance-based out-migration for over a hundred years. This paper examines the persistence and consequences of this ‘Great Indian Migration Wave. ’ Using district level data spanning over a century, it shows migration persistence over time and the consequences on rural labor markets in the early twenty-first century. Districts with historically evolved out-migration networks today exhibit (a) Higher levels of feminization of the agricultural workforce (b) Higher levels of male employment in the construction and rural non-farm services sector and (c) Higher rural wages for males due to tighter labor markets. These results question prevailing views on ‘low’ spatial mobility in India and highlight the significance of migration in shaping it’s regional economic histories. Preliminary Draft. Not for Citation. ∗Assistant Professor, School of Public Policy and Governance, Tata Institute of Social Sciences Hyderabad, India. Email: chinmay.tumbe@gmail.com. The author thanks participants of the AHEC conference in Istanbul and SARNET workshop in New Delhi for valuable comments.
A gentle introduction to data integration in survey sampling

This article provides a systematic review of data integration techniques for combining a probability sample with a non-probability sample when the study variable is observed in the nonprobability sample only. We discuss a wide range of integration methods such as mass imputation, propensity score method, calibration weighting, and doubly robust estimation methods. Finally, we highlight important questions for future research.
Phonetic indices of syllabic organization in German stop-lateral clusters

Using articulatory data from five German speakers, we study how segmental sequences under different syllabic organizations respond to perturbations of phonetic parameters in the segments that compose them. Target words contained stop-lateral sequences /bl, gl, kl, pl/ in word-initial and cross-word contexts and were embedded in carrier phrases with different prosodic boundaries, i.e., no phrase boundary versus an utterance phrase boundary preceded the target word in the case of word-initial clusters, or separated the consonants in the case of cross-word sequences. For word-initial cluster (CCV) onsets, we find that increasing C1 stop duration or the lag between two consonants leads to earlier vowel initiation and reduced local timing stability across CV, CCV. Furthermore, as the inter-consonantal lag increases, C2 duration decreases. In contrast, for cross-word C#CV sequences, increasing inter-consonantal lag does not lead to earlier vowel initiation and robust local timing stability is maintained across CV, C#CV. In other words, in CCV sequences within words, local perturbations to segments have effects that ripple through the rest of the sequence. Instead, in cross-word C#CV sequences, local perturbations stay local. Overall, the findings indicate that the effects of phonetic perturbations on coordination patterns depend on the syllabic organization superimposed on these clusters.
International travel as a risk factor for carriage of extended-spectrum Î²-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in a large sample of European individuals - The AWARE Study

Antibiotic resistance (AR) is currently a major threat to global health, calling for a One Health approach to be properly understood, monitored, tackled, and managed. Potential risk factors for AR are often studied in specific high-risk populations, but are still poorly understood in the general population. Our aim was to explore, describe, and characterize potential risk factors for carriage of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-resistant E. coli (ESBL-EC) in a large sample of European individuals aged between 16 and 67 years recruited from the general population in Southern Germany, the Netherlands, and Romania. Questionnaire and stool sample collection for this cross-sectional study took place from September 2018 to March 2020. Selective culture of participants' stool samples was performed for detection of ESBL-EC. A total of 1,183 participants were included in the analyses: 333 from Germany, 689 from the Netherlands, and 161 from Romania. Travels to Northern Africa (aOR 4.03, 95% CI 1.67-9.68), Sub-Saharan Africa (aOR 4.60, 95% CI 1.60-13.26), and Asia (aOR 4.08, 95% CI 1.97-8.43) were identified as independent risk factors for carriage of ESBL-EC carriage. Therefore, travel to these regions should continue to be routinely inquired risk factors in clinical practice when considering antibiotic therapy.
Smart Webcam Cover

Laptop webcams can be covertly activated by malware and law enforcement agencies. Consequently, 59% percent of Americans manually cover their webcams to avoid being surveilled. However, manual covers are prone to human error---through a survey with 200 users, we found that 61.5% occasionally forget to re-attach their cover after using their webcam. To address this problem, we developed Smart Webcam Cover (SWC): a thin film that covers the webcam (PDLC-overlay) by default until a user manually uncovers the webcam, and automatically covers the webcam when not in use. Through a two-phased design iteration process, we evaluated SWC with 20 webcam cover users through a remote study with a video prototype of SWC, compared to manual operation, and discussed factors that influence users' trust in the effectiveness of SWC and their perceptions of its utility.
Cardiorenai protective effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition in combination with angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade in salt-sensitive Dahl rats

Objective: The kidney plays a central role in regulating the salt sensitivity of blood pressure (BP) by governing sodium excretion and reabsorption via renal sodium transporters. We hypothesized that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blockade can synergistically reduce renal sodium reabsorption by beneficially effects on these transporters, leading to lower BP and ameliorating renal and cardiac damage. Methods and results: Dahl salt-sensitive rats were treated orally for 8weeks with a normal salt diet (0.3% NaCl), a high-salt diet (8% NaCl), high-salt diet with ipragliflozin (0.04%), high-salt diet with losartan (0.05%) or high-salt diet with a combination of ipragliflozin and losartan. The combination treatment significantly reduced BP and increased daily urine sodium excretion compared with losartan or ipragliflozin monotherapy, leading to greater improvement in BP salt sensitivity than ipragliflozin monotherapy. The combination treatment significantly ameliorated glomerulosclerosis and reduced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy compared with losartan or ipragliflozin monotherapy. The protein expression levels of Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3) and Na+-K+-CI− cotransporter 2 (NKCC2) in the kidney were significantly decreased with losartan monotherapy and combination treatment, but not with ipragliflozin monotherapy. Conclusion: Inhibition of SGLT2 in combination with an angiotensin II receptor blocker effectively improved BP salt sensitivity by reducing renal expression levels of sodium transporters including NHE3 and NKCC2, which eventually led to improvement of BP salt sensitivity and cardiorenal protection.
The effect of the judge’s condition on the judgment of others’ well-being

ABSTRACT We study the effect of perceivers’ health conditions on their judgments of the well-being of target people (their judgments of the targets’ day-to-day physical difficulties) based on information about the targets’ health conditions. We develop a model which suggests that this effect depends on the similarity between perceivers’ and targets’ health: The perceiver’s well-being is used as an anchor and the judgment of the target’s well-being is either assimilated toward or contrasted away from this anchor, depending on the similarity between the subject’s and target’s health. Based on this model we derive and test the correlation-trend hypothesis which states that the higher the similarity between perceivers’ and targets’ conditions, the more positive the correlation between perceivers’ conditions and their judgments of the targets well-being.
Exposure to COVID‐19‐related media content and mental health during the initial outbreak of COVID‐19 in China

Exposure to disaster‐related media content is closely related to mental health. This study aimed to explore the patterns of COVID‐19‐related media exposure and examine whether these patterns were associated with mental health. In total, 917 participants in this study completed the Media Exposure Questionnaire (MEQ), the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS‐21). Then latent class analysis and discriminant analysis were conducted to identify the patterns of media exposure. Finally, we tested how mental health was associated with such patterns. Four subtypes of media exposure were identified: the slightly exposed group, the lower‐moderately exposed group, the higher‐moderately exposed group, and the heavily exposed group. And there were significant differences in individuals' levels of positive and negative affect among different subtypes, but no difference in depression, anxiety, and stress. The results of the current study indicated that more COVID‐19‐related media exposure was related to increased positive and negative affect. And the current findings would help people to better understand the relationships between media exposure and mental health during a pandemic.
Exploring agreement and feasibility between virtual home visits and in-person home visits for peritoneal dialysis patients—a paired study

Abstract Introduction Virtual home visits may improve chronic disease management. However, whether they are suitable for peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients has not yet been fully investigated. This study aimed to compare the agreement and acceptance of virtual home visits and in-person home visits in PD patients. Methods This was a paired, single center, noninferiority trial. Participants received a virtual home visit and an in-person home visit simultaneously. A home visit checklist was built for standardization visits. The content was divided into three parts: domestic habits (57 items), bag exchange procedures (56 items), and exit site care (53 items). Satisfaction questionnaires for both patients and nurses were designed to assess attitudes toward home visits and socioeconomic effects. Results A total of 30 PD patients were enrolled in a single center. The information collected from virtual home visits and in-person home visits was found to be highly consistent. The perfect agreement was found in 52/57, 49/56, and 44/53 items (Cohen's kappa 0.81–1.00), substantial agreement in 4/57, 7/56, and 8/53 items (Cohen's kappa 0.61–0.80). Patients reported almost identical satisfaction for virtual home visits and in-person home visits (Z = 0.39, p = 0.70). PD nurses reported similar feasibility and patient cooperation for the two visit types (Z = 0.99, p = 0.33; Z = 1.65, p = 0.10, respectively). In addition, virtual home visits were found to be more cost-effective than in-person home visits. Conclusions Virtual home visits information collection was similar to in-person home visits in PD. There were no differences in participant satisfaction and feasibility between the two visit types.
Prospective Evaluation of Virtual MR Elastography With Diffusion‐Weighted Imaging in Subjects With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly common worldwide and can lead to the development of cirrhosis, liver failure and cancer. Virtual magnetic resonance elastography (VMRE), which is based on a shifted apparent diffusion coefficient (sADC), is a potential noninvasive method to assess liver fibrosis without the specialized hardware and expertise required to implement traditional MR elastography (MRE). Although hepatic steatosis is known to confound ADC measurements, previous studies using VMRE have not corrected for hepatic fat fraction.
Review of selected animal models for respiratory coronavirus infection and its application in drug research

Numerous viral pneumonia cases have been reported in Wuhan, Hubei in December 2019. The pathogen has been identified as a novel coronavirus, which was named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). The biological characteristics and pathogenesis mechanism of SARS‐CoV‐2 are unclear and under progress. At present, no specific preventive and therapeutic drugs are available. Animal models can reproduce the viral replication cycle and the significant functions of respiratory coronavirus infection and are urgently needed to evaluate the efficacy of drugs and vaccines, the transmission route of respiratory coronavirus, clinical features, and so on. We reviewed the current animal models of respiratory coronavirus (SARS‐CoV, MERS‐CoV, and SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and made a comparative analysis of the route of inoculation, virus replication, clinical signs, histopathology, application, advantages, and disadvantages. Animal models of respiratory coronavirus include susceptible animal models, genetically modified models, and various animal models of infected virus adaptation strains, such as nonhuman primates, mice, hamsters, ferrets, New Zealand rabbits, cats, and other animal models, all of which have distinct advantages and limitations. This review will provide relevant information and important insights for disease management and control.
Evaluation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae–like 1 (SEC14L1) in Gynecologic Malignancies Shows Overexpression in Endometrial Serous Carcinoma

Saccharomyces cerevisiae–like 1 (SEC14L1) is a member of the SEC14 family and is involved in liposoluble vitamin transfer, and in a large cohort of breast cancer cases, was one of the genes most significantly associated with lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and had a significant relationship with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status, survival, and histologic grade. In this study, 111 separate gynecologic tumors were studied for SEC14L1 protein expression, including: uterine adenosarcoma, ovarian clear cell carcinoma, endometrial stromal sarcoma, endometrioid carcinoma of the uterus, high-grade serous carcinoma, ovarian endometrioid carcinoma, uterine leiomyosarcoma, low-grade serous carcinoma, uterine carcinosarcoma, and uterine serous carcinoma (USC). Overall, LVI was noted in 31/111 (28%) cases, highest in uterine carcinosarcoma (5/11; 45%), high-grade serous carcinoma (9/21; 43%), and ovarian clear cell carcinoma (4/10; 40%). SEC14L1 was positive in 25/111 (23%) cases; the highest percentage and only statistically significant finding by tumor type was USC at 9/12 (75%) cases positive. No relation between LVI or survival and SEC14L1 expression was noted. The relation between USC, a tumor known to show human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 overexpression and SEC14L1 is a novel finding, the significance of which warrants further study.
Prevalence and predictors of uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, and obesity among adults with HIV in northern Tanzania

ABSTRACT HIV is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but there has been less study of cardiovascular comorbidities among people with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. In a cross-sectional observational study, Tanzanian adults presenting for outpatient HIV care completed a questionnaire and underwent weight, height, blood pressure, and blood glucose measurement. Hypertension was defined by blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg or self-reported hypertension. Uncontrolled hypertension was defined as measured blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg. Diabetes was defined by fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dl, random glucose ≥200 mg/dl, or self-reported diabetes. Obesity was defined by body mass index ≥30 kg/m2. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of uncontrolled hypertension. Among 500 participants, 173 (34.6%) had hypertension, 21 (4.2%) had diabetes, and 99 (19.8%) were obese. Of those with hypertension, 116 (67.1%) were unaware of their hypertension, and 155 (89.6%) had uncontrolled hypertension. In multivariate analysis, uncontrolled hypertension was associated with older age (OR 1.07, 95% CI: 1.05–1.10, p < 0.001) and higher body mass index (OR 1.17, 95% CI: 1.11–1.22, p < 0.001). Interventions are needed to improve screening and treatment for hypertension, diabetes, and obesity among Tanzanians with HIV.
Effect of Internet-Based vs Face-to-Face Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Key Points Question Are therapist-guided, internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) and unguided ICBT noninferior to traditional face-to-face CBT for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Findings In this noninferiority randomized clinical trial that included 120 adults with OCD, participants in all 3 treatment groups had significantly improved symptoms, but the noninferiority of ICBT could not be established. The health economic evaluation indicated that both therapist-guided and unguided ICBT were cost-effective compared with face-to-face CBT. Meaning These findings suggest that ICBT can be a cost-effective alternative for the treatment of OCD in health care contexts where access to traditional CBT is in short supply.
Effects of dissociation on the characteristics of the happiest and the saddest autobiographical memories

ABSTRACT Dissociation is one of the phenomena that is closely linked to memory processes, specifically to autobiographical memory. Although a considerable amount of research investigated the relationship between dissociation and basic memory processes, how dissociation as a non-pathological personality trait relates to the characteristics of autobiographical memory is still largely unclear. Here, we investigated the relationship between dissociative tendency and the affect, phenomenology, and centrality of emotional autobiographical memories by asking participants low and high on dissociation to recall their happiest and saddest memories. Results indicated that dissociation is characterised by a negative self-concept and leads to increased accessibility and centrality of the saddest memories to identity and life story and to decreased vividness and clarity of time of the happiest memories. Findings also showed that dissociation leads to perceiving these emotionally salient memories as psychologically more distant yet feeling more positive about them over time, supporting the view of dissociation as the result of an ineffective emotional regulation system. The study provides empirical evidence that dissociation relates to the recollective experience of valenced autobiographical memories in different ways.
Long noncoding RNA expression analysis in Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever patients

Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an acute viral infection that can cause death. The detection of host transcriptome is important for understanding differences in the pathogenesis of the disease. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate gene expression in different biological processes. They have also emerged as key molecules for therapeutic targets. We investigated the lncRNA gene expression profiles by utilizing the microarray for the first time in CCHF. LncRNAs were determined by the comparisons between case‐control, fatal case‐control, and fatal case‐nonfatal cases. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was applied to validate the microarray results of some lncRNAs. In our study, 39 lncRNAs (5 downregulated and 34 upregulated) were found to be significantly regulated in the cases when compared to the controls (p < 0.05; FC ≥ 2). One hundred ten lncRNAs exhibited a statistically significant difference between fatal cases and controls. FER1L4, ECRP, and LOC100133669 are important lncRNAs in both case and fatal case groups compared with controls. These lncRNAs may be considered important therapeutic targets for the CCHF in further studies.
A Comparative Assessment of Three Mandibular Retention Protocols: A Prospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE Fixed retainers have been advocated for the prevention of anterior mandibular crowding after orthodontic treatment. However, limited data is available to help clinicians choose a retention protocol that is acceptable in terms of stability, emergencies, and side effects in the long term. It was the aim of this study to assess survival and alignment stability of the 0.016" x 0.022" stainless steel wire compared to more common protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three different mandibular fixed retention protocols were compared in 600 consecutive patients: 1. 0.0215" multistrand wire (MW) with separate curing of resin and composite; 2. 0.016" x 0.022" stainless-steel wire with simultaneous curing of resin and composite (SS1C); and 3. 0.016" x 0.022" stainless-steel wire with separate curing of resin and composite (SS2C). The hazard rate for detachment across wire groups was assessed with a Cox frailty model. RESULTS Incisor alignment was maintained with all retention wires. One incisor with unexpected torque change was observed in group MW. ﻿The average annual emergency rate was below 2% for all three protocols. Fewer emergency visits were found in patients with solid steel wires than with multistrand wires. Detachment of the wire is the most common cause of emergency visits with no difference between wire types. Multistrand wires were more often damaged than were solid steel wires. There was no evidence that direct application of the composite on the uncured primer influenced retainer adhesion to the enamel. CONCLUSIONS The mandibular anterior teeth can be predictably stabilised with a 0.016" x 0.022" stainless steel wire. ﻿.