Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of nitrogen uptake and mobilization in field-grown winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus) from stem extension to harvest. II. An 15N-labelling-based simulation model of N partitioning between vegetative and reproductive tissues.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) has often been used as a catch crop to deal with the issue of N leaching, but for this to be effective, prediction of the crop's N uptake capability and N partitioning is required. The aim of this work was to build a compartmental model of N dynamics in oilseed rape, based on the kinetic description of N uptake, partitioning and mobilization in each organ. MODEL In this study, logistic and exponential equations were fitted to the N relations of each compartment, especially the leaf at each node. Data previously obtained from an 15N-labelling field experiment was used to quantify the partitioning of total N content, the allocation of N taken up and subsequent changes in the sink/source status for endogenous N in each tissue throughout the growth cycle. KEY RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS This modelling approach provides a unique tool for the quantitative estimation of cycling of endogenous N in relation to changes in N uptake at the whole-plant level. Furthermore, as oilseed rape is known to release large amounts of N to the soil during spring through leaf loss, this model was used to identify potential methods for improving the N harvest index of the crop. Simulations showed that N content or yield could be improved by 15% by optimizing N transfer from vegetative to reproductive tissues and by reducing the residual %N (DW) in abscised leaves.
Abortion services for sex workers in Uganda: successful strategies in an urban clinic

Sex workers' need for safe abortion services in Uganda is greater than that of the population of women of reproductive age because of their number of sexual contacts, the inconsistent use of contraception and their increased risk of forced sex, rape or other forms of physical and sexual violence. We sought to understand sex workers' experiences with induced abortion services or post-abortion care (PAC) at an urban clinic in Uganda. We conducted nine in-depth interviews with sex workers. All in-depth interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, translated, computer recorded and coded for analysis. We identified several important programmatic considerations for safe abortion services for sex workers. Most important is creating community-level interventions in which women can speak openly about abortion, creating a support network among sex workers, training peer educators, and making available a community outreach educator and community outreach workshops on abortion. At the health facility, it is important for service providers to treat sex workers with care and respect, allow sex workers to be accompanied to the health facility and guarantee confidentiality. These programmatic elements help sex workers to access safe abortion services and should be tried with all women of reproductive age to improve women's access to safe abortion in Uganda.
Economic Impact of a New Rapid PCR Assay for Detecting Influenza Virus in an Emergency Department and Hospitalized Patients

Seasonal influenza causes significant morbidity and mortality and has a substantial economic impact on the healthcare system. The main objective of this study was to compare the cost per patient for a rapid commercial PCR assay (Xpert® Flu) with an in-house real-time PCR test for detecting influenza virus. Community patients with influenza like-illness attending the Emergency Department (ED) as well as hospitalized patients in the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona were included. Costs were evaluated from the perspective of the hospital considering the use of resources directly related to influenza testing and treatment. For the purpose of this study, 366 and 691 patients were tested in 2013 and 2014, respectively. The Xpert® Flu test reduced the mean waiting time for patients in the ED by 9.1 hours and decreased the mean isolation time of hospitalized patients by 23.7 hours. This was associated with a 103€ (or about $113) reduction in the cost per patient tested in the ED and 64€ ($70) per hospitalized patient. Sensitivity analyses showed that Xpert® Flu is likely to be cost-saving in hospitals with different contexts and prices.
Yield evaluation of analog placement with arbitrary capacitor ratio

Capacitance mismatch can be generally attributed two sources of errors: random mismatch and systematic mismatch. Random mismatch is caused by the process variation, while systematic mismatch is mainly due to asymmetrical layout and processing gradients. Common centroid structure may reduce the systematic mismatch, but not the random mismatch. Based on spatial correlation model, this study derives the relationship among correlation, mismatch, and variation of capacitance ratio. Results show that the placement of unit capacitance array with higher correlation results in lower mismatch and lower variation of capacitance ratio. For any arbitrary capacitance ratio, i.e., more than two capacitors, if the summation of correlation coefficients for all capacitance pairs is defined as ¿index¿, the placement with higher index results in higher yield, where the yield is defined as the ratio of the acceptable designs over the sample size. In other words, one can find a near-optimal placement which has better yield by using the simple calculation of index, instead of the complicated circuit simulations.
A physical and genetic map of Neisseria meningitidis B1940

A physical map of the chromosome of Neisseria meningitidis B1940 has been constructed by one‐ and two‐dimensional pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis techniques. Complete macrorestriction maps for the enzymes NheI (16 sites), SgfI (13 sites), SfiI (11 sites) and I‐CeuI (4 sites), as well as a partial restriction map for the restriction enzyme SpeI (15 of c. 28 sites) could be established. Altogether, 59 restriction sites were mapped on a single circular chromosome of 2.3 Mbp. By restriction endonuclease digestion and Southern hybridization of cloned genetic markers, 39 genetic loci were assigned to this map. Comparison with the metabolic maps of Neisseria gonorrhoeae MS11‐N198 and FA1090 revealed a high degree of conservation in the arrangement of gene loci among these two species, although four out of 24 genetic loci are located at different chromosomal positions, indicating several genomic rearrangements.
WISC-III index growth curve characteristics following traumatic brain injury. Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children--Third Edition.

Previous studies have replicated the four-factor structure of the WISC-III in children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and demonstrated the sensitivity of WISC-III indexes to severity of injury. This archival study examined the growth curve characteristics of the indexes following traumatic brain injury. The primary hypothesis was that there is systematic variability in the components (e.g., slope) of the curves. Subjects included 40 children with documented loss of consciousness, age at injury 9.3 years (SD = 2.6), 68% severe TBI, evaluated with a full WISC-III a minimum of three times post-injury. Growth curve analyses with hierarchical linear modeling, conducted with factor scores recalculated as non-age-standardized z scores, indicated that although the intercept was reliable and could be predicted by injury characteristics, there was little systematic variation in index growth rates. Findings suggest that WISC-III indexes are of limited utility as repeated measures of recovery following TBI.
Stress blunts serotonin- and hypocretin-evoked EPSCs in prefrontal cortex: Role of corticosterone-mediated apical dendritic atrophy

Morphological studies show that repeated restraint stress leads to selective atrophy in the apical dendritic field of pyramidal cells in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). However, the functional consequence of this selectivity remains unclear. The apical dendrite of layer V pyramidal neurons in the mPFC is a selective locus for the generation of increased excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) by serotonin (5-HT) and hypocretin (orexin). On that basis, we hypothesized that apical dendritic atrophy might result in a blunting of 5-HT- and hypocretin-induced excitatory responses. Using a combination of whole-cell recording and two-photon imaging in rat mPFC slices, we were able to correlate electrophysiological and morphological changes in the same layer V pyramidal neurons. Repeated mild restraint stress produced a decrement in both 5-HT- and hypocretin-induced EPSCs, an effect that was correlated with a decrease in apical tuft dendritic branch length and spine density in the distal tuft branches. Chronic treatment with the stress hormone corticosterone, while reducing 5-HT responses and generally mimicking the morphological effects of stress, failed to produce a significant decrease in hypocretin-induced EPSCs. Accentuating this difference, pretreatment of stressed animals with the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU486 blocked reductions in 5-HT-induced EPSCs but not hypocretin-induced EPSCs. We conclude: (i) stress-induced apical dendritic atrophy results in diminished responses to apically targeted excitatory inputs and (ii) corticosterone plays a greater role in stress-induced reductions in EPSCs evoked by 5-HT as compared with hypocretin, possibly reflecting the different pathways activated by the two transmitters.
The mischmetal and Bi94Zn6 effect alloying on SACX 0307

According to “4P Soldering Model” (Paste-Pad-Pin-Process) [1], solder paste will be selected from a typically paste solutions determined by solder alloy as basic material, flux and geometry aspects consequences of stencil design. The functions are in direct connection with the solder joint microstructure. The new SACX 0307 solder alloys, inoculated with mischmetal (MM) and Bi94Zn6 near eutectic alloy, proposal for studies take into considerations the criteria and desired attributes for Lead-Free solder alloy. The results of experiments performed are present, by using SEM/EDS technique. These results will be evaluated in order to obtain a new solder paste for improving process control in VPS lines by minimize the cooling rate effect on solder joint structure. Thus, it can be assure the solder joints reliability by reducing defects numbers and rework time.
Two microphone approach for multiple sound source tracking

In this paper, a method for multiple sound source tracking using two microphones is proposed. In our previous method, a penalty function for PSO (Particle Swarm Optimization) was added for emphasizing correct peaks on the MUSIC (MUltiple SIgnal Classification) spectrum. However, the penalty function was fixed regardless of the tracking situation. In the proposed method, the suitable penalty function based on the denominator of MUSIC spectrum is generated depending on the tracking situation. The effectiveness of the proposed method is shown by several experimental results.
Helicobacter pylori eradication does not exacerbate reflux symptoms in gastroesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Observational studies have suggested that Helicobacter pylori may protect against gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), but these results could be due to bias or confounding factors. We addressed this in a prospective, double blind, randomized, controlled trial. METHODS H. pylori-positive patients with at least a 1-year history of heartburn with a normal endoscopy or grade A esophagitis were recruited. Patients were randomized to 20 mg omeprazole, 250 mg clarithromycin, and 500 mg tinidazole twice a day for 1 week or 20 mg omeprazole twice a day and identical placebos. A second concurrently recruited control group of H. pylori-negative patients were given open label 20 mg omeprazole twice a day for 1 week. All patients received 20 mg omeprazole twice a day for the following 3 weeks and 20 mg omeprazole once daily for a further 4 weeks. Omeprazole was discontinued at 8 weeks and patients were followed up for a further 10 months. A relapse was defined as moderate or severe reflux symptoms. H. pylori eradication was determined by 13C-urea breath test. RESULTS The H. pylori-positive cases were randomized to antibiotics (n = 93) or placebo (n = 97). Relapse of GERD occurred in 83% of each of the antibiotic, placebo, and H. pylori-negative groups during the 12-month study period. Life tables revealed no statistical difference between the 2 H. pylori-positive groups (log rank test, P = 0.84) or between the 3 groups (log rank test, P = 0.94) in the time to first relapse. Two patients in each group developed grade B esophagitis at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS H. pylori eradication therapy does not seem to influence relapse rates in GERD patients.
Impact of Foreign Institutional Investment on Indian Stock Market: A Cause and Effect Relationship

The growing Indian market had attracted the foreign institutional investors (FIIs) to Indian equity market during post financial reform period. The present article made an attempt to explain the short-term and long-term causal relationship between FIIs and Indian stock market. The study uses the monthly time series data on advances to declines ratio (ADR) of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and purchases to sales ratio of FIIs. The sample period spans from April 2001 to December 2012. To attain the intent of the study, the article employs the empirical techniques such as co-integration, Granger causality test and variance decomposition analysis as a part of research methodology. The result of co-integrating relationship discloses the rejection of null hypothesis of no co-integrating vectors which implies the existence of a long-term relationship between the dependent and the independent variables. Further, the Granger causality reveals the presence of unidirectional causality running from FIIs to BSE-ADR during short as well as long span of period. The variance decomposition analysis clearly shows that the price changes in BSE are influenced to a very large extent by innovations in FIIs and confirms the dominant role of FIIs in information dissemination. Thus, the results suggest that BSE is significantly affected by FIIs and the latter is not influenced by variations in the BSE, that is, there exists unidirectional causality running from FIIs to BSE-ADR.
Pseudotumors due to IgG4 Immune-Complex Tubulointerstitial Nephritis Associated With Autoimmune Pancreatocentric Disease

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a mass-forming chronic fibroinflammatory condition centered on the pancreatobiliary system and characterized by predominant immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-positive plasma cells. Recent reports have brought to light the multiorgan involvement of this disease. We describe a series of 5 cases of tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) associated with AIP and characterize the clinical, pathologic, ultrastructural, and immunopathologic features of TIN. The specimens consisted of 4 biopsies and 1 nephrectomy. The average patient age was 64 years (range 45 to 78) and the male to female ratio was 4:1. All had histologic and/or clinical and radiographic evidence of AIP, mass-forming sclerosing cholangitis, or both. The clinical impression in 4 patients was a renal mass or vasculitis. Two patients had renal insufficiency. Histologic preparations revealed a dense tubulointerstitial lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. Eosinophils were often numerous. Tubulitis and tubular injury were present, along with tubular atrophy with focally thickened tubular basement membranes (TBMs). The histologic appearance ranged from a cellular, inflammatory pattern without tubular atrophy to a striking expansive interstitial fibrosis with tubular destruction. The nephrectomy specimen demonstrated a masslike nodular pattern of inflammation with normal renal tissue elsewhere. Glomeruli were uninvolved. By immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence, numerous plasma cells in the infiltrate were positive for IgG4. TBM granular IgG deposits, predominantly of the IgG4 subclass, were detected in 4 of 5 cases by either immunofluorescence or immunohistochemistry. By electron microscopy, corresponding amorphous electron-dense deposits were present in the TBM in these cases. This type of TIN, typically characterized by a masslike lesion consisting of a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate with eosinophils and prominent IgG4-positive plasma cells and immune-complex deposits in the TBM, may be part of a systemic IgG4-related disease, which we term “IgG4-associated immune complex Multiorgan Autoimmune Disease” (IMAD).
Domestically and Generally Violent Forensic Psychiatric Outpatients

A group of 63 domestically violent patients and a group of 103 generally violent patients at a Dutch forensic psychiatric outpatient clinic are examined with regard to personality traits and problem behaviors to develop treatment programs for domestically violent patients. The domestically violent patients are more unstable from a psychological viewpoint but not more inclined to anger than the average Dutch male. They report less anxiety in situations in which criticism can be given but more anxiety in situations in which someone can be given a compliment. When comparing domestically violent patients with generally violent patients, domestically violent patients score lower on anger as disposition and on aggressive behavior than the generally violent patients do. However, both groups do not differ from each other in their score on the dimension of psychopathy.
Psychological profile (anxiety and depression) in patients with oral lichen planus: a controlled study.

AIM The influence of psychological disturbances in oral lichen planus (OLP) still bears some controversy. This study aimed at assessing levels of anxiety and depression in OLP patients and control subjects, using a self-report scale questionnaire. METHODS This cross-sectional study comprised 91 consecutive OLP patients (71 female and 20 male; mean age 52.9 years) and 87 subjects as a control group (69 female and 18 male; mean age 52.7 years). Data collected of both groups included age, sex, race, medical records and systemic disease. Anxiety and depression levels were assessed using, respectively, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Data were analyzed by Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests as appropriate, and by Logistic regression analysis. RESULTS No statistically significant difference was found when the level of anxiety and depression was compared between the OLP and control using Chi-square and Fisher's tests (P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the score in 2 out of 20 items of the STAI-T scale (but none of the CES-D) was significantly higher in OLP patients (P<0.05). The analysis by gender showed that the female and male OLP patients presented a significantly higher score for one item in the STAI-T scale (respectively question 4 and 20) but none in the CES-D scale, as compared with that of the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Our findings do not support that either anxiety or depression has any role in the development of OLP lesions.
Preformed chitosan cryogel-biphasic calcium phosphate: a potential injectable biocomposite for pathologic fracture

The increasing interest in chitosan-based biomaterials stems from its desirable physicochemical properties. Although calcium phosphates have been mixed with chitosan to form injectable scaffolds, its application for bone tissue engineering has been limited and is still being explored to improve its clinical translatability. We report a biocomposite comprised of preformed chitosan cryogel with dispersed biphasic calcium phosphate that can flow under moderate pressure allowing passage through a small gauge needle, while maintaining sufficient integrity and strength during injection for gel recovery. The formed samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and protein adsorption measurements. Composite with 1% w/v biphasic calcium phosphate (CSG1) resulted in a homogeneous and rigid final structure. Injectable composite cryogel CSG1 (2.5 ± 0.2 N, 23G needle) exhibited good protein adsorption and biocompatibility. Results of subcutaneous implantation in rats reveal relatively high presence of polymorphonuclear cells but with no fibrous encapsulation with the composites, allowing further infiltration of cells within the sample implants. The biocomposite system presents a less-invasive delivery of bone filling material for stabilizing pathologic fractures.
A Crowd Wisdom Management Framework for Crowdsourcing Systems

A great many online users, with diverse backgrounds, act as powerful resources that mobile social networks (MSNs) can utilize for crowdsourcing. Exploiting these online users as crowd workers is promising yet nontrivial. To efficiently leverage human intelligence or crowd wisdom, we need to address the following issues: 1) how to motivate users to participate and 2) how to discourage malicious behaviors, such as copying answers or making random guesses. Furthermore, as low-quality answers may degrade the accuracy of synthetic results sharply, the last issue is how to weed them out. In this paper, we present MacroWiz, a simple yet effective framework to manage crowd wisdom on MSNs. Given a crowdsourcing task, MacroWiz motivates online users to contribute their knowledge or opinions, and assists the task requester in collecting answers, selecting reliable ones, and making ultimate decisions. The platform consists of two functional units: wisdom collection and answer selection. The former estimates and gathers the minimum number of answers required to satisfy the task requirement conservatively, while the latter analyzes the accuracy, the effectiveness, and the cost of each answer, based on which it selects those with high accuracy and low cost by solving a dual-objective optimization problem. We validate the effectiveness of our platform by using MovieLens data sets, which contain over one million anonymous ratings of movies. The experimental results show that MacroWiz significantly reduces the latency in making decisions and provides high-quality answers with low cost.
Fertility Decline in the Civil Rights Era

Large black-white fertility differences are a key feature of US demography, and are closely related to the broader dynamics of US racial inequality. To better understand the origins and determinants of racial fertility differentials, this paper examines fertility patterns in the period surrounding passage and implementation of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which precipitated a period of rapid socioeconomic and political progress among African Americans, with these gains strongly concentrated in the South. I first show that the relative fertility of southern black women precipitously declined immediately after 1964. Specifically, as of 1964 the general fertility rate of southern black women was 53 births greater than the general fertility rate of southern white women, but by 1969 this gap had fallen to 33 births, a decline of approximately 40% in five years. The black-white fertility gap outside of the South was unchanged over this period. Measures of completed childbearing similarly show rapid black-white fertility convergence in the South but not in the North. An analysis of potential mechanisms finds that a substantial share of the observed fertility convergence can be explained by relative improvements in the earnings of southern blacks, and that the historical intensity of slavery and lynching activity are the strongest spacial correlates of fertility convergence