Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
REVITALIZING POVERTY REDUCTION AND SOCIAL INCLUSION

n 2009, the Province of Manitoba introduced a poverty reduction and social inclusion strategy that was subsequently enhanced by the 2011 Poverty Reduction Strategy Act and the 2012 creation of a Workforce Development and Income Support Division. Manitoba’s Strategy for Sustainable Employment and a Stronger Labour Market is not a static program. It comprises a series of key actions to be undertaken through 2015 and beyond which attempt to reduce poverty, encourage employment and smooth the transition “from assistance to independence” (Government of Manitoba n.d.:6). The purpose of this article is to explore the potential of three different policies to achieve the poverty reduction and social inclusion goals articulated in this strategy – raising minimum wages, introducing a guaranteed annual income (GAI) and introducing an earned income tax credit (EITC) that builds on the very small working income tax benefit that already exists at the federal level in Canada. These three policies have been at the forefront of recent debates on poverty alleviation in the post-recession period. The article is organized as follows: first, we suggest that the fundamental approach of the provincial strategy is well founded, and that any approach to poverty reduction and social inclusion ought to consider the impact on current employment as well as future employability for all Manitobans. This is especially important for those
Exploiting anti-obesity mechanism of Clerodendrum phlomidis against two different models of rodents

Roots of Clerodendrum phlomidis are used by the local people of Dibrugarh district of Assam state India as a dietary supplement for treating weight issues and are also mentioned in the traditional system of Indian medicine as a remedy for obesity. We examined the anti-obesity effect of Clerodendrum phlomidis (family Verbenaceae) L. roots against cafeteria diet (CD) and progesterone-induced obesity. In CD-induced model obesity was induced by feeding CD for 48-days and increase in body weight and fat storage was suppressed co-administration with methanolic extract of Clerodendrum phlomidis (MECP) at 400 mg/kg. Blood analysis showed that the levels of triglyceride and cholesterol were significantly lowered by MECP administration and there is subsequent rise in HDLcholesterol level. From this experiment, we demonstrated that MECP is effective in ameliorating the CD-induced hyperglycemia, hyperinsulimenia, dyslepidemia, increase in wet weight of white adipose tissue, and hypertrophy of fat cells. In drug induced obesity model hyperphagia was induced by progesterone (10 mg/kg s.c.) for 28 days and was suppressed by co-administration with MECP in dose dependent manner. It is tempting to speculate that these protective effects shown by Clerodendrum phlomidis is by multiple mechanisms. MECP contains β-sitosterol in the abundant quantity because of the structural similarity it do the physical competition with natural sterols while absorption of food stuffs from GIT and moreover the crude saponin and flavonoid has been reported for it’s the appetit suppressant property and hence reduces hyperphagia produced by progesterone. This is the first report demonstrating that Clerodendrum phlomidis is effective in ameliorating insulin resistance and visceral obesity induced by CD and Progesterone. Key words: Adipocyte, cafeteria diet, clerodendrum phlomidis, hyperphagia, hypertrophy, progesterone
Human NK1 and NK2 subsets determined by purification of IFN‐γ‐secreting and IFN‐γ‐nonsecreting NK cells

The in vivo existence of human NK cell subsets similar to Th1 and Th2 cells was demonstrated in freshly isolated IFN‐γ‐secreting and IFN‐γ‐nonsecreting NK cells. The IFN‐γ‐secreting NK subset showed a typical cytokine pattern with predominant expression of IFN‐γ, but almost no IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13. In contrast, the IFN‐γ‐nonsecreting NK subset was composed ofIL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13‐producing NK cells. Short‐time stimulation or 2 weeks of in vitro differentiation of NK cells led to distinct patterns of cytokine production similar to freshly‐purified IFN‐γ (+) or IFN‐γ (–) NK cell subsets. NK cells stimulated with IL‐12 produced increased levels of IFN‐γ and decreased levels of IL‐4. In contrast, stimulation of NK cells with IL‐4 inhibited IFN‐γ, but increased IL‐13 production. Freshly‐purified IFN‐γ (+) and IFN‐γ (–) or in vitro differentiated NK1 and NK2 subsets showed similar cytotoxicity to K562 cells. These results demonstrate that circulating NK cells retain effector subsets in humans with distinct cytokine profiles and may display different inflammatory properties.
Comparison of ranibizumab and bevacizumab for macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of intravitreal ranibizumab compared with bevacizumab for the treatment of macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Methods: This was a retrospective study of 64 eyes with macular edema associated with RVO. Patients received either 1.25 mg of intravitreal bevacizumab (n = 32) or 0.5 mg of intravitreal ranibizumab (n = 32). Visual acuity, clinical bio-microscopic examination and central macular thickness (CMT) by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) was assessed at 6 weeks post injection. The CMT before and six weeks after the injection as assessed by OCT were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using paired student t-test. The improvement in CMT was also compared between the two groups, statistical analysis was performed using un-paired student t-test. Results: The best-corrected visual acuity significantly improved from logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) 0.792 ±0.36 at baseline to 0.575 ± 0.34 at 6 weeks in the bevacizumab group (p =0.001) and from logMAR 0.851 ± 0.35 at baseline to 0.336 ± 0.20 at 6 weeks in the ranibizumab group (p = 0.001), which is statistically significant difference. The reduction in CMT was from 545.44 ± 176.43 μm at baseline to 378.34 ±95.13 at 6 weeks in the bevacizumab group (p = 0.001) and 524.25± 195.94 μm at baseline to 243±80.72 μm at 6 weeks in the ranibizumab group (p=0.001) which was also a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Both ranibizumab and bevacizumab were effective for the treatment of RVO. The visual outcome and reduction in macular thickness was better by ranibizumab at the earliest follow-up of 6 weeks.
Environmental factors and population fluctuations of Akodon azarae (Muridae: Sigmodontinae) in central Argentina

The aim of this work was to explore the relationship between population density of Akodon azarae (Muridae: Sigmodontinae) and climatic and environmental variables, and determine which of them are associated to within and among-year changes in rodent abundance in agro-ecosystems from south Cordoba, Argentina.The study was carried out in a rural area of central Argentina, from 1983 to 2003. Density was estimated as a relative density index (RDI). Temperature, precipitation and humidity were obtained from records of the National University of Rio Cuarto. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Land Surface Temperature were recorded from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (1983-1998) and Landsat (1998-2003) imagery data sets.We performed simple correlations, multiple regressions and distributed lag analysis. Direct association of climatic and environmental variables with RDI was in general, low.The amount of variability in seasonal changes in density explained by climatic and environmental variables altogether varied from 10% to 70%. Seasonal population fluctuations were influenced by NDVI and rainfall with one and two seasons of delay. Autumn maximum density of the species was also associated with vegetation and rainfall of previous seasons. There also seemed to be an indirect influence of rainfall through vegetation given that we found a positive correlation between them.Results were consistent with basic aspects of the ecology of the species,such as its strong preference for highly covered areas, which provide food and protection from predators, likely increasing its reproductive success. Therefore, in the rural area central Argentina, A. azarae showed seasonal fluctuations with delayed influence of rainfall and vegetation and indirect effects of rainfall.
Screening Plant Species for Growth on Weathered, Petroleum Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Sediments

ABSTRACT Rapid and cost-effective techniques are needed to select plant species and genotypes for use in phytoremediation, vegetative capping, or revegetation at hazardous waste sites. A greenhouse screening procedure to aid the selection of plant materials would help increase success and decrease the cost. Twenty-nine vascular plant species were compared for growth in weathered sediments contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons. An uncontaminated reference soil was used to estimate relative seedling growth in stressed and unstressed conditions. Plants were grown in a greenhouse and harvested at 60 and 180 days after planting to estimate variation in seedling growth and full-season growth. Plant growth characteristics measured included height, aboveground biomass, root biomass, root diameter, root-length density, and root surface area density. Concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) was estimated at the final harvest. Considerable variation existed among species for all characteristics except TPH concentration. Under the conditions and length of this trial, no variations in rates of TPH degradation were detected. In general, plant growth was stunted in the contaminated soil compared with the uncontaminated soil; however, differences among plant species for relative seedling growth indicated that they varied in their tolerance to the petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated soil. For example, tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea, seemed tolerant to the contaminated soil, whereas barley, Hordeum vulgare, seemed sensitive. Comparison of results from the 60- and 180-day harvests suggested that a short-season greenhouse screening could aid selection of species for planting in contaminated soil, if plant growth results are interpreted along with information on the life history characteristics of the species under consideration.
Purification and Characterization of a Polyphenol Oxidase from the Kew Cultivar of Indian Pineapple Fruit

Three isoforms of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were purified to apparent homogeneity from the Kew cultivar of Indian pineapple fruit in a four-step procedure. The major isoenzyme, with a yield of 45%, was found to be a tetramer of identical subunits of molecular mass ≈25 kDa. An ionic strength dependent association−dissociation equilibrium was observed with pineapple PPO. Amino acid analysis of the major isoenzyme indicated the presence of a high content of glutamic acid, glycine, and serine and a low content of the sulfur-containing amino acids. The enzyme was optimally active between pH 6 and 7. The PPO did not show any cresolase activity, and the preferred substrates were diphenols. Ascorbic acid, l-cysteine, and potassium metabisulfite were found to be potent inhibitors of PPO. Keywords: Catecholase; pineapple fruit; polyphenol oxidase; PPO-isoenzyme; association−dissociation
Imitating modeling of mass service systems

The theory of мass service systems is applied in many areas of human activity – economy, strategic tasks, computer science and technology, problems of natural science, etc. Analytical methods for the study of mass service systems allow you to get only a set of certain characteristics of the parameters of the object under study. Imitating modeling methods make it possible not only to build visual models of the functioning of complex systems with any degree of detail, but also to implement various types of computational algorithms for data processing and analysis. The theoretical aspects of the use of imitating models in the theory of mass service are described in the literature extensively, but not systematically, the issues of using modern software and computing tools in modeling problems of such systems are presented only by a few sources. In this article the author reveals introductory questions in the use of the concept of discrete-event type of imitating modeling as the main tool of research of discrete objects with stochastic character of functioning. A comparison is made of elements of queuing systems and components of a discrete event model. The examples of solving practical tasks on modeling single-channel and multi-channel queuing systems examine the capabilities of the Anylogic imitating modeling environment: a process modeling library with the ability to collect and present statistical data, programming elements to expand the model’s functionality, implement an object-oriented approach in the structure of the model itself and in the tools of the developer. The imitating modeling results are analyzed using an simple experiment in Anylogic as an example.
Effects of Forest Edges on the Distribution, Abundance, and Regional Persistence of Wood‐Rotting Fungi

Abstract: Designing reserves and management practices to contribute to the persistence of old‐forest specialized species in fragmented landscapes requires data on plant and animal species responses to edges. We studied 15 edges between Picea abies [L. Karsten] dominated old‐growth forests and young clearcuts (6–23 years), old clearcuts (25–39 years), and natural peatlands in eastern Finland. All fallen spruce logs (>10‐cm diameter; 10,679 logs) in old‐forest fragments (13–85 ha) were located by GPS positioning system. Environmental variables and occurrences of old‐forest indicator fungi (Phlebia centrifuga P. Karsten, Amylocystis lapponica [Romell] Singer, Fomitopsis rosea [Alb. & Schwin.: Fr] P. Kartsen, Phellinus ferrugineofuscus [P. Kartsen] Bourdot); a light‐adapted fungus (Gloeophyllum sepiarium [Wulfen: Fr] P. Karsten); and a pathogen and saprophyte fungus (Fomitopsis pinicola [SW.: Fr] P. Karsten) were investigated. The frequency of G. sepiarium was higher and the frequencies of old‐forest indicator fungi and F. pinicola were lower near (<25 m) young clearcut edges in comparison with interiors. Frequencies of some indicator fungi, however, were highest at intermediate distances (10–25 m) from old clearcut and peatland edges. Indicator fungi preferred thick logs of intermediate decay stages in moist biotopes, and their incidence patterns in old‐growth forest stands were aggregated. We applied a geographic information system (GIS)‐based edge model to calculate edge‐interior area relationships of 2,698 old‐forest fragments with three values for depth of edge effect: 25 m, 2*(height of old forest), and 2*(differences between the heights of old and adjacent forests). Interior area was reduced to 55–71% of the original with different depth‐of‐edge values. Total numbers of separate interior areas increased, although interior areas disappeared from the smallest fragments. The results showed that the edge effect is complex and also that it changes when the edge matures because of interactions among several factors. We suggest that sequential management of forests adjacent to reserves and the formation of larger reserves would increase the capacity of the reserves to maintain edge‐sensitive species.
Liquidity Transformation and Financial Fragility: Evidence from Funds of Hedge Funds

We examine liquidity transformation by funds of hedge funds (FoFs) by developing a new measure, illiquidity gap, that captures the mismatch between the liquidity of their portfolios and the liquidity available to their investors. We find that higher liquidity transformation is driven by FoFs’ incentives to attract more capital and earn higher compensation. Greater liquidity transformation is associated with higher exposure to investor runs and worse performance during crisis periods. Finally, FoFs mitigate the risks associated with liquidity transformation by maintaining higher cash buffers.
QTL Mapping in chicken using a three generation full sib family structure of an extreme broiler X broiler cross

Abstract A three generation population has been created for mapping both production and health traits in chicken. The Fl and F2 population were genotyped while phenotypes were collected on the F3 animals. The population consisted of 10 full‐sib families with a total of 476 individuals (Fl and F2), and an F3 generation consisting of over 18,000 animals. In total, 264 microsatellites were analyzed on all Fl and F2 animals, and an additional 120 microsatellites were analyzed on only 4 of the 10 families (196 animals). A linkage map of the chicken genome containing 384 microsatellite markers has been constructed by analyzing the segregation of these markers in this population. Preliminary analysis indicate a QTL for body weight at 48 days on chromosome 1. Body weight was measured on 2100 F3 animals housed in cages, and the data was analyzed by a regression interval mapping approach. Higher F‐values were obtained by using a bivariate approach showing that differences in mean and variance of a trait measured on.
The salivary papilla of Octopus as an accessory radula for drilling shells

Removal of much of the functional region of the radula of Octopus vulgaris does not prevent the animal from drilling holes in mollusc shells. These drilling activities are carried out by a salivary papilla that lies just below the radula. The papilla is muscular and its anterior face is covered with very small teeth. It is now possible to say that the salivary papilla can function as an accessory radula.
A METHOD FOR MONITORING LONG-TERM POPULATION TRENDS: AN EXAMPLE USING RARE ARCTIC-ALPINE PLANTS'

Populations of arctic-alpine plants at the southern periphery of their range should respond rapidly to projected global warming. We established a study to monitor the density and reproductive effort of six such species in tundra of Glacier National Park, Montana to help project the fate of these species in the center of their range. For many species, detecting long-term population trends is confounded by short-term variation. Our study design employs temporal resampling of permanent plots on multiple sites and a repeated-measures model that accommodates the effects of high frequency variation and allows assessment of the significance of long-term trends. Statistical analysis compares site-specific estimates of annual mean density between two time periods and uses between- plot, within-site, within-year variation to estimate error. Power calculations using data from the 3-yr baseline period indicate that measurements of fecundity will be less sensitive for detecting long-term trends than measurements of plant density. Furthermore, our results suggest that perennial species of closed-turf communities may be better bioassays of long- term change than annuals or species of open, ephemeral microsites.
A trial of acoustic harassment device efficacy on free-ranging bottlenose dolphins in Sardinia, Italy

Acoustic harassment devices (AHDs) have been deployed to reduce the interaction between different marine mammals and fisheries in many areas. Despite field studies on some marine mammal species, there is a lack of information about their effectiveness on common bottlenose dolphins. The controlled exposure experiment described here is the first practical attempt to assess the influence of an AHD on the behaviour of free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins in association with a marine fin-fish farm. A total of 90.7 h were spent in direct observation of 55 groups of bottlenose dolphins along the north-eastern coast of Sardinia (Italy). Activation of the AHD did not have a significant and immediate effect on bottlenose dolphins’ presence, distance from the AHD, group size or time spent in the fish farm area. The AHD alone did not effectively deter bottlenose dolphins, particularly when other motivating factors, such as food, were present. Thus, prior to further employment of AHDs, additional research in their effects on the marine environment is essential for coastal conservation and aquaculture management.
Plant Community Biomass Shifts in Response to Mowing and Fencing in Invaded Oak Meadows with Non‐Native Grasses and Abundant Ungulates

Many herbaceous meadows are dominated by competitive non‐native grasses and subject to ungulate herbivory, ecological processes that shift the proportional biomass of plant groups in the community. Predicting the outcome of restoration is complicated because herbivory and competition can interact. We examined the relationship between herbivory by native black‐tailed deer and domestic sheep and dominance of non‐native grasses in Garry oak meadows, one of North America's most endangered habitat types. A 3‐year factorial experiment tested the effects of mowing and fencing on plant community biomass, categorized into eight groups by geographic origin (native/non‐native), growth form (annual/perennial), and plant type (forb/grass). To test if the rarity of native plant groups was related to herbivory, we estimated ungulate foraging preferences for each plant group. Mowing and fencing treatments interacted for annual and perennial non‐native grasses. Dominance was shifted from non‐native to native grasses only when both mowing and fencing were applied. Fencing increased the total biomass, whereas mowing had no overall effect; however, fencing alone did not affect any individual plant group. Mowing shifted dominance from grasses to forbs, although both native and non‐native forbs benefited from the increased light availability. We also noted that herbivore fecal pellet densities were greatest in the spring, which coincided with the peak season of their preferred plant group, native perennial forbs. Overall, applying both mowing and fencing was the most effective restoration treatment to increase native plant groups and biomass.
LONG-TERM EVALUATION OF RENAL TOXICITY AFTER PEPTIDE RECEPTOR RADIONUCLIDE THERAPY WITH

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) of neuroendocrine tumours with YDOTATOC and Lu-DOTATATE is promising. The kidney is the critical organ and, despite renal protection, function loss may become evident years later. The aim of this study was to analyse renal parameters in patients who had undergone dosimetry before PRRT. Among those in protocols at our Institution, 28 patients were considered: 23 received Y-DOTATOC (3.8-29.2 GBq, median 12.2), and 5 received Lu-DOTATATE (20.7-29.2 GBq, median 23.2). Patients were followed up after therapy for creatinine and creatinine clearance loss (CCL) for 3-97 months (median 30). Renal doses and bio-effective doses (BED) were calculated (MIRD, LQ model). After Y-DOTATOC toxicity on creatinine according to NCI criteria occurred in 9 cases (7 grade 1, 1 grade 2, 1 grade 3), CCL at 1 year >5% in 12 cases, >10% in 8. A 28 Gy BED threshold was observed in patients with risk factors (mainly hypertension and diabetes), while it was 40 Gy in patients without risk factors. Probably due to the low number of patients, despite the absence of severe toxicity after hyperfractionated PRRT, clear correlations between fractionation and toxicity could not be found. After Lu-DOTATATE no toxicity occurred in 1-2 years follow-up, CCL at 1 year >5% occurred in 3 patients, >10% in 2. Our results indicate the importance of clinical screening for risk factors: in this case a BED<28 Gy is recommended. Fractionation of therapy is important in order to decrease toxicity, and further studies are needed to evaluate its clinical impact. Introduction Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with radiolabeled somatostatin analogues, such as [Y-DOTA,Tyr]-octreotide (Y-DOTATOC) and, more recently with [Lu-DOTA,Tyr]-octreotate (Lu-DOTATATE), is a promising new tool in the management of patients with inoperable or metastasized neuroendocrine tumours. [1-4]. These compounds are able to irradiate tumours and their metastases via the internalization through a specific receptor subtype, generally over-expressed on the cell membrane. PRRT can deliver radiation doses to tumours, which are adequate to achieve significant volume reduction.