Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gezondheidsverkenning omwonenden van landbouwpercelen.

People living in the direct vicinity of agricultural plots may be exposed to the pesticides used and concerns have arisen regarding the possible effects of these pesticides on their health. RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment), Utrecht University and NIVEL (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research) have therefore carried out a survey of the health of people in this category. Data on the actual exposure to pesticides of people living in the direct vicinity agricultural plots were not available for this survey, so the researchers looked at whether there was a link between data on the diseases and conditions suffered by residents and the distance of their homes from agricultural plots and the surface area of nearby crops. In general, no clear links were found between health and the proximity of agricultural plots. People who live nearer to agricultural plots even appeared slightly healthier than people who live further away, generally speaking, although this could have to do with lifestyle. In contrast with this general picture, a higher mortality due to conditions relating to the airways was found among people living in the proximity of fields where maize was cultivated. We are unable to say whether the use of pesticides was the cause. A number of conditions in people living in the proximity of agricultural plots that did not show a consistent link with the quantity or proximity of specific crops were seen as noteworthy but require further research. These were a higher birth weight among babies born to people living near summer barley fields, Parkinson's disease and eye irritation among people living near fruit orchards and leukaemia among people living near plots where grains, beetroot and potatoes are rotated. We recommend the analysis of whether the higher mortality due to conditions relating to the airways near fields where maize is cultivated is linked to the use of pesticides and/or other factors such as particulate matter. We also recommend that the other crops and conditions mentioned are investigated further to establish whether there are any actual links between them. It would, moreover, be advisable to examine the pesticides that can be used to protect the crops mentioned and whether the harmful properties of these substances can be linked to the conditions suffered. Finally, the researchers recommend that any conditions that have not been included in this survey, but that require attention, be identified and indications given regarding how they could be studied. In parallel with this survey, RIVM is coordinating a study into the actual exposure to pesticides of people living in the direct vicinity of agricultural plots. The first results of this study are expected later this year. The results of the exposure study and of this survey will serve as the requisite guidelines for follow-up research. (aut. ref.)
Multiagent system for joke generation: Humor and emotions combined in human-agent conversation

In this paper we present an innovative work on a multiagent joking conversational system. In our research so far we have shown that implementing humor into a chatterbot can visibly improve its performance. The results presented in this paper are the outcome of the next step of our work. They show that a multiagent system, combining a conversational agent, a pun generator and an emotiveness analysis engine, works reasonably well in interactions with users. In the setup used in this research, the emotiveness analysis agent analyses users' utterances and decides whether it is appropriate to tell a pun. Depending on the results of this analysis, the agent chooses either the pun generator, if the decision is that a joke should be told, or the non-humor-equipped agent when the decision is different. Two evaluation experiments were conducted: user (first person) focused and automatic (emotiveness-analysis-based). In both, we compared the performance of the multiagent joking system and a baseline (non-humorous) conversation agent. The results show that in both cases the humor-equipped engine was evaluated as better than the baseline agent. The results are discussed and some ideas for the future are given.
Liquid Cloud Storage

A liquid system provides durable object storage based on spreading redundantly generated data across a network of hundreds to thousands of potentially unreliable storage nodes. A liquid system uses a combination of a large code, lazy repair, and flow storage organization. We show that a liquid system can be operated to enable flexible and essentially optimal combinations of storage durability, storage overhead, repair bandwidth usage, and access performance.
Contributions of Protected Area for Local Community Livelihood: The Case of Senkele Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary, South Eastern Ethiopia

The study on the contributions of protected area for local community livelihood was carried out in Senkele Swayne’s Hartebeest sanctuary (SSHS). Primary data were collected through questionnaire, Key Informant Interview (KII), Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and direct field observation. Secondary data were collected through review of literature. Out of the 32 rural kebeles found in the Siraro district, four kebeles surrounding the sanctuary were purposively selected for the study. Primary data collection involved 151 households for questionnaire survey, 40 discussants for FGD and 12 interviewees for KII. Results of survey point out there were open access resource use and illegal activities particularly illegal hunting in the Senkele area before it’s established as a Sanctuary. However, illegal hunting is very rare since the establishment of Sanctuary. It rarely happens when problem animals damage local community property or cause injury to human. The majority of sample households 41.06% were benefited a lot of resources from the sanctuary which includes fire wood, thatching the grass, grazing and collecting medicinal plants. Likewise, about 25.83% of respondents were benefited by thatching grass and grazing inside the sanctuary only. In addition, 11.92% benefited only throughout thatching grass from the area while rest few percent 3.31% privileged by collecting fire wood and livestock grazing. Currently Wildlife is facing malnutrition due to overgrazing by livestock and wildlife behavioral change is observed due to high human disturbance. Regarding to managing current destruction of the sanctuary, 27.2 % of respondents supposed that, the sanctuary could be managed through ensuring protection and conservation while 13.9%, 11.9% and 11.3% respondents stated sanctuary destruction could be managed through benefit sharing, participatory wildlife management and controlling grazing respectively. Some other 10.6% and 9.9% of the respondents said the sanctuary destruction can be managed through awareness creation and controlling illegal activities. Providing alternative means of livelihood like Ecotourism and livelihood diversification for local community is highly recommended. Keywords : Livelihood, Local community, Senkele Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary, Protected area
An Experiment on Nash Implementation

We perform an experimental test of a modification of the controversial canonical mechanism for Nash implementation, using 3 subjects in non-repeated groups, as well as 3 outcomes, states of nature, and integer choices. We find that this mechanism successfully implements the desired outcome a large majority of the time, providing empirical evidence for the feasibility of such implementation. In addition, the performance is further improved by imposing a fine on a dissident, so that the mechanism implements strict Nash equilibria. While our environment is stylized, our results offer hope that experiments can identify reasonable features for practical implementation mechanisms.
Predictors of Treatment Contact Among Individuals with Cannabis Dependence

Epidemiological studies have repeatedly shown that cannabis is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States. Furthermore, individuals with cannabis dependence have high rates of comorbid substance use disorders and depression. A significant proportion of individuals with addictive disorders develop withdrawal symptoms, cannot control their drug use despite substantial adverse psychosocial consequences, and frequently have a coexisting psychiatric disorder. Nevertheless, only a minority of persons with cannabis dependence ever seek treatment. We were unable to locate epidemiological reports regarding treatment seeking behavior among persons with cannabis dependence. Epidemiological studies of populations with substance disorders have observed that employment, higher educational level, previous use of treatment, major depression, and a co‐occurring substance dependency increased the probability of seeking treatment for alcohol dependence. Thus we hypothesized that the same variables would predict service use among persons with cannabis dependence. The main findings of this study were that persons with cannabis dependence were more likely to contact a professional during the past year if they previously sought treatment and had alcohol dependence with major depression. Prospective, longitudinal studies of adolescents would increase our understanding of the processes by which individuals identify themselves as having problems related to their habitual use of marijuana, and why some seek help while others do not.
Identification and Characterization of an 18-Kilodalton , VAMP-Like Protein in Suspension-Cultured Carrot Cells 1

Polyclonal antibodies raised against rat vesicle associated membrane protein-2 (VAMP-2) recognized, in carrot (Daucus carota) microsomes, two major polypeptides of 18 and 30 kD, respectively. A biochemical separation of intracellular membranes by a sucrose density gradient co-localized the two polypeptides as resident in light, dense microsomes, corresponding to the endoplasmic reticulum-enriched fractions. Purification of coated vesicles allowed us to distinguish the subcellular location of the 18-kD polypeptide from that of 30 kD. The 18-kD polypeptide is present in the non-clathrin-coated vesicle peak. Like other VAMPs, the carrot 18-kD polypeptide is proteolyzed by tetanus toxin after separation of coatomers. Amino acid sequence analysis of peptides obtained by digestion of the 18-kD carrot polypeptide with the endoproteinase Asp-N confirms it to be a member of the VAMP family, as is suggested by its molecular weight, vesicular localization, and toxininduced cleavage.
On the proper treatment of context in NL

The proper treatment of quantification in Natural Language proposed by Richard Montague some thirty years ago does not do proper justice to the fact that interpretation of texts both uses context and sets up new contexts. The dynamic turn in NL semantics is the attempt to model this basic fact, but the use of dynamically quantified variables introduces an undesirable element into this attempt. By extending a variable free `incremental dynamics' with a flexible system of type scheme patterns and type scheme pattern matching, we arrive at a Montague style architecture for NL semantics that provides a proper treatment both of quantification and of context use and context change.
Factors that determine directional constraint in ipsilateral hand–foot coordinated movements

In performing simultaneous rhythmic movements of the ipsilateral hand and foot, there are differences in the level of stability between same directional (stable) and opposite directional (unstable) movements. This is the directional constraint. In this study, we investigated three factors (“interaction in efferent process,” “interaction of afferent signals,” and “error correction”) proposed to underlie for the directional constraint. We compared the performance of three tasks: (1) coordination of actively moved ipsilateral hand and foot, (2) active hand movement in coordination with passively moved foot, (3) active hand movement not coordinated with a passively moved foot. In each task, both same and opposite directional movements were executed. There was no difference between performance estimated with success rate for the first and second task. The directional constraint appeared in both tasks. Thus, the interaction in efferent processes, which was shown to be responsible for the directional constraint in bimanual coordination, was not involved with the directional constraint of ipsilateral hand–foot coordination. The directional constraint did not appear in the third task, which suggested that “interaction of afferent signals” also had no contribution. These results indicated that “error correction” must be the most critical of these factors for mediating the directional constraint in ipsilateral hand–foot coordinated movements.
Functional role of ambient GABA in refining neuronal circuits early in postnatal development

Early in development, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mature brain, depolarizes and excites targeted neurons by an outwardly directed flux of chloride, resulting from the peculiar balance between the cation-chloride importer NKCC1 and the extruder KCC2. The low expression of KCC2 at birth leads to accumulation of chloride inside the cell and to the equilibrium potential for chloride positive respect to the resting membrane potential. GABA exerts its action via synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors mediating phasic and tonic inhibition, respectively. Here, recent data on the contribution of “ambient” GABA to the refinement of neuronal circuits in the immature brain have been reviewed. In particular, we focus on the hippocampus, where, prior to the formation of conventional synapses, GABA released from growth cones and astrocytes in a calcium- and SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive-factor attachment protein receptor)-independent way, diffuses away to activate in a paracrine fashion extrasynaptic receptors localized on distal neurons. The transient increase in intracellular calcium following the depolarizing action of GABA leads to inhibition of DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. Tonic GABA exerts also a chemotropic action on cell migration. Later on, when synapses are formed, GABA spilled out from neighboring synapses, acting mainly on extrasynaptic α5, β2, β3, and γ containing GABAA receptor subunits, provides the membrane depolarization necessary for principal cells to reach the window where intrinsic bursts are generated. These are instrumental in triggering calcium transients associated with network-driven giant depolarizing potentials which act as coincident detector signals to enhance synaptic efficacy at emerging GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses.
Novel biomarkers in the diagnosis of acute coronary syndromes: the role of circulating miRNAs

Cardiovascular disease, in particular acute coronary syndromes (ACS), is still one of the leading causes of death in industrialized countries. ACS including ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and unstable angina pectoris (UA) are associated with lower mortality if diagnosed early. The diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, ECG and circulating biomarker-level changes. Recent studies have shown that there are alternatives to the known biomarkers such as ultrasensitive troponin I or T and creatine kinase Mb; there are, in fact, novel biomarkers such as miRNAs. These are 22-nucleotide-long non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at post-transcriptional level. Several recent studies have shown that miRNAs play a physiological role in cardiovascular homeostasis and in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Expression-pattern studies of myocardial tissue reveal that several miRNAs are up- or down-regulated during myocardial infarction. The purpose of the present review is to highlight the state of the art and future views on this topic.
Semiconductor nanowires

Semiconductor nanowires (NWs) represent a unique system for exploring phenomena at the nanoscale and are also expected to play a critical role in future electronic and optoelectronic devices. Here we review recent advances in growth, characterization, assembly and integration of chemically synthesized, atomic scale semiconductor NWs. We first introduce a general scheme based on a metal-cluster catalyzed vapour–liquid–solid growth mechanism for the synthesis of a broad range of NWs and nanowire heterostructures with precisely controlled chemical composition and physical dimension. Such controlled growth in turn results in controlled electrical and optical properties. Subsequently, we discuss novel properties associated with these one-dimensional (1D) structures such as discrete 1D subbands formation and Coulomb blockade effects as well as ballistic transport and many-body phenomena. Room-temperature high-performance electrical and optical devices will then be discussed at the single- or few-nanowire level. We will then explore methods to assemble and integrate NWs into large-scale functional circuits and real-world applications, examples including high-performance DC/RF circuits and flexible electronics. Prospects of a fundamentally different ‘bottom-up’ paradigm, in which functionalities are coded during growth and circuits are formed via self-assembly, will also be briefly discussed.
Abscisic Acid Stimulates a Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase in Grape Berry1[W]

It has been demonstrated that calcium plays a central role in mediating abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, but many of the Ca2+-binding sensory proteins as the components of the ABA-signaling pathway remain to be elucidated. Here we identified, characterized, and purified a 58-kD ABA-stimulated calcium-dependent protein kinase from the mesocarp of grape berries (Vitis vinifera × Vitis labrusca), designated ACPK1 (for ABA-stimulated calcium-dependent protein kinase1). ABA stimulates ACPK1 in a dose-dependent manner, and the ACPK1 expression and enzyme activities alter accordantly with the endogenous ABA concentrations during fruit development. The ABA-induced ACPK1 stimulation appears to be transient with a rapid effect in 15 min but also with a slow and steady state of induction after 60 min. ABA acts on ACPK1 indirectly and dependently on in vivo state of the tissues. Two inactive ABA isomers, (−)-2-cis, 4-trans-ABA and 2-trans, 4-trans-(±)-ABA, are ineffective for inducing ACPK1 stimulation, revealing that the ABA-induced effect is stereo specific to physiological active (+)-2-cis, 4-trans-ABA. The other phytohormones such as auxin indoleacetic acid, gibberellic acid, synthetic cytokinin N-benzyl-6-aminopurine, and brassinolide are also ineffective in this ACPK1 stimulation. Based on sequencing of the two-dimensional electrophoresis-purified ACPK1, we cloned the ACPK1 gene. The ACPK1 is expressed specifically in grape berry covering a fleshy portion and seeds, and in a developmental stage-dependent manner. We further showed that ACPK1 is localized in both plasma membranes and chloroplasts/plastids and positively regulates plasma membrane H+-ATPase in vitro, suggesting that ACPK1 may be involved in the ABA-signaling pathway.
Adhesion molecules and inflammatory injury

Neutrophil‐endothelial cell interactions are mediated by interacting sets of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and chemoattractant/activator molecules to form an “adhesion cascade. ” The initial phase of inflammation, a transient slowing of neutrophils in postcapillary venules, is mediated by selectins. Subsequently, firm adhesion of neutrophils to the vessel wall occurs via interaction of the CD11/GD18 (β2) integrins to endothelial ligands such as intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1). This binding requires activation of CD11/GD18 by exposure of the neutrophil to a variety of activating/chemoattractant molecules, such as platelet‐activating factor or interleukin‐8. Finally, transmigration into tissues occurs, a process that requires both a chemotactic stimulus and engagement of platelet‐endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 (PECAM‐1). Several approaches have been used to probe the role of CAMs in vivo. These include the use of blocking antibodies, chimeric selectin‐immunoglobulin proteins, sialyl Lewisx oligosaccharides and peptides, along with the study of humans and animals with genetically determined adhesion deficiencies. These studies demonstrate that CAM blockade can effectively inhibit inflammation; however, there appear to be clear differences in the adhesion requirements for particular types of inflammation. By understanding the CAM/chemoattractant profiles involved in specific disease states, it may be possible to precisely and effectively target therapy to a wide variety of inflammatory diseases. —Albelda, S. M. , Smith, C. W. , Ward, P. A. Adhesion molecules and inflammatory injury. FASEB J. 8: 504‐512; 1994.
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome in a Patient with Fetal Hydantoin Syndrome

We report a patient with fetal hydantoin syndrome and hypoplastic left heart. Only three other cases with this association have been described. This case also highlights the importance genetic variation plays in the phenotypic variability of teratogens and the importance of good prenatal care to minimize risk of teratogenesis.
Syntactic and semantic organization in word form retrieval?

Many studies have reported that naming disorders may affect selectively certain semantic categories (animals vs. vegetables or artifacts, see Caramazza and Shelton, 1998, for a review) or syntactic categories (open vs. closed class items, Friederici and Schoenle, 1980, nouns vs. verbs, Baxter and Warrington, 1985; Caramazza and Hillis, 1991; Daniele et al., 1994; McCarthy and Warrington, 1985; Miceli et al., 1988) suggesting that the conceptual system and the output lexicon are organized along both syntactic and semantic dimensions. Most current models of speech production distinguish two components in the output lexicon: lexical selection and word form retrieval. Lexical selection consists in comparing the conceptual representation of the object to be named to the lexical entries, and selecting the best match. Conceivably, this level should be both sensitive to syntactic and semantic parameters. Word form retrieval involves recovering the phonological information associated to the selected entry which is then used to construct a phonological plan to be executed by the articulatory system. Prima facie, word form retrieval should not be influenced by syntactic, and even more, semantic variables. However, Cohen et al. (1997) reported the case of a patient impaired in word form retrieval, as evidenced by a predominance of phonological paraphasias in naming and reading tasks, which totally spared names for numbers. The authors speculated that the topographical segregation of numbers in the conceptual system propagates along the speech production pathway, even down to word form retrieval. In this paper, we report the case of another aphasic patient who shows a word form retrieval impairment in production which surprisingly spares certain syntactic and semantic categories.