Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for serious injury in Finnish agriculture.

BACKGROUND Previous studies indicate 20% of injuries represent 80% of injury costs in agriculture. To help prevent the most costly injuries, we aimed to identify characteristics and risk factors associated with serious injuries. METHODS We analyzed insurance records of 93,550 self-employed Finnish farmers. We ranked injury causes by claim cost and used multiple logistic regressions to identify risk factors for (any) injury and serious injury (injuries exceeding claim costs of 2000 euros). RESULTS A total of 5,507 compensated injuries occurred in 2002 (rate 5.9/100 person-years), and 1,167 or 21% of them (rate 1.25/100 person-years) were serious. The causes/sources resulting in highest average claim costs were motor vehicles; stairs, scaffoldings, and ladders; trailers and wagons; floors, walkways, and steps; other structures and obstacles; augers, mills, and grain handling equipment; horses; combines and harvesting equipment; tractor steps; and uneven and slippery terrain. Older age, male gender, higher income level, greater field size, residing on the farm, Finnish language (vs. Swedish), occupational health service (OHS) membership, and animal production were risk factors for injury. The risk factors for serious injury were similar; however, the effects of age, income level, and the raising of horses were more prominent. Language, residence, ownership status, and OHS membership were not risk factors for serious injury. CONCLUSIONS Cost-effective prevention efforts should address the following risk factors: older age, male gender, larger income and operation size, livestock production (particularly dairy, swine, and horses), motor vehicle incidents, falls from elevation, and slips, trips and falls.
Inducible RNAi in vivo reveals that the transcription factor BATF is required to initiate but not maintain CD8+ T-cell effector differentiation

Significance Effector CD8+ T-cell differentiation is essential for protective immunity. Investigating specific genes in this process by knockdown with RNAi is challenging because naive T cells are refractory to viral transduction. To overcome this obstacle, we developed a novel strategy to knock down genes in naive CD8+ T cells by creating bone marrow chimera from hematopoietic progenitors transduced with an inducible shRNA. This approach enabled inducible in vivo gene knockdown in any cell type developed from this progenitor pool. We applied this strategy to show that the transcription factor BATF is essential for initial commitment to effector differentiation but becomes dispensable by 72 h. This approach now enables the study of gene function in vivo in cells of hematopoietic origin otherwise refractory to viral transduction. The differentiation of effector CD8+ T cells is critical for the development of protective responses to pathogens and for effective vaccines. In the first few hours after activation, naive CD8+ T cells initiate a transcriptional program that leads to the formation of effector and memory T cells, but the regulation of this process is poorly understood. Investigating the role of specific transcription factors (TFs) in determining CD8+ effector T-cell fate by gene knockdown with RNAi is challenging because naive T cells are refractory to transduction with viral vectors without extensive ex vivo stimulation, which obscures the earliest events in effector differentiation. To overcome this obstacle, we developed a novel strategy to test the function of genes in naive CD8+ T cells in vivo by creating bone marrow chimera from hematopoietic progenitors transduced with an inducible shRNA construct. Following hematopoietic reconstitution, this approach allowed inducible in vivo gene knockdown in any cell type that developed from this transduced progenitor pool. We demonstrated that lentivirus-transduced progenitor cells could reconstitute normal hematopoiesis and develop into naive CD8+ T cells that were indistinguishable from wild-type naive T cells. This experimental system enabled induction of efficient gene knockdown in vivo without subsequent manipulation. We applied this strategy to show that the TF BATF is essential for initial commitment of naive CD8+ T cells to effector development but becomes dispensable by 72h. This approach makes possible the study of gene function in vivo in unperturbed cells of hematopoietic origin that are refractory to viral transduction.
Improving the Quality of Diabetes Care: A Behavioral Health Intervention

&NA; The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of a group‐based program on glucose control for adults with diabetes. Ninety‐two adults completed the program aimed at identifying and overcoming barriers to diabetes self‐management with the use of behavioral strategies. A comparison group consisted of 275 adults with diabetes not participating in the program matched for age, gender, type of insurance coverage, and initial hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) result. Members completing the program demonstrated significant improvements in HbA1c results at both the first and second postgroup measurements. Regression analyses identified initial HbA1c result and the interaction of condition and initial HbA1c as significant predictors of improvement in HbA1c. The quality of diabetes care and treatment outcomes can be enhanced with the inclusion of a low‐cost, structured program led by a behavioral health professional.
Stress‐induced growth‐differentiation factor 15 plays an intriguing role in cardiovascular diseases

Objective To provide an overview of the current knowledge of growth‐differentiation factor 15 (GDF‐15) in heart disease. Data sources To identify relevant publications, we searched PubMED database combining the textual terms of heart, cardiac, cardiovascular disease with GDF‐15. Study selection Well‐controlled, relatively large‐scale, retrospective studies as well as meaningful individual cases were all selected as materials. Results GDF‐15 is a distant member of the transforming growth factor‐&bgr; cytokine superfamily. In myocardium, GDF‐15 is weakly expressed under physiological conditions. However, its expression level is increased in response to pathological stress. Growing evidence indicate that elevated levels of GDF‐15 is a promising prognostic biomarker in cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, GDF‐15 exhibits the properties of endogenous anti‐hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes and protecting the heart suffering from ischemia and reperfusion insult. Conclusion Ve GDF‐15 may be a promising biomarker for evaluation and management of patient with cardiovascular diseases, and have potential protective properties on myocardium.
Loss Aversion and the Non-Neutrality of Money

We consider whether the introduction of the psychological concept of loss aversion into agents' preferences could generate a macroeconomic model in which changes in the money supply can have real, persistent effects. It is demonstrated that the macroeconomic implications of loss aversion depend on the specification of the reference wage. We consider two plausible specifications: one in which the reference wage is the average wage and the other in which a worker's reference wage is the wage she was paid in the previous period.
Critical Role of Reactive Oxygen Species and Mitochondrial Permeability Transition in Microcystin‐Induced Rapid Apoptosis in Rat Hepatocytes

Microcystin‐LR (M‐LR) is a specific hepatotoxin. At present, the exact toxic mechanism of its action remains unclear though apoptosis is believed to be involved. This study was designed to investigate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) in the M‐LR–induced apoptotic process. Morphologic changes such as cell shrinkage, externalization of cell membrane phosphatidylserine, DNA fragmentation, and nuclear condensation suggest that M‐LR causes rapid apoptosis in hepatocytes. Confocal microscopy revealed that M‐LR exposure led to the onset of MPT and mitochondrial depolarization, evidenced by (1) redistribution of calcein fluorescence from cytosol to mitochondria, and (2) loss of mitochondrial tetramethyrhodamine methyl ester (TMRM) fluorescence; both occurred before apoptosis. Moreover, there was a significant and rapid increase of ROS level before the onset of MPT and loss of MMP, indicating a critical role of ROS in M‐LR–induced apoptosis. Deferoxamine (DFO), an iron chelator, prevented the increase of ROS production, delayed the onset of MPT, and, subsequently, cell death. In addition, a specific MPT inhibitor, cyclosporin A (CsA), blocked the M‐LR–induced ROS formation, onset of MPT, and mitochondrial depolarization as well as cell death. Thus, we conclude that the M‐LR–induced ROS formation leads to the onset of MPT and apoptosis.
Towards a theory and calculus of aliasing

Abstract A theory, graphical notation, mathematical calculus and implementation for finding whether two given expressions can, at execution time, denote references attached to the same object. Intended as the basis for a comprehensive solution to the “frame problem” and as an alternative (for the specific issue of determining aliases) to separation logic, shape analysis, ownership types and dynamic frames.
Soft-switching techniques in PWM converters

A number of soft-switching pulse-width-modulated (PWM) converter techniques have been proposed, aimed at combining the desirable features of both the conventional PWM and resonant converters while avoiding their respective limitations. In this paper, three classes of zero-voltage soft-switching PWM converters (namely the zero-voltage switched (ZVS) quasi-square-wave converters, ZVS-PWM converters, and zero-voltage-transition PWM converters) and two classes of zero-current soft-switching PWM converters (namely the zero-current-switched PWM converters and zero-current-transition PWM converters) are reviewed; their merits and limitations are assessed. Experimental results of several prototype of converters are presented to illustrate each class of converter. <<ETX>>
OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF A SIMPLE PRODUCTION, INVENTORY-CONTROL MODEL

Queuing theory is adapted to study the coordination of a continuous-level production rate with a base-stock level inventory policy, where the latter is depleted by a particular random demand process. Figures of merit for the combined production, inventory system (such as stock-out probability and expected demand delay, average inventory level, and production idleness probability) are given in terms of demand parameters, production rate, and maximum stock level. Costs are discussed, and a criteria is given for deciding when the stocking of inventory is economically desirable. Improvements in the model are proposed.
Mapping Compulsivity in the DSM-5 Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders: Cognitive Domains, Neural Circuitry, and Treatment

Abstract Compulsions are repetitive, stereotyped thoughts and behaviors designed to reduce harm. Growing evidence suggests that the neurocognitive mechanisms mediating behavioral inhibition (motor inhibition, cognitive inflexibility) reversal learning and habit formation (shift from goal-directed to habitual responding) contribute toward compulsive activity in a broad range of disorders. In obsessive compulsive disorder, distributed network perturbation appears focused around the prefrontal cortex, caudate, putamen, and associated neuro-circuitry. Obsessive compulsive disorder-related attentional set-shifting deficits correlated with reduced resting state functional connectivity between the dorsal caudate and the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex on neuroimaging. In contrast, experimental provocation of obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms reduced neural activation in brain regions implicated in goal-directed behavioral control (ventromedial prefrontal cortex, caudate) with concordant increased activation in regions implicated in habit learning (presupplementary motor area, putamen). The ventromedial prefrontal cortex plays a multifaceted role, integrating affective evaluative processes, flexible behavior, and fear learning. Findings from a neuroimaging study of Pavlovian fear reversal, in which obsessive compulsive disorder patients failed to flexibly update fear responses despite normal initial fear conditioning, suggest there is an absence of ventromedial prefrontal cortex safety signaling in obsessive compulsive disorder, which potentially undermines explicit contingency knowledge and may help to explain the link between cognitive inflexibility, fear, and anxiety processing in compulsive disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder.
Measurement of in-plane sheet thermal conductance of single-walled carbon nanotube thin films by steady-state infrared thermography

A useful and rapid method of measuring the in-plane sheet thermal conductance of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) thin films by steady-state infrared thermography is proposed in this study. The SWNT thin films are suspended between the free ends of two cantilevered silicon thin plates, and the two anchored ends are kept at different but constant temperatures to achieve steady-state heat transport through this silicon–SWNT–silicon bridge in vacuum. The temperature gradient along the bridge is captured with an infrared camera. A silicon plate with known thermal conductivity serves as a reference for calculating the heat flux, so that the sheet thermal conductance of SWNT thin films can be calculated using Fourier’s law after deducting the influence of thermal radiation. The thermal conductivity of the 50-nm-thick SWNT thin film is 68.1 W m−1 K−1.
Path 2.0: A participatory system for the generation of accessible routes

From the advent of the digital era, new powerful technologies have shown, on one hand, important progresses towards the mankind necessity and, on the other hand, a progressive isolation of individuals. In this work, we present a social application we have developed to support people with disabilities. Our application leverages on the popularity of smart phones and on the Web 2.0 paradigm to pervasively and invisibly collect information about the accessibility of city roads. This information is then used to provide a Google Maps-like service to determine an accessible path between any two locations for users with a certain disability.
Worldwide trends in the prevalence of asthma symptoms: phase III of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC)

Background: Phase I of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was designed to allow worldwide comparisons of the prevalence of asthma symptoms. In phase III the phase I survey was repeated in order to assess changes over time. Methods: The phase I survey was repeated after an interval of 5–10 years in 106 centres in 56 countries in children aged 13–14 years (n = 304 679) and in 66 centres in 37 countries in children aged 6–7 years (n = 193 404). Results: The mean symptom prevalence of current wheeze in the last 12 months changed slightly from 13.2% to 13.7% in the 13–14 year age group (mean increase of 0.06% per year) and from 11.1% to 11.6% in the 6–7 year age group (mean increase of 0.13% per year). There was also little change in the mean symptom prevalence of severe asthma or the symptom prevalence measured with the asthma video questionnaire. However, the time trends in asthma symptom prevalence showed different regional patterns. In Western Europe, current wheeze decreased by 0.07% per year in children aged 13–14 years but increased by 0.20% per year in children aged 6–7 years. The corresponding findings per year for the other regions in children aged 13–14 years and 6–7 years, respectively, were: Oceania (−0.39% and −0.21%); Latin America (+0.32% and +0.07%); Northern and Eastern Europe (+0.26% and +0.05%); Africa (+0.16% and +0.10%); North America (+0.12% and +0.32%); Eastern Mediterranean (−0.10% and +0.79%); Asia-Pacific (+0.07% and −0.06%); and the Indian subcontinent (+0.02% and +0.06%). There was a particularly marked reduction in current asthma symptom prevalence in English language countries (−0.51% and −0.09%). Similar patterns were observed for symptoms of severe asthma. However, the percentage of children reported to have had asthma at some time in their lives increased by 0.28% per year in the 13–14 year age group and by 0.18% per year in the 6–7 year age group. Conclusions: These findings indicate that international differences in asthma symptom prevalence have reduced, particularly in the 13–14 year age group, with decreases in prevalence in English speaking countries and Western Europe and increases in prevalence in regions where prevalence was previously low. Although there was little change in the overall prevalence of current wheeze, the percentage of children reported to have had asthma increased significantly, possibly reflecting greater awareness of this condition and/or changes in diagnostic practice. The increases in asthma symptom prevalence in Africa, Latin America and parts of Asia indicate that the global burden of asthma is continuing to rise, but the global prevalence differences are lessening.
The preservation of freshwater ecosystems of international watercourses and the integration of rules – an interpretative mechanism

This paper proposes a framework for the operationalization of Article 31(3)(c) of the Vienna Convention to guide an interpretation of the obligation to preserve ecosystems of international watercourses under the 1997 UN Watercourses Convention together with the relevant environmental protection provisions in the Ramsar and Biodiversity Conventions. An interpretation of the obligation to preserve freshwater ecosystems that takes into account subsequent development in other relevant treaty regimes reinforces international legal understanding on the preservation of ecosystems and strengthens the normativity of the obligation to preserve.
Zur Effizienz des Marktes für feine Bordeauxweine

The more rapidly prices adjust to incorporate information, the more effi-cient the respective market is. The paper transfers the weak and the semi strong form of efficient market hypothesis proposed for capital markets to the market for fine wine. An empirical investigation using data on red wines from the Bordelais indicates that neither form of efficient market hypothesis is likely to hold in the market for fine wine. Consequently, an investor active in this market may very well design investment strategies that yield above-average returns based solely on publicly available information.
The Language of Social Support in Social Media and Its Effect on Suicidal Ideation Risk

Online social support is known to play a significant role in mental well-being. However, current research is limited in its ability to quantify this link. Challenges exist due to the paucity of longitudinal, pre- and post mental illness risk data, and reliable methods that can examine causality between past availability of support and future risk. In this paper, we propose a method to measure how the language of comments in Reddit mental health communities influences risk to suicidal ideation in the future. Incorporating human assessments in a stratified propensity score analysis based framework, we identify comparable subpopulations of individuals and measure the effect of online social support language. We interpret these linguistic cues with an established theoretical model of social support, and find that esteem and network support play a more prominent role in reducing forthcoming risk. We discuss the implications of our work for designing tools that can improve support provisions in online communities.
Sparse dictionary representation and propagation for MRI volume super-resolution

This study addresses the problem of generating a high-resolution (HR) MRI volume from a single low-resolution (LR) MRI input volume. Recent researches have proved that sparse coding can be successfully applied for single-frame super-resolution for natural images, which is based on good reconstruction of any local image patch with a sparse linear combination of atoms taken from an appropriate over-complete dictionary. This study adapts the basic idea of sparse code-based super-resolution (SCSR) for MRI volume data, and then improves the dictionary learning strategy in the conventional SCSR for achieving the precise sparse representation of HR volume patches. In the proposed MRI super-resolution strategy, we only learn the dictionary of the HR MRI volume patches with sparse coding algorithm, and then propagate the HR dictionary to the LR dictionary by mathematical analysis for calculating the sparse representation (coefficients) of any LR local input volume patch. The unknown corresponding HR volume patch can be reconstructed with the sparse coefficients from the LR volume patch and the corresponding HR dictionary. We validate that the proposed SCSR strategy through dictionary propagation can recover much clearer and more accurate HR MRI volume than the conventional interpolated methods.
Increased pollen flow counteracts fragmentation in a tropical dry forest: An example from Swietenia humilis Zuccarini

Habitat destruction and the resultant fragmentation of the remaining forest are a common phenomenon in the tropics. Most investigations emphasize the potential dangers of fragmentation in isolating patches of forest and exposing populations to loss of species diversity through founder effects, genetic drift, inbreeding, and restricted gene flow. However, a limited number of studies have shown that gene flow may be extensive in tropical trees, suggesting that it may occur between forest fragments and also “isolated” remnant trees. There is an urgent need to quantify pollen flow within and between forest fragments to test the veracity of such views and determine the genetic value of such fragments for in situ conservation. Microsatellite markers are used to genotype individuals of Swietenia humilis from a highly fragmented forest mosaic to directly quantify pollen-mediated gene flow. Distances of pollen flow more than 10 times greater than previously reported were detected. Our results show that some tropical angiosperm tree species may be much more adaptable and resilient to habitat destruction and fragmentation than previously considered. The description of many remnant trees as isolated or “living dead” may be more a conditioning of human perception than a true reflection of their potential conservation value.
Financial Decision-Making in Mexico: To Bet a Nation

Preface - Acknowledgements - The Cultural Setting - Antecedents to Decisions of 1994 - The First Quarter of 1994 - The Second Quarter of 1994 - The Third Quarter of 1994 - The Fourth Quarter of 1994 and Beyond - Meanwhile, Back in Washington and New York - The Aftermath - To Bet a Nation - Bibliography - Index
Evaluation of Factors Driving Seasonal Nitrate Variations in Surface and Underground Systems of a Karst Catchment

High NO3− concentrations were detected in an area with developed conduit networks and sinkholes. Stable isotopes of water and NO3− were used to identify their transport. Isotopic composition of NO3− was affected by denitrification, particularly in the wet season. Water management should consider the linkage between N flux and rainfall.
Capital femoral epiphysis and growth plate of the asymptomatic hip joint in unilateral Perthes disease

Radiograms of 173 children with unilateral Perthes disease were reviewed with particular reference to the presence of flattening and irregularity of the ‘unaffected’ epiphyses. The slope and shape of the growth plate were also evaluated. About 35% of children with Perthes disease showed changes of the unaffected proximal femur in the first radiograms of the hip joints. These consisted of small epiphysis, flattening of the epiphysis, contour irregularities (20%), and changes in the growth plate (15%). The radiographic abnormalities were not accompanied by any clinical symptoms of the asymptomatic hip joint and they receded with age during treatment.