Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Economic Impacts of Blackbird Damage to the Rice Industry

In cooperation with the Louisiana Rice Research Board, the Louisiana State University Rice Research Station and the USA Rice Federation, we conducted a questionnaire survey in 2002 to estimate the economic impacts of blackbirds on the rice industry in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, California, and Missouri. Survey areas in rice producing states were identified based on the 2001 National Agricultural Statistic Service’s rice harvest records. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices in each state provided a mailing list of farm operators growing rice and approximately one third of the rice farm operators were randomly selected to be surveyed. The questionnaire was mailed to 6,191 rice farm operators in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, California, and Missouri during May and June, 2002. The overall response rate was 16%, 969 questionnaires returned. These respondents represented 440,695 acres of rice planted in 2001. Overall, 62% of the respondents that farmed rice in 2001 reported damage from blackbirds. Those respondents reported bird damage to 58,135 acres of newly planted rice and 95,208 acres of ripening rice or a total production loss of 33,623,500 lbs of rice, which at 2001 prices is equivalent to $1,916,539. In addition, 56% of the respondents to the question on bird damage prior to 2001 reported damage as far back as 1996. For all states, between 1996-2000 the average percent annual blackbird damage to newly planted rice ranged from 6% to 15%, and the average percent annual blackbird damage to ripening rice ranged from 6% to 14%. Louisiana and Arkansas respondents reported the highest damage, respectively. Rice operators that responded to questions regarding bird control spent between $316,578 and $460,000 to prevent bird damage to their rice. About 6% of the respondents spent over $4,000 each on hazing birds from their rice crop. Shooting and propane cannons were the most widely used methods for bird control. When production losses due to birds are projected for each surveyed state, results suggest that blackbirds directly caused about $13.4 million in rice damage in 2001. Arkansas and Louisiana had the greatest losses at $4.8 and $3.9 million, respectively, which represents over 60% of the total damage. Also, it was projected that approximately $3.2 million was spent on prevention of blackbird damage to rice and approximately $4.9 million was lost in government price supports. Our study estimated that minimal economic loss to the rice industry in Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, California and Missouri from blackbirds in 2001 due to direct damage, prevention and lost price support was $21.5 million.
Expert novice similarities and instruction using analogies

Evidence is presented indicating that spontaneously generated analogies can play a significant role in expert problem solving. Since not all analogies are valid, it is important for the subject to have a way to evaluate their validity. In particular, this paper focuses on an evaluation strategy called bridging that has been observed in solutions to both science and mathematics problems. Spontaneous analogies have also been documented in the problem solving of students. The shared natural use of analogies for unfamiliar problems is an expert‐novice similarity. Some of the strategies observed in experts were incorporated in a teaching technique for dealing with students’ preconceptions in mechanics. Students taught via these units achieved large gain differences over control groups. Thus non‐deductive reasoning strategies used by experts can give us valuable clues concerning instructional strategies for science students. This complements the prior focus in the literature on expert novice differences with a .
The influence of lower extremity coronal plane movements on the passive regulation of instantaneous loading mechanics during running

Background: The repetitive transmission of impact forces may contribute to the aetiology of overuse injuries. Therefore determining the mechanisms that regulate impact loading has potential clinical significance.This study aimed to determine the influence of lower extremity coronal plane kinematics on the regulation of impact loading during running. Material/Methods: Thirty-six participants ran at 4.0 m.s-1striking the centre of a piezoelectric force platform with their dominant limb. Coronal plane angular kinematics about the hip, knee and ankle joints were measured using an eight-camera motion analysis system operating at 250 Hz. Regression analyses with instantaneous loading rate magnitude as a criterion were used to identify the coronal plane parameters associated with impact loading. Results: The overall regression model yielded Adj R 2 = 0.37, p ≤ 0.01. Two biomechanical parameters were obtained as significant predictors of the instantaneous loading rate. Peak ankle eversion Adj R 2 = 0.22, p ≤ 0.01 and peak eversion angular velocity of the ankle Adj R 2 = 0.15, p ≤ 0.01 were found to be significant predictors of instantaneous loading rate. Conclusions: The findings of the current investigation therefore suggest that passive joint motions in the coronal plane can regulate the magnitude of impact loading, linked to the development of chronic injuries.
Dynamic compaction of human mesenchymal stem/precursor cells into spheres self‐activates caspase‐dependent IL1 signaling to enhance secretion of modulators of inflammation and immunity (PGE2, TSG6, and STC1)

Human mesenchymal stem/precursor cells (MSC) are similar to some other stem/progenitor cells in that they compact into spheres when cultured in hanging drops or on nonadherent surfaces. Assembly of MSC into spheres alters many of their properties, including enhanced secretion of factors that mediate inflammatory and immune responses. Here we demonstrated that MSC spontaneously aggregated into sphere‐like structures after injection into a subcutaneous air pouch or the peritoneum of mice. The structures were similar to MSC spheres formed in cultures demonstrated by the increased expression of genes for inflammation‐modulating factors TSG6, STC1, and COX2, a key enzyme in production of PGE2. To identify the signaling pathways involved, hanging drop cultures were used to follow the time‐dependent changes in the cells as they compacted into spheres. Among the genes upregulated were genes for the stress‐activated signaling pathway for IL1α/β, and the contact‐dependent signaling pathway for Notch. An inhibitor of caspases reduced the upregulation of IL1A/B expression, and inhibitors of IL1 signaling decreased production of PGE2, TSG6, and STC1. Also, inhibition of IL1A/B expression and secretion of PGE2 negated the anti‐inflammatory effects of MSC spheres on stimulated macrophages. Experiments with γ‐secretase inhibitors suggested that Notch signaling was also required for production of PGE2 but not TSG6 or STC1. The results indicated that assembly of MSC into spheres triggers caspase‐dependent IL1 signaling and the secretion of modulators of inflammation and immunity. Similar aggregation in vivo may account for some of the effects observed with administration of the cells in animal models. Stem Cells 2013;31:2443–2456
Why Conflicts In The Former Soviet Union Are So Difficult To Negotiate And Mediate

The difficulty in using negotiation and mediation to resolve conflicts in the former Soviet Union (FSU) derives from factors coming both from the Soviet and pre-Soviet Russian periods and from the current transition. Traditional reliance on authority and government centralization led to both reliance on and distrust of central authorities, neither of which is conducive to negotiation. In the transition period, rigidity, change, long-term and short-term uncertainty, distrust, and absence of valid spokespeople all contribute to undermine negotiations. Yet, inevitably, more negotiation and mediation will be needed and eventually used.
In vitro tolerance induction of neonatal murine B cells as a probe for the study of B-cell diversification

The susceptibility to in vitro tolerance induction has been implicated as a characteristic of B cells early in their development, since DNP- reactive B cells are tolerizable only during the first days after birth, and 25% of adult bone marrow cells are tolerizable. In the present study, a modification of the in vitro splenic focus technique was utilized to determine if PC-specific B cells, by virtue of their late expression (approximately 1 wk post-parturition), also display susceptibility to tolerance induction. The results demonstrate that at 7-10 days after birth, when over 90% of the DNP-specific splenic B cells are resistant to tolerance induction, the majority of PC-specific B cells are tolerizable. These results re-emphasize tolerance susceptibility as a characteristic of developing clones, confirm the late acquisition of PC-specific B cells, and support the contention that the acquisition of the specificity repertoire is a highly ordered, specifically predetermined process which is independent of antigen- driven events.
Letter: azathioprine‐induced pancreatitis and subsequent tolerance of mercaptopurine – authors' reply

SIRS, We read with interest the paper by Kennedy et al. describing patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who had been intolerant of azathioprine and had subsequently been trialled with mercaptopurine. It was an interesting article, but it did not highlight some recent data that indicate that the development of azathioprine-induced pancreatitis is not necessarily a strict contraindication to subsequent use of mercaptopurine. Thiopurine-induced pancreatitis occurs in up to 5% of patients and is an idiosyncratic drug reaction. In our study published earlier this year, we described 64 patients with IBD over 10 years of whom 23 were intolerant to azathioprine, seven of whom developed acute pancreatitis. In all seven patients, the pancreatitis was mild and resolved within a few days of withdrawal of azathioprine. Three of these seven patients with azathioprine-related pancreatitis then went on to tolerate mercaptopurine. Ledder et al. also recently described a case series of four paediatric patients with IBD who developed azathioprine-induced pancreatitis. The subsequent trial of mercaptopurine was tolerated in all four patients, leading to the conclusion that the results called into question that azathioprine-induced pancreatitis is an absolute contraindication to the use of mercaptopurine and is most relevant in those with an aggressive phenotype where long-term immunosuppression is required. Azathioprine-induced pancreatitis should not be considered a strict contraindication to the subsequent use of mercaptopurine in patients with IBD. Introduction of mercaptopurine following azathioprine-induced pancreatitis in a controlled setting should be considered.
Focus on Leisure Repertoire in the Oldest Old: The Umeå 85+ Study

This study elucidates the oldest olds’ leisure repertoire and how this repertoire varies due to gender, where they live, and cognitive status. A validated 20-item leisure interest checklist with four subscales was used to measure leisure participation and investigate the leisure repertoire among participants. The oldest old were most likely to be interested in, perform, be motivated for, and perceive well-being from social activities, cultural activities, and TV/video/movies. The respondents were least likely to be interested in, perform, be motivated for, and perceive well-being from equipment sports and ball games. Some gender, geographic differences, and differences in cognitive status were found. The oldest old were more likely to endorse the same activities across all subscales of the checklist, but the linear magnitude varied across sub-scales. The relationships between performance and the other subscales suggested that a sense of engagement or participation is related to actual performance.
No Battery Required: Perpetual RFID-Enabled Wireless Sensors for Cognitive Intelligence Applications

Over the last decade, radio frequency identification (RFID) systems have been increasingly used for identification and object tracking due to their low-power, low-cost wireless features. In addition, the explosive demand for ubiquitous rugged low-power, compact wireless sensors for Internet-of-Things, ambient intelligence, and biomonitoring/ quality-of-life application has sparked a plethora of research efforts to integrate sensors with an RFID-enabled platform. The rapid evolution of large-area electronics printing technologies (e.g., ink-jet printing and gravure printing) has enhanced the development of low-cost RFID-enabled sensors as well as accelerated their large-scale deployment. This article presents a brief overview of the recent progress in the area of RFID-based sensor systems and especially the state-of-the-art RFID-enabled wireless sensor tags realized through the use of ink-jet printing technology.
Animal Navigation in the Classroom: Lessons From a Pilot Experience

In response to a direct request from science teachers, researchers initiated a pilot experience on animal orientation and navigation, which was delivered to 61 13-year-old students in Florence, Italy. The aim was to explain the approach to ethology and to link animal navigation with geography, focusing on species crossing the Italian territory. Together with the theoretical workshop, an experiment held in the classroom allowed the students to make and test their own hypotheses through an hands-on approach. A questionnaire was submitted before and after the experience to test the effectiveness of the whole activity, and highlight issues relevant to the improvement of school science program. Results indicate an uptake of the concepts and the sharing individual knowledge among the classroom, leading to an overall knowledge increase regarding the species mentioned. This experience indicates that the issue of animal orientation and navigation and helps knowledge integration. The engaging nature of this topic makes it ideal for promoting biological conservation, by focusing attention on species behavior and the habitats where such behavior is displayed. The author found direct collaboration between researchers and teachers to be an effective aid to the formation of the next generation of scientists.
Evaluation of breastfeeding promotion, support, and knowledge of benefits on breastfeeding outcomes

We examined how prenatal exposure to breastfeeding information from various media sources, maternal knowledge of benefits, family and clinician support, and peer practices influence breastfeeding outcomes in early infancy. Initiation of breastfeeding, any breastfeeding at two months, and exclusivity of breastfeeding at two months were examined in a cohort of US women using data from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analyses and logistic regression were conducted. Approximately 85 percent of the women initiated breastfeeding. At two months, 63.8 percent continued breastfeeding, while only 38.1 percent breastfed exclusively. Mothers with greater knowledge about breastfeeding benefits were 11.2 (95% CI: 6.87–18.45) times more likely to initiate breastfeeding and 5.62 (95% CI: 4.19–7.54) times more likely to breastfeed at two months than those with lower levels of knowledge. Women whose families prenatally supported exclusive breastfeeding were 8.21(5.12–13.2) times more likely to initiate and continue breastfeeding (OR 3.21, 95% CI: 2.51–4.11). Clinicians who supported breastfeeding only also increased the odds of a woman initiating breastfeeding (OR 1.95, 95% CI: 1.31–2.88). Interventions to increase maternal knowledge of breastfeeding benefits and family and clinician support of breastfeeding in the prenatal period may help increase breastfeeding rates. The encouragement of breastfeeding needs to be a priority among health care providers to improve the health of mothers and infants.
Children's Perceptions of Characters: Human versus Animate Assessing Implications for Children's Advertising

Abstract This study seeks to investigate the perceptual properties of kindergarten, second, fourth, and sixth grade students toward a stimulus set consisting of human and animate characters. The rationale is based on the potential deceptiveness of animation and possible ethical and legal problems which may emanate from the use of cartoon characters in promotion. The results of scaling judged similarity data revealed that the school-grade categories in question had similar perceptual structures and that an animate/human perceptual cue is apparently impacting on perceptions. The results also point to the viability of multidimensional scaling and the usage of simplistic judged similarities in the measurement of children's perceptions.
Cell identity in the preimplantation mammalian embryo: an epigenetic perspective from the mouse

The early preimplantation mouse embryo is a unique system where it is possible to explore the foundations of totipotency and differentiation. Following fertilization, a single cell, the zygote, will give rise to all tissues of the organism. The first signs of differentiation in the embryo are evident at the blastocyst stage with the formation of the trophectoderm, a differentiated tissue that envelopes the inner cell mass. The question of when and how the cells start to be different from each other in the embryo is central to developmental biology: as cell fate decisions are undertaken, loss of totipotency comes about. Although the blastomeres of the preimplantation embryo are totipotent, as the embryo develops some differences appear to develop between them which are, at least partially, related to the epigenetic information of each of these cells. The hypothesis of epigenetic asymmetries acting as driver for lineage allocation is presented. Although there are now some indications that epigenetic mechanisms are involved in cell fate determination, much work is needed to discover how such mechanisms are set in play upon fertilization and how they are transmitted through cell division. These considerations are further discussed in the context of preimplantation genetic diagnosis: does it matter to the embryo which cell is used for genetic diagnosis? The exquisite complexity and richness of chromatin-regulated events in the early embryo will certainly be the subject of exciting research in the future.
Identifying Causes of Patterns in Ecological Networks: Opportunities and Limitations

Ecological networks depict the interactions between species, mainly based on observations in the field. The information contained in such interaction matrices depends on the sampling design, and typically, compounds preferences (specialization) and abundances (activity). Null models are the primary vehicles to disentangle the effects of specialization from those of sampling and abundance, but they ignore the feedback of network structure on abundances. Hence, network structure, as exemplified here by modularity, is difficult to link to specific causes. Indeed, various processes lead to modularity and to specific interaction patterns more generally. Inferring (co)evolutionary dynamics is even more challenging, as competition and trait matching yield identical patterns of interactions. A satisfactory resolution of the underlying factors determining network structure will require substantial additional information, not only on independently assessed abundances, but also on traits, and ideally on fitness cons.
Detection of HER2-Positive Metastases in Patients with HER2-Negative Primary Breast Cancer Using 89Zr-Trastuzumab PET/CT

Our objective was to determine whether imaging with a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–targeted PET tracer can detect HER2-positive metastases in patients with HER2-negative primary breast cancer. Methods: Patients with HER2-negative primary breast cancer and evidence of distant metastases were enrolled in an Institutional Review Board–approved prospective clinical trial. Archived pathologic samples from the patient’s primary breast cancer were retested to confirm HER2-negative disease. Patients with confirmed HER2-negative primary breast cancer underwent 89Zr-trastuzumab PET/CT to screen for 89Zr-trastuzumab metastases. Metastases avid for 89Zr-trastuzumab by PET/CT were biopsied and pathologically examined to define HER2 status. Patients with pathologically proven HER2-positive metastases subsequently received off-protocol HER2-targeted therapy to evaluate treatment response. Results: Nine patients were enrolled, all of whom had pathologic retesting that confirmed HER2-negative primary breast cancer. Five demonstrated suggestive foci on 89Zr-trastuzumab PET/CT. Of these 5 patients, 2 had biopsy-proven HER2-positive metastases and went on to benefit from HER2-targeted therapy. In the other 3 patients, biopsy showed no evidence of HER2-positive disease, and their foci on 89Zr-trastuzumab PET were considered false-positive. Conclusion: In this proof-of-concept study, we demonstrated that 89Zr-trastuzmab PET/CT detects unsuspected HER2-positive metastases in patients with HER2-negative primary breast cancer. Although these are only initial results in a small sample, they are a proof of the concept that HER2-targeted imaging can identify additional candidates for HER2-targeted therapy. More specific HER2-targeted agents will be needed for clinical use.
Clinical Course of Factor VIII Inhibitors Developed after Exposure to a Pasteurised Dutch Concentrate Compared to Classic Inhibitors in Hemophilia A

Summary After the introduction of a new pasteurised factor VIII concentrate (Factor VIII CPS-P) in The Netherlands in June 1990, an increase in the occurrence of inhibitors in hemophilia A patients was reported. The clinical course of this group of inhibitors (n = 12) was compared with hemophilia patients in whom an inhibitor developed before June 1990 (classic inhibitors) (n = 32). Striking differences were found between both groups not only in patient age (median 22 years versus 8 years) and number of exposure days (<50 − >1000 versus <50), as described in previous reports, but also in clinical course and response to treatment. In the recent group of inhibitors antibody titers showed a rapid decline when product was changed which was not the case in the group with classic inhibitors. In the group of classic inhibitors immune tolerance therapy with low dose factor VIII succeeded in 83%. Success was to a high degree dependent on the inhibitor level. In the group of recent inhibitors immune tolerance with the same concentrate was only successful in a single patient. However, once the patients were switched to another concentrate, antibody levels dropped to less than 2 BU/ml within 8 months in all patients. It seems likely that in this group of product associated inhibitors, treatment success was due to elimination of antigen stimulation rather than induction of immune tolerance.
Multicamera trajectory analysis for semantic behaviour characterisation

In this paper we propose an innovative approach for behaviour recognition, from a multicamera environment, based on translating video activity into semantics. First, we fuse tracks from individual cameras through clustering employing soft computing techniques. Then, we introduce a higher-level module able to translate fused tracks into semantic information. With our proposed approach, we address the challenge set in PETS 2014 [1] on recognising behaviours of interest around a parked vehicle, namely the abnormal behaviour of someone walking around the vehicle.