Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Grazing in Wilderness Areas

Domestic livestock grazing is naturally in tension with wilderness. Wilderness areas are not truly “untrammeled by man” when they host managed livestock grazing. Yet the compromise that allowed livestock grazing in wilderness areas was surely one of the greatest in the history of the conservation movement. Without it, Congress might never have passed a wilderness bill or designated countless wilderness areas throughout the country. The grazing exception — and the Congressional Grazing Guidelines that afford specific protections for grazers — made it possible to secure bipartisan support for wilderness bills in even the most conservative western states. Notwithstanding this success, the ecology of some wilderness areas would plainly benefit from reducing or removing livestock, and modest changes to current law could accommodate such reductions without undermining the essential compromise that has allowed wilderness to flourish. In particular, as livestock grazing has declined in importance to the economy and the culture of the western public lands states, opportunities abound for the voluntary retirement of grazing rights. Unfortunately, the law has not yet evolved in a manner that can assure that the voluntary retirement of grazing rights can be made permanent. Without such assurances parties interested in purchasing grazing rights to protect wilderness areas are unlikely to step forward. This article reviews the history and legal status of livestock grazing on the wilderness lands. It includes a brief review of the beneficial and adverse impacts of livestock grazing on the ecological health of land systems and how those impacts might compromise wilderness values before discussing federal grazing policy, especially as applied to wilderness areas. It concludes with a modest plea to clarify the authority of the BLM and the Forest Service — the principal federal land management agencies — to reduce or remove livestock from wilderness lands where necessary to protect public lands resources, and to retire wilderness grazing rights permanently, where the existing permittee willingly accepts an offer to purchase such rights.
Prosodic annotation enriched statistical machine translation

More and more linguistic information has been employed to improve the performance of machine translation, such as part of speech, syntactic structures, discourse contexts, and so on. However, conventional approaches typically ignore the key information beyond the text such as prosody. In this paper, we exploit and employ three prosodic features: pronunciation (phonetic alphabet and tone), prosodic boundaries and emphasis. Based on the annotated data, a conditional random fields (CRF) sequential tagger is used to label the prosodic tags for Chinese sentences, and three methods are presented to integrate these features: (1) factored translation models where the prosodic features are incorporated as factors; (2) a word lattice decoding model where the prosodic boundaries are considered to be an alternative to the tokenization boundaries; (3) re-ranking models where the prosodic features are integrated in the language model to re-score the n-best translation candidates. We evaluate the proposed methods with bilingual evaluation understudy (BLEU) score both in English-to-Chinese (E2C) and Chinese-to-English (C2E) translation directions. Experiments show that with prosodic features, the re-ranking model achieves significant improvement, while the word lattice decoding and the factored translation models also improve the performance.
Lysyl oxidase propeptide sensitizes pancreatic and breast cancer cells to doxorubicin‐induced apoptosis

RAS mutations or its activation by upstream receptor tyrosine kinases are frequently associated with poor response of carcinomas to chemotherapy. The 18 kDa propeptide domain of lysyl oxidase (LOX‐PP) released from the secreted precursor protein (Pro‐LOX) has been shown to inhibit RAS signaling and the transformed phenotype of breast, pancreatic, lung, and prostate cancer cells in culture, and formation of tumors by Her‐2/neu‐driven breast cancer cells in a mouse xenograft model. Here, we tested the effects of LOX‐PP on MIA PaCa‐2 pancreatic cancer cells, driven by mutant RAS. In MIA PaCa‐2 cells in culture, LOX‐PP attenuated the ERK and AKT activities and decreased the levels of the NF‐κB p65 and RelB subunits and cyclin D1, which are activated by RAS signaling. In mouse xenograft growth, LOX‐PP reduced growth of tumors by these pancreatic cancer cells, and the nuclear levels of the p65 NF‐κB subunit and cyclin D1 proteins. While biological agents attenuate tumor growth when used alone, often they have additive or synergistic effects when used in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. Thus, we next tested the hypotheses that LOX‐PP sensitizes pancreatic and breast cancer cells to the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin. Purified LOX‐PP enhanced the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin in pancreatic and breast cancer cells, as judged by ATP production, Cell Death ELISA assays, caspase 3 activation, PARP cleavage, and Annexin V staining. Thus, LOX‐PP potentiates the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin on breast and pancreatic cancer cells, warranting additional studies with a broader spectrum of current cancer treatment modalities. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1160–1168, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Kilkenny Health Project: food and nutrient intakes in randomly selected healthy adults

1. Sixty healthy subjects aged 35-44 years (thirty men and thirty women) were randomly selected from electoral registers to participate in a dietary survey using the 7 d weighed-intake method during June-August 1985. 2. Energy intake (MJ/d) was 12.5 for men and 8.4 for women. Fat contributed 36.0 and 39.1% of the total energy intake of men and women respectively. When this was adjusted to exclude energy derived from alcoholic beverages, the corresponding values were 38.8 and 39.7 % respectively. The major sources of dietary fat (%) were spreadable fats (28), meat (23), milk (12) and biscuits and cakes (11). 3. The subjects were divided into low- and high-fat groups both on the relative intake of fat (< 35 % or > 40 % dietary energy from fat) and on the absolute intake of fat (> or < 120 g fat/d). By either criterion, high-fat consumers had lower than average intakes of low-fat, high-carbohydrate foods such as potatoes, bread, fruit and table sugar, and higher intakes of milk, butter and confectionery products. Meat intake was higher among high-fat eaters only when a high-fat diet was defined as a percentage of energy.
Using short-time Fourier transform and wavelet packet filter banks for improved frequency measurement in a Doppler robot tracking system

Previous research has shown that an ultrasonic tracking system using the Doppler effect can potentially track high-speed robot motion very accurately. However, ultrasound energy that is reflected by obstacles in the robot workspace can cause significant distortions in the frequency measurement. To reduce the distortions, a novel method for frequency measurement is described in this paper. This uses the short-time Fourier transform (STFT) to estimate the frequency of the interference signal. Then, the estimated frequencies are analyzed with an adaptive filter constructed with wavelet packet filter banks. Results are given that demonstrate great improvements in frequency measurement.
The impact of an antismoking media campaign on progression to established smoking: results of a longitudinal youth study.

OBJECTIVES We examined the impact of a statewide antismoking media campaign on progression to established smoking among Massachusetts adolescents. METHODS We conducted a 4-year longitudinal survey of 592 Massachusetts youths, aged 12 to 15 years at baseline in 1993. We examined the effect of baseline exposure to television, radio, and outdoor antismoking advertisements on progression to established smoking (defined as having smoked 100 or more cigarettes), using multiple logistic regression and controlling for age; sex; race; baseline smoking status; smoking by parents, friends, and siblings; television viewing; and exposure to antismoking messages not related to the media campaign. RESULTS Among younger adolescents (aged 12 to 13 years at baseline), those reporting baseline exposure to television antismoking advertisements were significantly less likely to progress to established smoking (odds ratio = 0.49, 95% confidence interval = 0.26, 0.93). Exposure to television antismoking advertisements had no effect on progression to established smoking among older adolescents (aged 14 to 15 years at baseline), and there were no effects of exposure to radio or outdoor advertisements. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the television component of the Massachusetts antismoking media campaign may have reduced the rate of progression to established smoking among young adolescents.
Targeted PCR for Detection of Vaginal Bacteria Associated with Bacterial Vaginosis

ABSTRACT Several novel bacterial species have been detected in subjects with bacterial vaginosis (BV) by using broad-range PCR assays, but this approach is insensitive for detecting minority species. We developed a series of taxon-directed 16S rRNA gene PCR assays for more sensitive detection of key vaginal bacteria. We sought to determine the prevalence of each species in the vagina, its association with BV, and the utility of PCR for the microbiological diagnosis of BV. Targeted PCR assays were developed for 17 vaginal bacterial species and applied to 264 vaginal-fluid samples from 81 subjects with and 183 subjects without BV. The results were compared to those of two widely accepted methods for diagnosing BV, the use of clinical findings (Amsel criteria) and the interpretation of vaginal-fluid Gram stains (Nugent criteria). Leptotrichia/Sneathia, Atopobium vaginae, an Eggerthella-like bacterium, Megasphaera species, and three novel bacteria in the order Clostridiales are among the bacterial species significantly associated with BV. PCR detection of either a Megasphaera species or one of the Clostridiales bacteria yielded a sensitivity of 99% and a specificity of 89% for diagnosis of BV compared to the Amsel clinical criteria and a sensitivity of 95.9% and a specificity of 93.7% compared to the Nugent criteria (Gram stain). PCR detection of one or more fastidious bacterial species is a more reliable indicator of BV than detection of bacteria, such as Gardnerella vaginalis, previously linked to BV, highlighting the potential of PCR for the diagnosis of BV.
Single-Event Multiple Transients in Conventional and Guard-Ring Hardened Inverter Chains Under Pulsed Laser and Heavy-Ion Irradiation

Single-event multiple transients (SEMTs) are investigated using an on-chip self-triggered circuit. Measured results for inverter chains of two layout designs, including a guard-ring design and a conventional design, are compared under pulsed laser and heavy-ion (Bi) irradiations. Pulsed laser exposures of different energies and Bi heavy-ion irradiation at different injection angles, including along the well direction and across the well direction, are found to produce SEMTs with different probabilities. The use of a guard-ring hardening technique is demonstrated to be very effective in reducing production of SEMTs for inverters without direct electrical connection. Charge sharing-induced SEMTs are found to have different pulsewidth distributions for angled ion incidence than normal ion or laser incidence.
MicroRNA expressions in HPV-induced cervical dysplasia and cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM The role of oncogenic or high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) in cervical carcinogenesis is inevitable, yet not fully understood. Detailed analysis of microRNA (miRNA) alterations occurring during high-risk HPV transformation will increase our current understanding over cervical carcinogenesis. The two main aims of the study were: (i) finding association between HPV infection characteristics and socio-demographic variables, (ii) finding an predictors of clinical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS The expression levels of different microRNAs (miR-21, miR-27a, miR-34a, miR-155, miR-196a, miR-203) were determined in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) human HPV-positive cervical dysplastic and tumorous tissue samples using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Sociodemographic and life-style factors were also analyzed. RESULTS The expression of miR-27a was significantly higher in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)2-3 compared to CIN1 (p=0.023) and in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) compared to CIN2-3 (p=0.033). Moreover, significantly lower levels of miR-34a were detected in CIN2-3 than in CIN1 (p=0.041) and in SCC than in CIN2-3 (p=0.021). Furthermore, we found significant differences in subjects with multiple HPV in miR-27a (p=0.015) and miR-203 (p=0.025) in CIN2-3 compared to CIN1 and miR-21 (p=0.002), mir-27a (p=0.001) and miR-34a (p=0.001) in SCC/CIN2-3. Expression of miR-27a, showing up-regulation in CIN2-3 compared to CIN1 (p=0.028) and miR-34a (down-regulated), correlated with HPV 16 positivity (CIN2-3/CIN1: p=0.027 and SCC/CIN2-3: p=0.036). MiR-34a expression was also significantly altered in connection to smoking status and presence of HPV 16. CONCLUSION The demand for additional, alternative molecular biomarkers with prognostic potential is strong. Evaluation of miRNA expression might be helpful to distinguish different cervical lesions and might be able to help in the prediction of HPV infection outcome.
E-government without E-democracy in the case of Vietnam: Transparency has been a sham?

For over decade, Vietnam has made many efforts to promote e-government and improve efficiency and effectiveness of its public administration. As a result, the administrative system becomes more transparent time after time. However, E-democracy does not go hand in hand with e-government in the case of Vietnam wherein a non-democratic government has to strike the balance between economic and political openness. This paper aims to shed more light on a case of an authoritarian regime in the path from e-government to e-democracy. This is such a long, tough, and rocky journey linked with democratization in an authoritarian regime.
Finite Layer Method for Flow in Layered Radial Two‐Zone Aquifer Systems

A new finite layer method (FLM) is presented in this paper for transient flow analysis in layered radial two‐zone aquifer systems. A radial two‐zone system is an aquifer configuration in which a circular aquifer with finite radius is surrounded by a matrix possessing different permeability and storage properties. The aquifers can be pumped from fully or partially penetrating wells of infinitesimal radius. The trial function for drawdown is obtained through the use of piecewise linear correction functions in the present method. The trial function can satisfy the continuity conditions of flow and possess an appropriate continuity of C0 at the two‐zone interface. On the basis of Galerkin's method and the continuity condition of flow, the finite layer formulation is derived. The proposed method can cope with the anisotropy and layered heterogeneity in radial two‐zone aquifer systems. Several numerical examples are presented to verify the validity of the present method through comparison with the analytical solution and the numerical results based on the finite difference method, in which a test of three‐dimensional (3D) flow to a partially penetrating well in anisotropic two‐zone aquifers is included. Furthermore, an additional application in simulating the two‐zone flow in aquitard‐aquifer systems is presented to demonstrate the applicability of FLM in modeling flow in more complex aquifer systems.
Comparison of PCR and Serology Assays for Early Diagnosis of Acute Q Fever

ABSTRACT Q fever is a potentially severe disease which can occur in large outbreaks of acute infections and is a possible bioterrorism agent. In order to lessen the delay in diagnosing acute Q fever, we compared LightCycler Nested PCR (LCN-PCR), a rapid nested PCR assay that uses serum sampled early during the disease as a specimen and the LightCycler as a thermal cycler, to serology by indirect immunofluorescence. We used the 20-copy htpAB-associated element as the DNA target. The detection sensitivity of this method was one Coxiella burnetii DNA copy. We applied this method to the first serum samples taken from 100 patients diagnosed in our laboratory as having acute Q fever on the basis of clinical manifestations and serology and to 80 controls. The LCN-PCR had a specificity of 100%. The sensitivity was 26% when no antibodies were detected but only 5% with seropositive patients (P < 10−2). The technique was most efficient in the first 2 weeks following the onset of symptoms (P = 0.02), when its sensitivity was 24% compared with 14% for serology. With combined use of LCN-PCR and serology within the first 2 weeks, the sensitivity was significantly increased over that with serology alone (P < 10−2). Thus, we propose a strategy for improving the early diagnosis of acute Q fever where LCN-PCR should be performed together with serology in the first 2 weeks of the disease but should be reserved for seronegative patients in the next 2 weeks and not used later than 4 weeks following onset, when serology is highly sensitive.
Molecular characteristics of Streptococcus agalactiae strains deficient in alpha‐like protein encoding genes

&NA; Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococci, GBS) are important human and animal pathogens, which can be subdivided based on different capsular polysaccharides and surface‐anchored alpha‐like proteins (Alps), as well as other proteins. Nearly all GBS strains possess an Alp (Alp GBS), although Alp‐negative GBS (non‐Alp GBS) do occur. In this study, 10 (1.1 %) of 932 clinical human GBS tested lacked an Alp encoding gene. All 10 strains were from patients with bloodstream infection, confirming that non‐Alp GBS can be highly virulent. All non‐Alp GBS expressed one or more of the surface‐anchored proteins R3, Z1 and Z2, while less than 10 % of unselected clinical strains express any of these proteins. In contrast to Alp GBS, all non‐Alp strains tested were PCR negative for the upstream sequence of the insertion site of the Alp encoding gene of Alp GBS. Genome sequencing showed that all but one of the 10 clinical non‐Alp strains and the non‐Alp reference strain CNCTC 10/84 lacked a region surrounding the Alp gene commonly present in Alp GBS strains. These strains instead harboured an 849 bp region not present in the C&agr; prototype strain A909. We have shown that non‐Alp GBS differ from Alp GBS in the region surrounding the insertion site of Alp genes of Alp GBS as well as in their content of other surface proteins and that PCR for the upstream flanking region of the Alp gene may be useful for differentiation between Alp and non‐Alp GBS.
Routinely collected general practice data: goldmines for research? A report of the European Federation for Medical Informatics Primary Care Informatics Working Group (EFMI PCIWG) from MIE2006, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

BACKGROUND Much of European primary care is computerised and many groups of practices pool data for research. Technology is making pooled general practice data widely available beyond the domain within which it is collected. OBJECTIVE To explore the barriers and opportunities to exploiting routinely collected general practice data for research. METHOD Workshop, led by primary care and informatics academics experienced at working with clinical data from large databases, involving 23 delegates from eight countries. Email comments about the write-up from participants. OUTPUTS The components of an effective process are: the input of those who have a detailed understanding of the context in which the data were recorded; an assessment of the validity of these data and any denominator used; creation of anonymised unique identifiers for each patient which can be decoded within the contributing practices; data must be traceable back to the patient record from which it was extracted; archiving of the queries, the look-up tables of any coding systems used and the ethical constraints which govern the use of the data. CONCLUSIONS Explicit statements are needed to explain the source, context of recording, validity check and processing method of any routinely collected data used in research. Data lacking detailed methodological descriptors should not be published.
Changes in Bargaining Status and Intra-Plant Wage Dispersion in Germany. Much Ado about Nothing?

A number of studies have reported that union decline is associated with rising overall wage inequality, not least in Germany where the phenomenon has been linked to economic resurgence. The present paper takes an unconventional approach to this potential source of rising inequality by examining intra-plant wage dispersion in the wake of establishments exiting from or entering into collective bargaining. Our estimation strategy hinges upon the identification of comparable groups of establishments and on both short-run and medium- to long-term changes in the wage structure. Using two main empirical strategies, we report at most a modest widening effect on dispersion for plants abandoning collective agreements. The converse does not apply for those establishments joining collective agreements. These two effects cast doubt on some of the more exaggerated claims as to the importance of deunionization to wage inequality.
Weissella halotolerans W22 combines arginine deiminase and ornithine decarboxylation pathways and converts arginine to putrescine

Aims: To demonstrate that the meat food strain Weissella halotolerans combines an ornithine decarboxylation pathway and an arginine deiminase (ADI) pathway and is able to produce putrescine, a biogenic amine. Evidence is shown that these two pathways produce a proton motive force (PMF).
A Collective Case Study on Elementary School Administrators’ and Teachers’ Perceptions of A School-Wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports Framework

The purpose of this collective case study was to explore and understand administrators’ and teachers’ perceptions on how a school-wide positive behavior intervention and supports (SWPBIS) framework influences school climate at the elementary school level. The theory guiding this study was grounded in B.F. Skinner’s theory of operant behavior and applied behavior analysis, which supports the use of positive reinforcement to increase desired behavior in a real world setting. A rich description of the perceived influence a SWPBIS framework has on school climate was constructed by answering the central research question: “How do administrators and teachers perceive the influence of a SWPBIS on school climate at the elementary school level? ” Although numerous research studies regarding SWPBIS have been conducted, few have addressed the perceptions of administrators and teachers. Participants included 37 administrators, teachers, and school personnel from 3 north Georgia elementary schools within the same district that had implemented SWPBIS. Data was collected during faceto-face interviews, focus group sessions, and from relevant documentation to increase trustworthiness through triangulation. Results of the present study demonstrate that administrators and teachers believe SWPBIS has positively changed the mindset and behaviors of students, teachers, and administrators resulting in a healthier school climate. Implications of the study include measures for central office personnel in making implementation decisions, measures for school administrators to increase buy-in, and measures for teachers to choose specific features to maximize the success of SWPBIS.