Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Population regulation of territorial species: both site dependence and interference mechanisms matter

Spatial patterns of site occupancy are commonly driven by habitat heterogeneity and are thought to shape population dynamics through a site-dependent regulatory mechanism. When examining this, however, most studies have only focused on a single vital rate (reproduction), and little is known about how space effectively contributes to the regulation of population dynamics. We investigated the underlying mechanisms driving density-dependent processes in vital rates in a Mauritius kestrel population where almost every individual was monitored. Different mechanisms acted on different vital rates, with breeding success regulated by site dependence (differential use of space) and juvenile survival by interference (density-dependent competition for resources). Although territorial species are frequently assumed to be regulated through site dependence, we show that interference was the key regulatory mechanism in this population. Our integrated approach demonstrates that the presence of spatial processes regarding one trait does not mean that they necessarily play an important role in regulating population growth, and demonstrates the complexity of the regulatory process.
Blood Pressure Reduction and Secondary Prevention of Stroke and Other Vascular Events: A Systematic Review

Background— High blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke recurrence. We assessed the effectiveness of lowering blood pressure in preventing recurrent vascular events in patients with previous stroke or transient ischemic attack. Summary of Review— We performed a systematic review and meta-regression of completed randomized controlled trials that investigated the effect of lowering blood pressure on recurrent vascular events in patients with prior ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Trials were identified from searches of 3 electronic databases (Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE). Seven randomized controlled trials, with 8 comparison groups, were included. Lowering blood pressure or treating hypertension with a variety of antihypertensive agents reduced stroke (odds ratio [OR], 0.76; 95% CI, 0.63 to 0.92), nonfatal stroke (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.95), myocardial infarction (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.63 to 0.98), and total vascular events (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.66 to 0.95). No effect was seen on vascular or all-cause mortality. Heterogeneity was present for several outcomes and was partly related to the class of antihypertensive drugs used; angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and diuretics separately, and especially together, reduced vascular events, while &bgr;-receptor antagonists had no discernable effect. The reduction in stroke was related to the difference in systolic blood pressure between treatment and control groups (P =0.002). Conclusions— Evidence from randomized controlled trials supports the use of antihypertensive agents in lowering blood pressure for the prevention of vascular events in patients with previous stroke or transient ischemic attack. Vascular prevention is associated positively with the magnitude by which blood pressure is reduced.
Dynamic models of human motion

This paper describes experiments in human motion understanding, defined here as estimation of the physical state of the body (the Plant) combined with interpretation of that part of the motion that cannot be predicted by the plant alone (the Behavior). The described behavior system operates in conjunction with a real-time, fully-dynamic, 3-D person tracking system that provides a mathematically concise formulation for incorporating a wide variety of physical constraints and probabilistic influences. The framework takes the form of a non-linear recursive filter that enables pixel-level, probabilistic processes to take advantage of the contextual knowledge encoded in the higher-level models. Results are shown that demonstrate both qualitative and quantitative gains in tracking performance.
Dietary intake, food pattern, and abnormal blood glucose status of middle-aged adults: a cross-sectional community-based study in Myanmar

Background Lifestyle changes, particularly dietary intake, had resulted in increasing trends of type-2 diabetes mellitus worldwide. However, dietary intake is diverse across country contexts. This study aimed to compare the dietary intake, food patterns, and blood glucose among middle-aged adults living in urban and suburban areas in Mandalay city, Myanmar, and explore their relationships. Methods A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted during June–November 2014. Adults aged 35–64 were randomly selected and requested to record all food they ate in a 4-day diary. Fasting and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose values were measured over two consecutive days. Dietary intakes were calculated in terms of energy, macronutrients, glycemic index, and glycemic load, and food patterns were identified by factor analysis. The relationships between food pattern, dietary intake, and blood glucose were assessed. Results Of 440 participants, dietary intake between urban and suburban residents was significantly different. Six food patterns were identified. There was no difference in fasting and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose between urban and suburban residents, but a strong correlation between fasting blood glucose and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose was found (correlation coefficient=0.8). Identification of abnormal blood glucose status using original fasting and converted 2-hour postprandial values showed substantial agreement (prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted Kappa=0.8). Relationships between food patterns and blood glucose or abnormal blood glucose status were not found. Conclusion Food patterns were associated with dietary intake, not with abnormal blood glucose status. Two-hour postprandial blood glucose was highly correlated with fasting blood glucose and may be used for identifying abnormal blood glucose status.
Renal Hemodynamic Control by Endothelin and Nitric Oxide Under Angiotensin II Blockade in Man

To investigate whether endothelin-A receptors and nitric oxide modulate renal hemodynamics in man under angiotensin II receptor-1 blockade, 6 healthy volunteers, on a 240 mmol Na diet, underwent 4 separate renal hemodynamic measurements, in 3 of which endothelin-A blocker BQ-123 0.2 nmol · kg · min−1 was infused for 90 minutes after pretreatment with either placebo, telmisartan 1 mg · kg · day−1 for 3 days, or telmisartan as well, but with co-infusion of both BQ-123 and NG-nitro-l-arginine methylester 0.5 &mgr;g · kg · min−1. A fourth infusion was made with NG-nitro-l-arginine methylester alone. No change followed infusion of either NG-nitro-l-arginine methylester alone or BQ-123 alone. With BQ-123 after telmisartan, renal blood flow rose from 916±56 mL · min−1 · 1.73 m2 to 1047±51.2 (P <0.001), and renal vascular resistances fell from 89±7 mm Hg · min · L−1 to 74±4 (P <0.001). These changes were fully abolished by the co-infused NG-nitro-l-arginine methylester. Infusion of BQ-123, devoid of renal hemodynamic effects at baseline, produces significant renal vasodilation when angiotensin II receptors are blocked, indicating an increasing renal hemodynamic role of endothelin-A–receptor activity. Because such a vasodilation is prevented by nonvasoconstricting microdoses of NG-nitro-l-arginine methylester, nitric oxide–endothelin balance controls substantially renal hemodynamics under angiotensin II blockade. These findings are consistent with a rationale of the association of endothelin-A blockers with angiotensin II blockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in treating nitric oxide–deficient conditions such as arterial hypertension, heart failure, and chronic renal diseases.
The zebrafish ennui behavioral mutation disrupts acetylcholine receptor localization and motor axon stability

The zebrafish ennui mutation was identified from a mutagenesis screen for defects in early behavior. Homozygous ennui embryos swam more slowly than wild‐type siblings but normal swimming recovered during larval stages and homozygous mutants survived until adulthood. Electrophysiological recordings from motoneurons and muscles suggested that the motor output of the CNS following mechanosensory stimulation was normal in ennui, but the synaptic currents at the neuromuscular junction were significantly reduced. Analysis of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) in ennui muscles showed a marked reduction in the size of synaptic clusters and their aberrant localization at the myotome segment borders of fast twitch muscle. Prepatterned, nerve‐independent AChR clusters appeared normal in mutant embryos and dispersed upon outgrowth of motor axons onto the muscles. Genetic mosaic analysis showed that ennui is required cell autonomously in muscle fibers for normal synaptic localization of AChRs. Furthermore, exogenous agrin failed to induce AChR aggregation, suggesting that ennui is crucial for agrin function. Finally, motor axons branched more extensively in ennui fast twitch muscles especially in the region of the myotome borders. These results suggest that ennui is important for nerve‐dependent AChR clustering and the stability of axon growth. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008
The Effectiveness of Remote Facilitation in Simulation-Based Pediatric Resuscitation Training for Medical Students

Objectives To assess the effectiveness of pediatric simulation by remote facilitation. We hypothesized that simulation by remote facilitation is more effective compared to simulation by an on-site facilitator. We defined remote facilitation as a facilitator remotely (1) introduces simulation-based learning and simulation environment, (2) runs scenarios, and (3) performs debriefing with an on-site facilitator. Methods A remote simulation program for medical students during pediatric rotation was implemented. Groups were allocated to either remote or on-site facilitation depending on the availability of telemedicine technology. Both groups had identical 1-hour simulation sessions with 2 scenarios and debriefing. Their team performance was assessed with behavioral assessment tool by a trained rater. Perception by students was evaluated with Likert scale (1-7). Results Fifteen groups with 89 students participated in a simulation by remote facilitation, and 8 groups with 47 students participated in a simulation by on-site facilitation. Participant demographics and previous simulation experience were similar. Both groups improved their performance from first to second scenario: groups by remote simulation (first [8.5 ± 4.2] vs second [13.2 ± 6.2], P = 0.003), and groups by on-site simulation (first [6.9 ± 4.1] vs second [12.4 ± 6.4], P = 0.056). The performance improvement was not significantly different between the 2 groups (P = 0.94). Faculty evaluation by students was equally high in both groups (7 vs 7; P = 0.65). Conclusions A pediatric acute care simulation by remote facilitation significantly improved students' performance. In this pilot study, remote facilitation seems as effective as a traditional, locally facilitated simulation. The remote simulation can be a strong alternative method, especially where experienced facilitators are limited.
A Long‐Term Data Set of Vertical Ion Drift Velocity at High Latitudes Constructed From DMSP Measurements

Observations of vertical ion drift velocities (Vz) at the topside of the ionosphere by Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites have been accumulated over decades and provide us a unique opportunity to study the vertical ion drifts through the ionosphere on different temporal and spatial scales. In this paper, Vz data of F13, which are of high quality, are taken as the reference to rescale the measurements of DMSP F11, F12, F14, F15, and F16 at high latitudes from 50°N/S to 90°N/S, which show significant differences from each other in magnitudes. Through rescaling, all Vz data of F11–F16 are in a similar order of magnitudes. Moreover, their spatial and temporal distributions resemble each other on average and are consistent with the excepted averaged behaviors reported in previous studies. Thus, the rescaling is basically effective, which provides an opportunity to construct a data set of Vz from 1995 to 2014 that covers nearly two solar cycles for further statistical analysis. Meanwhile, it should be noted that the rescaling results are qualitative/semiqualitative with some uncertainty, which needs more detailed discussion and analysis in future studies.
Comparing Paleomagnetic Study Means With Apparent Wander Paths: A Case Study and Paleomagnetic Test of the Greater India Versus Greater Indian Basin Hypotheses

This paper discusses the framework for comparing independent study means (SMs) with averages of aggregated study mean paleomagnetic poles, hereafter referred to as reference poles, contributing to continental or global apparent polar wander paths (GAPWP). Paleomagnetists typically compare individual SMs to these population means to compute latitudinal displacements or rotations with uncertainties estimated by comparing A95's. Using this comparison statistic, more than half of the population of reference SMs contributing to a GAPWP fall at an angular distance that is greater than their combined uncertainties. Two approaches are presented that yield similar results based on different rationales and comparison statistics. Common to both approaches is K95,GAPWP, the angular distance within which 95% of poles contributing to an APWP mean fall. One approach combines K95,GAPWP and the A95,SM of the independent study mean that can only be judged to be significantly displaced if the angular difference with the GAPWP mean exceeds their combined uncertainty. The second approach uses K95,GAPWP as the best estimate of total error of each study mean, which when combined with uncertainty of the GAPWP mean, A95,GAPWP, defines the angular difference that the independent study mean needs to exceed to be judged to be significantly displaced from a GAPWP mean. These comparison statistics are used to assess paleomagnetic support for Greater Indian Basin hypothesis for the paleogeographic evolution of the northern margin of India prior to collision with Asia. The Greater Indian Basin hypothesis is not supported based on these more rigorous criteria.
On a quadratic matrix equation associated with an M‐matrix

We study the quadratic matrix equation X 2 - EX - F = 0, where E is diagonal and F is an M-matrix. Quadratic matrix equations of this type arise in noisy Wiener-Hopf problems for Markov chains. The solution of practical interest is a particular M-matrix solution. The existence and uniqueness of M-matrix solutions and numerical methods for finding the desired M-matrix solution are discussed by transforming the equation into an equation that belongs to a special class of non-symmetric algebraic Riccati equations (AREs). We also discuss the general non-symmetric ARE and describe how we can use the Schur method to find the stabilizing or almost stabilizing solution if it exists. The desired M-matrix solution of the quadratic matrix equation (a special non-symmetric ARE by itself) turns out to be the unique stabilizing or almost stabilizing solution.
Efficient CPU‐GPU cooperative computing for solving the subset‐sum problem

Heterogeneous CPU‐GPU system is a powerful way to accelerate compute‐intensive applications, such as the subset‐sum problem. Many parallel algorithms for solving the problem have been implemented on graphics processing units (GPUs). However, these GPU implementations may fail to fully utilize all the CPU cores and the GPU resources. When the GPU performs computational task, only one CPU core is used to control the GPUs, and all the remaining CPU cores are in idle state, which leads to large amounts of available CPU resources being wasted. This paper proposes an efficient CPU‐GPU cooperative computing scheme for solving the subset‐sum problem, which enables the full utilization of all the computing power of both CPUs and GPUs. In order to find the most appropriate task distribution ratio between CPUs and GPUs, this paper establishes a simple but effective task distribution model. Considering the high CPU‐GPU communication overhead and the unbalanced workload between CPUs and GPUs may greatly reduce the performance, an incremental data transfer method is proposed to reduce the CPU‐GPU communication overhead, and a feedback‐based dynamic task distribution scheme is designed to effectively balance the workload between CPUs and GPUs during runtime. The experimental results show that the CPU‐GPU cooperative computing achieves a significant performance benefit over the CPU‐only or GPU‐only computing. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Asymptotic Behavior of the Sample Estimates of Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors of Covariance Matrices

This paper analyzes the asymptotic behavior of the sample estimators of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of covariance matrices. Rather than considering traditional large sample-size asymptotics, in this paper the focus is on limited sample size situations, whereby the number of available observations is comparable in magnitude to the observation dimension. Using tools from random matrix theory, the asymptotic behavior of the traditional sample estimates is investigated under the assumption that both the sample size and the observation dimension tend to infinity, while their quotient converges to a positive quantity. Assuming that an asymptotic eigenvalue splitting condition is fulfilled, closed form asymptotic expressions of these estimators are derived, proving inconsistency of the traditional sample estimators in these asymptotic conditions. The derived expressions are shown to provide a valuable insight into the behavior of the sample estimators in the small sample size regime.
Dental caries and treatment needs among indigenous people of the Potiguara Indian reservation in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the caries prevalence and treatment needs of Brazilian indigenous residents on an Indian reservation. METHODS This cross-sectional study comprised 1 461 individuals of ages 18-36 months and 5, 12, 15-19, 35-44, and 65-74 years living in the Potiguara Indian villages of Brazil. Decayed, missing, or filled permanent teeth (DMFT) and deciduous teeth (dmft) were determined by calibrated examiners using the methodology recommended by the World Health Organization. Treatment needs were assessed with the guidelines of the 2003 Brazilian Oral Health Survey. RESULTS Means + or - standard deviations (SD) for dmft of 18- to 36-month-old and 5-year-old children were 2.5 + or - 3.7 and 5.8 + or - 4.3, respectively. For the age groups 12, 15-19, 35-44, and 65-74 years, mean + or - SD values of DMFT were 3.6 + or - 3.1, 7.1 + or - 4.9, 16.4 + or - 7.5, and 22.8 + or - 8.6. The mean + or - SD number of deciduous teeth requiring treatment varied from 2.4 + or - 3.5 to 5.0 + or - 4.0 in the 18- to 36-month and 5-year-old age groups, respectively. Among adolescents and adults, it was observed that on average at least three permanent teeth required dental treatment such as fillings, crowns, endodontic treatment, and extractions. CONCLUSIONS High prevalence of caries and many teeth needing treatment were observed in all age groups of the Potiguara Indians.
BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF FULL-ARCH IMPLANT-SUPPORTED REHABILITATIONS WITH DIFFERENT DESIGNS

The aim of this research was to perfom a biomechanical analysis of different designs of a fullarch screw-retained implant-support rehabilitation, mainly in two components of the prosthetic structure: abutments and prosthetic screws. 3D simplified models of a mandibular arch with seven variations of an implant-supported rehabilitations were developed, modifying the implant’s number (4 or 6) and axis (straight and tilted) and the framework cantilever size. Results obtained show that longer cantilevers supported by tilted implants should be avoid in order to prevent mechanical and biological complications.
An Efficient Triple‐Junction Polymer Solar Cell Having a Power Conversion Efficiency Exceeding 11%

Tandem solar cells have the potential to improve photon conversion efficiencies (PCEs) beyond the limits of single-junction devices. In this study, a triple-junction tandem design is demonstrated by employing three distinct organic donor materials having bandgap energies ranging from 1.4 to 1.9 eV. Through optical modeling, balanced photon absorption rates are achieved and, thereby, the photo-currents are matched among the three subcells. Accordingly, an efficient triple-junction tandem organic solar cell can exhibit a record-high PCE of 11.5%.
Borrelia burgdorferi Proteins Whose Expression Is Similarly Affected by Culture Temperature and pH

ABSTRACT Previously, we had demonstrated the upregulation in the expression of several proteins, including the lipoproteins OspC and P35, ofBorrelia burgdorferi in the stationary growth phase. Since the expression of OspC is also known to be affected by culture temperature and pH, we examined the effects of both variables on the expression of the remaining stationary-phase-upregulated proteins. Our study revealed that the expression of each of the remaining stationary-phase-upregulated proteins, P35 included, was also influenced by culture temperature; these proteins were selectively expressed at 34°C but not at 24°C. Significantly, the expression of a majority of these proteins was also affected by culture pH, since they were abundantly expressed at pH 7.0 (resembling the tick midgut pH of 6.8 during feeding) but only sparsely at pH 8.0 (a condition closer to that of the unfed tick midgut pH of 7.4). We propose that this group of B. burgdorferi proteins, which in culture is selectively expressed under conditions of 34°C and pH 7.0, may be induced in the tick midgut during the feeding event. Furthermore, the differential and coordinate expression of these proteins under different environmental conditions suggests that the encoding genes may be coregulated.
Glucocorticoid insufficiency in patients who present to the hospital with severe sepsis: a prospective clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE To identify the incidence of secondary adrenal insufficiency in severe sepsis. DESIGN Prospective clinical trial testing 100 patients with a 250-microg adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. SETTING County-university teaching hospital. PATIENTS One hundred patients with sepsis and septic shock. Forty patients had bacteremia and 17% shock. INTERVENTIONS ACTH, cortisol, aldosterone, and electrolyte concentrations were measured at baseline. Cortisol and aldosterone were measured 30 and 60 mins after ACTH (250 microg). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Nine of the 100 patients (9%) failed the ACTH stimulation test (all serum cortisol <20 microg/dL). The 91 patients with sepsis began with a serum cortisol at 29.3 +/- 2.5, and it increased to 40.1 +/- 2.6 and 46.9 +/- 2.7 microg/dL at times 30 and 60 mins, respectively. Serum cortisol in nine septic patients who failed the ACTH stimulation test had an initial concentration of 11.3 +/- 1.8 microg/dL, and it increased at time 30 mins to 14.0 +/- 1.9 microg/dL and at 60 mins to 15.7 +/- 1.8 microg/dL. Four of the nine patients had secondary adrenal insufficiency as determined by a normal aldosterone response to ACTH. The remaining five patients had an absent aldosterone response to ACTH and baseline ACTH concentrations that were not elevated, suggesting adrenal dysfunction. Serum sodium (128 +/- 4 vs. 138 +/- 1 mmol/L, p <.05) and glucose concentrations (121 +/- 20 vs. 163 +/- 11 mg/dL, p <.05) were reduced in the nine patients. Of the four patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency, two had a history of amenorrhea after birth of their children many years earlier. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that 9% of adults with sepsis fail the ACTH stimulation test due to a mixture of etiologies. A reduced sodium or glucose concentration may be helpful in identifying glucocorticoid (adrenal) insufficiency in patients with sepsis.