Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Disentangling competitive vs. climatic drivers of tropical forest mortality

Tropical forest mortality is controlled by both biotic and abiotic processes, but how these processes interact to determine forest structure is not well understood. Using long‐term demography data from permanent forest plots at the Paracou Tropical Forest Research Station in French Guiana, we analysed the relative influence of competition and climate on tree mortality. We found that self‐thinning is evident at the stand level, and is associated with clumped mortality at smaller scales (<2 m) and regular spacing of living trees at intermediate (2.5–7.5 m) scales. A competition index (CI) based on spatial clustering of dead trees was used to build predictive mortality models, which also accounted for climate interactions. The model that most closely fitted observations included both the CI and climatic variables, with climate‐only and competition‐only models less informative than the full model. There was strong evidence for U‐shaped size‐specific mortality, with highest mortality for small and very large trees, as well as sensitivity of trees to drought, especially when temperatures were high, and when soils were water saturated. The effect of the CI was more complex than expected a priori: a higher CI was associated with lower mortality odds, which we hypothesize is caused by gap‐phase dynamics, but there was also evidence for competition‐induced mortality at very high CI values. The strong signature of competition as a control over mortality at the stand and individual scales confirms its important role in determining tropical forest structure. The complexity of the competition‐mortality relationship and its interaction with climate indicates that a thorough consideration of the scale of analysis is needed when inferring the role of competition in tropical forests, but demonstrates that climate‐only mortality models can be significantly improved by including competition effects, even when ignoring species‐specific effects. Synthesis. Empirical models such as the one developed here can help constrain and improve process‐based vegetation models, serving both as a benchmark and as a means to disentangle mortality processes. Tropical vegetation dynamic models would benefit greatly from explicitly considering the role of competition in stand development and self‐thinning while modelling demography, as well as its interaction with climate.
Cystatin C – A Marker for Assessment of the Glomerular Filtration Rate in Patients with Cisplatin Chemotherapy

Background: Cystatin C has recently been proposed as an ideal marker for glomerular filtration rate (GFR). In this study, cystatin C serum levels were evaluated in comparison to serum creatinine concentrations and inulin clearances in patients with normal kidney function receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy to assess the validity of cystatin C as an alternative endogenous marker of GFR. Methods: Blood samples for the assessment of cystatin C, creatinine and inulin clearances were collected in patients before and after application of cisplatin in a clinical trial. Overall, 41 patients were included in the study, 35 of them were eligible receiving cisplatin in two different cisplatin-based chemotherapy schedules. Results: A 21% increase of cystatin C serum levels was demonstrated in the placebo group after application of cisplatin. Analysis of inulin clearances revealed a 23% loss of inulin clearance in patients of the placebo arm. In contrast, significant changes could not be detected by analysis of serum creatinine levels. Conclusions: Cystatin C represents a more sensitive clinical marker than serum creatinine for the early assessment of GFR damage caused by cisplatin. Changes in cystatin C serum concentrations correlate well to GFR decrease as measured by inulin clearance.
Pharmacological studies on the leaves of Azadirachta indica

Discrimination between CaG isomers in animal and clinical work has been referred to above although doubt exists concerning the strict identity of the isomers used. Table 1 shows that dissolution of the 8-isomer in saliva is accelerated by citric acid more than that of the a-isomer although the expected general effect of citric acid is seen in water with both isomers equally. We also conclude that water and saliva are not interchangeable in dissolution studies and that dissolution rate of CaG can be modified by formulation for example by inclusion of citric acid. Future study will require much better separation and definition of isomers before definitive clinical work can be undertaken.
A Combined Force and Thermal Feedback Interface for Minimally Invasive Procedures Simulation

We present a new interface for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) training that incorporates novel broadband sensory modalities that include visual, force, and thermal technology, into the evolution of the next generation of surgical robotics and simulators. A new haptic device is designed to provide high force and torque capabilities for a better touch feedback. Part of the surgical tool is kept to be the real grasper (i.e., the handle) of the haptic interface. Yet, our main novel contribution is in integrating thermal feedback in MIS applied perspectives; indeed, thermal sensing finds particular utility in detecting and isolating unstable arterial plaque and tumors. In addition, thermal energy is used in several therapeutic procedures such as tumor ablation or tissue welding. We propose several thermal exchange models based on the Pennes' bioheat transfer equation. The overall haptic interface (force and thermal display) is interfaced with an open source virtual reality simulator (the SOFA framework). We added in SOFA the necessary models dealing with thermal simulation using built-in data structure and methods. The integration is successful, and realistic simulation scenarios combining visual, thermal, and force feedback were achieved. Results using the overall simulation are presented and evaluated.
Testicular Parameters and Morphological Characteristics of Testicular and Epididymal Spermatozoa of White Fulani Bulls in Nigeria

Testicular parameters and morphological characteristics of testicular and epididymal spermatozoa of white Fulani bulls were study using twenty testicles. The objective was to study the normal testicular parameter and morphological changes during epididymal transit in the epididymis of white Fulani bulls. It was observed that there was reduction in the proportion of spermatozoa carrying the proximal cytoplasmic droplet (PCD) along the epididymis as spermatozoa mature. There were more narrow head in the left (0.40) than the right epididymis (0.10). There was more bent normal tail (16.7) in the left epididymis than in right epididymis (13.0). The sperm cells having looped tails are higher in the left epididymis (caput, 4.90; corpus, 5.30; caudal 4.30) than the right epididymis (caput, 4.70; corpus, 3.20; caudal 5.10) despite the fact that the caudal epididymis in the right epididymis has a higher mean value. In this study the left testicle had more of the morphologically defective spermatozoa (12.96%) than the right testicles (12.42%).
Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory findings of infectious keratitis at Mansoura Ophthalmic Center, Egypt.

AIM To analyze the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory findings of infectious keratitis. METHODS A retrospective study on cases of infective keratitis, attended our institution from Mar. 2013 to Feb. 2015, was done at Mansoura Ophthalmic Center, Egypt. Corneal scrapings were performed and processed for direct microscopy and culture in appropriate media using standard laboratory protocols. RESULTS Out of 245 patients enrolled for study, 247 corneal scrapings were obtained. Ocular trauma was the most common predisposing factor (51.4%), followed by diabetes mellitus (15.1%). Cultures were positive in 110 scraping samples (44.5%): 45.5% samples had pure fungal infection, 40% had pure bacterial infections and 10% had mixed fungal and bacterial growths. Acanthamoeba was detected in 5 (4.5%) samples. The most common fungal pathogen was Aspergillus spp. (41%). The most common bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (38.2%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.8%). CONCLUSION Incidence of fungal keratitis is high in our region. Therapeutic approach can initially be based on clinical features and sensitivity/resistance patterns. Microbiological research should direct the antimicrobial treatment. Antibiotic resistance to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides is an important consideration.
A Monte Carlo Simulation and Fuzzy Delphi-Based Approach to Valuing Real Options in Engineering Fields

The success of a firm depends on its ability to manage uncertainty of investment projects and strategies it decides to make or develop. During the management of new projects, routines and technologies, its constant objective should be to earn increasing returns by exploiting opportunities and limiting losses that could be created by uncertainty. Thus, firms must carefully recognize and evaluate the actions to be taken to respond to uncertainty. To help managers in their decision-making process in uncertain environments, new techniques and theories have been developed. One of them is the real option theory, where a real option is the right, not the obligation, to take some action in the future (Dixit and Pindyck, 1995). The formal approach, which originated from financial models, deals with future uncertainty and opportunities a firm can seize, and aims at valuing the flexibility that often managers have to “react” to uncertainty. In this sense, the real option potential to estimate the value of this flexibility is appealing for managers. As Leslie and Michaels (1997) report, in fact, over the past years, the theory has drawn a growing body of literature and has gathered support across the business world in academia, consulting, and the corporation. Copeland and Weiner (1990) of McKinsey observe that the “use of options methodology gives managers a better handle on uncertainty”.
Predictions of the effect of wing camber and thickness on airfoil self-noise

Two wing self-noise modeling methods were used to predict the effect of airfoil camber and thickness on wing self-noise and their relationship with lift. Both a semi-empirical airfoil self-noise prediction code called NAFNoise, and a noise metric which uses steady RANS models were used for the investigation. Development and previous validations of the NAFNoise code with experimental measurements are summarized to understand the limitations of the code. Predictions were made at low speed and moderate Reynolds number similar to the environment of a small unmanned aerial system. Self-noise predictions are plotted with lift coefficient for a series of camber and thickness changes. The boundary layer was tripped and left untripped to understand the effect boundary layer transition has on airfoil noise versus airfoil aerodynamic performance. Analysis indicated that increasing airfoil camber leads to higher overall sound level at lower angles of attack. An increase in airfoil camber increases lift at lower angles of attack. NAFnoise models with untripped boundary layers predict that increasing airfoil thickness leads to higher overall sound level, with largest increase in overall sound level at lower angles of attack. Results were inconclusive as to whether increasing camber is an effective way to increase lift coefficient and lift over drag without significantly increasing airfoil noise, because the conclusion was dependent on modeling methodology. NAFNoise models with untripped boundary layers indicated that increasing camber would result in a beneficial increase in section lift coefficient & lift over drag (up to about 8% camber) with minimal increase in noise production. RANS based noise metric and exclusion of the laminar boundary layer vortex shedding model from NAFNoise predictions indicated an increase in noise with section lift coefficient independent of airfoil camber.
Sexuality and fertility outcomes following hand-sewn versus stapled ileal pouch anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis

Background: Ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) may alter sexuality and fertility in women. The laparoscopic approach seems to reduce infertility rates in women after IPAA. However, the impact of hand-sewn versus stapled IPAA on sexuality and fertility has never been assessed in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). The objective of this study was to analyse the impact of the IPAA technique on sexuality and fertility in UC. Methods: All UC patients who underwent an IPAA between May 1996 and April 2011 were included. The patients answered mailed questionnaires including sexuality validated questionnaires and fertility questionnaires. The risk factors of sexual dysfunction were explored. Results: A total of 135 patients were included. Eighty-eight patients (65%) answered the questionnaires. Their mean age and follow-up were 37.2 ± 13.4 years and 109.7 ± 57.5 months. The rates of female and male sexual dysfunction were 50% and 29%, respectively. Intestinal transit disorders were identified as risk factors in both men and women, and anastomotic stricture in women sexual dysfunction, in univariate analyses. The IPAA technique did not impact sexual function in women but there was a trend for less erectile dysfunction following hand-sewn IPAA (16.7% vs 44.4%). The fertility rate was 47% in women and 75% in men, with a trend for a better fertility in women after hand-sewn IPAA (p=0.07). Conclusion: In this preliminary study, the hand-sewn or stapled IPAA technique did not impact the sexuality or fertility outcomes of UC patients, but there was a trend for better female fertility and male erectile function following hand-sewn IPAA. Intestinal transit disorders contributed to male and female sexual dysfunction after IPAA.
Postmortem dating of putrefied material through ptomaine estimation.

Ptomaines, also known as putrefactive bases, are microbiological degradation products of postmortem protein catabolism and have caused much concern for forensic toxicologists for more than 100 years [1,2]. In 1885 Brieger [3] noted, in a review of the considerable volume of literature that existed even then, “that no facet of medical research, even extending into the present day, is so confused and devoid of actual results, as the field of the so-called putrefaction or cadaveric alkaloids. ” (The term ptomaine originates from Selmi [4] who, through the Stass-Otto method, succeeded in isolating from cadaveric material noncrystalline products that could be confused with morphine, codeine, and atropine in their reactions and effects.) Brieger's major contribution was to deviate from the standard practice of establishing such cadaveric alkaloids through experiments with aminals and chemical reactions by demonstrating the chemical individuality of the body and investigating its composition [3]. He succeeded in identifying (besides neurine, muscarine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, and diethylamine) two diamines that he named “cadaverine” and “putrescine” that were then unknown to chemistry. Cadaverine was identified as pentylethyldiamine and putrescine was supposed to be a dimethylated ethyldiamine.
Population screening for hemochromatosis: A comparison of unbound iron‐binding capacity, transferrin saturation, and C282Y genotyping in 5,211 voluntary blood donors

Early diagnosis and treatment of hemochromatosis is essential to prevent organ damage. Screening strategies to detect early hemochromatosis include testing for iron overload and/or genetic testing. Voluntary blood donors numbering 5,211 were screened with unbound iron‐binding capacity (UIBC), transferrin saturation (TS), and genetic testing for the C282Y mutation of the HFE gene. The study found 16 C282Y homozygotes (1 in 327), 69 compound heterozygotes, 371 simple heterozygotes, and 4,755 normals. There were 5 men and 11 women homozygotes with a mean age of 42, range 28 to 57. Mean UIBC (24 ± 7 μmol/L) and TS (48% ± 17%) in homozygotes were significantly different from compound heterozygotes, simple heterozygotes, and normals (ANOVA). Only 3 homozygotes had an elevated serum ferritin. Family studies found an additional 4 iron‐loaded homozygotes. Optimal thresholds were ≤28 μmol/L for UIBC and ≥46% for TS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed an area under the curve for UIBC of 0.93 (0.85‐1.0, 95% confidence interval), and for TS of 0.83 (0.7‐0.95). Screening with UIBC to preselect those for genotyping is a cost‐efficient strategy for population screening for hemochromatosis.
The association between health beliefs and health behavior change in older adults.

BACKGROUND Previous studies have reported weak relationships between health beliefs and behavior change; few studied elderly populations. METHODS We examined the relation between self-reported behavior change and health-related beliefs among an educated, upper-middle-class population age 50 to 89 years. RESULTS More women reported decreasing dietary salt and fat, changing diet, and reading self-help materials than men. Younger respondents (age 50 to 69 years) reported more positive health behavior changes in diet and exercise than did older respondents (age 70 to 89 years). Respondents who agreed that diet and exercise were important for optimal health and/or spent money on healthful items reported more positive behavior change than those who disagreed. Those who reported confusion about how to stay healthy or a lack of motivation to engage in healthful behaviors were less likely to make positive lifestyle changes. Older respondents reported a higher rate of confusion regarding which foods to eat (53% vs 39%) and how to stay healthy (29% vs 19%) than younger respondents, while younger respondents were more likely to report a problem with motivation (40% vs 34%). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that increasing age does not diminish the relation between health beliefs and health behaviors. Health promotion campaigns aimed at older adults should strive to reduce confusion to improve health behavior.
The onset of functional capacity in fetal guinea-pig parathyroid glands.

Parathyroid tissue or pharyngeal pouch tissue containing the presumptive primordium of parathyroid III from embryonic guinea-pigs has been explanted to the chick chorioallantoic membrane in contact with a piece of neonatal rat parietal bone. Histological study of the conjoined grafts, removed 4–7 days later, showed bone resorption, indicative of parathyroid secretory activity, at developmental ages of 23 days and older.
Competition effects for copper between soil, soil solution, and yeast in a bioassay for Folsomia candida Willem

We investigated the accumulation of copper (Cu) by the springtail Folsomia candida Willem, if exposed to Cu‐con‐taminated sandy soil with yeast as a food source. Commonly, the dissolved and the easily desorbed Cu fractions are assumed to be available for uptake, and as both fractions depend on pH, a pH dependency of copper uptake and accumulation is expected. In recent studies with springtails this dependency was not observed. To explain this, we show that both the adsorption of copper by yeast and by soil is indeed pH dependent; however, these dependencies differ. Addition of yeast as a food source to copper‐contaminated soil leads to competition for copper by yeast and soil that suppresses the pH dependency of copper adsorption by yeast. This may cause a pH dependency not to be observed in copper accumulation by springtails if they predominantly feed on yeast in bioassays. We conclude that the addition of artificial food sources in bioassays may affect the cause–effect relationships that are investigated. A combination of (soil) chemical experimentation and modeling and ecotoxicological studies may help in identifying such bias and, therefore, with interpreting bioassays.
Prevention of stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

Objective: To review the risk and pathogenesis of stroke associated with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and the efficacies and risks of stroke prevention strategies. Background: About 16% of ischemic strokes are associated with AF; AF is an independent risk factor for stroke. Methods: Review of the literature, focusing on 13 randomized trials of antithrombotic therapy. Results: The overall risk of stroke in AF patients averages about 5%/y, but with wide variation depending on the presence of coexistent thromboembolic risk factors. AF patients with low (about 1% per year), moderate (about 3% per year), and high (about 6% per year) stroke risks have been identified, but the generalizability of risk stratification schemes to clinical practice has not been fully assessed. AF patients with prior stroke or transient ischemic attack, even if remote, are at highest risk (about 12% per year). Adjusted-dose warfarin (target International Normalized Ratio [INR] 2-3) is highly efficacious for preventing stroke in AF patients (about 70% risk reduction) and is safe for selected patients, if carefully monitored. Aspirin has a modest effect on reducing stroke (about 20% risk reduction). The numbers of AF patients that would need to be treated with warfarin instead of aspirin for 1 year to prevent one ischemic stroke are about 200, 70, and 20 for those with low, moderate and high risk, respectively. Conclusions: Many patients with nonvalvular AF have substantial rates of ischemic stroke. Stratification of stroke risk identifies AF patients who benefit most and least from lifelong anticoagulation. Warfarin is recommended for high-risk AF patients who can safely receive it. Aspirin may be indicated for those with a low stroke risk and for those who cannot receive warfarin. For AF patients considered to have a moderate risk of stroke, individual bleeding risk during anticoagulation and patient preference should particularly influence the choice of antithrombotic prophylaxis.
1T Capacitor-Less DRAM Cell Based on Asymmetric Tunnel FET Design

In this work we propose and demonstrate the use of a Tunnel FET (TFET) as capacitorless DRAM cell based on TCAD simulations and experiments. We report more experimental results on Tunnel FETs implemented as a double-gate (DG) fully-depleted Silicon-On-Insulator (FD-SOI) devices. The Tunnel FET based DRAM cell has an asymmetric body and a partial overlap of the top gate (LG1) with a total overlap of the back gate over the channel region (LG2). A potential well is created by biasing the back gate (VG2) in accumulation while the front gate (VG1) is in inversion. Holes from the p+ source are injected by the forward-biased source/channel junction and stored in the electrically induced potential well. Programming conditions and related transients are reported and the role of temperature is investigated.