Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mapping Clearances in Tropical Dry Forests Using Breakpoints, Trend, and Seasonal Components from MODIS Time Series: Does Forest Type Matter?

Tropical environments present a unique challenge for optical time series analysis, primarily owing to fragmented data availability, persistent cloud cover and atmospheric aerosols. Additionally, little is known of whether the performance of time series change detection is affected by diverse forest types found in tropical dry regions. In this paper, we develop a methodology for mapping forest clearing in Southeast Asia using a study region characterised by heterogeneous forest types. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) time series are decomposed using Breaks For Additive Season and Trend (BFAST) and breakpoints, trend, and seasonal components are combined in a binomial probability model to distinguish between cleared and stable forest. We found that the addition of seasonality and trend information improves the change model performance compared to using breakpoints alone. We also demonstrate the value of considering forest type in disturbance mapping in comparison to the more common approach that combines all forest types into a single generalised forest class. By taking a generalised forest approach, there is less control over the error distribution in each forest type. Dry-deciduous and evergreen forests are especially sensitive to error imbalances using a generalised forest model i.e., clearances were underestimated in evergreen forest, and overestimated in dry-deciduous forest. This suggests that forest type needs to be considered in time series change mapping, especially in heterogeneous forest regions. Our approach builds towards improving large-area monitoring of forest-diverse regions such as Southeast Asia. The findings of this study should also be transferable across optical sensors and are therefore relevant for the future availability of dense time series for the tropics at higher spatial resolutions.
Different regional dynamics of end‐stage renal disease in Japan by different causes

Background: We recently showed that there were clear regional differences in the dynamics of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) within Japan, which has an ethnically homogenous population. We speculate on the reason for these regional differences by correlating the regional distributions in the incidence of ESRD due to each of the following individual causes of ESRD: chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN), diabetic nephropathy (DMN) and polycystic kidney disease (PKD).
Support for the predictive validity of the multifactor offender readiness model (MORM): forensic patients' readiness and engagement with therapeutic groups

BACKGROUND Treatment non-engagement in forensic health settings has ethical and economic implications. The multifactor offender readiness model (MORM) provides a framework for assessing treatment readiness across person, programme and contexts. AIMS To answer the following question: Are the internal factors of the MORM associated with likelihood of engagement in groups by patients in forensic mental health services? METHOD In a retrospective design, associations were investigated between internal factors of the MORM, measured as part of assessment for group participation, and the outcomes of treatment refusal, treatment dropout and treatment completion. RESULTS One hundred and eighteen male patients in a high security hospital consecutively referred for group treatment agreed to participate. Internal factors of the MORM associated with treatment refusals included: psychopathic cognition, negative self-evaluation/affect and effective goal-seeking strategies. Those associated with dropouts included emotional dysregulation, low competencies to engage and low levels of general distress. MORM factors associated with completion included: low motivation, ineffective goal-seeking strategies, absence of psychopathic cognition, high levels of general distress and competency to engage. CONCLUSIONS Internal factors of the MORM could be useful contributors to decisions about treatment readiness for hospitalised male offender-patients. Up to one in three programmes offered were refused, so clinical use of the MORM to aid referral decisions could optimise the most constructive use of resources for every individual. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A companionship between strangers – learning from fellow people with cancer in oncology wards.

AIM An identification and discussion of learning from experience among hospitalized people with cancer. BACKGROUND A good deal of literature focuses on the fact that the needs of patients for information about their disease and treatment should be met by healthcare professionals. Less attention is given to the kind of information that can be provided by personal experience. Patient-patient interaction as a learning situation has not been identified in current research. DESIGN The study methodology was qualitative and influenced by ethnography. METHOD A qualitative approach with participant observation and qualitative interviews was used. From a total of 85 observed people with cancer, ten men and ten women were interviewed in 2010-2011. Data were analysed using qualitative data analysis inspired by Ian Dey and structured using NVivo9. FINDINGS The hospitalized patients learnt about life with cancer from sharing information and personal experiences with fellow patients. Information from fellow patients was complementary to information given by healthcare professionals. Sharing personal experiences led patients to oscillate between four general response stages: the response of fighting, the response of keeping hope, the response of non-acceptance and the response of capitulation. CONCLUSION Learning from exchanges of experiences with fellow patients provided a better understanding about the disease and was valued because it was first-hand knowledge. Patients' personal experience of disease is an underused resource in nursing.
Seismicity on a fault controlled by rate- and state-dependent friction with spatial variations of the critical slip distance

[1] We perform systematic simulations of slip using a quasi-dynamic continuum model of a two-dimensional (2-D) strike-slip fault governed by rate- and state-dependent friction. The depth dependence of the a − b and L frictional parameters are treated in an innovative way that is consistent with available laboratory data and multidisciplinary field observations. Various realizations of heterogeneous L distributions are used to study effects of structural variations of fault zones on spatiotemporal evolution of slip. We demonstrate that such realizations can produce within the continuum class of models realistic features of seismicity and slip distributions on a fault. We explore effects of three types of variable L distributions: (1) a depth-dependent L profile accounting for the variable width of fault zones with depth, (2) uncorrelated 2-D random distributions of L with different degrees of heterogeneity, and (3) a hybrid distribution combining the depth-dependent L profile with the 2-D random L distributions. The first type of L distribution, with relatively small L over the depth range corresponding to the seismogenic zone and larger L elsewhere, generates stick-slip events in the seismogenic zone and ongoing creep above and below that region. The 2-D heterogeneous parameterizations generate frequency-size statistics with event sizes spanning 4 orders of magnitude. Our results indicate that different degrees of heterogeneity of L distributions control (1) the number of simulated events and (2) the overall stress level and fluctuations. Other observable trends are (3) the dependency of hypocenter location on L and (4) different nucleation phases for small and large events in heterogeneous distributions.
Longitudinal evaluation of upper extremity reachable workspace in ALS by Kinect sensor

Abstract Our objective was to evaluate longitudinal changes in Microsoft Kinect measured upper extremity reachable workspace relative surface area (RSA) versus the revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R), ALSFRS-R upper extremity sub-scale and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) in a cohort of patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Ten patients diagnosed with ALS (ages 52–76 years, ALSFRS-R: 8–41 at entry) were tested using single 3D depth sensor, Microsoft Kinect, to measure reachable workspace RSA across five visits spanning one year. Changes in RSA, ALSFRS-R, ALSFRS-R upper extremity sub-scale, and FVC were assessed using a linear mixed model. Results showed that upper lateral quadrant RSA declined significantly in one year by approximately 19% (p <0.01) while all other quadrants and total RSA did not change significantly in this time-period. Simultaneously, ALSFRS-R upper extremity sub-scale worsened significantly by 25% (p <0.01). In conclusion, upper extremity reachable workspace RSA as a novel ALS outcome measure is capable of objectively quantifying declines in upper extremity ability over time in patients with ALS with more granularity than other common outcome measures. RSA may serve as a clinical endpoint for the evaluation of upper extremity targeted therapeutics.
EGF and NGF injected into the brain of old mice enhance BDNF and ChAT in proliferating subventricular zone

The response of cells localized in the brain subventricular zone (SVZ) to growth factor stimulation has been largely described for development and adult life, whereas no information on their behavior during aging is available. To address the question of whether the cells in the SVZ of old mice respond to the intracerebroventricular administration of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), we studied the distribution of proliferating cells and the effects on ChAT and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) synthesis in forebrain and SVZ. It was found that the conjoint administration of EGF + NGF produced a major increase in ChAT expression in both forebrain and SVZ. The ChAT mRNA levels and the number of ChAT positive cells localized in the ventricular border and in the parenchyma of SVZ area were also increased significantly in the mice receiving EGF + NGF. Enhanced numbers of SVZ cells expressing proliferative markers were also discovered in EGF + NGF treated mice and some of these cells expressed cholinergic markers, as demonstrated by double immunostaining. In addition, EGF and NGF treatments significantly upregulate BDNF protein and mRNA levels in this brain region. The present study demonstrates that cells localized in SVZ of aged mouse brain retain the capacity to respond to EGF and NGF and that after stimulation with these two growth factors, the synthesis of ChAT and BDNF also increases. The implication that cells of the SVZ remain a reservoir of cholinergic and BDNF‐positive neurons in aged brain opens a new perspective for understanding the role of growth factors during neurodegenerative disorders associated with aging. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrastructural study of cytochrome oxidase in oncocytoma.

Light, electron microscopic, enzyme histochemical and ultracytochemical studies were performed on specimens of oncocytoma, obtained from an asymptomatic mass in the right parotid gland of a 61 year old Japanese female. With the light microscope, the diagnosis was benign oncocytoma. Electron microscopically, the cytoplasm was filled with a vast number of mitochondria, with numerous cristae, some of which contained glycogen particles. The tumor cells showed a strong activity of histochemically demonstrable cytochrome oxidase. At ultrastructural level for the demonstration of cytochrome oxidase, using DAB, many of the mitochondria had reaction product, which was restricted only to the cristae and the intracristal space. Also, the glycogen-containing-mitochondria had the enzyme activity on the cristae and in the intracristal space. The mitochondria of oncocytes could have considerably active function. These results suggest that oncocytoma which is characterized by numerous mitochondria could be in hyperactive function rather than degeneration.
Promoting pneumococcal immunizations among rural Medicare beneficiaries using multiple strategies.

CONTEXT Vaccine-preventable diseases among adults are major contributing causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. However, adult immunizations continue to be underutilized in both urban and rural areas. PURPOSE To evaluate the effectiveness of a community-wide education campaign and mailed reminders promoting pneumococcal immunizations to rural Medicare beneficiaries. METHODS We implemented a community-wide education campaign, and mailed reminders were sent to Medicare beneficiaries in 1 media market in Montana to increase pneumococcal immunizations. In a second distinct media market, mailed reminders only were sent to beneficiaries. FINDINGS The proportion of respondents aged 65 years and older aware of pneumococcal immunizations increased significantly from baseline to follow-up among respondents both in the education-plus-reminder (63% to 78%, P = 0.04) and the reminder-only (64% to 74%, P = 0.05) markets. Overall from 1998 to 1999, there was a 3.7-percentage-point increase in pneumococcal immunization claims for Medicare beneficiaries in the education-plus-reminder market and a 1.5-percentage-point increase in the reminder-only market. Medicare beneficiaries sent reminders in the education-plus-reminder market compared to those in the reminder-only market were more likely to have a claim for pneumococcal immunization in 1999 (odds ratio 1.18, 95% confidence interval 1.08 to 1.28). The results suggest that these quality improvement strategies (community education plus reminders and reminders alone) modestly increased pneumococcal immunization awareness and pneumococcal immunization among rural adults. Mailed reminder exposure was associated with an increased prevalence of pneumococcal immunizations between 1998 and 1999 and was augmented somewhat by the education campaign.
Apparent and standardised ileal amino acid digestibility of wheat distillers dried grains with solubles with or without exogenous protease in broilers and turkeys

Abstract The apparent (AIAAD) and standardised ileal amino acid digestibility (SIAAD) of wheat distillers dried grains with solubles (wheat-DDGS) was determined for broilers and turkeys at 28 d using two experiments. A total of 84 male Ross 308 broiler chicks (Experiment 1) or 84 male BUT 10 turkey poults (Experiment 2) were offered a nutrient-adequate diet from d 1 to 23. On d 23, birds in each experiment were allocated to 4 treatments consisting of a nitrogen-free diet (NFD) (with or without protease) and an assay diet containing wheat-DDGS as the only source of amino acids (with or without protease) in a randomised complete block design. In Experiments 1 and 2, the coefficient of AIAAD or SIAAD of Lys and Asp were low irrespective of protease. In Experiment 1, the coefficient of AIAAD ranged from 0.35 (Ala) to 0.75 (Pro) without protease, whereas the range was 0.42 (Thr) to 0.82 (Pro) with protease. Protease improved the coefficient of AIAAD for Arg and Pro and tended to improve the coefficient of AIAAD for Met. Without protease, the coefficient of SIAAD ranged from 0.51 (Ala) to 0.84 (Pro), whereas the range was from 0.65 (Ala) to 0.93 (Pro) with protease. Protease improved the coefficient of SIAAD of Arg, Leu, Phe, Met, Val and Pro. In Experiment 2, the coefficient of AIAAD was lower than 0.50 for all amino acids except for Glu (0.70) and Pro (0.81) without protease. On the other hand, the coefficient of SIAAD ranged from 0.41 (Thr) to 0.89 (Pro) without protease, whereas the range was from 0.56 (Arg) to 0.88 (Pro) with protease supplementation. With the exception of Cys and Pro, protease improved the coefficient of AIAAD and SIAAD of all other amino acids by 0.05–0.19. It was concluded that the AIAAD and SIAAD of wheat-DDGS are variable and are generally greater in broilers compared to turkeys at 28 d of age. Protease improved the ileal digestibility of a large number of amino acids in wheat-DDGS for broilers and turkeys.
Tibial Mononeuropathy from a Lower Limb Synovial Cyst

Abstract Background Tibial mononeuropathy due to compression by a synovial cyst is uncommon with fewer than 10 cases reported in the literature. Method Case Study. Results Tibial motor mononeuropathy with focal conduction block between the popliteal fossa and ankle was identified by electrophysiological testing. Magnetic resonance imaging and surgical exploration identified a synovial cyst compressing the nerve just distal to the popliteal fossa. Conclusions The combination of electrophysiological localization and imaging in cases of unexplained tibial mononeuropathy may identify an unexpected structural cause.
Early antidepressant effect of memantine during augmentation of lamotrigine inadequate response in bipolar depression: a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial

Anand A, Gunn AD, Barkay G, Karne HS, Nurnberger JI, Mathew SJ, Ghosh S. Early antidepressant effect of memantine during augmentation of lamotrigine inadequate response in bipolar depression: a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 64–70. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
Initiation and Evolution of Plate Tectonics on Earth : Theories and Observations

The inception of plate tectonics on Earth and its subsequent evolution are discussed on the basis of theoretical considerations and observational constraints. The likelihood of plate tectonics in the past depends on what mechanism is responsible for the relatively constant surface heat flux that is indicated by the likely thermal history of Earth. The continuous operation of plate tectonics throughout Earth’s history is possible if, for example, the strength of convective stress in the mantle is affected by the gradual subduction of surface water. Various geological indicators for the emergence of plate tectonics are evaluated from a geodynamical perspective, and they invariably involve certain implicit assumptions about mantle dynamics, which are either demonstrably wrong or yet to be explored. The history of plate tectonics is suggested to be intrinsically connected to the secular evolution of the atmosphere, through sea-level changes caused by ocean-mantle interaction. 117 A nn u. R ev . E ar th P la ne t. Sc i. 20 13 . 4 1: 11 715 1. D ow nl oa de d fr om w w w . a nn ua lr ev ie w s. or g by Y al e U ni ve rs ity S O C IA L S C IE N C E L IB R A R Y o n 06 /0 3/ 13 . F or p er so na l u se o nl y. EA41CH06-Korenaga ARI 19 April 2013 12:36
Polymorphisms in the Fc Gamma Receptor IIIA and Toll-Like Receptor 9 Are Associated with Protection against Severe Malarial Anemia and Changes in Circulating Gamma Interferon Levels

ABSTRACT An understanding of the immunogenetic basis of naturally acquired immunity to Plasmodium falciparum infection would aid in the designing of a rationally based malaria vaccine. Variants within the Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) mediate immunity through engagement of immunoglobulin G and other immune mediators, such as gamma interferon (IFN-γ), resulting in erythrophagocytosis and production of inflammatory cytokines in severe malarial anemia (SMA). The Toll-like receptors (TLRs) trigger transcription of proinflammatory cytokines and induce adaptive immune responses. Therefore, these receptors may condition malaria disease pathogenesis through alteration in adaptive and innate immune responses. To further delineate the impacts of FcγRIIIA and TLR9 in SMA pathogenesis, the associations between FcγRIIIA −176F/V and TLR9 −1237T/C variants, SMA (hemoglobin [Hb] < 6.0 g/dl), and circulating IFN-γ levels were investigated in children (n = 301) from western Kenya with acute malaria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis (controlling for potential confounders) revealed that children with the FcγRIIIA −176V/TLR9 −1237C (VC) variant combination had 64% reduced odds of developing SMA (odds ratio [OR], 0.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20 to 0.64; P = 0.001), while carriers of the FcγRIIIA −176V/TLR9 −1237T (VT) variant combination were twice as susceptible to SMA (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.19 to 3.50; P = 0.009). Children with SMA had higher circulating IFN-γ levels than non-SMA children (P = 0.008). Hemoglobin levels were negatively correlated with IFN-γ levels (r = −0.207, P = 0.022). Consistently, the FcγRIIIA −176V/TLR9 −1237T (VT) carriers had higher levels of circulating IFN-γ (P = 0.011) relative to noncarriers, supporting the observation that higher IFN-γ levels are associated with SMA. These results demonstrate that FcγRIIIA-176F/V and TLR9 −1237T/C variants condition susceptibility to SMA and functional changes in circulating IFN-γ levels.
Automatic invariant detection in dynamic web applications

The complexity of modern web applications increases as client-side JavaScript and dynamic DOM programming are used to offer a more interactive web experience. In this paper, we focus on improving the dependability of such applications by automatically inferring invariants from the client-side and using those invariants for testing. By combining JavaScript code instrumentation and tracing we infer runtime program invariants. Furthermore, we dynamically analyze DOM-trees and use learning algorithms to detect template-based invariants per user interface state, across various states, as well as across multiple execution runs. Our open source implementation of the technique is agnostic to server-side technology and capable of automatically using the detected invariants for testing web applications. We demonstrate through a series of case studies that (1) codelevel and structural invariants exist in web applications with a large client-side state, (2) they can be automatically detected, (3) they can serve as regression test oracles
Essential Thrombocythemia-Related Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Essential thrombocythemia is a clonal disorder of the myeloid stem cell that causes pathologic expansion of the megakaryocytic elements in the bone marrow, with a persistent increase in the platelet count. The disease is associated with an elevated risk of thrombosis, hemorrhage, and vasomotor symptoms. The presenting features of essential thrombocythemia can range from being asymptomatic to thrombohemorrhagic complications including acute myocardial infarction. Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction due to left main trunk and ostial left anterior descending coronary artery lesions was diagnosed in a young 31-year-old man. Platelet count was markedly increased and essential thrombocythemia was also diagnosed. Because of left main disease, primary coronary intervention was not feasible and an emergent coronary artery bypass grafting was performed along with pharmacologic management of essential thrombocythemia. The early postoperative period was complicated by acute pulmonary embolism. Hydroxyurea and anagrelide were administered postoperatively, resulting in the decrease of platelet count. A succinct review of myocardial infarction in patients with essential thrombocythemia is presented, and therapeutic strategies in such patients are discussed.
The significance of abnormal bacterial proliferation in the gastrointestinal tract after gastric surgery.

The juices of the stomach or stomach remnant and of the jejunum of twenty-one patients who had undergone gastroenterostomy and twenty-six patients with partial gastrectomy have been studied for the presence of faecal type organisms as represented by Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus faecalis and Clostridium welchii. In the postgastrectomy cases faecal type organisms were commonly found in abnormal concentrations. After gastroenterostomy with vagotomy the bacteriological findings were very similar. It was not possible to show any relationship between the presence of steatorrhoea, diarrhoea, and impaired absorption of vitamin B12 and the finding of abnormal numbers of these organisms. The possible effect on the bacteriological findings of the achlorhydria which was commonly found in these patients is discussed.