Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
X-ray computed microtomography characterizes the wound effect that causes sap flow underestimation by thermal dissipation sensors

Insertion of thermal dissipation (TD) sap flow sensors in living tree stems causes damage of the wood tissue, as is the case with other invasive methods. The subsequent wound formation is one of the main causes of underestimation of tree water-use measured by TD sensors. However, the specific alterations in wood anatomy in response to inserted sensors have not yet been characterized, and the linked dysfunctions in xylem conductance and sensor accuracy are still unknown. In this study, we investigate the anatomical mechanisms prompting sap flow underestimation and the dynamic process of wound formation. Successive sets of TD sensors were installed in the early, mid and end stage of the growing season in diffuse- and ring-porous trees, Fagus sylvatica (Linnaeus) and Quercus petraea ((Mattuschka) Lieblein), respectively. The trees were cut in autumn and additional sensors were installed in the cut stem segments as controls without wound formation. The wounded area and volume surrounding each sensor was then visually determined by X-ray computed microtomography (X-ray microCT). This technique allowed the characterization of vessel anatomical transformations such as tyloses formation, their spatial distribution and quantification of reduction in conductive area. MicroCT scans showed considerable formation of tyloses that reduced the conductive area of vessels surrounding the inserted TD probes, thus causing an underestimation in sap flux density (SFD) in both beech and oak. Discolored wood tissue was ellipsoidal, larger in the radial plane, more extensive in beech than in oak, and also for sensors installed for longer times. However, the severity of anatomical transformations did not always follow this pattern. Increased wound size with time, for example, did not result in larger SFD underestimation. This information helps us to better understand the mechanisms involved in wound effects with TD sensors and allows the provision of practical recommendations to reduce biases associated with wounding in field sap flow measurements.
Assessment of Learning Preferences among Indian Undergraduate Dental Students

Objectives: In order to facilitate and optimize learning process, there is need to evaluate preferred choice of teaching methods among dental students, especially in Indian scenario wherein lecturing remains the most commonly employed method of teaching. The aim of the present study was to assess and compare learning approaches among the male and female undergraduate dental students. Methods: The study was conducted among undergraduate dental students of Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Mangalore. Students belonging to the first four years of their professional dental education program were enrolled in the study. A structured, self-administered questionnaire comprising of 9 multiple choice questions apart from the demographic details was employed to assess the dental student’s preferences towards learning. Results: A total of 100 dental students participated in the study. Majority of the respondents preferred lecture classes in the morning hours for 30 minutes. Audiovisual method was the most preferred teaching aid whereas multiple choice questions and periodic tests were most preferred method for evaluation. Significant difference was observed between male and female study subjects in terms of average percentage of the lecture content they were able to understand (p<0.035). Conclusions: The present study holds policy implications for changes in the teaching patterns practiced in current times. Differences among learning preferences of males and females must be considered while selecting teaching methods. There is need to introduce more of active learning programs in order to overcome the drawback of lack of interaction and also to facilitate the learning among all students.
Reporting of adverse events following immunizations in Ghana – Using disproportionality analysis reporting ratios

ABSTRACT Background: Timely reporting of safety information post vaccination is pivotal for the success of any vaccination program. Reports of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) of 6 different vaccinations from Ghana were analysed for signals. Methods: De-identified data from active surveillance for AEFIs after 2009 AH1N1 influenza, yellow fever, meningitis, measles-rubella, pneumococcal-rotavirus and human papilloma virus vaccinations were used. All vaccinations occurred between January 2010 and December 2013. The ten most occurring events for each vaccination were captured and arranged using Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Authorities (MedDRA) Preferred Term (PT) and System Organ Classification (SOC) codes. Adverse event incidence rates were calculated for each vaccine type, and signals were generated using proportional reporting ratios (PRR). Results: A total number of 5,141 reports were analysed ranging from 33 (human papilloma virus) to 1958 (measles-rubella). Between 22% and 55% of all AEFIs per vaccine type were collected on the day of vaccination. For each vaccine type, at least 87% of all reported AEFIs occurred in the first 7 days post-vaccination. Multiple reports were received per vaccine type. For the MR vaccine, urticarial recorded the highest attack rate of 6.6 (95% CI 6.2, 7.1) per 100,000 vaccines. The AEFI with the highest PRR for both human papilloma and measles-rubella vaccines was abdominal pain, recording a PRR of 8.15 (95% CI 3.46, 19.23) and 43.75 (95% CI 17.81, 107.45) respectively. Conclusion: These results underscore the competency of public health systems in sub-Saharan African countries (like Ghana) to identify most frequently occurring and important vaccine related safety issues.
Human Quantitative Electroencephalographic and Schumann Resonance Exhibit Real-Time Coherence of Spectral Power Densities: Implications for Interactive Information Processing

Spectral Power Densities (SPD) within the Quantitative Electroencephalographic (QEEGs) Profiles of 41 men and women displayed repeated transient coherence with the first three modes (7 - 8 Hz, 13 - 14 Hz, and 19 - 20 Hz) of the Schumann Resonance in real time. The duration of the coherence was about 300 ms about twice per min. Topographical map clusters indicated that the domain of maximum coherence was within the right caudal hemisphere near the Parahippocampal gyrus. These clusters, associated with shifts of about 2 μV, became stable about 35 to 45 ms after the onset of the synchronizing event. During the first 10 to 20 ms, the isoelectric lines shifted from clockwise to counterclockwise rotation. The results are consistent with the congruence of the frequency, magnetic field intensity, voltage gradient, and phase shifts that are shared by the human brain and the earth-ionospheric spherical wave guide. Calculations indicated that under certain conditions interactive information processing might occur for brief periods. Natural and technology-based variables affecting the Schumann parameters might be reflected in human brain activity, including modifications of cognition and dream-related memory consolidation.
Toxicity of Local Anesthetics 2005

When properly given, local anesthetics are generally free of side effects. However, systemic or localized toxicity occurs with accidental intravascular injection or by injecting excessive doses (especially intrathecally). Additionally, other adverse effects occur with certain agents, e.g., allergic reactions to the amino-esters, and methemoglobinemia with benzocaine and with high doses of prilocaine.
Theoretical Analysis and Design of Ultrathin Broadband Optically Transparent Microwave Metamaterial Absorbers

Optically Transparent Microwave Metamaterial Absorber (OTMMA) is of significant use in both civil and military field. In this paper, equivalent circuit model is adopted as springboard to navigate the design of OTMMA. The physical model and absorption mechanisms of ideal lightweight ultrathin OTMMA are comprehensively researched. Both the theoretical value of equivalent resistance and the quantitative relation between the equivalent inductance and equivalent capacitance are derived for design. Frequency-dependent characteristics of theoretical equivalent resistance are also investigated. Based on these theoretical works, an effective and controllable design approach is proposed. To validate the approach, a wideband OTMMA is designed, fabricated, analyzed and tested. The results reveal that high absorption more than 90% can be achieved in the whole 6~18 GHz band. The fabricated OTMMA also has an optical transparency up to 78% at 600 nm and is much thinner and lighter than its counterparts.
Biological parameters of onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman on onion cultivars

Biological parameters of the onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman were studied on the following onion (Allium cepa L.) cultivars: Nasik Red Plus N-53, Onion Dr-301 (Krishna), Onion White, and Nasik Red, at 25±1oC and 65±5% RH. Signifi cant (p < 0.05) diff erences were found in the life stages and fertility life tables on diff erent cultivars except in the pupal stages. More information about the biological parameters of T. tabaci on onion cultivars can help in designing Integrated Pest Management programs for onion thrips.
Work, retirement, and muscle strength loss in old age

Reduced muscle strength is an accurate predictor of functional limitations, disability, and mortality. Hence, understanding which socio-economic factors contribute to preserve muscle strength in old age is central to the design of social policies that help reducing these health risks. Using data on handgrip strength collected by the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe for the population of Europeans aged 50+ and the exogenous variation in pension eligibility age across countries over time, we estimate that the retirement transition has a short-term positive causal effect on muscle strength. However, this protective effect is not persistent, as retirement speeds up the age-related trend in muscle strength loss, especially for blue-collar workers and males. The "holy grail" of early retirement may not be such a good deal for retirees' longevity and physical functioning late in life.
Correlates of physician trust among rural older adults with diabetes.

OBJECTIVES To examine the demographic, health and diabetes management correlates of physician trust in a rural, multiethnic population with diabetes. METHODS 563 older (≥ 60 years) African American, American Indian and White adults completed in-home surveys, including the 11-item General Trust in Physicians Scale. RESULTS Higher trust scores were seen among: older (>75) participants (p < .01), those with fewer (<3) chronic health conditions (p < .01), and those who adhered to physical activity (p < .05) and dilated eye exam (p < .01) guidelines; the latter remained significant (eye exam, p = .019) or approached significance (physical activity, p = .051) after adjustment for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS Physician trust may influence patient adherence to diabetes management recommendations. Efforts should be made to build trust in the patient-provider relationship to enhance patient outcomes.
Decreased generation of C‐terminal fragments of ApoER2 and increased reelin expression in Alzheimer's disease

Increasing evidence indicates that altered reelin signaling could contribute to synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We found that reelin protein and mRNA levels were increased in the AD brain (particularly at advanced Braak stages in apolipoprotein E4 noncarriers), compared with that of control subjects. The β‐amyloid (Aβ) protein impairs reelin activity and increases reelin expression through a mechanism that is not yet understood. To explore that mechanism, we examined the effect of Aβ aa 1–42 (Aβ42) on DNA methylation of the RELN promoter and the processing of reelin receptor apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2) in differentiated SH‐SY5Y cells because ApoER2 C‐terminal fragments (CTFs), generated after reelin binding, regulate reelin expression. We found that Aβ42 decreased nuclear levels of DNA‐methyltransferase 1. However, RELN promoter methylation did not change in Aβ42‐ treated cells or in AD brain extracts. Instead, the levels of ApoER2‐CTF appeared significantly lower in Aβ42‐treated cells and in AD extracts from advanced Braak stages of apolipoprotein E4 noncarriers. Our data show that ApoER2‐ CTF levels are decreased, whereas reelin expression is increased in AD brain at advanced Braak stages and after Aβ treatment, supporting the view that ApoER2‐CTF exerts a modulatory role on reelin expression. —Mata‐Balaguer, T. , Cuchillo‐Ibañez, I. , Calero, M. , Ferrer, I. , Sáez‐Valero, J. Decreased generation of C‐terminal fragments of ApoER2 and increased reelin expression in Alzheimer's disease. FASEB J. 32, 3536–3546 (2018). www.fasebj. org
Prediction of phonon-mediated superconductivity in hole-doped black phosphorus

We study the conventional electron–phonon mediated superconducting properties of hole-doped black phosphorus by density functional calculations and get quite a large electron–phonon coupling (EPC) constant λ ~ 1.0 with transition temperature TC ~ 10 K, which is comparable to MgB2 when holes are doped into the degenerate and nearly flat energy bands around the Fermi level. We predict that the softening of low-frequency B3g1 optical mode and its phonon displacement, which breaks the lattice nonsymmorphic symmetry of gliding plane and lifts the band double degeneracy, lead to a large EPC. These factors are favorable for BCS superconductivity.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in car and house dust from Thailand: Implication for human exposure

ABSTRACT This study examines concentrations of tri- to hexa-bromodiphenylethers (BDEs 17, 28, 47, 49, 66, 85, 99, 100, 153 and 154; Σ10PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers)) in car (n = 30) and house dust samples (n = 53) collected from different provinces in Thailand. The specific objectives of this study were: (i) to monitor levels of tri- to hexa-bromodiphenylethers (BDEs 17, 28, 47, 49, 66, 85, 99, 100, 153 and 154; Σ10PBDEs) in vehicle and residential dust sampled from various provinces in Thailand; (ii) to compare PBDE concentrations with those detected for domestic and automobile dust in studies from other countries and (iii) to estimate exposure of the Thai population to the target PBDEs via dust ingestion. Levels of Σ10PBDEs in vehicle and domestic dust were 0.68–38 and 0.59–260 ng g−1, respectively. BDEs 99 and 47 were the most abundant congeners in all automobile and residential dust samples. A t-test analysis indicated that Σ10PBDE concentrations in dust samples from dwellings exceeded significantly those from cars (p = 0.001). Furthermore, contents in dust of all PBDEs studied, except for BDE-28, were significantly higher in homes than in vehicles (p = 0.000–0.004). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) demonstrated no differences in PBDE congener patterns between Thai house and automobile dust, but revealed some subtle differences in the congener pattern between household dust samples in Thailand and those reported previously for the United Kingdom. Estimated environmental exposure of Thai adults and children for BDE-99 via dust ingestion were well within a chronic oral reference dose (RfD) for BDE-99 (100 ng/kg bw/day) proposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA).
A study of pediatric brain tumors and their association with epilepsy and anticonvulsant use.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the risk of childhood brain tumor occurrence in relation to epilepsy and anticonvulsant use. STUDY DESIGN As part of a multicenter case-control study of pediatric brain tumors, maternal report on epilepsy occurrence before diagnosis of her child's brain tumor was collected for 540 cases and compared with 801 control children. Mothers also reported on any long-term (> or = 2 weeks) use of medications by her child before the date of tumor diagnosis (or a comparable reference date for controls) and these medications were classified according to whether they contained barbiturates. RESULTS As expected, because seizures are often an early brain tumor symptom, a strong association was observed between epilepsy and brain tumor occurrence (odds ratio, OR = 6.2; 95% confidence limit, CL = 2.9, 14). The association remained elevated even after a > or = 10-year interval between diagnoses of epilepsy and brain tumor (OR = 4.7; CL = 0.8, 48). Elevated odds ratios were observed both for epileptic children who were treated with anticonvulsants containing barbiturates (OR = 5.8; CL = 2.2, 18) and for those not treated with barbiturates (OR = 7.9; CL = 1.7, 74), relative to nonepileptic children. CONCLUSION Whereas most of the brain tumor risk associated with epilepsy may be due to occult tumors, the finding of an elevated risk many years after diagnosis of epilepsy is of interest.
Lead inhalation and hepatic damage: Morphological and functional evaluation in mice

Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal that plays an unknown biological role and is very toxic even at low concentrations. The main sources of Pb are Pb-contaminated areas in industrial areas or landfills. Inhalation is one of the most common routes of exposure to this metal, but there is little information on its effect on the liver. Thirty male mice were exposed to 0.1 M Pb acetate by inhalation for 8 weeks, twice a week for 1h. A recovery group was free of exposure for 4 weeks. Histological evaluation showed an increase in the inflammatory infiltrate and in the percentage of meganuclei in the liver. This was observed since the first week and throughout the whole exposure time. A significant increase in the aspartate aminotransferase concentration was observed in the liver function tests; yet, the alanine aminotransferase concentration did not show significant changes. The 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and nitrotyrosine levels in Pb-exposed mice, identified by immunohistochemistry, showed a significant increment compared to the controls. This effect was observed throughout Pb exposure. After a 4-week period of suspended exposure, recovery time, the concentration of 4-HNE and nitrotyrosine decreased to similar levels of those previously observed in controls, this suggests a decrease in the generation of oxidative stress by Pb inhalation. Although our results suggest that the lungs are the first contact organs and filters during Pb inhalation, this metal eventually reaches the liver and might cause damage by oxidative stress. This damage can decrease in time if exposure is discontinued.
Effects of Water Hardness on Urinary Risk Factors for Kidney Stones in Patients with Idiopathic Nephrolithiasis

Both amount and timing of dietary calcium intake influence the recurrence of renal calcium stones. We have evaluated whether the hardness of extra meal drinking water modifies the risk for calcium stones. The urinary levels of calcium, oxalate and citrate, i.e., the main urinary risk factors for calcium stones, were measured in 18 patients with idiopathic nephrolithiasis, maintained at fixed dietary intake of calcium (800 mg/day), after drinking for 1 week 2 liters per day, between meals, of tap water and at the end of 1 week of the same amount of bottled hard (Ca2+ 255 mg/l) or soft (Ca2+ 22 mg/l, Fiuggi water) water, in a double-blind randomized, crossover fashion. As compared with both tap and soft water, hard water was associated with a significant 50% increase of the urinary calcium concentration in the absence of changes of oxalate excretion; the calcium-citrate index revealed a significant threefold increase during ingestion of hard water as compared with respect to soft water (Fiuggi water), making the latter preferable even when compared with tap water. This study suggests that, in the preventive approach to calcium nephrolithiasis, the extra meal intake of soft water is preferable to hard water, since it is associated with a lower risk for recurrence of calcium stones.
An Exploratory Reanalysis of the Randomized Trial on Efficacy of Corticosteroids as Rescue Therapy for the Late Phase of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome*

Objectives: In the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Network randomized controlled trial, methylprednisolone treatment was associated with increased return to mechanical ventilation with partial loss of early improvements. We hypothesize a causal relationship between protocol-driven rapid discontinuation of methylprednisolone post extubation and return to mechanical ventilation. To explore this possibility, we investigated the timing that events occurred in each treatment arm during active treatment intervention (efficacy) and after stopping therapy. Design and Settings: Retrospective intention-to-treat analysis of multicenter randomized controlled trial. Patients and Interventions: Patients were randomized to methylprednisolone (2 mg/kg/d) or placebo (89 vs 91). The target sample size was reduced post hoc and provided 80% power for an optimistic 50% mortality reduction. Measurements and Main Results: Findings are reported as methylprednisolone versus placebo. By day 28, fewer patients died before achieving extubation (15.7% vs 25.3% and risk ratio, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.34–1.13), more achieved successful extubation (71.9% vs 49.5% and risk ratio, 1.45; CI, 1.14–1.85), time to successful extubation was shorter (hazard ratio, 2.05; CI, 1.42–2.96), and more were discharged alive from the ICU (65.2% vs 48.3%; risk ratio, 1.35; CI, 1.04–1.75). After treatment discontinuation, more methylprednisolone-treated patients returned to mechanical ventilation (26.6% vs 6.7%; risk ratio, 3.98; CI, 1.24–12.79)—consistent with reconstituted systemic inflammation in the presence of adrenal suppression. Participants returning to mechanical ventilation without reinstitution of methylprednisolone had increased risk of ventilator dependence and mortality. Despite loss of early benefits, methylprednisolone was associated with sizable and significant improvements in all secondary outcomes and reduction in serious complications (shock and severe infections). Conclusions: During active intervention, methylprednisolone was safe and effective in achieving disease resolution. Our findings support rapid glucocorticoid discontinuation post extubation as likely cause of disease relapse. Gradual tapering might be necessary to preserve the significant improvements achieved during methylprednisolone administration.
Commentary: Usability—A Sensitizing Concept

In his article “The Usability Construct: A Dead End? ” Noam Tractinsky (Human–Computer Interaction 2017) contends that for scientific research on usability to progress, the usability construct should be unbundled and replaced by welldefined constructs. This contention is presented as the conclusion that follows naturally from taking a scientist’s viewpoint on usability. Similar calls for definitive concepts—constructs in Tractinsky’s terminology—have been made in other scientific fields with concepts as ambiguous as that of usability. But counterarguments have also been presented. About halfway through his article “What Is Wrong with Social Theory? ”, Blumer (1954) wrote, “There still remains what I am forced to recognize as the most important question of all, namely whether definitive concepts are suited to the study of our empirical world” (p. 7). Tractinsky never considers this question, except by acknowledging that people other than scientists may not need a definitive concept of usability. Blumer’s perspective, however, is unconditionally scientific. His reservations toward definitive concepts follow from the basic observation that concepts are abstractions over empirical instances with a distinctive, particular, and unique character: