Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Above-ground biomass and productivity in a rain forest of eastern South America

Abstract The dynamics of tropical forest woody plants was studied at the Nouragues Field Station, central French Guiana. Stem density, basal area, above-ground biomass and above-ground net primary productivity, including the contribution of litterfall, were estimated from two large permanent census plots of 12 and 10 ha, established on contrasting soil types, and censused twice, first in 1992–1994, then again in 2000–2002. Mean stem density was 512 stems ha−1 and basal area, 30 m2 ha−1. Stem mortality rate ranged between 1.51% and 2.06% y−1. In both plots, stem density decreased over the study period. Using a correlation between wood density and wood hardness directly measured by a Pilodyn wood tester, we found that the mean wood density was 0.63 g cm−3, 12% smaller than the mean of wood density estimated from the literature values for the species occurring in our plot. Above-ground biomass ranged from 356 to 398 Mg ha−1 (oven-dry mass), and it increased over the census period. Leaf biomass was 6.47 Mg ha−1. Our total estimate of aboveground net primary productivity was 8.81 MgC ha−1 y−1 (in carbon units), not accounting for loss to herbivory, branchfalls, or biogenic volatile organic compounds, which may altogether account for an additional 1 MgC ha−1 y−1. Coarse wood productivity (stem growth plus recruitment) contributed to 4.16 MgC ha−1 y−1. Litterfall contributed to 4.65 MgC ha−1 y−1 with 3.16 MgC ha−1 y−1 due to leaves, 1.10 MgC ha−1 y−1 to twigs, and 0.39 MgC ha−1 y−1 to fruits and flowers. The increase in above-ground biomass for both trees and lianas is consistent with the hypothesis of a shift in the functioning of Amazonian rain forests driven by environmental changes, although alternative hypotheses such as a recovery from past disturbances cannot be ruled out at our site, as suggested by the observed decrease in stem density.
INTERPRETIVE STRATEGIES OF NOUN-NOUN COMBINATIONS

Conceptual combination refers to the cognitive process by which people combine two or more concepts to represent a new conceptual entity. Literature has studied the primary interpretive strategies of a conceptual combination denoted by two nouns (e.g., robin snake): relation-linking (e.g., a robin snake is a snake that eats robins) and property-mapping (e.g., a robin snake is a snake that has red breast). This study examined two factors in relation to the choice of interpretive strategies in human cognition: familiarity with the combination and abstractness of the two constituent concepts. A total of 49 participants evaluated 240 noun-noun combinations. Both familiarity and the abstractness of the constituent concepts were found positively associated with the likelihood of the choice of relation-linking  Correspondence and requests for reprints: Bing Ran, School of Public Affairs, Penn State Harrisburg, 777 W. Harrisburg Pike Middletown, PA 17057 USA, Email: BINGRAN@Psu.Edu, Phone: 717 948 6057, Fax: 717 948 6320. Xu Xu and Bing Ran 128 strategy. In addition, the abstractness of the modifiers was more predictive of the likelihood than the abstractness of the head nouns, suggesting that the cognitive process of combining concepts is largely influenced by the characteristics of component concepts.
TITLE: Inhibition of Prostate Tumor Cell Invasiveness by Chemically Modified Tetracyclines with Broad Spectrum Antiproteinase Activity PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR:

COLO 205 is a cell line derived from a human colon carcinoma with high degradative activity towards extracellular matrix (ECM). It has been shown that COLO 205 cells produce matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs are a family of enzymes known to degrade components of the ECM and have been implicated in tumor invasion. In the present study, we have analyzed the multiple effects of chemically modified tetracyclines (CMTs) on the expression and activity of MMPs secreted by COLO 205 cells in vitro with the aim of evaluating these compounds for potential use in management ot invasive tumors. Because COLO 205 cells can degrade an interstitial ECM in serum-free medium in vitro, we have been able to compare the effects of the tetracyclines on this measure of invasive activity with their effects on proteinase expression and activity. We demonstrate here that one of the chemically modified tetracyclines, 6-deoxy-6demethyl-4-de(dimethylamino)tetracycr,ne (CMT-3) can effectively inhibit ECM degradation mediated by COLO 205 cells or their conditioned medium. Gelatin zymography and immunoblots show that CMT-3 has the ability to inhibit release of MMP-2 into conditioned medium as well as to inhibit MMP-2 gelat.nolytic activity which correlates with the results from ECM degradation assays. On the basis of our findings with COLO 205 cells we have expanded our evaluation of the tetracyclines to include effects on a genetically engineered line of MDA-MB-231 breast tumor cells overexpressing MMP-9 at levels over tenfold those of the parent cell line, and on three human prostate tumor cell lines, LNCaP, DU-145, and PC-3. We show here that CMT-3 displays multiple modes of action: inhibiting MMP activity, reducing levels of MMP expression, and exhibiting selective cytotoxicity towards some of the tumor cell lines.
Monitoring ice shelf velocities from repeat MODIS and Landsat data - a method study on the Larsen C ice shelf, Antarctic Peninsula, and 10 other ice shelves around Antarctica

We investigate the velocity field of the Larsen C ice shelf, Antarctic Peninsula, over the periods 2002-2006 and 2006-2009 based on repeat optical satellite data. The velocity field of the entire ice shelf is measured using repeat low resolution MODIS data (250 m spatial resolution). The measurements are validated for two ice shelf sections against repeat medium resolution Landsat 7 ETM+ pan data (15 m spatial resolution). Horizontal surface velocities are obtained through image matching using both orientation correlation operated in the frequency domain and normalized crosscor- relation operated in the spatial domain, and the two methods compared. The uncertainty in the displacement measure- ments turns out to be about one fourth of the pixel size for the MODIS derived data, and about one pixel for the Land- sat derived data. The difference between MODIS and Land- sat based speeds is 15.4 m a 1 and 13.0 m a 1 , respectively, for the first period for the two different validation sections on the ice shelf, and 26.7 m a 1 and 27.9 m a 1 for the second period for the same sections. This leads us to conclude that repeat MODIS images are well suited to measure ice shelf velocity fields and monitor their changes over time. Orienta- tion correlation seems better suited for this purpose because it produces fewer mismatches, is able to match images with regular noise and data voids, and is faster. Since it can match images with regular data voids it is possible to match Land- sat 7 ETM+ images even after the 2003 failure of the Scan Line Corrector (SLC off) that leaves significant image stripes with no data. Image matching based on the original 12-bit ra- diometric resolution MODIS data produced slightly better re- sults than using the 8-bit version of the same images. Stream- line interpolation from the obtained surface velocity field on Larsen C indicates ice travel times of up to 450 to 550 years between the inland boundary and the ice shelf edge. In a
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF OSCILLATING SD8020 FOIL FOR PROPULSION

The thrust producing performance and efficiency of an SD8020 oscillating foil with a symmetrical saw-tooth angle of attack pitching profile was studied through force and torque measurements, as well as dye flow visualization, in the water tunnel at low Reynolds number of 13,000-16,000. The propulsive efficiency and thrust coefficient of the pitching foil were determined as a function of the Strouhal number, pitch amplitude and angular frequency. A propulsive efficiency of 30% was obtained experimentally at low Strouhal numbers. The flow visualization has revealed different wake patterns at various Strouhal numbers and can be classified into three regimes – a drag wake, a transition wake and a thrust wake. The drag wake consists of a combination of a regular Karman street and an array of ‘primary’ stop-start vortices, whereas the thrust wake consists of a reverse Karman vortex street, commonly observed in swimming fish. The transition wake regime, which occurs at approximately 0.2 < St < 0.5, is interpreted as a momentum balanced wake, where the thrust developed by the foil approximately balances its produced drag. This wake was observed to either consist of an inclined vortex street, or a paired vortex pattern. Based on the force and efficiency data collected, increasing pitch amplitude and angular frequency was associated with a decrease in propulsive efficiency and an increase in thrust forces produced. A high efficiency value of 0.3, accompanied by a thrust coefficient of order one is found at a low pitch amplitude of 10°, angular frequency of 0.79 rad/s and Strouhal number of 0.05. This presented the best conditions for thrust production observed at low Strouhal and Reynolds numbers.
Image analysis methods for localization of visual codes

Az elet szamos teruleten alkalmazunk vizualis kodokat a legkulonfelebb dolgok azonositasara (pl. bolti arucikkek, postai kuldemenyek, aramkori alkatreszek). A kodok nagyon valtozatosak lehetnek tipus (pl. 1D barcode, 2D datamatrix, OCR karaktersorozat), meret (pl. nehany szaz mikron, nehany centimeter, vagy akar 1 meter), es előallitasi technika (pl. nyomtatas, mikrogravirozas) szerint. A kodok letapogatasara leggyakrabban 2D digitalis kameras vagy vonalszkenneres technikakat alkalmaznak. A kodot hordozo felulet torzulasai mellett az egyenetlen megvilagitas es a meres pontatlansagai is komoly problemakat jelentenek a detektalo algoritmusoknak. Mindezek mellett a feldolgozashoz rendelkezesre allo erőforrasok korlatai valamint a feldolgozas sebessegere es pontossagara szabott szigoru feltetelek is komoly kihivasokat jelentenek a gyakorlatban. A disszertacio temaja előfeldolgozasi es kepszűresi modszerek vizsgalata, kulonfele kodot tartalmazo regiok detektalasahoz kep-alapu jellemzők vizsgalata es ujak kidolgozasa, valamint hatekony es megbizhato algoritmusok kifejlesztese, melyek konnyen adaptalhatok kulonfele valodi alkalmazasi teruletekre.
Modeling and Analyzing Multi-Tier Millimeter/Micro Wave Hybrid Caching Networks

In the fifth-generation communication system, millimeter wave (mmWave) networks will coexist with traditional micro wave (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu $ </tex-math></inline-formula>Wave) networks, which allows for higher data transmission rate and better user experience. In this paper, we give a comprehensive framework of mathematical models and analytical methods for multi-tier mmWave and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu $ </tex-math></inline-formula>Wave hybrid caching networks based on stochastic geometry. We propose an association strategy by assuming average biased-received power association and Rayleigh fading. Accordingly, by using a D-ball approximating blockage model of mmWave networks, expressions of the cell association probability and the coverage probability of the hybrid networks are derived. Also, we use the average successful delivery probability as the performance metric to analyze the existing caching placement strategies. Simulation results validate the accuracy of our analytical conclusions.
ASSESSMENT OF β-D-(1→3)-GLUCAN ASSAY FOR DIAGNOSIS OF INVASIVE FUNGAL INFEC- TIONS

Aim: Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are associated with high mortality and morbidity. However, the diagnosis of IFIs in an immunocompromised host is difficult and often missed or delayed. Our aim was to investigate the feasibility of the (1→3)-β-DGlucan assay as a diagnostic complement for IFIs. Methods: We reviewed the records of all inpatients in various units at Erciyes University’s Medical Faculty Hospital (Kayseri, Turkey) who had at least one (1→3)-β-D-Glucan assay result from August 2009 to April 2011. According to the criteria of the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group, IFI was classified into three clinical categories: proven, probable, and possible. Serum (1→3)-β-D-Glucan was estimated using the Fungitell assay according to the manufacturer’s instructions (Associates of Cape Cod, East Falmouth, Ma, USA). Optical density index ≥ 80 pg/ml was considered positive. Results: Of the 83 patients who underwent (1→3)-β-D-Glucan assay, five patients were classified as having proven IFI, 18 patients had probable IFI and 20 patients had possible IFI. The overall (proven+probable+possible) sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the BG assay were 81% (95% confidence interval, 67-92%), 88% (95% confidence interval, 73-96%), 88% (95% confidence interval, 73-96%), and 81% (95% confidence interval, 67-92%), respectively. Conclusions: In this study, we evaluated the utility of the (1→3)-β-D-Glucan assay as a diagnostic complement for IFIs. Our results suggest that (1→3)-β-D-Glucan is a beneficial marker for the diagnosis of IFIs.
Modelling the enzyme catalysed substrate conversion in a microbioreactor acting in continuous flow mode

A model for the numerical simulation of the action of microbioreactor acting in the continuous flow mode was developed. The microbioreactor system was mathematically modelled by a two-compartment model based on transient reaction-diffusion equations containing a non-linear term related to the Michaelis–Menten kinetics of the enzymatic reaction. The effectiveness of microbioreactor and the process duration were numerically and partially analytically analysed at transition and steady-state conditions in a wide range of model parameters. The computational simulation was carried out using the finite difference technique. The performed calculations showed nonlinear effects of the internal and external diffusion limitations on the effectiveness and process duration.
TMLE for Marginal Structural Models Based on an Instrument

We consider estimation of a causal effect of a possibly continuous treatment when treatment assignment is potentially subject to unmeasured confounding, but an instrumental variable is available. Our focus is on estimating heterogeneous treatment effects, so that the treatment effect can be a function of an arbitrary subset of the observed covariates. One setting where this framework is especially useful is with clinical outcomes. Allowing the causal dose-response curve to depend on a subset of the covariates, we define our parameter of interest to be the projection of the true dose-response curve onto a user-supplied working marginal structural model. We develop a targeted minimum loss-based estimator (TMLE) of this estimand. Our TMLE can be viewed as a generalization of the two-stage regression method in the instrumental variable methodology to a semiparametric model with minimal assumptions. The asymptotic efficiency and robustness of this substitution estimator is outlined. Through detailed simulations, we demonstrate that our estimator’s finite-sample performance can beat other semiparametric estimators with similar asymptotic properties. In addition, our estimator can greatly outperform standard approaches. For instance, the use of data-adaptive learning to achieve a good fit can lead to both lower bias and lower variance than for an incorrectly specified parametric estimator. Finally, we apply our estimator to a real dataset to estimate the effect of parents’ education on their infant’s health. TMLE for marginal structural models based on an instrument 1
Multisite replication in second language acquisition research: attention to form during listening and reading comprehension

We conducted a multisite replication study with aspects of preregistration in order to explore the feasibility of such an approach in second language (L2) research. To this end, we addressed open questions in a line of research that has examined whether having learners attend to form while reading or listening to a L2 passage interferes with comprehension. Our results are consistent with findings from the specific paradigm that we replicated in that no effects on comprehension were detected in analyses conducted over all sites. However, further investigation is warranted due to site-specific effects and methodological limitations. We found all aspects of the multisite registered replication approach to be useful although the registration component itself appeared to be an especially feasible and valuable first step toward increasing the robustness and generalizability of findings in our field.
Transfemoral amputation, Quality of Life and Prosthetic Function. Studies focusing on individuals with amputation due to reasons other than peripheral vascular disease, with socket or osseointegrated prostheses.

4 List of publications 5 Abbreviations and Definitions 6 Background 8 1. Lower limb amputation and prosthetics 8 2. Prosthetic function 11 3. Health-Related Quality Of Life 14 4. Outcome measures targeted at individuals with LLA 15 5. Osseointegration 15
Prediction Models for Annual U.S. Hurricane Counts

Abstract The authors build on their efforts to understand and predict coastal hurricane activity by developing statistical seasonal forecast models that can be used operationally. The modeling strategy uses May–June averaged values representing the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), the Southern Oscillation index (SOI), and the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation to predict the probabilities of observing U.S. hurricanes in the months ahead (July–November). The models are developed using a Bayesian approach and make use of data that extend back to 1851 with the earlier hurricane counts (prior to 1899) treated as less certain relative to the later counts. Out-of-sample hindcast skill is assessed using the mean-squared prediction error within a hold-one-out cross-validation exercise. Skill levels are compared to climatology. Predictions show skill above climatology, especially using the NAO + SOI and the NAO-only models. When the springtime NAO values are below normal, there is a heightened risk of U.S. hurrica.
(BV, L) HIERARCHICAL MULTISCALE DECOMPOSITION: MODES AND RATES OF CONVERGENCE∗

Abstract. Tadmor, Nezzar and Vese [Eitan Tadmor, Suzanne Nezzar, and Luminita Vese. A multiscale image representation using hierarchical (BV, L) decompositions. Multiscale Model. Simul. , 2(4):554–579, 2004. ] developed a total variation based multiscale method for decomposing a function f ∈ BV into a countable set of features {uk : k = 0, 1, 2 . } associated to a sequence of dyadic scales {λk = λ02 −k : k = 0, 1, 2, . } such that for each k, [uk+1, vk+1] = argmin{λk|Du|+ ‖v‖L2 : u+ v = f}. They showed that f = ∑∞ k=0 uk in L (Ω) and established a rate of convergence W(Ω). In this paper, we establish the rate of convergence in L(Ω) and study the convergence of the series ∑∞ k=0 uk in the weak*, strict and normed topologies of the space of functions with bounded variation. We show that in general, the convergence of the series f = ∑∞ k=0 uk in BV is conditioned by its rate of convergence in L(Ω).
An Efficient Method to Restore Torn Digital Image with Enhanced Resolution

A tear results in local image data loss and a relative shift in the frame between the regions at either side of the tear boundary. This paper proposes algorithms for the digital restoration of images damaged by tear. It describes a method for delineating the tear boundary and for correcting the displacement. For a high-quality image restoration, a missing-data treatment algorithm is used to recover any missing pixel intensities. To construct a high resolution image of the restored image, an interpolation technique is also proposed in this paper. Image interpolation aims in reconstructing a high resolution (HR) image from one or more low resolution (LR) images. It is better to explore the linear relationship among neighboring pixels to reconstruct a high-resolution image from a lowresolution input image. This paper uses an efficient method to determine the local order of the linear model implicitly. According to this theory, a method for performing single image super resolution is proposed by formulating the reconstruction as the recovery of a low rank matrix, which can be solved by the augmented Lagrange multiplier method. In addition, the proposed method can be used to handle noisy data and random perturbations robustly.
Nkhoma, Kennedy and Seymour, Jane and Arthur, Antony (2013) An educational intervention to reduce pain and improve pain management for Malawian people living with HIV/AIDS and their family carers: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials,

Background: Many HIV/AIDS patients experience pain often due to advanced HIV/AIDS infection and side effects of treatment. In sub-Saharan Africa, pain management for people with HIV/AIDS is suboptimal. With survival extended as a direct consequence of improved access to antiretroviral therapy, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS related pain is increasing. As most care is provided at home, the management of pain requires patient and family involvement. Pain education is an important aspect in the management of pain in HIV/AIDS patients. Studies of the effectiveness of pain education interventions for people with HIV/AIDS have been conducted almost exclusively in western countries. Methods/design: A randomised controlled trial is being conducted at the HIV and palliative care clinics of two public hospitals in Malawi. To be eligible, patient participants must have a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS (stage III or IV). Carer participants must be the individual most involved in the patient’s unpaid care. Eligible participants are randomised to either: (1) a 30-minute face-to-face educational intervention covering pain assessment and management, augmented by a leaflet and follow-up telephone call at two weeks; or (2) usual care. Those allocated to the usual care group receive the educational intervention after follow-up assessments have been conducted (wait-list control group). The primary outcome is pain severity measured by the Brief Pain Inventory. Secondary outcomes are pain interference, patient knowledge of pain management, patient quality of life, carer knowledge of pain management, caregiver motivation and carer quality of life. Follow-up assessments are conducted eight weeks after randomisation by palliative care nurses blind to allocation. Discussion: This randomised controlled trial conducted in sub-Saharan Africa among people living with HIV/AIDS and their carers will assess whether a pain education intervention is effective in reducing pain and improving pain management, quality of life and carer motivation. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN72861423.