Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plant hydraulics, stomatal control, and the response of a tropical forest to water stress over multiple temporal scales

Many tropical regions are experiencing an intensification of drought, with increasing severity and frequency. The ecosystem response to these changes is still highly uncertain. On short time scales (from diurnal to seasonal), tropical forests respond to water stress by physiological controls, such as stomatal regulation and phenological adjustment, to cope with increasing atmospheric water demand and reduced water supply. However, the interactions among biological processes and co‐varying environmental factors that determine the ecosystem‐level fluxes are still unclear. Furthermore, climate variability at longer time scales, such as that generated by ENSO, produces less predictable effects because it depends on a highly stochastic combination of factors that might vary among forests and even between events in the same forest. This study will present some emerging patterns of response to water stress from 5 years of water, carbon, and energy fluxes observed on a seasonal tropical forest in central Panama, including an increase in productivity during the 2015 El Niño. These responses depend on the combination of environmental factors experienced by the forest throughout the seasonal cycle, in particular, increase in solar radiation, stimulating productivity, and increasing vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and decreasing soil moisture, limiting stomata opening. These results suggest a critical role of plant hydraulics in mediating the response to water stress over a broad range of temporal scales (diurnal, intraseasonal, seasonal, and interannual), by acclimating canopy conductance to light and VPD during different soil moisture regimes. A multilayer photosynthesis model coupled with a plant hydraulics scheme can reproduce these complex responses. However, results depend critically on parameters regulating water transport efficiency and the cost of water stress. As these costs have not been properly identified and quantified yet, more empirical research is needed to elucidate physiological mechanisms of hydraulic failure and recover, for example embolism repair and xylem regrowth.
The impact of transfer learning on 3D deep learning convolutional neural network segmentation of the hippocampus in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease subjects

Research on segmentation of the hippocampus in magnetic resonance images through deep learning convolutional neural networks (CNNs) shows promising results, suggesting that these methods can identify small structural abnormalities of the hippocampus, which are among the earliest and most frequent brain changes associated with Alzheimer disease (AD). However, CNNs typically achieve the highest accuracy on datasets acquired from the same domain as the training dataset. Transfer learning allows domain adaptation through further training on a limited dataset. In this study, we applied transfer learning on a network called spatial warping network segmentation (SWANS), developed and trained in a previous study. We used MR images of patients with clinical diagnoses of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD, segmented by two different raters. By using transfer learning techniques, we developed four new models, using different training methods. Testing was performed using 26% of the original dataset, which was excluded from training as a hold‐out test set. In addition, 10% of the overall training dataset was used as a hold‐out validation set. Results showed that all the new models achieved better hippocampal segmentation quality than the baseline SWANS model (ps < .001), with high similarity to the manual segmentations (mean dice [best model] = 0.878 ± 0.003). The best model was chosen based on visual assessment and volume percentage error (VPE). The increased precision in estimating hippocampal volumes allows the detection of small hippocampal abnormalities already present in the MCI phase (SD = [3.9 ± 0.6]%), which may be crucial for early diagnosis.
“Good Trouble, Necessary Trouble”: Dismantling Oppression through Resistance and Activism Special series: Dismantling Systems of Racism and Oppression during Adolescence Acknowledging Anti-Blackness, Overlooking Anti-Asian Racism: Missed Developmental Opportunities for Chinese American Youth

This paper explores the pathways and barriers to critical consciousness development for Chinese American youth. Thirty-ﬁve interviews conducted in 2020 with high-school-aged students in Chicago were analyzed to better understand young people’s experiences developing an understanding of anti-Asian racism and anti-Blackness. Results indicated that participants overwhelmingly engaged in sustained conversations about Black Lives Matter and/or made efforts to address anti-Blackness within their families, but engaged in limited conversations about anti-Asian racism. Furthermore, conversations at home and school often failed to contextualize anti-Asian racism, speciﬁcally in relation to the experiences of other oppressed groups. Findings highlight a need for research on and practice with Chinese American adolescents to recognize the unique racial positioning of Asian Americans under White supremacy.
A KNOWLEDGE-BASED SYSTEM TO TRAIN THE SOUTH AFRICAN RURAL FARMERS THROUGH A VSAT-ENABLED INTERNET SERVICE

This paper describes an infrastructure to facilitate training the rural farmer and its impact on agricultural income. It describes a distributed communications architecture that connects VSAT-enabled rural telecentres to a central agricultural centre which disseminates information and provides training to farmers on agriculture. This paper recommends the integration of an intelligent tutoring software system for training rural farmers. Taking into consideration that rural areas might not be close to the National Electricity Grid, the project proposes solar energy as an alternative source of energy to power the remote telecentres. This paper looks at wool contamination as an example. Due to limited access to communication and information rural farmers are not well informed on the effects of high levels of contaminants on the price of that wool. When wool, is contaminated the auction prices are decreased
Predicting factors of sexual behaviours at risk of HIV infection among people living with disabilities: a generalized structural equation model

ABSTRACT Many studies have shown the HIV vulnerability of people with disabilities (PWD). This vulnerability is supported by risky sexual behaviours, which need to be well described. The objective of this study is to identify predictors of sexual behaviours at risk of HIV infection among PWD in Burkina Faso. We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study on disability and HIV in four regions in Burkina Faso. PWD were selected through a probabilistic method. The Washington Group Short questionnaire was used to identify PWD. Five sexual risk behaviours were considered in this analysis (having multiple sex partners, starting sex at an early age, having had sex with a nonregular partner, sex in return for payment and condomless sex). A composite variable was created and called “risky sexual behaviour (RSB)”, which was defined in three categories (low risk, moderate risk and high risk) based on the co-occurrence of the individual sexual risk behaviours. Generalized structural equation was used to identify the predictors of RSB withincome possession as a mediator. A total of 973 PWD were included in this study. The proportion of PWD who were engaged in at least two risky sexual behaviours was 9.5% (95%CI: 6.5–13.8), those with one risky sexual behaviour represented 42.8% (95%CI: 39.4–46.3) and less than half ( 47.7% (95%CI: 43.3–52.1)) werenot engaged in risky sexual behaviour. The prevalence of HIV increased with the level of risky sexual behaviour. Age, education level and type of disability have a significant direct effect on RSB. Indeed, the oddof engaging in sexual risk behaviour was low among PWD who attended at least secondary school compared to those who were not schooled (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.62 (95%CI: 0.41–0.92). The indirect effect of sex on RSB mediating by income possession was significant. Indeed, women with income have a low oddof engaging in RSB compared to men (aOR: 0.83 [95%CI: 0.71–0.98]). Our results confirm a certain ambivalence in the sexuality of people with disabilities. Hence, there is a need for a particular focus on risky sexual behaviour to enable the development of an effective HIV strategy in this group.
Finite-Difference Frequency-Domain Method in Nanophotonics

Finite-Difference Frequency-Domain Method in Nanophotonics Optics and photonics are exciting, rapidly developing fields building their success largely on use of more and more elaborate artificially made, nanostructured materials. To further advance our understanding of light-matter interactions in these complicated artificial media, numerical modeling is often indispensable. This thesis presents the development of rigorous finite-difference method, a very general tool to solve Maxwell’s equations in arbitrary geometries in three dimensions, with an emphasis on the frequency-domain formulation. Enhanced performance of the perfectly matched layers is obtained through free space squeezing technique, and nonuniform orthogonal grids are built to greatly improve the accuracy of simulations of highly heterogeneous nanostructures. Examples of the use of the finite-difference frequency-domain method in this thesis range from simulating localized modes in a three-dimensional photonic-crystal membrane-based cavity, a quasi-one-dimensional nanobeam cavity and arrays of side-coupled nanobeam cavities, to modeling light propagation through metal films with single or periodically arranged multiple subwavelength slits.
Chasing the origin of 23 recurrent BRCA1 mutations in Pakistani breast and ovarian cancer patients

Knowledge of population specific BRCA1/2 founder mutations provides a valuable and cost‐effective genetic testing strategy. Twenty‐three recurrent BRCA1 mutations have been identified previously in 100 Pakistani breast and/or ovarian cancer families. These accounted for 72.5% of all BRCA1 mutations identified. In our study, we investigated whether these mutations (identified in ≥2 unrelated patients) have a common ancestral origin and estimated the ages of these mutations. Haplotype analyses were performed in 188 individuals (100 index patients, 88 relatives) from Pakistani breast/ovarian cancer families, all harboring one of the 23 recurrent BRCA1 mutations, and 90 healthy controls. Six microsatellite markers (D17S800, D17S1801, D17S855, D17S1322, D17S1323, and D17S951) were analyzed. Mutation ages were estimated using DMLE+2.3 software. An identical haplotype of different length was found in families harboring the same BRCA1 mutation and suggested founder effects for all 23 mutations. Sixteen founder mutations were ethnicity‐specific: 15 occurred in families of Punjabi background and one in a family of Pathan background. The remaining seven mutations occurred in families with two ethnic backgrounds. All BRCA1 founder mutations were estimated to have arisen approximately 147 to 159 generations ago. Our findings suggest founder effects for all 23 recurrent BRCA1 mutations. This knowledge allows the design and development of a cost effective local genetic testing strategy in Pakistan.
Influence of Hospital Formularies on Outpatient Prescribing Practices: Analysis of the Introduction of a Local Formulary: A Single-Center, 2-Year Follow-Up, Retrospective Cohort Study of a Local Formulary in Japan

Purpose The impact of a hospital formulary was evaluated to provide a guide for the establishment of local formularies to optimize patient care and healthcare costs. Methods A formulary was introduced by formulary pharmacists of the Toda Medical Group for suggesting recommended medicines to physicians based on the medication history. Patients who were hospitalized in the rehabilitation ward of the Niiza Hospital and prescribed medicines according to the formulary introduced between April 2017 and March 2018 were included and followed-up for six months. Results Of the 183 patients screened, 154 patients were enrolled as the formulary’s introduction patients (76 males/78 females, median age 78 years); 92% of these patients received formulary-proposed prescriptions at the specified timepoints; and 19 patients re-consulted at the Niiza Hospital after discharge and continued the same formulary medicines. The proposed acceptance rate by physicians was 100%. Most changes suggested introduced generic formulations. The doses were equivalent for all pharmacological classes with the exception of medicines that interfere with the renin–angiotensin system, which fell from 10.7 to 7.2 mg (P< .0001). Overall daily medication costs fell at discharge compared to admission (38.5 vs. 94.6 yen per patient, respectively, P< .0001). This was valid for all pharmacological classes except for calcium channel blockers. Conclusion Hospital formulary-prescribed medications continued after discharge and promoted significant decreases in costs associated with outpatient prescriptions. Introducing a hospital formulary provides a basis for the introduction of local formularies and contributes to the reduction of local healthcare costs.
Kinematic Analysis of Heating Ventilating and Cooling Module Parts of Automobile Air Conditioning System Using CAE Tools

List of figures List of tables Abbreviations iii vii ix x CHAPTER-1: INTRODUCTION 1-16 1.1 Methods to solve an engineering problem 1 1.2 Type of numerical methods 2 1.2.1 Finite element method (FEM) 3 1.2. 2 Basic steps in Finite element method 4 1.2. 3 Applications of Finite Element Method 6 1.3 Multibody system 8 1.3.1 Kinematic and Dynamic Analysis of Multibody Systems 9 1.3.2 Degree of Freedom 10 1.3.3 Constraints 11 1.3. 4 Dependent and Independent Coordinates 12 1.3. 5 Equation of Motion for Multibody System 13 CHAPTER-2: LITERATURE REVIEW 16-25 2.1 Literature review 16 CHAPTER-3: HVAC KINEMATIC MECHANISM SIMULATION 26-39 3.1 Problem Definition 26 3.2 Introduction to HVAC Kinematic Mechanism 27 3.3 Design and Analysis Cycle of HVAC 28
Cardiac surgery on patients with COVID‐19: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had a significant impact on global surgery. In particular, deleterious effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on the heart and cardiovascular system have been described. To inform surgical patients, we performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis aiming to characterize outcomes of COVID‐19 positive patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
The feasibility of using remote magnetic navigation system as the primary technological training tool for novice cardiac electrophysiology operators in the catheter ablation of left-sided accessory pathway

Background For novice operators, mastering catheter ablation of left-sided accessory pathway (LSAP) in a short duration of time without compromising efficacy and safety remains a challenge. In this study an attempt to shorten the learning curve by using robotics via a remote magnetic navigation (RMN) system was performed. Methods Novice physician fellows without prior catheter ablation experience initiated their process of learning LSAP ablation using the Niobe™ RMN system. Their procedure parameters were recorded and compared with experienced operators using RMN and manual catheter navigation (MCN). Results Novice operators quickly shortened the total procedure time after their first five procedures. In subsequent procedures, no significant difference in procedure time, fluoroscopy exposure or ablation time was observed between novice and experienced RMN operators. When compared to MCN operators, novice operators avoided excessive radiation exposure beginning with their first RMN procedure, while lower fluoroscopy doses were noted after five procedures. It was observed that procedure parameters did not differ significantly according to LSAP location. Conclusions The RMN system is a practical and easy to use tool for novice electrophysiology operators to quickly master LSAP ablation, without compromising efficacy or safety. Additionally, when compared to MCN it also protects the operators and patients from excessive radiation exposure during the procedure.
Effect of Previous Knee Surgery on Clinical Outcome After ACI for Knee Cartilage Defects: A Propensity Score–Matched Study Based on the German Cartilage Registry (KnorpelRegister DGOU)

Background: Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is an established procedure for the treatment of cartilage damage in the knee joint. At present, it is still unclear how previous surgery influences outcome after ACI. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of previous knee surgery related or nonrelated to the treated cartilage defect on clinical outcome after ACI for knee cartilage defects. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: An overall 730 patients with ACI who underwent previous unspecific knee surgery, whether related to the defect being currently treated or not, were identified from a cohort of 5961 patients registered in the German Cartilage Registry. Propensity score matching was used to match these patients to 690 patients with analogous characteristics but without previous surgery. Subsequently, 317 patients with previously failed cartilage treatment at the defect site were identified and compared with a matched collective of 254 patients without previous cartilage treatment. In a subgroup analysis, the type of previous cartilage surgery was additionally investigated. Outcome was evaluated by Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), visual analog scale for pain, rate of reintervention, and patient satisfaction up to 36 months. A chi-square test was used to compare categorial variables and an unpaired t test to compare continuous variables. Results: Patients with previous knee surgery not related to the cartilage defect showed a lower KOOS at 6 months (68.3 vs 70.8; P = .026), while patients with previous cartilage surgery showed significantly lower KOOS values at all follow-up time points when compared with patients without any previous knee or cartilage surgery (all P < .05). A comparison of KOOS values in patients with previous therapy at the cartilage defect with ACI versus bone marrow stimulation did not show any significant differences at any follow-up. Conclusion: Previously failed cartilage treatment at the defect site represents a negative prognostic factor up to 3 years after ACI. However, this influence appears to be independent of the type of previous treatment at the defect site and applies equally to failed bone marrow stimulation as well as previous ACI. In contrast, a negative effect of previous surgery to the knee unrelated to the cartilage defect could not be shown in the 3-year follow-up.
Recovery of RNA from avian nucleated whole blood stored under field conditions: an evaluation of commercial methods

ABSTRACT 1. Whole blood can be used to gain insights on several molecular mechanisms involved in animal physiology. However, its use to extract RNA from organisms that carry nucleated red blood cells is limited due to its high nuclease content and instability under field conditions. 2. Here, we evaluate three commercially available RNA preservation and extraction methods applied to avian whole-blood samples kept in different storage conditions to identify the most suitable ones for use in field studies. 3. Whole-blood starting volume was the most important factor; only samples with a starting volume of 50 µl yielded RNA, whereas all 100 µl samples failed to provide any RNA regardless of the method used. RNA concentration decreased with storage time in every method employed. Samples stored at −20°C yielded higher RNA concentration than the ones stored at 4°C, although some possible effects of freeze-thaw cycles were observed. 4. For two of the three methods, it is likely that DNA contamination and/or extensive degradation of RNA could have taken place. Only whole blood stored and extracted using the Quick RNA Whole Blood kit provided high-quality RNA in every condition tested.
In silico analysis of the predicted protein-protein interaction of syntaxin-18, a putative receptor of Peregrinus maidis Ashmead (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) with Maize mosaic virus glycoprotein

Abstract The corn planthopper, Peregrinus maidis Ashmead (Hemiptera:Delphacidae), is a widely distributed insect pest which serves as a vector of two phytopathogenic viruses, Maize mosaic virus (MMV) and Maize stripe virus (MStV). It transmits the viruses in a persistent and propagative manner. MMV is an alphanucleorhabdovirus with a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA unsegmented genome. One identified insect vector protein that may serve as receptor to MMV is Syntaxin-18 (PmStx18) which belongs to the SNAREs (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors) proteins. SNAREs play major roles in the final stage of docking and subsequent fusion of diverse vesicle-mediated transport events. In this work, in silico analysis of the interaction of MMV glycoprotein (MMV G) and PmStx18 was performed. Various freely available protein-protein docking web servers were used to predict the 3 D complex of MMV G and PmStx18. Analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) count showed that the complex predicted by the ZDOCK server has the highest number of interaction and highest affinity, as suggested by the calculated solvation free energy gain upon formation of the interface (ΔiG = −31 kcal/mol). Molecular dynamics simulation of the complex revealed important interactions at the interface over the course of 25 ns. This is the first in silico analysis performed for the interaction on a putative receptor of P. maidis and MMV G. The results of the PPI prediction provide novel information for studying the role of Stx18 in the transport, docking and fusion events involved in virus particle transport in the insect vector cells and its release. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Stability of sensorimotor network sculpts the dynamic repertoire of resting state over lifespan

Abstract Temporally stable patterns of neural coordination among distributed brain regions are crucial for survival. Recently, many studies highlight association between healthy aging and modifications in organization of functional brain networks, across various time-scales. Nonetheless, quantitative characterization of temporal stability of functional brain networks across healthy aging remains unexplored. This study introduces a data-driven unsupervised approach to capture high-dimensional dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) via low-dimensional patterns and subsequent estimation of temporal stability using quantitative metrics. Healthy aging related changes in temporal stability of dFC were characterized across resting-state, movie-viewing, and sensorimotor tasks (SMT) on a large (n = 645) healthy aging dataset (18–88 years). Prominent results reveal that (1) whole-brain temporal dynamics of dFC movie-watching task is closer to resting-state than to SMT with an overall trend of highest temporal stability observed during SMT followed by movie-watching and resting-state, invariant across lifespan aging, (2) in both tasks conditions stability of neurocognitive networks in young adults is higher than older adults, and (3) temporal stability of whole brain resting-state follows a U-shaped curve along lifespan—a pattern shared by sensorimotor network stability indicating their deeper relationship. Overall, the results can be applied generally for studying cohorts of neurological disorders using neuroimaging tools.