Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Benthic buffers and boosters of ocean acidification on coral reefs

Ocean acidification is a threat to marine ecosystems globally. In shallow-water systems, however, ocean acidification can be masked by benthic carbon fluxes, depending on community composition, seawater residence time, and the magnitude and balance of net community production (NCP) and calcification (NCC). Here, we examine how six benthic groups from a coral reef environment on Heron Reef (Great Barrier Reef, Australia) contribute to changes in the seawater aragonite saturation state (Ω a ). Results of flume studies using intact reef habitats (1.2 m by 0.4 m), showed a hierarchy of responses across groups, depending on CO 2 level, time of day and water flow. At low CO 2 (350–450 μatm), macroalgae ( Chnoospora implexa ), turfs and sand elevated Ω a of the flume water by around 0.10 to 1.20 h −1 – normalised to contributions from 1 m 2 of benthos to a 1 m deep water column. The rate of Ω a increase in these groups was doubled under acidification (560–700 μatm) and high flow (35 compared to 8 cm s −1 ). In contrast, branching corals ( Acropora aspera ) increased Ω a by 0.25 h −1 at ambient CO 2 (350–450 μatm) during the day, but reduced Ω a under acidification and high flow. Nighttime changes in Ω a by corals were highly negative (0.6–0.8 h −1 ) and exacerbated by acidification. Calcifying macroalgae ( Halimeda spp.) raised Ω a by day (by around 0.13 h −1 ), but lowered Ω a by a similar or higher amount at night. Analyses of carbon flux contributions from benthic communities with four different compositions to the reef water carbon chemistry across Heron Reef flat and lagoon indicated that the net lowering of Ω a by coral-dominated areas can to some extent be countered by long water-residence times in neighbouring areas dominated by turfs, macroalgae and carbonate sand.
Serotype Distribution and Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of Invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates from Adults in Korea from 1997 to 2012

In Republic of Korea, a 7-valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccine (PCV7) was licensed for use in infants in 2003, and 13-valent PCV (PCV13) replaced it since 2010. We investigated trends in serotype distribution and antibiotic susceptibility of pneumococcal isolates from adult patients with invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD). Invasive pneumococcal isolates from adult patients of ≥ 16 years of age were collected from 1997 to 2012. Serotypes of the isolates were determined by the Quellung reaction. Distribution of serotypes was analyzed according to the vaccine types. Antibiotic susceptibility was tested by using E-test strips. A total of 272 invasive pneumococcal isolates were included. The most common serotypes were serotype 19F (8.5%, 23/272), and serotype 3 (8.1%, 22/272), and 24.6% (67/272) of the isolates were of non-vaccine serotypes. Of the 272 isolates, 2.6% (7/272) were penicillin MICs of ≥ 4 µg/mL. The proportion of the PCV13 serotypes decreased from 63.3% (50/79) in 1997-2003 to 48.6% (17/35) in 2011-2012, whereas that of non-vaccine serotypes was 26.6% (21/79) and 25.7% (9/35), respectively, for the same periods. The proportion of the PCV13 serotypes showed a decreasing trend among adult patients with IPD over the study period.
Tackling obesity: new therapeutic agents for assisted weight loss

The pandemic of overweight and obesity continues to rise in an alarming rate in western countries and around the globe representing a major public health challenge in desperate need for new strategies tackling obesity. In the United States nearly two thirds of the population is overweight or obese. Worldwide the number of persons who are overweight or obese exceeded 1.6 billion. These rising figures have been clearly associated with increased morbidity and mortality. For example, in the Framingham study, the risk of death increases with each additional pound of weight gain even in the relatively younger population between 30 and 42 years of age. Overweight and obesity are also associated with increased co-morbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease as well as certain types of cancer. In this review we discuss the epidemic of obesity, highlighting the pathophysiologic mechanisms of weight gain. We also provide an overview of the assessment of overweight and obese individuals discussing possible secondary causes of obesity. In a detailed section we discuss the currently approved therapeutic interventions for obesity highlighting their mechanisms of action and evidence of their efficacy and safety as provided in clinical trials. Finally, we discuss novel therapeutic interventions that are in various stages of development with a special section on the weight loss effects of anti-diabetic medications. These agents are particularly attractive options for our growing population of obese diabetic individuals.
Social cohesion in diverse communities

An exploration of the relationships between new and established communities in ethnically diverse neighbourhoods. Ethnic difference and community relationships are under greater scrutiny following the 2001 disturbances in the North of England and the ‘war on terror’. A high-profile policy response has been the promotion of social cohesion. The study takes a critical look at the meaning of social cohesion for new and established residents in Moss Side in Manchester and North Tottenham in the London Borough of Haringey. The study: describes patterns of neighbourhood diversity; gives residents' accounts of social interaction, within their own ethnic groups and across others; considers whether ethnic difference is a source of neighbourhood tensions; examines the meaning of community and belonging; draws on resident and service provider accounts to show the factors that hinder or promote social cohesion; and provides recommendations for policy and practice.
The underwater motion simulation of a spherical amphibious robot

Spherical amphibious robots, as a kind of novel robot, are being studied by researchers. Underwater analysis is an important field in underwater robot research. Underwater movement of the robot which this article mentioned is accomplished by interaction of servo motor and hydraulic motor. This paper presents the investigation of hydrodynamic performance of spherical amphibious robot with two essential motions, vertical motion and horizontal motion. Gambit 2.4. 6 is employed to establish the 3D models and mesh. Meanwhile, simulation calculation and analysis of two models is implemented by Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, FLUENT 6.3. 26. Finally, the velocity vectors, pressure contours, drag coefficient as well as force report for two states of motion are gained. Resistance of the report data shows that the robot is mainly subjected to differential pressure resistance.
Spatially Resolved Near-Infrared Spectroscopy of the Seyfert 2 Galaxies Markarian 1066, NGC 2110, NGC 4388, and Markarian 3

We present near-infrared spectra with resolutions of λ/Δλ ∼ 1200 in the emission lines Paβ, [Fe II] (λ = 1.2567 μm), Brγ, and H2 ν = 1–0 S(1) of the nuclei and circumnuclear regions of the four Seyfert 2 galaxies Mk 1066, NGC 2110, NGC 4388, and Mk 3. All of these galaxies show strong near-infrared line emission that is detected at radii several times the spatial resolution, corresponding to projected physical scales of 0.07 to 0.7 kpc. Velocity gradients are detected in these nuclei, as are spatial variations in line profiles and flux ratios. We compare the spatial and velocity distribution of the line emission to previously observed optical line and radio emission. The evidence indicates that the [Fe II] emission is associated with the Seyfert activity in the galaxies. Our data are consistent with X-ray heating being responsible for most of the [Fe II] emission, although differences in [Fe II] and Paβ line profiles associated with radio emission suggests that the [Fe II] emission is enhanced by fast shocks associated with radio outflows. The H2 emission is not as strongly associated with outflows or ionization cones as is the emission in other lines, but rather appears to be primarily associated with the disk of the galaxy.
Diagnostic Dilemma of Pseudoprogression in the Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Glioblastomas: The Role of Assessing Relative Cerebral Blood Flow Volume and Oxygen-6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase Promoter Methylation Status

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Methylation of the MGMT gene promoter is associated with a favorable prognosis in adult patients with GBM treated with TMZ. We determined the incidence of pseudoprogression according to the MGMT methylation status and the potential value of DSC perfusion MR images for predicting pseudoprogression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: New or enlarged enhancing lesions after CCRT in adult patients with newly diagnosed GBMs were prospectively assessed by measuring their rCBV by using DSC perfusion MR images. Tumor tissue was assayed to determine MGMT promoter methylation status. All patients were regularly followed up at an interval of 2 months by MR images, including DSC perfusion MR images. RESULTS: Ninety eligible patients were enrolled in this study. After CCRT, new or enlarged enhanced lesions were found in 59 of 90 patients, which were subsequently classified as pseudoprogression (26 patients, 28.9%) and real progression (33 patients, 36.7%). Overall, there was a significant difference in the mean rCBV between pseudoprogression and real tumor progression (P = .003). The ROC curve revealed that an rCBV ratio >1.47 had an 81.5% sensitivity and a 77.8% specificity. The unmethylated MGMT promoter group had a significant difference of mean rCBV between pseudoprogression and real progression (P = .009), though the methylated MGMT promoter group had no significant difference (P = .258). CONCLUSIONS: The current study suggests that rCBV measured by DSC perfusion MR images has a differential impact on the predictability of pseudoprogression in patients with GBM.
Positive and Negative Regulation of FcɛRI-Mediated Signaling by the Adaptor Protein LAB/NTAL

Linker for activation of B cells (LAB, also called NTAL; a product of wbscr5 gene) is a newly identified transmembrane adaptor protein that is expressed in B cells, NK cells, and mast cells. Upon BCR activation, LAB is phosphorylated and interacts with Grb2. LAB is capable of rescuing thymocyte development in LAT-deficient mice. To study the in vivo function of LAB, LAB-deficient mice were generated. Although disruption of the Lab gene did not affect lymphocyte development, it caused mast cells to be hyperresponsive to stimulation via the FcɛRI, evidenced by enhanced Erk activation, calcium mobilization, degranulation, and cytokine production. These data suggested that LAB negatively regulates mast cell function. However, mast cells that lacked both linker for activation of T cells (LAT) and LAB proteins had a more severe block in FcɛRI-mediated signaling than LAT−/− mast cells, demonstrating that LAB also shares a redundant function with LAT to play a positive role in FcɛRI-mediated signaling.
Abbreviations: Gpcr: G Protein-coupled Receptor; Nmdg: N-methyl D-glucamine

1 Investigation of cooperativity in the binding of ligands to the D 2 dopamine receptor. Abstract The D 2 dopamine receptor exists as dimers or as higher order oligomers, based on data from physical experiments. In this study we have sought evidence that this oligomerisation leads to cooperativity by examining the binding of three radioligands ([ 3 H]nemonapride, [ 3 H]raclopride, [ 3 H]spiperone) to D 2 dopamine receptors expressed in membranes of Sf 9 cells. In saturation binding experiments the three radioligands exhibited different B max values and the B max values could be altered by addition of sodium ions to assays. Despite labelling different numbers of sites the different ligands were able to achieve full inhibition in competition experiments. Some ligand pairs also exhibited complex inhibition curves in these experiments. In radioligand dissociation experiments, the rate of dissociation of [ 3 H]nemonapride or [ 3 H]spiperone depended on the sodium ion concentration but was independent of the competing ligand. Although some of the data in this study are consistent with the behaviour of a cooperative oligomeric receptor, not all of the data are in agreement with this model. It may, therefore, be necessary to consider more complex models for the behaviour of this receptor. This article has not been copyedited and formatted. The final version may differ from this version.
Resistance to Change: The Rest of the Story

Prevailing views of resistance to change tell a one-sided story that favors change agents by proposing that resistance is an irrational and dysfunctional reaction located “over there” in change recipients. We tell the rest of the story by proposing that change agents contribute to the occurrence of resistance through their own actions and inactions and that resistance can be a resource for change. We conclude by proposing how resistance might be restructured.
Lidocaine, Dexmedetomidine and Their Combination Reduce Isoflurane Minimum Alveolar Concentration in Dogs

The effects of intravenous (IV) lidocaine, dexmedetomidine and their combination delivered as a bolus followed by a constant rate infusion (CRI) on the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane (MACISO) in dogs were evaluated. Seven healthy adult dogs were included. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane. For each dog, baseline MAC (MACISO/BASAL) was determined after a 90-minute equilibration period. Thereafter, each dog received one of the following treatments (loading dose, CRI): lidocaine 2 mg kg−1, 100 µg kg−1 minute−1; dexmedetomidine 2 µg kg−1, 2 µg kg−1 hour−1; or their combination. MAC was then determined again after 45- minutes of treatment by CRI. At the doses administered, lidocaine, dexmedetomidine and their combination significantly reduced MACISO by 27.3% (range: 12.5–39.2%), 43.4% (33.3–53.3%) and 60.9% (46.1–78.1%), respectively, when compared to MACISO/BASAL. The combination resulted in a greater MACISO reduction than the two drugs alone. Their use, at the doses studied, provides a clinically important reduction in the concentration of ISO during anaesthesia in dogs.
The Expression and Clinical Significance of Different Forms of Mer Receptor Tyrosine Kinase in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective. To investigate the expression and clinical significance of trans-membrane MerTK (mMer) on circulating CD14+ monocytes/macrophages and soluble MerTK (sMer) levels in plasma in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Method. 108 SLE patients and 42 healthy controls were recruited in this study. The expression of mMer on the surfaces of CD14+ monocytes/macrophages was evaluated by flow cytometry (FCM). The sMer levels were measured by ELISA. Real-time quantitative PCR was applied to evaluate the mRNA levels of MerTK and ADAM17. Results. Both mMer expression on CD14+ monocytes/macrophages and sMer levels in plasma significantly increased in SLE patients compared to healthy subjects. The frequency of anti-inflammatory MerTK expressing CD14+CD16+ monocytes decreased in SLE. mMer expression was positively correlated with CD163 expression on CD14+ cells. Both the mMer expression on CD14+ monocytes/macrophages and sMer levels in plasma were positively correlated with SLEDAI. Furthermore, more elevated mMer and sMer levels were found in patients with higher SLEDAI, presence of anti-SSA, anti-Sm autoantibodies, and lupus nephritis. Conclusion. Both mMer and sMer levels significantly increased in SLE and positively correlated with disease activity and severity. The upregulation of MerTK expression may serve as a biomarker of the disease activity and severity of SLE.
Special points on products of modular curves

We prove the Andre-Oort conjecture on special points of Shimura varieties for arbitrary products of modular curves, assuming the Generalized Riemann Hypothesis. More explicitly, this means the following. Let n be a positive integer, and let S be a subset of C^n (with C the complex numbers) consisting of points all of whose coordinates are j-invariants of elliptic curves with complex multiplications. Then we prove (under GRH) that the irreducible components of the Zariski closure of S are ``special subvarieties'', i.e., determined by isogeny conditions on coordinates and pairs of coordinates. A weaker variant is proved unconditionally.
Determination of Optimum Body Diameter of Air Cyclones Using a New Empirical Model and a Neural Network Approach

This paper presents a new empirical model and a two-layer neural network approach for the determination of optimum body diameter (OBD) of air cyclones. OBD values were calculated by help of a MATLAB® algorithm for 505 different artificial scenarios given in a wide range of five main operating variables. The predicted results obtained from each proposed approach were compared with the wellknown Kalen and Zenz's model. The computational analysis showed that the empirical model and neural network outputs obviously agreed with the Kalen and Zenz's model, and all the predictions proved to be satisfactory, with a correlation coefficient of about 0.9998 and 1, respectively. The maximum diameter deviations from Kalen and Zenz's model were recorded as only ±1.3 cm and ± 0.0022 cm for the proposed model and NN outputs, respectively. In addition to proposed approaches, the pressure drop problem was controlled using a MATLAB® algorithm, and results were obtained rapidly and practically for varying data used in the cy.
Is HIV-1 infection associated with endothelial dysfunction in a population of African ancestry in South Africa?

Abstract The chronic infection status suffered by HIV-infected individuals promotes chronic arterial inflammation and injury, which leads to dysfunction of the endothelium, atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Although HIV-1 subtype C is prevalent in South Africa and accounts for almost a third of the infections worldwide, this subtype differs genetically from HIV-1 subtype B on which the majority of studies have been done. The objective of this study was to assess whether newly identified, never-treated, HIV-1-infected South African participants showed signs of endothelial dysfunction, accelerated atherosclerosis and increased blood coagulation. We compared 300 newly diagnosed (never antiretroviral-treated) HIV-infected participants to 300 age-, gender-, body mass index- and locality-matched uninfected controls. Levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), fibrinogen and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and carotid radialis pulse wave velocity (cr-PWV) were determined. The HIV-infected participants showed lower HDL-C and higher IL-6, CRP, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels compared to the uninfected controls. No differences in fibrinogen and PAI-1 levels were detected. A continuous positive trend of increasing age with cr-PWV was detected in the HIV-infected group. Our findings suggest inflammatory injury of the endothelium, pointing to endothelial dysfunction of never-treated HIV-1-infected South Africans of African ancestry. Although no indication of a prothrombotic state could be detected, there was an indication of accelerated vascular aging and probable early atherosclerosis in the older HIV-infected participants.
Hot Dust in Radio-loud Active Galactic Nuclei

We have measured mid-infrared (MIR) fluxes of 3C sources on images taken with ISOCAM on board the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO). The photometric data were combined with existing photometry at other wavelengths to assemble the spectral energy distribution (SED) for each galaxy from infrared to radio wavelengths. In addition, we used ISOPHOT spectra to compute average MIR spectra for different types of active galactic nuclei (AGNs). The MIR emission of 53 of our sources shows evidence of dust. We find a clear correlation between the SEDs, emission from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and the type of AGN. Specifically, we find that in broad emission line radio galaxies (BLRGs), the dust emission peaks at λ ≈ 40 μm and PAH bands are weak, whereas emission in comparable narrow-line radio galaxies (NLRGs) peaks at a longer wavelength of λ ≈ 100 μm and the PAH bands are much stronger. Although less pronounced, a similar trend is seen when comparing QSOs with high-luminosity NLRGs. We used dust radiative transfer models with a central heating source to describe the SEDs. The difference in the dust emission appears to be the effect of heating by radiation from the central engine. In type 1 AGNs (BLRGs and QSOs), the broad-line region (BLR) is directly visible, and therefore hot (T ≳ 300 K) dust dominates the emission. In this region, PAHs are destroyed, which explains the weak PAH emission. On the other hand, the BLR is hidden in type 2 AGNs (NLRGs). Their SEDs are therefore dominated by cooler dust, including PAHs.
Tanning as a substance abuse

While few people would deny the appeal of a day in the sun there are some who seem to take it too far. In recent years the concept of ‘tanning addiction’ has become popular and several studies have supported the notion of viewing exposure to UV radiation as a form of substance abuse. In this article we will review some of the literature on sun seeking behavior.
Categorical centers and Reshetikhin-Turaev invariants

The center Z(C) of a spherical fusion category C (over an arbitrary commutative ring) is modular. We give an algorithm for computing the Reshetikhin-Turaev invariant defined with Z(C). It is based on Hopf diagrams and an explicit description of the structure of the coend of Z(C).
Regulation of Oxidative Stress and Cardioprotection in Diabetes Mellitus

Analysis of the Framingham data has shown that the risk of heart failure is increased substantially among diabetic patients, while persons with the metabolic syndrome have an increased risk of both atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. Sleep apnea may be related to the metabolic syndrome and systemic inflammation through hypoxia, which might also cause the cardiac remodeling by increased oxidative stress. On the other hand, the renin-angiotensin system is activated in diabetes, and local angiotensin II production may lead to oxidative damage via the angiotensin II type 1 receptor. Basic and clinical data indicate that angiotensin II receptor blockers have the potential to preserve left ventricular function and prevent cardiac remodeling that is exaggerated by oxidative stress in patients with diabetes. Thus, alleviation of oxidative stress might be one possible strategy in the treatment of diabetic patients associated with sleep apnea.