Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predictable ecological response to rising CO 2 of a community of marine phytoplankton

Abstract Rising atmospheric CO 2 and ocean acidification are fundamentally altering conditions for life of all marine organisms, including phytoplankton. Differences in CO 2 related physiology between major phytoplankton taxa lead to differences in their ability to take up and utilize CO 2. These differences may cause predictable shifts in the composition of marine phytoplankton communities in response to rising atmospheric CO 2. We report an experiment in which seven species of marine phytoplankton, belonging to four major taxonomic groups (cyanobacteria, chlorophytes, diatoms, and coccolithophores), were grown at both ambient (500 μatm) and future (1,000 μatm) CO 2 levels. These phytoplankton were grown as individual species, as cultures of pairs of species and as a community assemblage of all seven species in two culture regimes (high‐nitrogen batch cultures and lower‐nitrogen semicontinuous cultures, although not under nitrogen limitation). All phytoplankton species tested in this study increased their growth rates under elevated CO 2 independent of the culture regime. We also find that, despite species‐specific variation in growth response to high CO 2, the identity of major taxonomic groups provides a good prediction of changes in population growth and competitive ability under high CO 2. The CO 2‐induced growth response is a good predictor of CO 2‐induced changes in competition (R 2 > .93) and community composition (R 2 > .73). This study suggests that it may be possible to infer how marine phytoplankton communities respond to rising CO 2 levels from the knowledge of the physiology of major taxonomic groups, but that these predictions may require further characterization of these traits across a diversity of growth conditions. These findings must be validated in the context of limitation by other nutrients. Also, in natural communities of phytoplankton, numerous other factors that may all respond to changes in CO2, including nitrogen fixation, grazing, and variation in the limiting resource will likely complicate this prediction.
A simple three-parameter surface fitting scheme for image compression

This paper describes a simple scheme to compress images through surface fitting. The scheme can achieve better than 60:1 compression ratio with acceptable image quality degradation. The results are superior to those of JPEG at comparable ratios. Another advantage is that no multiplications or divisions are required, making the implementation suitable for online or progressive compression. Blocking effects were reduced (up to 0.5dB of PSNR improvement) through simple line fitting on block boundaries.
Genotype‐specific progression of hereditary medullary thyroid cancer

Although already 25 years into the genomic era, age‐related progression of hereditary medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), the prevalence of which is estimated at one in 80,000 inhabitants, remains to be delineated for most unique RET (REarranged during Transfection) mutations. Included in this study were 567 RET carriers. The age‐related progression of MTC across histopathological groups (normal thyroid/C‐cell hyperplasia; node‐negative MTC; node‐positive MTC) was statistically significant for 13 unique RET mutations (p.Cys611Phe/c.1832G > T; p.Cys611Tyr; p.Cys618Ser/c.1852T > A; p.Cys620Arg; p.Cys634Arg; p.Cys634Phe; p.Cys634Ser; p.Cys634Tyr; p.Glu768Asp; p.Leu790Phe/c.2370G > T; p.Val804Met; p.Ser891Ala; p.Met918Thr), whereas two unique RET mutations (p.Cys618Phe; p.Cys634Gly) trended toward statistical significance. When grouped by mutational risk (highest; high; moderate–high; low–moderate; polymorphism), the age‐related progression of MTC was significant for all four categories of RET mutations, which differed significantly across and within the three histopathological groups. For high, for moderate–high, and for low–moderate risk RET mutations, the age‐related progression of MTC by mutated codon was broadly comparable across and within the three histopathological groups, and essentially unaffected by the amino acid substitutions examined. These data argue in favor of splitting the American Thyroid Association's moderate‐risk category into moderate–high and low–moderate risk categories, while emphasizing the need to contradistinguish the latter from rare nonpathogenic polymorphisms.
Describing and evaluating healthcare priority setting practices at the county level in Kenya

Summary Background Healthcare priority setting research has focused at the macro (national) and micro (patient level), while there is a dearth of literature on meso‐level (subnational/regional) priority setting practices. In this study, we aimed to describe and evaluate healthcare priority setting practices at the county level in Kenya. Methods We used a qualitative case study approach to examine the planning and budgeting processes in 2 counties in Kenya. We collected the data through in‐depth interviews of senior managers, middle‐level managers, frontline managers, and health partners (n = 23) and document reviews. We analyzed the data using a framework approach. Findings The planning and budgeting processes in both counties were characterized by misalignment and the dominance of informal considerations in decision making. When evaluated against consequential conditions, efficiency and equity considerations were not incorporated in the planning and budgeting processes. Stakeholders were more satisfied and understood the planning process compared with the budgeting process. There was a lack of shifting of priorities and unsatisfactory implementation of decisions. Against procedural conditions, the planning process was more inclusive and transparent and stakeholders were more empowered compared with the budgeting process. There was ineffective use of data, lack of provisions for appeal and revisions, and limited mechanisms for incorporating community values in the planning and budgeting. Conclusion County governments can improve the planning and budgeting processes by aligning them, implementing a systematic priority setting process with explicit resource allocation criteria, and adhering to both consequential and procedural aspects of an ideal priority setting process.
Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid‐terpenoid entourage effects

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been the primary focus of cannabis research since 1964, when Raphael Mechoulam isolated and synthesized it. More recently, the synergistic contributions of cannabidiol to cannabis pharmacology and analgesia have been scientifically demonstrated. Other phytocannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabivarin, cannabigerol and cannabichromene, exert additional effects of therapeutic interest. Innovative conventional plant breeding has yielded cannabis chemotypes expressing high titres of each component for future study. This review will explore another echelon of phytotherapeutic agents, the cannabis terpenoids: limonene, myrcene, α‐pinene, linalool, β‐caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, nerolidol and phytol. Terpenoids share a precursor with phytocannabinoids, and are all flavour and fragrance components common to human diets that have been designated Generally Recognized as Safe by the US Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies. Terpenoids are quite potent, and affect animal and even human behaviour when inhaled from ambient air at serum levels in the single digits ng·mL−1. They display unique therapeutic effects that may contribute meaningfully to the entourage effects of cannabis‐based medicinal extracts. Particular focus will be placed on phytocannabinoid‐terpenoid interactions that could produce synergy with respect to treatment of pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety, addiction, epilepsy, cancer, fungal and bacterial infections (including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Scientific evidence is presented for non‐cannabinoid plant components as putative antidotes to intoxicating effects of THC that could increase its therapeutic index. Methods for investigating entourage effects in future experiments will be proposed. Phytocannabinoid‐terpenoid synergy, if proven, increases the likelihood that an extensive pipeline of new therapeutic products is possible from this venerable plant.
Understanding the Interaction Between Oligopeptide and Water in Aqueous Solution Using Temperature-Dependent Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Investigating the interaction between oligopeptide and water is essential for understanding the structure, dynamics and function of proteins. Temperature-dependent near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and independent component analysis (ICA) were employed to study the interaction between oligopeptide and water in aqueous solution. The NIR spectra of two homo-oligopeptides, penta-aspartic acid (D5) and penta-lysine (K5), in aqueous solution of different concentration were measured at different temperature (30–90 ℃). Independent component analysis was performed to extract the spectral information that changes with temperature. The independent components (ICs) representing the spectral information of NH and CH2 groups were obtained. Compared with D5, the two groups in K5 change significantly at higher temperature. The result may suggest that K5 has stronger interaction with water than D5. Moreover, three ICs that contain the spectral information of the water species with no (S0), one (S1), and two (S2) hydrogen-bonds were obtained. It was shown that the spectral intensity of S0 and S1 increases while that of S2 decreases with the temperature, and the changes of oligopeptide solutions are weaker than those of pure water. The results indicate that water structure is sensitive to temperature and the oligopeptide in aqueous solution improves the thermal stability of the water species. When oligopeptide is added, the spectral intensity of S0 and S2 decreases and that of S1 increases for D5 solution, but the intensity of all the three species decreases for K5 solution. Furthermore, the concentration effect of K5 was found to be stronger than D5. The result may reveal that D5 combines with water molecule through forming one hydrogen bond but K5 interacts with water through a different way.
Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine Dovepress Risk Factors Associated with Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome in Runners: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) affects 5%–35% of runners. Research over the last 40 years investigating a range of interventions has not established any clearly effective management for MTSS that is better than prolonged rest. At the present time, understanding of the risk factors and potential causative factors for MTSS is inconclusive. The purpose of this review is to evaluate studies that have investigated various risk factors and their association with the development of MTSS in runners. Methods: Medical research databases were searched for relevant literature, using the terms " MTSS AND prevention OR risk OR prediction OR incidence ". Results: A systematic review of the literature identified ten papers suitable for inclusion in a meta-analysis. Measures with sufficient data for meta-analysis included dichotomous and continuous variables of body mass index (BMI), ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, navicular drop, orthotic use, foot type, previous history of MTSS, female gender, hip range of motion, and years of running experience. The following factors were found to have a statistically significant association with MTSS: increased hip external rotation in males (standard mean difference Conclusion: Female gender, previous history of MTSS, fewer years of running experience, orthotic use, increased body mass index, increased navicular drop, and increased external rotation hip range of motion in males are all significantly associated with an increased risk of developing MTSS. Future studies should analyze males and females separately because risk factors vary by gender. A continuum model of the development of MTSS that links the identified risk factors and known processes is proposed. These data can inform both screening and countermeasures for the prevention of MTSS in runners.
Greek Yogurt and 12 Weeks of Exercise Training on Strength, Muscle Thickness and Body Composition in Lean, Untrained, University-Aged Males

Milk and/or whey protein plus resistance exercise (RT) increase strength and muscle size, and optimize body composition in adult males and females. Greek yogurt (GY) contains similar muscle-supporting nutrients as milk yet it is different in several ways including being a semi-solid food, containing bacterial cultures and having a higher protein content (mostly casein) per serving. GY has yet to be investigated in the context of a RT program. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of GY consumption plus RT on strength, muscle thickness and body composition in lean, untrained, university-aged males. Thirty untrained, university-aged (20.6 ± 2.2 years) males were randomized to 2 groups (n = 15/group): fat-free, plain GY or a Placebo Pudding (PP; isoenergetic carbohydrate-based pudding) and underwent a combined RT/plyometric training program 3 days/week for 12 weeks. They consumed either GY (20 g protein/dose) or PP (0 g protein/dose) daily, 3 times on training days and 2 times on non-training days. After 12 weeks, both groups significantly increased strength, muscle thickness and fat-free mass (FFM) (p < 0.05). The GY group gained more total strength (GY; 98 ± 37 kg, PP; 57 ± 15 kg), more biceps brachii muscular thickness (GY; 0.46 ± 0.3 cm, PP; 0.12 ± 0.2 cm), more FFM (GY; 2.4 ± 1.5 kg, PP; 1.3 ± 1.3 kg), and reduced % body fat (GY; −1.1 ± 2.2%, PP; 0.1 ± 2.6%) than PP group (p < 0.05 expressed as absolute change). Thus, consumption of GY during a training program resulted in improved strength, muscle thickness and body composition over a carbohydrate-based placebo. Given the results of our study, the general benefits of consuming GY and its distinctiveness from milk, GY can be a plausible, post-exercise, nutrient-rich alternative for positive strength, muscle, and body composition adaptations.
Le Journal Canadien Des Sciences Neurologiques Experimental Porphyric Neuropathy: a Preliminary Report

SUMMARY: An experimental model for the study of porphyric neuropathy is presented. Injection of either tetraphenyl-porphinesulfonate (TPPS), hematopor-phyrin derivative (HpD), or delta-amino-levulinic acid (A LA) into mice resulted in markedly decreased motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV). The MNCV returned to normal within one week following the injection of large doses of A LA, and within three weeks following the injection of close to lethal doses of HpD. hut there was no recovery of nerve function RfiSUMfi: NOUS presentons un modele experimental pour I'etude de la neuropa-thic porphyrique. L'injection chez la souris de Tetraphenyl-porphinesulfonate (TPPS). d'un derive de I'hemaloporphyrine (HpD), ou de I'acide delta-aminolevulinique (ALA) produisit une reduction importante de la vitesse de conduction motrice nerveuse (MNCV). Le MNCV est retourne a la normale en deca d'une semaine suivanl l'injection d'ALA, en deca de trois semaines suivanl l'injection de doses presques let hales de HpD, mais it n'y eut within 60 days following injection of substantially smaller doses of TPPS. Ullraslructural examination of motor nerves at various times following TPPS injection revealed the gradual development of structural abnormalities. Ultrastruc-lional examination of the same nerves after a single dose of either A LA or Hp D failed to demonstrate any abnormalities. • The present observations call for precaution as to the use of TPPS as photosensi-tizer in human cancer treatment. aucune recuperation fonctionnelle de nerf dans les 60 jours suivanl l'injection de doses substantiellement plus faibles de TPPS. L'examen ultrastructural des nerfs moteurs a divers moments apres l'injection de TPPS montra le developpement graduel d'ano-malies structurales. Par contre le meme examen apres une dose unique d'A LA ou de HpD n'a pas montre d'anomalies. Les observations presentes conduisent a la prudence dans I'emploi du TPPS dans le traitement du cancer chez I'humain.
Prevalence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in School Children and Adolescents.

Background/Aims The epidemiology of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in developed and developing countries involves a high prevalence of constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. This study examined the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in schoolchildren and adolescents in Colombia using the Rome III criteria. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed on Colombian children between 8 and 17 years old. The Spanish version of the Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms-Rome III Version self-report form was answered by students from two schools. The prevalence of FGID was calculated and correlation tests were conducted among the variables analyzed. Results A total of 864 children with a mean age of 12.5±2.5 years were analyzed; 50.7% were female. Two hundred and fifty-nine children (30%) had at least one FGID, and of these, 163 were female (62.9%). Sixty-nine children had two or more FGIDs (8%). Functional constipation was the most prevalent disorder (13.2%), followed in order by abdominal migraine (8.3%), irritable bowel syndrome (6.9%), and aerophagia (3.1%). A significantly higher prevalence of FGID was observed in females (p=0.000). No significant difference was observed between the age groups or type of school they attended. Conclusions The overall prevalence of FGID in the sample was 30%, with functional constipation being the most common. These results are similar to those of other prevalence studies reported elsewhere.
Activation of articulatory information in speech perception

Emerging neurophysiologic evidence indicates that motor systems are activated during the perception of speech, but whether this activity reflects basic processes underlying speech perception remains a matter of considerable debate. Our contribution to this debate is to report direct behavioral evidence that specific articulatory commands are activated automatically and involuntarily during speech perception. We used electropalatography to measure whether motor information activated from spoken distractors would yield specific distortions on the articulation of printed target syllables. Participants produced target syllables beginning with /k/ or /s/ while listening to the same syllables or to incongruent rhyming syllables beginning with /t/. Tongue–palate contact for target productions was measured during the articulatory closure of /k/ and during the frication of /s/. Results revealed “traces” of the incongruent distractors on target productions, with the incongruent /t/-initial distractors inducing greater alveolar contact in the articulation of /k/ and /s/ than the congruent distractors. Two further experiments established that (i) the nature of this interference effect is dependent specifically on the articulatory properties of the spoken distractors; and (ii) this interference effect is unique to spoken distractors and does not arise when distractors are presented in printed form. Results are discussed in terms of a broader emerging framework concerning the relationship between perception and action, whereby the perception of action entails activation of the motor system.
Characterizing Depression Issues on Sina Weibo

The prevalence of depression has increased significantly over the past few years both in developed and developing countries. However, many people with symptoms of depression still remain untreated or undiagnosed. Social media may be a tool to help researchers and clinicians to identify and support individuals who experience depression. More than 394,000,000 postings were collected from China’s most popular social media website, Sina Weibo. 1000 randomly selected depression-related postings was coded and analyzed to learn the themes of these postings, and a text classifier was built to identify the postings indicating depression. The identified depressed users were compared with the general population on demographic characteristics, diurnal patterns, and patterns of emoticon usage. We found that disclosure of depression was the most popular theme; depression displayers were more engaged with social media compared to non-depression displayers, the depression postings showed geographical variations, depression displayers tended to be active during periods of leisure and sleep, and depression displayers used negative emoticons more frequently than non-depression displayers. This study offers a broad picture of depression references on China’s social media, which may be cost effectively developed to detect and help individuals who may suffer from depression disorders.
Fry production in tilapia rendalli stocked in suspended earthen pond hapas at different sex ratios

The study was conducted to determine fry production and the survival rate of fry in different sex ratios of Tilapia rendalli reared in hapas. The fish were stocked at 3 fish /m 3 and was replicated three times for each sex ratio of 1♂:1♀ , 1♂:3♀ and 1♂:5♀(male: female). The experiment was conducted for 90 days. Data was analyzed in SPSS (16) where one way ANOVA was performed. The results showed that number of fry produced at different sex ratios were significantly different(P<0.05), with sex ratio of 1:5 producing a highest number of fry (422.80±1.19) as compared to the other treatments. This study has also shown that, a difference in sex ratio may also affect the survival rate of the fry, this may be due to number of fry produced to a specific sex ratio, in this case the low number of fry produced the higher the survival rate.
Plateau’s problem for singular curves

We give a solution of Plateau's problem for singular curves possibly having self-intersections. The proof is based on the solution of Plateau's problem for Jordan curves in very general metric spaces by Alexander Lytchak and Stefan Wenger and hence works also in a quite general setting. However the main result of this paper seems to be new even in $\mathbb{R}^n$.
Gender Differences in Predictors of Physical Activity among Korean College Students Based on the Health Promotion Model

Abstract Aim: Despite the numerous physical and psychological benefits of physical activity (PA), the prevalence of achieving PA recommendations decreases in college students. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify factors influencing PA in male and female college students based on the Health Promotion Model. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was used to investigate factors influencing PA among male and female college students. A convenience sample of 264 Korean students was recruited from three colleges. Participants completed measures of physical activity, perceived benefits/barriers to PA, PA self-efficacy, activity-related affect, and peer support. Results: A multiple regression analysis indicated that the factors affecting PA in male college students were PA self-efficacy and subjective economic status, while the factors affecting PA in female students were PA self-efficacy, subjective health status, activity-related affect, and peer support. Conclusions: School health centers or wellness centers need to develop exercise self-efficacy enhancement programs to provide motivation for PA among college students. It might also be necessary to develop a customized PA program that considers gender differences.