Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deep Carbon Emissions from Volcanoes

Over long periods of time (~Ma), we may consider the oceans, atmosphere and biosphere as a single exospheric reservoir for CO2. The geological carbon cycle describes the inputs to this exosphere from mantle degassing, metamorphism of subducted carbonates and outputs from weathering of aluminosilicate rocks (Walker et al. 1981). A feedback mechanism relates the weathering rate with the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere via the greenhouse effect (e.g., Wang et al. 1976). An increase in atmospheric CO2 concentrations induces higher temperatures, leading to higher rates of weathering, which draw down atmospheric CO2 concentrations (Berner 1991). Atmospheric CO2 concentrations are therefore stabilized over long timescales by this feedback mechanism (Zeebe and Caldeira 2008). This process may have played a role (Feulner et al. 2012) in stabilizing temperatures on Earth while solar radiation steadily increased due to stellar evolution (Bahcall et al. 2001). In this context the role of CO2 degassing from the Earth is clearly fundamental to the stability of the climate, and therefore to life on Earth. Notwithstanding this importance, the flux of CO2 from the Earth is poorly constrained. The uncertainty in our knowledge of this critical input into the geological carbon cycle led Berner and Lagasa (1989) to state that it is the most vexing problem facing us in understanding that cycle. Notwithstanding the uncertainties in our understanding of CO2 degassing from Earth, it is clear that these natural emissions were recently dwarfed by anthropogenic emissions, which have rapidly increased since industrialization began on a large scale in the 18th century, leading to a rapid increase in atmospheric CO2 concentrations. While atmospheric CO2 concentrations have varied between 190–280 ppm for the last 400,000 years (Zeebe and Caldeira 2008), human activity has produced a remarkable increase …
MEG and correlation characteristics of hybrid dipole — Nonuniform EBG antenna systems

Hybrid antenna configurations, suitable for smart and MIMO antenna systems were synthesized. The antennas are incorporated into novel EBG surfaces with nonuniform layout which, when suitably designed, can enhance the characteristics of operation of antenna arrays positioned in close proximity to their surface. Thus they yield radiating arrangements with very low profile. Theoretical calculation of Mean Effective Gain(MEG) and the Correlation Coefficient among the information signals was made. The presented results prove the effectiveness of this type of hybrid antennas, in giving satisfactory MEG and also very low values of correlation coefficients.
A pH Control System Based on Malate Decarboxylation for the Cultivation of Lactic Acid Bacteria

Most species of lactic acid bacteria decarboxylate l-malate to lactate and CO2 if an energy source such as glucose is present. A proton is taken up in the reaction, which prevents pH decreases in the growth medium caused by lactic acid production from glucose fermentation. MRS broth (pH 7.0) (Difco Laboratories) containing 10 mM glucose and various concentrations of l-malate (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mM) was used to cultivate Lactobacillus plantarum. After 72 h at 37°C, all malate was decarboxylated and all glucose was fermented, with resultant final pH values of 4.5, 6.3, 6.9, 7.3, and 7.5, respectively. When d-malate (which cannot be decarboxylated) was substituted for l-malate, the final pH values were 4.5, 5.2, 5.6, 5.8, and 5.9. By varying the ratios of glucose to l-malate in the growth medium, it was possible to obtain pH values which were lower, the same, or higher than the initial pH values. In contrast, buffers such as phosphate only retard decreases in pH. l-Malate, when compared with K2PO4 on an equal molar basis, provided greater resistance to decreases in pH. Higher specific growth rates were observed for L. plantarum and Leuconostoc mesenteroides when l-malate rather than K2PO4 was incorporated into the growth medium.
Serum lipoprotein(a) and high sensitivity C reactive protein levels in Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and their relationship with glycemic control

Results: Subjects with poor glycemic control showed significantly higher levels of fasting blood glucose levels (10.29 ± 3.56 vs. 7.05 ± 1.64, P = 0.0001) and HbA1c (9.72 ± 2.54 vs. 6.56 ± 0.51, P = 0.0001). Moreover, subjects with poor glycemic control were more obese than those with good glycemic control (BMI 30.63 ± 5.32 vs. 28.52 ± 4.93 P = 0.04010). It was observed that the diabetics with poor glycemic control had significantly higher levels of serum triglycerides (2.32 ± 1.26 vs. 1.67 ± 1.37, P = 0.0426), and hsCRP (5.16 ± 3.29 vs. 3.97 ± 2.5, P = 0.0423) compared with the good glycemic control group. While the difference for TC, LDL, HDL, and Lp(a) was nonsignificant, significant positive correlations were observed between HbA1c, BMI (r = 0.247, P = 0.038), TG (r = 0.247, P = 0.044), and hsCRP (r = 0.326, P = 0.006). Conclusion: Diabetic patients have higher levels of hsCRP and Lp(a) than healthy individuals. Diabetic patients with poor glycemic control have significantly higher hsCRP levels compared to those with good glycemic control. However, there is no effect of glycemic control on Lp(a) levels.
Electromyographic Activity of Rectus Abdominis during a Suspension Push-Up Compared to Traditional Exercises

Snarr RL, Esco MR, Witte EV, Jenkins CT, Brannan RM. Electromyographic Activity of Rectus Abdominis During a Suspension Push-up Compared to Traditional Exercises. JEPonline 2013;16(3):1-8. The purpose of this study was to compare the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the rectus abdominis (RA) across three different exercises [i.e., suspension pushup (SPU), standard pushup (PU) and abdominal supine crunch (C)]. Fifteen apparently healthy men (n = 12, age = 25.75 ± 3.91 yrs) and women (n = 3, age = 22.33 ± 1.15) volunteered to participate in this study. The subjects performed four repetitions of SPU, PU, and C. The order of the exercises was randomized. Mean peak EMG activity of the RA was recorded across the 4 repetitions of each exercise. Raw (mV) and normalized (%MVC) values were analyzed. The results of this study showed that SPU and C elicited a significantly greater (P 0.05). This investigation indicated that SPU and C provided similar activation levels of the RA that were significantly greater than PU.
Neuronal and glial metabolite content of the epileptogenic human hippocampus

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy is characterized by hippocampal atrophy, hypometabolism, and decreased N‐acetylaspartate, often attributed to neuron loss and gliosis. Twenty hippocampal specimens were obtained during temporal lobectomy and frozen quickly. Perchloric acid extracts of the small metabolites were analyzed by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. There were no significant associations between hippocampal neuron loss and the cellular content of N‐acetylaspartate, glutamate, GABA, glutamine, or aspartate. The mean metabolite content of hippocampi with less than 30% of neurons remaining was the same as those with greater than 65% of neurons surviving. Mean N‐acetylaspartate levels were below those reported by in vivo studies of control subjects. The highest and the lowest glutamate concentrations were seen in specimens with the worst neuron loss. A highly significant association between hippocampal N‐acetylaspartate and glutamate content was seen with weak associations between N‐acetylaspartate and aspartate and glutamate and aspartate. The hippocampal content of N‐acetylaspartate, glutamate, GABA, glutamine, and aspartate is altered minimally by severe neuron loss in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. The epileptic human hippocampus has increased intracellular glutamate content that may contribute to the epileptogenic nature of hippocampal sclerosis.
The effects of bicycle crank arm length on oxygen consumption.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of various crank arm lengths on oxygen consumption for trained cyclists. Secondary purposes were, if optimal crank arm lengths existed, to determine if these lengths could be predicted based on an individual's leg length. Six trained cyclists completed four experimental protocols riding at a workload of approximately 68% of VO2 max using crank arm lengths of 165, 170, and 175 mm. During each protocol, the cadence, oxygen consumption, and distance traveled were determined, and values were combined to give a VO2.m-1.min-1 value. The values then were placed in either a high, medium, or low efficiency category. Significant differences were found among the three protocols. No significant correlations were found between each subject's most efficient crank arm length and leg length. The results of the study suggest that each subject has a most efficient crank arm length, but it does not appear that optimal crank arm length can be predicted by leg length.
Towards strain-independent anti-influenza peptides: a SAXS- and modeling-based study

Using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data, we reconstructed the scattering shape of the Hemagglutinin (HA) trimer protein from five different influenza strains. Comparison with the known crystal structures-based information aided in identifying volumes pertaining to the glycosylation in the HA trimers. By merging sequence information on HA proteins from pathogenic strains of influenza, we identified a novel druggable pocket composed of residues which remained conserved during evolution, lack propensity to be glycosylated, and play important role in maintaining interchain contacts in the pH-sensitive head group. To test our hypothesis that molecules reactive to this site may retard pH-induced opening of HA trimer in strain-independent manner, we performed in vitro screening of peptides representing interacting epitopes for their ability to retard pH-induced opening of HA trimers. Results brought forth that some of the 20 peptides tested can retard low pH-induced opening/association of HA proteins across different subtypes, thus propagating notion that the drug site and peptides identified here may pave way towards strain-independent anti-influenza molecules.
Toll-like Receptor 2 , Toll-like Receptor 4 Expression and Phagocytic Activity of Neutrophil in Saliva of New Born Babies With Sepsis Risk, An Early Detection Of Neonatal Sepsis

Neonatal sepsis remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in infant, especially preterm and low birth weight baby. Sepsis is a clinical manifestation of a dysregulated immune response to invasive pathogen.There is increasing evidence that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a key role in the mediation of systemic responses to invading pathogens during sepsis. TLRs are essential for triggering the host's immune response, acting as a sensor against invading pathogens. TLR2 was identified as a receptor for gram-positive peptidoglycan and bacterial lipopeptides, whereas TLR4 is part of a receptor complex recognizing gram- negative bacterial. Saliva is an important body fluid for detecting the physiological and pathological situations of the human body. Neutrophils are considered to participate in the acute response against pathogens in many tissues, and influx into the oral cavity occurs at any time. The expression and function of TLRs greatly influence the quality and control of innate immune response in patients with infectious disease. The high expression of TLRs and phagocytic activity of neutrophil saliva upon presentation of early onset neonatal sepsis patients, suggests
The melanoma epidemic: res ipsa loquitur.

Many have debated whether or not we are in the midst of a melanoma epidemic. Some facts are clear and helpful to this debate, while others are less clear. The incidence and mortality of melanoma have increased over the last several decades, but the incidence has risen faster than the mortality. The incidence has risen 3%-7% on average over several decades and even more rapidly among Caucasian men and the elderly. In the U.S., the incidence in men is higher than in women after the age of 40, and the difference between men and women increases from age 40 until the end of life. The incidence in the U.S. has risen most rapidly among in situ and localized lesions, but distant and regional disease have increased as well. Among localized disease, in the U.S. from 1988-1997, all stages increased by comparable amounts. This strongly argues against the idea that the increase in incidence of melanoma is only due to early detection of thin lesions or biologically benign lesions, at least during the time period studied. On the other hand, early detection of thin lesions may well account for lower increases in mortality than incidence and improvements in survival. Survival has increased from approximately 60% in the 1960s to 89% in recent years. Improvements in survival appear to be related to earlier diagnosis, rather than an improvement in survival of a given stage. Studies consistently point to a major role for UV light exposure as the most important risk factor for those individuals with a phenotypic susceptibility. Public health efforts aim at primary and secondary prevention strategies. Primary prevention strategies attempt to prevent people from developing melanoma, primarily through avoiding exposure to UV light. There is a particular emphasis on avoidance of UV light exposure in childhood and young adulthood, when it appears the risk is greatest. When strict avoidance cannot be adhered to, sunscreens have been logically recommended. Secondary prevention strategies include screening campaigns and educational campaigns. Many of these strategies appear promising but require further rigorous testing. The melanoma epidemic has arisen for a variety of reasons including: a true increase in melanomas of malignant behavior, a particularly high increase in localized and in situ lesions, and an increase in the number of biopsies performed, which may have resulted in an increased detection of less aggressive lesions. The contribution of possible changes in the diagnostic criteria for melanoma to the increased incidence remains unknown.
From Regulatory Policies to Event Monitoring Rules: Towards Model-Driven Compliance Automation

The complexity and costs of conforming to regulatory objectives in large enterprises has drastically heightened the need for consistent and automated approaches to managing compliance. To uniformly describe and manage compliance policies in distributed and heterogeneous IT environments, we have proposed a compliance metamodel for formally capturing regulatory requirements and managing them in a systematic lifecycle. A key aspect in automating compliance involves the monitoring of application events to determine whether business processes and applications operate within the parameters set forth in formal compliance policies. We show how subsets of the regulations, industry guidances or best practices that are expressed in terms of the metamodel can be (semi-)automatically transformed into event monitoring rules with the help of temporal rule patterns. Using examples of regulatory requirements, we demonstrate their formalization in compliance policies and their automated transformation into event correlation rules.
ENTOMOFAUNA OF SUBMERGED MACROPHYTE STANDS IN RESERVOIRS (PAPUK NATURE PARK)

th 2012 In this study diversity, abundance and functional feeding guild of aquatic entomofauna were assigned within submerged macrophyte stands in Jankovac Stream reservoirs (Papuk Nature Park). The main aims of this study were to analyse: (i) physico-chemical parameters and food resources; (ii) abundance and diversity and (iii) functional feeding guilds of entomofauna. Between reservoirs non signifi cant differences were observed in regard to abiotic or biotic parameters, except higher abundance of active fi lterers in vegetated littoral zone of Reservoir 1 (R1M) than in Reservoir 2 (R2M). Other parameters mostly showed signifi cant seasonal oscillations. In total 19 taxa were identifi ed, among them 14 in R1M, and half less in R2M. Highest abundance was reached in R1M in winter (544 ind m -2 ), and in R2M in spring (472 ind m -2 ). Ephemeroptera (R1M 66 %, R2M 76 %) with domination of Cloeon sp. , and Diptera (23 % in R1M and R2M) with dominated Tanitarsini specimens contributed at most in total abundance. Among feeding guilds the greatest contribution in abundance achieved detritivores (81 %). Results of this study suggested that food resources and biotic interactions are main drivers in structuring entomofauna, i.e., macroinvertebrate community in submerged macrophyte stands. Littoral zone, Ephemeroptera, Cloeon, Diptera, functional feeding guilds M. SPOLJAR, D. SNELLER, M. MILISA, J. LAJTNER, M. SERTIC PERIC i I. RADANOVIC: Entomofauna sastojina submerznih makrofi ta u umjetnim ujezerenjima (Park prirode Papuk). Entomol. Croat. 2012. Vol. 16. Num. 1-4: 7-20.
On simulating the evolution of communication

The prospects for modelling the evolution of communication are considered, including the problem of intentional explanation, and the possibility of grounding simulation work in theoretical biology. The seminal work of MacLennan and Burghardt [16] on the evolution of cooperative communication is described, and their experiment replicated. Our results were broadly similar, in that evolved communication was observed, but specific differences are discussed. MacLennan and Burghardt’s work is extended and their methodology critiqued in detail. Their experiment remains a useful demonstration, but artefactual features make their results difficult to interpret. Furthermore, we argue that too many factors are simultaneously investigated for any general principles to be extracted, and suggest an alternative program of narrowly-focused simulations. 1 Modelling Communication What has to be happening such that we would describe two entities within a computer simulation as communicating? Can communication behaviour evolve in simulation? Do we learn anything about animal communication or the development of language from such work? MacLennan and Burghardt [16, p. 186] conclude that “even in [a] simple synthetic world, communication may evolve that exhibits some of the richness of natural communication. ” The intent of this paper is to investigate the prospects for modelling communication through a critical replication of their research.
Efficacy of Two Different Stretch Training Programs (Passive vs. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) on Shoulder and Hip Range of Motion in Older People

Abstract González-Ravé, JM, Sánchez-Gómez, A, and Santos-García, DJ. Efficacy of 2 different stretch training programs (passive vs. proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) on shoulder and hip range of motion in older people. J Strength Cond Res 26(4): 1045–1051, 2012—The aim of this study was to determine the influence of 2 methods of stretch training (passive and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation [PNF]) on range of motion (ROM) in older people between the age of 60 and 70 years over a period of 13 weeks. Fifty-four participants (39 women and 15 men) were divided into 3 groups: passive (n = 17; 66.5 ± 6.5 years), PNF (n = 17; age, 64.7 ± 4.0 years old), and control (n = 17; age, 66.4 ± 4.5 years). The subjects trained 2 times per week on nonconsecutive days for 13 weeks. Each training session included 2 flexibility exercises focused on the shoulder and hip joints. The PNF group performed 6 seconds of passive stretching, 3 seconds of muscular contractions, and 2 seconds of relaxation. The passive group performed 10 seconds of stretching and 5 seconds of relaxation. This sequence was repeated 3 times by each group. The control group did not perform any stretching. In the PNF group, there was an increase in hip ROM (p < 0.001) between pretest and posttest in the passive group and an improvement (p < 0.001) was observed between pretest and posttest, whereas in the control group, there was a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in hip ROM between pretest and posttest. In shoulder ROM, there was an increase (p < 0.001) between pretest and posttest in the passive group and an improvement (p < 0.001) was observed between pretest and posttest in the PNF group. There were no changes in shoulder ROM between pretest and posttest in the control group. The analysis of variance showed significant differences in hip and shoulder ROM between passive and control groups and PNF and control groups, but no significant differences were found between passive and PNF. The main finding was that the ability of physically active older people to increase ROM in response to stretching techniques is similar for both passive and PNF techniques.
Measurement of erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity with a centrifugal analyzer.

We describe two improved methods for determination of erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. One method is an"enzyme-linked" procedure in which an excess of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase is used to produce two moles of NADPH for each mole of glucose-6-phosphate oxidized. In the other method 2,3-diphosphoglycerate is used to inhibit the variable contribution of endogenous 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in erythrocyte lysates. These assays require 100 µl of blood and are performed on a centrifugal analyzer in a final reaction volume of 410 µl at 37 °C. NADPH formation is monitored at 340 nm. Hemoglobin is measured as oxyhemoglobin in the same reaction mixture used to determine enzyme activity by changing the wavelength to 550 nm. Results are expressed as international units of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity per gram of hemoglobin. The coefficient of correlation between "enzyme-linked" assay and "standard" assay was . 992, the slope of the regression line was 1.07, and the intercept was at -0.76. When results of the "enzyme-linked" assay were compared to those of the "nonlinked" assay with added 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, the slope of the regression line was . 994, the intercept 0.109, and the correlation coefficient . 994.
Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Kenya: Results From a Nationally Representative Study

Background:Kenya has an estimated 13,000 new infant HIV infections that occur annually. We measured the burden of HIV infection among women of childbearing age and assessed access to and coverage of key prevention of mother-to-child transmission interventions. Methods:The second Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey was a nationally representative 2-stage cluster sample of households. We analyzed data from women aged 15–54 years who had delivered a newborn within the preceding 5 years and from whom we obtained samples for HIV testing. Results:Of 3310 women who had ≥1 live birth in the preceding 5 years, 2862 (86.5%) consented to HIV testing in the survey, and 171 (6.1%) were found to be infected. Ninety-five percent received prenatal care, 93.1% were screened for HIV during prenatal care, and of those screened, 97.8% received their test results. Seventy-six women were known to be infected in their last pregnancy. Of these, 54 (72.3%) received antepartum antiretroviral prophylaxis, and 51 (69.1%) received intrapartum prophylaxis; 56 (75.3%) reported their newborns received postpartum prophylaxis. Of the 76 children born to these mothers, 63 (82.5%) were tested for HIV at the first immunization visit or thereafter, and 8 (15.1%) were HIV infected. Conclusions:We found a substantial burden of HIV in Kenyan women of childbearing age and a cumulative 5-year mother-to-child transmission rate of 15%. Although screening has improved over the past 5 years, fewer than three-quarters of infected pregnant women are receiving antiretroviral prophylaxis. Universal antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected pregnant women will be essential in achieving Kenyan's target to eliminate mother-to-child transmission to <5% by 2015.