Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis and attribution of total column ozone changes over the Tibetan Plateau during 1979–2017

Abstract. Various observation-based datasets have confirmed positive zonal mean column ozone trends at midlatitudes as a result of the successful implementation of the Montreal Protocol. However, there is still uncertainty about the longitudinal variation of these trends and the direction and magnitude of ozone changes at low latitudes. Here, we use the extended Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) dataset (1979–2017) to investigate the long-term variations in total column ozone (TCO) over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) for different seasons. We use piecewise linear trend (PWLT) and equivalent effective stratospheric chlorine loading (EESC)-based multivariate regression models with various proxies to attribute the influence of dynamical and chemical processes on the TCO variability. We also compare the seasonal behaviour of the relative total ozone low (TOL) over the TP with the zonal mean at the same latitude. Both regression models show that the TP column ozone trends change from negative trends from 1979 to 1996 to small positive trends from 1997 to 2017, although the later positive trend based on PWLT is not statistically significant. The wintertime positive trend starting from 1997 is larger than that in summer, but both seasonal TP recovery rates are smaller than the zonal means over the same latitude band. For TP column ozone, both regression models suggest that the geopotential height at 150 hPa (GH150) is a more suitable and realistic dynamical proxy compared to a surface temperature proxy used in some previous studies. Our analysis also shows that the wintertime GH150 plays an important role in determining summertime TCO over the TP through persistence of the ozone signal. For the zonal mean column ozone at this latitude, the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) is nonetheless the dominant dynamical proxy. We also use a 3-D chemical transport model to diagnose the contributions of different proxies for the TP region. The role of GH150 variability is illustrated by using two sensitivity experiments with repeating dynamics of 2004 and 2008. The simulated ozone profiles clearly show that wintertime TP ozone concentrations are largely controlled by tropics to midlatitude pathways, whereas in summer variations associated with tropical processes play an important role. These model results confirm that the long-term trends of TCO over the TP are dominated by different processes in winter and summer. The different TP recovery rates relative to the zonal means at the same latitude band are largely determined by wintertime dynamical processes.
THE BIOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF CORNEA IN ANALYZING GLAUCOMA RISK

The corneal properties in connection with glaucoma risk were studied on 4343 eyes. These include the stress generated by the increase of the intraocular pressure, corneal hysteresis and optic nerve properties as determined by optical coherence tomography. A new biophysical ocular parameter, denoted as corneal damping, φ, has been defined. Correlations between optic nerve thickness, intraocular pressure and corneal viscoelastic properties and φ parameter were obtained. The data evidenced that after 40 years at an intraocular pressure over 30 mmHg corneal viscoelasticity decrease and explain 36% of variance in the optic nerve thickness.
Who can be nudged? Examining nudging effectiveness in the context of need for cognition and need for uniqueness

In the last decade, there has been a growing research focus on the subtle modifications of choice architecture that have strong effects on consumer behavior and are subsumed under the term nudging. There is still little research, however, on how different nudges influence individuals with different personality characteristics. An experimental online shopping scenario is used to test whether a customer's Need for Cognition and Need for Uniqueness moderate the effectiveness of two of the most prominent nudges—defaults and social influence. Two experiments with samples stratified by age, gender, and education (total N = 1,561) reveal that defaults and social influence have the predicted impact on a customer's decision. Across both studies, nudge effectiveness was partially impacted by Need for Cognition and not impacted at all by Need for Uniqueness. These findings imply that both types of nudges are strong and robust techniques to influence consumer decision‐making and are effective across different levels of consumer's Need for Cognition or Need for Uniqueness.
Salivary extracellular vesicles inhibit Zika virus but not SARS-CoV-2 infection

ABSTRACT Zika virus (ZIKV) is mainly transmitted via mosquitos, but human-to-human transmissions also occur. The virus is shed into various body fluids including saliva, which represents a possible source of viral transmission. Thus, we here explored whether human saliva affects ZIKV infectivity. We found that physiological concentrations of pooled saliva dose-dependently inhibit ZIKV infection of monkey and human cells by preventing viral attachment to target cells. The anti-ZIKV activity in saliva could not be abrogated by boiling, suggesting the antiviral factor is not a protein. Instead, we found that purified extracellular vesicles (EVs) from saliva inhibit ZIKV infection. Salivary EVs (saEVs) express typical EV markers such as tetraspanins CD9, CD63 and CD81 and prevent ZIKV attachment to and infection of target cells at concentrations that are naturally present in saliva. The anti-ZIKV activity of saliva is conserved but the magnitude of inhibition varies between individual donors. In contrast to ZIKV, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), predominantly spreading via respiratory droplets, is not affected by saliva or saEVs. Our findings provide a plausible explanation for why ZIKV transmission via saliva, i.e. by deep kissing have not been recorded and establish a novel oral innate immune defence mechanism against some viral pathogens.
Environmental Effects on Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.). II. Effects of Temperature on Photosynthesis, Photorespiration and Dark Respiration in Peppermint With Reference to Oil Composition

Net CO2 exchange was investigated at several photon flux densities and day temperatures in both 21% and 2% O2. Light saturation occurred between 400 and 500 µEm-2, s-1 in attached, fully expanded leaves of peppermint. Maximum rates of 'apparent' photosynthesis occurred at 20°C. The important determinants of 'apparent' photosynthesis were an increase in 'true' photosynthesis when temperature was increased to 25°C, a steady increase in dark respiration with increased temperature and a rapid increase in photorespiration between 15 and 30°C. Such net CO2 exchange characteristics of peppermint support the photosynthate model proposed to explain environmental effects on oil composition.
Risk of Bias Assessments and Evidence Syntheses for Observational Epidemiologic Studies of Environmental and Occupational Exposures: Strengths and Limitations

Background: Increasingly, risk of bias tools are used to evaluate epidemiologic studies as part of evidence synthesis (evidence integration), often involving meta-analyses. Some of these tools consider hypothetical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as gold standards. Methods: We review the strengths and limitations of risk of bias assessments, in particular, for reviews of observational studies of environmental exposures, and we also comment more generally on methods of evidence synthesis. Results: Although RCTs may provide a useful starting point to think about bias, they do not provide a gold standard for environmental studies. Observational studies should not be considered inherently biased vs. a hypothetical RCT. Rather than a checklist approach when evaluating individual studies using risk of bias tools, we call for identifying and quantifying possible biases, their direction, and their impacts on parameter estimates. As is recognized in many guidelines, evidence synthesis requires a broader approach than simply evaluating risk of bias in individual studies followed by synthesis of studies judged unbiased, or with studies given more weight if judged less biased. It should include the use of classical considerations for judging causality in human studies, as well as triangulation and integration of animal and mechanistic data. Conclusions: Bias assessments are important in evidence synthesis, but we argue they can and should be improved to address the concerns we raise here. Simplistic, mechanical approaches to risk of bias assessments, which may particularly occur when these tools are used by nonexperts, can result in erroneous conclusions and sometimes may be used to dismiss important evidence. Evidence synthesis requires a broad approach that goes beyond assessing bias in individual human studies and then including a narrow range of human studies judged to be unbiased in evidence synthesis. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6980
Dentin to dentin adhesion using combinations of resin cements and adhesives from different manufacturers – a novel approach

Abstract Aims The aims of this study were to present a novel method to analyse dentin bond strength and to evaluate the bond strength of combining adhesive systems and resin cement from different manufacturers. Methods Human wisdom teeth were ground flat to the dentin on parallel surfaces and axially cut into two parts. Dentin cylinders (Ø 3 mm) were drilled from one half of each tooth. The other half from each tooth was embedded in epoxy resin with the dentin surface exposed. The specimens were ground with silicone carbide paper and the dentin cylinders were cemented onto the dentin surface of the other half of the same tooth. Materials: Resin cement and adhesive systems from three different manufacturers were used in various combinations (n = 8 per group). Cement and adhesive from the same manufacturer served as control. Shear bond strength (SBS) was measured and fracture modes were registered. Results and conclusions: The highest median SBS value was found in a bonding combination between cement and a non-corresponding adhesive (33.1 MPa) and one of the lowest values was found in one of the controls (15.3 MPa). Cohesive fractures were most frequent. The results indicated that combining adhesive and cement from different manufacturers did not compromise the dentin bonding. The novel test method is recommended for evaluating dentin bonding.
Corticosteroid prevents COVID-19 progression within its therapeutic window: a multicentre, proof-of-concept, observational study

ABSTRACT Critically ill patients with coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) are of grave concern. Those patients usually underwent a stage of excessive inflammation before developing acute respiratory distress syndrome. In this study, we test the hypothesis that short-term, low-to-moderate-dose corticosteroids would benefit patients when used in the early phase of excessive inflammation, namely, the therapeutic window. Among a Shanghai cohort and a validation cohort, we enrolled COVID-19 patients showing marked radiographic progression. Short-term, low-to-moderate-dose corticosteroids were considered for them. After identifying the possible markers for the therapeutic window, we then divided the patients, based on whether they were treated with corticosteroids within the therapeutic window, into the early-start group and control group. We identified that the therapeutic window for corticosteroids was characterized by a marked radiographic progression and lactase dehydrogenase (LDH) less than two times the upper limit of normal (ULN). The Shanghai cohort comprised of 68 patients, including 47 in the early-start group and 21 in the control group. The proportion of patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation was significantly lower in the early-start group than in the control group (10.6% vs. 33.3%, difference, 22.7%, 95% confidence interval 2.6–44.8%). Among the validation cohort of 51 patients, similar difference of the primary outcome was observed (45.0% vs. 74.2%, P = 0.035). Among COVID-19 patients with marked radiologic progression, short-term, low-to-moderate-dose corticosteroids benefits patients with LDH levels of less than two times the ULN, who may be in the early phase of excessive inflammation.
Improving the quality of antibiotic prescribing through an educational intervention delivered through the out-of-hours general practice service in Ireland

Abstract Background Antibiotic resistance is a threat to our health and health systems. Up to 70% of antibiotics are prescribed in general practice. In Ireland, Out-of-hours (OOH) services are mostly provided by co-operatives of GPs and the 11 main OOH centres cover up to 90% of the population. More than 80% of GPs are involved in OOH care in their area, which provides an opportunity to deliver education and awareness through this centralised system. Objectives To analyse the change in the quality of antibiotic prescribing after the introduction of an educational intervention categorising antibiotics into a red (avoid) and green (preferred) panel. Methods Educational information for the GP was developed based on the national prescribing guidelines. A particular focus was to reduce co-amoxyclav prescribing. An electronic pop-up message to record whether an antibiotic was prescribed, was displayed at the end of each consultation in the patient management software of the OOH-centre, after the decision of prescribing was made. Antibiotic prescribing was compared for a 13-week period (week 47–week 7) in 2016/2017 with 2017/2018. Results Pre-intervention prescribing of red antibiotics was 44% which reduced to 17% after the intervention. The mean percentage of co-amoxyclav, the most prescribed non-firstline prescription, was 33% of all antibiotic prescriptions which dropped to 10%. Conclusion Our intervention implemented in the OOH GP service categorised antibiotics into red prescriptions and green (firstline) prescriptions, which was recorded through an electronic pop-up message, resulted in an absolute reduction of 27% in red prescriptions and more than 23% in co-amoxyclav prescriptions.
The distribution of ant colonies in a semiarid landscape : implications for community and ecosystem processes

We studied the spatial distribution of harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex occidentalis) across multiple scales in the shortgrass-steppe of northeastern Colorado, USA. Using low-level aerial photographs (1: 2000 scale), we mapped the locations of ant colonies in five areas (65-130 ha) that differed in topography and grazing intensity by domestic cattle. Ant colonies were also mapped in field plots to verify data obtained from aerial photographs. Densities of ant colonies were analyzed by subdividing each of the areas by soil map units and 1-ha quadrats. We performed simulations to examine dispersion patterns at different scales using the 1st-10th nearest-neighbor distances (NND). Overall ant densities ranged from 6 to 16 colonies/ha among the five study areas. Local densities varied more widely among 1-ha quadrats (0-50 colonies/ha) and among soils (0-18 colonies/ha). Variability in colony density was greatest in areas with rolling topography and lowest under heavy grazing. Dispersion patterns obtained from the distribution of 1st NND showed regular and clumped departures from random at different parts of the distribution. Over broader scales, analyses of the 1st-10th mean NND showed a regular or random dispersion at the 1st or 2nd NND and a clumped pattern at the 3rd NND and beyond. Across the 1st-10th NND, quantitative patterns of dispersion differed among the five study areas. Ant distributions are likely influenced both by fine-scale factors such as neighborhood interactions and by broad-scale factors such as soils, topography, and grazing. Whether due to natural factors or land use, broad-scale variability in the distribution of ant populations may have important consequences to behavioral, community and ecosystem processes.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C Polymorphisms in Georgian Females with Hypothyroidism

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms in Georgian females with hypothyroidism. Thirty-four patients and 29 healthy individuals were recruited in this study. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses were used for genotyping of MTHFR polymorphisms. The results of this study suggest that the MTHFR C677T variant was significantly associated with hypothyroidism. In addition, in individuals with T allele risk of hypothyroidism significantly increased. Combination of CT/AA genotypes was more prevalent in the hypothyroid patients than in the control group. Thus, C677T polymorphism could be a possible genetic factor contributing to the pathophysiology of hypothyroidism, possibly through hyperhomocysteinemia.
Layered alkali propanoates M +(C2H5COO)−; M + = Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+

The structures of four alkali propionates, M +(C2H5COO)−; M + = Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, have been determined. All of them show close structural similarity, which is manifested by the coordination of the cation by six oxygen atoms in a chessboard motif, forming a bilayer. This bilayer is situated between hydrophobic layers composed of dangling ethyl chains. The structures are built up by stacking of these sandwiches.
Electrophoretic Analysis of Human Semen.∗

Conclusion 1. Four protein fractions were observed in 4 normal and one pathological semen specimens subjected to electrophoretic analysis. 2. The electrophoretic mobilities of these protein fractions after dialysis are identical with those of the albumin, alpha, beta, and gamma globulins of normal serum. 3. Average values for these components as percentages of the total nondialyzable semen protein are: beta globulin, 39.6; alpha globulin, 21.3; albumin, 19.9; and gamma globulin, 19.1. 4. The protein composition of the one pathological semen studied did not differ from the 4 normal semens.
Isolation and Cultivation Characteristics of Acetobacter xylinum KJ-1 Producing Bacterial Cellulose in Shaking Cultures

Eight strains producing bacterial cellulose (BC) were isolated from rotten fruits and traditionally fermented vinegars. One of the isolated strains from the rotten grape in Gwangju, Korea, maintained a relatively stable BC production in shaking cultures. This isolated strain proved to be Acetobacter xylinum, based on several biochemical and morphological tests. It was shown that the slant-baffled flask was more efficient than the conventional flask for the BC production in shaking cultures. To determine the most suitable carbon and nitrogen sources for the production of BC, various compounds were examined. Fructose was found to be the most effective carbon source with an optimal concentration of 2%. Mixed carbon source (glucose:fructose=1:3) was also better than glucose or fructose alone. Optimal nitrogen source, when basal medium was used, was 10% (v/v) corn steep liquor (CSL). When corn steep liquor was used with a mixed carbon source (glucose:fructose=1:3), 4% CSL exhibited the best BC production. Based on these results, a defined medium was developed for the BC production by Acetobacter xylinum KJ-1. When this medium was used under optimal culture conditions, the BC production was 7.2 g/l, which was approximately 3 times higher than that with the traditional HS medium.
Effects of goat social rank on kid gender

Mechanisms of gender ratio in progeny are complex and the fine details are still largely unknown, even in mammals. Though the 50% ratio of males and females is expected, various factors have been shown to be effective in diverting the ratio from the expected. In this study, dominance index, effects of sire, age of dam, birth type and year of birth on the gender ratio of Turkish Saanen goat kids were investigated in a full model. The analysis indicated that dominance index (DI) of the dam had a significant influence on the gender ratio of kids (P = 0.036). Certain sires tended to father female descendants repeatedly and the dams with high dominance index gave birth to male kids. Effects of sire on kid gender approached significance ( P = 0.094). Age of dam, year and birth type were insignificant.
Knowledge Management, An Enduring but Confusing Fashion

Knowledge Management has been a subject of significant management interest for some 15 years. During that time it has been subjected to a variety of criticisms including the argument that it is little more than a “fad” -something that catches management‟s attention for a while and then fades away because of a lack of sustainability. It has been compared to other major management fads such as quality circles and business process re-engineering. This paper examines the discipline of Knowledge Management (KM) through the lens of management fashion theory. It demonstrates that KM is not a fad and that it has become an enduring management activity. Management Fashion Theory (Abrahamson and Fairchild, 1999) is an extension of Rogers‟ Theory of Diffusion of Innovations (Rogers, 2003), that takes a skeptical view of business innovations, viewing the discourse about and the diffusion of innovations as a cultural phenomenon rather than a rational decision making process. After a brief introduction to the field of Knowledge Management (KM), a review of the theories of Diffusion of Innovations and Management Fashion is presented, along with a description of the methodology used to apply Management Fashion Theory to the discourse on KM. Bibliometric and content analysis techniques are used to examine publications and discourse in the field from 1990 to 2009. The analysis of discourse on KM demonstrates a significant period of “latency” from the late 1980s to 1994, during which foundational ideas and precursors to KM appear. Then a rapid growth period is identified, from 1995-2001 during which KM becomes an innovation of interest to most major organizations. Finally, it appears that discourse has settled at a steady state, with no decline apparent. However, detailed analysis has also indentified a potential conflict between the interests of practitioners and researchers, with a separation of the discourse into distinct groups that may have inconsistent views on what is or is not “Knowledge Management”. In summary, this paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of discourse on KM. It provides bibliometric evidence that there has been a sustained interest in KM that is quite unlike that of other popular management themes over the last 30 years. It raises some questions about the relevance of some of the research being carried out.
Short Note: Calf Chronology of the Franciscana Dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei): Birth, Onset of Feeding, and Duration of Lactation in Coastal Waters of Argentina

Fil: Denuncio, Pablo Ezequiel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencia Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentina