Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of ocean warming and acidification on embryos and non-calcifying larvae of the invasive sea star Patiriella regularis.

Little is known about the effects of potential synergies between concurrent ocean warming and acidification on marine benthos. We investigated the effects of warming and acidification on development to the non-calcifying larval stage in the sea star Patiriella regularis, in embryos reared from fertilization in present and future (2100+) conditions. Fertilization using gametes from multiple parents, to represent populations of spawners, was resilient to both stressors, as were cleavage stage embryos. Warming increased developmental rate across all pH levels. For blastulae, there was a complex interaction between stressors, with +4°C/pH 7.6 lethal to many embryos. A 4°C warming increased mortality by the gastrulation stage by 13 to 25% across all pH levels. In conjunction with warming, pH 7.6 increased mortality by 25 to 27% across all temperatures. For embryos that reached the 3 d bipinnaria stage, warming reduced the percentage of normal larvae and larval size, with no effect of acidification. These results highlight the importance of considering both warming and acidification, and effects on early embryos, in assessing life history responses to ocean change. Bipinnaria reared to Day 28 to determine the effects of acidification on non-calcifying feeding larvae provided a comparison with results for calcifying echinoplutei. pH 7.6 resulted in smaller larvae and increased mortality by 30%. After 24 d, near-future ocean acidification levels (pH 7.8) also resulted in smaller larvae. The effects of acidification in reducing growth in larvae that do not calcify indicates that the stunting response of echinoderm feeding larvae to pH/pCO2 is strongly influenced by hypercapnic changes in meta bolism and teratogenic effects. The results have implications for P. regularis in its invasive range in Australia, where this species is likely to be deleteriously affected by ocean warming.
Increased Surgical Complications but Improved Overall Survival with Adult Living Donor Compared to Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) provides an alternative to deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) for patients with end-stage liver disease in the circumstance of scarcity of deceased grafts. However, the outcomes of LDLT remain controversial. Method A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to compare the outcomes of LDLT with DDLT. Twelve outcomes were assessed. Results Thirty-nine studies involving 38563 patients were included. LDLT was comparable in red blood cell transfusion, perioperative mortality, length of hospital stay, retransplantation rate, hepatitis C virus recurrence rate, and hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence rate with DDLT. Cold ischemia time was shorter and duration of recipient operation was longer in LDLT. Postoperative intra-abdominal bleeding rate occurred less frequently in LDLT recipients (odds ratio (OR) = 0.64, 95%confidence interval (CI) = 0.46 − 0.88, P = 0.006), but this did not decrease the perioperative mortality. LDLT was associated with significantly higher biliary (OR = 2.23, 95%CI = 1.59 − 3.13, P < 0.00001) and vascular (OR = 2.00, 95%CI = 1.31 − 3.07, P = 0.001) complication rates and better overall survival (OS) (1 year: OR = 1.32, 95%CI = 1.01 − 1.72, P = 0.04; 3 years: OR = 1.39, 95%CI = 1.14 − 1.69, P = 0.0010; and 5 years: OR = 1.33, 95%CI = 1.04 − 1.70, P = 0.02). According to subgroup analysis, biliary complication rate and OS improved dramatically as experience increased, while vascular complication rate could not be improved because it was mainly caused by the difference of the donor type itself. Conclusions LDLT remains a valuable option for patients in need of liver transplantation for it provides an excellent alternative to DDLT without compromising recipient outcomes. Further refinement in biliary and vascular reconstruction techniques and the accumulation of liver transplantation centers' experience are the key factors in expanding the application of LDLT.
DENSITY MATRIX MINIMIZATION WITH (cid:96) 1 REGULARIZATION

A BSTRACT . We propose a convex variational principle to ﬁnd sparse representation of low-lying eigenspace of symmetric matrices. In the context of electronic structure calculation, this corresponds to a sparse density matrix minimization algorithm with (cid:96) 1 regularization. The minimization problem can be efﬁciently solved by a split Bregman iteration type algorithm. We further prove that from any initial condition, the algorithm converges to a minimizer of the variational principle.
Perspectives of the selection scheme of the Sarda dairy sheep breed in the era of genomics

Over the last decade, a progressive decline of the efficiency of the breeding scheme of the Sarda dairy sheep breed has been observed. In this context, a program for implementing innovative genomic tools has been established. The current state of the selection scheme of the Sarda breed is summarized and the potential impact of innovative genomic tools taking into account their economic sustainability is drawn. A female reference population was created to identify LD o causal mutations and to trigger genomic selection. Results of QTL detection and accuracies of Herd Book rams genomic predictions realized on the basis of the female reference population show that it is a realistic option to increase the effectiveness of the current selection program. The impact of the female nucleus may be increased by an organization of the HB flocks in levels according to the application of selection tools i.e the incidence of pedigree known and the engagement in AI program.
Pollination biology of Gelsemium sempervirensL. (Ait.) (Gelsemiaceae): do male and female Habropoda laboriosa F. (Hymenoptera, Apidae) differ in pollination efficiency?

Summary In the outer coastal plain of Georgia, USA, Gelsemium sempervirens (Gelsemiaceae) is heavily visited (69–100% of all flower visits) by male and female blueberry bees, Habropoda laboriosa (Hymenoptera-Apidae). Fruit set is, however, consistently low (8–36% range). The pollination efficiency of male and female blueberry bees was studied using: 1. comparison of pollen loads on foraging male and female bees; 2. calculation of pollen loads on fresh stigmas of flowers exposed to a single visit by a female bee; and 3. an experimental test of fruit and seed set following exposure to one to eight visits by both male and female bees. Females had larger pollen loads in four of five body regions, but male bees consistently carried pollen in quantities sufficient for fertilization. A single visit from a female bee resulted in mixed pollen deposition of 76 pollen grains, 20 of which were from Gelsemium and 56 from Vaccinium. There was no significant relationship of either fruit or seed set with number of visits from either males or females. Whilst both male and female bees are effective as pollen delivery agents of G. sempervirens, much of the pollen they deliver may be from the same floral morph, leading to rejection in this self-incompatible distylous species. Low fruit set may also be related to other factors such as resource limitation and/or herbivory.
Analysis of Meristic Characters and Genetic Differentiation in Greenland Halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) in the Northwest Atlantic

A stock identification study of Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) in the Northwest Atlantic was carried out based on samples from off eastern Newfoundland, Davis Strait, three West Greenland fjords and Denmark Strait. Meristic characters and frequencies of electrophoretically detectable alleles of protein loci were analyzed. Mean number of vertebrae showed significant heterogeneity among areas, while fin-ray numbers showed no difference. Offshore areas were very alike in terms of mean numbers of vertebrae, while those from the inshore areas of West Greenland differed both among themselves and from those of the offshore areas. The genetic variation between samples was small. In all samples the phenotypic distribution of four polymorphic loci was in accordance with the expectation from the Hardy-Weinberg proportions. Pair comparisons of the allelic distributions between samples showed that more than one breeding stock must exist. Although the Denmark Strait stock could not be separated from the stock in the area between West Greenland and Canada, results support the conclusion that at least two spawning stocks exist in the Northwest Atlantic. Results are consistent with the prevailing theory that Greenland halibut form a single, interbreeding stock in the offshore area between Canada and West Greenland, but also agree with other evidence that Greenland halibut in West Greenland fjords are partially isolated from the offshore stock.
ABSCISIC ACID LEVELS IN NACL-TREATED BARLEY, COTTON AND SALTBUSH

Exposing barley and cotton plants to 75 mol m-3 NaCl reduced transpiration and increased abscisic acid (ABA) levels in leaves, roots and xylem sap. Exposing saltbush (Atriplex spongiosa) plants to 75 mol m-3 NaCI, at which concentration they grow best, did not affect transpiration or ABA levels but when the NaCl was increased to 150 mol m-3 transpiration fell and ABA levels rose. ABA levels in leaves were high in salt-treated barley and saltbush even when the leaf water status was raised by pressurising the roots. These responses indicate that an increased leaf ABA level was not triggered by leaf water deficit, but by the root's response to the salinity. The flux of ABA in the xylem sap of the three species was more than enough to account for the amount of ABA in leaves, in the presence and absence of salinity. This suggests that the roots may be the source of at least part of the ABA found in leaves.
LUNG AND AIR-SAC SYSTEM OF THE STRIGIDAE (I)

LUCAS et al.(1959) reported that the morphological features of the lung and air-sac system of Bubo virginianus were similar to those of the chicken. GROEBBELS (1932) described that the volume of the posterior thoracic sac was larger than that of the anterior thoracic sac in the Striges. There have been few detailed studies, however, on the lung and air-sac system of the Strigidae. In the present paper, the author has made some morphological observations on the lung and air-sacs of 4 species of owls.
Report no. PDE-CDE-18/04 FAST MEAN-REVERSION ASYMPTOTICS FOR LARGE PORTFOLIOS OF STOCHASTIC VOLATILITY MODELS

We consider a large portfolio limit where the asset prices evolve according certain stochastic volatility models with default upon hitting a lower barrier. When the asset prices and the volatilities are correlated via systemic Brownian Motions, that limit exist and it is described by a SPDE on the positive half-space with Dirichlet boundary conditions which has been studied in [12]. We study the convergence of the total mass of a solution to this stochastic initial-boundary value problem when the mean-reversion coefficients of the volatilities are multiples of a parameter that tends to infinity. When the volatilities of the volatilities are multiples of the square root of the same parameter, the convergence is extremely weak. On the other hand, when the volatilities of the volatilities are independent of this exploding parameter, the volatilities converge to their means and we can have much better approximations. Our aim is to use such approximations to improve the accuracy of certain risk-management methods in markets where fast volatility mean-reversion is observed.
Detection of mast cells in ameloblastomas and odontogenic keratocysts

Background MCs (MCs) have been ascribed to mediating several diseases, including malignant neoplasms. These cells can play a role in angiogenesis, tissue remodeling and immune modulation and favor neoplasm progression. Despite the studies analyzing the contribution of MCs in odontogenic lesions, its biological behavior in ameloblastomas (AMBs) and odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) remains unclear. This study aims to detect MCs in OKCs and AMBs and clarify the role of MCs in these lesions. Material and Methods A total of 40 odontogenic lesions were analyzed. This included 20 OKCs and 20 AMBs, 10 being the solid type and the other 10 being the unicystic type of AMB. All cases were histologically reviewed in hematoxylin-eosin. Clinical data, such as age, gender, location, size, radiographic presentation and, histologic patterns were collected from the clinical charts. The Mann–Whitney U test (MWU) was used verify the hypothesis, through inferential statistics. The level of significance used in the statistical test was 0.5%. Results MCs were observed in 60% of OKCs, and 35% of AMBs. The ratio of MCs observed in OKCs was 0.37, 0.48 in solid AMBs and 0.01 in unicystic AMBs. There was no significant difference between number of MCs in AMBs and OKCs, however, a significant difference was observed between solid and unicystic AMBs (p ≤ 0.01). Conclusions MCs may play an important role in the biological behavior of AMBs and OKCs. However, in this study it was not possible to confirm the contribution of MCs in the biological behavior of these lesions and more studies are needed to clarify this relation. Key words:AMB, OKC, MCs, histochemistry, toluidine blue.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Utilization and Associated Factors among College Students at West Arsi Zone in Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Background Young people are challenged with sexual and reproductive health (SRH) problems due to limited access to services and information. It contributes a high burden of sexually transmitted disease, unsafe abortion, and premature mortality, especially in low-income countries like Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed at assessing the SRH service utilization and associated factors among college students at West Arsi Zone in Oromia region, Ethiopia. Methods Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 519 randomly selected college students from January 01, 2019, up to April 30, 2019. Data were collected through self-administered pretested questionnaires. Data entry and analysis for descriptive and logistic regression models were performed by using SPSS (version 23). The result was declared as statistically significant at p < 0.05. Results The utilization of at least one SRH service in the last twelve months was seen in 304 (58.6%) students. Mainly information and counseling (81.3%), voluntary testing and counseling for HIV (80.6%), condom service (37.2%), pregnancy test (35.5%), family planning services (33.2%), and abortion care services (26.0%) were most frequently utilized. The students' aged between 20 and 24 years [AOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.38–3.06], female students [AOR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.30–2.82], those not living with family [AOR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.05–2.26], those who discussed about SRH with family/friends [AOR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.31–2.82], and those who participated in school clubs [AOR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.19, 2.58] more frequently used SRH service compared with their counterparts. Conclusions The utilization of SRH services was low when compared with other studies and needs improvements to tackle RH-related problems. It requires pertinent health education and the SRH club at higher educational institutions is crucial.
Typical chest CT features can determine the severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies 

Background It remains unclear whether a specific chest CT characteristic is associated with the clinical severity of COVID-19. This meta-analysis was performed to assess the relationship between different chest CT features and severity of clinical presentation in COVID-19.Methods PubMed, Embase, Scopus, web of science databases (WOS), Cochrane library, and Google scholar were searched up to May 19, 2020 for observational studies that assessed the relationship of different chest CT manifestations and the severity of clinical presentation in COVID-19 infection. Risk of bias assessment was evaluated applying the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effects model or fixed-effects model, as appropriately, were used to pool results. Heterogeneity was assessed using Forest plot, Cochran's Q test, and I2. Publication bias was assessed applying Egger’s test.Results A total of 18 studies involving 3323 patients were included. Bronchial wall thickening (OR 11.64, 95% CI 1.81- 74.66) was more likely to be associated with severe cases of COVID-19 infection, followed by linear opacity (OR 3.27, 95% CI 1.10- 9.70), and GGO (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.08- 1.73). However, there was no significant association between the presence of consolidation and severity of clinical presentation (OR 2.33, 95% CI 0.85- 6.36). Considering the lesion distribution bilateral lung involvement was more frequently associated with severe clinical presentation (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.74- 6.79). Conclusions Our meta-analysis of observational studies suggests some specific chest CT features. The presence of these CT features can help the physicians to early and appropriately approach to the severe and fatal cases of COVID-19.
Effect of a 12-week training program on the anthropometric and physiological profiles of some participants registered in a fitness center in Douala, Cameroon

Fitness centers are remarkably abundant in Cameroon. The aim of this work was to assess the effects of a 12-week training program on the anthropometric and physiological profiles of some participants in a fitness center. A total of 86 participants (40 from the experimental group and 46 from the control group) with age ranging from 17 to 53 years were subjected to pre- and posttraining assessments of, anthropometric parameters, physiological parameters, and performance. Anthropometric parameters (weight, height, body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC]) and blood pressure (diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure [SBP]) were measured according to standard protocols. Heart rate was recorded using a heart rate monitor. Cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen uptake or VO2peak) was estimated by the 20-multistage shuttle run test. All the data was collected twice within 12 weeks. Weight, BMI, and WC did not show any significant variation (P>0.05) after a 12-week training program. VO2peak increase was insignificant (P>0.05) higher in men (7.5%, P=0.06), compared to women (5.4%, P=0.4). We noticed a significant reduction (P=0.002) in the SBP of men. Significant increase of HR max was found in women. There was an improvement of 13.7% in the VO2peak of the participants who did not consume alcohol. These results demonstrate the slight benefits of a 12-week training program on health. The weight characteristics of the participants and lifestyle may play an important role in these interactions.
The causes and developmental effects of integration and independence between different parts of Glechoma hederacea clones

The clonal species Glechoma hederacea shows both physiological integration and physiological independence between its ramets at different structural levels. The cause of these differences in intra-clone integration is analysed, using (1) acid fuchsin dye to reveal the vascular connections between different ramets through the xylem, (2) 14 C as marker to demonstrate and quantify photoassimilate translocation patterns in the phloem, and (3) anatomical studies. Dye movement in the xylem was strictly acropetal and highly sectorial, and the sectoriality was determined by phyllotaxy. Patterns of movement of 14 C were qualitatively similar to those of xylem-based resources, although there was some basipetal movement of photoassimilate (.)
Coronavirus Coverage by State-Backed English-Language News Sources

In this data memo, we examine the distribution of health-related news and information on social media of the English-language news outlets backed by the governments of China, Iran, Russia and Turkey. We measure the social distribution networks used on Twitter and Facebook and the levels of engagement with content related to the coronavirus pandemic. Over the two-week period of this study, we find that:
The Species Composition of Soil Seed Banks Beneath Lowland Tropical Rainforests in North Queensland, Australia

Twelve surface soil samples from each of four rainforest types on different soils of the huLmid, tropical lowlands of north Queensland were removed to germination-house conditions, Seed germination was monitored over a period of 14 weeks between AugLst and November. Seedling numbers at the four sites (mean densities ranged from 588 m-2 to 1068 m-2) were comparable to numbers recorded elsewhere by similar techniques in tropical rainforest soils. The numbers of germinated seeds were significantly higher at the site with coarse granitic sands than at the three sites with finer-textured soils. This was attribuLted to the ease with which seeds could be incorporated into the coarse-textured soil. Most of the seedlings produced at all sites were secondary species or weeds of the forest margins, many being common to all sites. The characteristic abundance of some secondary species at one or two sites could be explained usually in terms of the prevalence of those species in the standing rainforest on the sites. Only a few largeseeded primary forest species were germinated and most of these were fruiting at the time of sampling. The absence of many primary forest trees from the seed banks can be explained by the obligately quick-germinating, short-lived natuLre of their seeds. The large size of the potentially longer-lived seeds of some primary forest species was considered to be important in preventing their incorporation in the soil profile and, hence, affecting their susceptibility to predation and longevity on the forest floor. THE COMPOSITION OF VIABLE SEED in soils beneath a plant community is one indicator of the regrowth potential of that community. Most studies of soil seed storage have been conducted in temperate agricultural and pastoral situations where the information has been used to control weeds and predict compositional changes under various intensities of management (Milton 1943, 1948; Champness and Morris 1948; Douglas 1965; Suckling and Charlton 1978). The results of soil seed studies have been useful in predicting successional changes and interpreting past plant communities which occupied an area (Oosting and Humphreys 1940, Howard 1974), predicting and interpreting the results of various intensities of disturbance (Olmsted and Curtis 1947, Floyd 1966, Howard and Ashton 1967, Thompson 1978), and interpreting the pathways of natural regeneration and the strategies of establishment of individual species (Liew 1973, Baskin and Baskin 1978). However, few soil seed studies of tropical rainforests have been conducted (Symington 1933, Keay 1960, Guevara and Gomez-Pompa 1972, Liew 1973, Cheke et al. 1979) and more are urgently required (Whitmore 1978). This paper reports the results of a study designed to define the compositions of the soil seed banks of four Australian tropical rainforest sites containing different soils. It forms part of a larger study of secondary succession which is being carried out in the same area.