Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preoperative weight loss with a very-low-energy diet: quantitation of changes in liver and abdominal fat by serial imaging

BACKGROUND A very-low-energy diet (VLED) can result in substantial, rapid weight loss and is increasingly prescribed before obesity surgery to minimize risk and difficulty by reducing liver size and abdominal adiposity. Despite its growing popularity, a VLED in this setting has received little attention. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and acceptability of a preoperative VLED. DESIGN In a prospective observational study, 32 subjects (n = 19 men and 13 women) with a mean (+/-SD) age of 47.5 +/- 8.3 y and a body mass index (in kg/m(2)) of 47.3 +/- 5.3 consumed a VLED for 12 wk. Primary outcomes included changes in liver volume (LV) and in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT/SAT). Changes in body weight, anthropometric measures, and biochemical variables were also recorded, and compliance with, acceptability of, and side effects of treatment were assessed. Changes in LV and VAT/SAT area were measured by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12. RESULTS Mean (+/-SD) LV, VAT/SAT, and body weight decreased significantly (P < 0.001 for all). The degree of LV reduction was directly related to the reduction in relative body weight (r = 0.54, P = 0.001) and initial LV (r = 0.43, P = 0.015). Eighty percent of the reduction in LV occurred between weeks 0 and 2 (P < 0.001). Reductions in body weight and VAT were uniform over the 12-wk period. Attrition was 14%. Acceptability was adequate but waned over time, and mild transitory side effects occurred. CONCLUSIONS Given the observed early reduction in LV and the progressive reduction in VAT, we suggest that the minimum duration for a preoperative VLED be 2 wk. Ideally, the duration should be 6 wk to achieve maximal LV reduction and significant reductions in VAT and body weight without compromising compliance and acceptability.
A Hybrid PSO-GA Algorithm for Energy Efficient Routing in AMMNET

A mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is an infrastructure less network with autonomous mobile nodes. The easily configurable and deployable properties of MANET make it suitable for the situations were a fixed infrastructure is not available or infeasible. However the dynamic movements of the mobile clients may disconnects the connectivity of the network frequently. This disconnection reduces the data accessibilities and later results in partitioning of the network. Thus the network partition problem makes the MANET unsuitable for the mission critical applications were the team members need to work in group and scattered in the application terrain. To overcome this principle challenge here introduces a new class of ad hoc network called Autonomous Mobile Mesh Network (AMMNET). AMMNET consist of mobile mesh nodes that can dynamically adapt to all topological changes of client movements. Since this network is infrastructure less, the performance and lifetime of the network depends on energy level of the nodes. Also the depletion of energy of the intermediate node may disrupt the entire communication of the network. This paper proposes a hybrid PSO-GA algorithm for finding an energy efficient path for routing in AMMNET. The simulation results shows that this hybrid algorithm provides better throughput and are more efficient than the standard PSO and genetic algorithms.
MICROENCAPSULATED DIETHYLSTILBESTROL AS AN ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE IN WHITE-TAILED DEER'

In this study the antifertility effects of a microencapsulated formulation containing 83 percent diethylstilbestrol (DES) offered in feed to female white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were evaluated. In a switchback acceptance test with 5 concentrations, 1,000 mg DES in 0.908 kg of feed re- sulted in the highest mean DES intake and was used in 2 tests during the breeding season. DES was fed on the 17th day postcoitum in Test II, and DES was fed every 30 days during the breeding season in Test III. Initial DES consumption averaged 672 and 496 mg for the 17- and 30-day treated does, respec- tively, but declined at later feedings. In the 17-day test, pregnancy was interrupted in four out of five treated does after the first DES feeding. These 4 rebred within 2 weeks and pregnancy was again inter- rupted in 2 does at second feeding. At the third feeding there was poor acceptance of DES and no effect on pregnancy. Necropsy of 17- and 30-day does during January revealed all but 1 doe was pregnant, and presumably would have borne live young. Because of progressively poor acceptance, the need for high doses, and the likelihood of prompt rebreeding after abortion, DES at these two feeding regimes is not useful in population control of white-tailed deer.
Symbiosis in a giant protist (Marginopora vertebralis, Soritinae): flexibility in symbiotic partnerships along a natural temperature gradient

Benthic foraminifera of the family Soritinae are important members of coral reef communities, contributing to carbonate deposition on coral reefs. These giant protists form photo- symbiotic associations with microalgae of the genus Symbiodinium. The extent of flexibility in foramineferaSymbiodinium partnerships is not well understood. While some studies suggest foraminifera exhibit strong specificity with regard to symbiont choice, recent work illustrated that at least a few taxa are able to host >1 symbiont type. We explored the symbiont diversity of a widely distributed soritid foraminifera (Marginopora vertebralis), sampling 369 individuals from 16 populations distributed across a wide latitudinal gradient (31 to 9° S) in the western Pacific Ocean using the internal transcribed spacer region 2 (ITS2) of rDNA. We discovered that M. verte - bralis forms symbiotic associations with a high diversity of Symbiodinium types, which encom- passed 27 unique ITS2 rDNA haplotypes from 4 major Symbiodinium clades. Distance-based redundancy analysis revealed that the observed geographic variation in symbiont community composition was correlated with several sea surface temperature parameters. Symbiont diversity was highest at the inshore Great Barrier Reef, in marginal habitats characterized by high seasonal fluctuations in environmental parameters. In those areas we found evidence of mixed infections, with individual hosts harboring multiple symbiont lineages. These findings suggest a high degree of flexibility in foraminiferaSymbiodinium partnerships and highlight the importance of environ- mental variables in shaping symbiotic associations. We discuss the results in light of the hypo - thesis that within-population symbiont polymorphism and mixed infections may be a mechanism to cope with temporal environmental fluctuations.
Gypsy moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) population control using mechanical barriers and contact insecticides applied to tree stems

Stem applications of two contact insecticides (carbaryl and a water-based pyrethroid mixture containing fenvalerate and tetramethrin), two chitin-inhibiting benzoylphenylureas (BPU) (diflubenzuron and triflumuron), and three mechanical barrier devices were tested in 1984 for gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), population control (egg mass reduction) on moderately infested red oaks, Quercus rubra L. , in Pennsylvania. Sprays applied directly to tree stems and to burlap refugia were tested. Barrier devices included maintained, but unsprayed, burlap refugia; a commercial sticky tape; and a loose insect-trapping adhesive. Gypsy moth density on burlap-banded and unbanded control trees increased by 54 and 190%, respectively. Stem and burlap sprays of BPU resulted in a ca. 50% reduction in egg masses. Burlap sprays of either carbaryl or the pyrethroid mixture appeared to inhibit population increase as did the maintained burlap refugia and both sticky barriers.
The synthetic cytokinin CPPU increases fruit size and yield of ‘Spadona’ and ‘Costia’ pear (Pyrus communis L.)

Summary The effects of the synthetic cytokinin CPPU, derived from phenylurea, on fruit size and yield of the small-fruited, low-chilling requiring ‘Spadona’ and ‘Costia’ pears, were examined in Israel. CPPU caused appreciable increases in fruit size of both cultivars, when applied at 10–20 ppm, two weeks after full bloom, whereas application after four weeks gave only small effects or none. The effect of CPPU on fruit growth was already evident two months after application, when the fruits reached 35–40 mm in diameter. The large increase in fruit size occurred without thinning and, therefore it must be attributed directly to the effect of CPPU. CPPU increased fruit size with no influence on fruit shape, seed number and it did not reduce return bloom in the following spring. A semi-commercial application of 10 ppm CPPU increased fruit size by 40% in ‘Spadona’ and 80% in ‘Costia’ with an increase of about 50% in the total yield of each cultivar. Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of CPPU in these pear cultivars and show that it has a significant potential to improve cropping, without any negative aspects.
Sustaining the Environment at the World Bank

The evidence has never been stronger that protecting the environment is not only compatible with the World Bank’s development objectives, but in fact essential to achieving them. The Bank lends about $20 billion per year1 in pursuit of its mission to fi ght poverty. But analysis indicates that the Millennium Development Goal of halving the proportion of people in extreme poverty and hunger by 2015 cannot be met in the absence of more effective stewardship of the environment.2 A new conceptual framework — linking improved ecosystem management, better governance of natural resources, and opportunities for poverty reduction — is gaining currency among environmental and development professionals.3 And in further recognition of the link between poverty and the environment, the G-8 has asked the Bank to take a leadership role in addressing climate change,4 which poses a particular threat to poor countries and communities. These and other developments have strengthened the case for World Bank leadership in promoting environmental sustainability in client countries and providing support to environmental initiatives at the global level.
Applied Binarology: Theoretical Aspects

Abstract The winding up of a conference like this provides the opportunity to look (1) backwards at how we reached the present stage of understanding of binary star behavior and its relationship to the rest of astronomy, (2) around at the garden of unsolved problems, and (3) cautiously forward at what might come next.
The association between serum vitamin D level and sperm parameters; A pilot study in a subset of Iranian infertile males

Introduction: Male-factor infertility affects about 7% of males in the general population. Vitamin D deficiency has been reported as an important public health issue all around the world and plays an important role in male fertility. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between serum levels of vitamin D and sperm parameters. Patient and Methods: We conducted this pilot cross-sectional study among infertile males who referred to Khanevadeh Specialty Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. A researcher-made checklist was used to collect data on basic characteristics of patients. Serum vitamin D level as well as sperm parameters (comprising sperm concentration, volume, vitality, total motility, progressive motility and abnormal morphology), DNA fragmentation and chromatin maturity were assessed according to standard protocols. Subjects with a serum vitamin D level of ≥30 ng/mL and 20-29 ng/mL were categorized as vitamin D sufficient and insufficient groups respectively. Results: According to our results, sperm parameters except for sperm volume were significantly different between two groups (P 0.05). Conclusion: The results of the current study showed that low vitamin D levels can be considered as a potential risk factor for male infertility among the Iranian population. Further large-scale studies are warranted to determine the association between male infertility with serum vitamin D level and underlying mechanisms.
In vitro induction and regeneration of callus from three inflorescence organs of Chinese narcissus (Narcissus tazetta L. var. chinensis Roem.)

Summary Callus induction and regeneration from ovary, pedicel, and scape explants of Chinese narcissus (Narcissus tazetta L. var. chinensis Roem.) ‘Jin Zhan Yin Tai’ were investigated. Two types of callus, compact and friable, were obtained, but only compact callus could differentiate into shoots. Initially, compact callus was produced on 1.0× Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with both 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 6-benzyladenine (BA). The highest induction efficiency for all three types of explant was achieved from bulbs at development Stage III, when the inflorescences had 1.5 – 2.5 cm-long scapes. Callus from scape explants had a higher regeneration efficiency (73.1%) than calli from the other two types of explant when cultured on 1.0× MS medium containing 4.4 µM BA and 0.5 µM -naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Subsequent experiments in which scape explants were incubated directly on 1.0× MS medium containing 22.0 µM BA and 1.5 µM NAA in the light resulted in a high percentage of organogenesis from calli, with a shoot differentiation rate of 94.0% and an average of 5.84 shoots per explant. After small bulblets had formed, they were transferred to 1.0 MS medium supplemented with 2.5 µM NAA on which all shoots rooted and all bulblets later adapted well to soil conditions.These results provide a potential method for in vitro regeneration following genetic transformation of Chinese narcissus.
The BEST Plus Approach to Assisting Families Recover From Youth Substance Problems

The BEST Plus program is a whole-of-family therapy option for families to address not only youth substance abuse issues, but also challenging and antisocial adolescent behaviours. It uses an evidence-based strategy that can be implemented widely in the community, and is proving to be a popular and relevant framework for professionals to engage and assist families in reducing adolescent problem behaviours. Evaluations indicate that the program is an effective forum for parents and siblings of adolescent drug abusers to redevelop positive family environments that encourage responsible behaviour and recovery from drug abuse.
Past, present, and future of lead–acid batteries

Improvements could increase energy density and enable power-grid storage applications When Gaston Planté invented the lead–acid battery more than 160 years ago, he could not have foreseen it spurring a multibillion-dollar industry. Despite an apparently low energy density—30 to 40% of the theoretical limit versus 90% for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs)—lead–acid batteries are made from abundant low-cost materials and nonflammable water-based electrolyte, while manufacturing practices that operate at 99% recycling rates substantially minimize environmental impact (1). Nevertheless, forecasts of the demise of lead–acid batteries (2) have focused on the health effects of lead and the rise of LIBs (2). A large gap in technological advancements should be seen as an opportunity for scientific engagement to expand the scope of lead–acid batteries into power grid applications, which currently lack a single energy storage technology with optimal technical and economic performance.
Synchronous timing of abrupt climate changes during the last glacial period

All together then Many geographically dispersed records from across the globe reveal the occurrence of abrupt climate changes, called interstadial events, during the last glacial period. These events appear to have happened at the same time, but the difficulty of determining absolute dates in many of the records have made that proposition difficult to prove. Corrick et al. present results from 63 precisely dated speleothems that confirm the synchrony of those interstadial events. Their results also provide a tool with which to validate model simulations of abrupt climate change and calibrate other time series such as ice-core chronologies. Science, this issue p. 963 Rapid climate changes occurred synchronously throughout middle and high latitudes during the last glacial period. Abrupt climate changes during the last glacial period have been detected in a global array of palaeoclimate records, but our understanding of their absolute timing and regional synchrony is incomplete. Our compilation of 63 published, independently dated speleothem records shows that abrupt warmings in Greenland were associated with synchronous climate changes across the Asian Monsoon, South American Monsoon, and European-Mediterranean regions that occurred within decades. Together with the demonstration of bipolar synchrony in atmospheric response, this provides independent evidence of synchronous high-latitude–to-tropical coupling of climate changes during these abrupt warmings. Our results provide a globally coherent framework with which to validate model simulations of abrupt climate change and to constrain ice-core chronologies.
Complete Genome Sequence of Weissella cibaria Strain BM2, Isolated from Korean Kimchi

Weissella cibaria appears to have broad-spectrum health benefits. Here, we report the genome sequence of Weissella cibaria strain BM2, which was isolated from homemade kimchi; it consists of one circular chromosome of 2,462,443 bp and one plasmid of 11,067 bp. A total of 2,337 coding sequences were predicted, including 2,117 protein-coding sequences and a G+C content of 45.06%. ABSTRACT Weissella cibaria appears to have broad-spectrum health benefits. Here, we report the genome sequence of Weissella cibaria strain BM2, which was isolated from homemade kimchi; it consists of one circular chromosome of 2,462,443 bp and one plasmid of 11,067 bp. A total of 2,337 coding sequences were predicted, including 2,117 protein-coding sequences and a G+C content of 45.06%.
Draft Genome Sequence of Enterobacter roggenkampii Strain OS53, Isolated from Corroded Pipework at an Offshore Oil Production Facility

Here, we report the genome sequence of Enterobacter roggenkampii strain OS53, isolated from corroded pipework at an offshore oil production facility. The draft genome sequence comprises 6 contigs and contains 5,194,507 bp with an average GC content of 55.90%. ABSTRACT Here, we report the genome sequence of Enterobacter roggenkampii strain OS53, isolated from corroded pipework at an offshore oil production facility. The draft genome sequence comprises 6 contigs and contains 5,194,507 bp with an average GC content of 55.90%.
Insights from the Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus circulans GN03, a Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterium Isolated from Pak Choi Cabbage (Brassica chinensis L.) Root Surface

A plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium, Bacillus circulans GN03, was isolated from the root surface of pak choi cabbage. Here, we report the whole-genome sequence of the GN03 strain, which includes a circular chromosome (5,217,129 bp; GC content, 35.64%) and a plasmid (181,705 bp; GC content, 31.62%). ABSTRACT A plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium, Bacillus circulans GN03, was isolated from the root surface of pak choi cabbage. Here, we report the whole-genome sequence of the GN03 strain, which includes a circular chromosome (5,217,129 bp; GC content, 35.64%) and a plasmid (181,705 bp; GC content, 31.62%).
Prey Capture in the Largemouth Bass

The behavior of the largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, during prey capture was studied with high-speed cinematography. Differences in the pattern of approach to prey indicated that the bass distinguished different types of prey and whether the prey was on the bottom or in mid-water. The distance from the prey at which the final attack was initiated was greater when the bass was traveling toward the prey at a higher velocity. The allowable error in this initiation distance was about one-fourth the length of the bass's head. Attacks initiated beyond this margin of error usually failed. About 10% of all filmed attacks failed. Once the jaws began to open the sequential movements of the head elements appeared to be completely determined. Two different patterns were observed, however, depending on whether the bass swam over the prey or drew the prey toward itself, i.e., suction feeding. Rationalization of these differences is presented. During suction feeding, the usual alternative, the jaws were opened before there was appreciable expansion of the mouth cavity. The asymmetry between opening and closing movements was also important; for without differences between them the prey would be expelled as the jaws closed. The additional velocity of the upper jaw due to protrusion of the premaxilla was measured. This additional velocity was relatively greater for smaller bass and in the slower-moving attacks of the same fish. The significance of this additional velocity in the evolution of the protrusible upper jaw of fishes is discussed.
Study on the anti-tumor effects of earthworm extracts both in vivo and in vitro

PurposeTo study the inhibitive effects of earthworm extract on the cell growth of Eca-109,Hella and K_(562),and its mechanisms.MethodsMTT colorimetric analysis and flow cytometry were used to determine cell apoptosis and activity period,and to observe the size and weight of the tumor in mice.ResultsAmong the Ⅰ,Ⅱ,and Ⅲ components of earth-worm extracts,only component Ⅱ of high and medial dosage(900,450 mg/L)had prominent inhibitive effects on Eca-109,Hella and K_(562) cells.And component Ⅱ(300,600(mg/L))in vivo was found to have significant inhibitive effects on tumor growth.It showed that there was appearance of Hella cell apoptosis and cells were blocked at G0-G1 stage.When DNA synthesis was blocked,the cancer cells were inhibited.Then the tumor size became smaller.ConclusionThe component Ⅱ of earthworm extracts can significantly inhibit proliferation of tumor cells through the reduction of DNA synthesis.
Genetic Differentiation and Clustering Analysis of 7 Chinese Indigenous Chicken Breeds

The average gene diversity(Hs) within population,the total gene diversity(Ht),the coefficient of genetic differentiation(Gst),and gene flow(Nm) of 7 chicken breeds,including Xianju chicken(XJ),Luyuan chicken(LY),Gushi chicken(GS),Dagu chicken(DG),Henan Game chicken(HG),Langshan chicken(LS) and Xiaoshan chicken(XS) conserved in State Gene Bank of China Poultry Breeding,were measured by using 29 microsatellite markers.On the basis of Reynolds'genetic distances and Nei's genetic distances,4 dendrograms of clustering were constructed for the 7 chicken breeds by using neighbor joining(NJ) method and(UPGMA) method.The results showed that the average Hs,Ht and Gst were 0.642,0.551 and 0.142,respectively.The highest Nm was 5.832 7 between XS and LY,and the lowest was 0.805 3 between LS and GS.The dendrogram on the basis of Reynolds'genetic distances and using neighbor joining(NJ) method correctly indicated the phylogenetic relationships among the 7 chicken breeds.
The foundation of efficient robot learning

Innate structure reduces data requirements and improves robustness The past 10 years have seen enormous breakthroughs in machine learning, resulting in game-changing applications in computer vision and language processing. The field of intelligent robotics, which aspires to construct robots that can perform a broad range of tasks in a variety of environments with general human-level intelligence, has not yet been revolutionized by these breakthroughs. A critical difficulty is that the necessary learning depends on data that can only come from acting in a variety of real-world environments. Such data are costly to acquire because there is enormous variability in the situations a general-purpose robot must cope with. It will take a combination of new algorithmic techniques, inspiration from natural systems, and multiple levels of machine learning to revolutionize robotics with general-purpose intelligence.