Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Total Flavonoid Content and Antioxidant Activity of Different Polarity Extracts from Pereskia bleo Leaves

Antioxidant agents are essential for the body due to its ability to scavenge free radicals. Medicinal plants contain phytochemicals that act as antioxidants. The current research aimed to determine the total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activity of Pereskia bleo leaves extracts from various solvents with different polarities. The nonpolar solvent (n-hexane) was used as the first step of extraction and its residues were then macerated using semi-polar (ethyl acetate) and polar (ethanol 96%) solvents consecutively. The TFC was determined using the colorimetric method while antioxidant activity was examined through the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Antioxidant activity was presented as Inhibitory Concentration 50 (IC50) and Antioxidant Activity Index (AAI). It is noticeable that among analyzed extracts, the ethyl acetate extract of P. bleo leaves contained the highest flavonoid content (15.052 ± 0.172 g quercetin equivalent/100 g extract). Furthermore, the greatest antioxidant activity was obtained from n-hexane extract with the value of IC50 and AAI being 217.307 ppm and 0.230, respectively. Pearson coefficient correlation (r) between TFC and AAI was -0.106. The current study concluded that P. bleo leaves extracts using solvents with different polarities showed variation in TFC values and antioxidant activity. Moreover, TFC was not the main contributor to the antioxidant activity of P. bleo leaves extracts.
Results of black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) improvement in Latvia.

Black alder wood is suitable for production of high quality veneer and other uses, but doe to its small share in total forest area (3%) in Latvia its genetic improvement have not been a priority. Set of progeny tests, together 22.8 ha, have been established only in the last decade. First of them have reached the age of 8 to 10 years and are suitable for first assessment. Aim of our study was to evaluate potential of improvement of black alder using selection, based on progeny testing. Data from 4 open pollinated progeny tests of phenotypically selected black alder plus trees, located in central part of Latvia, each containing from 15 to 21 families, are evaluated, using breeding value as a criterion. Results reveal that selection of parent trees with the practically possible intensity (10%) yields notable improvement in height at the age of 8 to 10 years: from 10 to 32%. Parent trees of open-pollinated families S9, S14, S16 and 84115 that have superior productivity and above-average quality can be recommended for establishment of second-round seed orchard. Estimates of genetic parameter suggest that selection in black alder trials could be carried out with high accuracy and improvements are possible both in productivity and quality (branch thickness, stem straightness, occurrence of spike knots).
Updip Fluid Flow in the Crust of the Northeastern Noto Peninsula, Japan, Triggered the 2023 Mw 6.2 Suzu Earthquake During Swarm Activity

An Mw 6.2 earthquake occurred in Suzu, northeastern Noto Peninsula, Japan, on 5 May 2023, followed by many aftershocks. Before this mainshock‐aftershock sequence, an intense earthquake swarm lasted in the vicinity for 2.5 years. Here, we estimated the rupture process of the Mw 6.2 mainshock and relocated >20,000 surrounding small earthquakes. The results show that systematic upward migration occurred via a complex network of faults in the preceding swarm period and that the mainshock rupture was initiated near the shallow end of the swarm earthquakes. The mainshock rupture propagated farther updip, followed by many aftershocks in the shallow extension. Upward fluid movement likely caused systematic upward earthquake migration from a depth of 18–5 km. The present results indicate the importance of monitoring swarm events since large (M > 6) and dangerous earthquakes can occur during such swarms.
Inhaled salbutamol induces leanness in well-trained healthy females but not males during a period of endurance training: a randomised controlled trial

Introduction Many athletes use short-acting inhaled β2-agonists multiple times weekly during training sessions to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, but it is unclear if treatment impairs training outcomes. Herein, we investigated performance adaptations in well-trained females and males training with prior inhalation of salbutamol. Methods 19 females and 21 males with maximal oxygen uptake (V′O2max) of 50.5±3.3 and 57.9±4.9 mL·min−1·kg−1, respectively, participated in this double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. We randomised participants to placebo or salbutamol inhalation (800–1600 µg·training day−1) for 6 weeks of combined endurance (1× per week) and high-intensity interval training (2× per week). We assessed participants’ body composition, V′O2max and muscle contractile function, and collected vastus lateralis muscle biopsies. Results Salbutamol induced a sex-specific loss of whole-body fat mass (sex×treatment: p=0.048) where only salbutamol-treated females had a fat mass reduction compared to placebo (–0.8 kg at 6 weeks; 95% CI: −0.5 to −1.6; p=0.039). Furthermore, salbutamol-treated females exhibited a repartitioning effect, lowering fat mass while gaining lean mass (p=0.011), which was not apparent for males (p=0.303). Salbutamol negatively impacted V′O2max in both sexes (treatment main effect: p=0.014) due to a blunted increase in V′O2max during the initial 4 weeks of the intervention. Quadriceps contractile strength was impaired in salbutamol-treated females (−39 N·m; 95% CI: −61 to −17; p=0.002) compared to placebo at 6 weeks. Muscle electron transport chain complex I–V abundance increased with salbutamol (treatment main effect: p=0.035), while content of SERCAI, β2-adrenoceptor and desmin remained unchanged. Conclusion Inhaled salbutamol appears to be an effective repartitioning agent in females but may impair aerobic and strength-related training outcomes. Tweetable abstract Prolonged treatment with inhaled salbutamol induces leanness only in female athletes and concurrently impairs aerobic and strength-related training outcomes in both sexes. Athletes with uncontrolled asthma should avoid overreliance on inhaled salbutamol. https://bit.ly/3uXfQUc
Acute and Chronic Effects of Static Stretching on Neuromuscular Properties: A Meta-Analytical Review

The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the recent findings on the acute and chronic effects of static stretching on joint behaviors and neuromuscular responses and to discuss the overall effects of acute and chronic static stretching on selected outcomes via meta-analyses, using a total of 50 recent studies. The results of our meta-analyses demonstrated that acute static stretching results in increased range of motion (ROM), decreased passive resistive torque (PRT), increased maximum tolerable PRT (PRTmax), decreased maximum voluntary isometric torque, decreased muscle–tendon unit stiffness, decreased muscle stiffness, decreased tendon stiffness, and decreased shear elastic modulus. Moreover, the chronic effects of static stretching included increased ROM, increased PRTmax, decreased muscle stiffness, and decreased shear elastic modulus (or shear wave speed). These results suggest that static stretching interventions have the potential to increase ROM and reduce the mechanical properties of muscle–tendon tissue, but they may not change corticospinal excitability and spinal reflex excitability or muscle architecture parameters.
Multiple superconducting phases driven by pressure in the topological insulator 
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Tuning superconductivity in topological materials by means of chemical substitution, electrostatic gating, or pressure is thought to be an effective route towards realizing topological superconductivity with their inherent Majorana fermions, the manipulation of which may form the basis for future topological quantum computing. It has recently been established that the pseudo-binary chalcogenides (ACh)m(Pn2Ch3)n (A = Ge, Mn, Pb, etc.; Pn = Sb or Bi; Ch = Te, Se) may host novel topological quantum states such as the quantum anomalous Hall effect and topological axion states. Here we map out the phase diagram of one member in this series, the topological insulator candidate GeSb4Te7 up to pressures of ~35 GPa, through a combination of electrical resistance measurements, Raman spectroscopy, as well as first-principles calculations. Three distinct superconducting phases emerge under the pressure above ~11, ~17, and ~31 GPa, which are accompanied by concomitant structural transitions, evidenced from the changes in the Raman modes. The first-principles calculations validate the existence of a topological insulating state at ambient pressure and predict two possible structural transitions at 10 and 17 GPa, in agreement with the experimental observations. Overall, our results establish the GeSb4Te7 family of materials as a fertile arena for further exploring various topological phenomena, including topological phase transitions and putative topological superconductivity.
Antarctic snow accumulation mapped using polarization of 4.3-cm wavelength microwave emission

Different parts of Antarctica receive different amounts of snowfall each year. In this paper we map the variations of the mean annual snow accumulation across the ice sheet. We also quantify the uncertainty in our estimates more objectively than has been possible for earlier maps. The new map is produced using observations from satellites and ground-based measurements. After a logarithmic transformation, these are combined using the geostatistical method of continuous-part universal kriging to give an estimate of the snow accumulation within each cell of a rectangular grid covering Antarctica. We also derive spatial averages over the major drainage systems of the ice sheet, along with their confidence intervals. We obtain a value of 143 ± 4 kg m−2 a−1 for the average rate of snow accumulation upon the grounded ice sheet of Antarctica.
Statistically Optimized Polymeric Buccal Films of Eletriptan Hydrobromide and Itopride Hydrochloride: An In Vivo Pharmacokinetic Study

A migraine is a condition of severe headaches, causing a disturbance in the daily life of the patient. The current studies were designed to develop immediate-release polymeric buccal films of Eletriptan Hydrobromide (EHBR) and Itopride Hydrochloride (ITHC) to improve their bioavailability and, hence, improve compliance with the patients of migraines and its associated symptoms. The prepared films were evaluated for various in vitro parameters, including surface morphology, mechanical strength, disintegration test (DT), total dissolving time (TDT), drug release and drug permeation, etc., and in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters, such as area under curve (AUC), mean residence time (MRT), half-life (t1/2), time to reach maximum concentration (Tmax), and time to reach maximum concentration (Cmax). The outcomes have indicated the successful preparation of the films, as SEM has confirmed the smooth surface and uniform distribution of drugs throughout the polymer matrix. The films were found to be mechanically stable as indicated by folding endurance studies. Furthermore, the optimized formulations showed a DT of 13 ± 1 s and TDT of 42.6 ± 0.75 s, indicating prompt disintegration as well as the dissolution of the films. Albino rabbits were used for in vivo pharmacokinetics, and the outcomes were evident of improved pharmacokinetics. The drug was found to rapidly permeate across the buccal mucosa, leading to increased bioavailability of the drug: Cmax of 130 and 119 ng/mL of ITHC and EHBR, respectively, as compared to 96 (ITHC) and 90 ng/mL (EHBR) of oral solution. The conclusion can be drawn that possible reasons for the enhanced bioavailability could be the increased surface area in the form of buccal films, its rapid disintegration, and faster dissolution, which led toward the rapid absorption of the drug into the blood stream.
Curvelet-based 3D Reconstruction of Digital Cores Using POCS Method

With the development of shale-gas exploration and exploitation, it is necessary to study the 3D spatial distribution of shale fractures for research on shale rock physics. Because of limitations of instruments, accurate shale slice is discontinuous in depth, and the minimum interval between adjacent slices in depth is inconsistent with horizontal resolution of digital cores. Those are the main factors which can prevent accuracy improvement for fracture characterization and physical modeling of digital cores. In order to study the 3D spatial distribution of fractures, this abstract achieves reconstruction of 3D digital cores using Project Onto Convex Sets (POCS) method in curvelet domain. Tests on sand dataset obtained from X ray scanner and accurate shale rocks obtained by focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) demonstrate the validity and superiority of the proposed method.
A temperature profile of the mantle transition zone

The temperature distribution across the transition zone has been determined on the high-pressure phase equilibria in the system Mg2SiO4-Fe2SiO4 recently determined by Katsura and Ito [1988] and Ito and Takahashi [1988]. The temperature at the base of the transition zone (655 km depth) is estimated to be about 1600°C, assuming that the spinel dissociation is responsible for the sharp seismic discontinuity implied by study of reflected waves. This estimation would be little modified for the chemically stratified mantle models, since the lower mantle is characterized by the stability of perovskite. The temperatures in the region from 350 km to 655 km depth are calculated for a peridotitic mantle model, assuming an adiabatic temperature gradient. The α-β and β-γ transformations in (Mg,Fe)2SiO4 make the temperature profile steep in the depth regions of 390–415 km and 500–530 km, respectively. The temperature would increase from about 1400°C to 1600°C over the depths interval 350 between 655 km.
Reference values for body composition and physical fitness of young Brazilian elite soccer players

Objective: a) to verify whether body composition and physical fitness should be analyzed by chronological age and/or maturity stage in young Brazilian soccer players and b) to propose reference values for the evaluation of body composition and physical fitness by maturity stage in elite soccer players. Methods: A descriptive-correlational study was carried out in 206 young Brazilian soccer players (11–16 years old). The sample selection was non-probabilistic by convenience. Weight and standing height were evaluated. Body composition (BC) was assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). BC indicators [(percent fat (%F), Fat-free mass (FFM), Fat mass (FM) and Bone mass (BM)] were extracted. For physical fitness (PF), we applied the Flexibility (cm) sit and reach tests, explosive strength tests [Counter Movement Jump CMJ (cm) and horizontal jump HJ (cm)], speed [Speed 10, 20, 30 and 40 m (seconds)] and Yo-Yo endurance level I test. Percentiles were constructed for BC and PF using the LMS method [L (Lambda; skewness), M (Mu; median) and S (Sigma; coefficient of variation)]. Results: The explanatory power between chronological age (CA) with BC was: FM (R2 = 0.03%), FFM (R 2 = 0.66%) and BM (R 2 = 0.62%), while between maturity status (MS) with BC were: FM (R 2 = 0.04%), FFM (R 2 = 0.71%) and BM (R 2 = 0.66). The explanatory power between the CA with the physical fitness tests ranged from: (R 2 = 0.22–0.62%). While between MS with physical fitness the values ranged from: (R 2 = 0.23–0.64%). Percentiles per MS (P3, P5, P10, P15, P25, P50, P75, P85, P90, P95 and P97) were proposed for both BC and PF. Conclusion: The results of the study have shown that the evaluation of BC and PF of young soccer players should be performed by controlling for MS rather than for CA. The inclusion of a non-invasive method to control MS by means of percentiles during puberty may contribute to the development of retention and exclusion of young soccer players, thus, they may have a better chance of achieving sporting success.
Strong-Motion and Teleseismic Waveform Inversions for the Source Process of the 2003 Bam, Iran, Earthquake

The Bam earthquake ( M w 6.5) occurred on 26 December 2003 in southeastern Iran, causing a major disaster in the city of Bam. A remarkable vertical peak ground acceleration value of 988 cm/s2 and two horizontal pulses were recorded inside the damaged city. Previous analyses showed that the earthquake was caused by a subsurface rupture on an unknown strike‐slip fault. In this study, we attempt to determine the precise fault location and source process of the 2003 Bam earthquake by performing a multiple‐time‐window linear waveform inversion of teleseismic and strong‐motion data, both individually and jointly. We examined the general features of the fault location and the source process by analyzing the teleseismic displacement waveforms and determined the precise features and fault geometry by inverting the three components of strong‐motion velocity records. The final estimate of the source process of the 2003 Bam earthquake was determined by joint inversion of the datasets. Our results show that a single fault model, characterized by the appropriate location of the hypocenter, rake angle variations, and the Rayleigh‐like speed of the rupture front can satisfactorily explain the three components of the strong‐motion records at BAM station.
Characteristics of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Circulating in Asymptomatic Food Handlers

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a foodborne zoonotic pathogen that causes diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis (HC), and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) worldwide. Since the infection can be asymptomatic, the circulation of STEC in some asymptomatic carriers, especially in healthy-food-related professionals, is not yet well understood. In this study, a total of 3987 anal swab samples from asymptomatic food handlers were collected, and ten swabs recovered STEC strains (0.251%). Of the ten STEC isolates, seven serotypes and eight sequence types (ST) were determined using whole genome sequencing (WGS). Two stx1 subtypes (stx1a and stx1c) and four stx2 subtypes (stx2a, stx2b, stx2d, and stx2e) were detected. Seven different insertion sites were found in fourteen Stx prophages, and the dmsB and yfhL were the newly identified insertion sites. The ten strains showed the variable Stx transcription levels after the mitomycin C induction. The whole-genome phylogeny indicated that the strains from the asymptomatic food handlers were genetically distant from the strains of HUS patients. The STEC isolates circulating in asymptomatic carriers might pose a low potential to cause disease.
Time domain photonic hook beam for manipulating nanoparticles along curved trajectories

Tunable photonics is a booming field, allow to revolutionizing basic research of mesotronics. Recently we demonstrate innovative proof-of-concept of the time domain self-bending photonic hook (TD–PH) structured beams. Such near-field nonevanescent beam was generate by natural phase-change material as a mesoscale freezing water microdroplet. Such TD-PHs open applications in many fields, including microscopy, sensors, optical switching, temporal optics, optomechanical tweezers, materials processing, biomedicine, and so on. Moreover, new ways to generate photonic hooks have recently been proposed, such as: dual dielectric structure, double photonic hooks under both continuum wave and pulsed illumination. A new quality-criterion of the photonic hook beams was proposed.
A Low-Cost Method and Surveying of the Historical Structures from Digital Resources

A new method using optics in non-contact photogrammetry to find the dimensions of target objects by digital archive and/or open source digital images has been presented in this paper. In the proposed method a reference object of known dimension must be present in the field of view of pair of images collected at any two unknown arbitrary positions along the axis of camera (z-axis) and 2D size measurement (x-y) of other target objects is done successfully with the help of the proposed algorithm. The presented method is applicable to the number of images(>=2) containing the target objects and reference object which are not in the same plane and which may be shot from any camera not known to user and hence the internal and external specifications of the camera are completely unknown to the user. The method has been verified successfully to show its applicability in low-cost surveys by determining the dimensions of Washington-Monument, Christ the Redeemer (Rio De Janerio) and Eiffel Tower (Paris) from open source images. Further an example case of Notre-Dame Cathedral is demonstrated to find the size of the destroyed Spire from the undestroyed reference structure. The results are being compared with known standard values of structures and the relative error percentage for all the cases using the proposed algorithm are found to be less than 1%. The method may find applications in survey or analysis by old digital video footages or images from archive/libraries where the camera specifications are not known to the user.
On the problem of the densest packing of spherical segments into a sphere

The paper considers a particular variant of the classical optimal packing problem when the container is a sphere, the packed elements are equal spherical caps, and the optimality criterion is to maximize their geodesic radius. At the same time, we deal with a special integral metric to determine the distance between points, which becomes Euclidean in the simplest case. We propose a heuristic numerical algorithm based on the construction of spherical Voronoi diagrams, which makes it possible to obtain a locally optimal solution to the problem under consideration. Numerical calculations show the operability and effectiveness of the proposed method and allow us to draw some conclusions about the properties of packings.