Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Morphology of ctenostome bryozoans: 6. Amphibiobeania epiphylla

Ctenostome bryozoans are unmineralized and mostly marine. Their lack of calcified skeletal features requires other characters to be considered for systematic and phylogenetic considerations. As a continuation of an ongoing series of studies, we herein investigate the morphology of Amphibiobeania epiphylla, a unique bryozoan inhabiting mangrove leaves that are highly exposed to tidal cycles and regular dry events according to the tidal cycle. Besides this interesting mode of life, the species was originally interpreted to be a weakly mineralized cheilostome bryozoan, whereas molecular data place it among ctenostome bryozoans. To elucidate the systematic and phylogenetic position of the genus and also find morphological adaptations to an extreme habitat, we investigated the morphology of A. epiphylla in detail. Zooids show a lophophore with eight tentacles and a simple gut with a prominent caecum, lophophoral anus and most notably a distinct gizzard in the cardiac region. Gizzard teeth are multiple, simple homogeneous cuticular structures. The cuticle of the zooid is rather uniform and shows no respective thickenings into opercular flaps or folds. Likewise, apertural muscles are represented by a single pair of muscles. There are no specific closing muscles in the apertural area like the operculum occlusors of cheilostomes. Most prominent within zooids is a spongiose tissue filling most of the body cavity. Although not properly understood, this tissue may aid in keeping animals moist and hydrated during prolonged dry times. In summary, all morphological characters support a ctenostome rather than a cheilostome affinity, possibly with Vesicularioidea or Victorelloidea. In addition, we provide new molecular data that clearly supports such a closer relationship.
Gas-to-dust ratios in massive star-forming galaxies at z ∼ 1.4

We present results of 12CO(J=2-1) observations toward four massive star-forming galaxies at z~1.4 with the Nobeyama 45~m radio telescope. The galaxies are detected with Spitzer/MIPS in 24 um, Herschel/SPIRE in 250 um, and 350 um and they mostly reside in the main sequence. Their gas-phase metallicities derived with N2 method by using the Ha and [NII]6584 emission lines are near the solar value. CO lines are detected toward three galaxies. The molecular gas masses obtained are (9.6-35) x 10^{10} Msun by adopting the Galactic CO-to-H2 conversion factor and the CO(2-1)/CO(1-0) flux ratio of 3. The dust masses derived with the modified blackbody model (assuming the dust temperature of 35 K and the emissivity index of 1.5) are (2.4-5.4) x 10^{8} Msun. The resulting gas-to-dust ratios (not accounting for HI mass) at z~1.4 are 220-1450, which are several times larger than those in local star-forming galaxies. A dependence of the gas-to-dust ratio on the far-infrared luminosity density is not clearly seen.
Dietary intake of anthocyanins improves arterial stiffness, but not endothelial function, in volunteers with excess weight: A randomized clinical trial

Excess body weight has been associated with endothelial dysfunction and increased arterial stiffness. Foods rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins such as açaí‐juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius) fruit may have protective vascular effects. Thus, we examined the effect of dietary intake of anthocyanins (açaí‐juçara fruit) on endothelial function (flow‐mediated dilation [FMD]) and arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity [PWV]) in individuals with excess body weight. Fifty‐five individuals with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 were randomized into non‐anthocyanin (N‐ATH, n = 25) or anthocyanin (ATH, n = 30) intake groups. A 12‐week individualized diet plan (20% reduction in total energy intake) was prescribed and included daily intake of açaí‐juçara 200 g (anthocyanins 293.6 mg) in the ATH diet plan. We evaluated anthropometric and biochemical parameters, FMD, PWV, and peripheral vascular resistance (PVR). A GEE (Bonferroni post‐hoc) was used (p ≤ 0.05). No change in FMD was observed. However, PWV showed a reduction from baseline in the ATH (p = 0.002) and vs. N‐ATH (p = 0.036). Both groups showed reduced peripheral vascular resistance (N‐ATH, p = 0.005; ATH, p = 0.040) with no significant differences between them. In conclusion, dietary intake of anthocyanins proved effective in protecting against arterial stiffness (by PWV) in individuals with excess weight. PVR was reduced in both diet groups regardless of dietary intake of anthocyanins.
Physical origin of the large-scale conformity in the specific star formation rates of galaxies

Two explanations have been put forward to explain the observed conformity between the colours and specific star formation rates (SFR/$M_*$) of galaxies on large scales: 1) the formation times of their surrounding dark matter halos are correlated (commonly referred to as "assembly bias"), 2) gas is heated over large scales at early times, leading to coherent modulation of cooling and star formation between well-separated galaxies (commonly referred to as "pre-heating") . To distinguish between the pre-heating and assembly bias scenarios, we search for relics of energetic feedback events in the neighbourhood of central galaxies with different specific star formation rates. We find a significant excess of very high mass ($\log M_* > 11.3$) galaxies out to a distance of 2.5 Mpc around low SFR/$M_*$ central galaxies compared to control samples of higher SFR/$M_*$ central galaxies with the same stellar mass and redshift. We also find that very massive galaxies in the neighbourhood of low SFR/$M_*$ galaxies have much higher probability of hosting radio loud active galactic nuclei. The radio-loud AGN fraction in neighbours with $\log M_* > 11.3$ is four times higher around passive, non star-forming centrals at projected distances of 1 Mpc and two times higher at projected distances of 4 Mpc. Finally, we carry out an investigation of conformity effects in the recently publicly-released Illustris cosmological hydrodynamical simulation, which includes energetic input both from quasars and from radio mode accretion onto black holes. We do not find conformity effects of comparable amplitude on large scales in the simulations and we propose that gas needs to be pushed out of dark matter halos more efficiently at high redshifts.
HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE FAR-ULTRAVIOLET OBSERVATIONS OF BRIGHTEST CLUSTER GALAXIES: THE ROLE OF STAR FORMATION IN COOLING FLOWS AND BCG EVOLUTION

Quillen et al. and O'Dea et al. carried out a Spitzer study of a sample of 62 brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs) from the ROSAT brightest cluster sample, which were chosen based on their elevated Hα flux. We present Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys far-ultraviolet (FUV) images of the Lyα and continuum emission of the luminous emission-line nebulae in seven BCGs found to have an infrared (IR) excess. We confirm that the BCGs are actively forming stars which suggests that the IR excess seen in these BCGs is indeed associated with star formation. Our observations are consistent with a scenario in which gas that cools from the intracluster medium fuels the star formation. The FUV continuum emission extends over a region ∼7–28 kpc (largest linear size) and even larger in Lyα. The young stellar population required by the FUV observations would produce a significant fraction of the ionizing photons required to power the emission-line nebulae. Star formation rates estimated from the FUV continuum range from ∼3 to ∼14 times lower than those estimated from the IR, however, both the Balmer decrements in the central few arcseconds and detection of CO in most of these galaxies imply that there are regions of high extinction that could have absorbed much of the FUV continuum. Analysis of archival Very Large Array observations reveals compact radio sources in all seven BCGs and kpc scale jets in A-1835 and RXJ 2129+00. The four galaxies with archival deep Chandra observations exhibit asymmetric X-ray emission, the peaks of which are offset from the center of the BCG by ∼10 kpc on average. A low feedback state for the active galactic nucleus could allow increased condensation of the hot gas into the center of the galaxy and the feeding of star formation.
Association between lifestyle choices and mental health among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Introduction Mental health is recognized as a critical component of public health Given the close relationship between mental health and life style and the importance of students as valuable human resources, the present study aimed at determining the relationship between life style and mental health among medical students in Sousse during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional observational study in university students from the first to the fifth grade of the Faculty of Medicine of Sousse during the academic year 2020/2021. Data were collected anonymously via an online questionnaire published on the Facebook groups of each grade, on december 2020. The online survey consisted of three sections. The first one aimed to collect sociodemographic information. The second section of the survey addressed recent lifestyle choices and the third one assessed psychological distress using the French version of 12 items of The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). The significance level was considered 0.05. Results Overall 147 were studied. Using the bimodal scoring, the total score was between 0 and 12, to evoke psychiatric disorders, we set the threshold of 4. For our sample, the median scale was 7 [4-9], and more than half of the students (68%; n = 100) had a score higher than 4. Psychiatric disorder was significantly more frequent in female students (73.3% vs 42.3%; p = 0.002). Higher GHQ-scale was found in younger students, foreigners, students who need more than 30 minutes to get to the faculty, unemployed students, and students of fifth grade. However, differences were not statistically significant. Regarding lifestyle choices, we found that physical inactivity, no smoking habits, no alcohol use, no illicit substance use, other substance use, changing in eating habits, and absence of coping methods of stress were higher in students with psychiatric disorders. However, this association was statistically significant only for physical activity (p = 0.016). The results of the regression analysis suggest female gender as an independent predictor of high GHQ-12 scores. Practicing physical activity was found as protective factor for psychiatric disorders. Conclusion Considering the vital role of medical students in providing and promoting community health, the need for more detailed planning and interventions to improve their life style and mental health is essential.
Surface albedo from space: Coupling bidirectional models and remotely sensed

The general purpose of this article is to analyze the ability of land surface bidirectional models to supplement the limited angular sampling provided by Earth-observing sensors in order to normalize shortwave satellite data or to estimate surface albedo. Briefly, our approach relies on the fitting of directional model parameters using a set of satellite measurements, NOAA advanced very high resolution radiometer, in this study. We used the models proposed by Ross [1981], Hapke [1981], Shibayama and Wiegand [1985], Verstraete et al. [1990], Deering et al. [1990], Roujean et al. [1992a], and Rahman et al. [1993a]. These models are of three types: empirical, geometrical, and radiative transfer based. The comparison of these models with observed reflectances gave similar results, with very close statistics of adjustments (rms error of reflectance around 0.03, i.e., ∼10%). This means that these models can be used to normalize directional reflectance, provided the reference direction is close to the sampled angular domain. The most attractive reason for using bidirectional models is the assumption that they would allow the prediction of directional behavior in any direction, even if the set of angles used for parameter adjustment is limited. In order to check this assumption, fitted models were used to predict the reflectances that Meteosat would measure at the top of the atmosphere. These predicted reflectances were compared to the reflectances actually measured. This comparison gave satisfactory results for every model, with rms errors of reflectance close to 0.03 (12%). Direct surface albedos estimated from numerical integration of the models exhibit the same general behavior, but some discrepancies exist at large solar zenith angles (>60°) where no observation was available.
Mediatecture : the design of medially augmented spaces

1 Foreword. - 2 Facets of mediatecture - The history of media in the public space. - 3 Media facades - Introduction and overview. - 4 Identity and public space - Urban identity. - 5 Media and space - Spatial perceptions and spatial expansion. - 6 Panta rhei - The revolution of networks. - 7 Media design in and for the space - requirements on media design. - 8 To show promo or to be promo? - Mediatectonic advertizing in the public space. - 9 So it could run - description of a fictional project unifying all aspects.
Mixed kernel SVR addressing Parkinson’s progression from voice features

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with multiple motor and non-motor characteristics. PD patients commonly face vocal impairments during the early stages of the disease. In this article, the aim is to explain the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) as a measure of the progression of Parkinson’s disease using a set of covariates obtained from voice signals. In particular, a Support Vector Regression (SVR) model based on a combination of kernel functions is introduced. Theoretically, this proposal, that relies on a mixed kernel (global and local) produces an admissible kernel function. The optimal fitting was obtained for the combination given by the product of radial and polynomial basis. Important results are the non-linear relationships inferred from the features to the response, as well as a considerable improvement in prediction performance metrics, when compared to other learning approaches. Furthermore, with knowledge on factors such as age and gender, it is possible to describe the dynamics of patients’ UPDRS from the data collected during their monitoring. In summary, these advances could expand learning processes and intelligent systems to assist in monitoring the evolution of Parkinson’s disease.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of lasers, topical timolol, and combination therapy for the treatment of infantile hemangioma: A meta‐analysis of 10 studies

Topical timolol and lasers are widely used for the treatment of infantile hemangioma (IH), and they can replace propranolol as the first‐line treatment of IH. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of topical timolol alone or lasers plus topical timolol versus lasers alone for the treatment of IH using a meta‐analysis. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases. A more conservative random effect model meta‐analysis technique was used to analyze the efficacy and adverse reactions of timolol and lasers. Ten RCTs with a total of 979 patients with IH were included in this meta‐analysis. Treatment with topical timolol alone was as effective as lasers in treating IH (risk ratio [RR] = 0.99, p = 0.94), with similar adverse events. The difference was not statistically significant (RR = 1.67, p = 0.14). Combined treatment with topical timolol and lasers showed a favorable response rate compared with treatment with either lasers (RR = 1.23, p = 0.01) or topical timolol (RR = 1.35, p = 0.001) alone. Furthermore, compared to topical timolol alone, the combined treatment indicated similar risks of adverse events (RR = 0.70, p = 0.38) but fewer risks of adverse events (RR = 0.39, p = 0.004) compared to lasers alone. This meta‐analysis provided evidences that a combined treatment with topical timolol and lasers might be more effective than a single treatment strategy in infants with IH, and with no significant increase in adverse reactions. The combination of topical timolol and laser therapy might be the preferred choice for the treatment of IHs.
Comparison of Postoperative Unfavorable Events in Patients with Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Immediate Surgery Versus Conversion Surgery Following Active Surveillance

Background: Active surveillance (AS) for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) was initiated at Kuma Hospital in 1993 and has gradually spread worldwide. We previously demonstrated that AS is associated with a much lower incidence of unfavorable events than immediate surgery (IS). However, conversion surgery (CS) raises concerns about increased surgical complications due to advanced disease. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of unfavorable events after IS and CS. Methods: Between 2005 and 2019, 4635 patients clinically diagnosed with low-risk PTMC at Kuma Hospital were enrolled. Of these, 2896 underwent AS (AS group), and the remaining 1739 underwent IS (IS group). To date, 242 patients (8.4%) in the AS group have undergone CS for various reasons (CS group). Results: The incidence of unfavorable events, such as levothyroxine administration after surgery, postoperative hematoma, transient/persistent hypoparathyroidism, and transient/persistent vocal cord paralysis, did not differ between the CS and IS groups. None of the patients in the CS group had permanent vocal cord paralysis; however, this occurred in 15 patients (0.9%) in the IS group and was caused by accidental injury in 4 patients and carcinoma invasion in 11 patients. The incidence of surgery, levothyroxine administration, postoperative hematoma, transient/permanent hypoparathyroidism, and vocal cord paralysis was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the IS group than in the AS group. There were no differences in the incidence of lymph node recurrence and overall mortality between the AS and IS groups. None of the patients in the AS and IS groups showed distant metastasis or died from thyroid carcinoma. Conclusions: There were no differences in the incidence of unfavorable events between the CS group and the IS group. Although none of the CS and AS groups had permanent vocal cord paralysis, accidental injury of the recurrent laryngeal nerve occurred in four patients (0.2%) in the IS group. The IS group had a significantly higher incidence of unfavorable events than the AS group. The prognoses of patients in both the AS and IS groups were excellent. Therefore, we recommend AS as the first-line management for low-risk PTMC. Correction added on February 20, 2023 after first online publication of November 9, 2022: In the Methods section of the abstract, 242 patients (0.8%) has been corrected to 242 patients (8.4%).
Tick‐borne encephalitis epidemic in Hungary 1951–2021: The story and lessons learned

The authors analysed epidemiological data of the Hungarian tick‐borne encephalitis epidemic from the past seven decades. A total of 911 meningitis serosa cases were described from 1930‐1950 s by local hospital physicians, indicating that the virus had been present in the country decades before its official identification in 1952. The virus spread freely in the 1950s–1960s, occupying almost all habitats where ticks occurred in large numbers. The increasing number of cases drove authorities to classify this illness as a notifiable disease in 1977 and to organize the first measures to stop the epidemic. Statistical analysis revealed that the large‐scale vaccination launched from the 1990s was responsible for the sharp decrease in the number of human cases from 1997. A significant negative correlation was found between the number of vaccine doses sold and human cases 6 years later. The TBEV endemic area covers 16.57% of the territory and 16.65% of the population of the country. In the last 10 years, 186,000 vaccine doses/year in average were enough to keep the incidence of human TBEV infections between 0.45 and 0.06/100,000 persons. A 20‐year‐long study found evidence for easing clinical signs in TBEV‐infected hospitalized patients. Statistics found a sharp decrease in the number of samples sent for TBEV diagnosis after 1989. Male dominance of patients was characteristic of the epidemics since the 1940s, but now analysis of detailed data from the 1981–2021 period (60.5%–87.5%) proved the statistical significance of this dominance. Obviously, the voluntary vaccination programme was the tool which broke the spread of the epidemic. Widespread public awareness of the disease and the tick vector, probable evolutionary spread of less pathogenic virus strains supplemented with the vaccination campaign led to a negligible level of human TBE cases in Hungary in the last years.
Heavy-Tail Phenomena: Probabilistic and Statistical Modeling

Crash Courses. - Crash Course I: Regular Variation. - Crash Course II: Weak Convergence Implications for Heavy-Tail Analysis. - Statistics. - Dipping a Toe in the Statistical Water. - Probability. - The Poisson Process. - Multivariate Regular Variation and the Poisson Transform. - Weak Convergence and the Poisson Process. - Applied Probability Models and Heavy Tails. - More Statistics. - Additional Statistics Topics. - Appendices. - Notation and Conventions. - Software.
Triterpenoid Saponins from the Fruits of Symplocos lucida as β‐Glucuronidase Inhibitors

A new triterpenoid saponin and five known ones were isolated from the fruits of Symplocos lucida (Thunb.) Siebold & Zucc. Their structures were determined based on the results of spectroscopy analysis, chemical conversions, and X‐ray crystallographic analyses. The β‐glucuronidase‐inhibitory effects of the isolated and semi‐synthesized triterpenoid saponins were also examined.
QED radiative corrections and many-body effects in atoms: vacuum polarization and binding energy shifts in alkali metals

We calculate vacuum polarization corrections to the binding energies in neutral alkali atoms Na through to the superheavy element E119. We employ the relativistic Hartree–Fock method to demonstrate the importance of relaxation of the electronic core and the correlation potential method to study the effects of second and higher orders of perturbation theory. These many-body effects are sizeable for all orbitals, though particularly important for orbitals with angular momentum quantum number l > 0 . The orders of magnitude enhancement for d waves produces shifts that, for Rb and the heavier elements, are larger than those for p waves and only an order of magnitude smaller than the s-wave shifts. The many-body enhancement mechanisms that operate for vacuum polarization apply also to the larger self-energy corrections.