Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of laboratory and field results for prediction of the environmental behavior of phosphate esters

Two phosphate ester flame retardants, triphenyl phosphate (TPP) and 2-ethylhexyldi-phenyl phosphate (EHDPP) (both 14C-labelled) were added to two small artificial ponds (3 m3 volume) to give water concentrations of 60 μg/L for each compound. Both phosphate esters had half-lives of about 15 h in the water column and showed rapid sorption to bottom sediment. At 24 h posttreatment an estimated 28% of EHDPP and 9% of TPP added could not be accounted for by measurements of radioactivity in water, sediment and biota. Calculations of volatilization rates from water of the two compounds suggested that losses of EHDPP may have been due in part to volatilization. Bioconcentration of TPP by fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) was similar to that predicted from laboratory studies on the uptake and clearance of TPP by rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri). Prediction of the bioconcentration of EHDPP by duckweed (Lemna minor) from laboratory studies underestimated the rapid uptake of this compound observed in the ponds.
Association of Greenness with Blood Pressure among Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes across Rural to Urban Community Types in Pennsylvania, USA

Greenness may impact blood pressure (BP), though evidence is limited among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), for whom BP management is critical. We evaluated associations of residential greenness with BP among individuals with T2D in geographically diverse communities in Pennsylvania. To address variation in greenness type, we evaluated modification of associations by percent forest. We obtained systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP measurements from medical records of 9593 individuals following diabetes diagnosis. Proximate greenness was estimated within 1250-m buffers surrounding individuals’ residences using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) prior to blood pressure measurement. Percent forest was calculated using the U.S. National Land Cover Database. Linear mixed models with robust standard errors accounted for spatial clustering; models were stratified by community type (townships/boroughs/cities). In townships, the greenest communities, an interquartile range increase in NDVI was associated with reductions in SBP of 0.87 mmHg (95% CI: −1.43, −0.30) and in DBP of 0.41 mmHg (95% CI: −0.78, −0.05). No significant associations were observed in boroughs or cities. Evidence for modification by percent forest was weak. Findings suggest a threshold effect whereby high greenness may be necessary to influence BP in this population and support a slight beneficial impact of greenness on cardiovascular disease risk.
Attitudes Towards Sleep as a Time Commitment are Associated with Sleep Regularity

ABSTRACT Objective: Irregular sleep-wake patterns are associated with poor health outcomes. However, factors that lead individuals to adopt more regular sleep-wake patterns are not well understood. This study aimed to (i) examine the relationship between sleep regularity and attitudes toward sleep in undergraduates; (ii) test an intervention to improve sleep regularity based on personalized feedback; and (iii) investigate whether changes in attitudes toward sleep associate with improved sleep regularity. Methods: Sleep-wake timing of 45 students (19.7 ± 1.8 years) was monitored daily over two weeks using an app-based diary. The least regular sleepers, calculated using the Sleep Regularity Index (SRI ≤ 81.4; N = 22), completed a four-week randomized control intervention (RCI) designed to improve sleep regularity. The Charlotte Attitudes Toward Sleep (CATS) scale was administered at baseline and post-RCI, with subscales measuring attitudes toward sleep as a time commitment (Time), and as a beneficial/enjoyable behavior (Benefits). Results: CATS Time was positively associated with SRI at baseline (r2 = 0.16, p =.006) and during the four-week RCI (r2 = 0.29, p =.01). CATS Benefits was not associated with SRI but was associated with sleep quality. There was no significant improvement in SRI during the intervention. The relationship between change in CATS Time and change in SRI (baseline vs. RCI) differed between intervention and control groups (r2 = 0.27, p =.03). Conclusions: Attitudes toward sleep as a time commitment are associated with sleep regularity and should be considered as a target in future interventions aiming to improve sleep regularity.
(Oligo)metastasis as a Spectrum of Disease

Cancer metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, and most patients with metastases from solid tumors have historically been considered incurable. Here, we discuss the evolution of our understanding of the oligometastatic state with an emphasis on the view that cancer metastasis represents a spectrum of disease. We highlight several recently published prospective clinical trials demonstrating improvements in cancer-specific outcomes with the utilization of metastasis-directed local therapies. We discuss biological aspects of oligometastases, including genetic, epigenetic, and immune determinants of the metastatic spectrum. Finally, we propose future considerations regarding clinical trial design for patients with oligometastatic disease.
A novel aqueous extract from rice fermented with Aspergillus oryzae and Saccharomyces cerevisiae possesses an anti-influenza A virus activity

Human influenza virus infections occur annually worldwide and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Hence, development of novel anti-influenza drugs is urgently required. Rice Power® extract developed by the Yushin Brewer Co. Ltd. is a novel aqueous extract of rice obtained via saccharization and fermentation with various microorganisms, such as Aspergillus oryzae, yeast [such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae], and lactic acid bacteria, possessing various biological and pharmacological properties. In our previous experimental screening with thirty types of Rice Power® extracts, we observed that the 30th Rice Power® (Y30) extract promoted the survival of influenza A virus-infected Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Therefore, to identify compounds for the development of novel anti-influenza drugs, we aimed to investigate whether the Y30 extract exhibits anti-influenza A virus activity. In the present study, we demonstrated that the Y30 extract strongly promoted the survival of influenza A H1N1 Puerto Rico 8/34 (A/PR/8/34), California 7/09, or H3N2 Aichi 2/68 (A/Aichi/2/68) viruses-infected MDCK cells and inhibited A/PR/8/34 or A/Aichi/2/68 viruses infection and growth in the co-treatment and pre-infection experiments. The pre-treatment of Y30 extract on MDCK cells did not induce anti-influenza activity in the cell. The Y30 extract did not significantly affect influenza A virus hemagglutination, and neuraminidase and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activities. Interestingly, the electron microscopy experiment revealed that the Y30 extract disrupts the integrity of influenza A virus particles by permeabilizing the viral membrane envelope, suggesting that Y30 extract has a direct virucidal effect against influenza A virus. Furthermore, we observed that compared to the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract, the water extract of Y30 extract considerably promoted the survival of cells infected with A/PR/8/34 virus. These results indicated that more anti-influenza components were present in the water extract of Y30 extract than in the EtOAc extract. Our results highlight the potential of a rice extract fermented with A. oryzae and S. cerevisiae as an anti-influenza medicine and a drug source for the development of anti-influenza compounds.
Coordination of stem and leaf traits define different strategies to regulate water loss and tolerance ranges to aridity.

▪Adaptation to drought involves complex interactions of traits that vary within and among species. To date, few data are available to quantify within-species variation in functional traits and they are rarely integrated into mechanistic models to improve predictions of species response to climate change. ▪We quantified intraspecific variation in functional traits of two Hakea species growing along an aridity gradient in southeastern Australia. Measured traits were later used to parameterize the model SurEau to simulate a transplantation experiment to identify the limits of drought tolerance. ▪Embolism resistance varied between species but not across populations. Instead, populations adjusted to drier conditions via contrasting sets of trait trade-offs that facilitated homeostasis of plant water status. The species from relatively mesic climate, Hakea dactyloides, relied on tight stomatal control whereas the species from xeric climate, Hakea leucoptera dramatically increased Huber value and leaf mass per area, while leaf area index (LAI) and epidermal conductance (gmin ) decreased. With trait variability, SurEau predicts plasticity of LAI and gmin buffers the impact of increasing aridity on population persistence ▪Knowledge of within species variability in multiple drought tolerance traits will be critical to accurately predict species distributional limits.
Smooth sidewall in InP-based photonic crystal membrane etched by N2-based inductively coupled plasma

The etching for InP photonic crystal (PhC) hole structure using Cl2∕BCl3∕N2 and BCl3∕N2 inductively coupled plasmas has been investigated for the fabrication of membrane devices. The addition of N2 into Cl2-based plasma is shown to enhance the anisotropic etching and to suppress the sidewall roughness compared to the Cl2∕Ar plasma. The profile verticality of PhC structures is improved by the introduction of BCl3. The smooth sidewalls and the vertical hole profiles are obtained when N2 ratio (N2 mass flow rate/total gas flow) is superior to 65%. Positive ion fluxes are measured with the variations of gas flow rates for the plasma characterization. It is found that the addition of N2 to the Cl2∕BCl3 plasma can cause a decrease in positive ion density when the N2 ratio is more than 20%. Chemical identification of the InP surface after etching by a N2-based plasma is characterized by transmission electron microscopy, and no nitrogen element is observed along the sidewalls, which indicates a low probability of.
Outcomes of Open and Endoscopic Repairs of Chronic Partial- and Full-Thickness Proximal Hamstring Tendon Tears: A Multicenter Study With Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

Background: The preponderance of literature on the repair of proximal hamstring tendon tears focuses on the acute phase (<4 weeks). As such, there is a paucity of data reporting on the outcomes of chronic proximal hamstring tears. Purpose: To report minimum 2-year postoperative patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and patient satisfaction from patients who underwent open or endoscopic repair of partial- and full-thickness chronic proximal hamstring tendon tears. Study Design: Case series study; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Between April 2002 and May 2017, prospectively collected data from 3 tertiary care institutions were retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent open and endoscopic repair of partial- and full-thickness chronic proximal hamstring tendon tears. Patients were included only if they had a chronic proximal hamstring tear (defined as ≥4 weeks from symptom onset to surgery). Patients were excluded if they had a tear treated <4 weeks after injury, underwent hamstring reconstruction, or claimed workers’ compensation. Patients who reported minimum 2-year follow-up for VAS, patient satisfaction, and the following PROs had their outcomes analyzed: the modified Hip Harris Score, Non-arthritic Hip Score, iHOT-12 (International Hip Outcome Tool), and Hip Outcome Score–Sports Specific Subscale. Results: Fifty patients (34 females and 16 males) were included in this study. There were 19 endoscopic repairs and 31 open repairs. Within the cohort, 52.0% had a full-thickness tendon tear on magnetic resonance imaging, and 48.0% had a partial tear. Average follow-up time was 58.07 ± 37.27 months (mean ± SD; range, 24-220 months). The mean age and body mass index of the group were 46.13 ± 13 years and 25.43 ± 5.14. The average time from injury to surgery was 66.73 weeks (range, 5.14-215.14 weeks). Average postoperative PROs were as follows: modified Hip Harris Score, 91.94 ± 9.96; Non-arthritic Hip Score, 91.33 ± 9.99; iHOT-12, 87.17 ± 17.54; Hip Outcome Score–Sports Specific Subscale, 87.15 ± 18.10; and VAS, 1.16 ± 1.92. Patient satisfaction was 8.22 ± 1.20. Conclusion: Patients who underwent open and endoscopic repairs for chronic partial- and full-thickness proximal hamstring tendon tears reported high PROs and satisfaction at a minimum 2-year follow-up with low rates of complications.
Do Adolescent Exposure to Cannabinoids and Early Adverse Experience Interact to Increase the Risk of Psychiatric Disorders: Evidence from Rodent Models

There have been growing concerns about the protracted effects of cannabis use in adolescents on emotion and cognition outcomes, motivated by evidence of growing cannabis use in adolescents, evidence linking cannabis use to various psychiatric disorders, and the increasingly perceived notion that cannabis is harmless. At the same time, studies suggest that cannabinoids may have therapeutic potential against the impacts of stress on the brain and behavior, and that young people sometimes use cannabinoids to alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety (i.e., “self-medication”). Exposure to early adverse life events may predispose individuals to developing psychopathology in adulthood, leading researchers to study the causality between early life factors and cognitive and emotional outcomes in rodent models and to probe the underlying mechanisms. In this review, we aim to better understand the long-term effects of cannabinoids administered in sensitive developmental periods (mainly adolescence) in rodent models of early life stress. We suggest that the effects of cannabinoids on emotional and cognitive function may vary between different sensitive developmental periods. This could potentially affect decisions regarding the use of cannabinoids in clinical settings during the early stages of development and could raise questions regarding educating the public as to potential risks associated with cannabis use.
Optimal statistical arbitrage trading of Berkshire Hathaway stock and its replicating portfolio

In this paper, we make use of the replicating asset for statistical arbitrage trading, where the replicating asset is constructed by a portfolio that mimics the returns from a factor model. Using the replicating asset in the context of statistical arbitrage has never been done before in the literature. A novel optimal statistical arbitrage trading model is applied, and we derive the average transaction length and return for the Berkshire A stock and its replicating asset. The results show that the statistical arbitrage method proposed by Bertram (2010) is profitable by using the replicating asset. We also compute the average returns under different transaction costs. For the statistical arbitrage using the replicating asset of the factor model, average annual returns were at least 33%. Robustness is examined with the S&P500. Our results can provide hedge fund managers with a new technique for conducting statistical arbitrage.
Changes of Gut-Microbiota-Liver Axis in Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Simple Summary Gut microbiota alteration is linked to many health disorders including hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This dysbiosis in turn impacts the coordination between the gut and the liver that is known as the gut–liver-axis. Here, we discuss the latest findings regarding the changes in gut microbiota structure and functionality post HCV infection and its treatment regimens. In addition, we underline the contribution of the microbiota alterations to HCV associated liver complications. Abstract The gut–liver-axis is a bidirectional coordination between the gut, including microbial residents, the gut microbiota, from one side and the liver on the other side. Any disturbance in this crosstalk may lead to a disease status that impacts the functionality of both the gut and the liver. A major cause of liver disorders is hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection that has been illustrated to be associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis at different stages of the disease progression. This dysbiosis may start a cycle of inflammation and metabolic disturbance that impacts the gut and liver health and contributes to the disease progression. This review discusses the latest literature addressing this interplay between the gut microbiota and the liver in HCV infection from both directions. Additionally, we highlight the contribution of gut microbiota to the metabolism of antivirals used in HCV treatment regimens and the impact of these medications on the microbiota composition. This review sheds light on the potential of the gut microbiota manipulation as an alternative therapeutic approach to control the liver complications post HCV infection.
Domestic Wastewater Ozonation: A Kinetic Model Approach

Abstract Film theory has been applied to model the ozonation kinetics of a domestic wastewater. The model has been applied to the ozonation in a bubble column where gas and wastewater were fed countercurrently. Because the wastewater composition was not explicitly known, an index of its pollution (i.e., COD) has been taken as the parameter to study the chemical reaction kinetics. The kinetic model considers the fluid dynamics of liquid and gas phases flowing through the ozonation contactor. The axial dispersion and the tanks in series models for non-ideal flow were used for this objective. Additionally, ozone mass transfer parameters were evaluated from experimental data. The kinetic model predicts reasonably well the remaining COD at the given experimental conditions. However, deviations were observed between the experimental and calculated dosage of ozone, probably due to contributions of free radical reactions, which have not been considered in the proposed hypothesis.
A brief introduction of meta‐analyses in clinical practice and research

With the explosive growth of medical information, it is almost impossible for healthcare providers to review and evaluate all relevant evidence to make the best clinical decisions. Meta‐analyses, which summarize all existing evidence and quantitatively synthesize individual studies, have become the best available evidence for informing clinical practice. This article introduces the common methods, steps, principles, strengths and limitations of meta‐analyses and aims to help healthcare providers and researchers obtain a basic understanding of meta‐analyses in clinical practice and research.
Parasite Presence Induces Gene Expression Changes in an Ant Host Related to Immunity and Longevity

Most species are either parasites or exploited by parasites, making parasite–host interactions a driver of evolution. Parasites with complex life cycles often evolve strategies to facilitate transmission to the definitive host by manipulating their intermediate host. Such manipulations could explain phenotypic changes in the ant Temnothorax nylanderi, the intermediate host of the cestode Anomotaenia brevis. In addition to behavioral and morphological alterations, infected workers exhibit prolonged lifespans, comparable to that of queens, which live up to two decades. We used transcriptomic data from cestodes and ants of different castes and infection status to investigate the molecular underpinnings of phenotypic alterations in infected workers and explored whether the extended lifespan of queens and infected workers has a common molecular basis. Infected workers and queens commonly upregulated only six genes, one of them with a known anti-aging function. Both groups overexpressed immune genes, although not the same ones. Our findings suggest that the lifespan extension of infected workers is not achieved via the expression of queen-specific genes. The analysis of the cestodes’ transcriptome revealed dominant expression of genes of the mitochondrial respiratory transport chain, which indicates an active metabolism and shedding light on the physiology of the parasite in its cysticercoid stage.
Effect of oral statin use on mitomycin-C augmented trabeculectomy outcomes

Purpose The effect of statins on wound healing is controversial, and their effect on trabeculectomy outcomes remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship between oral statin use and trabeculectomy outcomes. Methods Medical records of patients who underwent primary mitomycin-C augmented trabeculectomy with 2 years of follow-up were reviewed. Pre- and postoperative intraocular pressures (IOP) and numbers of medications, subconjunctival 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) injections, and bleb-needling procedures were compared between statin users and nonusers. Failure was defined as an eye that failed to achieve a 20% lowering of IOP from baseline or had an IOP > 21 mm Hg, as well as an eye that required further surgical intervention, developed hypotony, or had no light perception visual acuity. Results In total, 158 subjects were enrolled, with 47 eyes from statin users and 111 eyes from statin nonusers. The 24-month cumulative probability of failure was 78.7% for statin users and 60.4% for nonusers (P = .013). Cox proportional-hazards modeling showed a significantly higher hazard risk in statin users (adjusted hazard ratio 1.61, P = .026). There were no significant between-group differences in mean IOPs or number of medications (both P > .05) at 24 months. Multivariable Poisson regression analysis that statin use was associated with increased numbers of 5-FU injections (P = .014) and bleb-needling procedures (P = .031). Conclusions This study demonstrated that oral statin use was associated with higher rates of trabeculectomy failure and increased numbers of 5-FU injections and bleb-needling procedures.
Brief Overview of Ice Nucleation

The nucleation of ice is vital in cloud physics and impacts on a broad range of matters from the cryopreservation of food, tissues, organs, and stem cells to the prevention of icing on aircraft wings, bridge cables, wind turbines, and other structures. Ice nucleation thus has broad implications in medicine, food engineering, mineralogy, biology, and other fields. Nowadays, the growing threat of global warming has led to intense research activities on the feasibility of artificially modifying clouds to shift the Earth’s radiation balance. For these reasons, nucleation of ice has been extensively studied over many decades and rightfully so. It is thus not quite possible to cover the whole subject of ice nucleation in a single review. Rather, this feature article provides a brief overview of ice nucleation that focuses on several major outstanding fundamental issues. The author’s wish is to aid early researchers in ice nucleation and those who wish to get into the field of ice nucleation from other disciplines by concisely summarizing the outstanding issues in this important field. Two unresolved challenges stood out from the review, namely the lack of a molecular-level picture of ice nucleation at an interface and the limitations of classical nucleation theory.