Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gamma-irradiated Aspergillus conidia show a growth curve with a reproductive death phase

Abstract In this study, we evaluated the effects of gamma irradiation on the germination of Aspergillus conidia and mycelial growth using microscopy and predictive microbiological modeling methods. A dose of 0.4 kGy reduced the germination rate by 20% compared to the untreated control, indicating interphase death due to the high radiation dose. The number of colonies formed (5.5%) was lower than the germination rate (69%), suggesting that most colonies died after germination. Microscopic observations revealed that mycelial elongation ceased completely in the middle of the growth phase, indicating reproductive death. The growth curves of irradiated conidia exhibited a delayed change in the growth pattern, and a decrease in slope during the early stages of germination and growth at low densities. A modified logistic model, which is a general purpose growth model that allows for the evaluation of subpopulations, was used to fit the experimental growth curves. Dose-dependent waveform changes may reflect the dynamics of the subpopulations during germination and growth. These methods revealed the occurrence of two cell death populations resulting from gamma irradiation of fungal conidia and contribute to the understanding of irradiation-induced cell death in fungi.
Reconsideración de la sistemática de Cervavitus (Cervidae, Artiodactyla, Mammalia) del Pleistoceno Inferior

Cervavitus were usually found from the Late Miocene and Pliocene deposits in East Europe, Middle Asia and North China, but they were found recently in many Early Pleistocene localities in southern China. The latter resulted in the discussion of their systematic status between Cervavitus and Cervus . Here we show the Early Pleistocene forms from southern China are morphometrically more similar to northern China Cervavitus species, and the cladistic analysis shows that the southern China forms are closer to classic Cervavitus species than Cervus and that also proves their systematic status in Cervavitus rather than in Cervus . Cervavitus originated in Moldovan forests of East Europe in the late Vallesian (MN10) from a brachyodont and holometacarpal ancestor with two/three-tined antlers and Palaeomeryx fold and evolved into C. novorossiae . It dispersed into West Europe forests in the earliest Turolian and further west to France in the Ruscinian. It dispersed into northern China forests in the early Turolian and represented by C. shanxius . The great quantity of C. shanxius specimens with brachyodont teeth and complete lateral metacarpals implies the arid Loess Plateau of today was a humid forested region in the Late Miocene. C. shanxius migrated southwards in the Plio-Pleistocene probably due to the drying environment in northern China with uplifting of Himalayas and evolved into C. ultimus and C. fenqii , which survived in southern China until the Early Pleistocene (MNQ18).
Optimal control pulses for the 1.2-GHz (28.2-T) NMR spectrometers

The ability to measure nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra with a large sample volume is crucial for concentration-limited biological samples to attain adequate signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio. The possibility to measure with a 5-mm cryoprobe is currently absent at the 1.2-GHz NMR instruments due to the exceedingly high radio frequency power demands, which is four times compared to 600-MHz instruments. Here, we overcome the high-power demands by designing optimal control (OC) pulses with up to 20 times lower power requirements than currently necessary at a 1.2-GHz spectrometer. We show that multidimensional biomolecular NMR experiments constructed using these OC pulses can bestow improvement in the S/N ratio of up to 26%. With the expected power limitations of a 5-mm cryoprobe, we observe an enhancement in the S/N ratio of more than 240% using our OC sequences. This motivates the development of a cryoprobe with a larger volume than the current 3-mm cryoprobes.
Fuzzy comprehensive assessment of water shortage risk

The risk rate, weakness, possibility of recovery, period for reappear and risk level are defined as the indexes for assessing the water shortage risk of regional resources. On this basis the method for fuzzy comprehensive assessment of water shortage risk of regional resources is developed. The suggested method is used to assess the water shortage risk of capital area in China including the Beijing and Tianjin. The result shows that the water shortage risk of this area is at very high level and the contradiction between water supply and water demand will be intensive in the year of 2010 without the South to North Water Transfer Project. It means that the adoption of measures for effective risk management of water resources is a very urgent task.
A Hydroinformatic Approach to the Development of Areal Reduction Factors

Presented in this paper are the results of a study empirically determining Areal Reduction Factors through a hydroinformatic approach utilising Geographic lnformation Systems in estimating the spatial distribution of rainfall across a catchment. The ARFs presented in this paper are calculated using a relationship between the Intensity Frequency Duration (IFD) at the catchment scale and the point IFD for various durations and Annual Exceedance Probabilities (AEP). This study was conducted on the 112km2 Upper Parramatta River Catchment (UPRC) where 8 pluvio rain gauges were analysed. Details of the analyses undertaken are presented together with a comparison with the Areal Reduction Factors developed by the Cooperative Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology (CRCCH) using Victorian data.
Variable stiffness soft robotic gripper: design, development, and prospects

The advent of variable stiffness soft robotic grippers furnishes a conduit for exploration and manipulation within uncharted, non-structured environments. The paper provides a comprehensive review of the necessary technologies for the configuration design of soft robotic grippers with variable stiffness, serving as a reference for innovative gripper design. The design of variable stiffness soft robotic grippers typically encompasses the design of soft robotic grippers and variable stiffness modules. To adapt to unfamiliar environments and grasp unknown objects, a categorization and discussion have been undertaken based on the contact and motion manifestations between the gripper and the things across various dimensions: points contact, lines contact, surfaces contact, and full-bodies contact, elucidating the advantages and characteristics of each gripping type. Furthermore, when designing soft robotic grippers, we must consider the effectiveness of object grasping methods but also the applicability of the actuation in the target environment. The actuation is the propelling force behind the gripping motion, holding utmost significance in shaping the structure of the gripper. Given the challenge of matching the actuation of robotic grippers with the target scenario, we reviewed the actuation of soft robotic grippers. We analyzed the strengths and limitations of various soft actuation, providing insights into the actuation design for soft robotic grippers. As a crucial technique for variable stiffness soft robotic grippers, variable stiffness technology can effectively address issues such as poor load-bearing capacity and instability caused by the softness of materials. Through a retrospective analysis of variable stiffness theory, we comprehensively introduce the development of variable stiffness theory in soft robotic grippers and showcase the application of variable stiffness grasping technology through specific case studies. Finally, we discuss the future prospects of variable stiffness grasping robots from several perspectives of applications and technologies.
Effects of phenylephrine on systemic and cerebral circulations in humans: a systematic review with mechanistic explanations

We conducted a systematic review of the literature reporting phenylephrine‐induced changes in blood pressure, cardiac output, cerebral blood flow and cerebral tissue oxygen saturation as measured by near‐infrared spectroscopy in humans. We used the proportion change of the group mean values reported by the original studies in our analysis. Phenylephrine elevates blood pressure whilst concurrently inducing a reduction in cardiac output. Furthermore, despite increasing cerebral blood flow, it decreases cerebral tissue oxygen saturation. The extent of phenylephrine's influence on cardiac output (r = ‐0.54 and p = 0.09 in awake humans; r = ‐0.55 and p = 0.007 in anaesthetised humans), cerebral blood flow (r = 0.65 and p = 0.002 in awake humans; r = 0.80 and p = 0.003 in anaesthetised humans) and cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (r = ‐0.72 and p = 0.03 in awake humans; r = ‐0.24 and p = 0.48 in anaesthetised humans) appears closely linked to the magnitude of phenylephrine‐induced blood pressure changes. When comparing the effects of phenylephrine in awake and anaesthetised humans, we found no evidence of a significant difference in cardiac output, cerebral blood flow or cerebral tissue oxygen saturation. There was also no evidence of a significant difference in effect on systemic and cerebral circulations whether phenylephrine was given by bolus or infusion. We explore the underlying mechanisms driving the phenylephrine‐induced cardiac output reduction, cerebral blood flow increase and cerebral tissue oxygen saturation decrease. Individualised treatment approaches, close monitoring and consideration of potential risks and benefits remain vital to the safe and effective use of phenylephrine in acute care.
Chinese Meteorological Satellites,Achievements and Applications

Status of FY series meteorological satellites of China is introduced.Comparisons between Chinese and international meteorological satellites are made in observation items,technical indicators,operation reliability,data sharing level and applications.With great efforts in the past 40 years,FYl/3 polar orbiting and FY2 geostationary meteorological satellites are now both in operation.Data and products from Chinese meteorological satellites on atmosphere and earth environment status have been broadly used in weather forecast,short range climate prediction,environmental/natural hazard monitoring,agriculture and other economical fields.Data and products from Chinese meteorological satellites are not only broadcasted in real time,but also accessed through Internet web site.But,quantitative accuracy of data from Chinese meteorological satellites,assimilation of data into numerical model and skills of forecaster at image interpretation need to be improved.Fundamental research at raising instrument accuracy,improving data pre-processing,processing and simulation levels and applications must be enhanced.
Tidal mixing around Indonesia and the Maritime continent: Implications for paleoclimate simulations

Tidal mixing provides an important source of mechanical energy for the ocean circulation and as such is being incorporated into state‐of‐the‐art climate models. Calculation of the tidal energy flux depends on high‐resolution topographic datasets, not available for paleoclimate simulations. In this study we demonstrate that changes in the tidal mixing may have significant impacts on ocean circulation, sea surface temperatures, and hence climate. Using a coupled climate model, we test the system's sensitivity to perturbations in the tidal mixing surrounding the Maritime continent and show that an increase in such mixing could cause significant changes in the ocean thermal structure, including a ∼1°C warming of the ocean surface in the eastern equatorial Pacific and a similar cooling in the west. The mechanism of these changes involves mixing the relatively cold waters of the Equatorial undercurrent with warmer surface waters. The reduction of the zonal temperature gradient is amplified by ocean–atmosphere interactions associated with a weakening of the atmospheric Walker circulation. Potential implications of this study concern the Pliocene (an epoch characterized by a reduced zonal temperature contrast along the equator) and other past climates. While the actual strength of tidal mixing during the Pliocene is uncertain, our study assesses the bounds on how much tidal mixing may have contributed to maintaining its climate state. We conclude that, on geological timescales, changes in tidal mixing may be an important dynamical factor together with ocean bathymetry and continental configuration.
Rescue of a Bryde's Whale Balaenoptera edeni entrapped in the Manning River, New South Wales: unmitigated success or unwarranted intervention?

In August 1994 a Bryde's Whale Balaenoptera edeni entered and became entrapped in the Manning River, New South Wales. The individual was an immature male of the rare pygmy form of Bryde's Whale: it was 10.3 m long and weighed approximately 7.7 tonnes. The whale remained in the river for 100 days, during which time observations were made of its movements, diving habits, feeding behaviour and body condition. Apart from the risk of stranding, the entrapped whale also faced the potential threats of starvation, entanglement in fishing nets, collision with boat traffic, and exposure to low salinity and high acidity. In view of these threats, a rescue bid was launched to return the whale to the ocean. Five rescue attempts were made the last culminated in the whale being successfully towed to sea and released several kilometers offshore. Despite its emaciated condition the whale was rescued from the river before the onset of ill health or irreparable physiological damage. The whale swam away strongly on release, .
Causal effects of point-of-sale cigarette promotions and subjective social status on cigarette craving: a randomised within-person experiment

Background Cigarette smoking continues to be a leading cause of preventable deaths in the USA, in part because the USA has not adopted the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. One way the tobacco industry counteracts tobacco control policies is by heavily advertising cigarettes at the point of sale in retailers (eg, at the cash register) and by offering discounts on cigarettes. Design A within-subject experimental design with adults who smoke cigarettes daily (n=281) investigated whether: (1) exposure to images of cigarette promotions in an online experiment is associated with greater cigarette craving relative to viewing images of non-smoking cues, and (2) if exposure to images of point-of-sale cigarette promotions with a discount (vs without) increases cigarette craving. The study also examined how participants’ subjective social status (compared with others in the USA) relates to cigarette craving after exposure to images of cigarette promotions with and without a discount. Results In an online experiment, exposure to images of smoking cues, including point-of-sale cigarette promotions, elicited greater craving relative to non-smoking cues (all p<0.001). In addition, images of promotions with a discount elicited higher levels of craving compared with those without a discount (b=0.09, p=0.001). Although participants with a higher (vs lower) subjective social status craved cigarettes less overall (b=−0.12, p=0.012), there was no difference in their craving between images of promotions with and without a discount, while craving was higher for images of promotions with a discount than without for participants with higher subjective social status (b=0.06, p=0.021). Conclusion Viewing images of point-of-sale cigarette promotions can causally increase cravings to smoke, which may also apply to real-world retail settings that display cigarette promotions. Restricting point-of-sale promotions generally, and discounts specifically, could help reduce cigarette smoking and address tobacco use disparities in the USA.
Plasma circulating microRNAs associated with blood-based immune markers: a population-based study

Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression and different immune-related pathways. There is a great interest in identifying miRNAs involved in immune cell development and function to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying the immune system, its regulation, and disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of circulating miRNAs with blood cell compositions and blood-based immune markers. Circulating levels of 2083 miRNAs were measured by RNA-sequencing in plasma samples of 1999 participants from the population-based Rotterdam Study collected between 2002 and 2005. Full blood count measurements were performed for absolute granulocyte, platelet, lymphocyte, monocyte, white, and red blood cell counts. Multivariate analyses were performed to test the association of miRNAs with blood cell compositions and immune markers. We evaluated the overlap between predicted target genes of candidate miRNAs associated with immune markers and genes determining the blood immune response markers. First, principal component regression analysis showed that plasma levels of circulating miRNAs were significantly associated with red blood cell, granulocyte, and lymphocyte counts. Second, the cross-sectional analysis identified 210 miRNAs significantly associated (P < 2.82 × 10−5) with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index. Further genetic look-ups showed that target genes of seven identified miRNAs (miR-1233-3p, miR-149-3p, miR-150-5p, miR-342-3p, miR-34b-3p, miR-4644, and miR-7106-5p) were also previously linked to NLR and PLR markers. Collectively, our study suggests several circulating miRNAs that regulate the innate and adaptive immune systems, providing insight into the pathogenesis of miRNAs in immune-related diseases and paving the way for future clinical applications.
Development of youth tennis players: A study based on the ranking history of top ATP/WTA players worldwide and China

Background The top 100 ATP/WTA ranking points are a crucial indicator of entry into the high-level world of tennis players, and the number of players from a nation in this ranking reflects the overall level of their tennis. However, the growth time series characteristics of elite tennis athletes are unclear. Objective This study aims to examine the historical career ranking changes of elite players and provide valuable insights for aspiring young players looking to achieve success in the sport. At the same time, it is of great significance for the efficient and sustainable cultivation of Chinese tennis players. Methods Data on the rankings of 202 players were analyzed, Spearman and Pearson correlations were employed to investigate the association between ranking and time-use patterns. The variance test was utilized to compare disparities in time characteristics of the ranking, with a statistical significance level of p<0.05. Results There was a significant correlation between the time of entering the professional tournament ranking system and the ranking, top 100 time, top 100 age, and age of starting tennis. Top 50 ATP players are earlier than those ranked 51–100. There was a significant difference between the age of starting tennis and the time to top 10 among the ATP and WTA players. Chinese female players showed no significant differences compared to their global Top 10 counterparts in terms of time-to-success characteristics. Conclusion The elite tennis players who achieve success typically start playing and competing in the sport at a young age, with professional competition often commencing around 18 years of age. Notably, these players frequently attain high rankings before reaching the age of 20. Furthermore, top 10 ATP male players tend to start tennis at an earlier age and require a shorter time to achieve a top 10 ranking compared with WTA female players.
Older People’s Descriptions of Their Engagement in Fall Prevention

Evidence-based strategies to decrease fall rates are well established. However, little is understood about how older people engage in fall prevention strategies. Motivational Interviewing (MI) sessions aimed to facilitate individuals’ engagement in fall prevention can be analyzed to learn what it means for older people to engage in fall prevention. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore how older people describe their engagement in fall prevention. Participants in our parent project, MI for Fall Prevention (MI-FP), who received MI sessions were purposively selected for maximum variation in age, sex, fall risks, and MI specialist assigned. The first (of 8) MI sessions from 16 participants were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Three researchers first deductively analyzed fall prevention strategies that participants described using an evidence-based fall prevention guideline as a reference. Then, we inductively analyzed the characteristics of these strategies and how participants engaged in them. Finally, we used the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior (COM-B) model to organize our results about factors influencing engagement. We found (1) older adults engage in unique combinations of fall prevention strategies and (2) decisions about engagement in fall prevention strategies were influenced by multiple factors that were personal (e.g., who I am, capability, motivation, and opportunities). This study highlighted how fall prevention can be a life-long lifestyle decision for older people. Understanding older people’s perspectives about engaging in fall prevention is essential to develop interventions to promote evidence-based fall prevention strategies in real-world settings.
The effect of experimental pollinator decline on pollinator‐mediated selection on floral traits

Abstract Human‐mediated environmental change, by reducing mean fitness, is hypothesized to strengthen selection on traits that mediate interactions among species. For example, human‐mediated declines in pollinator populations are hypothesized to reduce mean seed production by increasing the magnitude of pollen limitation and thus strengthen pollinator‐mediated selection on floral traits that increase pollinator attraction or pollen transfer efficiency. To test this hypothesis, we measured two female fitness components and six floral traits of Lobelia siphilitica plants exposed to supplemental hand‐pollination, ambient open‐pollination, or reduced open‐pollination treatments. The reduced treatment simulated pollinator decline, while the supplemental treatment was used to estimate pollen limitation and pollinator‐mediated selection. We found that plants in the reduced pollination treatment were significantly pollen limited, resulting in pollinator‐mediated selection for taller inflorescences and more vibrant petals, both traits that could increase pollinator attraction. This contrasts with plants in the ambient pollination treatment, where reproduction was not pollen limited and there was not significant pollinator‐mediated selection on any floral trait. Our results support the hypothesis that human‐mediated environmental change can strengthen selection on traits of interacting species and suggest that these traits have the potential to evolve in response to changing environments.