Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sea bamboo growth form (Isis hippuris) on different habitats in the waters of Tanjung Tiram, South Konawe

The form of growth of sea bamboo (Isis hippurus) in an area depends on the ecological state or natural environment in which the sea bamboo is located. Different growth forms in habitats have different characteristics and levels of response to environmental pressures. This research examines how sea bamboo (Isis hippuris) grows in different habitats in Tanjung Tiram’s waters. The method used in this study is a descriptive survey method. The method used for data retrieval is a belt transect. The study was conducted at two locations (different habitat conditions). The results showed that growth forms are vertical (in coral habitats) and horizontal (in coral-seagrass habitats).
Fundamental mechanistic insights into the catalytic reactions of Li─S redox by Co single-atom electrocatalysts via operando methods

Lithium-sulfur batteries represent an attractive option for energy storage applications. A deeper understanding of the multistep lithium-sulfur reactions and the electrocatalytic mechanisms are required to develop advanced, high-performance batteries. We have systematically investigated the lithium-sulfur redox processes catalyzed by a cobalt single-atom electrocatalyst (Co-SAs/NC) via operando confocal Raman microscopy and x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The real-time observations, based on potentiostatic measurements, indicate that Co-SAs/NC efficiently accelerates the lithium-sulfur reduction/oxidation reactions, which display zero-order kinetics. Under galvanostatic discharge conditions, the typical stepwise mechanism of long-chain and intermediate-chain polysulfides is transformed to a concurrent pathway under electrocatalysis. In addition, operando cobalt K-edge XAS studies elucidate the potential-dependent evolution of cobalt’s oxidation state and the formation of cobalt-sulfur bonds. Our work provides fundamental insights into the mechanisms of catalyzed lithium-sulfur reactions via operando methods, enabling a deeper understanding of electrocatalysis and interfacial dynamics in electrical energy storage systems.
Garment Segmentation Network Based on Texture and Semantic Decoding Module

With the great development of the apparel e-commerce industry, more and more people are engaged in this field. In reality, clothing is easily affected by background, perspective, occlusion, and other factors, so clothing segmentation is not accurate enough. This paper proposes a clothing segmentation network based on the texture and semantic decoding module of clothing. Based on the swing transformer network, this network proposes a clothing texture analysis module (CTAM) and a clothing semantic decoding module (CSDM). In the coding process, CTAM extracts clothing texture features to enhance spatial information, while CSDM uses mixed attention to enhance image context information during decoding to improve the accuracy of clothing segmentation. The experimental results show that compared with the original model, the average pixel accuracy of the proposed method on the LIP data set is increased by about 2%, and the average crossover ratio is increased by about 1.5%. The segmentation network significantly improves indistinguishable garment boundaries and the accuracy of garment image segmentation.
Ecoregions: A Spatial Framework for Environmental Management

A kit including an axle to be substituted for a fixed flanged axle from which kit axle the flange is omitted and which includes an outward axle extension providing spaced bearings on which a kit wheel hub is rotatably supported, the inner end of the hub providing an annular flange which performs the same function as the replaced fixed axle flange by accepting the bolts normally used for supporting the adjacent brake drum and wheel of the vehicle. Both inner and outer ends of the substitute axle are splined, the inner end fitting into the splined differential socket provided therefor in the differential, the outer end fitting into a conventional wheel clutching mechanism mounted on the outer end of the axle housing hub, the mechanism being operable manually to optionally lock the substitute axle to the wheel hub and wheel or to disengage the substitute axle to permit the hub and wheel to turn freely thereon.
Exposure to the 1959–1961 Chinese famine and risk of non-communicable diseases in later life: A life course perspective

Child undernutrition and later-life non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are major global health issues. Literature suggests that undernutrition/famine exposure in childhood has immediate and long-term adverse health consequences. However, many studies have theoretical and methodological limitations. To add to the literature and overcome some of these limitations, we adopted a life course perspective and used more robust methods. We investigated the association between exposure to the 1959–1961 Chinese famine and later-life NCDs and if this association depends on: life stage at exposure, famine severity, and sex. We conducted a secondary data analysis of a large-scale, nationally representative, longitudinal study—the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011–2018, 11,094 participants). We measured famine exposure/severity using self-reported experience, life stage using age at exposure, and health using the number of NCDs. We performed Poisson growth curve models. We obtained three findings. First, compared with unexposed participants, those exposed before age 18 had a higher risk of later-life NCDs, particularly if exposed in-utero (IRR = 1.90, 95% CI [1.70, 2.12], p < .001) and in the “first 1,000 days” of life (IRR = 1.86, 95% CI [1.73, 2.00], p < .001; for 0–6 months group, IRR = 1.95, 95% CI [1.67, 2.29], p < .001). Second, the famine effects among participants moderately and severely exposed were similar (IRR = 1.18, 95% CI [1.09, 1.28], p < .001 and IRR = 1.24, 95% CI [1.17, 1.32], p < .001). Third, the famine effects did not differ between females and males (IRR = 0.98, 95% CI [0.90, 1.07], p = .703). In an individual’s life course, in-utero and the “first 1,000 days” are a particularly sensitive time period with marked long-term implications for NCDs if undernutrition/famine is experienced in this period. However, this window remains open until young adulthood. This highlights the need to invest more in preventing and treating child/adolescent undernutrition to tackle later-life NCDs.
Diabetic control and compliance using glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) testing guidelines in public healthcare facilities of Gauteng province, South Africa

Objective This study aimed at evaluating diabetic control and compliance with testing guidelines, across healthcare facilities of Gauteng Province, South Africa, as well as factors associated with time to achieve control. South Africa’s estimated total unmet need for care for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is 80%. Research design, methods and findings The data of 511 781 patients were longitudinally evaluated. Results were reported by year, age category, race, sex, facility and test types. HbA1C of ≤7% was reported as normal, >7 - ≤9% as poor control and >9% as very poor control. The chi-squared test was used to assess the association between a first-ever HbA1C status and variables listed above. The Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess probability of attaining control among those who started with out-of-control HbA1C. The extended Cox regression model assessed the association between time to attaining HbA1C control from date of treatment initiation and several covariates. We reported hazard ratios, 95% confidence intervals and p-values. Data is reported for 511 781 patients with 705 597 laboratory results. Poorly controlled patients constituted 51.5%, with 29.6% classified as very poor control. Most poorly controlled patients had only one test over the entire study period. Amongst those who started with poor control status and had at least two follow-up measurements, the likelihood of achieving good control was higher in males (adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR) = 1.16; 95% CI:1.12–1.20; p<0.001) and in those attending care at hospitals (aHR = 1.99; 95% CI:1.92–2.06; p<0.001). Conclusion This study highlights poor adherence to guidelines for diabetes monitoring.
Absorption, Distribution, and Elimination of Tea Polyphenols in Rats

Tea polyphenols-including (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), and (-)-epicatechin (EC)-are believed to be responsible for the beneficial effects of tea. This study was conducted to investigate the absorption, distribution, and elimination of EGCG, EGC, and EC in rats after administration of decaffeinated green tea (DGT). For comparison, pure EGCG was also studied. The plasma and tissue levels of EGCG, EGC, and EC were quantified by HPLC, and the results were analyzed by the PCNONLIN program. Following intravenous injection of DGT (25 mg/kg), the plasma concentration-time curves of EGCG, EGC, and EC were fitted in a two-compartment model. The beta-elimination half-lives (t1/2beta) were 212, 45, and 41 min for EGCG, EGC, and EC, respectively; the clearances were 2.0, 7.0, and 13.9 ml x min/kg, and the apparent distribution volumes (V(d)) were 1.5, 2.1, and 3.6 dl/kg. When pure EGCG (10 mg/kg) was given, however, a shorter t1/2beta (135 min), a larger clearance (72.5 ml x min/kg), and a larger V(d) (22.5 dl/kg) for EGCG were observed, suggesting that other components in DGT could affect the plasma concentration and elimination of EGCG. After intragastric administration of DGT (200 mg/kg), approximately 13.7% of EGC and 31.2% of EC were shown in the plasma, but only 0.1% of EGCG was bioavailable as judged by the ratio of AUC(i.g.)/AUC(i.v.). After intravenous administration of DGT (25 mg/kg), the level of EGCG was found to be the highest in the intestine samples, and the intestinal EGCG level declined with a t1/2 of 173 min. The highest levels of EGC and EC were observed in the kidney, and the levels declined rapidly with t1/2 of 29 and 28 min, respectively. The AUC of EGCG in the intestine was 4-fold higher than that in the kidney, but the AUCs of EGC and EC in the intestine were similar to those in the kidney. The liver and lung levels of EGCG, EGC, and EC were generally lower than those in the intestine and the kidney. The distribution results suggest that EGCG is mainly excreted through bile, and that EGC and EC are excreted through both the bile and urine.
PHARMACOKINETICS AND DISPOSITION

Objective: Troglitazone is an agonist of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-c (PPAR-c), which has been shown to improve the metabolic control of type 2 diabetes. Troglitazone undergoes hepatic metabolism to an inactive sulphate conjugate and an oxidative quinone metabolite with minor activity. The objective of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of troglitazone in patients with hepatic insuciency and normal subjects. Methods: Three groups of eight subjects with normal liver function and moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Pugh-Child classi®cation) completed this open study. Subjects received a single 400-mg dose of troglitazone 30 min after breakfast. Plasma concentrations of troglitazone and its metabolites were measured and standard pharmacokinetic parameters derived. Results: A 46% increase in area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUClast) was observed for troglitazone, together with a 154% increase for the quinone metabolite in the patients with moderate hepatic impairment compared with normal subjects, but these did not reach statistical signi®cance. Corresponding increases of 18% and 53% in the severe group also failed to reach statistical signi®cance. For the sulphate conjugate, the AUClast values for both moderate and severe hepatic impairment were in the order of fourfold higher than those in the normal group. There were reductions in the maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) of troglitazone to 61% of the normal group in the severe group for troglitazone, and twofold increases in sulphate metabolite Cmax in the moderate and severe groups. There was an approximately threefold increase in the half-life of the sulphate conjugate in subjects with both moderate and severe impairment of liver function compared with normal individuals. First times to maximum concentrations of troglitazone, its sulphate conjugate and the quinone metabolite were signi®cantly longer in all severely impaired subjects compared with those with normal hepatic function, although the range was wide in all cases. Plasma protein binding was high in all subjects measured (mean unbound fraction range 0.7±5.1%), but there were insucient samples to compare across groups. Conclusion: The formation of metabolites of troglitazone following a single dose is not impaired in the presence of reduced liver function although the capacity to eliminate the metabolites is altered. The clinical signi®cance of the eect of liver disease on the conjugates is not clear.
Recovery from acute hypoxia: A systematic review of cognitive and physiological responses during the ‘hypoxia hangover’

Recovery of cognitive and physiological responses following a hypoxic exposure may not be considered in various operational and research settings. Understanding recovery profiles and influential factors can guide post-hypoxia restrictions to reduce the risk of further cognitive and physiological deterioration, and the potential for incidents and accidents. We systematically evaluated the available evidence on recovery of cognitive and basic physiological responses following an acute hypoxic exposure to improve understanding of the performance and safety implications, and to inform post-hypoxia restrictions. This systematic review summarises 30 studies that document the recovery of either a cognitive or physiological index from an acute hypoxic exposure. Titles and abstracts from PubMed (MEDLINE) and Scopus were searched from inception to July 2022, of which 22 full text articles were considered eligible. An additional 8 articles from other sources were identified and also considered eligible. The overall quality of evidence was moderate (average Rosendal score, 58%) and there was a large range of hypoxic exposures. Heart rate, peripheral blood haemoglobin-oxygen saturation and heart rate variability typically normalised within seconds-to-minutes following return to normoxia or hyperoxia. Whereas, cognitive performance, blood pressure, cerebral tissue oxygenation, ventilation and electroencephalogram indices could persist for minutes-to-hours following a hypoxic exposure, and one study suggested regional cerebral tissue oxygenation requires up to 24 hours to recover. Full recovery of most cognitive and physiological indices, however, appear much sooner and typically within ~2–4 hours. Based on these findings, there is evidence to support a ‘hypoxia hangover’ and a need to implement restrictions following acute hypoxic exposures. The severity and duration of these restrictions is unclear but should consider the population, subsequent requirement for safety-critical tasks and hypoxic exposure.
DESEMPEÑO DE LOS MERCADOS ACCIONARIOS DESARROLLADOS DURANTE LA CRISIS GRIEGA (Developed Stock Markets Performance During the Greek Crisis)

En este articulo investigamos empiricamente el desempeno de los mercados accionarios desarrollados (de acuerdo a la clasificacion de MSCI) durante la reciente crisis griega, cuyo inicio data desde comienzos de Octubre de 2009. El desempeno se mide a traves del alfa de Jensen. Como modelo generador de retornos accionarios de equilibrio se usa un CAPM internacional con el World Index como portafolio de referencia para los inversionistas. Los resultados muestran que los mercados accionarios de Italia, Espana y Grecia . fueron los mas expuestos a destruir riqueza en el periodo de la crisis. Por el contrario, el mercado accionario de USA presenta un desempeno superior mientras que los mercados de Canada, del area Pacifico e Israel no presentan un desempeno ajustado por riesgo que sea estadisticamente diferente al mostrado por el World Index. Se concluye que existe la necesidad de que los paises de la Eurozona con un excesivo endeudamiento publico encuentren los espacios para una mayor disciplina entregando al sector privado los incentivos para generar una mayor productividad economica a objeto de superar los episodios de esta crisis que han sido transmitidos a los restantes mercados accionarios Europeos independiente de su tamano.This paper investigates empirically the performance of developed stock markets (according to the classification of MSCI) during the recent crisis in Greece, which started in early October 2009. Performance is measured by Jensen's alpha. An international version of the CAPM is used as the equilibrium model, while the World Index is used as the benchmark portfolio for investors. The results show that stock markets in Italy, Spain and Greece were the most exposed to value destruction during the crisis period. By contrast, the U.S. stock market had superior performance while the markets of Canada, the Pacific area and Israel do not present a risk-adjusted performance statistically different from that shown by the World Index. We conclude that eurozone countries with excessive public debt to GDP should be able to create the spaces for a greater fiscal discipline and provide incentives to private sector with the objective to generate greater economic productivity to overcome this kind of crisis which negatively have affected to other European stock markets regardless of their size.
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults: clinical features, immunophenotype, cytogenetics, and outcome from the large randomized prospective trial (UKALL XII/ECOG 2993).

The biology and outcome of adult T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia are poorly understood. We present here the clinical and biologic features of 356 patients treated uniformly on the prospective trial (UKALL XII/ECOG 2993) with the aim of describing the outcome and identifying prognostic factors. Complete remission was obtained in 94% of patients, and 48% survived 5 years. Positivity of blasts for CD1a and lack of expression of CD13 were associated with better survival (P = .01 and < .001, respectively). NOTCH1 and CDKN2A mutations were seen in 61% and 42% of those tested. Complex cytogenetic abnormalities were associated with poorer survival (19% vs 51% at 5 years, P = .006). Central nervous system involvement at diagnosis did not affect survival (47% vs 48%, P = not significant). For 99 patients randomized between autograft and chemotherapy, 5-year survival was 51% in each arm. Patients with a matched sibling donor had superior 5-year survival to those without donors (61% vs 46%, chi(2), P = . 02); this was the result of less relapse (25% vs 51% at 5 years, P < .001). Only 8 of 123 relapsed patients survive. This study provides a baseline for trials of new drugs, such as nelarabine, and may allow risk-adapted therapy in patients with poor-prognosis T-cell ALL.
New horizons in cognitive and functional impairment as a consequence of cerebral small vessel disease

Abstract Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) is a frequent finding in imaging of the brain in older adults, especially in the concomitance of cardiovascular disease risk factors. Despite the well-established link between cSVD and (vascular) cognitive impairment (VCI), it remains uncertain how and when these vascular alterations lead to cognitive decline. The extent of acknowledged markers of cSVD is at best modestly associated with the severity of clinical symptoms, but technological advances increasingly allow to identify and quantify the extent and perhaps also the functional impact of cSVD more accurately. This will facilitate a more accurate diagnosis of VCI, against the backdrop of concomitant other neurodegenerative pathology, and help to identify persons with the greatest risk of cognitive and functional deterioration. In this study, we discuss how better assessment of cSVD using refined neuropsychological and comprehensive geriatric assessment as well as modern image analysis techniques may improve diagnosis and possibly the prognosis of VCI. Finally, we discuss new avenues in the treatment of cSVD and outline how these contemporary insights into cSVD can contribute to optimise screening and treatment strategies in older adults with cognitive impairment and multimorbidity.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders : predictors of outcome

Objective: This study aims to identify the personal client characteristics that may predict treatment outcome in patients with an anxiety disorder. Methods: A systematic review investigated recent trials identified through databases of Scopus and PsycINFO, with the search string including the broad term “anxiety disorder”, predict*, and “cognitive behavioral therapy”. Titles and abstracts were scanned to exclude trials before 2010, treatment conditions other than individual face-to-face CBT, biological predictors, and trials including children younger than 16 years. 30 articles met these criteria and were further investigated for results. Results: Baseline severity of symptoms, comorbidity, neuroticism, self-stigma, harm avoidance, anxiety sensitivity, and resistance in the first session were associated with a poorer outcome. Self-esteem, shame, self-efficacy, perceived control, outcome expectancy, vigilant bias, emotion reactivity, homework adherence and lower heart rate variability emerged as potential predictors of a better outcome. Conclusions: The most consistent predictors were severity of symptoms and comorbidity. Sociodemographic variables have consistently been demonstrated to have no impact on therapy outcome. Although personal features have not been investigated in as many studies, they still have been identified as predictors. The results highlight the potential value of a more personalized and elaborated intake interview and treatment approach. Methods to investigate the identified predictors during the intake phase and addressing them in composing a treatment approach to optimize treatment results are discussed.
α-Synuclein liquid condensates fuel fibrillar α-synuclein growth

α-Synuclein (α-Syn) aggregation into fibrils with prion-like features is intimately associated with Lewy pathology and various synucleinopathies. Emerging studies suggest that α-Syn could form liquid condensates through phase separation. The role of these condensates in aggregation and disease remains elusive and the interplay between α-Syn fibrils and α-Syn condensates remains unexplored, possibly due to difficulties in triggering the formation of α-Syn condensates in cells. To address this gap, we developed an assay allowing the controlled assembly/disassembly of α-Syn condensates in cells and studied them upon exposure to preformed α-Syn fibrillar polymorphs. Fibrils triggered the evolution of liquid α-Syn condensates into solid-like structures displaying growing needle-like extensions and exhibiting pathological amyloid hallmarks. No such changes were elicited on α-Syn that did not undergo phase separation. We, therefore, propose a model where α-Syn within condensates fuels exogenous fibrillar seeds growth, thus speeding up the prion-like propagation of pathogenic aggregates.