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Artificial Intelligence (AI) invades fields where sophisticated analytics has not been applied before. Modality refers to how something happens or is experienced. Multimodal datasets are beneficial for solving complex research problems with AI methods. Kayaking technique optimization has been challenging, as there seems to be no gold standard for effective paddling techniques since there are outstanding athletes with profoundly different physical capabilities and kayaking styles. Multimodal analysis can help find the most effective paddling techniques for training and competition based on individuals' abilities. We describe the characteristics of the output power of kayak athletes and Electromyogram (EMG) measurements collected from the most critical muscles, and the relationship between these modalities. We propose metrics (weighted arithmetic mean difference and variability of power output and stroke duration) suitable for discerning athletes based on how efficiently and correctly they perform particular training tasks. Additionally, the described methods (asymmetry, coactivation, muscle intensity-output power) help athletes and coaches in assessing their performance and compare it with others based on their EMG activities. As the next step, we will apply machine-learning approaches on the synchronized dataset we collect with the described methods to reveal desirable EMG and stroke patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional methods for identification of fairy ring fungi rely on the morphology of mature basidiocarps, which are ephemeral and often do not reach maturity on golf greens due to management practices. From 2007 to 2009, basidiocarps and soil samples were collected from 15 hybrid bermudagrass and 30 bentgrass greens exhibiting fairy ring symptoms in California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Oklahoma, North Caroline, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. Genomic DNA was extracted from 122 unknown samples. Extractions were made from mycelium isolated from puffball or mushroom tissue, from mycelium isolated from a soil block, or through direct DNA extraction from infested soil. DNA also was extracted from 16 reference isolates. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA was amplified and sequenced using the basidiomycete-specific primer sets ITS1 f/ITS4b and Basid0001/2R. Phylogenetic trees were constructed with the neighbor-joining algorithm, with nodes evaluated by bootstrap analysis. Most samples grouped into one of three clades corresponding to species within the family Lycoperdaceae: Arachnion album, Bovista dermoxantha, and Vascellum curtisii. Although over 60 different basidiomycetes have been associated with fairy rings in turfgrasses, relatively few species were found on golf putting greens in this study. Presently, DNA sequencing may be the most efficient method for attempting speciation of fairy ring fungi from infested soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1999, 19 plots of Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) with a disease focus were established in commercial plantings grown for Christmas tree production in the mountains of five western North Carolina counties. Progress of Phytophthora root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi as estimated by mortality was followed in each plot over 3 to 4 years in an attempt to understand dispersal of inoculum. Slope, aspect, and field production age at the time plots were established were recorded. Rainfall estimated from National Weather Service stations each growing season also was recorded. The relationship of site parameters and rainfall to dispersal and disease was investigated. Disease incidence and mortality were assessed in June and September each year for 3 or 4 years depending on plot. Phytophthora root rot as estimated by mortality counts over time in a logistic regression model progressed in only five of 19 plots over 3 years. None of the site parameters correlated with mortality data, although slightly more disease was found in plots with a north aspect. Rainfall was below normal in the 3 years of the study and did not correlate with mortality in any year. Lack of disease progress in the majority of plots was attributed to drought conditions in the region. In the five plots where mortality increased over time, spatial analysis suggested an aggregated pattern of diseased plants. Aggregation was apparent but not very strong among nearest neighbors, but was considerably stronger among groups of trees within a local area. This aggregation within groups was stronger when larger group sizes were examined by beta-binomial analysis. A spatial analysis by distance indices method (SADIE) indicated the presence of secondary clusters occurring several meters away from the main focus. A stochastic model also was employed that indicated a combination of spatial processes were likely involved, specifically a tendency toward spread within a local area, but not necessarily to the nearest neighboring trees, combined with an influence of background inoculum that could not be accounted for within local areas and may have come from external sources. Thus, all sources of inoculum including infected planting stock, inoculum in soil, infected trees, and contaminated equipment were equally important in epidemics of Phytophthora root rot in Fraser fir and dispersal of P. cinnamomi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces biological phosphorus removal (Bio-P) from wastewater on a submerged biofilter. Pilot scale research was carried out over a period of two years using a floating upflow aerated filter, originally designed for nitrification and denitrification of sewage. The factors which influence Bio-P on fixed film processes and the possible biofilter configurations which eliminate C, N and P are discussed. The procedures are applicable to all types of treatment plants using biofllters, both new and already in existence, making no distinction between the different processes available today, co-current and counter-current filters. Biological phosphorus removal can be associated to the different treatment levels required : organic matter removal; secondary nitrification secondary nitrification and denitrification. For the third option - complete nutrient removal, treatment is completed with a hydraulic retention time in the filter bed of under four hours. Because of the simultaneous filtration with effluent SS below 10 mg/l, low phosphorus residuals can be achieved by Bio-P alone. The modifications required for setting up this operating procedure on any treatment plant are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Un flavonoïde d’origine végétale, la cirsimaritine, a démontré in vitro une puissante activité antilipogénique sur adipocytes humains isolés avec une IC50 de l’ordre du micromolaire (0,7μM). Afin de tester le potentiel pharmacologique de cette molécule in vivo, la cirsimaritine a été administrée chroniquement chez la souris et ses effets sur l’accrétion adipeuse et la sensibilité à l’insuline ont été évalués. Matériels et méthodes: Des souris mâle C57Bl6 ont reçu quotidiennement pendant 15 jours une injection intrapéritonale de cirsimaritine (40mg/kg) ou de son véhicule (DMSO). La sensibilité à l’insuline est mesurée lors d’un test de tolérance à l’insuline. Les masses des différents dépots de tissu adipeux blanc sont évaluées au sacrifice et la cellularité du tissu adipeux blanc est analysée. Résultats: Les souris traitées à la cirsimaritine présentent une diminution significative de la glycémie à jeun (− 20 %, p<0,05) et une augmentation de la sensibilité à l’insuline. Au sacrifice, les différents dépôts de tissus adipeux sont disséqués et pesés et la cellularité (i.e. la taille et le nombre de cellules) du tissu adipeux épididymal est analysée. Les souris traitées à la cirsimaritine présentent une réduction significative de l’adiposité avec une diminution de la masse des tissus adipeux blancs intra-abdominaux (épididymal, − 35 %, p<0,005 et rétropéritonéal, − 54 %, p<0,002) comparées aux souris contrôles. Cette diminution de la masse adipeuse est due à une diminution du diamètre moyen des adipocytes (− 16 %, p<0,05) résultant en une diminution de 35 % (p<0,005) du volume adipocytaire moyen sans variation du nombre d’adipocytes par dépôt adipeux (p=0,212). Conclusion: Nos résultats suggèrent donc que la cirsimaritine limite l’accrétion adipeuse chez la souris en exerçant un puissant effet anti-lipogénique sur le tissu adipeux blanc. Un traitement chronique à la cirsimaritine améliore la sensibilité à l’insuline, réduit l’accrétion adipeuse chez la souris et pourrait donc contribuer à prévenir l’obésité. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]