Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of wind in the ecology and naturalisation of Sitka spruce in upland Britain

Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong)Carr) is a coniferous tree species from North Western America which has been used extensively in afforesting upland Britain. In its natural habitat, Sitka typically regenerates within wind-formed gaps in mature stands. These gaps are vital if the species is to maintain a presence in mixed stands with more shade tolerant competitors, such as western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla Rat). Wind damage in British forests of Sitka spruce has been considered a serious commercial constraint and research has sought to predict and prevent such losses. However, developments in forest policy have reduced the focus on timber production. Not all stands are to be managed to economic rotations. Some stands are to be left in perpetuity to provide structural and biological diversity; others are being given extended rotations or managed by silvicultural systems that do not involve clearfelling. I consider that wind could become the determinant of stand structure, rather than simply an agent of damage, and in some cases lead to self-perpetuating stands of Sitka spruce through spontaneous regeneration. To examine the potential for self-perpetuation, I studied the frequency of strong winds in upland Britain, and examined the processes of gap formation, expansion and filling of Sitka spruce stands. Britain has an extreme wind climate, comparable with a few maritime locations in temperate areas of the World. This implies the need for caution in transference of results from elsewhere. Gaps of a range of size, including those apparently suitable for spruce regeneration, form during periods of very strong winds. In intervening periods, there is a slow expansion of gaps by attrition at the edges, but this does not produce the largest gaps found within stands. Gap filling is occurring through lateral closure of small gaps, and by seedling regeneration and epicormic sprouting within larger gaps. The mechanism of epicormic sprouting from fallen trees has not been emphasised in literature from the Pacific North West, and bears some resemblance to recovery of forests in hurricane-prone areas. A case study of one of the oldest stands of Sitka spruce in upland Britain, Birkley Wood, showed that the components can come together to produce a self-perpetuating stand. Gap area has increased from 4 to 30% over 16 years. The tallest regeneration has now reached 8 m height, close to cone-bearing size, and meeting one of the accepted definitions of gap filling. The results have practical application in the development of alternatives to clear-felling, the selection of spruce areas as 'natural reserves', and in the treatment of Britain's wind climate in models of windthrow risk.
New Consideration on the Cretaceous Subduction Zone of Ciletuh-Luk Ulo-Bayat-Meratus: Implications for Southeast Sundaland Petroleum Geology

The history of plate convergence in southern and southeastern Sundaland recorded subduction of oceanic plate during Jurassic to Late Cretaceous started from Meratus, Bantimala, Luk Ulo, to Ciletuh. The geochronology of subduction is based on subduction-related high pressure to ultra/very high pressure glaucophane schists and eclogites. Subduction chased in Bantimala and Meratus trenches in mid-Cretaceous due to docking of West Sulawesi and Paternoster-Kangean microcontinents, respectively. During the Late Cretaceous, subduction migrated to Paternoster trench resulting in volcanic and magmatic rocks as well as forearc sediments in Meratus and Bantimala. In Paleogene time, Meratus and Bantimala separated by the opening of the Makassar Straits, sitting on Paternoster and West Sulawesi microcontinents. Subduction in Ciletuh and Luk Ulo continued into the Late Cretaceous, but possibly with different characters of subduction compared to that of Early Cretaceous due to the absence of Late Cretaceous subduction-related metamorphic rocks. Jiwo Hills, Bayat which has been considered as the continuation of Luk Ulo, is considered not to compose the subduction zone due to the absence of subduction-related rock assemblage. The midCretaceous glaucophane schist of Bayat may relate with docking of SE Java microcontinent in this area. Eocene shallow marine Wungkal-Gamping carbonate shows that Bayat is different with Luk Ulo and Ciletuh which in Eocene were characterized by slope trench olistostromal deposits of Karangsambung and Ciletuh Formations, respectively. Configuration of plate convergence during the Cretaceous implies petroleum possibilities of southeastern Sundaland related to the presence of * SKK Migas some Australian-origin microcontinents. Newly acquired deep seismic data in south offshore East Java, eastern East Java Sea, and South Makassar Straits show the presence of Mesozoic-Paleozoic bedded horizons typical NW Shelf of Australia which are proven to be productive or other proven prolific Australoid microcontinents like Bintuni, Seram, or Buton. Pre-Tertiary petroleum system may develop in southeastern Sundaland.
Who are the South African hunters and why do they hunt

The literature indicates that wildlife tourism has become a major draw card for many countries. This is also true for South Africa where wildlife tourism forms the cornerstone of the South African tourism industry. Wildlife tourism activities can be classified into two main groups: non-consumptive (viewing and photographing of wild animals) and consumptive (such as hunting and fishing). Although hunting is one of the major contributors to wildlife tourism in South Africa little is known about the hunters themselves. Therefore the aim of this article is to understand the reasons why South African hunters hunt and to identify specific clusters. In order to achieve the above, a web-based survey conducted on the SA Hunters’ website was used, which afforded respondents the opportunity to complete and return the questionnaire electronically. A total of 344 (n) completed questionnaires were received. The results revealed seven travel motives why South African hunters hunt, namely: for educational purposes, culture and heritage, family togetherness, nature experience, adventure, wildlife meat products and spiritual reasons. In addition three clusters or markets were identified. Key words: Hunting, Biltong hunting, wildlife-based tourism, travel motives, market segmentation, cluster analysis
User-Centered Design of a Gamified Mental Health App for Adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa: Multicycle Usability Testing Study

Background There is an urgent need for scalable psychological treatments to address adolescent depression in low-resource settings. Digital mental health interventions have many potential advantages, but few have been specifically designed for or rigorously evaluated with adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective This study had 2 main objectives. The first was to describe the user-centered development of a smartphone app that delivers behavioral activation (BA) to treat depression among adolescents in rural South Africa and Uganda. The second was to summarize the findings from multicycle usability testing. Methods An iterative user-centered agile design approach was used to co-design the app to ensure that it was engaging, culturally relevant, and usable for the target populations. An array of qualitative methods, including focus group discussions, in-depth individual interviews, participatory workshops, usability testing, and extensive expert consultation, was used to iteratively refine the app throughout each phase of development. Results A total of 160 adolescents from rural South Africa and Uganda were involved in the development process. The app was built to be consistent with the principles of BA and supported by brief weekly phone calls from peer mentors who would help users overcome barriers to engagement. Drawing on the findings of the formative work, we applied a narrative game format to develop the Kuamsha app. This approach taught the principles of BA using storytelling techniques and game design elements. The stories were developed collaboratively with adolescents from the study sites and included decision points that allowed users to shape the narrative, character personalization, in-app points, and notifications. Each story consists of 6 modules (“episodes”) played in sequential order, and each covers different BA skills. Between modules, users were encouraged to work on weekly activities and report on their progress and mood as they completed these activities. The results of the multicycle usability testing showed that the Kuamsha app was acceptable in terms of usability and engagement. Conclusions The Kuamsha app uniquely delivered BA for adolescent depression via an interactive narrative game format tailored to the South African and Ugandan contexts. Further studies are currently underway to examine the intervention’s feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms.
An Interpretation of First-Arrival Data from the Continental Margin Refraction Experiment

Summary An explosion experiment was carried out in 1969 in which 68 depth charges were fired along lines south and south-west of Ireland. Seismic waves were recorded at eleven temporary seismometer stations in Ireland, Wales and England, and by five sonobuoy stations at sea. The experiment was intended to give a seismic section of the crust and upper mantle from Wales to the continental margin and was designed with a time-term approach to the refraction interpretation in mind. This paper describes the time-term analysis applied to first-arrival data from those shots in the Celtic Sea, 49 in all. It is concluded that a complex continental crust is present in this region. The time-term method described here includes some novel aspects and these are illustrated by a re-interpretation of some published data.
Thyroid function tests during nonthyroidal illness syndrome and recovery in acutely ill dogs

Abstract Background Nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) can result in thyroid function test alterations that mimic hypothyroidism. The duration of NTIS‐induced changes in dogs is not well‐described. Objectives Document alterations in thyroid function tests during NTIS and recovery, and the time necessary for their resolution. Animals From 103 dogs sampled, 25 euthyroid dogs with acute, resolvable illness having a low serum total thyroxine (TT4) concentration on admission were analyzed. Methods Prospective observational study. Serum TT4 concentration was measured in 103 dogs within 4 hours of admission. If below the reference interval (RI), subsequent serum samples were obtained every 24 hours from admission until discharge (acute phase) and at 2 weeks and 4 weeks after discharge (recovery phase). Serum samples were submitted for batch measurement of serum TT4, free thyroxine (fT4), total 3,5,3′‐triiodothyronine (TT3), and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations. Results In the cohort of dogs analyzed, serum TT4, TT3, and fT4 concentrations were below the RI in 100%, 80%, and 16% at admission; 20%, 80%, and 0% at discharge; 4%, 8%, and 0% at 2 weeks; and 0%, 0%, and 0% at 4 weeks, respectively. Serum TSH concentration was within the RI in 100% at admission and discharge, and above the RI in 4% and 12% at 2 weeks and 4 weeks, respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Naturally occurring NTIS in dogs induces alterations in thyroid function tests during acute illness and recovery. Measurement of serum TT4 concentration 2 to 4 weeks after discharge or serum fT4 concentration by ED during illness is recommended for accurate assessment of thyroid function in acutely ill dogs.
New Eocene Mammal and Bird Footprints from Birjand Area, Eastern Iran

New investigations in the Middle Eocene volcanosedimentary deposits, north of Birjand in eastern Iran, have resulted in the recovery of new mammal footprints (described as Palaeotheriipus sarjeanti nov. ichnosp.) and the first bird tracks (described as Gruipeda lambrechti nov. ichnosp.).
Probing binding and occlusion of substrate in the human creatine transporter‐1 by computation and mutagenesis

In chordates, energy buffering is achieved in part through phosphocreatine, which requires cellular uptake of creatine by the membrane‐embedded creatine transporter (CRT1/SLC6A8). Mutations in human slc6a8 lead to creatine transporter deficiency syndrome, for which there is only limited treatment. Here, we used a combined homology modeling, molecular dynamics, and experimental approach to generate a structural model of CRT1. Our observations support the following conclusions: contrary to previous proposals, C144, a key residue in the substrate binding site, is not present in a charged state. Similarly, the side chain D458 must be present in a protonated form to maintain the structural integrity of CRT1. Finally, we identified that the interaction chain Y148‐creatine‐Na+ is essential to the process of occlusion, which occurs via a “hold‐and‐pull” mechanism. The model should be useful to study the impact of disease‐associated point mutations on the folding of CRT1 and identify approaches which correct folding‐deficient mutants.
Homologous chromosome pairing: The linchpin of accurate segregation in meiosis

Meiosis is a specialized cell division that occurs in sexually reproducing organisms, generating haploid gametes containing half the chromosome number through two rounds of cell division. Homologous chromosomes pair and prepare for their proper segregation in subsequent divisions. How homologous chromosomes recognize each other and achieve pairing is an important question. Early studies showed that in most organisms, homologous pairing relies on homologous recombination. However, pairing mechanisms differ across species. Evidence indicates that chromosomes are dynamic and move during early meiotic stages, facilitating pairing. Recent studies in various model organisms suggest conserved mechanisms and key regulators of homologous chromosome pairing. This review summarizes these findings and compare similarities and differences in homologous chromosome pairing mechanisms across species.
What's new in thoracic oncology

Many changes have occurred in the field of thoracic surgery over the last several years. In this review, we will discuss new diagnostic techniques for lung cancer, innovations in surgery, and major updates on latest treatment options including immunotherapy. All these have significantly started to change our approach toward the management of lung cancer and have great potential to improve the lives of our patients afflicted with this disease.
Visually or auditorily induced seizures involve the activation of nonhippocampal brain areas and hippocampal removal does not alleviate seizures in a mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy

Several studies have attributed epileptic activities in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) to the hippocampus; however, the participation of nonhippocampal neuronal networks in the development of TLE is often neglected. Here, we sought to understand how these nonhippocampal networks are involved in the pathology that is associated with TLE disease.
Association of serum amyloid A and prognosis in people with diabetes and COVID‐19: A retrospective cohort study

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute phase reactive protein that plays a vital role in the early diagnosis, risk prediction, efficacy observation and prognosis evaluation of infectious diseases. This study aimed to assess the association between SAA levels and the prognosis of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and diabetes.
Highly precise and accurate Re-Os ages for molybdenite from the East Qinling molybdenum belt, shaanxi Province, China

Isotope dilution with a modified alkali fusion procedure and negative thermal ion mass spectrometry yields highly precise and accurate Re-Os ages for molybdenite from two well-studied molybdenite deposits in the East Qinling molybdenum belt, China. Individual Re-Os ages carry a 2Sigma precision of + or - 0.40 to 0.57 percent which includes a 0.31 percent uncertainty in the 187 Re decay constant. For the unusual carbonatite-hosted Mo-Pb deposit at Huanglongpu, the weighted average of seven analyses yields an age of 221.5 + or - 0.3 (0.15%) Ma. The weighted average of two analyses of molybdenite from a porphyry Mo deposit at Jinduicheng, about 10 km to the southwest, yields an age of 138.4 + or - 0.5 (0.39%) Ma. These data provide uncertainties an order of magnitude less than previous Re-Os ages. Molybdenite Re-Os ages are slightly older than ages obtained by other isotopic methods for genetically related host-rock and vein material. It appears that the direct dating of sulfide, rather than altered host and vein material, may be critical to acquiring the correct age for mineralization.The East Qinling molybdenum belt is part of a larger east-west-trending zone that marks the suture between two major cratonic blocks. Consequently, the belt was a site for Early-Middle Triassic compression (Indosinian orogeny) followed by Jurassic-Cretaceous extension (Yenshanian orogeny). We suggest that the Huanglongpu and Jinduicheng deposits provide an analogue for processes that may have been important in generating major molybdenum deposits in the Colorado mineral belt. In Colorado, Late Cretaceous (Laramide) compression-related, alkalic magmatism was followed by Tertiary (Rio Grande) extension-related, granitic magmatism and the development of major Climax-type porphyry Mo deposits. In particular, the Jinduicheng deposit appears to be a nearly perfect match for Climax-type mineralization in Colorado. In contrast, the older Huanglongpu deposit may record a mechanism whereby molybdenum is concentrated in the lower crust. In both the Qinling molybdenum belt and the Colorado mineral belt, a time gap of about 50 to 80 m.y. separates alkalic magmatism and exceptionally evolved granitic magmatism.
Analysis of data from pumping tests in leaky aquifers

Graphical methods are outlined for determining the coefficients of transmissibility storage, and leakage of an effectively infinite leaky artesian aquifer. The procedure is based on the theory, developed by Hantush and Jacob, of the nonsteady flow toward a steadily discharging well from an infinite leaky aquifer. Applications of these methods are illustrated by treating data from the Roswell artesian basin in New Mexico.
Biopsychosocial theories of borderline personality disorder: a meta-synthesis and psychopathological network model from a systematic review.

BACKGROUND Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition with an altered image of self, impulsive acts, suicidal ideation, and self-harm requiring intensive care in outpatient and inpatient settings. The biopsychosocial (BPS) model adopted in the current study extracted the outcomes of a research about the diagnosis, causes and treatment of BPD. A network model helped link these results in a unitary model with applications in clinical practice for assessment and intervention. METHODS We conducted a literature review of current studies on the BPS causes of BPD and merged them through meta-synthesis. The results were then elaborated with a psychopathological network analysis for linking the extracted factors with higher degree of centrality in the network and merged in a final comprehensive model. RESULTS The theoretical modelisation suggests that BPS causes merged with the diathesis-stress model persistently activate the cortico-limbic system and prefrontal cortex, induce neuroinflammation, and stimulate suicidal and parasuicidal ideation and behaviours modulated by psychological and pharmacological treatment. CONCLUSIONS Using a network model in psychopathology allowed the merging of data about BPD into a unitary and dynamic pattern which can be helpful to direct assessments and interventions in clinical practice.
Observed air/soil temperature trends in open land and understory of a subtropical mountain forest, SW China

This study seeks a further understanding on climate trends in a subtropical mountain forest, SW China. Air (Ta) and soil temperature (Ts), both in open land (1983–2010) and under a forest canopy (1986–2010), were investigated. Short‐term radiation components were also measured simultaneously both in open land and understory to explore the relationships of microclimatic variables. Correlations of Ta and Ts with sunshine hours (St) and wind speed (Ws) were also analysed as driving factors of the temperature trends.
No difference in clinical outcome but in RSA in total knee arthroplasty with the ATTUNE vs. the PFC Sigma: a randomized trial with 2-year follow-up

Background and purpose Despite usage of the ATTUNE total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for about 10 years, few randomized trials exist. We evaluated whether the ATTUNE CR design showed improved clinical results compared with the PFC Sigma CR after 2 years and if there was a difference in tibial component migration. Patients and methods 96 patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly treated with cemented ATTUNE or PFC Sigma TKA. 42 patients with the ATTUNE and 48 with the PFC Sigma attended the 2-year follow-up. Patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs), migration measured with RSA, implant position, and the development of radiolucent zones were studied. Non-parametric tests and repeated measures analysis were used at the statistical evaluation. Results The Oxford Knee Score (OKS) at 2 years (primary outcome) and neither of the secondary PROM outcomes differed between the groups (mean difference OKS ATTUNE – PFC: –0.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] –2.9 to 2.7). RSA showed posterior tilt of the tibial component in the ATTUNE group with proximal lift-off anteriorly and subsidence of the tibial tray posteriorly. In contrast, the PFC Sigma tibial component tilted forward (mean difference ATTUNE – PFC: –0.7°, CI –1.1° to –0.4°) with maximum subsidence in the front and maximum lift-off of the posterior edge. The postoperative implant positions and the extension of radiolucent lines around the tibial component at 2 years did not differ. Conclusion We found no significant differences in clinical outcome between the 2 groups but minor differences in migration pattern of the tibial component. The clinical long-term significance of this finding if any is not known.
The Deposition, Composition, and Potential Sources of Major Ionic Solutes in Rain of the Central Amazon Basin

Major solute concentrations were measured for 123 individual rainstorms greater than 1 mm that occurred over a continuous 18-month period (September 1983 through February 1985) in the central Amazon Basin. The sum of concentrations was low (volume-weighted mean, 39 μeq/L), mean pH was 4.9, and the dominant source of acidity was organic acids. Analyses of interactions among solute concentrations in storms of differing size, frequency, and season of occurrence permitted evaluation of how rainfall variation affects depositional rates of solutes. The 20% of least frequent, large-volume storms accounted for about 75% of the water and almost 60% of the solutes deposited annually. Depositional rates of total N and P, Na+, and SO42− did not differ substantially as rainfall varied, while Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl−, NO3− and PO43− did. Wet deposition of N and P varied less than 20%, despite a threefold intraannual variation of rainfall. Comparison between event and bulk precipitation samples indicated that dry deposition was minor except for P. Ionic ratios relative to Na+, R mode and Q mode factor analyses of rainwater composition, and differences in deposition among seasons provide evidence for the seasonal-scale importance of biogenic emissions of aerosols and reduced S and N gases from the Amazon rain forest to the atmosphere.