Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Age‐Related Climate Response of Tree‐Ring δ13C and δ18O From Spruce in Northwestern China, With Implications for Relative Humidity Reconstructions

Understanding varying climate responses in tree‐ring data across tree ages is important, but little is known about tree‐age effects on climate responses in tree‐ring stable isotopes. To detect whether age differences in tree‐ring δ13C and δ18O could lead to differing climate responses, we measured tree‐ring cellulose δ13C and δ18O (1901–2010) from Schrenk spruce (Picea schrenkiana) trees in northwestern China with ages ranging from 110 to 470 years, which we binned into three age groups. Tree‐ring δ13C (pin‐corrected) and δ18O exhibited similar year‐to‐year variability between age groups and did not feature age‐related trends. δ13C series from old trees (270–470 years) showed stronger legacy effects, reflecting influences from the antecedent period (due to carbohydrate reserves and climate), compared to young trees (110–125 years). Both tree‐ring δ13C and δ18O values decreased with increasing relative humidity (RH) and precipitation and with decreasing mean and maximum temperatures during the main growing season (May–August). δ13C and δ18O exhibited age‐dependent climate responses: Young trees had a stronger climate response in δ13C but a weaker or similar climate response in δ18O compared to old trees. We developed multiple growing‐season RH reconstructions based on composite chronologies using δ13C and δ18O series from different age groups. In particular, we found that including δ13C from young trees improved the skill of RH reconstructions because of the age‐specific mechanisms driving the δ13C‐climate relationship, but that caution is warranted with regard to extreme values. We therefore suggest that young trees should be considered when using stable isotopes, particularly in δ13C, for climate reconstruction.
Pasteurization of Milk Using Pulsed Electrical Field and Antimicrobials

The inactivation of naturally occurring microorganisms in raw skim milk by pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment alone and combined with the antimicrobial agents nisin and lysozyme, added both singly and together, was investigated. A 7.0-log reduction of microorganisms found in raw skim milk was achieved through a combination of PEF treatment (80 kV/cm, 50 pulses), mild heat (52 °C), and the addition of both the natural antimicrobials nisin (38 IU/mL) and lysozyme (1638 IU/mL). The combination of PEF, mild heat, and antimicrobials resulted in a much higher microbial inactivation than the sum of the individual reductions achieved from each treatment alone, indicating synergy. Varying the pH from 6.7 to 5.0 had no effect on microbial inactivation.
Effects of Group Size during Pregnancy and Introduction Method on Behaviour of Relevance for Piglet Performance in Multi-suckling Pens

The effects of group size during pregnancy (12 or 24 sows) and introduction methods on behaviour in multi-suckling pens were studied. The introduction methods were: A) (control) all sows and piglets were moved simultaneously to the multi-suckling pen on day 11 after farrowing; B) sows and piglets were moved simultaneously on day 14 after farrowing; C) sows were moved simultaneously and, two hours later, all piglets were moved simultaneously on day 11 after farrowing; D) each sow and her litter were moved separately at three-hours intervals on day 11 after farrowing. The effects of group size during pregnancy interacted with the effects of introduction method. When housed in groups of 12 during pregnancy, treatments B-D resulted in more initiated, but fewer successful nursings compared to A. However, when sows had been housed in groups of 24 during pregnancy, increased age (B) resulted in a decreased number of initiated nursings compared to A, but an increased nursing synchrony. The results indicate that it is possible to affect behaviour in multi-suckling pens through the social environment during pregnancy and by the choice of introduction method.
Ingestão de ração e comportamento de larvas de pacu em resposta a estímulos químicos e visuais

Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de comparar a influencia dos estimulos visual e/ou quimico de nauplios de Artemia e de dieta microencapsulada sobre a taxa de ingestao da dieta microencapusulada por larvas de pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus. Utilizou-se um esquema fatorial 7 x 4 (estimulos e idades) com duas repeticoes. Verificou-se efeito da idade das larvas e dos estimulos, mas nao houve efeito para a interacao idade ´ estimulos. O estimulo quimico da Artemia e ambos os estimulos da Artemia resultaram em maior taxa de ingestao de dieta inerte. Resultado intermediario foi obtido com o estimulo visual da dieta microencapsulada. O estimulo quimico, em comparacao ao estimulo visual da Artemia, resultou em maiores taxas de ingestao da dieta. Com o aumento da idade, houve incremento na taxa de ingestao. Os estimulos visual e quimico dos nauplios e o estimulo visual da racao aumentaram a ingestao de dieta inerte por larvas de pacu. Nauplios de Artemia devem ser oferecidos antes do fornecimento da dieta inerte, pois podem auxiliar no processo de transicao alimentar. Os resultados deste trabalho apontaram novas possibilidades de estudos com larvas de peixes neotropicais visando a substituicao precoce do alimento vivo para o inerte.
Ecological implications of a latitudinal gradient in inter-annual climatic variability: a test using fractal and chaos theories

Although measures of seasonality are common, ecologists have seldom measured inter-annual vanation or tested for the presence of a latitudinal gradient Yet, species diversity and range size may be influenced by latitudinal gradients in climatic vanability Fractal and chaos theones offer new techniques to measure climatic unpredictability by analyzing the dynamics of nonlinear time-senes data We analyzed data on the number of freezing degree-days and date of first permanent ice from 12 weather stations (43-83°N) in Canada to descnbe latitudinal gradients in the timing of seasonal events Time-senes (ca 30 yr) of climatic variables were found to be nonlinear dynamic systems that were neither stochastic nor cyclic The analyses reveal a latitudinal gradient m system memory length, with high latitude locations displaying shorter memory length (R/S fractal analysis and Lyapunov exponent) This latitudinal gradient is also characterized by more random and irregular fractal pattems (Hurst exponent) assoaated with higher latitudes Both of these pattems may be due to the simpler climatic systems m high latitudes as indicated by fewer dynamic vanables (lower correlation dimension) Application of fractal and chaos theones show that the timing of seasonal events (l e lnter-annual vanation) compnses a chaotic-dynamic system of comparatively low dimension
Growth, age estimation and feeding of captive Sevengill Sharks, Notorynchus cepedianus, at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Five methods, all based on the von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) model, were used with captive sevengills to characterize growth and to estimate both age and age at sexual maturity. Fabens' method (MI) gave a high k = 0.25 ± 0.04 year-1 and a low L∞= 202 ± 13 cm and W∞ = 41 ± 11 kg. Determination of the third VBGF parameter, L0 or W0, requires age to be known. Reported estimates of size at birth were used to estimate ages of individual sharks. For the 'individual VBGF fit' method (M2), the age axis was fixed by using size at birth. For the 'derivative' method (M3), a growth rate was calculated from observed size when the sharks were received and size at birth. The results of either method confirmed that two sharks were first-year class and three sharks were second-year class when they were received. Both M2 and M3 required the use of a combination of total length (TL) and weight data via the 'TL-scaled cube root weight' method (M4) to obtain adequate statistics for individual sharks. The 'exponential regression' method (M5) was used to predict the sizes and ages of larger and older sharks. Age at sexual maturity for males was estimated by using L∞ = 225-250 cm and k = 0.174 to 0.132 year-1, which gave 4.3 to 5 years, in good agreement with the age estimated from clasper-length measurements from a single male. Age at sexual maturity for females was estimated by using L∞ = 275-300 cm and k = 0.107 to 0.090 year-1, which gave 11-21 years. Feeding habits have been monitored for captive sevengill sharks since 1985. Pups consumed up to 2% of their body weight (BW) per day, juveniles about 0.6% BW day-1, and adults about 0.2% BW day-1. Food consumption and, more importantly, total efficiency changed with age. The observed large food consumption and the observed high total efficiency of pups could be substantiated on the basis of a theoretical calculation of food intake based on von Bertalanffy growth. Adult sevengills showed a 'feast or famine' feeding pattern that followed a cycle of 5-7 days and that may have been influenced by water temperature and previous meal size. We conclude that growth rates in captivity and in the field are similar, based on the available growth data and feeding behaviour of sevengills in captivity and in the field.
EFFECTS OF SOIL NITRATE LEVEL ON NITROGEN DISTRIBUTION AND REMOBILIZATION IN FIELD-GROWN SOYBEANS (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)

Soil tests, nodule weights, acetylene reduction rates and nitrate reductase measurements indicated that considerable differences in mode of N-nutrition of soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr. ) were achieved by treating field plots with ground-up corn cobs or with high levels of NH4NO3. This had no effect on the final N content or dry weight of the seed or whole plant. Treatment differences at 78–85 days in N content, apparent mobilization (transfer) from non-seed parts of the plant, N content and mobilization of N in lower leaves suggest that the route to this common end product differed between the two soil treatments. Movement of N out of the leaves was estimated by weekly sampling of individual leaves at all nodes on the plant. Lower leaves began transferring N and dry matter to other parts of the plant before pods had begun to form. The leaves provided the same amounts of N (287–293 mg/plant) in both soil treatments, but pods, stems and roots in the +cobs treatment provided 234 mg N but only 166 mg N in t.
The impact of collaborative decision-making on logistics service performance for container shipping services

Purpose The increasing demand for high-quality logistics services has forced container shipping firms to decrease logistics service failure to retain the customers. This study thus aims to apply organizational information processing theory (OIPT) to construct a maritime supply chain collaborative decision-making model and examine its impact on logistics service performance. Design/methodology/approach In total, 142 usable questionnaires were collected from questionnaire survey. A two-step structural equation modeling approach including confirmatory factor analysis was subsequently performed to test the hypotheses. Findings The results show that internal information integration positively impacts external information integration, that external information integration positively impacts collaborative decision-making, and that collaborative decision-making positively impacts logistics service performance for container shipping firms. However, a relationship between internal information integration and collaborative decision-making was not found in this study. Research limitations/implications This study primarily examines collaborative decision-making from the view of container shipping firms. Future research including other supply chain members is needed to generalize the results and could also incorporate other factors such as relationship quality and culture, into the model to address this issue. Practical implications To decrease the occurrence of logistics failures and improve service quality in the maritime logistics process, it is suggested that container shipping firms apply information technology for acquiring and assimilating logistics information internally and externally across the supply chain to facilitate decision-making. Originality/value This study contributes to the knowledge about the antecedents and impacts of collaborative decision-making for container shipping firms in Taiwan. Particularly, in line with OITP, the findings indicate that container shipping firms can facilitate logistics decision-making and strategy formulation through information integration, which in turn enhances logistics service performance.
Nutritional diagnosis based on sap analysis for containerized Cupressus glabra and cupressocyparís leylandü with fertigation systems

Abstract Sap extracts of Cupressus glabra and Cupressocyparis leylandii were obtained from their branches by application of pressure using a hand press, and a chemical analysis was carried out of the macronutrients nitrate (NO3 ‐), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). The measured concentrations in the sap extract were used to prove the usefulness of this material for diagnosis of the nutritional status of plants. The results obtained at different sampling times indicated fluctuating nutrient concentrations in the extract, but they allow chemical differentiation between the three substrates used during the growth season, especially with the November sample at the end of the growing season. Using sap concentrations from highest quality plants grown in hydroponic cultures as reference levels, nutrient diagnosis and fertilization schedules can be obtained by means of a single comparison between the sap nutrient concentrations of the test and the reference samples. Consequently, this system may be a good tool to estimate the nutritional status of conifers and useful to change the composition of the nutrient solutions during a fertigation process in nurseries when necessary. Such estimation can be achieved to the same extent as foliar analysis in nutritional studies and fertilizer tests.
Interfaces of regeneration, structure, diversity and uses of some plant species in Bonga Forest: a reservoir for wild coffee gene pool

Studies on the diversity, regeneration, structure and uses of some woody species in the Bonga Forest, one of the Afromontane forests of Ethiopia were made. A 900 m 2 (30 m x 30 m) quadrat was laid following the homogeneity of vegetation in order to collect vegetation data. Investigation of the seedling density and regeneration of target species has been carried out using the same quadrat size. In each of these quadrats, the numbers of all seedlings that are up to the height of 150 cm were recorded. Individuals attaining 150 cm and above in height but less than 10 cm in diameter at breast height (dbh) were considered as sapling and counted. dbh and height of all woody species that are above 150 cm high and more than 10 cm thick were also recorded. Interviews were conducted to collect data on various human pressures exerted on different species. A total of 243 plant species belonging to 85 families were recorded from the Bonga Forest. Of these, 66 families were angiosperms, 2 gymnosperms and 17 monilophytes (ferns). Studies on the structure and regeneration of some woody species indicated that there are species that require urgent conservation measures. Sound management and monitoring, as well as maintenance of biodiversity, cultural and economic values of the forest require conservation activities that promote sustainable uses of the forest and its products.
On the role of trend and variability in the hydroxyl radical (OH) in the global methane budget

Abstract. Decadal trends and interannual variations in the hydroxyl radical (OH), while poorly constrained at present, are critical for understanding the observed evolution of atmospheric methane (CH4). Through analyzing the OH fields simulated by the model ensemble of the Chemistry–Climate Model Initiative (CCMI), we find (1) the negative OH anomalies during the El Niño years mainly corresponding to the enhanced carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from biomass burning and (2) a positive OH trend during 1980–2010 dominated by the elevated primary production and the reduced loss of OH due to decreasing CO after 2000. Both two-box model inversions and variational 4D inversions suggest that ignoring the negative anomaly of OH during the El Niño years leads to a large overestimation of the increase in global CH4 emissions by up to 10 ± 3 Tg yr−1 to match the observed CH4 increase over these years. Not accounting for the increasing OH trends given by the CCMI models leads to an underestimation of the CH4 emission increase by 23 ± 9 Tg yr−1 from 1986 to 2010. The variational-inversion-estimated CH4 emissions show that the tropical regions contribute most to the uncertainties related to OH. This study highlights the significant impact of climate and chemical feedbacks related to OH on the top-down estimates of the global CH4 budget.
Breath Metabolomics Provides an Accurate and Noninvasive Approach for Screening Cirrhosis, Primary, and Secondary Liver Tumors

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and secondary liver tumors, such as colorectal cancer liver metastases are significant contributors to the overall burden of cancer‐related morality. Current biomarkers, such as alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) for HCC, result in too many false negatives, necessitating noninvasive approaches with improved sensitivity. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) detected in the breath of patients can provide valuable insight into disease processes and can differentiate patients by disease status. Here, we investigate whether 22 VOCs from the breath of 296 patients can distinguish those with no liver disease (n = 54), cirrhosis (n = 30), HCC (n = 112), pulmonary hypertension (n = 49), or colorectal cancer liver metastases (n = 51). This work extends previous studies by evaluating the ability for VOC signatures to differentiate multiple diseases in a large cohort of patients. Pairwise disease comparisons demonstrated that most of the VOCs tested are present in significantly different relative abundances (false discovery rate P < 0.1), indicating broad impacts on the breath metabolome across diseases. A predictive model developed using random forest machine learning and cross validation classified patients with 85% classification accuracy and 75% balanced accuracy. Importantly, the model detected HCC with 73% sensitivity compared with 53% for AFP in the same cohort. An added value of this approach is that influential VOCs in the predictive model may provide insight into disease etiology. Acetaldehyde and acetone, both of which have roles in tumor promotion, were considered important VOCs for differentiating disease groups in the predictive model and were increased in patients with cirrhosis and HCC compared to patients with no liver disease (false discovery rate P < 0.1). Conclusion: The use of machine learning and breath VOCs shows promise as an approach to develop improved, noninvasive screening tools for chronic liver disease and primary and secondary liver tumors.
Production of spray-dried enzyme-liquefied papaya (Carica papaya L.) powder

Abstract Water removal during drying process consumes energy and lead to high production cost. Hence, enzymatic mash treatment was proposed to reduce the usage of water to produce feed concentration that is suitable for drying. In this study, papaya powder was prepared from papaya puree treated with 1.0% v/w of Pectinex® Ultra SP-L, a pectinase enzyme, with incubation under 50 °C up to 2 hours. The liquefied papaya puree was spray-dried at selected maltodextrin concentrations (10% to 50% w/w of papaya puree) and inlet temperatures (140 °C to 180 °C). The physico-chemical properties of papaya puree, spray-dried powder, and reconstituted powder were assessed. Results showed that an increase in maltodextrin concentration led to lower process yield, lower moisture content and hygroscopicity, and better solubility. The powder produced was brighter in colour (L*) and less yellowish (b*). The papaya puree added with 20% maltodextrin achieved the highest process yield (74.91% ± 9.15%) and better solubility (69.60 ± 0.48 s/g) with optimal moisture content (5.21% ± 0.15% dry basis) and hygroscopicity (24.79% ± 0.58%) which was selected as optimal concentration. Meanwhile, increasing spray drying inlet temperatures led to a reduction in moisture content (26%) but did not significantly affect (p > 0.05) water activity, hygroscopicity, bulk density and colour of spray-dried papaya powders. The inlet temperature of 150 °C achieved the highest solubility (48.17 ± 4.51 s/g) with moderate process yield (74.01% ± 7.69%) and moisture content (5.91% ± 0.70% dry basis) which was considered as optimal drying temperature. The reconstituted powder showed no significant effect in viscosity, pH, and colour regardless of the different maltodextrin concentrations and inlet temperatures used. The optimized spray powder showed no significant difference with initial spray drying feed in total soluble solids, pH, and b* value.
Spotlights and Soundscapes

For persons with visual impairment, forming cognitive maps of unfamiliar interior spaces can be challenging. Various technical developments have converged to make it feasible, without specialized equipment, to represent a variety of useful landmark objects via spatial audio, rather than solely dispensing route information. Although such systems could be key to facilitating cognitive map formation, high-density auditory environments must be crafted carefully to avoid overloading the listener. This article recounts a set of research exercises with potential users, in which the optimization of such systems was explored. In Experiment 1, a virtual reality environment was used to rapidly prototype and adjust the auditory environment in response to participant comments. In Experiment 2, three variants of the system were evaluated in terms of their effectiveness in a real-world building. This methodology revealed a variety of optimization approaches and recommendations for designing dense mixed-reality auditory environments aimed at supporting cognitive map formation by visually impaired persons.
Beta Human Papillomavirus and Merkel Cell Polyomavirus in Skin Neoplasms

In 1911, Peyton Rous from the Rockefeller Institute demonstrated that a transplantable, spontaneous, spindle cell sarcoma derived from a Plymouth Rock chicken could be virally transmitted to healthy chickens. This first known tumor virus was named Rous sarcoma virus. The discovery led to Peyton Rous being awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology in 1966 and to the recognition of a new paradigm in cancer research — virus-associated cancer. Since then, there has been growing interest in the role of viruses in cancer. By 1965, Tony Epstein, Yvonne Barr, and their colleagues had succeeded in establishing cell lines derived from Burkitt lymphomas and in visualizing herpesvirus-like particles, namely Epstein-Barr virus, as the first human virus linked to malignancy. Advanced molecular technology contributed to the identification of other human carcinogenic viruses such as hepatitis B virus, human papillomavirus (HPV), human T-lymphotropic virus-1, hepatitis C virus, Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, and the most recently discovered Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) (Table 1). Most carcinogenic viruses establish persistent infections, typically occurring many years before malignancy. The viral genome is usually present in the tumor cells and is sometimes integrated into chromosomal DNA. These viruses are the etiologic agents for 15%–20% of all human tumors worldwide, and contribute to the carcinogenesis of diverse organs and tissues via central roles of cellular