Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
American marten occupancy and activity patterns at the southern extent of their range in the eastern United States

Abstract The relatively recent rediscovery of an American marten (Martes americana) population that was reintroduced over 30 years ago in southern Vermont provides an opportunity to investigate the relative importance of other mesocarnivores, and forest stand (e.g., DBH, downed logs, vertical structure) and habitat variables to their presence on the Green Mountain National Forest. Marten are state‐listed as an endangered species in Vermont and occur there at the southern extent of their range in the eastern United States. We collected detection data from camera surveys in 5 km2 units between 2019 and 2021 (December–April; n = 40 units, 238 cameras). We examined activity patterns and applied an occupancy modeling framework to the detection data to assess the relative importance of covariates at unit and camera levels and assess interactions of marten with other mesocarnivores. We did not find any unit‐level occupancy models with significant covariates that were better supported than the base model in the single‐season unit‐level analysis. Distance to the nearest release site was the covariate most supported for detectability at both spatial scales, and marten occupancy at the camera level was positively influenced by the amount of canopy cover. Two species interaction models did not indicate any positive or negative association beyond random with other mesocarnivores and activity patterns among mesocarnivores had substantial overlap. Marten recovery since the time of the reintroduction appears slow, and even 30 years later, the marten distribution is limited and suggests that dispersal is restricted at some level. We recommend a further investigation of the possible impact of other mesocarnivores to juvenile survival or other vital demographic rate (e.g., recruitment) in marten that were not explicitly measured in this study.
Gut microbiota modulate CD8+ T cell immunity in gastric cancer through Butyrate/GPR109A/HOPX

ABSTRACT The gut microbiota and Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) can influence the progression of diseases, yet the role of these factors on gastric cancer (GC) remains uncertain. In this work, the analysis of the gut microbiota composition and SCFA content in the blood and feces of both healthy individuals and GC patients indicated that significant reductions in the abundance of intestinal bacteria involved in SCFA production were observed in GC patients compared with the controls. ABX mice transplanted with fecal microbiota from GC patients developed more tumors during the induction of GC and had lower levels of butyric acid. Supplementation of butyrate during the induction of gastric cancer along with H. pylori and N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) in WT in GPR109A−/−mice resulted in fewer tumors and more IFN-γ+ CD8+ T cells, but this effect was significantly weakened after knockout of GPR109A. Furthermore, In vitro GC cells and co-cultured CD8+ T cells or CAR-Claudin 18.2+ CD8+ T cells, as well as in vivo tumor-bearing studies, have indicated that butyrate enhanced the killing function of CD8+ T cells or CAR-Claudin 18.2+ CD8+ T cells against GC cells through G protein-coupled receptor 109A (GPR109A) and homologous domain protein homologous box (HOPX). Together, these data highlighted that the restoration of gut microbial butyrate enhanced CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity via GPR109A/HOPX, thus inhibiting GC carcinogenesis, which suggests a novel theoretical foundation for GC management against GC.
Spreading of buoyant jets and fountains in a calm, linearly density-stratified fluid

Round turbulent buoyant jets and fountains issuing vertically into linearly densitystratified calm ambient were investigated experimentally. The terminal (steady state) height of rise and the elevation of horizontal spreading are determined, for positively and negatively buoyant jets at the source level. The experiments confirmed asymptotic analysis based on dimensional arguments. Furthermore, momentum-driven buoyant jets and fountains, reach asymptotically the same terminal height and spreading elevation with respect to the injection point.
Liver resection versus radiofrequency ablation or trans-arterial chemoembolization for early-stage (BCLC A) oligo-nodular hepatocellular carcinoma: meta-analysis

Abstract Background The 2022 Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) algorithm does not recommend liver resection (LR) in BCLC A patients with oligo-nodular (two or three nodules ≤3 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This sharply contrasts with the therapeutic hierarchy concept, implying a precise treatment order exists within each BCLC stage. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of LR versus radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in BCLC A patients. Methods A meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook was performed. All RCT, cohort and case–control studies that compared LR versus RFA or TACE in oligo-nodular BCLC A HCC published between January 2000 and October 2023 were comprehensively searched on PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and China Biology Medicine databases. Primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) at 3 and 5 years. Risk ratio (RR) was computed as a measure of treatment effect (OS and DFS benefit) to calculate common and random effects estimates for meta-analyses with binary outcome data. Results 2601 patients from 14 included studies were analysed (LR = 1227, RFA = 686, TACE = 688). There was a significant 3- and 5-year OS benefit of LR over TACE (RR = 0.55, 95% c.i. 0.44 to 0.69, P < 0.001 and RR 0.57, 95% c.i. 0.36 to 0.90, P = 0.030, respectively), while there was no significant 3- and 5-year OS benefit of LR over RFA (RR = 0.78, 95% c.i. 0.37 to 1.62, P = 0.452 and RR 0.74, 95% c.i. 0.50 to 1.09, P = 0.103, respectively). However, a significant 3- and 5-year DFS benefit of LR over RFA was found (RR = 0.70, 95% c.i. 0.54 to 0.93, P = 0.020 and RR 0.82, 95% c.i. 0.72 to 0.95, P = 0.015, respectively). A single study comparing LR and TACE regarding DFS showed a significant superiority of LR. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale quality of studies was high in eight (57%) and moderate in six (43%). Conclusions In BCLC A oligo-nodular HCC patients, LR should be preferred to RFA or TACE (therapeutic hierarchy concept). Additional comparative cohort studies are urgently needed to increase the certainty of this evidence.
Investigating the Challenges and Successes of Community Participation in the Fishery Co-management Program on Lake Victoria, East Africa.

Community participation is necessary in fishery management. On two of the world’s largest freshwater systems: the Laurentian Great Lakes and Lake Victoria, community is included, to different degrees. Both lakes harbor valuable fisheries, depended upon by community members living along their shores. This chapter identifies the differences of these resources and produces a comparative analysis of top-down and bottom-up approaches to fishery management to determine the necessary investment of community inclusion in fishery management. The discussion evaluates fishery management with a focus on primary structures and institutions established to facilitate interjurisdictional cooperation, collaborative processes, and co-management. Fishery management in both regions involves both “top-down” and bottom-up” elements; top-down is defined as the execution of fishery management by central government agencies, and bottom-up is defined as resource-harvesters or community member involvement in the development of policy and engagement in management and enforcement. Results from this chapter reveal the necessity for a “bottom-up” approach on Lake Victoria, where community inclusion is required due to the nature of dependence on the fishery for their livelihoods. 4 This chapter was previously published as: Gaden et al. (2012). Top-down and bottom-up approaches in the management of the Laurentian Great Lakes and Lake Victoria fisheries: A comparison of two shared water bodies. Great Lakes Great Responsibilities: Lessons in Participatory Governance. V. I. Grover and G. Krantzberg. Enfield, New Hampshire, Science Publishers: 364-390.
Intra-abdominal pressure and residual renal function decline in peritoneal dialysis: a threshold-based investigation

Abstract Background The potential impact of elevated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) on residual renal function (RRF) has not been determined. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between IAP and the rate of RRF decline in newly initiated peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, and to identify the optimal IAP threshold value for delaying the deterioration of RRF. Methods A cohort of 62 newly initiated PD patients who completed both 6- and 12-month follow-up evaluations was obtained using the Durand method. A logistic regression model was used to identify variables associated with a rapid decline in RRF. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to determine the optimal threshold value. Another retrospective cohort analysis was performed to validate the identified critical value. Results For each 1 cmH2O increase in IAP, the risk of a rapid decline in the RRF increased by a factor of 1.679. Subsequent analysis revealed that patients in the high IAP group had more significant decreases in residual renal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (Z = −3.694, p < 0.001) and urine volume (Z = −3.121, p < 0.001) than did those in the non-high IAP group. Furthermore, an IAP ≥15.65 cmH2O was a robust discriminator for the prediction of the rate of RRF decline. Conclusion Patients in the high IAP group experienced a more rapid decline in RRF. Additionally, an optimal critical pressure of 15.65 cmH2O was identified for predicting the rate of RRF decline. IAP, as one of the factors contributing to the rapid decline in RRF in the first year of PD, should be given due attention.
Use of telehealth for paediatric rehabilitation needs of Indigenous children – a scoping review

ABSTRACT Telerehabilitation is proposed as a promising avenue to enhance service accessibility for Indigenous communities, yet its application for Indigenous children remains relatively unexplored. This scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR framework to explore current knowledge on the use of telerehabilitation for Indigenous children. Ten scholarly databases, seven grey literature databases, reference searches, and expert consultations were utilised to identify relevant studies. Included articles discussed the use of telerehabilitation provided by rehabilitation professionals (e.g. occupational therapist (OT), physical therapist (PT), speech and language pathologist (SLP) to Indigenous children and/or caregivers. Seven studies were included. Telerehabilitation was explored in different ways, the most common being real-time videoconferencing by SLPs. While some studies explicitly acknowledged cultural responsiveness within both the research process and the intervention, most were not designed for Indigenous children and their caregivers; rather, these participants were included with non-Indigenous participants. Successful implementation and sustainability of telerehabilitation services requires addressing technological limitations, understanding, and respecting diverse worldviews, and co-developing services to meet the unique needs of Indigenous families. Telerehabilitation has been rarely used with Indigenous children and when it was, little attention was given to cultural considerations. These findings emphasise that future telerehabilitation interventions should be truly community-led to ensure cultural relevance.
Characterization of fine particles during the 2014 Asia-Pacific economic cooperation summit: Number concentration, size distribution and sources

Abstract To study the impacts of emission controls on aerosol physical and chemical properties, real-time measurements of size-resolved aerosol number concentration and chemical composition were conducted in urban Beijing during the 2014 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in a period that a series of measures, for example shutting down or halting production from factories and power plants, and restricting the number of vehicles on the roads were implemented in Beijing and surrounding regions. Significantly, reductions in particle mass concentration (55% for PM2.5 and 48% for PM10) were observed during the APEC summit. A clear decrease in secondary inorganic aerosols (SIA), such as sulphate, nitrate and ammonium, was found during APEC, with the reduction ranged from 65.7 to 72.2% for PM1, in which sulphate showed the largest decrease compared with periods before APEC. As a comparison, organics showed a much smaller decrease of 44.3% for PM1 during APEC. These changes were mainly caused by large reductions in accumulation mode particles, which decreased by 36% compared with 19% for Aitken mode particles. The results from the positive matrix factorization (PMF) of particle number concentration indicate that regionally transported aerosols showed significant decreases (70%), similar to those of SIA during APEC, whereas primary factors from traffic and local combustion sources presented much smaller decreases, with the reduction ranged from 4 to 40%. The elevated contributions of these sources indicated the presence of strong local source emissions. The changes in particle chemical composition, size distribution and sources during the evolution of pollution episodes with and without emission controls are further illustrated. Our results highlight the importance of regional atmospheric transport in the formation of severe pollution episodes in Beijing, indicating that reducing the precursors of secondary aerosol over regional scales represent the key steps to reduce the urban particulate pollution. However, stricter emission controls on local source emissions are needed to further mitigate air pollution in Beijing.
Automatic Prediction of Band Gaps of Inorganic Materials Using a Gradient Boosted and Statistical Feature Selection Workflow

Machine learning (ML) methods can train a model to predict material properties by exploiting patterns in materials databases that arise from structure–property relationships. However, the importance of ML-based feature analysis and selection is often neglected when creating such models. Such analysis and selection are especially important when dealing with multifidelity data because they afford a complex feature space. This work shows how a gradient-boosted statistical feature-selection workflow can be used to train predictive models that classify materials by their metallicity and predict their band gap against experimental measurements, as well as computational data that are derived from electronic-structure calculations. These models are fine-tuned via Bayesian optimization, using solely the features that are derived from chemical compositions of the materials data. We test these models against experimental, computational, and a combination of experimental and computational data. We find that the multifidelity modeling option can reduce the number of features required to train a model. The performance of our workflow is benchmarked against state-of-the-art algorithms, the results of which demonstrate that our approach is either comparable to or superior to them. The classification model realized an accuracy score of 0.943, a macro-averaged F1-score of 0.940, area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.985, and an average precision of 0.977, while the regression model achieved a mean absolute error of 0.246, a root-mean squared error of 0.402, and R2 of 0.937. This illustrates the efficacy of our modeling approach and highlights the importance of thorough feature analysis and judicious selection over a “black-box” approach to feature engineering in ML-based modeling.
Modelling the Hydro‐Sedimentary Dynamics of a Mediterranean Semiarid Ungauged Watershed Beyond the Instrumental Period

The development of reliable tools to quantify long‐term sediment budgets is critical to establish adequate environmental and management policies in semiarid Mediterranean regions. In this study, we apply a multidisciplinary methodology to estimate water and sediment yields in ungauged Mediterranean watersheds over a period of scarce instrumental data (i.e. second half of 19th and first half of 20th centuries). Runoff and precipitation reconstructions have been obtained using an integrative approach involving synoptic reanalysis models, regional climatic datasets, historical archives and palaeoflood proxies from natural archives. The resulting hydrological reconstruction has been implemented on a hydro‐sedimentary distributed model (i.e. TETIS) to understand the hydro‐sedimentary dynamics in the studied watershed. We highlight that, in our study area, regional‐data (instrumental, historical and sedimentary) based models show higher accuracy in the sediment yield and runoff reconstruction than synoptic reanalysis climate models. The modelled sedimentary dynamics for the studied period respond to a complex interplay between human activities and climate variability. During the 19th century deforestation and grazing activities combined with higher frequency on extreme runoff events resulted in higher runoff and sediment yield in the period 1863–1900. Over the 20th century, reduced precipitation and land abandonment led to a decrease in erosion rates and sediment yield although increased in 1945–1960 coinciding with a period of higher frequency of heavy rainfalls. This hydrological response to climate and human activities in the study watershed improves our understanding of plausible future trends of environmental degradation in small Mediterranean watersheds under different land use and climate change scenarios.
State magnets for different elderly "migrant types".

This study identified a number of elderly `migrant types using [U.S.] census data information on State of birth and State of residence prior to the 1985-90 migration period. This typology is useful because it points up significant socio-demographic profiles associated with each migrant type with distinct impacts on elderly `magnet States. Based on specially prepared migration tabulations we list largest gaining and largest losing States for different elderly `migrant types. (EXCERPT)
Upper ocean response to typhoon Kalmaegi (2014)

Typhoon Kalmaegi passed over an array of buoys and moorings in the northern South China Sea in September 2014, leaving a rare set of observations on typhoon-induced dynamical and thermohaline responses in the upper ocean. The dynamical response was characterized by strong near-inertial currents with opposite phases in the surface mixed layer and in the thermocline, indicating the dominance of the response by the excitation of the first baroclinic mode. The thermohaline response showed considerable changes in the mean fields in addition to a near-inertial oscillation. In particular, temperature and salinity anomalies generally exhibited a three-layer vertical structure, with the surface layer becoming cooler and saltier, the subsurface layer warmer and fresher, and the lower layer cooler and saltier again. The response in the surface and subsurface layers was much stronger to the right of the typhoon track, while that in the lower layer was stronger along the track and to the left. These features of the upper ocean response were grossly reproduced by a three-dimensional numerical model. A model-based heat budget analysis suggests that vertical mixing was mainly responsible for the surface cooling and subsurface warming, while upwelling was the cause of cooling from below. Both observations and model results indicate that the whole upper ocean experienced an overall cooling in the wake of typhoon Kalmaegi.
Urbanization causes nonstationarity in Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall extremes

Global and local environmental changes are likely to introduce nonstationarity in the characteristics of Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) extremes. Here we perform a nonstationary frequency analysis on ISMR extremes in a Generalized Additive Model for Location, Scale and Shape framework with a cluster of 74 models, considering nonstationarity in different possible combinations. Interestingly, we observe significant nonstationarity in ISMR extremes in urbanizing/developing‐urban areas (transitioning from rural to urban), compared to completely urbanized or rural areas. This presents a postulation that the extent of urbanization plays a significant role in introducing nonstationarity in ISMR extremes. We emphasize the effect of urbanization in changing the character of ISMR extremes, which further needs a scientific re‐evaluation by implementing physics‐based modeling. The impact of these observational studies will be critical in correcting the bias of model projections of ISMR.
Sustainable Management of the Grey-headed Flying-foxPteropus poliocephalus

With colleagues, I have reviewed Australian flying-fox management problems, and practices to mitigate them, in several recent papers (Sinclair et al. 1996; Webb and Tidemann 1996; Tidemann et al. 1997a, b; Tidemann and Vardon 1997; Vardon et al. 1997; Tidemann 1999; Vardon et al. 2001). In this paper I summarise those findings (many of which are echoed in other papers in this proceedings), and present results from a trial to exclude flying-foxes from camping in a rainforest patch at Maclean on the lower Clarence River in northeastern NSW, to inform future developments. Flying-fox Management in the 20th Century Until late in the 20th Century, when flying-foxes were afforded legal protection in all Australian States and Territories, little effort and few resources were directed toward finding solutions to flying-fox problems that took account of conservation or animal welfare issues. Monitoring was often inadequate for evaluation of their effectiveness. Responsibility for control (and, hence, resourcing) rested essentially with those experiencing the problems – until recently, predominantly fruitgrowers protecting crops (Tidemann et al. 1997a; Tidemann and Vardon 1997). Exclusion netting has proved to be costSustainable Management of the Greyheaded Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus
Les peuplements de Tetraclinis articulata sur le littoral d'Oran (Algérie)

Cette etude est une premiere analyse synsystematique des formations a Tetraclinis articulata qui se developpent sur les massifs littoraux entre Ghazaouet et Mostaganem. Nous decrivons quatre groupements preforestiers et un groupement de matorral qui s'organisent autour de Tetraclinis articulata. Ceux-ci s'individualisent soit par leur determinisme edaphique, soit par les nuances microclimatiques des versants (.)
Sequential limit analysis of pipe–soil interaction during large-amplitude cyclic lateral displacements

A newly developed sequential limit analysis (SLA) technique is used to perform large-displacement numerical simulations relevant to thermally induced lateral buckling of untrenched subsea pipelines. A rigid plane-strain pipe segment, partially embedded in undrained clay, is subjected to cyclic lateral displacements with amplitudes of up to eight pipe diameters. A constant vertical dead load is applied to the pipe during each lateral sweep, but in some analyses this load is varied from one sweep to the next. The SLA method directly models the evolution of the soil surface profile, including active and dormant berms, and incorporates strain softening behaviour caused by soil remoulding. Comparisons of the numerical results with published centrifuge model test data, for a range of loading cases, are provided in terms of the pipe invert trajectory and lateral soil resistance. There is good overall agreement between the numerical and experimental results, demonstrating the suitability of SLA for solving such p.