Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative metabarcoding and biodiversity of gut-associated fungal assemblages of Dendroctonus species (Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

The genus Dendroctonus is a Holarctic taxon composed of 21 nominal species; some of these species are well known in the world as disturbance agents of forest ecosystems. Under the bark of the host tree, these insects are involved in complex and dynamic associations with phoretic ectosymbiotic and endosymbiotic communities. Unlike filamentous fungi and bacteria, the ecological role of yeasts in the bark beetle holobiont is poorly understood, though yeasts were the first group to be recorded as microbial symbionts of these beetles. Our aim was characterize and compare the gut fungal assemblages associated to 14 species of Dendroctonus using the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region. A total of 615,542 sequences were recovered yielding 248 fungal amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). The fungal diversity was represented by 4 phyla, 16 classes, 34 orders, 54 families, and 71 genera with different relative abundances among Dendroctonus species. The α-diversity consisted of 32 genera of yeasts and 39 genera of filamentous fungi. An analysis of β-diversity indicated differences in the composition of the gut fungal assemblages among bark beetle species, with differences in species and phylogenetic diversity. A common core mycobiome was recognized at the genus level, integrated mainly by Candida present in all bark beetles, Nakazawaea, Cladosporium, Ogataea, and Yamadazyma. The bipartite networks confirmed that these fungal genera showed a strong association between beetle species and dominant fungi, which are key to maintaining the structure and stability of the fungal community. The functional variation in the trophic structure was identified among libraries and species, with pathotroph-saprotroph-symbiotroph represented at the highest frequency, followed by saprotroph-symbiotroph, and saprotroph only. The overall network suggested that yeast and fungal ASVs in the gut of these beetles showed positive and negative associations among them. This study outlines a mycobiome associated with Dendroctonus nutrition and provides a starting point for future in vitro and omics approaches addressing potential ecological functions and interactions among fungal assemblages and beetle hosts.
Ruminal Microbiome Differences in Angus Steers with Differing Feed Efficiencies during the Feedlot Finishing Phase

The catabolic activity of the ruminal microbial community of cattle enables the conversion of low-quality feedstuffs into meat and milk. The rate at which this conversion occurs is termed feed efficiency, which is of crucial importance given that feed expenses account for up to 70% of the cost of animal production. The present study assessed the relationship between cattle feed efficiency and the composition of their ruminal microbial communities during the feedlot finishing period. Angus steers (n = 65) were fed a feedlot finishing diet for 82 days and their growth performance metrics were evaluated. These included the dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and residual feed intake (RFI). Steers were rank-ordered based upon their RFI, and the five lowest RFI (most efficient) and five highest RFI (least efficient) steers were selected for evaluations. Ruminal fluid samples were collected on days 0 and 82 of the finishing period. Volatile fatty acids (VFA) were quantified, and microbial DNA was extracted and the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced. The results showed that the ADG was not different (p = 0.82) between efficiency groups during the 82-day feedlot period; however, the efficient steers had lower (p = 0.03) DMI and RFI (p = 0.003). Less-efficient (high RFI) steers developed higher (p = 0.01) ruminal Methanobrevibacter relative abundances (p = 0.01) and tended (p = 0.09) to have more Methanosphaera. In high-efficiency steers (low RFI), the relative abundances of Ruminococcaceae increased (p = 0.04) over the 82-day period. The molar proportions of VFA were not different between the two efficiency groups, but some changes in the concentration of specific VFA were observed over time. The results indicated that the ruminal microbial populations of the less-efficient steers contained a greater relative abundance of methanogens compared to the high-efficiency steers during the feedlot phase, likely resulting in more energetic waste in the form or methane and less dietary energy being harvested by the less-efficient animals.
Cluster headache: an update on clinical features, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment

Cluster headache (CH) is one of the worst primary headaches that remain underdiagnosed and inappropriately treated. There are recent advances in the understanding of this disease and available treatments. This paper aims to review CH's recent clinical and pathophysiological findings, diagnosis, and treatment. We performed a narrative literature review on the socio-demographics, clinical presentations, pathophysiological findings, and diagnosis and treatment of CH. CH affects 0.1% of the population with an incidence of 2.07–9.8/100,00 person-years-habitants, a mean prevalence of 53/100,000 inhabitants (3–150/100,000 inhabitants). The male-to-female ratio remains inconclusive, as the ratio of 4.3:1 has recently been modified to 1.3–2.6, possibly due to previous misdiagnosis in women. Episodic presentation is the most frequent (80%). It is a polygenetic and multifactorial entity that involves dysfunction of the trigeminovascular system, the trigeminal autonomic reflex, and the hypothalamic networks. An MRI of the brain is mandatory to exclude secondary etiologies. There are effective and safe pharmacological treatments oxygen, sphenopalatine, and great occipital nerve block, with the heterogeneity of clinical trial designs for patients with CH divided into acute, transitional, or bridge treatment (prednisone) and preventive interventions. In conclusion, CH remains underdiagnosed, mainly due to a lack of awareness within the medical community, frequently causing a long delay in reaching a final diagnosis. Recent advances in understanding the principal risk factors and underlying pathophysiology exist. There are new therapeutic possibilities that are effective for CH. Indeed, a better understanding of this challenging pathology will continue to be a subject of research, study, and discoveries in its diagnostic and therapeutic approach.
Relationships between Habitual Polyphenol Consumption and Gut Microbiota in the INCLD Health Cohort

While polyphenol consumption is often associated with an increased abundance of beneficial microbes and decreased opportunistic pathogens, these relationships are not completely described for polyphenols consumed via habitual diet, including culinary herb and spice consumption. This analysis of the International Cohort on Lifestyle Determinants of Health (INCLD Health) cohort uses a dietary questionnaire and 16s microbiome data to examine relationships between habitual polyphenol consumption and gut microbiota in healthy adults (n = 96). In this exploratory analysis, microbial taxa, but not diversity measures, differed by levels of dietary polyphenol consumption. Taxa identified as exploratory biomarkers of daily polyphenol consumption (mg/day) included Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Enterococcus, Eubacterium ventriosum group, Ruminococcus torques group, and Sutterella. Taxa identified as exploratory biomarkers of the frequency of polyphenol-weighted herb and spice use included Lachnospiraceae UCG-001, Lachnospiraceae UCG-004, Methanobrevibacter, Lachnoclostridium, and Lachnotalea. Several of the differentiating taxa carry out activities important for human health, although out of these taxa, those with previously described pro-inflammatory qualities in certain contexts displayed inverse relationships with polyphenol consumption. Our results suggest that higher quantities of habitual polyphenol consumption may support an intestinal environment where opportunistic and pro-inflammatory bacteria are represented in a lower relative abundance compared to those with less potentially virulent qualities.
Heavy grazing reduces soil bacterial diversity by increasing soil pH in a semi-arid steppe

Background In a context of long-term highly intensive grazing in grassland ecosystems, a better understanding of how quickly belowground biodiversity responds to grazing is required, especially for soil microbial diversity. Methods In this study, we conducted a grazing experiment which included the CK (no grazing with a fenced enclosure undisturbed by livestock), light and heavy grazing treatments in a desert steppe in Inner Mongolia, China. Microbial diversity and soil chemical properties (i.e., pH value, organic carbon, inorganic nitrogen (IN, \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{upgreek} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document} ${\mathrm{NH}}_{4}^{+}$\end{document}NH4+-N and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{upgreek} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document} ${\mathrm{NO}}_{3}^{-}$\end{document}NO3−-N), total carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and available phosphorus content) both in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils were analyzed to explore the responses of microbial diversity to grazing intensity and the underlying mechanisms. Results The results showed that heavy grazing only deceased bacterial diversity in the non-rhizosphere soil, but had no any significant effects on fungal diversity regardless of rhizosphere or non-rhizosphere soils. Bacterial diversity in the rhizosphere soil was higher than that of non-rhizosphere soil only in the heavy grazing treatment. Also, heavy grazing significantly increased soil pH value but deceased NH4+-N and available phosphorus in the non-rhizosphere soil. Spearman correlation analysis showed that soil pH value was significantly negatively correlated with the bacterial diversity in the non-rhizosphere soil. Combined, our results suggest that heavy grazing decreased soil bacterial diversity in the non-rhizosphere soil by increasing soil pH value, which may be due to the accumulation of dung and urine from livestock. Our results highlight that soil pH value may be the main factor driving soil microbial diversity in grazing ecosystems, and these results can provide scientific basis for grassland management and ecological restoration in arid and semi-arid area.
Hybrid Broadband Ground-Motion Simulations: Combining Long-Period Deterministic Synthetics with High-Frequency Multiple S-to-S Backscattering

Abstract We present a new approach for computing broadband (0–10 Hz) synthetic seismograms by combining high-frequency (HF) scattering with low-frequency (LF) deterministic seismograms, considering finite-fault earthquake rupture models embedded in 3D earth structure. Site-specific HF-scattering Green’s functions for a heterogeneous medium with uniformly distributed random isotropic scatterers are convolved with a source-time function that characterizes the temporal evolution of the rupture process. These scatterograms are then reconciled with the LF-deterministic waveforms using a frequency-domain optimization to match both amplitude and phase spectra around the target intersection frequency. The scattering parameters of the medium, scattering attenuation η s , intrinsic attenuation η i , and site-kappa, as well as frequency-dependent attenuation, determine waveform and spectral character of the HF-synthetics and thus affect the hybrid broadband seismograms. Applying our methodology to the 1994 Northridge earthquake and validating against near-field recordings at 24 sites, we find that our technique provides realistic broadband waveforms and consistently reproduces LF ground-motion intensities for two independent source descriptions. The least biased results, compared to recorded strong-motion data, are obtained after applying a frequency-dependent site-amplification factor to the broadband simulations. This innovative hybrid ground-motion simulation approach, applicable to any arbitrarily complex earthquake source model, is well suited for seismic hazard analysis and ground-motion estimation.
CENTROS DE ACTIVIDAD BIOLÓGICA EN LA COSTA OCCIDENTAL DE BAJA CALIFORNIA

"Se describen areas de alta actividad biologica a lo largo de la costa occidental de la Peninsula de la Baja California, caracterizadas por niveles de concentracion pigmentaria, volumenes de desplazamiento macrozooplanctonico y abundancia relativa de huevos y larvas de peces neriticos claramente superiores al promedio de la zona costera. Se discuten los probables origenes de la alta productividad y los posibles mecanismos responsables de las altas concentraciones, asi como de su temporalidad o permanencia a lo largo del ciclo anual. Finalmente, se especula en torno a las ventajas de su potencial utilizacion como areas indicadoras de cambios oceanicos en terminos de la restriccion espacial de su estudio y de su costo asociado. "
Integrating Econometric Models of Land Use Change with Models of Ecosystem Services and Landscape Simulations to Guide Coastal Management and Planning for Flood Control.

This study develops an integrated framework to evaluate the relative effectiveness of alternative land use policies that target the management of natural resources in the face of climate change pressures. This framework is then applied to evaluate the relative performance of three different land use regulations that protect natural resources and alter current trends of urbanization using data from three rapidly urbanizing coastal counties in the southeastern United States facing growing risks of flooding. The framework developed in this study is an iterative procedure that integrates a spatially explicit econometric model of land use change, local ecosystem service delivery, and feedback mechanisms among land use, ecosystem services, and land values in a dynamic framework. The study uses landscape simulations to examine how spatial patterns of urbanization and alternative coastal development policies affect land use decisions, and how these decisions affect the conservation of critical wetland habitat in the physical landscape and the landscape’s general capacity to mitigate risks from future flooding. The results indicate that price instruments based on land value and depending on landscape composition are mostly not cost–effective strategies. However, other policies can be modestly effective in altering urban development patterns; such policies may also be effective at reducing the cost of property repairs after a major flood, raising tax revenues, or delivering a marginally more equal spatial distribution of damages. The findings also illustrate how natural infrastructure, such as wetlands, is beneficial to coastal communities in terms of flood control.
Examining the Effects of Language Competencies on Academic Achievements of Special Needs Students and Their Peers Using Standardized Test Scores

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of academic language on the standardized test scores of special needs students and their peers in elementary (n = 1140) and middle (n = 451) public schools across the state of Georgia. Several univariate (ANOVA) and multivariate (MANOVA) analyses of variance are conducted on student classification (English language learners “ELL”, non-ELL, students with disabilities “SWD,” non-SWD, economically disadvantaged students “EDA”, and non-EDA) and student test scores in ELA, math, science, and social studies. Univariate (ANCOVA) and multivariate (MANCOVA) analyses of covariance are also conducted where ELA is treated as a predictor of students’ test scores in math, science, and social studies. MANOVA results reveal that the combined-subjects modeling of student test scores is significantly different by student classification with relatively large effect sizes (0.44 to 0.63) for all grade levels. Follow-up ANOVAs indicate that individual modeling of core subjects is significantly different by student classification, with effect sizes between 0.37 and 0.61. The results of ANCOVA and MANCOVA suggest a statistically significant effect of ELA on student test scores results. SWD and ELL groups benefit the most when controlling ELA test scores.
Environmental drivers of fish spatial distribution and activity in a reservoir with water level fluctuations

The aquatic ecosystem structuration in human influenced environment, is closely dependent of the associated uses, which are generally fluctuant. We conducted an extended field monitoring on a reservoir under water level fluctuations (WLF), in order to study the responses of fish fauna to changes in environmental conditions. The study design was based on a monitoring of fish behaviour by telemetry in a reservoir with a particular attention to the littoral zone because of its front line position during WLF. The results of this study, which was conducted on the Bariousses reservoir, located on the Vezere river (Correze, France), are summarized in this article. The study revealed that WLF induced a temporal variability in the littoral zone surface. In addition, we observed a gradual decline in structural complexity of littoral habitats with a tendency towards homogenisation (dominance of fine substrates and absence of vegetation) in relation with the drop in water level. Behavioural individual responses of pikeperch, perch and pike were highly variable in relation to environmental fluctuations. Temperature and photoperiod were the two main parameters controlling fish activity and spatial distribution. Water level affected part of fish assemblage: some individuals were more mobile and left the littoral zone when inshore habitats were less complex (low water level).
Experiences of remote consultation in UK primary care for patients with mental health conditions: A systematic review

Objectives There has been a rapid shift from face-to-face to remote consultation across healthcare settings. 90% of patients with mental health conditions are cared for entirely in primary care. Remote consultation can present challenges and benefits for patients with mental health conditions. The aim of this systematic review was to collate and examine the evidence relating to remote consultation in UK primary care on the experiences of patients with mental health conditions. Methods Six major databases were searched for empirical studies published in the English language between 1 January 2010 and 21 October 2022. Studies were included where remote consultation occurred between a patient and primary care clinician. Outcomes of interest include mode of remote consultation, patient experiences and characteristics. Final included studies were assessed for quality, and results analysed with narrative synthesis. Results Six studies met the inclusion criteria, covering a range of mental health conditions and remote consultation modalities (telephone, video, online, email, text-based). Patients were overall satisfied with remote consultation, with particular benefit for certain mental health conditions or anxious patients. However, several studies found that face-to-face was the preferred method, with highlighted negatives to remote consultation, such as inflexibility of online formats. Acceptability of remote consultation is context specific and influenced by the purpose of the consultation and individual patient. Remote consultation may reduce anxiety in some patients, but is potentially less acceptable than face-to-face for relational appointments. Conclusions Acceptability of remote consultation is context dependent. There is a lack of evidence surrounding patient characteristics and access to remote consultation.
Assessment of Dome Building Damage and Repair Method

The paper deals with the assessment of the damage of a concrete dome type of structure and the method of repairment. Due to own weight of the dome, the concrete portion of the dome near bottom rim is in tension and the steel reinforcement was not sufficiently provided, causing cracks at bottom and leakage at top of dome. UPV tests, profometer tests and core drilling were carried out to observe the condition of existing dome. Testing results were used as bases for constructing repairment method, epoxy grout, epoxy mortar and the use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP).
TWI Computations and Topographic Analysis of Depression-Dominated Surfaces

The topographic wetness index (TWI) has been widely used for determining the potential of each digital elevation model (DEM) grid to develop a saturated condition, which allows for the investigation of topographic control on the hydrologic response of a watershed. Many studies have evaluated TWI, its components, and the impacts of DEM resolution on its computation. However, the majority of the studies are concerned with typical dendritic watersheds, and the effectiveness of TWI computations for depression-dominated areas has been rarely evaluated. The objectives of this study are (1) to develop a modified TWI computation procedure for depression-dominated areas, (2) to examine the differences between the new and existing TWI computation procedures using different DEMs, and (3) to assess the impact of DEM resolution on the new TWI procedure. In particular, a bathymetry survey was conducted for a study area in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR), and the DEM representing the actual surface topography was created. The statistical analyses of TWI highlighted a two-hump pattern for the depression-dominated surface, whereas a one-hump pattern was observed for the dendritic surface. It was observed that depressional DEM grids accounted for higher values of TWI than other grids. It was demonstrated that a filled DEM led to misleading quantity and distribution of TWI for depression-dominated landscapes. The modified TWI computation procedure proposed in this study can also be applied to other depression-dominated areas.
Indian monsoon and the elevated‐heat‐pump mechanism in a coupled aerosol‐climate model

A coupled aerosol‐atmosphere‐ocean‐sea ice climate model is used to explore the interaction between aerosols and the Indian summer monsoon precipitation on seasonal‐to‐interannual time scales. Results show that when increased aerosol loading is found on the Himalayas slopes in the premonsoon period (April–May), intensification of early monsoon rainfall over India and increased low‐level westerly flow follow, in agreement with the elevated‐heat‐pump mechanism. The increase in rainfall during the early monsoon season has a cooling effect on the land surface. In the same period, enhanced surface cooling may also be amplified through solar dimming by more cloudiness and aerosol loading, via increased dust transported by low‐level westerly flow. The surface cooling causes subsequent reduction in monsoon rainfall in July–August over India. The time‐lagged nature of the reasonably realistic response of the model to aerosol forcing suggests that absorbing aerosols, besides their potential key roles in impacting monsoon water cycle and climate, may influence the seasonal variability of the Indian summer monsoon.