Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cretaceous bryozoans from the Chatham Islands, New Zealand

Two bryozoan species have been found in the Kahuitara Tuff (Piripauan-Haumurian Stages; equivalent to Campanian-Maastrichtian) of Pitt Island, in the Chatham Islands, about 900 km east of the South Island of New Zealand. Cretaceous bryozoans are rare in Australasia, and the two species in this paper are the first to be formally described from New Zealand. Both species have thick dendroid colonies but whereas Ceriocava maculata sp. nov. is an unequivocal cerioporine cyclostome, the other species — Chiplonkarina campbelli sp. nov. — is more problematical and is interpreted as an aberrant ‘malacostegan’ cheilostome. Like previously described species of Chiplonkarina, C. campbelli has interzooidal walls with a central crenulated layer, indicating the former presence of an intercalary cuticle of the type found in many cheilostomes but unknown in cyclostomes. The anomalous global biogeographical distribution of bryozoans during the Cretaceous is briefly discussed.
The effect of soil texture and roots on the stable carbon isotope composition of soil organic carbon

This study examines the distribution of soil organic carbon and carbon-isotopes with depth and among particle size fractions in 2 forest soil profiles of contrasting texture from Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia. The profile on sand has a comparatively low inventory of carbon (557 mg/cm2 from 0–100 cm) and exhibits comparatively small variations in δ13C value. In contrast, the clay-rich profile has a much larger inventory of soil organic carbon (1725 mg/cm2 from 0–100 cm) and large variations in δ13C value occur both with depth in the profile and between different particle size fractions. The considerable differences in carbon inventories and δ13C values between the sites appear to be largely due to soil textural differences. In the absence of fine minerals the trend in δ13C value with decreasing particle size is to similar or lower δ13C values, due to an increase in the relative abundance of low δ13C compounds in the residue left by microbial decomposition. In the presence of fine minerals, the trend is to higher δ13C values due to the stabilisation of the products of microbial decomposition by the fine minerals. Thus, the bulk δ13C value of soil organic carbon appears to be determined as much by the abundance of fine minerals in a soil profile as by isotope fractionation effects accompanying degradation. It is further postulated that an initial rapid rise in δ13C value in the upper soil layers is due to an increase in the relative importance of higher 13C, root-derived carbon immediately below the soil surface.
The relationship between land surface temperature and NDVI with remote sensing: application to Shanghai Landsat 7 ETM+ data

The relationship between land surface temperature (LST) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) associated with urban land‐use type and land‐use pattern is discussed in the City of Shanghai, China using data collected by the Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) and aerial photographic remote sensing system. There is an apparent correlation between LST and NDVI from the visual interpretation of LST and NDVI contrasts. Mean LST and NDVI values associated with different land‐use types are significantly different. Multiple comparisons of mean LST and NDVI values associated with pairings of each land‐use type are also shown to be significantly different. The result of a regressive analysis shows an inverse correlation relationship between LST and NDVI within all land‐use polygons, the same to each land‐use type, but correlation coefficients associated with land‐use types are different. An analysis on the relationship between LST, NDVI and Shannon Diversity Index (SHDI) shows a positive correlation between LST and SHDI and a negative correlation between NDVI and SHDI. According to the above results, LST, SHDI and NDVI can be considered to be three basic indices to study the urban ecological environment and to contribute to further validation of the applicability of relatively low cost, moderate spatial resolution satellite imagery in evaluating environmental impacts of urban land function zoning, then to examine the impact of urban land‐use on the urban environment in Shanghai City. This provides an effective tool in evaluating the environmental influences of zoning in urban ecosystems with remote sensing and geographical information systems.
Dendroclimatic Response of Picea crassifolia along an Altitudinal Gradient in the Eastern Qilian Mountains, Northwest China

Abstract Using tree-ring data collected from five stands of Qinghai spruce (Picea crassifolia) along an altitudinal gradient in the eastern Qilian Mountains, northwest China, we investigate the differences of the chronologies' statistical parameters and climatic-growth relationships along the gradient. Our results indicate that the radial growth-climate patterns are similar at all studied elevations, and tree growth in this region is strongly related to drought conditions. Growth-temperature and precipitation correlations reveal very coherent patterns for the four lowest sites, showing significant (p < 0.05) correlation with July–August temperatures and August precipitation in the previous year and March temperatures in the current year. For the upper treeline site, the chronology is negatively and significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with August temperature and December precipitation in the previous year. In addition, individual chronologies are significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with the Self-calibrated Palmer Drought Severity Index for many months. The cross-correlation matrix of the individual chronologies indicates all the correlation coefficients are significant (p < 0.01), confirmation that tree growth is predominantly influenced by common climate factors. The outstanding drought periods recorded by the five chronologies took place during A.D. 1860–1875, the 1880s, and 1905–1935. Pluvial periods took place during A.D. 1800–1810 and 1975–1990.
Uptake of mandated pregnancy warnings in the Australian alcoholic ready‐to‐drink beverage market

Abstract Introduction A mandatory pregnancy warning was introduced in Australia 2020 to advise the public of the potential harms of prenatal alcohol exposure. Due to industry pressure, a 3‐year implementation period was granted. The aim of this study was to analyse the extent to which the mandatory warning had been applied to ready‐to‐drink (RTD) alcohol product labels almost 2 years into the implementation period. Methods The sample included 491 RTD products sold in three alcohol stores in Sydney, Australia in March–May 2022. Identified warnings were categorised as a mandated warning, a DrinkWise warning (an industry‐developed option) or ‘Other’ warning. Analyses were conducted overall and by RTD type. Results Almost all (94%) of the sampled RTD products had some form of pregnancy warning, but only 36% displayed the mandatory version. Of the non‐mandatory warnings, 74% were DrinkWise warnings (42% of total sample) and 27% were ‘Other’ warnings (15% of total sample). There was no apparent relationship between alcohol content and likelihood of displaying a mandatory warning. Discussion and Conclusions Two years into the three‐year implementation period for the mandatory pregnancy warning, only around one‐third of the assessed RTD products exhibited compliance. Uptake of the mandatory pregnancy warning appears to be slow. Continued monitoring will be required to determine whether the alcohol industry meets its obligations within and beyond the implementation period.
Modelling the mass balance and salinity of Arctic and Antarctic sea ice

Ice formed from seawater, called sea ice, is both an important actor in and a sensitive indicator of climate change. Covering 7% of the World Ocean, sea ice damps the atmosphere-ocean exchanges of heat, radiation and momentum in polar regions. It also affects the oceanic circulation at a global scale. Recent satellite and submarine observations systems indicate a sharp decrease in the extent and volume of Arctic sea ice over the last 30 years. In addition, climate models project drastic sea ice reductions for the next century, in both hemispheres, with potentially large consequences on climate and ecosystems. Contrary to what is commonly believed, sea ice retains about 25% of the oceanic salt when it forms. As salt cannot lock in the ice crystalline lattice, it accumulates in liquid inclusions of salty water (brine). Under a temperature change, the inclusions freeze or melt and release or absorb huge amounts of latent heat. This affects heat transfer through and storage in sea ice, which may affect the mass balance of sea ice at a global scale. This is the central hypothesis of this work. In order to address this problem, the author develops two sea ice models and assesses their ability to simulate the recent evolution of the sea ice mass balance. Then, the physics of brine uptake and drainage are included in the models and sea ice desalination is investigated. Finally, the impact of sea ice salinity variations on the global sea ice mass balance is studied. The roles of sea ice thermal properties, of ice-ocean salt / fresh water fluxes and of oceanic feedbacks are evaluated. The new salinity module improves the simulation of ice and ocean characteristics compared to observations. Including salinity variations increases ice growth, reduces vertical mixing in the ocean and the ocean-to-ice heat flux. In conclusion, salinity variations should be included in future sea ice models used for climate projections.
PSGL-1 Blockade Induces Classical Activation of Human Tumor-associated Macrophages

Abstract The immune suppressive microenvironment is a major culprit for difficult-to-treat solid cancers. Particularly, inhibitory tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) define the resistant nature of the tumor milieu. To define tumor-enabling mechanisms of TAMs, we analyzed molecular clinical datasets correlating cell surface receptors with the TAM infiltrate. Though P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) is found on other immune cells and functions as an adhesion molecule, PSGL-1 is highly expressed on TAMs across multiple tumor types. siRNA-mediated knockdown and antibody-mediated inhibition revealed a role for PSGL-1 in maintaining an immune suppressed macrophage state. PSGL-1 knockdown or inhibition enhanced proinflammatory mediator release across assays and donors in vitro. In several syngeneic mouse models, PSGL-1 blockade alone and in combination with PD-1 blockade reduced tumor growth. Using a humanized tumor model, we observed the proinflammatory TAM switch following treatment with an anti-PSGL-1 antibody. In ex vivo patient-derived tumor cultures, a PSGL-1 blocking antibody increased expression of macrophage-derived proinflammatory cytokines, as well as IFNγ, indicative of T-cell activation. Our data demonstrate that PSGL-1 blockade reprograms TAMs, offering a new therapeutic avenue to patients not responding to T-cell immunotherapies, as well as patients with tumors devoid of T cells. Significance: This work is a significant and actionable advance, as it offers a novel approach to treating patients with cancer who do not respond to T-cell checkpoint inhibitors, as well as to patients with tumors lacking T-cell infiltration. We expect that this mechanism will be applicable in multiple indications characterized by infiltration of TAMs.
Character of channel planform change and meander development: Luangwa River, Zambia

Air photo interpretation and field survey were used to examine rates and patterns of planform change over the last 40 years on an 80 km reach of the Luangwa River, Zambia. The river, a tributary of the Zambezi, is a 100–200 m wide, medium sinuosity sand-bed river (sinuosity index 1·84). High rates of channel migration (<33 m a−1) and cutoffs on meandering sections are frequent. Some meandering reaches, however, have remained relatively stable. A form of anastomosing with anabranches up to 14 km in length is also a characteristic. Patterns of meander development vary between bends but all can be described in relation to traditional geomorphic models; change occurs by translation, rotation, double-heading, concave bank bench formation and cutoff causing river realignment. At the local scale spatial variability in bank resistance, induced by floodplain sedimentology, controls rate of bank erosion, and valley-side channel ‘deflection’ is also apparent. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A cost-effectiveness analysis of national smoking cessation services among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in Thailand

Abstract Aims Thailand’s national smoking cessation services (FAH-SAI clinics) were founded in 2010. A cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) is needed to inform policymakers of the allocation and prioritization of the limited budget to maximize the value for money of reimbursing these services. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients would benefit from smoking cessation services. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of these multidisciplinary services compared to the usual care among COPD patients in Thailand from a societal perspective. Methods We conducted a CEA from a societal perspective using a Markov model to simulate lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained by each smoking cessation intervention over the patient’s lifetime. We derived the effectiveness of the smoking cessation services from a multicenter, longitudinal study of smoking cessation services in Thailand and estimated the natural quit rate, transition probabilities, health utility, and cost data from the published literature. Costs and outcomes were discounted at 3%. Sensitivity analyses were performed. Results Compared to the usual care, FAH-SAI clinics were associated with higher costs (4,207 THB (US$133)) and improved QALYs (0.11), with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 37,675 THB/QALY (US$1,187/QALY). The effectiveness of FAH-SAI clinics was a key driver of the cost-effectiveness results. At the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of 160,000 THB (US$5,042) per QALY gained, the probability of being cost-effective was 96.5%. Conclusions FAH-SAI clinics were cost-effective under Thailand’s WTP threshold. Our results could inform policymakers in allocating resources to support smoking cessation services for COPD patients in Thailand.
Venous thromboembolism in orthopedic surgery: Global guidelines

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a severe complication that can occur after major orthopedic procedures. As VTE-related morbidity and mortality are a significant concern for both medical professionals and patients, and preventative measures are typically employed. Multiple organizations, including the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), have developed guidelines for VTE prophylaxis specifically in patients undergoing joint replacement procedures. However, recently, the International Consensus Meeting (ICM) was convened, which brought together over 600 experts from 68 countries and 135 international societies. These experts, spanning a range of medical disciplines including orthopedic surgery, anesthesia, cardiology, hematology, vascular, and internal medicine, conducted a comprehensive review of the literature using a strict Delphi process to generate practical recommendations for VTE prophylaxis across all types of orthopedic procedures. This review article summarizes some of the recommendations of the ICM. Level of Evidence: Level V, Expert opinion.
Concordance of a High Lipoprotein(a) Concentration Among Relatives.

Importance Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) concentrations are a highly heritable and potential causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Recent consensus statements by the European Atherosclerosis Society and American Heart Association recommend screening of relatives of individuals with high Lp(a) concentrations, but the expected yield of this approach has not been quantified in large populations. Objective To measure the prevalence of high Lp(a) concentrations among first- and second-degree relatives of individuals with high Lp(a) concentrations compared with unrelated participants. Design, Setting, and Participants In this cross-sectional analysis, pairs of first-degree (n = 19 899) and second-degree (n = 9715) relatives with measured Lp(a) levels from the UK Biobank study and random pairs of unrelated individuals (n = 184 764) were compared. Data for this study were collected from March 2006 to August 2010 and analyzed from December 2021 to August 2023. Exposure Serum Lp(a) levels, with a high Lp(a) level defined as at least 125 nmol/L. Main Outcome and Measure Concordance of clinically relevant high Lp(a) levels in first- and second-degree relatives of index participants with high Lp(a) levels. Results A total of 52 418 participants were included in the analysis (mean [SD] age, 57.3 [8.0] years; 29 825 [56.9%] women). Levels of Lp(a) were correlated among pairs of first-degree (Spearman ρ = 0.45; P < .001) and second-degree (Spearman ρ = 0.22; P < .001) relatives. A total of 1607 of 3420 (47.0% [95% CI, 45.3%-48.7%]) first-degree and 514 of 1614 (31.8% [95% CI, 29.6%-34.2%]) second-degree relatives of index participants with high Lp(a) levels also had elevated concentrations compared with 4974 of 30 258 (16.4% [95% CI, 16.0%-16.9%]) pairs of unrelated individuals. The concordance in high Lp(a) levels was generally consistent among subgroups (eg, those with prior ASCVD, postmenopausal women, and statin users). The odds ratios for relatives to have high Lp(a) levels if their index relative had a high Lp(a) level compared with those whose index relatives did not have high Lp(a) levels were 7.4 (95% CI, 6.8-8.1) for first-degree relatives and 3.0 (95% CI, 2.7-3.4) for second-degree relatives. Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that the yield of cascade screening of first-degree relatives of individuals with high Lp(a) levels is over 40%. These findings support recent recommendations to use this approach to identify additional individuals at ASCVD risk based on Lp(a) concentrations.
Spatial and temporal variations of aerosols around Beijing in summer 2006: 2. Local and column aerosol optical properties

[1] Model calculations were conducted using the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with chemistry (WRF-chem) for the region around Beijing, China, in the summer of 2006, when the CAREBeijing-2006 intensive campaign was conducted. In this paper, we interpret aerosol optical properties in terms of aerosol mass concentrations and their chemical compositions by linking model calculations with measurements. The model calculations generally captured the observed variability of various surface and column aerosol optical parameters in and around Beijing. At the surface, the spatial and temporal variations of aerosol absorption and scattering coefficients corresponded well to those of elemental carbon and sulfate mass concentrations, respectively, and were controlled by local-scale (<100 km and <24 hours) and regional-scale (<500 km and <3 days) emissions, respectively. The contribution of secondary aerosols and their water uptake increased with altitude within the planetary boundary layer. This variation led to a considerable increase in column aerosol optical depth and was responsible for the differences in regional and temporal variations between surface and column aerosol optical properties around Beijing. These processes are expected to be common in other megacity regions as well. Model calculations, however, underestimated or overestimated the absolute levels of aerosol optical properties in and around Beijing by up to 60%. Sensitivity studies showed that these discrepancies were mostly due to the uncertainties in aerosol mixing state and aerosol density (affecting mass extinction efficiency) in the model calculations. Good agreement with measurements is achieved when these aerosol properties are accurately predicted or assumed; however, significant bias can result when these properties are inadequately treated, even if total aerosol mass concentrations are reproduced well in the model calculations.
Response to CO2 Doubling of the Atlantic Hurricane Main Development Region in a High-Resolution Climate Model

AbstractResponse of climate conditions in the Atlantic hurricane main development region (MDR) to doubling of atmospheric CO2 has been explored using the new high-resolution coupled climate model, version 2.5 (CM2.5), developed at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL). In the annual mean, the SST in the MDR warms by about 2°C in the CO2 doubling run relative to the control run; the trade winds become weaker in the northern tropical Atlantic and the rainfall increases over the ITCZ and its northern region. The amplitude of the annual cycle of the SST over the MDR is not significantly changed by CO2 doubling. However, the authors find that the interannual variations show significant responses to CO2 doubling; the seasonal maximum peak of the interannual variations of the SST over the MDR is about 25% stronger than in the control run. The enhancement of the interannual variations of the SST in the MDR is caused by changes in effectiveness of the wind–evaporation–SST (WES) positive feedback; WES re.
Temporal trends in 90-day survival of hospitalised individuals during two years of the COVID-19 pandemic in Denmark

Abstract Background Mortality rates peaked early in the COVID-19 pandemic and then declined. Possible explanations are pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, vaccines and changing demographics. We sought to evaluate temporal trends in clinical characteristics and survival of patients hospitalised with COVID-19 during the first two years of the pandemic in Denmark. Methods In this observational study, we included all adults with COVID-19 consecutively admitted to three hospitals in Copenhagen, Denmark, from March 2020 through March 2022. The primary outcome was overall survival up to day 90 from admission. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the association of survival within five consecutive time-periods, based on admission date, adjusted for baseline characteristics, vaccination status, remdesivir and dexamethasone treatment. Results In 1630 included patients, the median age [IQR] was 68 [52, 79] years, 56.6% were men and 86.2% had comorbidity. Clinical characteristics changed over time. The crude 90-day mortality rate peaked in March–June 2020 with 28.9%, decreased from July 2020 to 17.5%, and increased again in January-March 2022 to 28.6%. Lower hazard ratios for death were observed in individuals admitted from July 2020 and persisted after adjusting for baseline characteristics. Adjusting for vaccination, remdesivir treatment and dexamethasone treatment attenuated the association in patients requiring low-flow oxygen. Conclusions Our study suggests lower hazard rates for mortality in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 from July 2020 compared to March-June 2020, mainly driven by lower mortality in patients with a need of oxygen at baseline.