Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The temporal distribution of aftershock sequences in the subduction zones of the Pacific

SUMMARY The temporal behaviour of 146 aftershock sequences distributed on the subduction zones in the circum-Pacific belt is examined. Almost all of the sequences were modelled well by Omori’s relation. The well-known parameter p (or p-value) is the expression of the aftershock decay with time. Mean p-values are estimated for the east and west parts of the circum-Pacific belt. The different p-values estimated for these areas are statistically tested, and an interpretation regarding the tectonics is given.
Efficacy and safety of vitamin D supplementation on psoriasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives Our aim was to analyze the results of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on vitamin D supplementation for psoriasis in order to explore its effectiveness and safety. Patients and methods As of July 7 2023, we conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science Core Collection databases. The study outcomes included change values in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) (at 3 months, 6 months, and end of follow-up)/Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)/Psoriasis disability index (PDI)/C-reactive protein (CRP), and adverse events. Results 333 patients from 4 studies were evaluated. Pooled analyses showed no significant effect of DLQI/PDI/CRP change value (P > 0.05) or PASI change value (3 months, end of follow-up; P > 0.05). Sensitivity analyses and statistical tests did not support the results of the PASI change values (6 months, P = 0.05). However, the results of subgroup analyses should not be ignored(supplementation with vitamin D2 or Asia would be more effective; P = 0.03). There were no serious adverse effects, and only a few individuals experienced nausea. Conclusions The efficacy and safety of vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of psoriasis remains unremarkable. The search for a new prognostic index that combines clinical and laboratory factors is needed to compensate for the shortcomings of existing measures and provide stronger evidence of validity.
Towards a mathematical understanding of invasion resistance in multispecies communities

Multispecies community composition and dynamics are key to health and disease across biological systems, a prominent example being microbial ecosystems. Explaining the forces that govern diversity and resilience in the microbial consortia making up our body’s defences remains a challenge. In this, theoretical models are crucial, to bridge the gap between species dynamics and underlying mechanisms and to develop analytic insight. Here we propose a replicator equation framework to model multispecies dynamics where an explicit notion of invasion resistance of a system emerges and can be studied explicitly. For illustration, we derive the conceptual link between such replicator equation and N microbial species’ growth and interaction traits, stemming from micro-scale environmental modification. Within this replicator framework, mean invasion fitness arises, evolves dynamically, and may undergo critical predictable shifts with global environmental changes. This mathematical approach clarifies the key role of this resident system trait for invader success, and highlights interaction principles among N species that optimize their collective resistance to invasion. We propose this model based on the replicator equation as a powerful new avenue to study, test and validate mechanisms of invasion resistance and colonization in multispecies microbial ecosystems and beyond.
A Pilot Study to Explore the Improvements in Pulmonary and Cognitive Functions With a Kazoo Intervention Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in a Rural Community

Dementia is a leading cause of disability and dependence in older adults worldwide. The aim of this pilot study was to explore the effect of using a kazoo instrument to improve pulmonary function and cognitive reserve in middle-aged and older adults in rural areas. This quasi-experimental study was conducted at two community care stations selected using cluster sampling from a rural district in southern Taiwan. We enrolled 85 middle-aged and older adults who were randomly assigned into self-learner and in-class groups. Both groups received a 6-month kazoo program. Cognitive and pulmonary function were compared before and after the intervention between the two groups. Significantly improved pulmonary function with regards to forced vital capacity (p < .05) was found in the self-learner group, and significantly improved maximum expiratory flow 75% (p < .001) was found in both groups. Mini-Mental State Examination scores significantly improved in the self-learner group (p < .01), but there was no significant change in the in-class group. Our results suggest that community care stations could consider implementing wind instrument programs such as a kazoo to enhance pulmonary function and cognitive reserve in middle-aged and older adults residing in rural areas.
How Topographic Smoothing Contributes to Differences between the Eddy Flows Simulated by Sigma- and Geopotential-Coordinate Models

Abstract The characteristics of the mesoscale turbulence simulated at a resolution of ⅓° by a sigma-coordinate model (SPEM) and a geopotential-coordinate model (OPA) of the South Atlantic differ significantly. These two types of models differ with respect to not only their numerical formulation, but also their topography (smoothed in SPEM, as in every sigma-coordinate application). In this paper, the authors examine how these topographic differences result in eddy flows that are different in the two models. When the topography of the Agulhas region is smoothed locally in OPA, as is done routinely in SPEM, the production mechanism of the Agulhas rings, their characteristics, and their subsequent drift in the subtropical gyre, are found to converge toward those in SPEM. Furthermore, the vertical distribution of eddy kinetic energy (EKE) everywhere in the basin interior becomes similar in SPEM and OPA and, according to some current meter data, becomes more realistic when mesoscale topographic roughness is re.
Mitigating bycatch in Mediterranean trammel net fisheries using species-specific gear modifications

Small-scale fisheries (SSF) use static gear which are thought to interact with marine ecosystems more benignly than towed gear. Despite this, trammel nets, one of the most extensively used type of fishing gear in the Mediterranean SSF, generate large amounts of discards, which can account for 25% or more of the captured biomass. Discarded organisms may include endangered or threatened species such as elasmobranchs, as well as non-commercial invertebrates that damage fishing gear or cause disentanglement delays. We evaluated various trammel-net gear modifications, including (i) the use of a guarding net attached to the footrope, (ii) increasing the length of the rigging twine between the footrope and the netting panel, and (iii) decreasing the mesh size of the outer panels. The last two modifications were successful in lowering captures of the marbled electric ray Torpedo marmorata, which is commonly discarded in the study area. Both sorts of modifications are relatively simple, their manufacturing does not represent an added cost to implement, and most importantly they do not negatively affect the catch of the target species. The current study shows that prior evaluation of the discard profile of distinct métiers is essential to accomplish species-specific gear modifications and underlines the importance of collaboration among scientists, fishers and gear manufacturers.
Effects of 36 hours of sleep deprivation on military-related tasks: Can ammonium inhalants maintain performance?

Introduction A lack of sleep can pose a risk during military operations due to the associated decreases in physical and cognitive performance. However, fast-acting ergogenic aids, such as ammonia inhalants (AI), may temporarily mitigate those adverse effects of total sleep deprivation (TSD). Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the acute effect of AI on cognitive and physical performance throughout 36 hours of TSD in military personnel. Methods Eighteen male military cadets (24.1 ± 3.0 y; 79.3 ± 8.3 kg) performed 5 identical testing sessions during 36 hours of TSD (after 0 [0], 12 [–12], 24 [–24], and 36 [–36] hours of TSD), and after 8 [+8] hours of recovery sleep. During each testing session, the following assessments were conducted: Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), simple reaction time (SRT), shooting accuracy (SA), rifle disassembling and reassembling (DAS), and countermovement jump height (JH). Heart rate (HR) was continuously monitored during the SA task, and a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was obtained during the JH task. At each time point, tests were performed twice, either with AI or without AI as control (CON), in a counterbalanced order. Results There was faster SRT (1.6%; p < 0.01) without increasing the number of errors, higher JH (1.5%; p < 0.01), lower RPE (9.4%; p < 0.001), and higher HR (5.0%; p < 0.001) after using AI compared to CON regardless of TSD. However, neither SA nor DAS were affected by AI or TSD (p > 0.05). Independent of AI, the SRT was slower (3.2–9.3%; p < 0.001) in the mornings (-24, +8) than in the evening (-12), JH was higher (3.0–4.7%, p < 0.001) in the evenings (-12, -36) than in the mornings (0, -24, +8), and RPE was higher (20.0–40.1%; p < 0.001) in the sleep-deprived morning (-24) than all other timepoints (0, -12, -36, +8). Furthermore, higher ESS (59.5–193.4%; p < 0.001) was reported at -24 and -36 than the rest of the time points (0, -12, and + 8). Conclusion Although there were detrimental effects of TSD, the usage of AI did not reduce those adverse effects. However, regardless of TSD, AI did result in a short-term increase in HR, improved SRT without affecting the number of errors, and improved JH while concurrently decreasing the RPE. No changes, yet, were observed in SA and DAS. These results suggest that AI could potentially be useful in some military scenarios, regardless of sleep deprivation.
Evolution of animal multicellularity stimulated by dissolved organic carbon in early Ediacaran ocean: DOXAM hypothesis

Oxygenation of the ocean is presumed to be an important factor stimulating the evolution of multicellular animals. The appearance of the Ediacaran‐type biota (ca 575 Ma) was assigned to the aftermath of the Gaskiers glaciation (ca 580 Ma), when substantial oceanic oxygenation is believed to have started. However, several lines of evidence reveal that at least sponges evolved before this oxygenation. For understanding the first stage of animal evolution, we propose the hypothesis that Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) Stimulated the evolution for Animal Multicellularity (DOXAM). Recent geochemical studies of the Ediacaran sedimentary sequences have indicated that a substantial DOC mass was developed in the stratified ocean after the Marinoan glaciation (655–635 Ma), and this was supported by the inorganic and organic carbon isotope profiles of the Doushantuo Formation in South China. The DOC mass was an oxygen consumer in the water column; however, it could have provided a food source for filter‐feeding animals such as sponges and cnidarians, and established a primitive food‐web. Such an ecological structure is recognized in modern deep‐sea coral mounds. Results from the integrated ocean drilling program (IODP) Expedition 307 for a mound in northeastern Atlantic suggested that organic carbon suspended around the density boundary in the water column is the key feature to feed the heterotrophic deep‐sea coral community. Our hypothesis is consistent with the fact that the two most primitive animal phyla (Porifera and Cnidaria) are filter feeders. The evolution of filter feeding ecosystems removed the DOC mass and may have contributed to ocean oxygenation in the terminal Neoproterozoic when animal evolution passed into the second stage, with the appearance of bilaterians.
The internal structure of Eris inferred from its spin and orbit evolution

The large Kuiper Belt object Eris is tidally locked to its small companion Dysnomia. Recently obtained bounds on the mass of Dysnomia demonstrate that Eris must be unexpectedly dissipative for it to have despun over the age of the solar system. Here, we show that Eris must have differentiated into an ice shell and rocky core to explain the dissipation. We further demonstrate that Eris’s ice shell must be convecting to be sufficiently dissipative, which distinguishes it from Pluto’s conductive shell. The difference is likely due to Eris’s apparent depletion in volatiles compared with Pluto, perhaps as the result of a more energetic impact.
Overview of the structure and geothermal potential of Newberry Volcano, Oregon

Evidence from a broad range of geological and geophysical investigations of Newberry Volcano in centeral Oregon suggests the presence of a small magma body beneath the summit caldera. Drilling has encountered temperatures indicative of a hydrothermal system above the hypothesized magma body. On the basis of hydrothermal mineralogy the temperature of the hydrothermal system is at or near its maximum value, indicating that the hydrothermal system is young. Basaltic underplating is postulated to replenish the magma body. The results of interdisciplinary studies at Newberry Volcano document that young, silicic volcanism in the Cascade Range can have geothermal potential. These results should be applied with caution to the rest of the Cascade Range because of the strong influence of Basin and Range extensional tectonics on Newberry Volcano's style of volcanism.
Adaptive constraints at the range edge of a widespread and expanding invasive plant

Abstract Identifying the factors that facilitate and limit invasive species’ range expansion has both practical and theoretical importance, especially at the range edges. Here, we used reciprocal common garden experiments spanning the North/South and East/West range that include the North American core, intermediate and range edges of the globally invasive plant, Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) to investigate the interplay of climate, biotic interactions (i.e. competition) and patterns of adaptation. Our results suggest that the rapid range expansion of Johnsongrass into diverse environments across wide geographies occurred largely without local adaptation, but that further range expansion may be restricted by a fitness trade-off that limits population growth at the range edge. Interestingly, plant competition strongly dampened Johnsongrass growth but did not change the rank order performance of populations within a garden, though this varied among gardens (climates). Our findings highlight the importance of including the range edge when studying the range dynamics of invasive species, especially as we try to understand how invasive species will respond to accelerating global changes.
Bi-directionality in translating culture: Understanding translator trainees’ actual and perceived behaviors

Cultural translations of L1 and L2, in both directions, can indicate different behaviors of translators, influenced by the unique characteristics of each culture and the proficiency of the translator trainees’ bicultural competence. This study compares translator trainees’ behaviors when engaged in direct translation (L2 to L1) and inverse translation (L1 to L2) of cultural references to reveal the extent to which directionality influences trainees’ actual and perceived behaviors. Following a hypothesis-based observational design, the authors examine a single group’s behaviors under two conditions (direct translation and inverse translation), using Translog-II and a questionnaire. The data are analyzed quantitatively using the Wilcoxon test and descriptive statistics. The key findings indicate that inverse translation demands more cognitive effort than direct translation, particularly in online revision (n = 16, z = -3.206, p < .05) and production speed (n = 16, z = -3.068, p < .05). Conversely, direct translation requires more cognitive effort, especially in orientation time (n = 16, z = -2.482, p < .05) and performance (n = 16, z = -3.346, p < .05). Additionally, the students’ responses to the questionnaire reveal a tendency to rely more on online resources than on internal translation strategies. The authors suggest that translation students should receive training in both translation directions, effective management of the translation process, appropriate utilization of translation strategies, and cultural competence. These components should be integrated into translation training courses and instructional methods.
Incidence and Outcomes of Bloodstream Infection After Arterial Aneurysm Repair: Findings From a Population-Based Study

Abstract Background Limited research has focused on bloodstream infection (BSI) in patients with arterial grafts. This study aims to describe the incidence and outcomes of BSI after arterial aneurysm repair in a population-based cohort. Methods The expanded Rochester Epidemiology Project (e-REP) was used to analyze aneurysm repairs in adults (aged ≥18 years) residing in 8 counties in southern Minnesota from January 2010 to December 2020. Electronic records were reviewed for the first episode of BSI following aneurysm repair. BSI patients were assessed for vascular graft infection (VGI) and followed for all-cause mortality. Results During the study, 643 patients had 706 aneurysm repairs: 416 endovascular repairs (EVARs) and 290 open surgical repairs (OSRs). Forty-two patients developed BSI during follow-up. The 5-year cumulative incidence of BSI was 4.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.0%–6.4%), with rates of 4.0% (95% CI, 1.8%–6.2%) in the EVAR group and 5.8% (95% CI, 2.9%–8.6%) in the OSR group (P = .052). Thirty-nine (92.9%) BSI cases were monomicrobial, 33 of which were evaluated for VGI. VGI was diagnosed in 30.3% (10/33), accounting for 50.0% (8/16) of gram-positive BSI cases compared to 11.8% (2/17) of gram-negative BSI cases (P = .017). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative post-BSI all-cause mortality rates were 22.2% (95% CI, 8.3%–34.0%), 55.8% (95% CI, 32.1%–71.2%), and 76.8% (95% CI, 44.3%–90.3%), respectively. Conclusions The incidence of BSI following aneurysm repair was overall low. VGI was more common with gram-positive compared to gram-negative BSI. All-cause mortality following BSI was high, which may be attributed to advanced age and significant comorbidities in our cohort.
Differential gene expression during floral transition in pineapple

Abstract Pineapple ( Ananas comosus var. comosus) and ornamental bromeliads are commercially induced to flower by treatment with ethylene or its analogs. The apex is transformed from a vegetative to a floral meristem and shows morphological changes in 8 to 10 days, with flowers developing 8 to 10 weeks later. During eight sampling stages ranging from 6 h to 8 days after treatment, 7961 genes were found to exhibit differential expression (DE) after the application of ethylene. In the first 3 days after treatment, there was little change in ethylene synthesis or in the early stages of the ethylene response. Subsequently, three ethylene response transcription factors (ERTF) were up‐regulated and the potential gene targets were predicted to be the positive flowering regulator CONSTANS‐like 3 (CO), a WUSCHEL gene, two APETALA1/FRUITFULL (AP1/FUL) genes, an epidermal patterning gene, and a jasmonic acid synthesis gene. We confirm that pineapple has lost the flowering repressor FLOWERING LOCUS C. At the initial stages, the SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS 1 (SOC1) was not significantly involved in this transition. Another WUSCHEL gene and a PHD homeobox transcription factor, though not apparent direct targets of ERTF, were up‐regulated within a day of treatment, their predicted targets being the up‐regulated CO, auxin response factors, SQUAMOSA, and histone H3 genes with suppression of abscisic acid response genes. The FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), TERMINAL FLOWER (TFL), AGAMOUS‐like APETELAR (AP2), and SEPETALA (SEP) increased rapidly within 2 to 3 days after ethylene treatment. Two FT genes were up‐regulated at the apex and not at the leaf bases after treatment, suggesting that transport did not occur. These results indicated that the ethylene response in pineapple and possibly most bromeliads act directly to promote the vegetative to flower transition via APETALA1/FRUITFULL (AP1/FUL) and its interaction with SPL, FT, TFL, SEP, and AP2. A model based on AP2/ERTF DE and predicted DE target genes was developed to give focus to future research. The identified candidate genes are potential targets for genetic manipulation to determine their molecular role in flower transition.
Physical Parameter Measurement and Theoretical Target Strength Estimation of Juvenile Cod (Gadus macrocephalus)

The contrast (fish body to medium ratio) of density and sound speed were measured to estimate acoustic scattering from small juvenile cod (Gadus macrocephalus) with the Kirchhoff-Ray Mode backscatter model. The density contrast was measured by the density-bottle method and the sound speed contrast was estimated by the time of flight method. The results revealed that the measured density contrasts of juvenile cod varied between 1.003 and 1.029 (mean = 1.014, S.D. = 0.01). On the other hand, sound speed contrasts varied between 1.039 and 1.041 (mean = 1.041, S.D. = 0.001). The relationship between averaged target strength (TS) and total length (TL) established by the model were 38kHz > = 20log(TL) . 68.8 and 120kHz > = 20log(TL) . 69.4, respectively.