Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of eutrophication on air-water exchange, vertical fluxes, and phytoplankton concentrations of persistent organic pollutants.

The influence of eutrophication on the biogeochemical cycles of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is largely unknown. In this paper, the application of a dynamic air−water−phytoplankton exchange model to Lake Ontario is used as a framework to study the influence of eutrophication on air−water exchange, vertical fluxes, and phytoplankton concentrations of POPs. The results of these simulations demonstrate that air−water exchange controls phytoplankton concentrations in remote aquatic environments with little influence from land-based sources of pollutants and supports levels in even historically contaminated systems. Furthermore, eutrophication or high biomass leads to a disequilibrium between the gas and dissolved phase, enhanced air−water exchange, and vertical sinking fluxes of PCBs. Increasing biomass also depletes the water concentrations leading to lower than equilibrium PCB concentrations in phytoplankton. Implications to future trends in PCB pollution in .
Precursory signals in analysis ensemble spread

Time evolution of the ensemble spread of an experimental ensemble atmospheric reanalysis ALERA is examined in relation to various meteorological phenomena. The analysis ensemble spread increases about two days prior to westerly bursts in the eastern Indian Ocean. Precursory signals are also found in the monsoon onset. The analysis ensemble spread is large at the leading edge of the Somali jet and it grows as the jet extends eastward. Over Vietnam analysis ensemble spread is maximized several weeks before the maximum of the monsoon westerlies. In the stratosphere the analysis ensemble spread takes the maximum value a few days prior to a sudden warming. Our findings indicate that the ensemble analysis contains additional information on atmospheric uncertainty of scientific interest, which may also have practical value.
Bathymetric effects and corrections in marine CSEM data

The effect of seafloor topographic variations on controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) responses is investigated using a finite-difference modeling approach for both petroleum and gas-hydrate exploration scenarios. In a deepwater reservoir model, distortions in the inline electric field responses are mainly due to galvanic effects, particularly at long transmitter-receiver (Tx-Rx) offsets, and are characterized by persistent short-wavelength anomalies at all Tx-Rx offsets in the amplitude profiles. In a shallow-water reservoir model, the contribution of inductive effects to bathymetric distortions is large at short Tx-Rx offsets compared to the deepwater case, whereas at long offsets, the distortion pattern is mainly determined by the source-receiver geometry relative to the sea surface because of the airwave effect rather than by the resistivity variations associated with the seafloor topography. A simple correction technique, which is an extension of the topographic correction procedure for magnetotelluric data, is effective in removing the bathymetric distortions for the deep marine case, but cannot be used for the shallow-water case because of the airwave effect. For a gas-hydrate exploration model, it is shown that the bathymetric response can be large enough to mask the target response, because higher frequencies and shorter offsets need to be used to detect the shallow targets. However, the modeling study suggests that the shallow target response can be separated from the bathymetric distortions using the correction method.
Beneficial Effects of Halogenated Anesthetics in Cardiomyocytes: The Role of Mitochondria

In the last few years, the use of anesthetic drugs has been related to effects other than those initially related to their fundamental effect, hypnosis. Halogenated anesthetics, mainly sevoflurane, have been used as a therapeutic tool in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, thanks to the beneficial effect of the cardiac protection they generate. This effect has been described in several research studies. The mechanism by which they produce this effect has been associated with the effects generated by anesthetic preconditioning and postconditioning. The mechanisms by which these effects are induced are directly related to the modulation of oxidative stress and the cellular damage generated by the ischemia/reperfusion procedure through the overexpression of different enzymes, most of them included in the Reperfusion Injury Salvage Kinase (RISK) and the Survivor Activating Factor Enhancement (SAFE) pathways. Mitochondria is the final target of the different routes of pre- and post-anesthetic conditioning, and it is preserved from the damage generated in moments of lack of oxygen and after the recovery of the normal oxygen concentration. The final consequence of this effect has been related to better cardiac function in this type of patient, with less myocardial damage, less need for inotropic drugs to achieve normal myocardial function, and a shorter hospital stay in intensive care units. The mechanisms through which mitochondrial homeostasis is maintained and its relationship with the clinical effect are the basis of our review. From a translational perspective, we provide information regarding mitochondrial physiology and physiopathology in cardiac failure and the role of halogenated anesthetics in modulating oxidative stress and inducing myocardial conditioning.
Efficacy and Safety of Setmelanotide, a Melanocortin-4 Receptor Agonist, for Obese Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: A malfunction in the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is associated with obesity in rare genetic syndromes; setmelanotide is a new drug that activates this receptor and is being used to treat severe obesity. This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of setmelanotide for weight loss in severe obesity linked to human MC4R deficiency. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane for randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials using setmelanotide. We considered a p-value ≤ 0.05 statistically significant. Results: We included 376 patients, of whom 328 (87.2%) received setmelanotide for a mean follow-up of 52 weeks. The mean age was 32.8 (14.67) years. Weight loss was significant (MD −3.52; 95% CI −3.98, −3.05; p = 0.01; I2 = 92%), with an average proportion of −6.91% weight loss during treatment. Changes in BMI showed an MD of −10.55 kg/m2 in patients > 18 years and −0.61 kg/m2 in patients < 18 years (BMI score). However, the drug was associated with a higher risk of skin hyperpigmentation (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.55, 0.80; p = 0.08). Conclusions: Our results support the use of setmelanotide in treating severe obesity.
Research on the Mechanism and Control Strategy of Microbubble Cleaning Sludge

Microbubble cleaning technology has the characteristics of environmental protection and low energy consumption and has been initially applied in the field of oil sludge cleaning. For the controllability of microbubbles in the cleaning process, this paper adopted the numerical simulation method to quantitatively study the growth and collapse mechanism of bubbles in the cleaning process, the influence law of flow field, and parameter changes on the dynamic behavior of bubbles from the perspective of micro-dynamics. It was found that the dynamic characteristics of the flow field around the bubble in the free field show a symmetrical distribution, while the motion of the fluid near the wall is blocked by the wall, and the flow field between the bubble and the wall becomes irregular. It was also found that the large amplitude pressure changes in microbubbles produced a “plastic hinge” alternating impact on the wall, the bubble collapse, and wall pulsation pressure change are mainly controlled by the driving pressure. The liquid temperature mainly affects the dynamic characteristics of the bubble by causing a change in the viscosity of the medium. Under the condition of Pd = 0.1 MPa and γ = 1.5, when the liquid viscosity decreases from 0.110 to 0.00314 Pa·s, the maximum pressure affected by the first bubble collapse increases from 200.71 to 317.74 Kpa. Compared with the bubble distribution, the impact of increasing the number of bubbles on the wall is more significant. Under the condition of γ = 1 and Pd = 0.1 MPa, compared with the single bubble, the pulse pressure of nine bubbles’ collapse on the wall increases by 100 KPa. The research results can provide technical support for the development of microbubble cleaning technology.
Testing and Evaluation Performance of Borosilicate Glasses for Ammonia, Nitrate, and Total Nitrogen Removal from Industrial Wastewater

Several studies were conducted utilizing various adsorbents in an effort to remove NH3+, NO3, and total nitrogen (TN) by adsorption process. In this study, Borosilicate glass is used as an adsorbent material. The effectiveness of the adsorbent in removing NH3+, NO3, and TN was examined, that in relation to the effect of solution characteristics. Three different types of glass intermediate oxides (Al2O3, SnO, and Bi2O3) were used to synthesize three different samples of borosilicate glass (adsorbents), that to study their effect on the adsorption efficiency of borosilicate glass. Aluminum oxide Al2O3 was used to synthesize adsorbent (I), tin oxide SnO was used to synthesize adsorbent (J), and bismuth oxide Bi2O3 was used to synthesize adsorbent (K). Adsorbents (I, J, and K) achieved a clear improvement in the performance of the adsorption process. Despite the convergence of competencies, adsorbents J and K were superior to adsorbent I. With adsorbent K and an initial concentration of contaminants 28 mg NH3+/ L, 28 mg NO3/ L, and 60 mg TN / L, the removal efficiency of NH3+, NO3, and TN was 49.5%, 55%, and 40%, respectively. The removal efficiency increased with initial concentration of contaminants increasing, which became around 79% NH3+, 93% NO3, and 88% TN for adsorbent K. The best efficiency of ammonia removal achieved with pH value 8.9, it was 64.1%, 75.3%, and 77.1% for adsorbents I, J, and K, respectively. The highest efficiency of nitrate removal was in acidic case, reaching 90.1%, 95.2%, and 93.8% for adsorbents I, J, and K, respectively, at pH value 4.1. Adsorption data were fitted with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models to demonstrate the adsorption behavior of NH3+, NO3, and TN onto adsorbents (I, J, and K). It was found that the data were well fitted to both models. Overall, the findings demonstrated that borosilicate glass has the potential to be an effective adsorbent for the removal of ammonia, nitrate, and total nitrogen from industrial effluent.
The first substantive evidence of Utatsusaurus (Ichthyopterygia) from the Sulphur Mountain Formation (Lower–Middle Triassic) of British Columbia, Canada: a skull roof description in comparison with other early taxa

We describe the skull roof anatomy of PRPRC 2007.08. 81, a new specimen of late Olenekian (Spathian) ichthyopterygian from the Vega-Phroso Siltstone Member of the Sulphur Mountain Formation of British Columbia, Canada. Based on the presence of a well-developed anterolateral prefrontal process, parietal that is deeply excavated along its posteromedial margin, and skull roof sutural patterns, PRPRC 2007.08. 81 closely resembles other Olenekian forms such as Utatsusaurus, Grippia, Chaohusaurus, and Gulosaurus (a new taxon recently described from British Columbia, Canada). However, due to their shared apomorphic supratemporal terrace morphology, PRPRC 2007.08. 81 is identified as Utatsusaurus sp. With the only other known conclusive Utatsusaurus material retrieved from the Osawa Formation (Lower Triassic) of Japan, the broad palaeogeographic distribution of this taxon suggests a radiation event for Ichthyopterygia occurring prior to the latter part of the Olenekian. However, despite this inference, the palaeogeo.
The case for an Imbrium origin of the Apollo thorium‐rich impact‐melt breccias

Abstract— Mafic, Th‐rich impact‐melt breccias, most of which are identified with the composition known as low‐K Fra Mauro (LKFM), are the most common rock type in the nonmare regoliths of the Apollo lunar landing sites. The origin of mafic impact‐melt breccias bears on many lunar problems: the nature of the late meteoroid bombardment (cataclysm); the spatial distribution of KREEP, both near the surface and at depth; the ages of the major basins; and the composition of the early crust of the nearside lunar highlands. Thus, it is crucial that the origin of mafic impact‐melt breccias be accurately understood. Because of both intra‐ and intersite differences in compositions of mafic impact‐melt breccia samples, apparent differences in crystallization age, and differences in siderophile‐element ratios, previous studies have argued that either (1) most mafic impact‐melt breccias are the products of several large craters local to the site at which they were found but that some are of basin origin or that (2) they are all from the Imbrium (Apollos 14 and 15), Nectaris (Apollo 16), and Serenitatis (Apollo 17) basins. Here, we reconsider the hypothesis that virtually all of the Th‐rich, mafic impact‐melt breccias from the Apollo missions are products of the Imbrium impact.
Japan's New Growth Strategy to Create Demand and Jobs

The New Growth Strategy aims to create demand and jobs through regulatory reform and fiscal measures. The Strategy focuses on key challenges, notably climate change and population ageing, which can be turned into sources of growth. Given Japan’s precarious fiscal position, it is essential to co-ordinate spending related to the Strategy with the medium-term fiscal plan, in part by increasing the emphasis on regulatory reform. Such measures should cover the entire economy, rather than being limited to the seven areas identified in the Strategy. Among those areas, effectively promoting green innovation will require market-based instruments to place a price on carbon, preferably through a mandatory and comprehensive emissions trading system, to promote private investment, accompanied by a range of other policies. Achieving deeper economic integration with Asia depends on reducing support for agriculture to facilitate more bilateral and regional trade agreements, while bringing down barriers to foreign direct investment and foreign workers. Policies to expand venture capital would help launch innovative firms. This Working Paper relates to the 2011 OECD Economic Survey of Japan (www.oecd.org/eco/surveys/Japan). La Nouvelle strategie de croissance du Japon visant a stimuler la demande et l'emploi La Nouvelle strategie de croissance a pour objectif de stimuler la demande et l’emploi par le biais de la reforme de la reglementation et de mesures budgetaires. Elle met l’accent sur des enjeux fondamentaux, notamment le changement climatique et le vieillissement de la population, qui peuvent devenir des sources de croissance. La situation budgetaire du Japon etant delicate, il est primordial de coordonner les depenses liees a la strategie avec le plan budgetaire a moyen terme, en partie en privilegiant la reforme de la reglementation. Ces mesures devraient interesser l’ensemble de l’economie, et non etre limitees aux sept volets definis dans la strategie. S’agissant de ces derniers, pour promouvoir efficacement l’innovation verte, il faudra utiliser des instruments fondes sur le marche pour instituer une tarification du carbone, de preference dans le cadre d’un systeme obligatoire et complet d’echange de droits d’emission, afin d’encourager l’investissement prive, parallelement a diverses autres mesures. Pour parvenir a une integration economique plus etroite avec l’Asie, il importe de reduire le soutien a l’agriculture de maniere a faciliter la multiplication des accords commerciaux bilateraux et regionaux, tout en eliminant les obstacles a l’entree des investissements directs etrangers et des travailleurs etrangers. Des mesures destinees a accroitre le capital-risque favoriseraient la creation d’entreprises innovantes. Ce Document de travail se rapporte a l’Etude economique de l’OCDE du Japon, 2011 (www.oecd.org/eco/etudes/japon).
Nutritional Strategies to Promote Bovine Oocyte Quality for In Vitro Embryo Production: Do They Really Work?

Simple Summary The nutritional status of oocyte donors plays a significant role in the efficiency of in vitro embryo production (IVEP) in cattle. The available evidence suggests that oocyte donors with a moderate body condition score (i.e., 3 in a 1–5 scale) subjected to ovum pick have an increased chance of providing a metabolic microenvironment in ovarian follicles that will promote embryo formation in vitro. The usefulness of fatty acid and micronutrient supplementation to improve the IVEP of oocyte donors is debatable with the current information available. As such, the supply of maintenance nutritional requirements according to developmental and productive stage seems to be enough to provide bovine oocyte donors with a good chance of producing embryos in vitro. Abstract The ability of bovine oocytes to reach the blastocyst stage (i.e., embryo with around 150 cells in cattle) in vitro can be affected by technical (e.g., culture medium used) and physiological factors in oocyte donors (e.g., age, breed). As such, the nutritional status of oocyte donors plays a significant role in the efficiency of in vitro embryo production (IVEP), and several nutritional strategies have been investigated in cattle subjected to ovum pick-up (OPU). However, there is no clear consensus on the reliability of nutritional schemes to improve IVEP in cattle. Available evidence suggests that a moderate body condition score (i.e., 3 in a 1–5 scale) in cattle is compatible with a metabolic microenvironment in ovarian follicles that will promote embryo formation in vitro. The usefulness of fatty acid and micronutrient supplementation to improve IVEP in cattle is debatable with the current information available. Overall, the supply of maintenance nutritional requirements according to developmental and productive stage seems to be enough to provide bovine oocyte donors with a good chance of producing embryos in vitro. Future nutrition research in cattle using OPU-IVEP models needs to consider animal well-being aspects (i.e., stress caused by handling and sampling), which could affect the results.
Chironomidae of the Southeastern United States: A Checklist of Species and Notes on Biology, Distribution, and Habitat

Abstract : We provide a current listing of the species of midges (Diptera:Chironomidae) in the southeastern United States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee). This checklist should aid in research on this group of insects, which have often proved useful in the assessment of water quality. We document each species distribution and general habitat and provide the best taxonomic reference to facilitate the identification or description of species in that genus. Changes in nomenclature, unique ecological traits, bibliographic sources, or other items of information are summarized in a paragraph on each genus. Regional distribution of the principal subfamilies indicated that the species of Chironominae and Tanypodinae were concentrated in the coastal region, whereas the Orthocladiinae were evenly distributed from the coast to the mountains. Considering the major habitats (lakes, rivers, and streams), Tanypodinae were about evenly distributed; Orthocladiinae were more predominant in streams and Chironominae in lakes.
Response of Microorganisms to Hot Crude Oil Spills on a Subarctic Taiga Soil

This study was conducted on the short-term effects of seasonal spills of hot Prudhoe Bay crude oil on microorganisms in a taiga soil in interior Alaska. Following a winter spill, the filamentous fungal populations were inhibited whereas the heterotrophic bacterial populations were stimulated. After a summer spill there was an initial depression of both the filamentous fungal and bacterial populations followed by a general enhancement. In both oil spill plots, yeasts; along with the denitrifying, proteolytic, oil-utilizing, and cellulose-utilizing microorganisms; were favorably affected by the oil. Soil respiration was also enhanced in the oiled plots. An extended period of study is required to fully evaluate the impact of oil on the soil microflora and the role of these microorganisms in recovery of oil-inundated areas in subarctic ecosystems.
Formation and preservation of an overstepped segmented lagoon complex on a high‐energy continental shelf

The duration of shoreline occupation at a given sea‐level, coastal response to sea‐level change and the controls on preservation of various shoreline elements can be recognized by detailed examination of submerged shorelines on the continental shelf. Using bathymetric and seismic observations, this article documents the evolution and preservation of an incised valley and lithified barrier complex between −65 m and −50 m mean sea‐level on a wave‐dominated continental shelf. The barrier complex is preserved as a series of aeolianite or beachrock ridges backed by laterally extensive back‐barrier sediments. The ridges include prograded cuspate lagoonal shoreline features similar to those found in contemporary lagoons. The incised valley trends shore‐parallel behind the barrier complex and records an early phase of valley filling, followed by a phase of extensive lagoonal sedimentation beyond the margins of the incised bedrock valley. Sea‐level stability at the outer barrier position (ca −65 m) enabled accumulation of a substantial coastal barrier that remained intact during a phase of subsequent slow sea‐level rise to −58 m when the lagoon formed. These lagoonal sediments are stripped seawards by bay ravinement processes which caused the formation of several prograded marginal cuspate features. An abrupt rise in sea‐level to −40 m, correlated with melt‐water pulse 1B, enabled the preservation of thick lagoonal sediments at the top of the incised valley fill and preservation on the sea bed of the cemented core of the barriers. This situation is unique to subtropical coastlines where early diagenesis is possible. The overlying sandy sediment from the uncemented upper portion of the barriers is dispersed by ravinement, partly burying the ridges and protecting the underlying sediments. The high degree of barrier or shoreline preservation is attributed to rapid overstepping of the shoreline, early cementation in favourable climatic conditions and the protection of the barrier cores by sand sheet draping.