Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Nordic Seas–Arctic Ocean carbon budget from volume flows and inorganic carbon data

A carbon budget for the Nordic Seas and Arctic Ocean is compiled by combining volume flows from the literature and carbon chemistry data, mainly from the Transient Tracers in the Ocean/National Academy of Sciences (TTONAS) 1981 expedition. The net advective export of dissolved inorganic carbon from the Nordic Seas and Arctic Ocean is found to be approximately 0.23 *106 moles C s−1 (0.09 Pg C yr−1). Including a tentative estimate of the increase of the carbon inventory in the region, which is due to the supply of anthropogenic CO2, gives an estimate of the net uptake of atmospheric CO2 amounting to 0.11 Pg C yr−1. If the ice-free area is assumed to be 3.1*1012 m2, this corresponds to a net uptake of 3 moles C m−2 yr−1 over the ice-free area. Input of carbon to the North Atlantic via the Arctic Ocean and Nordic Seas comprises transport of carbon from the Pacific through the Bering Strait, riverine carbon input, and net uptake of atmospheric CO2. On the basis of data from the literature the input of carbon from the Pacific is found to be approximately 0.63 Pg C yr−1, giving a total flux of carbon to the North Atlantic from the Nordic Seas and Arctic Ocean amounting to approximately 0.8 Pg C yr−1. A prominent feature of the transports is the large gross transport across the Greenland-Scotland ridge and the concentration difference between the inflowing North Atlantic water and the outflowing deep water, that is, the northern limb of the Atlantic thermohaline circulation. The gross carbon transport associated with deep and intermediate water overflow across the Greenland-Scotland ridge is estimated to 4.5 Pg C yr−1, which is at least 5% of the global gross exchange between surface and deep ocean. The role of the region in the global carbon cycle may therefore be summarized as a transit area for carbon from the Pacific and from river runoff, uptake of atmospheric CO2, and a substantial transformation of surface water to deep water. A large fraction of the regional storage of anthropogenic CO2 appears to be due to advection rather than enhanced regional air-sea uptake.
Estimating U.S. Methane Emissions from the Natural Gas Supply Chain. Approaches, Uncertainties, Current Estimates, and Future Studies

A growing number of studies have raised questions regarding uncertainties in our understanding of methane (CH4) emissions from fugitives and venting along the natural gas (NG) supply chain. In particular, a number of measurement studies have suggested that actual levels of CH4 emissions may be higher than estimated by EPA" tm s U.S. GHG Emission Inventory. We reviewed the literature to identify the growing number of studies that have raised questions regarding uncertainties in our understanding of methane (CH4) emissions from fugitives and venting along the natural gas (NG) supply chain.
Key Informants in Applied Qualitative Health Research

Identifying and recruiting key informants is a widely used sampling strategy in applied qualitative health research. Key informants were first conceptualized within ethnography, but there is little methodological guidance about how to use this technique outside of that research tradition. The objective of this article is to offer practical suggestions about how existing methods for data collection with key informants could be translated to methodologies commonly used in applied qualitative health research. This article delineates how key informants could be conceptualized and sampled and how data sufficiency can be approached. The article prompts deeper consideration of the politics of representation and epistemic power that are inherent to the use of key informants in applied qualitative health research.
Assessing the measurement properties of life-space mobility measures in community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review

Abstract Background Preserving and enhancing mobility is an important part of healthy ageing. Life-space mobility is a construct that captures actual mobility within the home and the community. The objective of this systematic review was to synthesise the measurement properties and interpretability of scores produced by life-space mobility measures in community-dwelling older adults. Methods This systematic review followed Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN). Multiple databases were searched to identify potentially relevant articles. Data extraction and assessment of methodological quality was conducted by two independent reviewers. When possible, results were quantitatively pooled for each measurement property. If studies could not be combined quantitatively, then findings were summarised qualitatively using means and percentage of confirmed hypothesis. Synthesised results were assessed against the COSMIN criteria for good measurement properties. Results A total of 21 full text articles were included in the review. The University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging Life-Space Assessment (LSA) was the most evaluated life-space mobility measure. The LSA demonstrated content validity, internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha 0.80–0.92), reliability [intra-class correlation value 0.89 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.80, 0.94)] and convergent validity with measures of physical function in community-dwelling older adults. Conclusion This systematic review summarised the measurement properties of life-space mobility measures in community-dwelling older adults following COSMIN guidelines. The LSA has been translated into multiple languages and has sufficient measurement properties for assessing life-space mobility among community-dwelling older adults.
Antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from pigs and associations with aggregated antimicrobial usage in Ireland: A herd‐level exploration

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is of significant global concern and is a major One Health issue. There is evidence to suggest that increased antimicrobial usage (AMU) can be associated with AMR patterns, and therefore, there have been efforts to reduce AMU in anticipation of reducing AMR emergence risk. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there were any associations between AMU and AMR patterns of commensal Escherichia coli isolated from pig herds in Ireland.
Gender differences in Internet perceptions and use

Seventy-five undergraduate and postgraduate students completed Riding's Cognitive Styles Analysis and a specially devised questionnaire relating to perceptions and use of the Internet. A number of statistically significant correlations were found linking cognitive styles (verbalizer/imager and wholist/analytic), age and department to questionnaire items. However, the clearest findings related to gender differences, with females reporting significantly greater levels of disorientation and disenchantment in relation to the Internet.
Road crossing behavior and preferences among pedestrians: From the lens of the theory of interpersonal behavior

Abstract Objective As a major safety intervention, infrastructural facilities such as footbridges, underpasses or signals are provided for pedestrians to remove their direct interactions with vehicles and consequently ensure safe crossing as they attempt to cross roadways. Interestingly, it is evident that even within the proximity of footbridges or underpasses, some individuals are more willing to take the risk of crossing at-grade even where there are no signals or crosswalk markings to separate their movement from vehicles. These crossing alternatives may have different utilization depending on location and road user types. Therefore, sustainable crossing facilities are needed to meet pedestrian needs. This study attempts to investigate the factors that influence pedestrians to avoid provided footbridges and engage in at-grade crossing behaviors. Methods The crossing point preference is an interpersonal behavior which is a multifaceted and complex phenomenon involving conscious (intentions) and subconscious (habits) factors. This study employs Triandis’ Theory of Interpersonal Behavior (TIB) as a theoretical framework and structural equation modeling to achieve study objectives. Pedestrians were intercepted randomly and socio-demographics, trip characteristics and perceptions data collected through a stated preference survey. Results Perceived consequence, affect, and social factors were found as significant antecedents of at-grade crossing intentions. Habits and facilitating conditions significantly moderate the impact of crossing intentions on actual at-grading crossing behavior. Pedestrians’ perceived consequence was found to significantly mediate the impact of social factors and affective factors on intention to cross at-grade. Apart from gender, age, satisfaction with footbridge features, work trips, and crossing frequency were all significant determinants of actual crossing at-grade behavior. Conclusions The study findings can help road safety agencies provide acceptable sustainable facilities that will be used by pedestrians to ensure that the purpose of investments toward pedestrian crossing safety is achieved. Effective road safety education and awareness campaigns on negative consequences of crossing at-grade, while highlighting the benefits of using provided footbridges are suggested to be undertaken by government agencies.
PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE GRANT-IN-AID OF RESEARCH, ARTISTRY AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM TITLE: Developing a Time-Inverted Lagrangian Modeling Tool for Quantifying Regional Emissions of Reactive Volatile Organic Compounds

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) play a central role in atmospheric chemistry, but emission estimates are uncertain. A key challenge lies in relating point measurements to process understanding at the scale of a landscape or region: current models generally lack the necessary resolution. We currently have no quantitative way of evaluating BVOC emission estimates on a regional scale. This Grant-in-Aid is focused on developing a new modeling approach to address this challenge. We will apply the Stochastic Time-Inverted Lagrangian Transport model to interpret my group’s BVOC field measurements in terms of the following core questions: ∞ What are the regional-scale distributions of BVOC fluxes? How do they respond to environmental forcing and phenology? ∞ What roles do BVOCs play as sources of carbon monoxide and formaldehyde?
Influence of match status and possession status on the physical and technical characteristics of elite youth female soccer match-play

ABSTRACT This study compared the influence of match status (drawing, losing, or winning) and possession status (in-possession, out-of-possession, or ball-out-of-play) on the physical and technical characteristics of U14 and U16 elite youth female soccer match-play. Data were collected from 189 female academy players during 45 competitive matches, resulting in 387 match observations. Linear mixed models estimated relative; total distance, high-speed running (≥3.00 m·s−1), very high-speed running (≥4.83 m·s−1), and sprinting (≥5.76 m·s−1) distance according to match status and possession status, and 21 technical variables according to match status. Differences in physical and technical characteristics were observed between and within age-groups, dependent upon match status and possession status. Regardless of match status, both age-groups covered greater distances when the ball was in-play compared to ball-out-of-play (107–130 vs 58–68 m·min−1). U16s covered greater distances when out-of-possession than in-possession, regardless of match status. Whilst U14s covered greater distances out-of-possession when drawing or losing only. Differences in physical and technical characteristics when drawing, losing, or winning, suggest a change in playing style according to match status, likely in an attempt to influence or maintain the score-line. These findings have practical implications for coaching, talent identification and development practices within youth female soccer.
The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause

Abstract Objective The Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing the Menopause, developed in 2014, provided an accessible desk-top tool for health-care practitioners caring for women at midlife. To ensure the Toolkit algorithms and supporting information reflect current best practice, the Toolkit has been revised in accordance with the published literature. Methods A systematic search for guidelines, position and consensus statements pertaining to the menopause and published after 2014 was undertaken, and key recommendations extracted from the Clinical Practice Guidelines determined to be the most robust by formal evaluation. The peer-reviewed literature was further searched for identified information gaps. Results The revised Toolkit provides algorithms that guide the clinical assessment and care of women relevant to menopause. Included are the reasons why women present, information that should be ascertained, issues that may influence shared decision-making and algorithms that assist with determination of menopausal status, menopause hormone therapy (MHT) and non-hormonal treatment options for symptom relief. As clear guidelines regarding when MHT might be indicated to prevent bone loss and subsequent osteoporosis in asymptomatic women were found to be lacking, the Toolkit has been expanded to support shared decision-making regarding bone health. Conclusions The 2023 Toolkit and supporting document provide accessible desk-top information to support health-care providers caring for women at midlife. The Toolkit has been endorsed by the International Menopause Society, Australasian Menopause Society, British Menopause Society, Endocrine Society of Australia and Jean hailes for Women’s Health.
Loss of function of ribosomal protein L13a blocks blastocyst formation and reveals a potential nuclear role in gene expression

Ribosomal proteins play diverse roles in development and disease. Most ribosomal proteins have canonical roles in protein synthesis, while some exhibit extra‐ribosomal functions. Previous studies in our laboratory revealed that ribosomal protein L13a (RPL13a) is involved in the translational silencing of a cohort of inflammatory proteins in myeloid cells. This prompted us to investigate the role of RPL13a in embryonic development. Here we report that RPL13a is required for early development in mice. Crosses between Rpl13a+/− mice resulted in no Rpl13a−/− offspring. Closer examination revealed that Rpl13a−/− embryos were arrested at the morula stage during preimplantation development. RNA sequencing analysis of Rpl13a−/− morulae revealed widespread alterations in gene expression, including but not limited to several genes encoding proteins involved in the inflammatory response, embryogenesis, oocyte maturation, stemness, and pluripotency. Ex vivo analysis revealed that RPL13a was localized to the cytoplasm and nucleus between the two‐cell and morula stages. RNAi‐mediated depletion of RPL13a phenocopied Rpl13a−/− embryos and knockdown embryos exhibited increased expression of IL‐7 and IL‐17 and decreased expression of the lineage specifier genes Sox2, Pou5f1, and Cdx2. Lastly, a protein–protein interaction assay revealed that RPL13a is associated with chromatin, suggesting an extra ribosomal function in transcription. In summary, our data demonstrate that RPL13a is essential for the completion of preimplantation embryo development. The mechanistic basis of the absence of RPL13a‐mediated embryonic lethality will be addressed in the future through follow‐up studies on ribosome biogenesis, global protein synthesis, and identification of RPL13a target genes using chromatin immunoprecipitation and RNA‐immunoprecipitation‐based sequencing.
Curcumin Induces Apoptosis by Suppressing XRCC4 Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract Curcumin is a chemical with various pharmacological activities used for cancer treatment. It inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by inducing apoptosis. Here, the mechanism underlying the effect of curcumin on the apoptosis of HCC cells was studied. Cell counting kit-8 and plate cloning assays were used to assess the proliferation of HCC cells, and acridine orange/ethidium bromide and Annexin V/PI staining were used to analyze their apoptosis. HCC xenograft tumor models were established to validate anti-cancer effects of curcumin. Expression levels of XRCC4 protein in tumor tissues were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Correlation between XRCC4 expression and the prognosis of patients with HCC was analyzed by integrating publicly available gene expression data. Curcumin inhibited HCC cells proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the control group, curcumin significantly promoted the apoptosis of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that curcumin downregulated XRCC4 expression levels in HCC tissues. Prognosis of HCC patients with high XRCC4 expression was poorer than that of patients with low XRCC4 expression. Therefore, curcumin exerts anti-cancer effects by inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting cell apoptosis in HCC. This may be due to curcumin interference in the repair process of the nonhomologous DNA terminal link of HCC cells by downregulating XRCC4 expression.
Licochalcone H Targets EGFR and AKT to Suppress the Growth of Oxaliplatin -Sensitive and -Resistant Colorectal Cancer Cells

Treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) has always been challenged by the development of resistance. We investigated the antiproliferative activity of licochalcone H (LCH), a regioisomer of licochalcone C derived from the root of Glycyrrhiza inflata, in oxaliplatin (Ox)-sensitive and -resistant CRC cells. LCH significantly inhibited cell viability and colony growth in both Ox-sensitive and Ox-resistant CRC cells. We found that LCH decreased epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and AKT kinase activities and related activating signaling proteins including pEGFR and pAKT. A computational docking model indicated that LCH may interact with EGFR, AKT1, and AKT2 at the ATP-binding sites. LCH induced ROS generation and increased the expression of the ER stress markers. LCH treatment of CRC cells induced depolarization of MMP. Multi-caspase activity was induced by LCH treatment and confirmed by Z-VAD-FMK treatment. LCH increased the number of sub-G1 cells and arrested the cell cycle at the G1 phase. Taken together LCH inhibits the growth of Ox-sensitive and Ox-resistant CRC cells by targeting EGFR and AKT, and inducing ROS generation and ER stress-mediated apoptosis. Therefore, LCH could be a potential therapeutic agent for improving not only Ox-sensitive but also Ox-resistant CRC treatment.
A comparative study on water conservation capacity of five main forest types

Based on the data from fixed sample plots of main forest types in Lianxiahe small watershed of Three Gorge Reservoir (Area) of Changjiang River,water conservation capacity had been studied.The results showed that there is a binary linear regression for both throughfall and stemflow to precipitation quantity and precipitation intensity, and a power regression for canopy interception to rainfall.The relative interception ranges from 16.34% to 27.43% on an average of 22.15%. Under the same rainfall,the decrease order of canopy interception in the different forest types is coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest,masson pine forest,coniferous forest and cypress forest. The biomass of litter layer in different forest ecosystems varies from 10.52 to 21.90 t·hm~(-2) on an average of 17.61 t·hm~(-2),and the decrease order of the biomass is coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest,masson pine forest,cypress forest,coniferous forest and shrubbery . The maximum water holding capacity of litter formed in the different forest ecosystems varies from 2.66 to 4.19 mm on an average of 3.48 mm, and the decrease order is cypress forest,coniferous forest,coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest,masson pine forest and shrubbery. The water holding capacity of non-capillary porosity of soil layer in different forest ecosystems varies from 34.68 to 44.16 mm on an average of 40.35 mm,and the decrease order is cypress forest, coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest,coniferous forest, masson pine forest and shrubbery. The total interception of rainfall in different forest ecosystems varies from 377.6 to 494.6 t·hm~(-2) on an average of 446.56 t·hm~(-2), the decrease order is cypress forest,coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest, coniferous forest, masson pine forest and shrubbery.
Using Direct‐Push Tools to Map Hydrostratigraphy and Predict MTBE Plume Diving

At a number of sites, a plume of methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE) in ground water has dived below the screen of conventional monitoring wells and escaped detection. Techniques are needed to predict the vertical extent of MTBE in an aquifer. Two techniques that are emerging in the site characterization market are electrical conductivity logging and pneumatic slug testing performed in temporary push wells. These techniques were evaluated at a diving plume of MTBE in the aquifer that supplies water to the village of East Alton, Illinois. The plume stayed near the water table for the first 100 m from the potential sources and then dived below conventional monitoring over the next 100 m. At the location where the MTBE plume dived, the depth to water was 9.1 m below land surface. The first 10 m of material below the water table had an electrical conductivity near 100 mS/m, indicating silts and clays. An electrical conductivity near 25 mS/m, indicating sands or gravels, was encountered at a depth of 10.6 m below the water table, and the sands and gravel extended to a depth of at least 15.2 m below the water table. Pneumatic slug tests measured low hydraulic conductivity in the interval of silt and clay (0.34 and 0.012 m/d) and higher hydraulic conductivity in the interval with sands and gravels (12.5, 11.6, and 11.3 m/d). Ground water with the highest concentration of MTBE was produced just below the contact between the silt and clay and the sands and gravel.