Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Climate index weighting of ensemble streamflow forecasts using a simple Bayesian approach

Climate state can be an important predictor of future hydrologic conditions. In ensemble streamflow forecasting, where historical weather inputs or streamflow observations are used to generate the ensemble, climate index weighting is one way to represent the influence of climate state. Using a climate index, each forecast variable member of the ensemble is selectively weighted to reflect the climate state at the time of the forecast. A new approach to climate index weighting of ensemble forecasts is presented. The method is based on a sampling‐resampling approach for Bayesian updating. The original hydrologic ensemble members define a sample drawn from the prior distribution; the relationship between the climate index and the ensemble member forecast variable is used to estimate a likelihood function. Given an observation of the climate index at the time of the forecast, the estimated likelihood function is then used to assign weights to each ensemble member. The weights define the probability of each ensemble member outcome given the observed climate index. The weighted ensemble forecast is then used to estimate the posterior distribution of the forecast variable conditioned on the climate index. The Bayesian climate index weighting approach is easy to apply to hydrologic ensemble forecasts; its parameters do not require calibration with hindcasts, and it adapts to the strength of the relation between climate and the forecast variable, defaulting to equal weighting of ensemble members when no relationship exists. A hydrologic forecasting application illustrates the approach and contrasts it with traditional climate index weighting approaches.
Diurnal Change of the Photosynthetic Light-Response Curve of Buckbean (Menyanthes trifoliata), an Emergent Aquatic Plant

Understanding plant physiological responses to high temperature is an important concern pertaining to climate change. However, compared with terrestrial plants, information about aquatic plants remains limited. Since the degree of midday depression of photosynthesis under high temperature depends on soil water conditions, it is expected that emergent aquatic plants, for which soil water conditions are always saturated, will show different patterns compared with terrestrial plants. We investigated the diurnal course of the photosynthetic light-response curve and incident light intensity for a freshwater emergent plant, buckbean (Menyanthes trifoliata L.; Menyanthaceae) in a cool temperate region. The effect of midday depression was observed only on a very hot day, but not on a moderately hot day, in summer. The diurnal course of photosynthetic light-response curves on this hot day showed that latent morning reduction of photosynthetic capacity started at dawn, preceding the apparent depression around the midday, in agreement with results reported in terrestrial plants. We concluded that (1) midday depression of emergent plants occurs when the stress intensity exceeds the species’ tolerance, and (2) measurements of not only photosynthetic rate under field conditions but also diurnal course of photosynthetic light-response curve are necessary to quantify the effect of midday depression.
Lateral distribution of fishes in the main‐channel trough of a large floodplain river: Implications for restoration

Major river channels have been extensively altered worldwide. The development of restoration strategies for those alterations requires fundamental information, including the use of large deep channels by fishes. We trawled within parallel paths distributed across the width of the main‐channel trough of the Mississippi River to identify how the lateral distribution of fishes responds to variations in flow ranging from 50% to 200% of the annual median, water temperature ranging from 9 to 29°C and commercial shipping traffic ranging from 0 to 9 vessels per day. Among the species we encountered, only shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) were persistent channel residents that remained concentrated along the main‐channel centreline regardless of flow, temperature and traffic. Other persistent residents showed no distinct pattern in lateral distribution, concentrated along the deep channel margins or varied in lateral distribution with flow. Surprisingly, large adult bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), which are conventionally viewed as limnophils, were the second‐most abundant species in our samples and became increasingly abundant within the deep channel trough as flow decreased below the annual median. Clearly, those fishes exploit resources contained in the main channel and are, therefore, better viewed as opportunistic limno‐rheophils. Our results imply the existence of poorly understood food resources in the main channel. We conjecture that re‐creation of free‐flowing secondary channels and features that increase the production and transport of invertebrates in channels can help mitigate adverse effects of channel alteration and commercial shipping. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of femoral neck system vs. dynamic hip system blade for the treatment of femoral neck fracture in young patients: A retrospective study

Background Femoral neck fracture is a common fracture in orthopedic practice. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between the femoral neck system and dynamic hip system blade for the treatment of femoral neck fracture in young patients. Methods This retrospective study included 43 and 52 patients who underwent treatment for femoral neck fracture with the femoral neck system and dynamic hip system blade, respectively, between August 2019 and August 2020. Operative indexes, including operation duration, blood loss, incision length, postoperative complications (femoral neck shortening, non-union, screw pull-out, femoral head necrosis), and Harris scale scores were recorded and analyzed. Results Compared to that with the dynamic hip system blade, the femoral neck system showed significantly less operation duration (femoral neck system vs. dynamic hip system blade: 47.09 ± 9.19 vs. 52.90 ± 9.64, P = 0.004), less blood loss (48.53 ± 10.69 vs. 65.31 ± 17.91, P < 0.001), and shorter incision length (4.04 ± 0.43 vs. 4.93 ± 0.53, P < 0.001). Femoral neck shortening was significantly lower with the femoral neck system than with the dynamic hip system blade (3.93 ± 2.40, n = 39 vs. 5.22 ± 2.89, n = 44, P = 0.031). No statistical differences were observed between the two groups in nonunion, screw pull-out, and femoral head necrosis. In addition, the latest follow-up Harris scale score was significantly higher with the femoral neck system than with the dynamic hip system blade (92.3 ± 4.5 vs. 89. 9 ± 4.9, P = 0.015). Conclusion The femoral neck system results in less trauma, less femoral neck shortening, and better hip joint function than the dynamic hip system blade for the treatment of femoral neck fracture in young patients.
Hydrochemical variations during flood pulses in the south‐west China peak cluster karst: impacts of CaCO3–H2O–CO2 interactions

High‐resolution measurements of rainfall, water level, pH, conductivity, temperature and carbonate chemistry parameters of groundwater at two adjacent locations within the peak cluster karst of the Guilin Karst Experimental Site in Guangxi Province, China, were made with different types of multiparameter sonde. The data were stored using data loggers recording with 2 min or 15 min resolution. Waters from a large, perennial spring represent the exit for the aquifer's conduit flow, and a nearby well measures water in the conduit‐adjacent, fractured media. During flood pulses, the pH of the conduit flow water rises as the conductivity falls. In contrast, and at the same time, the pH of groundwater in the fractures drops, as conductivity rises. As Ca2+ and HCO3− were the dominant (>90%) ions, we developed linear relationships (both r2 > 0·91) between conductivity and those ions, respectively, and in turn calculated variations in the calcite saturation index (SIC) and CO2 partial pressure (P CO 2 ) of water during flood pulses. Results indicate that the P CO 2 of fracture water during flood periods is higher than that at lower flows, and its SIC is lower. Simultaneously, P CO 2 of conduit water during the flood period is lower than that at lower flows, and its SIC also is lower. From these results we conclude that at least two key processes are controlling hydrochemical variations during flood periods: (i) dilution by precipitation and (ii) water–rock–gas interactions. To explain hydrochemical variations in the fracture water, the water–rock–gas interactions may be more important. For example, during flood periods, soil gas with high CO2 concentrations dissolves in water and enters the fracture system, the water, which in turn has become more highly undersaturated, dissolves more limestone, and the conductivity increases. Dilution of rainfall is more important in controlling hydrochemical variations of conduit water, because rainfall with higher pH (in this area apparently owing to interaction with limestone dust in the lower atmosphere) and low conductivity travels through the conduit system rapidly. These results illustrate that to understand the hydrochemical variations in karst systems, considering only water–rock interactions is not sufficient, and the variable effects of CO2 on the system should be evaluated. Consideration of water–rock–gas interactions is thus a must in understanding variations in karst hydrochemistry. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“Airborne gravity is here!” by S. Hammer (Geophysics, Vol. 48, p. 213–223, February, 1983); discussion and reply

There is a serious mistake in Dr. Hammer’s paper. Figure 8 shows upward continued land gravity compared to land‐observed gravity and a helicopter gravity profile over the Big Hill and High Island Salt Domes. The upward continued curve is wrong and seriously misleading. Two years ago I pointed this problem out to Dr. Hammer after his presentation at the Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, and I was not alone in recognizing this error. Thus I am very disappointed to see the same erroneous curve published in the Journal.
Impact of Cage Aquaculture on Water Quality Condition in Lake Maninjau, West Sumatera Indonesia

Water quality characteristic of Lake Maninjau related to the deterioration condition has been intensively reported, nevertheless research on water quality as an impact of cage aquaculture level has never been done. The aim of this research was to identify influence of cage density to water quality condition. The study was conducted at 11 stations in Lake Maninjau, by measuring 11water quality parameters at a depth of 4.5m and sediment organic content on locations that have soft substrate. Measurement periods were on June 2013, September 2013, December 2013, and March2014. Activity of cage aquaculture was distributed in all over the lake shore lines, with the highest density at 1226 units km-1. Water quality measurement indicated similar condition based on spatial patterns (degree of similarity >85%) with tendency that the increase number of cages influence several parameters including increase concentration of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen, and ammonium; and decrease concentration of dissolved oxygen. Although statistical analysis (Test T, for variant analysis) showed only COD on low to middle level cage density and ammonium on middle to highest level cage density were significantly different (P<0.5). International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR), Vol. 23, No. 1. Hal. 120-137
Targeting carbonic anhydrase IX improves the anti-cancer efficacy of mTOR inhibitors

The inhibition of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) by chemical inhibitors, such as rapamycin, has demonstrated anti-cancer activity in preclinical and clinical trials. Their efficacy is, however, limited and tumors eventually relapse through resistance formation. In this study, using two different cancer mouse models, we identify tumor hypoxia as a novel mechanism of resistance of cancer cells against mTORC1 inhibitors. Indeed, we show that the activity of mTORC1 is mainly restricted to the non-hypoxic tumor compartment, as evidenced by a mutually exclusive staining pattern of the mTORC1 activity marker pS6 and the hypoxia marker pimonidazole. Consequently, whereas rapamycin reduces cancer cell proliferation in non-hypoxic regions, it has no effect in hypoxic areas, suggesting that cancer cells proliferate independently of mTORC1 under hypoxia. Targeting the hypoxic tumor compartment by knockdown of carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) using short hairpin RNA or by chemical inhibition of CAIX with acetazolamide potentiates the anti-cancer activity of rapamycin. Taken together, these data emphasize that hypoxia impairs the anti-cancer efficacy of rapalogs. Therapeutic strategies targeting the hypoxic tumor compartment, such as the inhibition of CAIX, potentiate the efficacy of rapamycin and warrant further clinical evaluation.
Weak correlation between antibody titers and neutralizing activity in sera from SARS‐CoV‐2 infected subjects

Plenty of serologic tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) have been developed so far, thus documenting the importance of evaluating the relevant features of the immune response to this viral agent. The performance of these assays is currently under investigation. Amongst them, LIAISON® SARS‐CoV‐2 S1/S2 IgG by DiaSorin and Elecsys Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 cobas® by Roche are currently used by laboratory medicine hospital departments in Italy and many other countries. In the present study, we firstly compared two serologic tests on serum samples collected at two different time points from 46 laboratory‐confirmed coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) subjects. Secondly, 85 negative serum samples collected before the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic were analyzed. Thirdly, possible correlations between antibody levels and the resulting neutralizing activity against a clinical isolate of SARS‐CoV‐2 were evaluated. Results revealed that both tests are endowed with low sensitivity on the day of hospital admission, which increased to 97.8% and 100% for samples collected after 15 days for DiaSorin and Roche tests, respectively. The specificity evaluated for the two tests ranges from 96.5% to 100%, respectively. Importantly, a poor direct correlation between antibody titers and neutralizing activity levels was evidenced in the present study. These data further shed light on both potentials and possible limitations related to SARS‐CoV‐2 serology. In this context, great efforts are still necessary for investigating antibody kinetics to develop novel diagnostic algorithms. Moreover, further investigations on the role of neutralizing antibodies and their correlate of protection will be of paramount importance for the development of effective vaccines.
User Experience of a Computer-Based Decision Aid for Prenatal Trisomy Screening: Mixed Methods Explanatory Study

Background Mobile health tools can support shared decision-making. We developed a computer-based decision aid (DA) to help pregnant women and their partners make informed, value-congruent decisions regarding prenatal screening for trisomy. Objective This study aims to assess the usability and usefulness of computer-based DA among pregnant women, clinicians, and policy makers. Methods For this mixed methods sequential explanatory study, we planned to recruit a convenience sample of 45 pregnant women, 45 clinicians from 3 clinical sites, and 15 policy makers. Eligible women were aged >18 years and >16 weeks pregnant or had recently given birth. Eligible clinicians and policy makers were involved in prenatal care. We asked the participants to navigate a computer-based DA. We asked the women about the usefulness of the DA and their self-confidence in decision-making. We asked all participants about usability, quality, acceptability, satisfaction with the content of the DA, and collected sociodemographic data. We explored participants’ reactions to the computer-based DA and solicited suggestions. Our interview guide was based on the Mobile App Rating Scale. We performed descriptive analyses of the quantitative data and thematic deductive and inductive analyses of the qualitative data for each participant category. Results A total of 45 pregnant women, 14 clinicians, and 8 policy makers participated. Most pregnant women were aged between 25 and 34 years (34/45, 75%) and White (42/45, 94%). Most clinicians were aged between 35 and 44 years (5/14, 36%) and women (11/14, 79%), and all were White (14/14, 100%); the largest proportion of policy makers was aged between 45 and 54 years (4/8, 50%), women (5/8, 62%), and White (8/8, 100%). The mean usefulness score for preparing for decision-making for women was 80/100 (SD 13), and the mean self-efficacy score was 88/100 (SD 11). The mean usability score was 84/100 (SD 14) for pregnant women, 77/100 (SD 14) for clinicians, and 79/100 (SD 23) for policy makers. The mean global score for quality was 80/100 (SD 9) for pregnant women, 72/100 (SD 12) for clinicians, and 80/100 (SD 9) for policy makers. Regarding acceptability, participants found the amount of information just right (52/66, 79%), balanced (58/66, 88%), useful (38/66, 58%), and sufficient (50/66, 76%). The mean satisfaction score with the content was 84/100 (SD 13) for pregnant women, 73/100 (SD 16) for clinicians, and 73/100 (SD 20) for policy makers. Participants thought the DA could be more engaging (eg, more customizable) and suggested strategies for implementation, such as incorporating it into clinical guidelines. Conclusions Pregnant women, clinicians, and policy makers found the DA usable and useful. The next steps are to incorporate user suggestions for improving engagement and implementing the computer-based DA in clinical practice.
Climatic controls on the interannual to decadal variability in Saudi Arabian dust activity: Toward the development of a seasonal dust prediction model

The observed climatic controls on springtime and summertime Saudi Arabian dust activities during 1975–2012 are analyzed, leading to development of a seasonal dust prediction model. According to empirical orthogonal function analysis, dust storm frequency exhibits a dominantly homogeneous pattern across Saudi Arabia, with distinct interannual and decadal variability. The previously identified positive trend in remotely sensed aerosol optical depth since 2000 is shown to be a segment of the decadal oscillation in dust activity, according to long‐duration station record. Regression and correlation analyses reveal that the interannual variability in Saudi Arabian dust storm frequency is regulated by springtime rainfall across the Arabian Peninsula and summertime Shamal wind intensity. The key drivers of Saudi Arabian dust storm variability are identified. Winter‐to‐spring La Niña enhances subsequent spring dust activity by decreasing rainfall across the country's primary dust source region, the Rub' al Khali Desert. A relatively cool tropical Indian Ocean favors frequent summer dust storms by producing an anomalously anticyclonic circulation over the central Arabian Peninsula, which enhances the Shamal wind. Decadal variability in Saudi Arabian dust storm frequency is associated with North African rainfall and Sahel vegetation, which regulate African dust emissions and transport to Saudi Arabia. Mediterranean sea surface temperatures (SSTs) also regulate decadal dust variability, likely through their influence on Sahel rainfall and Shamal intensity. Using antecedent‐accumulated rainfall over the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa, and Mediterranean SSTs, as low‐frequency predictors, and tropical eastern Pacific and tropical Indian Ocean SSTs as high‐frequency predictors, Saudi Arabia's seasonal dust activity is well predicted.
The metagenomic data life-cycle: standards and best practices

Abstract Metagenomics data analyses from independent studies can only be compared if the analysis workflows are described in a harmonized way. In this overview, we have mapped the landscape of data standards available for the description of essential steps in metagenomics: (i) material sampling, (ii) material sequencing, (iii) data analysis, and (iv) data archiving and publishing. Taking examples from marine research, we summarize essential variables used to describe material sampling processes and sequencing procedures in a metagenomics experiment. These aspects of metagenomics dataset generation have been to some extent addressed by the scientific community, but greater awareness and adoption is still needed. We emphasize the lack of standards relating to reporting how metagenomics datasets are analysed and how the metagenomics data analysis outputs should be archived and published. We propose best practice as a foundation for a community standard to enable reproducibility and better sharing of metagenomics datasets, leading ultimately to greater metagenomics data reuse and repurposing.
Local dominance of exotic plants declines with residence time: a role for plant–soil feedback?

Exotic plant species have shown boom-bust patterns, first becoming invasive, but then over a longer time period declining in dominance. Exotic plant species may escape from their native enemies, but might become increasingly exposed to enemies in the new range as time since introduction increases. We investigated whether soil interactions could explain a pattern in the Netherlands where exotic plant species with a longer residence time are less dominant, by performing a plant soil feedback experiment. We found no evidence that plant-soil interactions explain this pattern.
Atlanta ariejansseni, a new species of shelled heteropod from the Southern Subtropical Convergence Zone (Gastropoda, Pterotracheoidea)

Abstract The Atlantidae (shelled heteropods) is a family of microscopic aragonite shelled holoplanktonic gastropods with a wide biogeographical distribution in tropical, sub-tropical and temperate waters. The aragonite shell and surface ocean habitat of the atlantids makes them particularly susceptible to ocean acidification and ocean warming, and atlantids are likely to be useful indicators of these changes. However, we still lack fundamental information on their taxonomy and biogeography, which is essential for monitoring the effects of a changing ocean. Integrated morphological and molecular approaches to taxonomy have been employed to improve the assessment of species boundaries, which give a more accurate picture of species distributions. Here a new species of atlantid heteropod is described based on shell morphology, DNA barcoding of the Cytochrome Oxidase I gene, and biogeography. All specimens of Atlanta ariejansseni sp. n. were collected from the Southern Subtropical Convergence Zone of the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific oceans suggesting that this species has a very narrow latitudinal distribution (37–48°S). Atlanta ariejansseni sp. n. was found to be relatively abundant (up to 2.3 specimens per 1000 m3 water) within this narrow latitudinal range, implying that this species has adapted to the specific conditions of the Southern Subtropical Convergence Zone and has a high tolerance to the varying ocean parameters in this region.
Preserving What Is Valued: Museums, Conservation, and First Nations

Illustrations, Figures, and Tables Note about the Cover Preface Acknowledgments Introduction Part 1: Preservation and Museums 1. The Historical Development of Conservation and Its Values 2. Conservation Values and Ethics Part 2: Preservation and First Nations 3. First Nations Perspectives on Preservation and Museums 4. First Nations of British Columbia 5. First Nations, Preservation, and Conservation: Personal Perspectives 6. New Zealand: A Comparative Study 7. "For What We Do" Appendices A List of Participants B Conservation Codes of Ethics C Glossary of Maori Terms Internet Resources Bibliography Index