Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Holocene climate variability revealed using geochemistry and computed tomography scanning of stalagmites from the North Atlantic Basin

The reliable prediction of the future climate change requires high-quality densely distributed climate records that clarify natural climate variability and its recent modulation by anthropogenic impacts. Stalagmites can meet those requirements; however, conservation concerns require new non-destructive techniques to preserve the natural environment of the caves. This thesis discusses two high-resolution Holocene climate reconstructions built using i) geochemical analyses of a Bermudan stalagmite and ii) novel and non-destructive Computed Tomography data from a Spanish stalagmite, as well as iii) supporting cave monitoring data. Considered together, these efforts provide a complementary view of diverse aspects of climate change across the North Atlantic, and provide insights into how anthropogenic CO2 emissions may further affect climate. Monitoring of environmental conditions took place at Leamington Cave (Bermuda) and Conch Bar Caves (Turks and Caicos Islands). To our knowledge, these are the first long-term monitoring efforts at coastal sites near sea level. The results of continuous monitoring of these two near shore caves in the tropical western North Atlantic are not dissimilar to previous results derived from inland caves. The microclimate and ventilation dynamics of Leamington Cave and Conch Bar Caves are controlled mainly by seasonal temperature differences between outside and cave air, wind, and rainfall totals. However, because hydrological connections with the sea, the microclimate of these near shore caves is also modulated by the seawater temperature, and sea level fluctuations. Following from the cave monitoring efforts, one stalagmite from Leamington Cave was collected. The 18O of stalagmite BER-SWI-13 provides an annually-resolved rainfall record for the last 700 years. The record suggests that the tropical cyclone activity in Bermuda following the Industrial Revolution has not exceeded its longer-term natural variability. Higher tropical cyclone activity during Bermuda’s pre-colonisation period is associated with more El Nino events and positive NAO phase and reflects the northeast-ward tropical cyclone tracks migration that coincides with the low TC activity in the Caribbean Sea. Finally, one stalagmite from southern Spain was used in a pilot study to assess the applicability of CT scanning to speleothem-based climate reconstruction. Internal density variability of stalagmite REF-07 (from Refugio Cave) was used to create a time-series record of stalagmite density, which was then linked to climate. The record reveals Holocene climate variability in southern Iberia, and suggests that the current Mediterranean climate in southern Iberia was initially emplaced at approximately 5.3 ka BP following gradual southward migration of the North Atlantic Subtropical High.
Nonnormal perturbation growth and optimal excitation of the thermohaline circulation using a 2D zonally averaged ocean model

Generalized linear stability theory is used to calculate the optimal initial conditions that result in transient amplification of the thermohaline circulation (THC) in a zonallyaveraged single basin ocean model. The eigenmodes of the tangent linear model verify that the system is asymptotically stable but the nonnormality of the system permits the growth of perturbations for a finite period through the interference of nonorthogonal eigenmodes. It is found that the maximum amplification of the THC anomalies occurs after 6 years with both the thermally driven and salinity driven components playing major roles in the amplification process. The transient amplification of THC anomalies is due to the constructive and destructive interference of a large number of eigenmodes and the evolution over time is determined by how the interference pattern evolves. It is found that five of the most highly nonnormal eigenmodes are critical to the initial cancellation of the salinity and temperature contributions to the THC while 11 oscillating modes with decay timescales ranging from 2 to 6 years are the major contributors at the time of maximum amplification. This analysis demonstrates that the different dynamics of salinity and temperature anomalies allows the dramatic growth of perturbations to the THC on iv relatively short (interannual to decadal) timescales. In addition the ideas of generalized stability theory are used to calculate the stochastic optimals which are the spatial patterns of stochastic forcing that are most efficient at generating variance growth in the THC. It is found that the optimal stochastic forcing occurs at high latitudes and induces lowfrequency THC variability by exciting the salinity-dominated modes of the THC. The first stochastic optimal is found to have its largest projection on the same five highly nonnormal eigenmodes found to be critical to the structure of the optimal initial conditions. The model’s response to stochastic forcing is not controlled by the least damped eigenmodes of the tangent linear model but rather by the linear interference of these highly nonnormal eigenmodes. The process of pseudoresonance suggests that the nonnormal eigenmodes are excited and sustained by stochastically induced perturbations which in turn lead to maximum THC variance. Finally, it was shown that the addition of wind stress did not have a large impact on the nonnormal dynamics of the linearised system. Adding wind allowed the value of the vertical diffusivity to be reduced to achieve the same maximum linearised THC amplitude as was used in the case with no wind stress.
Changes in Retinal Hemodynamics in the Optic Nerve Head of Healthy Participants Measured using Laser Speckle Flowgraphy after a Cold Pressor Test.

Purpose Autoregulation of retinal vessels is stronger than that of choroidal vessels. This study aimed to use laser speckle flowgraphy to determine the time course of changes in retinal hemodynamics of healthy eyes after a cold pressor test. Methods This prospective study included 44 right eyes of 44 healthy volunteers (age, 21.7 ± 5.0 years). The mean blur rate, which is a quantitative index of the relative blood flow velocity in the retina, was measured using laser speckle flowgraphy. The vessel average of mean blur rate at the optic nerve head, intraocular pressure, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure, heart rate, and ocular perfusion pressure were evaluated at baseline, immediately after the cold pressor test, and 10, 20, and 30 min after the test. Results Immediately after the test (0 min), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure, and ocular perfusion pressure were significantly increased compared with those at baseline; however, no changes were observed at 10, 20, and 30 min after the test. In contrast, intraocular pressure, heart rate, and the vascular mean blur rate values at the optic nerve head did not change throughout the course of the study. Conclusions Sympathetic hyperactivity induced by the cold pressor test increased systemic circulatory dynamics, but not retinal circulatory hemodynamics, suggesting the involvement of vascular autoregulation.
Ecological response of phytoplankton to the oil spills in the oceans

Abstract Oil spills in oceans have substantial influence on marine ecosystems. This study investigates 21 oil spills in the world. Analyzing Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiomerer (MODIS) data after Penglai oil spills on 4 June 2011, found a bloom with peak value of Chl-a (13.66 mg m−3) spread over an area of 800 km2 during 18–25 June 2011, and a pronounced increase in the monthly Chl-a concentration (6.40 mg m−3) on June 2012 in the Bohai Sea. Out of the 21 oil spills, 14 blooms were observed, while 11 blooms associated with oil spills in the time interval of 3–10 months. In total, about 75% blooms occurred during June–August. Among all 14 blooms, 72% appeared when temperature was warm (20–30 °C), 7% appeared when temperature was low (10–20 °C), and the remaining 21% occurred when temperature was lower than 10 °C. This research concludes that the odds of a phytoplankton bloom after an oil spillage are higher at the time of higher temperature (>20 °C). The short-term impact of the oil spills on ecosystem could mainly depend on the quantity and composition of oil, while the long-term impact of the oil spills on ecosystem could be related to biodegradation of microorganisms.
Experimental ambient vibration-based structural health monitoring in top-tensioned risers

Risers are crucial components in offshore production systems, and failure of a riser can potentially cause catastrophic damage to the environment and significant loss of production. The early identification of damage in a riser is essential to prevent failure from occurring, and vibration-based structural health monitoring (SHM) methods may be a viable means of achieving this. This study seeks to determine if there is merit to the application of vibration-based SHM methods to identify damage in top-tensioned risers under wave loading. To that end, two SHM methods are proposed and applied to experimental data obtained from a riser model placed in a wave flume with damage simulated as pre-tension loss. The proposed methods utilize the shift of the first natural frequency of the riser for damage identification. In the first method, the natural frequency is obtained from a frequency response function relating the water surface elevation and acceleration response of the riser model. In the second method, an ambient response analysis method is applied. Both methods are able to identify the natural frequency shifts and there is potential for detection and severity assessment of damage.
Hmgcs2 is the hub gene in diabetic cardiomyopathy and is negatively regulated by Hmgcs2, promoting high glucose‐induced cardiomyocyte injury

Abstract Background Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) represents a major cause of heart failure and a large medical burden worldwide. This study screened the potentially regulatory targets of DCM and analyzed their roles in high glucose (HG)‐induced cardiomyocyte injury. Methods Through GEO database, we obtained rat DCM expression chips and screened differentially expressed genes. Rat cardiomyocytes (H9C2) were induced with HG. 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutarylcoenzyme A synthase 2 (Hmgcs2) and microRNA (miR)‐363‐5p expression patterns in cells were measured by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction or Western blot assay, with the dual‐luciferase assay to analyze their binding relationship. Then, 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide assay, lactate dehydrogenase assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and various assay kits were applied to evaluate cell viability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, inflammation responses, and oxidative burden. Results Hmgcs2 was the vital hub gene in DCM. Hmgcs2 was upregulated in HG‐induced cardiomyocytes. Hmgcs2 downregulation increased cell viability, decreased TUNEL‐positive cell number, reduced HG‐induced inflammation and oxidative stress. miR‐363‐5p is the upstream miRNA of Hmgcs2. miR‐363‐5p overexpression attenuated HG‐induced cell injury. Conclusions Hmgcs2 had the most critical regulatory role in DCM. We for the first time reported that miR‐363‐5p inhibited Hmgcs2 expression, thereby alleviating HG‐induced cardiomyocyte injury.
Comparison of methane emission estimates from multiple measurement techniques at natural gas production pads

This study presents the results of a campaign that estimated methane emissions at 268 gas production facilities in the Fayetteville shale gas play using onsite measurements (261 facilities) and two downwind methods – the dual tracer flux ratio method (Tracer Facility Estimate – TFE, 17 facilities) and the EPA Other Test Method 33a (OTM33A Facility Estimate – OFE, 50 facilities). A study onsite estimate (SOE) for each facility was developed by combining direct measurements and simulation of unmeasured emission sources, using operator activity data and emission data from literature. The SOE spans 0–403 kg/h and simulated methane emissions from liquid unloadings account for 88% of total emissions estimated by the SOE, with 76% (95% CI [51%–92%]) contributed by liquid unloading at two facilities. TFE and SOE show overlapping 95% CI between individual estimates at 15 of 16 (94%) facilities where the measurements were paired, while OFE and SOE show overlapping 95% CI between individual estimates at 28 of 43 (65%) facilities. However, variance-weighted least-squares (VWLS) regressions performed on sets of paired estimates indicate statistically significant differences between methods. The SOE represents a lower bound of emissions at facilities where onsite direct measurements of continuously emitting sources are the primary contributor to the SOE, a sub-selection of facilities which minimizes expected inter-method differences for intermittent pneumatic controllers and the impact of episodically-emitting unloadings. At 9 such facilities, VWLS indicates that TFE estimates systematically higher emissions than SOE (TFE-to-SOE ratio = 1.6, 95% CI [1.2 to 2.1]). At 20 such facilities, VWLS indicates that OFE estimates systematically lower emissions than SOE (OFE-to-SOE ratio of 0.41 [0.26 to 0.90]). Given that SOE at these facilities is a lower limit on emissions, these results indicate that OFE is likely a less accurate method than SOE or TFE for this type of facility.
Regional Inter-Dependence and Vietnam-Korea Economic Relationship

The world is changing, and more critical changes have been witnessed in East Asia with the emergence of China, which has shaped the economic and geopolitics patterns and inter-dependence among countries. This book aims at investigating the trade and investment dependence of Vietnam on Korea given the increasing economic integration and the more unstable geopolitics in the region. It makes clearer the concept of trade bilateral dependence with the presence of the third parties. By using spatial gravity approach, it also points out the importance of geopolitics factor as well as FTAs in determining the trade and investment flows. The role of some major regional economies should not be neglected. Either the improvement in their institution or their economic slowdown significantly influences the trade and investment relation of Korea and Vietnam.
Invasive species costs to Corps civil works activities

Previously, costs associated with the Corps’ management of invasive species were not addressed explicitly, most likely because the invasive costs were normally subsumed within the total costs for a project. As academic and applied economic work on the costs and benefits associated with invasives management became available (Pimentel et al. 2000 and 2004; U.S. Congress Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) 1993; and Rockwell 2003) and familiarity with invasives’ costs became a general part of the natural resources knowledge base, interest has increased in identifying Corps costs for invasive species. especially during times of Federal budgetary limitations. During the last two decades, in particular, the impact of invasive species on Corps missions has become evident as the agency has modified its procedures in response to such aquatic species as hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata), Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) and – more recently – the zebra (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis). The Corps has also been forced to modify its procedures in response to terrestrial wetland and riparian species such as the salt cedar (Tamarix spp).
Investigating the Influence of Heavy Metals and Environmental Factors on Metabolic Syndrome Risk Based on Nutrient Intake: Machine Learning Analysis of Data from the Eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES)

This study delves into the complex interrelations among nutrient intake, environmental exposures (particularly to heavy metals), and metabolic syndrome. Utilizing data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), machine learning techniques were applied to analyze associations in a cohort of 5719 participants, categorized into four distinct nutrient intake phenotypes. Our findings reveal that different nutrient intake patterns are associated with varying levels of heavy metal exposure and metabolic health outcomes. Key findings include significant variations in metal levels (Pb, Hg, Cd, Ni) across the clusters, with certain clusters showing heightened levels of specific metals. These variations were associated with distinct metabolic health profiles, including differences in obesity, diabetes prevalence, hypertension, and cholesterol levels. Notably, Cluster 3, characterized by high-energy and nutrient-rich diets, showed the highest levels of Pb and Hg exposure and had the most concerning metabolic health indicators. Moreover, the study highlights the significant impact of lifestyle habits, such as smoking and eating out, on nutrient intake phenotypes and associated health risks. Physical activity emerged as a critical factor, with its absence linked to imbalanced nutrient intake in certain clusters. In conclusion, our research underscores the intricate connections among diet, environmental factors, and metabolic health. The findings emphasize the need for tailored health interventions and policies that consider these complex interplays, potentially informing future strategies to combat metabolic syndrome and related health issues.
Aducanumab, Accelerated Approvals & the Agency: Why the FDA Needs Structural Reform

The US Food and Drug Administration’s controversial decision to grant accelerated approval to aducanumab (Aduhelm), a therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, has motivated multiple policy reforms. Drawing a case series of other drugs granted accelerated approval and interviews of senior FDA officials, I argue that reform should be informed but not defined by aducanumab. Rather, structural reforms are needed to reshape FDA’s core priorities and restore the regulatory system’s commitment to scientific rigor.
CreativeSeg: Semantic Segmentation of Creative Sketches

The problem of sketch semantic segmentation is far from being solved. Despite existing methods exhibiting near-saturating performances on simple sketches with high recognisability, they suffer serious setbacks when the target sketches are products of an imaginative process with high degree of creativity. We hypothesise that human creativity, being highly individualistic, induces a significant shift in distribution of sketches, leading to poor model generalisation. Such hypothesis, backed by empirical evidences, opens the door for a solution that explicitly disentangles creativity while learning sketch representations. We materialise this by crafting a learnable creativity estimator that assigns a scalar score of creativity to each sketch. It follows that we introduce CreativeSeg, a learning-to-learn framework that leverages the estimator in order to learn creativity-agnostic representation, and eventually the downstream semantic segmentation task. We empirically verify the superiority of CreativeSeg on the recent “Creative Birds” and “Creative Creatures” creative sketch datasets. Through a human study, we further strengthen the case that the learned creativity score does indeed have a positive correlation with the subjective creativity of human. Codes are available at https://github.com/PRIS-CV/Sketch-CS.
Alternaria diseases on potato and tomato

Abstract Alternaria spp. cause different diseases in potato and tomato crops. Early blight caused by Alternaria solani and brown spot caused by Alternaria alternata are most common, but the disease complex is far more diverse. We first provide an overview of the Alternaria species infecting the two host plants to alleviate some of the confusion that arises from the taxonomic rearrangements in this fungal genus. Highlighting the diversity of Alternaria fungi on both solanaceous hosts, we review studies investigating the genetic diversity and genomes, before we present recent advances from studies elucidating host–pathogen interactions and fungicide resistances. Taxonomy Kingdom Fungi, Phylum Ascomycota, Class Dothideomycetes, Order Pleosporales, Family Pleosporaceae, Genus Alternaria. Biology and host range Alternaria spp. adopt diverse lifestyles. We specifically review Alternaria spp. that cause disease in the two solanaceous crops potato (Solanum tuberosum) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). They are necrotrophic pathogens with no known sexual stage, despite some signatures of recombination. Disease symptoms Symptoms of the early blight/brown spot disease complex include foliar lesions that first present as brown spots, depending on the species with characteristic concentric rings, which eventually lead to severe defoliation and considerable yield loss. Control Good field hygiene can keep the disease pressure low. Some potato and tomato cultivars show differences in susceptibility, but there are no fully resistant varieties known. Therefore, the main control mechanism is treatment with fungicides.
Significance of the cribriform morphology area ratio for biochemical recurrence in Gleason score 4 + 4 prostate cancer patients following robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy

Abstract Background In prostate cancer, histological cribriform patterns are categorized as Gleason pattern 4, and recent studies have indicated that their size and percentage are associated with the risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR). However, these studies included a mixture of cases with various Gleason scores (GSs). We therefore examined the prognostic value of the area and percentage of cribriform patterns in patients with GS 4 + 4 prostate cancer. Methods We investigated 108 patients with GS 4 + 4 prostate cancer who underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). After digitally scanning the hematoxylin and eosin‐stained slides, we measured the area of the entire cancer and cribriform patterns. Predictive factors for BCR were explored using log‐rank test and Cox proportional hazard model analyses. Results Sixty‐seven (62.0%) patients had a cribriform pattern in RARP specimens, and 32 (29.6%) experienced BCR. The median total cancer area, cribriform pattern area, and percentage of cribriform pattern area (% cribriform) were 427.70 mm2 (interquartile range [IQR], 171.65–688.53 mm2), 8.85 mm2 (IQR, 0–98.83 mm2), and 2.44% (IQR, 0%–33.70%), respectively. Univariate analyses showed that higher preoperative serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels, positive resection margins, advanced pathological T stage, extraprostatic extension, larger total cancer area, larger cribriform morphology area, and higher % cribriform values were significantly associated with BCR. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that the PSA level (hazard ratio [HR], 1.061; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.011–1.113; p = 0.017) and % cribriform (HR, 1.018; 95% CI, 1.005–1.031; p = 0.005) were independent predictors of BCR. Conclusions An increased % cribriform value was associated with BCR in patients with GS 4 + 4 prostate cancer following RARP.