Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protocols for the measurement, monitoring and reporting of structure, biomass and carbon stocks in mangrove forests.

This report describes the approaches necessary for the measurement, monitoring and reporting of structure, biomass and carbon stocks in mangrove forests. Mangroves are coastal ecosystems providing numerous ecosystem services affecting both marine and terrestrial resources. In addition, they contain substantial carbon stocks and, due to high rates of deforestation, are significant sources of carbon emissions. Because of their value as carbon stocks and sinks and their numerous other benefits, mangroves could be excellent candidates for carbon mitigation programmes including Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, and Enhancing Forest Carbon Stocks in Developing Countries (REDD+). This publication outlines biologically relevant and statistically valid approaches to the efficient and accurate assessment of ecosystem structure, biomass and carbon stocks of mangrove forests.
An Early Pleistocene grounded ice sheet in the Central North Sea

Abstract Evidence is presented for an Early Pleistocene grounded ice sheet in the Central North Sea (CNS). Dated basal Quaternary deposits from UK well 30/13-2 Josephine coincide with the lowest iceberg ploughmarked horizon in a southern CNS depocentre. This horizon has been traced northwards into the central CNS where it is identified as the Crenulate reflection, which exhibits a series of deep, channel-like features, interpreted as subglacial meltwater channels. Further north, a seismic reflection at the same level is characterized by megascale lineations that are interpreted to be the result of erosion, deposition and deformation of sediment beneath an advancing ice sheet. An overlying seismic reflection is characterized by a well-developed channel system that is thought to have drained the retreating ice sheet prior to a post-glacial marine transgression. A southern CNS Early Pleistocene depocentre is shown to have become inactive sometime in the Early to Middle Pleistocene and was replaced by a developing depocentre in the central and northern CNS that remained active into the Late Pleistocene. Evidence for an Elsterian or older grounded ice sheet in UK Continental Shelf Quad 22 is presented in the form of glaciotectonic thrust features.
Effect of dietary copper, iron, and molybdenum on growth and copper status of beef cows and calves.

A study was conducted to determine the effects of copper (Cu) depletion by feeding diets high in either iron (Fe) or molybdenum (Mo) on performance and Cu status of beef cows and calves. Thirty-eight 2-yr-old beef heifers, entering the last one-third of gestation, were randomly assigned by expected calving date to one of four diets: 1) control (CON; corn silage-soybean meal-based diet, 4 mg of Cu/kg), 2) control + 600 mg of Fe (as FeCO3)/kg, 3) control + 5 mg of Mo (as Na2MoO4)/kg, and 4) control + 10 mg of Cu (as CuSO4)/kg. From d 28 until after the end of the calving season (d 125), heifers receiving supplemental Cu had higher (P < .05) plasma Cu levels and ceruloplasmin activities than heifers fed the other diets. By d 224, plasma Cu concentrations of heifers fed the CON and Fe diets had increased to levels similar to those observed in the Cu-supplemented heifers, whereas the Mo heifers exhibited the lowest (P < .05) plasma Cu of the four treatments from d 168 through the remainder of the 280-d trial. Plasma Cu concentrations and ceruloplasmin activities were greater (P < .05) in Cu-supplemented than in non-Cu-supplemented calves (diets 1, 2, and 3) from d 168 onward, and the Fe- and Mo-supplemented calves did not differ in either measurement at any time during the trial. Rate of gain did not differ among calves fed the CON, Fe- or Cu-supplemented diets, whereas the Mo-supplemented calves gained at a much slower (P < .05) rate. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
On geomagnetic sudden commencements, sudden impulses, and storm durations

After a study of the morphology of geomagnetic sudden commencements during the IGY, their accompanying phenomena, such as sudden increases of cosmic noise absorption, bursts of bremsstrahlung X rays, and commencements of geomagnetic micropulsations, are examined. Geomagnetic sudden impulses observed during the IGY are then studied similarly. Four types are found, three of which are completely analogous, both in their morphologies and in their accompanying phenomena, to the coresponding types of sudden commencements. The average duration of the storm depression of the horizontal geomagnetic field, usually attributed to the ring current, is also studied. Storms during years of great solar activity are found to be about three times longer than those during years of little solar activity. The spectrum of storm durations is found; it is concluded that even sudden impulses belong to the family of storms. Possible causes of all these related phenomena, including increases of cosmic noise absorption and micropulsations, are discussed.
Progression of Neuronal Damage in an In Vitro Model of the Ischemic Penumbra

Improvement of neuronal recovery in the ischemic penumbra around a brain infarct has a large potential to advance clinical recovery of patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, pathophysiological mechanisms leading to either recovery or secondary damage in the penumbra are not completely understood. We studied neuronal dynamics in a model system of the penumbra consisting of networks of cultured cortical neurons exposed to controlled levels and durations of hypoxia. Short periods of hypoxia (pO2≈20mmHg) reduced spontaneous activity, due to impeded synaptic function. After ≈6 hours, activity and connectivity partially recovered, even during continuing hypoxia. If the oxygen supply was restored within 12 hours, changes in network connectivity were completely reversible. For longer periods of hypoxia (12–30 h), activity levels initially increased, but eventually decreased and connectivity changes became partially irreversible. After ≈30 hours, all functional connections disappeared and no activity remained. Since this complete silence seemed unrelated to hypoxic depths, but always followed an extended period of low activity, we speculate that irreversible damage (at least partly) results from insufficient neuronal activation. This opens avenues for therapies to improve recovery by neuronal activation.
A pseudo-Bayesian approach to sign-compute-resolve slotted ALOHA

Access reservation based on slotted ALOHA is commonly used in wireless cellular access. In this paper we investigate its enhancement based on the use of physical-layer network coding and signature coding, whose main feature is enabling simultaneous resolution of up to K users contending for access, where K ≥ 1. We optimise the slot access probability such that the expected throughput is maximised. In particular, the slot access probability is chosen in line with an estimate of the number of users in the system that is obtained relying on the pseudo-Bayesian approach by Rivest, which we generalise for the case that K > 1. Under the assumption that this estimate reflects the actual number of users, we show that our approach achieves throughput 1 in the limit of large K.
The role of biomarkers in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection

The role of serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as the first line for evaluating a patient with periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) has been debunked. We are living in the era of biomarkers for the diagnosis of PJI, and to that effect, several biomarkers have been introduced such as synovial fluid alpha defensin and leukocyte esterase. The synovial fluid leukocyte esterase test has a low cost, is accessible, and has provided promising results for diagnosing PJI. There is an urgent need for an accurate and reliable serum biomarker for diagnosing patients with PJI. Cite this article: Shahi A, Parvizi J. The role of biomarkers in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:275-278. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1. 160019.
Relationship between Cloud Radiative Forcing and Sea Surface Temperatures over the Entire Tropical Oceans

Abstract Satellite measurements from January 1985 to December 1989 show that warmer tropical oceans as a whole are associated with less longwave greenhouse effect of clouds and less cloud reflection of solar radiation to the space. The regression slopes of longwave and shortwave cloud radiative forcings against sea surface temperatures averaged from 30°N to 30°S are about −3 and 2 W m−2 K−1, respectively. Relationships of cloud forcings and sea surface temperatures are analyzed for regions with different sizes. As has been reported in previous studies, the magnitude of area-averaged cloud radiative forcing for both longwave and shortwave radiations increases with sea surface temperatures in the equatorial eastern Pacific and is insensitive to sea surface temperatures over the tropical Pacific basin. Yet, when the region extends beyond the tropical Pacific, the magnitude decreases with sea surface temperatures. This phenomenon is shown to relate to changes in clouds over the tropical Indian Ocean and Atlan.
A Correlation between Galaxy Light Concentration and Supermassive Black Hole Mass

We present evidence for a strong correlation between the concentration of bulges and the mass of their central supermassive black hole (Mbh)—more concentrated bulges have more massive black holes. Using C(1/3) from Trujillo, Graham, & Caon as a measure of bulge concentration, we find that log(Mbh/M☉) = 6.81(±0.95)C(1/3) + 5.03 ± 0.41. This correlation is shown to be marginally stronger (Spearman's rs = 0.91) than the relationship between the logarithm of the stellar velocity dispersion and log Mbh (Spearman's rs = 0.86) and has comparable or less scatter (0.31 dex in log Mbh, which decreases to 0.19 dex when we use only those galaxies whose supermassive black hole radii of influence are resolved and we remove one well-understood outlying data point).
Effects of Dietary Persimmon Peel and its Ethanol Extract on the Production Performance and Liver Lipids in the Late Stage of Egg Production in Laying Hens

The purpose of this study was to investigate the dietary effects of persimmon peel (PP) and PP ethanol extract (PPE) on egg production, egg quality, and liver lipids in the late stage of egg production in laying hens. One hundred and twenty 50-wk-old Hy-Line Brown layers (n = 120) were fed different diets. Four replicate groups of 6 hens each were randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatments. The 5 dietary treatments were as follows: i) CON, basal diet; ii) PP 0.15, CON+0.15% PP (0.035% tannin); iii) PP 0.5, CON +0.5% PP (0.117% tannin); iv) PPE 0.075, CON+0.075% PPE (0.03% tannin); and v) PPE 0.25, CON+0.25% PPE (0.11% tannin). The total tannin concentration of PPE was higher (p<0.05) than that of PP. Egg production in the PP 0.5 group was higher than in the other groups. Egg production and mass of hens in the PPE 0.25 group showed a greater decrease than that in the other groups (p<0.05). Eggshell color in the PP 0.15, PP 0.5, and PPE 0.075 groups was lighter than that of the control group (p<0.05). The Haugh unit for the groups that were fed PP and PPE were significantly higher than that in the other groups after 7 d of storage (p<0.05). Therefore, PP seems an effective feed additive for improving the production performance and egg quality in late stage laying hens.
An Inverse Free Preconditioned Krylov Subspace Method for Symmetric Generalized Eigenvalue Problems

In this paper, we present an inverse free Krylov subspace method for finding some extreme eigenvalues of the symmetric definite generalized eigenvalue problem $Ax = \lambda B x$. The basic method takes a form of inner-outer iterations and involves no inversion of B or any shift-and-invert matrix $A-\lambda_0 B$. A convergence analysis is presented that leads to a preconditioning scheme for accelerating convergence through some equivalent transformations of the eigenvalue problem. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the convergence properties and to demonstrate the competitiveness of the method.
The Death of Handwriting: Secondary Effects of Frequent Computer Use on Basic Motor Skills

ABSTRACT The benefits of modern technologies such as personal computers, in-vehicle navigation systems, and electronic organizers are evident in everyday life. However, only recently has it been proposed that the increasing use of personal computers in producing written texts may significantly contribute to the loss of handwriting skills. Such a fundamental change of human habits is likely to have generalized consequences for other basic fine motor skills as well. In this article, the authors provide evidence that the skill to produce precisely controlled arm–hand movements is related to the usage of computer keyboards in producing written text in everyday life. This result supports the notion that specific cultural skills such as handwriting and typing shape more general perceptual and motor skills. More generally, changing technologies are associated with generalized changes of the profile of basic human skills.
Sensitive and Specific Immunohistochemical Diagnosis of Human Alveolar Echinococcosis with the Monoclonal Antibody Em2G11

Background Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is caused by the metacestode stage of Echinococcus multilocularis. Differential diagnosis with cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by E. granulosus and AE is challenging. We aimed at improving diagnosis of AE on paraffin sections of infected human tissue by immunohistochemical testing of a specific antibody. Methodology/Principal Findings We have analysed 96 paraffin archived specimens, including 6 cutting needle biopsies and 3 fine needle aspirates, from patients with suspected AE or CE with the monoclonal antibody (mAb) Em2G11 specific for the Em2 antigen of E. multilocularis metacestodes. In human tissue, staining with mAb Em2G11 is highly specific for E. multilocularis metacestodes while no staining is detected in CE lesions. In addition, the antibody detects small particles of E. multilocularis (spems) of less than 1 µm outside the main lesion in necrotic tissue, liver sinusoids and lymphatic tissue most probably caused by shedding of parasitic material. The conventional histological diagnosis based on haematoxylin and eosin and PAS stainings were in accordance with the immunohistological diagnosis using mAb Em2G11 in 90 of 96 samples. In 6 samples conventional subtype diagnosis of echinococcosis had to be adjusted when revised by immunohistology with mAb Em2G11. Conclusions/Significance Immunohistochemistry with the mAb Em2G11 is a new, highly specific and sensitive diagnostic tool for AE. The staining of small particles of E. multilocularis (spems) outside the main lesion including immunocompetent tissue, such as lymph nodes, suggests a systemic effect on the host.
INCREASED GENE DOSAGE PLAYS A PREDOMINANT ROLE IN THE INITIAL STAGES OF EVOLUTION OF DUPLICATE TEM‐1 BETA LACTAMASE GENES

Gene duplication is important in evolution, because it provides new raw material for evolutionary adaptations. Several existing hypotheses about the causes of duplicate retention and diversification differ in their emphasis on gene dosage, subfunctionalization, and neofunctionalization. Little experimental data exist on the relative importance of gene expression changes and changes in coding regions for the evolution of duplicate genes. Furthermore, we do not know how strongly the environment could affect this importance. To address these questions, we performed evolution experiments with the TEM‐1 beta lactamase gene in Escherichia coli to study the initial stages of duplicate gene evolution in the laboratory. We mimicked tandem duplication by inserting two copies of the TEM‐1 gene on the same plasmid. We then subjected these copies to repeated cycles of mutagenesis and selection in various environments that contained antibiotics in different combinations and concentrations. Our experiments showed that gene dosage is the most important factor in the initial stages of duplicate gene evolution, and overshadows the importance of point mutations in the coding region.
Pictures at the ATM: exploring the usability of multiple graphical passwords

Users gain access to cash, confidential information and services at Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) via an authentication process involving a Personal Identification Number (PIN). These users frequently have many different PINs, and fail to remember them without recourse to insecure behaviours. This is not a failing of users. It is a usability failing in the ATM authentication mechanism. This paper describes research executed to evaluate whether users find multiple graphical passwords more memorable than multiple PINs. The research also investigates the success of two memory augmentation strategies in increasing memorability of graphical passwords. The results demonstrate that multiple graphical passwords are substantially more effective than multiple PIN numbers. Memorability is further improved by the use of mnemonics to aid their recall.This study will be of interest to HCI practitioners and information security researchers exploring approaches to usable security.
Minimum target prices for production of direct-acting antivirals and associated diagnostics to combat hepatitis C virus

Combinations of direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) can cure hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the majority of treatment‐naïve patients. Mass treatment programs to cure HCV in developing countries are only feasible if the costs of treatment and laboratory diagnostics are very low. This analysis aimed to estimate minimum costs of DAA treatment and associated diagnostic monitoring. Clinical trials of HCV DAAs were reviewed to identify combinations with consistently high rates of sustained virological response across hepatitis C genotypes. For each DAA, molecular structures, doses, treatment duration, and components of retrosynthesis were used to estimate costs of large‐scale, generic production. Manufacturing costs per gram of DAA were based upon treating at least 5 million patients per year and a 40% margin for formulation. Costs of diagnostic support were estimated based on published minimum prices of genotyping, HCV antigen tests plus full blood count/clinical chemistry tests. Predicted minimum costs for 12‐week courses of combination DAAs with the most consistent efficacy results were: US$122 per person for sofosbuvir+daclatasvir; US$152 for sofosbuvir+ribavirin; US$192 for sofosbuvir+ledipasvir; and US$115 for MK‐8742+MK‐5172. Diagnostic testing costs were estimated at US$90 for genotyping US$34 for two HCV antigen tests and US$22 for two full blood count/clinical chemistry tests. Conclusions: Minimum costs of treatment and diagnostics to cure hepatitis C virus infection were estimated at US$171‐360 per person without genotyping or US$261‐450 per person with genotyping. These cost estimates assume that existing large‐scale treatment programs can be established. (Hepatology 2015;61:1174–1182)
Medical education and cognitive continuum theory: an alternative perspective on medical problem solving and clinical reasoning.

Recently, human reasoning, problem solving, and decision making have been viewed as products of two separate systems: "System 1," the unconscious, intuitive, or nonanalytic system, and "System 2," the conscious, analytic, or reflective system. This view has penetrated the medical education literature, yet the idea of two independent dichotomous cognitive systems is not entirely without problems.This article outlines the difficulties of this "two-system view" and presents an alternative, developed by K.R. Hammond and colleagues, called cognitive continuum theory (CCT). CCT is featured by three key assumptions. First, human reasoning, problem solving, and decision making can be arranged on a cognitive continuum, with pure intuition at one end, pure analysis at the other, and a large middle ground called "quasirationality. " Second, the nature and requirements of the cognitive task, as perceived by the person performing the task, determine to a large extent whether a task will be approached more intuitively or more analytically. Third, for optimal task performance, this approach needs to match the cognitive properties and requirements of the task. Finally, the author makes a case that CCT is better able than a two-system view to describe medical problem solving and clinical reasoning and that it provides clear clues for how to organize training in clinical reasoning.
Comparison of ICEJAM and RIVJAM Ice Jam Profile Models

A review and comparison of two numerical ice jam profile models is provided. The first is the RIVJAM model, developed at the National Water Research Institute in Canada. The second is the ICEJAM model, which was developed at the University of Alberta and which forms the basis of the solution algorithm in the ice jam calculation routine recently implemented in HEC-RAS. Both the RIVJAM and ICEJAM models solve an ice jam stability equation in conjunction with one-dimensional, steady, gradually varied flow, and both have the capacity to compute profiles for equilibrium and nonequilibrium ice jams. The focus of the investigation is to compare the analytical equations solved, the numerical solution approaches, the required boundary conditions, and the relative sensitivity of the models' calibration parameters. Similarities between the models' governing equations and solution techniques are illustrated through direct comparison of the analytical equations and through model application. Differences between the models' boundary conditions and relative success of calibration are illustrated through the application to case studies.
Synthetic seismograms from coupled free oscillations: Effects of lateral structure and rotation

Synthetic seismograms from coupled free oscillations are calculated for a regionalized continent-ocean model of the upper mantle and a recently proposed spherical harmonic lateral structure model. Spectral correlation analysis of these synthetic records, containing Rayleigh waves with period T ≳ 160 s, reveals the size of departures from the assumption that the waveform perturbation can be explained by just the structure under the great circle between source and receiver. Arrival azimuth deflections of up to 10° are observed on horizontal synthetics using a 2.3% variation in shear velocity between continents and oceans. Among the M84A synthetics, the great circle travel times R3–R1, R4–R2, R5–R3 vary on average by 3–5 s for 3 ≲ f ≲ 6 mHz surface wave motion. Comparison between synthetics, calculated to be sensitive to even-order structure or to both even- and odd-order structure, gives a 5-s average time delay attributable to odd-order structure. Significant Rayleigh wave packet amplitude anomalies are common in the synthetic records and are nearly as common in synthetics calculated for the even-order structure as in those sensitive to all structure. Examples suggest that model M84A does not consistently reproduce the amplitude anomalies observed in International Deployment of Accelerometers (IDA) and Global Digital Seismographic Network (GDSN) data. Lastly, we demonstrate the effect of Coriolis coupling in the time domain. Visible precursors to Rayleigh wave packets are predicted in cases of favorable source-receiver geometry. These precursors are caused by the spheroidal component of the hybrid, predominantly toroidal, low-frequency (f ≲ 4.2 mHz) Love wave, whose arrival precedes that of the Rayleigh wave. We present examples of this anomalous waveform in IDA data from a large strike-slip earthquake in New Guinea, showing a qualitative fit to the coupled-mode prediction.