Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Litter Quality and Inorganic-N on Decomposition and Nitrogen Release in Alley Cropping from Three Leguminous Agroforestry Tree Species

The effects of litter quality and inorganic nitrogen (N) on rate of decomposition and N release pattern by three leguminous woody species were investigated under field conditions by the litterbag technique. The research was carried out in Zambia. The alley trees were Leucaena leucocephala, Senna siamea and Flemingia macrophylla. Maize was the companion crop. Dried leaf litters were placed inside litterbags and buried into the top 10-15 cm depth of soil. The four inorganic N levels were 0, 34, 68, and 112 kgNha -1 . Samples were drawn at intervals of 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks and were analysed to determine remaining dry matter weight, N, lignin, cellulose, polyphenol and carbon. Major findings were that L. leucocephala and S. siamea decomposed significantly faster than F. macrophylla . It was also observed that the level of inorganic N had a significant effect on decomposition rate. These results show that both the chemical composition of plant residues and level of inorganic fertiliser N applied increased the rate of plant residue decomposition.
Fire-Sale Acquisitions and Intra-Industry Contagion

This paper presents empirical evidence on the combined effects of target firm distress and industry-level illiquidity on acquisition outcomes and industry-specific contagion. When the target industry is in distress, I find that the fire-sale effects cause distressed targets to be sold to industry outsiders at discounts and acquirers to gain higher return by exploiting targets weakened bargaining power. These findings are stronger for targets with high industry asset-specificity in capital, labor and technology. I also find that target rivals earn negative abnormal stock return due to negative information from fire-sale acquisitions.
Neural Correlates of Skill Acquisition with a Cortical Brain–Machine Interface

ABSTRACT Research into the development of brain–machine interfaces (BMIs) has led to demonstrations of rodents, nonhuman primates, and humans controlling prosthetic devices in real time through modulation of neural signals. In particular, cortical BMI studies have shown that improvements in performance require learning and are associated with changes in neuronal tuning properties. These studies have further shown evidence of long-term improvements in performance with practice. The authors conducted experiments to understand long-term skill acquisition with BMIs and to characterize the neural correlates of improvements in task performance. They specifically assessed long-term acquisition of neuroprosthetic skill (i.e., accurate task performance readily recalled across days). In 2 monkeys performing a center–out task using a brain-controlled (BC) computer cursor, they closely monitored daily performance trends and the neural correlates under different conditions. Importantly, they assessed BC performance using a continuous-control multistep task. The authors first conducted experiments that mimicked experimental conditions commonly used. Specifically, a large set of neurons was incorporated with daily recalibration of the transform of neural activity to BC. Under such conditions, they found evidence of variable daily performance. In contrast, when a fixed transform was applied to stable recordings from an ensemble of neurons across days, there was consistent evidence of long-term skill acquisition. Such skill acquisition was associated with the crystallization of a cortical map for prosthetic control. Taken together, the results suggest that the primate motor cortex can achieve skilled control of a neuroprosthetic device through consolidation of a cortical representation.
WORLDWIDE DISPERSION AND DEPOSITION OF RADIONUCLIDES PRODUCED IN ATMOSPHERIC TESTS

Radionuclides produced in atmospheric nuclear tests were widely dispersed in the global environment. From the many measurements of the concentrations in air and the deposition amounts, much was learned of atmospheric circulation and environmental processes. Based on these results and the reported fission and total yields of individual tests, it has been possible to devise an empirical model of the movement and residence times of particles in the various atmospheric regions. This model, applied to all atmospheric weapons tests, allows extensive calculations of air concentrations and deposition amounts for the entire range of radionuclides produced throughout the testing period. Especially for the shorter-lived fission radionuclides, for which measurement results at the time of the tests are less extensive, a more complete picture of levels and isotope ratios can be obtained, forming a basis for improved dose estimations. The contributions to worldwide fallout can be inferred from individual tests, from tests at specific sites, or by specific countries. Progress was also made in understanding the global hydrological and carbon cycles from the tritium and 14C measurements. A review of the global measurements and modeling results is presented in this paper. In the future, if injections of materials into the atmosphere occur, their anticipated motions and fates can be predicted from the knowledge gained from the fallout experience.
Cross-modal description of sentiment information embedded in speech

Looking for new possibilities to describe the information embedded in speech, we have carried out sentiment correlation analysis between speech features and color attributes. Using single vowel utterances with different prosody and sound pressure level, we have asked subjects to select colors based on their perceptual impressions after listening them. By analyzing selected color attributes using Value, Saturation and Hue, we found high correlations between mean F0 and Value, sound pressure level and Saturation, and Formants and Hue. These correlations coincided with previous observations using speech and color categories, which suggests a possibility for visualization of sentiment information embedded in speech based on cross-modal sentiment correlations.
Mitral annulus velocity in the estimation of left ventricular filling pressure: prospective study in 200 patients.

The ratio of early mitral inflow to early mitral annular velocity (E/E') was suggested as a useful index in the estimation of left ventricular filling pressure. This study was performed to validate the clinical usefulness of E/E' ratio in a large number of patients. Simultaneous left ventricular pressure measurements and Doppler examinations were performed in 200 consecutive patients at the cardiac catheterization laboratory. The E/E' ratio correlated well with pre-A-wave pressure (r = 0.74, P <.001), and the correlation was not dependent on the left ventricular systolic function (ejection fraction [EF] > or = 50%: r = 0.74, P <.001 versus EF <50%: r = 0.70, P <.001). The E/E' ratio of > or = 9 best discriminated elevated (<12 mm Hg) from normal left ventricular pre-A pressure with a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 80%. Our study results also showed that quantitative estimation of left ventricular pre-A pressure could be suggested by the simplified equation of pre-A pressure = E/E' + 4 with reasonable accuracy.
University of Birmingham Shear wave elastography reveals different degrees of passive and active stiffness of the neck extensor muscles

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Platinum/AlN/Sapphire SAW resonator operating in GHz range for high temperature wireless SAW sensor

In this work, Pt/AlN/Sapphire SAW resonator operating in 2.45GHz ISM band is studied as a potential sensor for high temperature and high frequency applications. Experimental characterization was realized using a specific station probe between room temperature and 500°C. Results show that electromechanical factor of the structure (K2) increase with temperature, while the quality factor decreases. The variation of frequency with temperature shows a good linearity, which is very useful for temperature sensor applications and the measured TCF of -35 ppm/°C is consisting with modeling predictions.
Performance analysis of the scalable video coding standard

The emerging Scalable Video Coding extends the H.264/AVC video coding standard with new tools designed to efficiently support temporal, spatial and SNR scalability. This paper gives a comprehensive overview of the new features of the SVC standard, providing at the same time an evaluation of their Rate-Distortion performance as well as of the computational complexity.
The Diagnosis of Adrenal Cortical Dysfunction

Although the history and clinical findings are important in the diagnosis of endocrine disorders, confirmatory biochemical tests are necessary in many cases. If possible, these biochemical tests should give direct evidence of the gland's activity by measuring the hormone levels in the blood or, where applicable, excretion in the urine. When this cannot be done it is necessary to rely on indirect evidence, usually metabolic changes resulting from altered hormone production. In the case of the adrenal cortex, assessment is complicated by the multiplicity of hormones produced. Three require particular consideration: hydrocortisone, aldosterone, and the adrenal androgens. Of these the most important is hydrocortisone. Although sometimes referred to as the glucocorticoid hormone because it increases gluconeogenesis, it has other more important actions affecting the blood pressure, renal function, and homeostasis of the extracellular fluid (Mendelsohn and Pearson, 1955). It is unfortunate that the only direct measurement of adrenal cortical hormones commonly undertaken is the urinary excretion of 17-ketosteroids. These are for the most part metabolites of adrenal androgens, which are among the less important of the adrenal cortical hormones. Furthermore, 17-ketosteroid excretion may be reduced in any chronic serious illness without impairment of the essential activities of the adrenal cortex. Measurement of aldosterone excretion in blood and urine is possible, but only as a complex research procedure, and there is little likelihood of its becoming practicable for routine study of patients. A number of methods for estimation of hydrocortisone and its metabolites in the blood or urine have been described during the last 10 years. The blood methods and the earlier urinary ones are complex and undertaken in only a few
Rapid adaptive evolution in novel environments acts as an architect of population range expansion

Significance It is crucial to understand what governs the growth and spread of populations colonizing novel environments to better predict species responses to global change, including range shifts in response to warming and biological invasions. Evolutionary processes can be rapid enough to influence colonizing populations; however, it is unclear whether evolution governs the course of colonization events or if it is an outcome that arises gradually after successful establishment. We either allowed or restricted evolution in replicate populations released in a novel environment, and found that populations that were allowed to evolve grew three times larger and expanded their ranges 46% faster compared with nonevolving populations. Thus, evolution facilitates colonization from the outset and should be considered in management decisions. Colonization and expansion into novel landscapes determine the distribution and abundance of species in our rapidly changing ecosystems worldwide. Colonization events are crucibles for rapid evolution, but it is not known whether evolutionary changes arise mainly after successful colonization has occurred, or if evolution plays an immediate role, governing the growth and expansion speed of colonizing populations. There is evidence that spatial evolutionary processes can speed range expansion within a few generations because dispersal tendencies may evolve upwards at range edges. Additionally, rapid adaptation to a novel environment can increase population growth rates, which also promotes spread. However, the role of adaptive evolution and the relative contributions of spatial evolution and adaptation to expansion are unclear. Using a model system, red flour beetles (Tribolium castaneum), we either allowed or constrained evolution of populations colonizing a novel environment and measured population growth and spread. At the end of the experiment we assessed the fitness and dispersal tendency of individuals originating either from the core or edge of evolving populations or from nonevolving populations in a common garden. Within six generations, evolving populations grew three times larger and spread 46% faster than populations in which evolution was constrained. Increased size and expansion speed were strongly driven by adaptation, whereas spatial evolutionary processes acting on edge subpopulations contributed less. This experimental evidence demonstrates that rapid evolution drives both population growth and expansion speed and is thus crucial to consider for managing biological invasions and successfully introducing or reintroducing species for management and conservation.
Nocturnal blood pressure is elevated with natriuresis and proteinuria as renal function deteriorates in nephropathy.

BACKGROUND We reported that patients with sodium sensitive type of hypertension exhibited the lack of nocturnal fall in blood pressure with enhanced natriuresis during night. Sodium sensitivity is caused by diminished glomerular filtration capability and/or augmented tubular reabsorption of sodium, and seems tightly linked with glomerular capillary hypertension. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between glomerular filtration rate and circadian rhythms of these parameters in patients with glomerulopathy. METHODS Twenty six patients (15 men and 11 women; aged 17 to 72 years; mean age 47 +/- 3 years), whose diagnosis was confirmed as glomerulopathy with renal biopsy, were studied during hospitalization. Ambulatory blood pressure for 24 hours was monitored, while urinary samples were collected for both daytime (6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) and nighttime (9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) to estimate circadian rhythms of urinary sodium and protein excretion rates (UNaV, UproV). Then night/day ratios of mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), UNaV, and UproV were analyzed in relation to 24-hour creatinine clearance as a marker of glomerular filtration rate. RESULTS Serum creatinine and creatinine clearance were 1.1 +/- 0.1 mg/dL and 89 +/- 7 mL/min/1.73 m2. There were significant day-night differences in MAP (96 +/- 2 mm Hg vs. 92 +/- 2 mm Hg; P= 0.006), UNaV (6.7 +/- 0.9 mmol/hour vs. 3.6 +/- 0.3 mmol/hour; P= 0.003), and UproV (161 +/- 27 mg/hour vs. 128 +/- 28 mg/hour; P= 0.02). Creatinine clearance had significantly negative relationships with night/day ratios of MAP (r=-0.49; P= 0.01), UNaV (r=-0.43; P= 0.03,) and UproV (r=-0.41; P= 0.04). In addition, night/day ratio of MAP had significantly positive relationships with night/day ratios of UNaV (r= 0.49; P= 0.01) and UproV (r= 0.45; P= 0.02). CONCLUSION Our results show that as renal function deteriorates in glomerulopathy the nocturnal dip in blood pressure is lost, resulting in enhanced urinary sodium and protein excretions during night. These findings are compatible with our proposal that impaired natriuresis during daytime makes nocturnal blood pressure elevated to compensate for diminished natriuresis by pressure natriuresis. We speculate that nocturnal glomerular capillary hypertension contributes, at least in part, to enhanced urinary sodium and protein excretions during night.
Long‐Term Efficacy and Tolerability of a New Hypnotic‐Loprazolam

SUMMARY A double-blind, parallel group study was performed to compare the hypnotic efficacy of loprazolam (l.Omg) and placebo in 71 general practice patients with a sleep difficulty. The effect of gradual or abrupt withdrawal 'after 8 weeks of loprazolam treatment was compared with a parallel group which was receivingplacebo throughout. There were no significant findings with respect to sleep latency although sleep duration was lower during the first 2 weeks of the study for patients receiving loprazolam. Patients receiving loprazolam obtained a more satisfying and effective sleep than those receiving placebo, particularly over the first 3 weeks of treatment. More patients receiving loprazolam were clear-headed and also reported less hangover in the morning than those receiving placebo. Withdrawal of active medication either gradually or abruptly resulted in some deterioration of sleep which did not achieve significance. The results suggest that 1.0mg of loprazolam is an effective and well-tolerated hypnotic in general practice patients suffering from insomnia. Moreover, withdrawal after 8 weeks' treatment, although resulting in slight deterioration of some sleep parameters, did not lead to a clinically significant sleep rebound phenomenon.
Innovative beer-brewing of typical, old and healthy wheat varieties to boost their spreading

Certain typical old wheat varieties grown in the Mediterranean countries and elsewhere are renowned for their nutritional value due to higher concentration of polyphenols, especially flavonoids, as well as of important minerals, than modern varieties. However, the respective economical sustainability is constrained by reduced yield, increasing costs and stagnating or decreasing market prices. Moreover, under certain conditions, connected with the respective scale and local market volume, low-input, organically grown cereals can lead to lower environmental footprint. Brewing with a portion of such old grains can effectively boost their spreading, conditioned on its ability to supply a significant additional net income to farmers. Beer has become the worldwide most consumed alcoholic beverage and, although its market is dominated by few global players and standardized products, craft breweries have quickly spread out in most countries. Nevertheless, a scale issue has arisen about the economic sustainability of microbreweries, mainly due to high initial capital investment, energy costs, scale, and sometimes taxation. It is shown how breakthrough, cheaper, more efficient and profitable microbreweries can help solving the sustainability issues affecting old wheat varieties, thus boosting the respective spreading, lowering the environmental footprint of the cereal sector and contributing to improve the public health.
EQUITY CORRELATIONS IMPLIED BY INDEX OPTIONS: ESTIMATION AND MODEL UNCERTAINTY ANALYSIS

We propose a method for constructing an arbitrage‐free multiasset pricing model which is consistent with a set of observed single‐ and multiasset derivative prices. The pricing model is constructed as a random mixture of N reference models, where the distribution of mixture weights is obtained by solving a well‐posed convex optimization problem. Application of this method to equity and index options shows that, whereas multivariate diffusion models with constant correlation fail to match the prices of index and component options simultaneously, a jump‐diffusion model with a common jump component affecting all stocks enables to do so. Furthermore, we show that even within a parametric model class, there is a wide range of correlation patterns compatible with observed prices of index options. Our method allows, as a by product, to quantify this model uncertainty with no further computational effort and propose static hedging strategies for reducing the exposure of multiasset derivatives to model uncertainty.
Ultra wideband tapered slot antenna with band-stop characteristic

This paper proposes a novel ultra wideband (UWB) tapered slot antenna (TSA) to achieve both enhanced impedance bandwidth for UWB RF front-ends and band-stop characteristics in the 5 GHz WLAN band, limited by IEEE802.11a and HIPERLAN/2. To obtain these two characteristics of wideband and band-stop in the TSA, a broadband microstrip-slotline transition with multi-arm stubs and /spl lambda//4 short stubs are used respectively. From the measured results, it can be shown that a wide bandwidth of 1.99 octaves from 2.8 to 11.09 GHz for a VSWR<2 is obtained while the 5.0 /spl sim/5.93 GHz band is rejected.
Colonization history and introduction dynamics of Capsella bursa‐pastoris (Brassicaceae) in North America: isozymes and quantitative traits

Multilocus isozyme genotypic composition for aspartate aminotransferase (AAT), leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) was studied for Capsella in the source continent, Europe (9000 plants from 593 populations), and in the colonized continent, North America (2700 plants from 88 populations). North America was depauperate in the number of genotypes (by ≈ 50%), but in terms of frequencies, a few genotypes were common and shared by both continents. Although some, very rare, genotypes were, however, unique for North America, our data provided no evidence to indicate that the introduced gene pools were reconstructed on a multilocus genetic basis after introduction. Instead, they argued for a considerable number of independent introduction events. Geographical distribution patterns of multilocus genotypes in Europe and North America were pronounced and enabled us to trace the colonization history of Californian Capsella back to Spanish ancestral populations and those of temperate North America back to temperate European gene pools. A random‐block field experiment with 14 Californian populations from different climatic regions revealed that variation patterns of quantitative traits reflect ecotypic variation, and the ecological amplitude of Capsella in North America is similar to that in Europe, which can be traced back to the introduction of preadapted genotypes. It appears that certain multilocus isozyme genotypes are associated with certain ecotypes. The variable European gene pool of Capsella was essentially introduced into North America without major genetic changes.
The placebo-reward hypothesis : dopamine and the placebo effect

Based on the observation that the placebo effect in Parkinson’s disease was mediated by the release of endogenous dopamine in both the dorsal and ventral striatum, in 2002 we formally proposed the placebo-reward hypothesis. This hypothesis establishes a link between the placebo effect and reward mechanisms, and predicts that the activation of the ventral striatum should be present in any placebo response, in any medical condition. In keeping with this prediction, functional neuroimaging studies have shown placebo-induced activation of the reward circuitry in Parkinson’s disease, depression, and pain. In fact, recent evidence suggests that the release of dopamine in the ventral striatum likely triggers the activation of the endogenous opioid system in placebo analgesia. The placebo-reward hypothesis also supports the notion that the expectation of clinical benefit plays a major role in the placebo effect. Probability and trust, two key factors involved in shaping expectations, must therefore be essential to the development of placebo responses. The ventral loop of the basal ganglia circuitry (anterior cingulate cortex–ventral striatum–ventral pallidum– mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus –anterior cingulate cortex) is a fundamental component of the neuroanatomy of the placebo effect.