Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Centennial and Millennial climate-carbon cycle feedback analysis for future anthropogenic climate change

Increased anthropogenic emission of CO2 is alleged to impact the climate system in the future, which will affect the feedback between carbon cycle and climate change. In this project, a climate-carbon cycle feedback analysis has been conducted by using long simulated time series (2001 – 3000) data, derived from the Max-Planck-Institute / University of Wisconsin-Madison Earth System Model (MPI/UW ESM). This complex Earth system model was forced by historical emissions of CO2 and by three IPCC SRES scenarios, A2, A1B and B1 till 2100, then for the remainder (2100-3000), an exponential decrease of CO2 emissions was assumed. The analysis has been calculated for the 21st century and for the year 3000, to study the short term (100 year) and long term (1000 year) climate-carbon cycle feedback. In addition, there is not only a difference in time period but also centennial time scale represents a transient state where CO2 forcing continues to increase; on the other hand millennium time scale represents a near equilibrium state of the Earth system against CO2 forcing. For both the centennial and millennial time scale, this complex Earth system model results in positive feedbacks between carbon cycle and climate change for all three scenarios (A2, A1B, and B1). The magnitude of this positive feedback will be stronger by the end of the millennium (3000). This positive feedback clearly indicates that climate change will reduce the carbon uptake by the Earth system due to the climate carbon cycle feedback, thus there will be more remaining CO2 in the atmosphere which is able to produce an additional warming on climate system. The relative magnitude of this positive feedback varies depending on scenarios. For the A2 scenario, this positive feedback has increased by 9% and 39% for 21st century, and for the year 3000, respectively compared to the 20th century. For the A1B scenarios, it has increased by 10% and 30%, respectively, and for the B1 scenario, it has increased by 7% and 14% correspondingly.
Interdependencies between flame length and fireline intensity in predicting crown fire initiation and crown scorch height

This state-of-knowledge review examines some of the underlying assumptions and limitations associated withtheinter-relationships amongfourwidelyuseddescriptorsofsurfacefirebehaviourandpost-fireimpacts inwildland fire science and management, namely Byram's fireline intensity, flame length, stem-bark char height and crown scorch height. More specifically, the following topical areas are critically examined based on a comprehensive review of the pertinent literature:(i)estimatingfirelineintensityfrom flamelength;(ii)substitutingflamelengthforfirelineintensityin Van Wagner's crown fire initiation model; (iii) the validity of linkages between the Rothermel surface fire behaviour and Van Wagner's crown scorch height models; (iv) estimating flame height from post-fire observations of stem-bark char height; and (v) estimating fireline intensity from post-fire observations of crown scorch height. There has been an overwhelming tendency within the wildland fire community to regard Byram's flame length-fireline intensity and Van Wagner's crown scorch height-fireline intensity models as universal in nature. However, research has subsequently shown that such linkages among fire behaviour and post-fire impact characteristics are in fact strongly influenced by fuelbed structure, thereby necessitating consideration of fuel complex specific-type models of such relationships. Additional keywords: fire behaviour, fire impacts, fire modelling, first-order fire effects, flame angle, flame depth, flame-front residence time, ignition pattern, stem-bark char height, surface fire.
Development of MTL-CEBPA: Small Activating RNA Drug for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: Oligonucleotide drug development has revolutionised the drug discovery field. Within this field, ‘small’ or ‘short’ activating RNAs (saRNA) are a more recently discovered category of short double-stranded RNA with clinical potential. saRNAs promote transcription from target loci, a phenomenon widely observed in mammals known as RNA activation (RNAa). Objective: The ability to target a particular gene is dependent on the sequence of the saRNA. Hence, the potential clinical application of saRNAs is to increase target gene expression in a sequence-specific man-ner. saRNA-based therapeutics present opportunities for expanding the “druggable genome” with partic-ular areas of interest including transcription factor activation and cases of haploinsufficiency. Results and Conclusion: In this mini-review, we describe the pre-clinical development of the first saRNA drug to enter the clinic. This saRNA, referred to as MTL-CEBPA, induces increased expression of the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (CEBPα), a tumour suppressor and critical regulator of hepatocyte function. MTL-CEBPA is presently in Phase I clinical trials for hepatocel-lular carcinoma (HCC). The clinical development of MTL-CEBPA will demonstrate “proof of concept” that saRNAs can provide the basis for drugs which enhance target gene expression and consequently improve treatment outcome in patients
Glutamatergic Deficits in Schizophrenia – Biomarkers and Pharmacological Interventions within the Ketamine Model

Background: The observation that N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor (NMDAR) antagonists such as ketamine transiently induce schizophrenia-like positive, negative and cognitive symptoms has led to a paradigm shift from dopaminergic to glutamatergic dysfunction in pharmacological models of schizophrenia. NMDAR hypofunction can explain many schizophrenia symptoms directly due to excitatory-to-inhibitory (E/I) imbalance, but also dopaminergic dysfunction itself. However, so far no new drug targeting the NMDAR has been successfully approved. In the search for possible biomarkers it is interesting that ketamine-induced psychopathological changes in healthy participants were accompanied by altered electro-(EEG), magnetoencephalographic (MEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed/Medline and Web of Knowledge databases (January 2006 to July 2017) to identify EEG/MEG and fMRI studies of the ketamine model of schizophrenia with human subjects. The search strategy identified 209 citations of which 46 articles met specified eligibility criteria. Results: In EEG/MEG studies, ketamine induced changes of event-related potentials, such as the P300 potential and the mismatch negativity, similar to alterations observed in schizophrenia patients. In fMRI studies, alterations of activation were observed in different brain regions, most prominently within the anterior cingulate cortex and limbic structures as well as task-relevant brain regions. These alterations were accompanied by changes in functional connectivity, indicating a balance shift of the underlying brain networks. Pharmacological treatments did alter ketamine-induced changes in EEG/MEG and fMRI studies to different extents. Conclusion: This review highlights the potential applicability of the ketamine model for schizophrenia drug development by offering the possibility to assess the effect of pharmacological agents on schizophrenia-like symptoms and to find relevant neurophysiological and neuroimaging biomarkers.
Evaluation of Changes in the Expression Profile of mRNA and Protein-encoding Adiponectin in Ishikawa Cell Line under the Influence of Cisplatin – Preliminary Report

Background A reduced concentration of adiponectin is considered as an independent factor of the risk of inducing endometrial cancer. Cisplatin is a drug used in the therapy of this type of neoplasm. However, knowledge of the effects of cisplatin on the adiponectin level is still limited. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of cisplatin depending on the concentration and time of exposition of the cells to the drug on the adiponectin level in the endometrial cancer cell line. Methods Cells of endometrial cancer cell line Ishikawa were exposed for 12,24 and 48 hour periods to cisplatin with the following concentrations: 2. 5µM, 5µM, 10µM. The changes in the expression profile of adiponectin were compared to the RtqPCR reaction and ELISA test. The STATISTICA 13.0 PL program was used for statistical analysis (p<0.05). Results In the culture without the drug, the concentration of adiponectin was statistically lower than in the cell culture incubated with the drug. Changes on the mRNA level seem to be more specific than on the protein level, although in both cases, the same trend in the expression changes was noted. Discussion The longer the time of exposition of the cells to the drug, the expression of mRNA, and the adiponectin protein increased. Changes in the expression profile were characterized statistically (p<0.05). Conclusion Cisplatin, in a noticeable way, changes the expression profile of adiponectin. Molecular analysis indicated that in the case of endometrial cancer therapy should be implemented with a concentration of no less than 5 µM.
Assessing Young Children's Freehand Sketch Maps of the World

This study explores the use of separate schedules for assessing the spatial arrangement, shape and size of continental landmasses, as represented on children's freehand sketch maps of the world. The analysis of maps drawn by 26 English pupils, aged 10–11 years, shows that they were significantly better able to depict the location and size of continents than their shape. There were significant improvements in the performance of children, especially those initially less able, as a result of six lessons of practical atlas skills teaching. The maps revealed many misconceptions and blind spots. The features shown on the maps showed a marked nation-state, Eurocentric bias. It is suggested that clearly focused teaching and assessment of world map drawing should be introduced in Key Stage 2. Reporting of the use of the schedules in a variety of contexts is encouraged to broaden the research base. A 'separate skills' approach to assessment is recommended, rather than the alternative 'composite' system.
SEISMIC RESPONSE OF TWO SPECIFIC SITES IN THE NEW MADRID SEISMIC ZONE

Scientists estimate that there is a 9-in-10 chance of a magnitude 6 to 7 temblor occurring in the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) within the next 50 years. Due to the presence of the deep soil and the closeness of the faults to the studied sites, the site response is different and worse than those provided in the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) (1997). A major task is to characterize the site and evaluate the dynamic soil properties using field tests. Three different field tests have been used to study the maximum shear modulus: seismic cone penetration, cross-hole velocity, and spectral analysis of surface wave (SASW). Meanwhile, an empirical equation, using results from laboratory tests, was used to compare and calibrate the field test results. Since deep soil is the typical feature of the NMSZ, attention is concentrated particularly on the effect of confining pressure on the variation of shear modulus and damping ratio with wide range shear strain ((10(-6) -10(-1)). The results are compared by different methods. The typical curves of strain dependent modulus degradation and damping ratio at different confining pressures are presented. On the aforementioned results, the influence of confining pressure on the seismic site response in deep soil is analyzed accounting for the near-fault effect.
A Urine-Based Liquid Biopsy Method for Detection of Upper Tract Urinary Carcinoma

Background Conventional clinical detection methods such as CT, urine cytology, and ureteroscopy display low sensitivity and/or are invasive in the diagnosis of upper tract urinary carcinoma (UTUC), a factor precluding their use. Previous studies on urine biopsy have not shown satisfactory sensitivity and specificity in the application of both gene mutation or gene methylation panels. Therefore, these unfavorable factors call for an urgent need for a sensitive and non-invasive method for the diagnosis of UTUC. Methods In this study, a total of 161 hematuria patients were enrolled with (n = 69) or without (n = 92) UTUC. High-throughput sequencing of 17 genes and methylation analysis for ONECUT2 CpG sites were combined as a liquid biopsy test panel. Further, a logistic regression prediction model that contained several significant features was used to evaluate the risk of UTUC in these patients. Results In total, 86 UTUC− and 64 UTUC+ case samples were enrolled for the analysis. A logistic regression analysis of significant features including age, the mutation status of TERT promoter, and ONECUT2 methylation level resulted in an optimal model with a sensitivity of 94.0%, a specificity of 93.1%, the positive predictive value of 92.2% and a negative predictive value of 94.7%. Notably, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.957 in the training dataset while internal validation produced an AUC of 0.962. It is worth noting that during follow-up, a patient diagnosed with ureteral inflammation at the time of diagnosis exhibiting both positive mutation and methylation test results was diagnosed with ureteral carcinoma 17 months after his enrollment. Conclusion This work utilized the epigenetic biomarker ONECUT2 for the first time in the detection of UTUC and discovered its superior performance. To improve its sensitivity, we combined the biomarker with high-throughput sequencing of 17 genes test. It was found that the selected logistic regression model diagnosed with ureteral cancer can evaluate upper tract urinary carcinoma risk of patients with hematuria and outperform other existing panels in providing clinical recommendations for the diagnosis of UTUC. Moreover, its high negative predictive value is conducive to rule to exclude patients without UTUC.
Testing the Doran summer climate rules in Upper Wright Valley, Antarctica

Abstract Based on data from low elevation lake sites, previous studies have suggested three quantitative relationships related to summer (December, January and February) air temperatures in the Dry Valleys of Antarctica: i) decrease with altitude at the dry lapse rate of 9.8°C km-1, ii) increase with distance from the coast at a rate of 0.09°C km-1, and iii) degree-days above freezing during the summer months is logarithmically proportional to the maximum summer air temperature. Here, we tested the first two of these rules at high elevation sites in Upper Wright Valley. Direct measurements confirmed that the summer lapse rate followed the dry lapse rate. For the three furthest stations, Tyrol Valley, Mount Fleming and Horseshoe Crater, the average difference between the measurements and the predicted summer monthly averages are -2.1±1.4°C, -0.5±1.0°C and -0.4±0.9°C, respectively. By contrast, at Linnaeus Terrace (54 km from the coast) the monthly average is warmer than predicted by several degrees: +4.3±1.3°C. The inland temperature gradient at these high elevation sites may result from sunlight effects rather than coastal wind as previously shown for the lower valleys. The warm conditions observed c. 50 km from the coast may reflect a zone affected by both sunlight and coastal wind.
Bearing Capacity of Square and Circular Footings on a Finite Layer of Granular Soil Underlain by a Rigid Base

Traditional bearing capacity theories for the ultimate capacity of shallow foundations assume that the thickness of the bearing stratum is infinite. The presence of a hard layer within a certain depth below the foundation can significantly influence the unit load supported by the soil. Therefore the original bearing capacity equations should be modified to account for this condition in determining the ultimate bearing capacity. In order to evaluate this phenomenon further, model square and circular footing tests were performed on a bed of well-graded sand. Test beds were prepared at three different relative densities corresponding to loose, medium, and dense conditions: Dr =24 , 57, and 87%, using five different sand layer thicknesses, H ; H∕B values of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4, where B is the footing width. Results of the model scale footing tests show that the bearing capacity factor, Nγ , should be modified up to H∕B=3 , instead of H∕B=1 , as previously suggested. The footing shape factor, sγ , should accou.
Temperature-dependent nucleation rate constants and freezing behavior of submicron nitric acid dihydrate aerosol particles under stratospheric conditions

The freezing of a submicron-sized aerosol composed of H2O and HNO3 in a precise 2:1 concentration ratio has been measured using Fourier transform infrared extinction spectroscopy. The measurements were carried out in a flow tube operating at temperatures and pressures appropriate to the polar stratosphere. On the timescale of this measurement, about 15 s, detectable nucleation occurred at 179±1.6 K. Ten percent of the sample was frozen after 15 s at a temperature of 178.8 K; 50% was frozen at 177.5 K, and 90% was frozen at 175.8 K. Using the known (constant) aerosol flow velocity, the nucleation rate constant was obtained from the freezing point measurements. Values of this rate constant are reported over the temperature range between 176 K and 179 K. In this range the freezing temperature is in excellent agreement with that measured by Barton et al. [1993], and the temperature dependence of the nucleation rate constant agrees well with that calculated using the method of MacKenzie et al. [1997]. It does not agree with that reported by Tisdale et al. [1997]. Extrapolation of the rates indicate that nitric acid dihydrate nucleation from liquid aerosol droplets having a 2:1 H2O:HNO3 composition would occur on the stratospherically relevant timescales of 1 hour and 1 day at temperatures of 183 and 185 K, respectively.
Extreme Flood Response: The June 2008 Flooding in Iowa

AbstractThe authors examine the hydroclimatology, hydrometeorology, and hydrology of extreme floods through analyses that center on the June 2008 flooding in Iowa. The most striking feature of the June 2008 flooding was the flood peak of the Cedar River at Cedar Rapids (3964 m3 s−1), which was almost twice the previous maximum from a record of 110 years. The spatial extent of extreme flooding was exceptional, with more U.S. Geological Survey stream gauging stations reporting record flood peaks than in any other year. The 2008 flooding was produced by a sequence of organized thunderstorm systems over a period of two weeks. The authors examine clustering and seasonality of flooding in the Iowa study region and link these properties to features of the June 2008 flood event. They examine the environment of heavy rainfall in Iowa during June 2008 through analyses of composite rainfall fields (15-min time interval and 1-km spatial resolution) developed with the Hydro-NEXRAD system and simulations using the Weat.
DRAINED, UNDRAINED, CONSOLIDATING AND DYNAMIC BEHAVIOUR ASSUMPTIONS IN SOILS

The behaviour of saturated, porous media under dynamic or quasi-static loads was first formulated by Biot (1941, 1960). For dynamic problems a simplification was recently proposed by one of the Authors. As the two formulations must coincide over a range of problems and as for slow transients both must be adequately represented by pure consolidation theory, this Paper examines the respective ranges of validity by an analytical study of a soil layer subject to a periodic surface force. The analysis also indicates under what conditions such extremes as undrained or quasi-static assumptions can be safely used. Results of the analysis are given in a non-dimensional, generally valid, form and should find practical application in assessing the the type of approximation that is applicable in new problems. Le comportement des milieux poreux satures soumis a des charges dynamiques ou quasi statiques a ete analyse pour la premiere fois par Boit (1941, 1960). Pour les problemes dynamiques, une simplification a ete re.
Systems Neuroscience

performance on an N-back working memory task and activity in left PFC in patients with mild and moderate TBI. Similar findings were also observed during N-back performance in a sample of more severely injured subjects, however, positive correlations were limited to posterior brain regions (Newsome et al., 2007). Thus it remains an open question as to whether these brain changes are compensatory, deleterious, or incidental to task performance following TBI. While the presence of functional brain changes in the context of preserved behavior suggests that such changes are unlikely to be deleterious, these data do not directly address whether these changes are compensatory. Traumatic brain injury is associated with widespread disruptions in cerebral microvasculature and metabolic changes (Povlishock and Katz, 2005), thus altered functional recruitment may reflect physiological or systemic brain changes that, while co-occurring with working memory processing, are incidental to behavioral
Prenatal exposure to vitamin D from fortified margarine and risk of fractures in late childhood: period and cohort results from 222 000 subjects in the D-tect observational study

Prenatal low vitamin D may have consequences for bone health. By means of a nationwide mandatory vitamin D fortification programme, we examined the risk of fractures among 10–18-year-old children from proximate birth cohorts born around the date of the termination of the programme. For all subjects born in Denmark during 1983–1988, civil registration numbers were linked to the Danish National Patient Registry for incident and recurrent fractures occurring at ages 10–18 years. Multiplicative Poisson models were used to examine the association between birth cohort and fracture rates. The variation in fracture rates across birth cohorts was analysed by fitting an age-cohort model to the data. We addressed the potential modification of the effect of vitamin D availability by season of birth. The risk of fractures was increased among both girls and boys who were born before the vitamin D fortification terminated in 1985 (rate ratio (RR) exposed v. non-exposed girls: 1·15 (95 % CI 1·11, 1·20); RR exposed v. non-exposed boys: 1·11 (95 % CI 1·07, 1·14). However, these associations no longer persisted after including the period effects. There was no interaction between season of birth and vitamin D availability in relation to fracture risk. The study did not provide evidence that prenatal exposure to extra vitamin D from a mandatory fortification programme of 1·25 µg vitamin D/100 g margarine was sufficient to influence the risk of fractures in late childhood, regardless of season of birth. Replication studies are needed.
The auroral current circuit and field‐aligned currents observed by FAST

FAST observes signatures of small‐scale downward‐going current at the edges of the inverted‐V regions where the primary (auroral) electrons are found. In the winter pre‐midnight auroral zone these downward currents are carried by upward flowing low‐ and medium‐energy (up to several keV) electron beams. FAST instrumentation shows agreement between the current densities inferred from both the electron distributions and gradients in the magnetic field. FAST data taken near apogee (∼4000‐km altitude) commonly show downward current magnetic field deflections consistent with the observed upward flux of ∼109 electrons cm−2 s−1, or current densities of several µA m−2. The electron, field‐aligned current and electric field signatures indicate the downward currents may be associated with “black aurora” and auroral ionospheric cavities. The field‐aligned voltage‐current relationship in the downward current region is nonlinear.