Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ascending and descending mechanisms of visual lateralization in pigeons

Brain asymmetries are a widespread phenomenon among vertebrates and show a common behavioural pattern. The right hemisphere mediates more emotional and instinctive reactions, while the left hemisphere deals with elaborated experience-based behaviours. In order to achieve a lateralized behaviour, each hemisphere needs different information and therefore different representations of the world. However, how these representations are accomplished within the brain is still unknown. Based on the pigeon's visual system, we present experimental evidence that lateralized behaviour is the result of the interaction between the subtelencephalic ascending input directing more bilateral visual information towards the left hemisphere and the asymmetrically organized descending telencephalic influence on the tecto-tectal balance. Both the bilateral representation and the forebrain-modulated information processing might explain the left hemispheric dominance for complex learning and discrimination tasks.
A numerical evaluation of chamber methods for determining gas fluxes

Mathematical simulations of nitrous oxide (N2O) flux from homogeneous soil into above-surface chambers have been done for both a closed type of chamber in which soil air is statically collected and an open type of chamber in which ambient air is dynamically drawn across the soil surface. Results indicate that chamber-measured fluxes over land surfaces may be subject to considerable uncertainty, due in part to concentration gradient changes within the soil profile that are a function of the type and the size of the chamber. Assessment of the uncertainties in chamber flux determinations are reported. For reasonable parameters closed-chamber flux values may be underestimated by as much as 55%. Data-analysis procedures are described that can improve the flux estimates. Use of open chambers may yield better flux estimates than closed chambers because of less disturbance to the natural gas concentration profile within the soil. An application to N2O flux measurements over water also is included.
Diagnosis and treatment of renovascular hypertension: a cost-benefit analysis.

OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate and compare the relative cost-benefit of Doppler sonography, MR angiography, and captopril-enhanced renal scintigraphy as techniques for predicting a patient's clinical response to renal angioplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS Estimations of positive and negative predictive values of baseline and captopril-enhanced renal scintigraphy and Doppler sonography examinations for predicting a favorable outcome after renal angioplasty were based on a previously published prospective study involving 74 patients who underwent this treatment. For gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography, predictive values were calculated from a subpopulation of 57 of these 74 subjects. The value of different combined strategies with these techniques for predicting clinical success after angioplasty was evaluated in this population. The costs of investigation and treatment per improved patient were calculated for each imaging technique and for combined strategies in a hypothetic 1,000-patient population with a 30% prevalence of renal artery stenosis, relying on the diagnostic performance reported in the literature for each technique in detecting renal artery stenosis. RESULTS The costs for each improved patient were $12,579 for patients selected on the basis of a positive finding on Doppler sonography (false-negative results = 12/1,000) and $10,149 for patients selected with criteria combining a positive finding on Doppler sonography with a bilateral resistive index of less than 0.75 (false-negative results = 32/1,000). Patient selection based on a positive finding on MR angiography cost $18,119 (false-negative results = 0), whereas the cost of patient selection based on a positive finding on renal scintigraphy was $12,939 (false-negative results = 29/1,000). CONCLUSION Doppler sonography is more cost-efficient but less sensitive than MR angiography for identifying patients with renovascular hypertension. MR angiography should be favored in hypertensive patients who are resistant to medical therapy to avoid false-negative examinations.
JEBAR, Bottom Pressure Torque, and Gulf Stream Separation

Abstract A diagnostic, finite element, barotropic ocean model has been used to simulate the mean circulation in the North Atlantic. With the inclusion of the joint effect of baroclinicity and relief (JEBAR), the Gulf Stream is found to separate at the correct latitude, ∼35°N, off Cape Hatteras. Results suggest that the JEBAR term in three key regions (offshore of the separation point in the path of the main jet, along the slope region of the North Atlantic Bight, and in the central Irminger Sea) is crucial in determining the separation point. The transport driven by the bottom pressure torque component of JEBAR dominates the solution, except in the subpolar gyre, and is also responsible for the separation of the Gulf Stream. Excluding high latitudes (in the deep-water formation regions) density variations in the upper 1000 m of the water column govern the generation of the necessary bottom pressure torque in our model. Examination of results from the World Ocean Circulation Experiment-Community Modelling .
Comparison of Precipitation Derived from the ECMWF Operational Forecast Model and Satellite Precipitation Datasets

AbstractPrecipitation is an important component of the climate system, and the accurate representation of the diurnal rainfall cycle is a key test of model performance. Although the modeling of precipitation in the cooler midlatitudes has improved, in the tropics substantial errors still occur. Precipitation from the operational ECMWF forecast model is compared with satellite-derived products from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) and TRMM Precipitation Radar (PR) to assess the mean annual and seasonal diurnal rainfall cycles. The analysis encompasses the global tropics and subtropics (40°N–40°S) over a 7-yr period from 2004 to 2011. The primary aim of the paper is to evaluate the ability of an operational numerical model and satellite products to retrieve subdaily rainfall. It was found that during the first half of the analysis period the ECMWF model overestimated precipitation by up to 15% in the tropics, although after the implementation of a n.
Model tuning and its impact on modelled climate change response: Hudson Bay sea ice, a case study

The impact of climate model parameterization is examined using Hudson Bay sea ice as a case study. The implicit diffusion of an upstream scheme used in a three dimensional ocean general circulation model is locally determined by using a one dimension proxy model of Hudson Bay with atmospheric, cryospheric and oceanic components. Using this proxy model, distinct pairs of values for the thermal conductivity of sea ice and thermal diffusivity of sea water are found that reproduce the current climatology of sea ice thickness in Hudson Bay. These pairs of values are subsequently used in a 3°C warming scenario. The resulting ice thicknesses are shown to be highly dependent on the choice of these pairs of values as well as the seasonal distribution of the warming.
Characterization of the Dynamics in the Protonic Conductor CsH2PO4 by 17O Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy and First-Principles Calculations: Correlating Phosphate and Protonic Motion

17O NMR spectroscopy combined with first-principles calculations was employed to understand the local structure and dynamics of the phosphate ions and protons in the paraelectric phase of the proton conductor CsH2PO4. For the room-temperature structure, the results confirm that one proton (H1) is localized in an asymmetric H-bond (between O1 donor and O2 acceptor oxygen atoms), whereas the H2 proton undergoes rapid exchange between two sites in a hydrogen bond with a symmetric double potential well at a rate ≥107 Hz. Variable-temperature 17O NMR spectra recorded from 22 to 214 °C were interpreted by considering different models for the rotation of the phosphate anions. At least two distinct rate constants for rotations about four pseudo C3 axes of the phosphate ion were required in order to achieve good agreement with the experimental data. An activation energy of 0.21 ± 0.06 eV was observed for rotation about the P–O1 axis, with a higher activation energy of 0.50 ± 0.07 eV being obtained for rotation about the P–O2, P–O3d, and P–O3a axes, with the superscripts denoting, respectively, dynamic donor and acceptor oxygen atoms of the H-bond. The higher activation energy of the second process is most likely associated with the cost of breaking an O1–H1 bond. The activation energy of this process is slightly lower than that obtained from the 1H exchange process (0.70 ± 0.07 eV) (Kim, G.; Blanc, F.; Hu, Y.-Y.; Grey, C. P. J. Phys. Chem. C2013, 117, 6504−6515) associated with the translational motion of the protons. The relationship between proton jumps and phosphate rotation was analyzed in detail by considering uncorrelated motion, motion of individual PO4 ions and the four connected/H-bonded protons, and concerted motions of adjacent phosphate units, mediated by proton hops. We conclude that, while phosphate rotations aid proton motion, not all phosphate rotations result in proton jumps.
Quasi‐two‐day wave structure, interannual variability, and tidal interactions during the 2002–2011 decade

In this paper we employ Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics Dynamics/Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry temperature measurements from 20 to 120 km and between about ±72° latitude to investigate several aspects of the quasi‐two‐day wave (QTDW) during the 2002–2011 decade, including interannual variability of its seasonal‐latitudinal structure, its penetration into the lower thermosphere, and various wave‐wave interactions. We focus on two components of the QTDW: the westward‐propagating component with zonal wave number s=3 (TDW3), and the eastward‐propagating component with s=−2 (TDE2). TDW3(TDE2) has maximum amplitudes during 2003, 2004, and 2011(2006 and 2011) and both waves have their lowest amplitudes during the deep solar minimum years of 2008–2009. TDW3 and to some degree TDE2 penetrate with significant amplitudes up to 120 km altitude, well into the region where neutral winds generate electric fields through the dynamo mechanism. A new “longitude subdivision method (LSM)” is presented that enhances temporal resolution of TDW3 and enables the determination of 9.6 h and 16 h waves that result from nonlinear interaction between TDW3 and/or TDE2 and diurnal migrating (DW1) and semidiurnal migrating (SW2) tides. Evidence is presented for westward‐propagating 9.6 h and 16 h waves with s=5 and s=4, respectively, and a zonally symmetric (s=0) 9.6 h wave. The s=5(s=0) wave only occurs as a result of nonlinear interaction between SW2 and TDW3(TDE2), whereas the s=4 wave can result from interaction of TDW3 with DW1 or of TDE2 with SW2. We payed special attention to possible aliasing between different waves.
Influence of nitrogen, planting geometry and corm size on vegetative growth and corm and cormel production of gladiolus cv Nova Lux.

The present investigation was carried out during the winter season of 2011-12 and 2012-13. The experimental field was having sandy loam soil. Each sample was thoroughly ground and analyzed for chemical and physical properties of the experiment field. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replication comprising sixteen treatment combinations. The treatments are having four graded doses of nitrogen 0, 100, 200, 300 kg/ha in combination with two planting geometry 30 × 30, 30 × 20 and two corm size i.e. 34 cm and 4-5 cm in size. The — investigation revealed that 300 kg N/ha and 30 × 30 cm planting geometry along with corms 4-5 cm in size gives better result for flowering attributes and vase life of cut spikes of gladiolus. Thus, it can be concluded that treatment combination of 300 kg N/ha, 30 × 30 cm planting geometry and corms more than 4 cm in size responded best for vegetative characters and corm production of gladiolus. Hence can be recommended for commercial cultivation of gladiolus.
Comparison of NCEP–NCAR Cloud Radiative Forcing Reanalyses with Observations

Abstract Longwave and shortwave cloud radiative forcing from the recently released National Center for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP–NCAR) reanalyses are compared to Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) observations. The observed differences are analyzed utilizing concurrent International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) estimates of cloudiness and other satellite observations. The results show that the NCEP–NCAR longwave cloud forcing agrees well with that of ERBE not only for the annual means but also for seasonal and climatic variations. Areas of disagreement are generally related to disagreements between NCEP–NCAR high cloudiness and observations. Overall, the NCEP–NCAR shortwave cloud forcing is in poorer agreement with ERBE observations. NCEP–NCAR annual means in the Tropics are often 20–30 W m−2 too negative. On the other hand the NCEP–NCAR total cloud cover in this region is 10%–20% less than the ISCCP observations, which should lead to less.
A versatile ES cell-based melanoma mouse modeling platform

The cumbersome and time-consuming process of generating new mouse strains and multi-allelic experimental animals often hinders the use of genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM) in cancer research. Here, we describe the development and validation of an embryonic stem cell (ESC)-GEMM platform for rapid modeling of melanoma in mice. Our platform incorporates twelve clinically relevant genotypes composed of combinations of four driver alleles (LSL-BrafV600E, LSL-NrasQ61R, PtenFlox, Cdkn2aFlox) and regulatory alleles to spatiotemporally control the perturbation of genes-of-interest. Our ESCs produce high contribution chimeras, which recapitulate the melanoma phenotypes of conventionally bred mice. Using our ESC-GEMM platform to modulate Pten expression in melanocytes in vivo, we highlight the utility and advantages of gene depletion by CRISPR-Cas9, RNAi, or conditional knockout for melanoma modeling. Moreover, we use complementary genetic methods to demonstrate the impact of Pten restoration on the prevention and maintenance of Pten-deficient melanomas. Finally, we show that chimera-derived melanoma cell lines retain regulatory allele competency and are a powerful resource to complement ESC-GEMM chimera experiments in vitro and in syngeneic grafts in vivo. Thus, when combined with sophisticated genetic tools, our ESC-GEMM platform enables rapid, high-throughput, and versatile studies aimed at addressing outstanding questions in melanoma biology.
Turbulent Underflow in a Short Channel of Limited Depth

The flow characteristics of a turbulent underflow in a horizontal channel of limited depth are explored analytically and experimentally under a variety of upstream and downstream control conditions. Freshwater and salt water are used in the physical model to simulate a stable density stratification, and a contraction is adopted as a downstream control device. Three typical flow situations, respectively, distinguished as drowned internal jump, free internal jump, and flow instability, are observed depending on the nature of the interaction between the upstream and downstream controls. The hydraulic properties of each one of the flow situations are reviewed, and the experimental observations are compared with the results obtained from a hydraulic analysis. Maximum turbulent mixing is demonstrated to occur at a particular value of the discharge densimetric Froude number. Further increase of discharge densimetric Froude number is expected to result in a decrease in turbulent mixing and eventually to provoke a.
Global trends in marine plankton diversity across kingdoms of life

Recommended Citation Ibarbalz, F. M. , Henry, N. , Brandão, M. C. , Martini, S. , Busseni, G. , Byrne, H. , Coelho, L. P., Endo, H. , Gasol, J., Gregory, A. C. , Mahe ́, F. , Rigonato, J., Royo-Llonch, M. , Salazar, G. , Sanz-Sa ́ez, I. , Scalco, E. , Soviadan, D. , Zayed, A. A. , Zingone, A. , Labadie, K. , Ferland, J., Marec, C. , Kandels, S. , Picheral, M. , Dimier, C. , Poulain, J., Pisarev, S. , Carmichael, M. , Pesant, S. , Babin, M. , Boss, E. , Iudicone, D. , Jaillon, O. , Acinas, S. G. , Ogata, H. , Pelletier, E. , Stemmann, L. , Sullivan, M. B. , Sunagawa, S. , Bopp, L. , de Vargas, C. , Karp-Boss, L. , Wincker, P., Lombard, F. , Bowler, C. , & Zinger, L. (2019). Global trends in marine plankton diversity across kingdoms of life. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell. 2019.10. 008
Characterization and nutrient release from silicate rocks and influence on chemical changes in soil

The expansion of Brazilian agriculture has led to a heavy dependence on imported fertilizers to ensure the supply of the growing food demand. This fact has contributed to a growing interest in alternative nutrient sources, such as ground silicate rocks. It is necessary, however, to know the potential of nutrient release and changes these materials can cause in soils. The purpose of this study was to characterize six silicate rocks and evaluate their effects on the chemical properties of treated soil, assessed by chemical extractants after greenhouse incubation. The experimental design consisted of completely randomized plots, in a 3 x 6 factorial scheme, with four replications. The factors were potassium levels (0-control: without silicate rock application; 200; 400; 600 kg ha-1 of K2O), supplied as six silicate rock types (breccia, biotite schist, ultramafic rock, phlogopite schist and two types of mining waste). The chemical, physical and mineralogical properties of the alternative rock fertilizers were characterized. Treatments were applied to a dystrophic Red-Yellow Oxisol (Ferralsol), which was incubated for 100 days, at 70 % (w/w) moisture in 3.7 kg/pots. The soil was evaluated for pH; calcium and magnesium were extracted with KCl 1 mol L-1; potassium, phosphorus and sodium by Mehlich 1; nickel, copper and zinc with DTPA; and the saturation of the cation exchange capacity was calculated for aluminum, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, and overall base saturation. The alternative fertilizers affected soil chemical properties. Ultramafic rock and Chapada mining byproduct (CMB) were the silicate rocks that most influenced soil pH, while the mining byproduct (MB) led to high K levels. Zinc availability was highest in the treatments with mining byproduct and Cu in soil fertilized with Chapada and mining byproduct.
Rocking response of rigid blocks under near-source ground motions

In this paper the transient rocking response of a rigid block subjected to trigonometric pulses and near-source ground motions is investigated in detail. First, the rocking response to a half-sine pulse motion is revisited. It is shown that the solution presented by Housner for the minimum acceleration amplitude of a half-sine pulse that is needed to overturn a rigid block is incorrect. In reality, under a half-sine pulse, a block overturns during its free vibration regime and not at the instant that the pulse expires, as was assumed by Housner. Within the limits of the linear approximation, the correct conditions for a block to overturn are established and the correct expression that yields the minimum acceleration required to overturn a block is derived. Subsequently, physically realizable cycloidal pulses are introduced and their resemblance to recorded near-source ground motions is illustrated. The study uncovers the coherent component of some near-source acceleration records, and the overturning pote.
Compaction curves on volume basis

The compaction curves of soils are generally expressed in terms of dry density and water content. While this representation serves well to compare the efficiency of compaction of different soils whose specific gravities lie in a narrow range (2.6 to 2.7), it fails for materials of varying specific gravities. It has been shown that for fly ashes with a wide range of specific gravities the degree of compaction of different fly ashes cannot be compared from conventional compaction parameters. Compaction curves expressed on a volume basis, viz., volume of solids per unit volume of compacted sample or porosity or void ratio and volume of water per unit volume of solids, can better serve to explain the compaction. Further, it has been shown that for fly ashes of different specific gravities only compaction parameters expressed on a volume basis can be interrelated.
A field study of the variability in the suspended sediment concentration-reflectance relationship

Variability in the suspended sediment concentration (SSC)-reflectance relationship has been investigated using a ground spectroradiometer and the results have been compared to laboratory studies with the aim of deriving more universally applicable relationships. This study indicates that variation in the SSC-reflectance relationship can be caused by changing the viewing angle, and also by different particle shapes. The application of a polarizing filter was shown to be a possible method of removing some of the specular components of reflected radiation.
Clinical Efficacy of Intra-articular Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blinded Prospective Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Currently, there are limited nonoperative treatment options available for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Cell-based therapies have emerged as promising treatments for knee OA. Autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) has been identified as an efficient medium for intra-articular administration of progenitor cells and mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue. Hypothesis: Patients receiving intra-articular SVF would show significantly greater improvement than patients receiving placebo injections, and this improvement would be dose dependent. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: This was a multisite prospective double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Adult patients with symptomatic knee OA were eligible. Thirty-nine patients were randomized to high-dose SVF, low-dose SVF, or placebo (1:1:1). SVF was obtained via liposuction, processed to create the cellular implant, and injected during the same clinical visit. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores and magnetic resonance images were obtained preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months after injection. The Wilcoxon rank sum nonparametric test was utilized to assess statistical significance, and the Hodges-Lehmann location shift was used to assess superiority. Results: The median percentage change in WOMAC score at 6 months after injection for the high-dose, low-dose, and placebo groups was 83.9%, 51.5%, and 25.0%, respectively. The high- and low-dose groups had statistically significant changes in WOMAC scores when compared with the placebo group (high dose, P = .04; low dose, P = .02). The improvements were dose dependent. The median percentage change in WOMAC score from baseline to 1 year after injection for the high-dose, low-dose, and placebo groups was 89.5%, 68.2%, and 0%, respectively. The high- and low-dose groups displayed a greater percentage change at 12 months when compared with the placebo group (high dose, P = .006; low dose, P = .009). Magnetic resonance image review revealed no changes in cartilage thickness after treatment. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Intra-articular SVF injections can significantly decrease knee OA symptoms and pain for at least 12 months. The efficacy and safety demonstrated in this placebo-controlled trial support its implementation as a treatment option for symptomatic knee OA. Registration: NCT02726945 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier)