Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microbial Biomass and Soil Enzyme Activities in Compacted and Rehabilitated Skid Trail Soils

Microbial biomass C and soil enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, phosphatase, arylsulfatase, and amidase) were measured in soil profiles of a silty clay loam from a 4-yr-old clearcut located in west-central Oregon. The treatments that were imposed after logging were: (i) control (uncompacted soil) (CONT), (ii) compacted skid trail (COMP), (iii) subsoiled skid trail (SB), and (iv) subsoiled and disked skid trail (SD). In the 10- to 20-cm depth, the COMP soil of the skid trail had significantly lower biomass C (38% decrease) and lower enzyme activities for all the enzymes assayed (decreases ranging from 41–75%) than the CONT. The SD treatment significantly increased biomass C, phosphatase activity, and total N content over the COMP treatment at depths from 10 to 60 cm. Both the SD and SB treatments restored the biological activities, organic C concentrations, and total N concentrations to levels that were equal to the CONT at depths from 10 to 60 cm. Significant positive correlations (P < 0.05) were found among enzyme activities, organic C content, and total N content, whereas bulk density had significant negative correlations (P < 0.05) with enzyme activities, biomass C, organic C, and total N. Biomass C showed a significant positive correlation (P < 0.05) with enzyme activities (except amidase).
Improving Generalized Zero-Shot Learning SSVEP Classification Performance From Data-Efficient Perspective

Generalized zero-shot learning (GZSL) has significantly reduced the training requirements for steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Traditional methods require complete class data sets for training, but GZSL allows for only partial class data sets, dividing them into ‘seen’ (those with training data) and ‘unseen’ classes (those without training data). However, inefficient utilization of SSVEP data limits the accuracy and information transfer rate (ITR) of existing GZSL methods. To this end, we proposed a framework for more effective utilization of SSVEP data at three systematically combined levels: data acquisition, feature extraction, and decision-making. First, prevalent SSVEP-based BCIs overlook the inter-subject variance in visual latency and employ fixed sampling starting time (SST). We introduced a dynamic sampling starting time (DSST) strategy at the data acquisition level. This strategy uses the classification results on the validation set to find the optimal sampling starting time (OSST) for each subject. In addition, we developed a Transformer structure to capture the global information of input data for compensating the small receptive field of existing networks. The global receptive fields of the Transformer can adequately process the information from longer input sequences. For the decision-making level, we designed a classifier selection strategy that can automatically select the optimal classifier for the seen and unseen classes, respectively. We also proposed a training procedure to make the above solutions in conjunction with each other. Our method was validated on three public datasets and outperformed the state-of-the-art (SOTA) methods. Crucially, we also outperformed the representative methods that require training data for all classes.
Blocking Mimicry Makes True and False Smiles Look the Same

Recent research suggests that facial mimicry underlies accurate interpretation of subtle facial expressions. In three experiments, we manipulated mimicry and tested its role in judgments of the genuineness of true and false smiles. Experiment 1 used facial EMG to show that a new mouthguard technique for blocking mimicry modifies both the amount and the time course of facial reactions. In Experiments 2 and 3, participants rated true and false smiles either while wearing mouthguards or when allowed to freely mimic the smiles with or without additional distraction, namely holding a squeeze ball or wearing a finger-cuff heart rate monitor. Results showed that blocking mimicry compromised the decoding of true and false smiles such that they were judged as equally genuine. Together the experiments highlight the role of facial mimicry in judging subtle meanings of facial expressions.
Retrieving high-resolution Doppler velocity profiles in 10.6-μ and 2-μm coherent lidars

The performance is considered of some coherent-lidar inverse techniques for retrieving high-resolution Doppler-velocity profiles, with a resolution cell that is far below the pulse length and even of the order of the sampling interval. The speckle noise influence on the retrieved Doppler velocity profiles is investigated as a function of the lidar pulse length, the data sampling interval, the ratio between them, and as a whole, of the lidar radiation wavelength. It is shown that at a constant Doppler-velocity sensitivity the speckle noise error increases with the increase of the pulse length and the decrease of the sampling interval. Moreover, a similarity relation is established consisting in that the level of the error is practically invariable when the ratio of the pulse length to the sampling interval is retained. The results obtained lead to the conclusion that shorter- wavelength lidar radiation should be used not only to retain a good Doppler-velocity sensitivity at shorter pulse lengths, but to retain as well a satisfactorily high accuracy of retrieving the Doppler-velocity profiles, with proportionally shorter range resolution cell.
Timing and magnitude of spring bloom and effects of physical environments over the Grand Banks of Newfoundland

Spring bloom is a dominant feature of seasonal phytoplankton cycles in the northwest Atlantic continental shelf. In this study, we investigate temporal and spatial variations of spring‐bloom timing and intensity over the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, using satellite ocean color data and other oceanographic measurements from January 1998 to December 2009. The spring bloom has strong interannual and meridional changes in its timing and intensities. Physical oceanographic conditions including the sea surface temperature (SST), wind speed, and mixed layer depth (MLD) also show evident interannual variations. The spring boom starts first in the southern Bank in February–March and often in the central and northern Bank in April, respectively. An early initiation of spring blooms is generally associated with high SST, weak winds, and shallow MLD at the beginning stage of the spring blooms, and tends to result in stronger intensities. However, the photosynthesis available radiance does not seem to affect the bloom initiation in the southern area or the bloom intensity over the entire Banks. In the southern area, higher SST does not lead to larger bloom magnitude. Our analysis shows that the effect of the SST in the northern area is primarily through the earlier ice melting. It also indicates that Sverdrup's critical depth criteria are suitable for conditions over the Grand Banks. The present study points to the significant sub‐bank‐scale differences in the timing and magnitude of the spring bloom attributable to underlying physical environments, important for the integrated management of the Grand Banks ecosystem.
The use of the Minnaert correction for land‐cover classification in mountainous terrain

Land‐cover classifications in mountainous terrain are often hampered by the topographic effect. Several strategies can be pursued to correct for this. A traditional approach is to use training areas for the same land‐cover class for different topographic positions and later merge those into one class. Other solutions involve topographic corrections, such as a Minnaert correction. In this study the classification result of the traditional training‐area approach was compared with the classification result of a Minnaert‐corrected image. In order to derive the Minnaert constants, a SPOT XS scene of the Santa Monica Mountains, USA, was divided into three visually relatively homogeneous regions. Eighty per cent of the pixels were assigned the same land cover in both classifications. Differences in classification were mainly in the section of the image that had more diverse land cover than in the more homogeneous chaparral‐covered eastern section. This supports previous findings that the Minnaert constant needs to be derived for individual land‐cover classes. The findings also suggest that after the Minnaert correction the resulting classification is comparable to the classification obtained using a more traditional approach.
Development of the nitrogen cycle in the soils of a coastal dune succession

SUMMARY The development of the soil nitrogen cycle in a coastal dune succession (xerosere) on the East Frisian Island Spiekeroog was investigated. In 13 sites of different successional age the nitrogen pools in the topsoil (0–30 cm) and the organic soil layers were determined. The nitrogen mineralization was studied at the sites during the vegetation period in 1987 (38 weeks) and winter 1990-91 (14 weeks). Turnover rates and nitrification rates were calculated. The nitrogen pool of the soil was very low in the first stage of the succession (<100 kg N ha−1 30cm−1) and increased rapidly to more than 1500 kg N ha−1 within approx. 200 years. This accumulation rate was strongly exposition-dependent. Mineralization of nitrogen was low in the young sites (15 kg Nmin ha−1 year−130 cm−1) and increased to more than 100 kg Nmin ha−1 year−1 in sites covered by buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) and in dune forest. Mineralization was also exposition-dependent. The annual nitrogen turnover rate was very high in the young dune sands (up to 18%) and was only 2% in the brown dune sand podsols under Empetrum heathland. Nitrification dropped as well in the course of the dune development from 80–90% to 20% nitrate of total mineral nitrogen production over a year. Some hypotheses on nitrogen accumulation and retention during ecosystem and plant cover development are discussed.
Clinical application of oscillometry in respiratory diseases: an impulse oscillometry registry

Background Respiratory oscillometry is a promising complement to the traditional pulmonary function tests for its simplicity. The usefulness of oscillometry in adult clinical practice has not been clarified. This study aimed to analyse the characteristics and diagnostic performance of oscillometry in respiratory diseases, and explore the cut-offs of oscillometric parameters for severity grading. Methods In this multicentre registry of impulse oscillometry (IOS), IOS and spirometric data of healthy individuals and patients with respiratory diseases were collected and analysed. Linear mixed model analysis was performed to explore the effects of disease and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) on oscillometric parameters. Results The study included 567 healthy subjects, 781 asthmatic patients, 688 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 109 patients with bronchiectasis, 40 patients with upper airway obstruction (UAO) and 274 patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) in the analysis. Compared at the same FEV1 level, asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, UAO and ILD displayed different oscillometric characteristics. The z-score of resistance at 5 Hz (R5) was the best variable to identify respiratory diseases with a sensitivity of 62.4–66.7% and a specificity of 81.5–90.3%. With reference to the severity grading cut-offs of FEV1, R5 z-scores of 2.5 and 4 were defined as the cut-off values of moderately and severely increased R5. Conclusion Respiratory oscillometry is more appropriate to be a tool of evaluating, rather than of diagnosing, respiratory diseases. A severity grading system of oscillometric parameters was developed to help the interpretation of oscillometry in clinical practice. This multicentre registry of impulse oscillometry revealed that respiratory oscillometry is more suitable to evaluate than to diagnose respiratory diseases. A severity grading system of oscillometry was developed. https://bit.ly/3KZdEi3
The Articulated Peasant: Household Economies In The Andes

Based on Enrique Mayer's 30 years of research in Peru, this collection of new and revised essays presents in one accessible volume Mayer's most significant statements on Andean peasant economies from pre-colonial times to the present. As a result, The Articulated Peasant is noteworthy as a sustained examination of household economies as the author explains the relationship of the household and the village community to the Andean mountain environment through systems of land use and agricultural production within changing historical circumstances. Though the volume stresses the Andean context, its relevancy is wider. It will resonate with those who are struggling with issues of survival and development in Latin America or elsewhere where units of production and consumption are largely household based.
Impact of poultry manure on fruit yield and yield components of inland valley okra (Albelmoschus esculentus L.) in a forest - Savannah transition ecology of Nigeria

A field experiment was conducted in an inland valley at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria in 2009 and 2010 to study the response of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) to different rates of poultry manure. The poultry manure rates were 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 120 kgha -1
Functional analysis of GbAGL1, a D-lineage gene from cotton (Gossypium barbadense)

Cotton fibres originate from the outer ovule integument and D-lineage genes are essential for ovule development and their roles can be described by the ‘ABCDE’ model of flower development. To investigate the role of D-lineage genes during ovule and fibre development, GbAGL1 (GenBank accession number: FJ198049) was isolated from G. barbadense by using the SMART RACE strategy. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed that GbAGL1 was a member of the D-lineage gene family. Southern blot analysis showed that GbAGL1 belonged to a low-copy gene family. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR and RNA in situ hybridization analyses revealed that the GbAGL1 gene in G. barbadense was highly expressed in whole floral bud primordia and the floral organs including ovules and fibres, but the signals were barely observed in vegetative tissues. GbAGL1 expression increased gradually with the ovule developmental stages. Over-expression of GbAGL1 in Arabidopsis caused obvious homeotic alternations in the floral organs, such as early flowering, and an extruded stigma, which were the typical phenotypes of the D-lineage gene family. In addition, a complementation test revealed that GbAGL1 could rescue the phenotypes of the stk mutant. Our study indicated that GbAGL1 was a D-lineage gene that was involved in ovule development and might play key roles in fibres development.
Tidal Resonance in Juan de Fuca Strait and the Strait of Georgia

Abstract The resonant period and quality factor Q are determined for the semienclosed sea comprising Juan de Fuca Strait, Puget Sound, and the Strait of Georgia. The observed tidal elevation gain and phase change, from the Pacific Ocean to this inland sea, are fitted to the predictions of simple analytic models, which give a resonant period of 17–21 h and a Q of about 2. The low Q value, indicative of a highly dissipative system, is consistent with the need for numerical models for the area to employ large bottom friction coefficients. These include the effects of form drag.
Physiological Predictors of Competition Performance in CrossFit Athletes

The aim of this study was to determine the physiological variables that predict competition performance during a CrossFit competition. Fifteen male amateur CrossFit athletes (age, 35 ± 9 years; CrossFit experience, 40 ± 27 months) performed a series of laboratory-based tests (incremental load test for deep full squat and bench press; squat, countermovement and drop jump tests; and incremental running and Wingate tests) that were studied as potential predictors of CrossFit performance. Thereafter, they performed the five Workouts of the Day (WODs) corresponding to the CrossFit Games Open 2019, and we assessed the relationship between the laboratory-based markers and CrossFit performance with regression analyses. Overall CrossFit performance (i.e., final ranking considering the sum of all WODs, as assessed by number of repetitions, time spent in exercises or weight lifted) was significantly related to jump ability, mean and peak power output during the Wingate test, relative maximum strength for the deep full squat and the bench press, and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and speed during the incremental test (all p < 0.05, r = 0.58–0.75). However, the relationship between CrossFit Performance and most laboratory markers varied depending on the analyzed WOD. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that measures of lower-body muscle power (particularly jump ability) and VO2max explained together most of the variance (R2 = 81%, p < 0.001) in overall CrossFit performance. CrossFit performance is therefore associated with different power-, strength-, and aerobic-related markers.
BEDMAP: a new ice thickness and subglacial topographic model of Antarctica

Measurements of ice thickness on the Antarctic ice sheet collected during surveys undertaken over the past 50 years have been brought together into a single database. From these data, a seamless suite of digital topographic models have been compiled for Antarctica and its surrounding ocean. This includes grids of ice sheet thickness over the grounded ice sheet and ice shelves, water column thickness beneath the floating ice shelves, bed elevation beneath the grounded ice sheet, and bathymetry to 60°S, including the sub-ice-shelf cavities. These grids are consistent with a recent high-resolution surface elevation model of Antarctica. While the digital models have a nominal spatial resolution of 5 km, such high resolution is justified by the original data density only over a few parts of the ice sheet. The suite does, however, provide an unparalleled vision of the geosphere beneath the ice sheet and a more reliable basis for ice sheet modeling than earlier maps. The total volume of the Antarctic ice sheet calculated from the BEDMAP grid is 25.4 million km3, and the total sea level equivalent, derived from the amount of ice contained within the grounded ice sheet, is 57 m, comprising 52 m from the East Antarctic ice sheet and 5 m from the West Antarctic ice sheet, slightly less than earlier estimates. The gridded data sets can be obtained from the authors.
Formation of low‐ozone pockets in the middle stratospheric anticyclone during winter

Microwave limb sounder observations of midstratospheric ozone during stratospheric warmings show tongues of high ozone drawn up from low latitudes into the developing anticyclone. Several days later, an isolated pocket of low ozone mixing ratios appears, centered in the anticyclone, and extending in the vertical from ≈15 to 5 hPa, with higher mixing ratios both above and below. These low ozone mixing ratios during northern hemisphere warmings are comparable to values well inside the vortex and are ≈3 parts per million by volume lower than typical midlatitude extra-vortex mixing ratios. This type of feature is seen whenever the anticyclone is strong and persistent, including during relatively strong minor warmings in the southern hemisphere. Three-dimensional back trajectory calculations indicate that the air in the region of the low-ozone pockets originates at higher altitudes and low latitudes, where ozone mixing ratios are much higher. The air parcels studied here are typically confined together for 1 to 3 weeks before the lowest ozone mixing ratios are observed. The trajectory calculations and comparisons with passive tracer data confirm that the observed low-ozone regions in the midstratosphere could not result solely from transport processes.
Utility of physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling to predict inter-antibody variability in monoclonal antibody pharmacokinetics in mice

ABSTRACT In this investigation, we tested the hypothesis that a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model incorporating measured in vitro metrics of off-target binding can largely explain the inter-antibody variability in monoclonal antibody (mAb) pharmacokinetics (PK). A diverse panel of 83 mAbs was evaluated for PK in wild-type mice and subjected to 10 in vitro assays to measure major physiochemical attributes. After excluding for target-mediated elimination and immunogenicity, 56 of the remaining mAbs with an eight-fold variability in the area under the curve ($AU{C_{\left({0 - 672h} \right)}}$AUC0−672h: 1.74 × 106 −1.38 × 107 ng∙h/mL) and 10-fold difference in clearance (2.55–26.4 mL/day/kg) formed the training set for this investigation. Using a PBPK framework, mAb-dependent coefficients F1 and F2 modulating pinocytosis rate and convective transport, respectively, were estimated for each mAb with mostly good precision (coefficient of variation (CV%) <30%). F1 was estimated to be the mean and standard deviation of 0.961 ± 0.593, and F2 was estimated to be 2.13 ± 2.62. Using principal component analysis to correlate the regressed values of F1/F2 versus the multidimensional dataset composed of our panel of in vitro assays, we found that heparin chromatography retention time emerged as the predictive covariate to the mAb-specific F1, whereas F2 variability cannot be well explained by these assays. A sigmoidal relationship between F1 and the identified covariate was incorporated within the PBPK framework. A sensitivity analysis suggested plasma concentrations to be most sensitive to F1 when F1 > 1. The predictive utility of the developed PBPK model was evaluated against a separate panel of 14 mAbs biased toward high clearance, among which area under the curve of PK data of 12 mAbs was predicted within 2.5-fold error, and the positive and negative predictive values for clearance prediction were 85% and 100%, respectively. MAb heparin chromatography assay output allowed a priori identification of mAb candidates with unfavorable PK.
On the Relationship between Development and Fertility: The Case of the United States

The present article addresses the question of whether there is a link between the spatial patterns of human development and period fertility in the United States at the county level. Using cross-sectional analyses of the relationship between Total Fertility Rate (TFR) and an array of human development indicators (pertaining to three components of the Human Development Index (HDI) – wealth, health, and education), this study sheds light on the relationship between fertility and human development. The analyses were conducted separately for urban, suburban and rural counties. According to the multivariate results, a negative association between selected human development indicators and TFR exists in suburban and rural counties, as well as in the United States as a whole. However, this is not the case for urban counties, where the results were inconclusive. Some indicators (e.g., median income per capita) were found to be positively, and some (e.g., the share of adults with at least bachelor’s degree) negatively, associated with TFR in urban counties. All in all, our results provide evidence of a negative relationship between human development indicators and period fertility in the United States at the county level, a finding which is consistent with the basic tenets of classic demographic transition theory.