Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recently deposited organic matter in soil water-stable aggregates

Some suggest that young labile soil organic matter accumulates preferentially in water-stable macroaggregates (>250 um) where it acts as a transient binding agent. We determined the proportions of recently deposited C ( 2 mm) than for smaller ones. Assuming first-order kinetics, the estimated half-life of the Cj-derived C of stable aggregates >2 mm was 13 yr, which corresponds to that reported for macro organic matter in similar systems. Analysis of water-stable macroaggregates under corn showed that they were enriched in recently deposited C relative to microaggregat es and to the whole soil, which partly compensated for their loss in Cj-C. On average, 20% of the C in water-stable aggregates >1 mm was derived from corn whereas this value was down to 9% in the whole soil and 1% in the microaggregates. The results of this study provide further quantitative evidence that slaking-resistant macroaggregates are enriched in, and probably stabilized by, recently deposited organic matter.
VLF wave generation using VLF heating and the cubic nonlinearity of the ionosphere

On the west coast of Norway, two VLF transmitters, Omega Norway and JXN, are located within 6 km of each other. JXN has an output power of 150 kW at 16.4 kHz ; and may be expected to modify the ionospheric plasma in the region where the signals from Omega Norway also propagate. Nonlinear wave interactions have been observed between the signals from the two transmitters with clear signals being observed at Lycksele, Sweden, on 20.75 kHz (twice the frequency of the upper sideband of JXN - unique frequency of Omega Norway 12.1 kHz). Calibration results are presented which show the nonlinearity is a feature of the ionospheric plasma and not the receiving equipment. This nonlinear technique may be an effective means of generating ELF signals from suitably sited VLF transmitters of the appropriate frequency.
Comparison of artificial neural networks and support vector machine classifiers for land cover classification in Northern China using a SPOT-5 HRG image

This article presents a sufficient comparison of two types of advanced non-parametric classifiers implemented in remote sensing for land cover classification. A SPOT-5 HRG image of Yanqing County, Beijing, China, was used, in which agriculture and forest dominate land use. Artificial neural networks (ANNs), including the adaptive backpropagation (ABP) algorithm, Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm, Quasi-Newton (QN) algorithm and radial basis function (RBF) were carefully tested. The LM–ANN and RBF–ANN, which outperform the other two, were selected to make a detailed comparison with support vector machines (SVMs). The experiments show that those well-trained ANNs and SVMs have no significant difference in classification accuracy, but the SVM usually performs slightly better. Analysis of the effect of the training set size highlights that the SVM classifier has great tolerance on a small training set and avoids the problem of insufficient training of ANN classifiers. The testing also illustrates that the ANNs and SVMs can vary greatly with regard to training time. The LM–ANN can converge very quickly but not in a stable manner. By contrast, the training of RBF–ANN and SVM classifiers is fast and can be repeatable.
In Vitro Callus Induction and Antimicrobial Activities of Callus and Seeds Extracts of Nigella Sativa L

In Vitro Callus Induction and Antimicrobial Activities of Callus and Seeds Extracts of Nigella Sativa L Mawahib E.M. ElNour*1, Futooh Z. A. Mahmood1 and Sanaa O. Yagoub2 1Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, AL Neelain University, Khartoum, Sudan 2Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology , Faculty of Science and Technology, AL Neelain University, Khartoum, Sudan
In situ measurements of the vertical structure of a noctilucent cloud

During the NLC‐93 rocket campaign at Esrange, Sweden, the vertical structure of a noctilucent cloud layer has been investigated in situ. As in earlier rocket flights, combinations of scattered light detectors and electrostatic impact probes have been applied. While the photometric measurement provides the total downward radiance scattered from the cloud particles, the impact probe yields local information about the particle properties. The responses of both techniques scale differently with the particle size. This feature is utilized to derive information about the height dependence of the particle population. The analysis of three NLC passages indicates little vertical variation of the population throughout most of the layer. The lower part of the cloud is characterized by an increase in particle size and a decrease in particle density towards the cloud base. This is to be expected for an NLC brightness peak caused by large particles sedimenting out of the cloud. Implications for the dynamical structure of the cloud are discussed.
Using Mendelian randomisation to assess causality in observational studies

Objective Mendelian randomisation (MR) is a technique that aims to assess causal effects of exposures on disease outcomes. The paper aims to present the main assumptions that underlie MR, the statistical methods used to estimate causal effects and how to account for potential violations of the key assumptions. Methods We discuss the key assumptions that should be satisfied in an MR setting. We list the statistical methodologies used in two-sample MR when summary data are available to estimate causal effects (ie, Wald ratio estimator, inverse-variance weighted and maximum likelihood method) and identify/adjust for potential violations of MR assumptions (ie, MR-Egger regression and weighted Median approach). We also present statistical methods and graphical tools used to evaluate the presence of heterogeneity. Results We use as an illustrative example of a published two-sample MR study, investigating the causal association of body mass index with three psychiatric disorders (ie, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and major depressive disorder). We highlight the importance of assessing the results of all available methods rather than each method alone. We also demonstrate the impact of heterogeneity in the estimation of the causal effects. Conclusions MR is a useful tool to assess causality of risk factors in medical research. Assessment of the key assumptions underlying MR is crucial for a valid interpretation of the results.
Modeling advection in geophysical flows with particle level sets

We have applied, for the first time in geodynamical flows, the Particle Level Set method for advecting compositional fields with sharp discontinuities. This robust and efficient Eulerian‐Lagrangian technique is based on the concept of Implicit Surfaces, which allows the use of high order accurate numerical schemes in the vicinity of discontinuities. We have tested the Particle Level Set method against the robust and popular Tracer‐in‐Cell method on well‐known 2D thermochemical benchmarks and typical 3D convective flows. The use of Lagrangian tracers in the Particle Level Set method yields accurate solutions of purely advective transport, where sub‐grid scale features can be resolved. In every case we ran we found that the Particle Level Set method accuracy equals or is better than the popular Tracer‐in‐Cell method, and can lead to significantly smaller computational cost, in particular in three‐dimensional flows, where the reduction of computational time for modeling advection processes is most needed.
The critical size of macroscopic imperfections in dry snow slab avalanche initiation

[1] Dry snow slab avalanches initiate after mode II fracture propagation within a thin, weak layer under a planar slab. Dry alpine snow in which avalanches form is a porous material, typically with volume fraction filled by solids of between 10% and 50%. If snow slab avalanches were caused by small scale flaws, there would be continuous avalanches and alpine snow would not survive on steep slopes. Instead, snow slab avalanches initiate from macroscopic imperfections or weak zones within the weak layer. These are called “sweet spots” by practitioners and deficit zones in the pioneering work by Conway and Abrahamson in the 1980s. In this paper, the results of 750 in situ shear fracture tests from 68 slab–weak layer combinations are summarized in relation to the critical sweet spot length and weak layer crystal form. The results show that the critical sweet spot lengths follow a gamma probability density function with a range from 0.14 to 1.3 m and most probable value 0.5 m. The results also imply that critical sweet spot length depends on weak layer grain type with significantly larger values for persistent forms (surface hoar and facets) than for nonpersistent forms (decomposing and fragmented grains).
A Secondary Analysis of the Childhood Obesity Prevention Literature through a Wider Determinants of Health Lens: Implications for Research Funders, Researchers, Policymakers and Practitioners

Background: Over the last 25 years, we have made great advances in our understanding of the complex adaptive systems which drive childhood obesity. Within this, the important role of upstream interventions which focus on the wider determinants of health (WDoH) has been acknowledged. Concurrently, the number of intervention studies aiming to prevent childhood obesity has increased exponentially. One might anticipate that our understanding of theory has been embedded into the development and implementation of interventions in real time. Methods: We tested this hypothesis by conducting secondary analysis of the interventions included in the Cochrane Review on “Interventions for Preventing Obesity in Children”, published since 1993. All 153 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were independently coded by two authors against the WDoH model using an adaptive framework synthesis approach. We used aspects of the Action Mapping Tool from Public Health England to facilitate our coding and to visualise our findings in contrast to 226 perceived causes of obesity. Results: We found that the proportion of interventions which targeted downstream (e.g. individual and family behaviours) as opposed to upstream (e.g. infrastructure, environmental, policy) determinants has not changed over time (from 1993 to 2015), with most intervention efforts (57.9%) aiming to change individual lifestyle factors via education-based approaches. Almost half of the interventions (45%) targeted two or more levels of the WDoH. Where interventions targeted some of the wider determinants, this was often achieved via upskilling teachers to deliver educational content to children. No notable difference in design or implementation was observed between interventions targeting children of varying ages (0-5 years, 6-12 years, 13-18 years). Conclusions: This study highlights that interventions, evaluated via RCTs, have persisted to focus on downstream, individualistic determinants of obesity over the last 25 years, despite the step change in our understanding of its complex aetiology. We hope that the findings from our analysis will challenge research funders, researchers, policymakers and practitioners to reflect upon, and critique, the evidence-based paradigm in which we operate, and call for a shift in focus of new evidence which takes a WDoH lens.
Mineralogy of atmospheric microparticles deposited along the Greenland Ice Core Project ice core

The mineralogical composition of atmospheric dust particles changes along the Greenland Ice Core Project (GRIP) ice core in phase with other paleoatmospheric records, showing that climatic changes affect the location, the relative extent, and the surface characteristics of the dust source areas. Fifty GRIP ice samples from the Eemian to the last glacial maximum were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope coupled with X ray energy dispersive system microprobe. More than 20 mineral types or groups were identified and their relative abundance was evaluated. A different mineralogical composition was systematically observed in cold and warm time periods. Quartz, illite, chlorite, micas, and feldspars prevail in the mineral assemblage associated with cold stages or phases (marine isotope stage (MIS) 4, MIS 2, cold part of MIS 3 fast variations), while kaolinite and Fe (hydr)oxides dominate in warm episodes (MIS 5e5, warm parts of fast variations). The first dust mineral assemblage is related mainly to the mechanical weathering prevailing in arid and cold mid-high-latitude areas, while the second dust mineral assemblage is related mainly to deep chemical weathering in warm and humid low-latitude areas. K/C and O/Q ratios may be assumed as indicative of the relative importance of low-latitude versus arid and mid-high-latitude source areas. It is worthwhile to mention that the first warmer part of Eemian (5e5) differs in dust mineralogy from the second part (5e4–5e1) and that also the fast variations are accompanied by clear mineralogical changes of the dust microparticles. The changes of the atmospheric dust mineral background are possibly related to changes of the atmosphere dynamics (meridian pressure gradient, polar front shift, storm track changes, etc.) and or to changes in the relative extent of the deflation source areas.
Endocytic Profiling of Cancer Cell Models Reveals Critical Factors Influencing Lipid Nanoparticle Mediated mRNA Delivery and Protein Expression

1. School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, Wales 2. Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK 3. Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden 4. Early Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK 5. Pathology, Drug Safety and Metabolism, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK 6. Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
Melanocortin type 4 receptor–mediated inhibition of A-type K (cid:2) current enhances sensory neuronal excitability and mechanical pain sensitivity in rats

(cid:3) -Melanocyte–stimulating hormone ( (cid:3) -MSH) has been shown to be involved in nociception, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we report that (cid:3) -MSH suppresses the transient outward A-type K (cid:2) current ( I A ) in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons and thereby modulates neuronal excitability and peripheral pain sensitivity in rats. Exposing small-diameter TG neurons to (cid:3) -MSH con-centration-dependently decreased I A . This (cid:3) -MSH–induced I A decrease was dependent on the melanocortin type 4 receptor (MC4R) and associated with a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of A-type K (cid:2) channel inactivation. Chemical inhibition of phosphatidylinositol
Evidence of the return of past pollution in the ocean: A model study

Chemical contamination by persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is one of the anthropogenic stressors for the deep sea. Here we use a coupled multi‐compartment chemistry‐transport model to simulate long‐term transports and fate of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). We show that the pollution signal received by the surface waters through atmospheric deposition is propagating downward and that ocean currents can act as a secondary source of POPs. Besides considerable time lags with respect to the year of peak emission, we find in some areas, e.g., in the western and eastern North Atlantic temporal bimodal exposure toward the pollutants of mid‐level and deep waters (200–1500 m). This is caused by vertical and horizontal transport through advection diffusion and particle sinking. We suggest that the combination of the same processes will lead to a re‐rise of exposure in other sea regions in the future, including where deep‐sea fisheries take place.
On the nature of transverse variability in a coastal plain estuary

Even though estuarine processes are inherently three dimensional, most of the previous studies have focused primarily on the axial (longitudinal and vertical) variabilities. Recent surveys in the lower Delaware Bay indicate the presence of significant transverse variability in the salinity distribution and residual circulation pattern. Conceptual models are developed to examine the mechanisms which might explain the observed transverse structure. Results indicate that both the gravitational effect and wind forcing are capable of generating substantial transverse structure in drowned river valley estuaries with triangular cross sections.
Specific modulation of the root immune system by a community of commensal bacteria

Significance In natural environments, plants establish intimate interactions with a wide diversity of microbes. It is unknown, however, how microbiota composed of commensal bacteria colonize roots in the face of a sophisticated plant immune system that evolved to recognize microbial-associated molecular patterns. We investigate the interaction between plant immune system function and the root microbiota. We report that root-associated commensal bacteria actively suppress the host immune response in the context of a community. Suppressors and nonsuppressors co-occur in the root microbiome and the presence of the former can enhance the colonization ability of the latter. We highlight the role of a specific sector of the plant immune system and its suppression in gating microbial access to the roots. Plants have an innate immune system to fight off potential invaders that is based on the perception of nonself or modified-self molecules. Microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) are evolutionarily conserved microbial molecules whose extracellular detection by specific cell surface receptors initiates an array of biochemical responses collectively known as MAMP-triggered immunity (MTI). Well-characterized MAMPs include chitin, peptidoglycan, and flg22, a 22-amino acid epitope found in the major building block of the bacterial flagellum, FliC. The importance of MAMP detection by the plant immune system is underscored by the large diversity of strategies used by pathogens to interfere with MTI and that failure to do so is often associated with loss of virulence. Yet, whether or how MTI functions beyond pathogenic interactions is not well understood. Here we demonstrate that a community of root commensal bacteria modulates a specific and evolutionarily conserved sector of the Arabidopsis immune system. We identify a set of robust, taxonomically diverse MTI suppressor strains that are efficient root colonizers and, notably, can enhance the colonization capacity of other tested commensal bacteria. We highlight the importance of extracellular strategies for MTI suppression by showing that the type 2, not the type 3, secretion system is required for the immunomodulatory activity of one robust MTI suppressor. Our findings reveal that root colonization by commensals is controlled by MTI, which, in turn, can be selectively modulated by specific members of a representative bacterial root microbiota.
Prognostic Value and Potential Immunoregulatory Role of SCARF1 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Scavenger receptor class F member 1 (SCARF1) is thought to play an important role in the selective recruitment of CD4+ T cells to liver sinusoidal endothelial cells during chronic liver disease. However, the contribution of SCARF1 to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently unknown. We utilized publically-available RNA-sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TGCA) to explore SCARF1 expression in HCC and correlated it with a number of clinicopathological features. Flow adhesion assays were used to determine the role of SCARF1 in CD4+ T cell subset recruitment. SCARF1 expression was downregulated in HCC tumor tissues, compared to non-tumoral tissues, and loss of SCARF1 expression was associated with poorly differentiated/aggressive tumors. Additionally, higher SCARF1 expression in HCC tumor tissues was highly prognostic of better overall, disease-free and progression-free survival. SCARF1 within HCC was largely associated with tumor endothelial cells and adhesion studies suggested that it played a role in the specific recruitment of proinflammatory CD4+ T cells (CD4+CD25−) to HCC tumor tissues. Endothelial SCARF1 expression in tumor biopsies may provide critical prognostic information. Additionally, SCARF1 may also be a novel endothelial target that could help re-programme the microenvironment of HCC by promoting effector T cell tumor infiltration.
Multispectral Image Analysis Using the Object-Oriented Paradigm

Introduction Background Objects and Human Interpretation Process Object-Oriented Paradigm Organization of the Book Multispectral Remote Sensing Spatial Resolution Spectral Resolution Radiometric Resolution Temporal Resolution Multispectral Image Analysis Why an Object-Oriented Approach? Object Properties Advantages of Object-Oriented Approach Creating Objects Image Segmentation Techniques Creating and Classifying Objects at Multiple Scales Object Classification Creating Multiple Levels Creating Class Hierarchy and Classifying Objects Final Classification Using Object Relationships between Levels Object-Based Image Analysis Image Analysis Techniques Supervised Classification Using Multispectral Information Exploring the Spatial Dimension Using Contextual Information Taking Advantage of Morphology Parameters Taking Advantage of Texture Adding Temporal Dimension Advanced Object Image Analysis Techniques to Control Image Segmentation within eCognition Techniques to Control Image Segmentation within eCognition Multi-Scale Approach for Image Analysis Objects vs. Spatial Resolution Exploring the Parent-Child Object Relationships Using Semantic Relationships Taking Advantage of Ancillary Data Accuracy Assessment Sample Selection Sampling Techniques Ground Truth Collection Accuracy Assessment Measures References Index
A Monoclonal Antibody to ADAM17 Inhibits Tumor Growth by Inhibiting EGFR and Non–EGFR-Mediated Pathways

ADAM17 is the primary sheddase for HER pathway ligands. We report the discovery of a potent and specific ADAM17 inhibitory antibody, MEDI3622, which induces tumor regression or stasis in many EGFR-dependent tumor models. The inhibitory activity of MEDI3622 correlated with EGFR activity both in a series of tumor models across several indications as well in as a focused set of head and neck patient–derived xenograft models. The antitumor activity of MEDI3622 was superior to that of EGFR/HER pathway inhibitors in the OE21 esophageal model and the COLO205 colorectal model suggesting additional activity outside of the EGFR pathway. Combination of MEDI3622 and cetuximab in the OE21 model was additive and eradicated tumors. Proteomics analysis revealed novel ADAM17 substrates that function outside of the HER pathways and may contribute toward the antitumor activity of the monoclonal antibody. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(7); 1637–49. ©2015 AACR.