Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Observations and modeling of biomass and soil organic matter dynamics for the grassland biome worldwide

Century is a model of terrestrial biogeochemistry based on relationships between climate, human management (fire, grazing), soil properties, plant productivity, and decomposition. The grassland version of the Century model was tested using observed data from 11 temperate and tropical grasslands around the world. The results show that soil C and N levels can be simulated to within ±25% of the observed values (100 and 75% of the time, respectively) for a diverse set of soils. Peak live biomass and plant production can be simulated within ± 25% of the observed values (57 and 60% of the time, respectively) for burned, fertilized, and irrigated grassland sites where precipitation ranged from 22 to over 150 cm. Live biomass can be generally predicted to within ±50% of the observed values (57% of the time). The model underestimated the live biomass in extremely high plant production years at two of the Russian sites. A comparison of Century model results with statistical models showed that the Century model had slightly higher r2 values than the statistical models. Data and calibrated model results from this study are useful for analysis and description of grassland carbon dynamics, and as a reference point for testing more physiologically based models prediction's of net primary production and biomass. Results indicate that prediction of plant and soil organic matter (C and N) dynamics requires knowledge of climate, soil texture, and N inputs.
Green synthesis of copper nanoparticles using aqueous extract of the leaves of Euphorbia esula L and their catalytic activity for ligand-free Ullmann-coupling reaction and reduction of 4-nitrophenol

This paper reports on the biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles (NPs) using extract of the Euphorbia esula L leaves as reductant and stabilizer without any surfactant. The catalytic efficiency of the prepared Cu NPs for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and ligand-free Ullmann-coupling reaction is discussed. The Cu NPs were characterized with UV-vis, XRD and TEM methods. This method has the advantages of high yields, simple methodology, and elimination of ligand and easy work up.
Social Robotic Telepresence

This position paper reports on the use of mental workload analysis to measure the usability of a remote user’s interface in the context of social robotic telepresence. The paper discusses the importance of remote/pilot user’s interfaces for successful interaction and presents a study whereby a set of tools for evaluation are proposed. Preliminary experimental analysis is provided when evaluating a specific teleprence robot, called the Giraff.
A Note on the Dividends-Penalty Identity and the Optimal Dividend Barrier

For a general class of risk models, the dividends-penalty identity is derived by probabilistic reasoning. This identity is the key for understanding and determining the optimal dividend barrier, which maximizes the difference between the expected present value of all dividends until ruin and the expected discounted value of a penalty at ruin (which is typically a function of the deficit at ruin). As an illustration, the optimal barrier is calculated in two classical models, for different penalty functions and a variety of parameter values.
Selection of spectrum sensing method to enhance Qos in cognitive radio networks

The massively increasing number of wireless communication devices has led to considerable growths in radio traffic density, resulting in a predictable shortage of the available spectrum. To address this potential shortage, the Cognitive Radio (CR) technology offers promising solutions that aim to improve the spectrum utilization. The operation of CR relies on detecting the so-called spectrum holes, i.e., the frequency bands when they are unoccupied by their licensed operators. The unlicensed users are then allowed to communicate using these spectrum holes. Consequently, the performance of CR is highly dependent on the employed spectrum sensing methods. Several sensing methods are already available or literarily proposed. However, no individual method can accommodate all possible CR operation scenarios. Hence, it is fair to ascertain that the performance of a CR device can be improved if it is capable of supporting several sensing methods. Then it should be able to effectively select the most suitable method. In this paper, several spectrum sensing methods are compared and analyzed, aiming to identify their advantages and shortcomings in different CR operating conditions. Furthermore, it identifies the factors that need to be considered while selecting a proper sensing method from the catalog of available methods.
Year-round N 2 O production by benthic NO x reduction in a monomictic south-alpine lake

Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) is a potent greenhouse gas, generated through microbial nitrogen (N) turnover processes, such as nitrification, nitrifier denitrification, and denitrification. Previous studies quantifying natural sources have mainly focused on soils and the ocean, but the potential role of terrestrial water bodies in the global N 2 O budget has been widely neglected. Furthermore, the biogeochemical controls on the production rates and the microbial pathways that produce benthic N 2 O in lakes are essentially unknown. In this study, benthic N 2 O fluxes and the contributions of the microbial pathways that produce N 2 O were assessed using 15 N label flow-through sediment incubations in the eutrophic, monomictic south basin of Lake Lugano in Switzerland. The sediments were a significant source of N 2 O throughout the year, with production rates ranging between 140 and 2605 nmol N 2 O h −1 m −2 , and the highest observed rates coinciding with periods of water column stratification and stably anoxic conditions in the overlying bottom water. Nitrate (NO 3 − ) reduction via denitrification was found to be the major N 2 O production pathway in the sediments under both oxygen-depleted and oxygen-replete conditions in the overlying water, while ammonium oxidation did not contribute significantly to the benthic N 2 O flux. A marked portion (up to 15%) of the total NO 3 − consumed by denitrification was reduced only to N 2 O, without complete denitrification to N 2 . These fluxes were highest when the bottom water had stabilized to a low-oxygen state, in contrast with the notion that stable anoxia is particularly conducive to complete denitrification without accumulation of N 2 O. This study provides evidence that lake sediments are a significant source of N 2 O to the overlying water and may produce large N 2 O fluxes to the atmosphere during seasonal mixing events.
The Origin of r-process Elements in the Milky Way

Some of the heavy elements, such as gold and europium (Eu), are almost exclusively formed by the rapid neutron capture process (r-process). However, it is still unclear which astrophysical site between core-collapse supernovae and neutron star–neutron star (NS–NS) mergers produced most of the r-process elements in the universe. Galactic chemical evolution (GCE) models can test these scenarios by quantifying the frequency and yields required to reproduce the amount of europium (Eu) observed in galaxies. Although NS–NS mergers have become popular candidates, their required frequency (or rate) needs to be consistent with that obtained from gravitational wave measurements. Here, we address the first NS–NS merger detected by LIGO/Virgo (GW170817) and its associated gamma-ray burst and analyze their implication for the origin of r-process elements. The range of NS–NS merger rate densities of 320–4740 Gpc−3 yr−1 provided by LIGO/Virgo is remarkably consistent with the range required by GCE to explain the Eu abundances in the Milky Way with NS–NS mergers, assuming the solar r-process abundance pattern for the ejecta. Under the same assumption, this event has produced about 1–5 Earth masses of Eu, and 3–13 Earth masses of gold. When using theoretical calculations to derive Eu yields, constraining the role of NS–NS mergers becomes more challenging because of nuclear astrophysics uncertainties. This is the first study that directly combines nuclear physics uncertainties with GCE calculations. If GW170817 is a representative event, NS–NS mergers can produce Eu in sufficient amounts and are likely to be the main r-process site.
An Apparatus for a New Microcube Encapsulation of Fluid Milk in Preparation for Transmission Electron Microscopy

A simple apparatus has been developed for a new "microcube" encapsulation of fluid milk samples in their prefixation preparation for electron microscopy. The new technique is based on making cubic wells in an agar gel layer, filling them with fluid milk samples, and sealing them with another agar gel layer . The individual wells are then separated by cutting from the initial block, providing 0.5 mm walls around the samples. The embedded material (milk, buttermilk, yogurt, etc.) is fixed, dehydrated , and embedded in a resin for transmis­ sion electron microscopy. The procedure is simpler, and more versatile, reliable, and reproducible than other en­ capsulation methods used to prepare similar food sam­ ples. Agar gel tubes used in the other methods have sev­ eral disadvantages such as the need for manual dexterity of the experimenter to make them, and difficulty in seal ­ in g the filled capsules properly. Results obtained by the mi crocube procedure were compared with results obtain­ ed by two methods using agar gel tubes and also by mix­ ing a warm agar sol with fluid food samples. This latter method is simpler than agar encapsulation but shows agar strands in the micrographs of the milk samples, which is particularly undesirable when investigating, for example, intermicellar strands of gelled UHT (ultra-high temperature- treated) milk concentrates. Microcube en­ capsulation produces superior quality images of the fluid food structure.
Targeting Common but Complex Proteoglycans on Breast Cancer Cells and Stem Cells Using Evolutionary Refined Malaria Proteins

Abstract : We have successfully produced recombinant malaria derived VAR2CSA that binds with high affinity and high specificity to breast cancer cells and breast cancer tissue biopsies. We have demonstrated that the protein binds to distinct secondary modified proteoglycans exclusively present on breast cancer cells and that targeting these with recombinant VAR2CSAinterferes with key functions of the cancer cell like growth, migration and invasion. In vivo models demonstrate that conjugation of a toxin to VAR2CSA followed by IV administration to metastatic breast cancer bearing mice completely cures the animals.
Cardiovascular outcomes following a respiratory tract infection amongst people with non-CF bronchiectasis: A general population based study

Background: Studies suggest that people with bronchiectasis are at increased risk of cardiovascular co-morbidities. We aimed to quantify the relative risk of incident cardiovascular events following a respiratory tract infection amongst people with bronchiectasis. Methods: Using UK electronic primary care records, we conducted a within-person comparison using the self-controlled case series method. We calculated the relative risk of first time cardiovascular events (either first myocardial infarction [MI] or stroke) following a respiratory tract infection compared with the individual’s baseline risk. Results: Our cohort consisted of 895 individuals with non-CF bronchiectasis with a first MI or stroke and at least one respiratory tract infection. There was an increased rate of first time cardiovascular events in the 91 day period after a respiratory tract infection (Incidence Rate Ratio [IRR] 1.56; 95% CI 1.20 to 2.02). The rate of a first cardiovascular event was highest in the first three days following a respiratory tract infection (IRR 2.73, 95% CI 1.41 to 5.27). Conclusions: These data suggest that respiratory tract infections are strongly associated with a transient increased risk of first time MI or stroke amongst people with bronchiectasis. As respiratory tract infections are six times more common in people with bronchiectasis than the general population, the increased risk has a disproportionately greater impact in these individuals. These findings may have implications for including cardiovascular risk modifications in airway infection treatment pathways in this population.
KOGNITIVE NEUROPHYSIOLOGIE DES MENSCHEN HUMAN COGNITIVE NEUROPHYSIOLOGY

D. Eckstein, T. Koenig, M. Wyss, & W. J. Perrig (Bern, Switzerland) — Monitoring the Time Course of Perception without Awareness: A Comparison of Mirror Masked Words and Nonwords Mirror masked words are embedded into a context that makes them appear as senseless patterns or as strings of unfamiliar letters. Thus, mirror masked words can be shown for several hundreds of milliseconds without being recognised as words. We sought to further investigate effects of nonsconscious reading by monitoring event-related brain potentials (ERPs) while participants observed mirror masked letter strings. ERPs were recorded while participants observed mirror masked words and nonwords. Data of 15 participants was segmented into periods of quasi-stable field topography (microstates). Microstates for masked words and nonwords were compared using randomization tests, statistical parametric scalp maps and Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (LORETA). ERPs to masked words and nonwords showed significant topographic differences between 136 and 256 ms, indicating that stimuli were nonconsciously discriminated. A LORETA model localised sources of activation discriminating between masked words and nonwords in left operculum, the right superior parietal lobe and right superior temporal gyrus indicating higher current density for nonwords than for words
Design, Simulation and Experimental Analysis of Wideband Circularly Polarized Capacitive Fed Microstrip Antenna

Wideband Circularly polarized antenna receive much attention in the wireless communication applications such as Global positioning system (GPS) and Personal communication system (PCS). In this paper, a microstrip square patch, truncated in opposite corners, suspended above the ground plane is proposed. The geometry incorporates the capacitive feed strip which is fed by a coaxial probe. The proposed structure is designed, simulated and fabricated to cover the entire frequency of GPS, i.e., L1 (1.575GHz), L2 (1.227GHz), and L5 (1.176GHz), covering from (1.15GHz{1.6GHz). The parameters such as return loss, VSWR, impedance, radiation e-ciency axial ratio and radiation pattern are used for analyzing the performance of the antenna. Both simulated and experimental results are presented and they exhibit broadband characteristics, covering the desired frequency bands.
Directed Evolution of a Hyperthermophilic Endoglucanase Cel12B from Thermotoga maritima

The cel12B gene was cloned, optimized through directed evolution using error-prone polymerase chain reaction, and then expressed in the Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) host strain. Five mutants promoting the enzyme activities were selected. The specific activity of the best-evolved Cel16 (L20R, D37V, I108T) was improved approximately 3-fold compared to the parental enzyme. The residual enzyme activity of Cel16 retained 90% of the original when incubated at 90 °C for 2 h, which was similar to the thermostability of the wild type. In addition, the best mutant Cel16, which had two prominent mutant sites, L20R and I108T, was able to increase the cavity polarity because the side chains of arginine and threonine could form hydrogen bonds with the substrate, shrinking the enzyme cavity to some extent and therefore enhancing the enzyme activity.
Bioluminescence imaging and two-photon microscopy guided laser ablation of GBM decreases tumor burden

Brain tumor delineation and treatment are the main concerns of neurosurgeons in neurosurgical operations. Bridging the gap between imaging/diagnosis and treatment will provide great convenience for neurosurgeons. Here, we developed an optical theranostics platform that helps to delineate the boundary and quantitatively analyze glioblastoma multiforms (GBMs) with bioluminescence imaging (BLI) to guide laser ablation, and we imaged the GBM cells with two-photon microscopy (TPM) to visualize the laser ablation zone in vivo. Methods: Laser ablation, using the method of coupled ablated path planning with the guidance of BLI, was implemented in vivo for mouse brain tumors. The mapping relationship between semi-quantitative BLI and the laser ablation path was built through the quantitative tumor burden. The mapping was reflected through coupled ablated path planning. The BLI quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated treatment using laser ablation with the appropriate laser parameters and laser-tissue parameters. These parameters were measured after treatment. Furthermore, histopathological analysis of the brain tissue was conducted to compare the TPM images before and after laser ablation and to evaluate the results of in vivo laser ablation. The local recurrences were measured with three separate cohorts. The weights of all of the mice were measured during the experiment. Results: Our in vivo BLI data show that the tumor cell numbers were significantly attenuated after treatment with the optical theranostics platform, and the delineation of GBM margins had clear views to guide the laser resection; the fluorescence intensity in vivo of GBMs quantitatively analyzed the rapid progression of GBMs. The laser-tissue parameters under guidance of multimodality imaging ranged between 1.0 mm and 0.1 mm. The accuracy of the laser ablation reached a submillimeter level, and the resection ratio reached more than 99% under the guidance of BLI. The histopathological sections were compared to TPM images, and the results demonstrated that these images highly coincided. The weight index and local recurrence results demonstrated that the therapeutic effect of the optical theranostics platform was significant. Conclusion: We propose an optical multimodality imaging-guided laser ablation theranostics platform for the treatment of GBMs in an intravital mouse model. The experimental results demonstrated that the integration of multimodality imaging can precisely guide laser ablation for the treatment of GBMs. This preclinical research provides a possibility for the precision treatment of GBMs. The study also provides some theoretical support for clinical research.
A climate change report card for water Working Technical Paper 4. Changes in groundwater levels in the UK over the 21 st century: an assessment of evidence of impacts from climate change

1 Environment Agency, Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol BS1 5AH, UK 2 Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Pearson Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK 3 British Geological Survey, Maclean Building, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford OX10 8BB, UK 4 School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY, UK 5 Cranfield Water Science Institute, Cranfield University, Bedford, MK43 0AL, UK 6 Cardiff School of Biosciences, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK 7 Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancashire, LA1 4AP, UK 8 School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK 9 Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford OX10 8BB, UK 10 British Geological Survey, Kingsley Dunham Centre, Keyworth, Nottinghamshire, NG12 5GG, UK 11 HR Wallingford, Howbery Business Park, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford OX10 8BA, UK 12 Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AB, UK. 13 Department of Geography, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK A climate change report card for water
Active, Programmable Elastomeric Surfaces with Tunable Adhesion for Deterministic Assembly by Transfer Printing

Active, programmable control of interfacial adhesion is an important, desired feature of many existing and envisioned systems, including medical tapes, releasable joints, and stamps for transfer printing. Here a design for an elastomeric surface that offers switchable adhesion strength through a combination of peel‐rate dependent effects and actuation of sub‐surface fluid chambers is presented. Microchannels and open reservoirs positioned under a thin surface membrane can be pressurized in a controlled manner to induce various levels of surface deformation via inflation. These pressurized structures demonstrate utility in controllably decreasing the strength of adhesion of flat, solid objects to the elastomeric surface, particularly in the limit of low peel‐rates. Experimental and theoretical studies of these systems reveal the key mechanisms, and guide optimized geometries for broad control over adhesion, in a programmable and reversible manner. Implementing these concepts in stamps for transfer printing enables new modes for deterministic assembly of micro‐ and nanoscale materials onto diverse types of substrates. Collections of silicon plates delivered onto plastic, paper and other surfaces with single or multiply addressable stamps illustrate some of the capabilities.
Broadband Suspended Microstrip Antenna For Circular Polarization

In this paper we propose a circularly polarized (CP) microstrip antenna on a suspended substrate with a coplanar capacitive feed and a slot within the rectangular patch. The antenna has an axial ratio bandwidth (< 3 dB) of 7.1%. The proposed antenna exhibits a much higher impedance bandwidth of about 49% (S11 < -10 dB) and also yields return loss better than -15 dB in the useful range of circular polarization. Measured characteristics of the antenna are in good agreement with the simulated results. The radiation patterns indicate good cross polarization rejection and low back lobe radiations. The design proposed here can be scaled to any frequency of interest.
Computation of maximum likelihood estimates in cyclic structural equation models

Software for computation of maximum likelihood estimates in linear structural equation models typically employs general techniques from non-linear optimization, such as quasi-Newton methods. In practice, careful tuning of initial values is often required to avoid convergence issues. As an alternative approach, we propose a block-coordinate descent method that cycles through the considered variables, updating only the parameters related to a given variable in each step. We show that the resulting block update problems can be solved in closed form even when the structural equation model comprises feedback cycles. Furthermore, we give a characterization of the models for which the block-coordinate descent algorithm is well-defined, meaning that for generic data and starting values all block optimization problems admit a unique solution. For the characterization, we represent each model by its mixed graph (also known as path diagram), which leads to criteria that can be checked in time that is polynomial in the number of considered variables.