Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Theory of quantitative reconstruction of vegetation II: all you need is LOVE

This paper describes the LOVE (LOcal Vegetation Estimates) model for estimating local vegetation composition within the relevant source area of pollen. This model quantifies and then subtracts background pollen (ie, pollen coming from beyond the relevant source area) in order to arrive at a quantitative reconstruction of local vegetation. Parameters required for LOVE applications are pollen counts from target sites, the relevant source area of pollen of these sites, pollen productivity estimates and regional vegetation composition within 104 -105 km2. Regional vegetation composition is obtained using fossil pollen from large sites (≥102 ha) with the REVEALS (Regional Estimates of VEgetation Abundance from Large Sites) model, the first step of the Landscape Reconstruction Algorithm (LRA) specifically designed for LOVE applications. POLLSCAPE simulations demonstrate that (1) regional vegetation composition can be used to predict background pollen at and beyond the relevant source area of pollen for given-sized basins, (2) LOVE with the LRA framework provides a robust and accurate estimate of local vegetation composition much better than vegetation reconstruction using pollen percentages alone and (3) although the relevant source area of pollen is difficult to estimate particularly in past landscapes, a proposed method using backward modelling of LOVE is effective to estimate the relevant source area in landscapes of unknown vegetation patchiness and heterogeneity. Thus, the LRA will also be useful to estimate indirectly changes in spatial structure of past vegetation and landscape caused by natural and anthropogenic forcing.
Rheologic testing of wet kaolin reveals frictional and bi‐viscous behavior typical of crustal materials

New rheological data for wet kaolin support its use in analog table‐top experiments that simulate deformation of the Earth's crust. Creep tests at small strain reveal that wet kaolin (62–66% water by mass) exhibits both elastic and viscous deformation characteristic of a Burger's material. When sheared to failure, the shear strength is relatively insensitive to the strain rate. The shear strength appears sensitive to the amount of initial compaction within the rheometer, which may indicate a normal‐stress dependency typical of frictional materials. Stepped velocity tests at large strain demonstrate velocity weakening rate and state frictional behavior after yielding. Because the wet kaolin exhibits deformation characteristic of both frictional materials and bi‐viscous materials, this material is well suited to simulate a variety of crustal deformational processes in scaled analog experiments.
Cardiovascular Disease and Its Association With Histological Changes of the Left Stellate Ganglion

Mounting evidence has demonstrated that the autonomic system plays a role in the morbidity and mortality of certain cardiovascular disease states. Ventricular arrhythmias have been associated with the level of sympathetic activation. We attempted to determine if the presence of fibrosis, a marker for previous ischemic events, correlates with an increase in the number of left stellate ganglion nerve cell bodies which is indicative of hypersympathetic stimulation to the myocardial tissue. Left stellate ganglia were removed, sectioned and prepared using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome stain. The interventricular septum of the heart corresponding to the stellate ganglion samples were removed, serially sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome stain. The samples were described using a grading scale to quantify the percentage of fibrosis. Ganglion nerve cell bodies were then individually counted in three separate high-powered fields. A student's T-test was used to statistically evaluate the data. Stellate ganglions were sampled from 32 cadavers. Fibrosis was present within 72% (23/32) of the interventricular septums that were sampled. Nine interventricular septums were found to be free of fibrosis. For those interventricular septums that were positive for the presence of fibrosis, the mean left stellate ganglion nerve cell bodies was 39.8 (Range: 26-51). For those interventricular septums that were negative for the presence of fibrosis, the mean left stellate ganglion nerve cell bodies was 34.3 (Range: 27-46). The difference between the mean nerve cell bodies for interventricular septums with fibrosis and without fibrosis was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.048). Histological changes in terms of the number of left stellate ganglion nerve cell bodies seem to be dependent upon the presence of fibrosis within the interventricular septum. Considering fibrosis of the interventricular septum is a marker for previous ischemic events, an increase in the number of nerve cell bodies of the left stellate ganglion in the presence of fibrosis suggests an association does exist between hypersympathetic stimulation to the myocardial tissue and myocardial infarction. Further research into this association is warranted in order to determine if left stellate ganglion blockade is a viable treatment option for arrhythmias following myocardial infarctions.
Controls on the mechanisms of fluid infiltration and front advection during regional metamorphism: a stable isotope and textural study of retrograde Dalradian rocks of the SW Scottish Highlands

Vein-controlled retrograde infiltration of H2O-CO2 fluids into Dalradian epidote amphibolite facies rocks of the SW Scottish Highlands under greenschist facies conditions resulted in alteration of calcite-rich marble bands to dolomite and spatially associated 18O enrichment of about 10%. on a scale of metres. Fluid inclusion data indicate that the retrograde fluid was an H2O-salt mixture with a low CO2 content, and that the temperature of the fluid was about 400d C. Detailed petrographic and textural (backscattered electron imaging) studies at one garnet-grade locality show that advection of fluid into marbles proceeded by a calcite-calcite grain edge flow mechanism, while alteration of non-carbonate wall-rock is associated with veinlets and microcracks. Stable isotopic analysis of carbonates from marble bands provides evidence for advection of isotopic fronts through carbonate wall-rocks perpendicular to dolomite veins, and fluid fluxes in the range 2.4–28.6 m3/m2 have been computed from measured advection distances. Coincidence of isotope and reaction fronts is considered to result from reaction-enhanced kinetics of isotope exchange at the reaction front. Front advection distances are related to the proportion of calcite to quartz in each marble band, with the largest advection distance occurring in nearly pure calcite matrix. This relationship indicates that fluid flow in carbonates is only possible along fluid-calcite-calcite grain edges. However, experimental constraints on dihedral angles in calcite-fluid systems require that pervasive infiltration occurred in response to calcite dissolution initiated at calcite-calcite grain junctions rather than to an open calcite pore geometry. The regional extent of the retrograde infiltration event has been documented from the high δ18O of dolomite-ankerite carbonates from veins and host-rocks over an area of least 50 × 50 km in the SW Scottish Highlands. Isotopically exotic 18O-rich retrograde fluids have moved rapidly upwards through the crust, inducing isotopic exchange and mineral reaction in wall-rocks only where lithology, pore geometry or mineral solubilities, pressure and temperature have been appropriate for pervasive infiltration to occur.
Future Air Traffic Management: Quantitative En Route Safety Assessment Part 1 – Review of Present Methods

This is the first of two papers on Quantitative Safety Assessment – vital to the successful introduction of future Air Traffic Management systems. The goal of the two papers is to identify key future questions and the best methods to deal with them. The focus is en route European commercial traffic in controlled airspace, particularly risks from mid-air collision. Part 1 is a critical sketch of the historical context, methods used, and the use of analytical ‘models’ for safety assessment. Aspects covered include safety philosophy principles, safety targets, procedural separation standards, the Reich model and its problems, and radar separation standards.
GEOTHERMAL STATE OF DSDP HOLES 333A, 395A, AND 534A : RESULTS FROM THE DIANAUT PROGRAM

Heat-flow values determined from the DIANAUT program provide insight into the geothermal state of three DSDP holes situated on the western flank of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Very low values (20 mW/m2 max.) observed in 3.5-m.y. -old crust at Hole 333A decrease with depth and indicate persistent basement cooling due to cold water circulation in the porous level of the upper oceanic crust. Cold ocean bottomwater continues to invade the upper level of fractured 7.3-m.y. -old basement at Hole 395A, but temperature v. time records show large-scale temperature fluctuations, probably associated with borehole convection, at 500 mbsf and stable temperatures, probably indicating a slow return to thermal equilibrium, at 600 mbsf. The 154-m.y. -old crust at Hole 534A exhibits a relatively steady thermal state with a heat flow close to theoretical values for a conductively cooling plate; small variations in the thermal gradient recorded in this well probably represent very slow and subtle movement of borehole fluids. The close comparison of these latest results with those obtained several years previously, demonstrates the presence of relatively stable thermal regimes.
Impact of the COVID-19 restrictions on physical activity and quality of life in adults with lower limb amputation

Background: This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on ambulatory activity and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in people with a lower limb amputation (LLA) in Norway. We hypothesized that the restrictions would negatively affect HR-QoL and decrease prosthetic wear time and ambulatory activity in participants with already limited mobility. Methods: Twenty individuals with LLA (age and time since amputation 56.2 ± 11.9 and 22.3 ± 20.1 years, respectively) participated. Ambulatory activity (stepwatch: prosthetic wear time; steps per day; minutes of low-intensity (1–15 steps min-1), moderate-intensity (16–40 steps min-1), and high-intensity ambulation (>40 steps min-1)) and HR-QoL (EQ-5D-5L) data were collected prepandemic and 8–12 months later during pandemic restrictions. Semistructured interviews identified personal experiences of coping with restrictions. Results: Prosthetic wear time decreased significantly (−1.0 ± 1.5 hours day-1, p < 0.05). Steps per day (440 ± 1481), moderate-intensity and high-intensity ambulation (3.7 ± 23.4, and 4.8 ± 13.9 minutes day-1, respectively), and EQ-5D-5L index (.02 ± .10) increased, whereas low-intensity ambulation decreased (−1.5 ± 16.1 minutes day-1), all nonsignificant changes. Qualitative analysis identified three themes related to coping with restrictions: (1) personal situation, (2) a prosthetic user’s perspective, and (3) mindset. Conclusions: Increased time spent at home might explain the decreased prosthetic wear time. Contrary to the hypothesis, participants did not decrease their physical activity, and the declined low-intensity ambulation was offset by increased moderate-intensity and high-intensity ambulation. A positive mindset, intrinsic motivation, and health awareness may be important factors for maintaining ambulatory activity and HR-QoL in people with LLA.
CORRELATIVE STUDY ON BODY MASS INDEX AND BLOOD PRESSURE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF CURRENT EVIDENCE

Background: A few studies have found a connection between body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP), which may contribute to people's health issues. A person who has a BMI greater than what is considered healthy for their height to weight ratio is more likely to have high blood pressure, which increases their risk for conditions including type 2 diabetes, gallstones, respiratory issues, and some types of cancer. Understanding the relationship between blood pressure and body mass index is crucial. Aim: The overall goal of this review is to provide evidence on a correlative study of blood pressure and BMI in the United Kingdom. Methods: A literature search was conducted on PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library to identify studies addressing the primary research question. The participants for this study were individuals in the United Kingdom aged 18 years and above. The study considered studies published from 2000 to 2022 and quantitative studies as well as mixed-method studies. The critical appraisal risk of bias tool was used to determine the quality assessment of the studies included in this systematic review. Results: 27,322 participants were involved from a total of seven eligible studies were identified from the hits. The overall pooled correlation of body mass index and blood pressure in the United Kingdom was 0.6, demonstrating that there is a correlation between the variables. From three of the studies, a correlation between body mass index (Kg/m2) and systolic blood pressure (mmHg) across the participants was noted (n = 27,322, SD: 21.4; r = 0.6, p>0.000). Conclusion: Body mass index and blood pressure are strongly correlated in both the general population and tens of thousands of subgroups, suggesting that almost all demographic groups in the UK are affected by the growth in hypertension prevalence. In light of the estimates of the potential associations between body mass index, stroke, and ischemic heart disease based on the current pattern of treatment in this population, the UK and other nations going through a similar epidemiologic transition should be persuaded to address the rising prevalence of hypertension as a national priority.
Application of singular vector analysis to the Kuroshio large meander

[1] Singular vector analysis is applied to the formation of the Kuroshio large meander south of Japan. We use a simulation run of an ocean general circulation model (OGCM), in which a large meander occurs, as the background state. Singular vectors are calculated by the Lanczos method in which the tangent linear and adjoint models of the OGCM are used. We apply an incremental correction approach for setting up the initial perturbation and averaging for the final norm in order to get modes reflecting nonlinear physics by filtering out high-frequency variations. The perturbation extracted as the leading right singular vector affects the formation of the large meander most if it is set to the background state two months before. When the perturbation is added, it enhances an anticyclonic eddy southeast of Kyushu in the upper layer, which induces downwelling north of it and develops an anticyclonic eddy in the deep layer. The anticyclonic eddy produces a cold anomaly at the downstream edge, and produces baroclinic instability there, resulting in further development of the large meander. In contrast, the anticyclonic eddy in the deep layer is weakened when the perturbation is subtracted, the development of the cold anomaly in the deep layer is delayed, and consequently the meander is not so well developed. Thus singular vector analysis reveals the role of the anticyclonic eddy approaching southeast of Kyushu in the upper layer, and indicates the importance of the anticyclonic eddy in the deep layer.
Molecular Cloning and Expression of Three Polygalacturonase cDNAs from the Tarnished Plant Bug, Lygus lineolaris

Abstract Three unique cDNAs encoding putative polygalacturonase enzymes were isolated from the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) (Hemiptera: Miridae). The three nucleotide sequences were dissimilar to one another, but the deduced amino acid sequences were similar to each other and to other polygalacturonases from insects, fungi, plants, and bacteria. Four conserved segments characteristic of polygalacturonases were present, but with some notable semiconservative substitutions. Two of four expected disulfide bridge—forming cysteine pairs were present. All three inferred protein translations included predicted signal sequences of 17 to 20 amino acids. Amplification of genomic DNA identified an intron in one of the genes, Llpg1, in the 5′ untranslated region. Semiquantitative RT-PCR revealed expression in all stages of the insect except the eggs. Expression in adults, male and female, was highly variable, indicating a family of highly inducible and diverse enzymes adapted to the generalist polyphagous nature of this important pest.
Toward a mechanistic understanding of vulnerability to hook‐and‐line fishing: Boldness as the basic target of angling‐induced selection

In passively operated fishing gear, boldness‐related behaviors should fundamentally affect the vulnerability of individual fish and thus be under fisheries selection. To test this hypothesis, we used juvenile common‐garden reared carp (Cyprinus carpio) within a narrow size range to investigate the mechanistic basis of behavioral selection caused by angling. We focused on one key personality trait (i.e., boldness), measured in groups within ponds, two morphological traits (body shape and head shape), and one life‐history trait (juvenile growth capacity) and studied mean standardized selection gradients caused by angling. Carp behavior was highly repeatable within ponds. In the short term, over seven days of fishing, total length, not boldness, was the main predictor of angling vulnerability. However, after 20 days of fishing, boldness turned out to be the main trait under selection, followed by juvenile growth rate, while morphological traits were only weakly related to angling vulnerability. In addition, we found juvenile growth rate to be moderately correlated with boldness. Hence, direct selection on boldness will also induce indirect selection on juvenile growth and vice versa, but given that the two traits are not perfectly correlated, independent evolution of both traits is also possible. Our study is among the first to mechanistically reveal that energy‐acquisition‐related behaviors, and not growth rate per se, are key factors determining the probability of capture, and hence, behavioral traits appear to be the prime targets of angling selection. We predict an evolutionary response toward increased shyness in intensively angling‐exploited fish stocks, possibly causing the emergence of a timidity syndrome.
The lupus autoantigen La/Ssb is an Xist-binding protein involved in Xist folding and cloud formation

Abstract Using the programmable RNA-sequence binding domain of the Pumilio protein, we FLAG-tagged Xist (inactivated X chromosome specific transcript) in live mouse cells. Affinity pulldown coupled to mass spectrometry was employed to identify a list of 138 candidate Xist-binding proteins, from which, Ssb (also known as the lupus autoantigen La) was validated as a protein functionally critical for X chromosome inactivation (XCI). Extensive XCI defects were detected in Ssb knockdown cells, including chromatin compaction, death of female mouse embryonic stem cells during in vitro differentiation and chromosome-wide monoallelic gene expression pattern. Live-cell imaging of Xist RNA reveals the defining XCI defect: Xist cloud formation. Ssb is a ubiquitous and versatile RNA-binding protein with RNA chaperone and RNA helicase activities. Functional dissection of Ssb shows that the RNA chaperone domain plays critical roles in XCI. In Ssb knockdown cells, Xist transcripts are unstable and misfolded. These results show that Ssb is critically involved in XCI, possibly as a protein regulating the in-cell structure of Xist.
Relating Local to Global Spatial Knowledge: Heuristic Influence of Local Features on Direction Estimates

Abstract Previous research has examined heuristics—simplified decision-making rules-of-thumb—for geospatial reasoning. This study examined at two locations the influence of beliefs about local coastline orientation on estimated directions to local and distant places; estimates were made immediately or after fifteen seconds. This study goes beyond well-known effects of alignment, rotation, and orthogonalization. Although residents at both locations widely assume a north–south coastline with ocean lying to the west, it actually runs east–west at the second location with ocean to the south. This created constant errors from the second location not seen from the first. Response delay had very little effect.
Activating and inhibiting connections in biological network dynamics

Background: Many studies of biochemical networks have analyzed network topology. Such work has suggested that specific types of network wiring may increase network robustness and therefore confer a selective advantage. However, knowledge of network topology does not allow one to predict network dynamical behavior for example, whether deleting a protein from a signaling network would maintain the network’s dynamical behavior, or induce oscillations or chaos. Results: Here we report that the balance between activating and inhibiting connections is important in determining whether network dynamics reach steady state or oscillate. We use a simple dynamical model of a network of interacting genes or proteins. Using the model, we study random networks, networks selected for robust dynamics, and examples of biological network topologies. The fraction of activating connections influences whether the network dynamics reach steady state or oscillate. Conclusions: The activating fraction may predispose a network to oscillate or reach steady state, and neutral evolution or selection of this parameter may affect the behavior of biological networks. This principle may unify the dynamics of a wide range of cellular networks. Reviewers: Reviewed by Sergei Maslov, Eugene Koonin, and Yu (Brandon) Xia (nominated by Mark Gerstein). For the full reviews, please go to the Reviewers’ comments section.
The woody flora and soils of seven Brazilian Amazonian dry savanna areas

This study compares the soils, floristic composition, phytosociological structure and history of seven Brazilian savannas in the Amazon basin: those at Alter do Chao, Amapa, Roraima and SE Humaita are islands in rain forest; and those at Chapada dos Parecis, Reden<;ao, and Carolina are on the periphery (northern border) of the central Brazilian savannas (the so-called 'cerrado'). A total of 26 transects were sampled by the PCQ method (for trees with dbh ~ 5 cm) and additional tree species were recorded by 'wide patrolling'. A total of 101 species were recorded from the transects and another 43 species were recorded by 'wide patrolling'. Byrsonima crassifolia, B. coccolobifolia, Curatella americana, Salvertia convallariodora and Plathymenia reticulata occurred in most or all sites, but no species occurred in all transects. The number of species in the isolated savannas decreased with the distance from the central Brazilian core savanna area. Both cluster analysis (based on the S0rensen Similarity Index) and ordination (DCA), showed that the disjunct and non-isolated peripheral areas were in floristically distinct groups. Five surface soil samples (0 10 cm) were collected from each of the 26 transects. Two soil cores (up to 4 m depth), one located in the savanna and the other from the nearest forest present, were taken from each study site for carbon isotope analysis. All the sites had acidic soils (pH 4.5 5.2) and a wide range of concentrations of aluminium (0.12 1.49 meq 100g-1); most of the other soil properties varied significantly within study sites. An ordination (peA) distinguished the soils from Amapa, Alter do Chao, Reden9ao and Roraima, but did not distinguish the disjunct sites from non-isolated peripheral ones. The soil 813C values of all the disjunct savannas indicated a vegetation change in the past from C3 to C4 plants, showing that forest (or at least a vegetation with few C4 plants) formely covered these sites. 14C dating indicated that the disjunct savannas are of relatively recent origin, e.g. Humaita was dated at about 2,000 years BP, and hence that they are not remnants of a more widespread Pleistocene savanna in the Amazon.