Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Past and prospective carbon stocks in forests of northern Wisconsin: a report from the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Climate Change Response Framework

This report assesses past and prospective carbon stocks for 4.5 million ha of forest land in northern Wisconsin, including a baseline assessment and analysis of the impacts of disturbance and management on carbon stocks. Carbon density (amount of carbon stock per unit area) averages 237 megagrams (Mg) per ha, with the National Forest lands having slightly higher carbon density than other ownership classes. Over the last decade, carbon stocks of northern Wisconsin forests have been increasing by about one teragram (Tg) per year or 0.22 megagrams per ha per year, with most of the increase in live biomass. Harvest, wind, and fire have been principal drivers of forest carbon dynamics over the last century. For all forest types in northern Wisconsin, there is potential to increase stocking on the land by allowing more of the forested area to reach older age classes or by increasing productivity. Opportunities to increase afforestation and reduce deforestation are limited, but the potential exists for utilizing biomass energy as a substitute for fossil fuels. There are several options for private landowners to participate in carbon markets or greenhouse gas registries and receive some credit for additional actions to reduce emissions or increase sequestration of carbon. The methods used here can be adapted for use by other regions or forests to assess carbon stocks and effects of management on future carbon stocks.
Clinical Reviews: Electrophysiology and Ablation The Impact of Advances in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Devices on the Incidence and Prevention of Complications

(CF) ablation a one-year AF 94 There are conflicting reports whether CF improves ablation 26,27 suggesting that CF parameters need to be validated. 26 Data from a recent meta-analysis suggest that ablation guided by CF is associated with improved median outcome at 12-months follow-up. 28 Recent developments focus on improved near-field resolution by combining recordings from large-tip electrodes with recordings from micro-electrodes (QDOT-micro technology for Biosense Webster Inc.). associated with higher complication rates. 29 Although 3D mapping systems, 24 point-by-point ablation often Contact-force has been associated with ablation and fluoroscopy times 28 and high-power-short-duration radiofrequency applications to further reduce procedure time are currently under investigation. Fluoroscopy time for RFCA, however, approaches Abstract The number of patients with atrial fibrillation currently referred for catheter ablation is increasing. However, the number of trained operators and the capacity of many electrophysiology labs are limited. Accordingly, a steeper learning curve and technical advances for efficient and safe ablation are desirable. During the last decades several catheter-based ablation devices have been developed and adapted to improve not only lesion durability, but also safety profiles, to shorten procedure time and to reduce radiation exposure. The goal of this review is to summarise the reported incidence of complications, considering device-related specific aspects for point-by-point, multi-electrode and balloon-based devices for pulmonary vein isolation. Recent technical and procedural developments aimed at reducing procedural risks and complications rates will be reviewed. In addition, the impact of technical advances on procedural outcome, procedural length and radiation exposure will be discussed.
Nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide emissions related to bacteria and not to archaea in nitrogen rich grassland soils.

The oxidation of ammonia (NH3) to nitrate (NO3 - ) is a key process in the global nitrogen (N) cycle which has major ecological and environmental implications both in influencing nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and NO3 leaching. We investigated the relationships between nitrification, NO3 - leaching and N2O emissions with ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) in nitrogen rich grassland soils. Both AOA and AOB were detected in large numbers in these grassland soils. The AOB abundance grew by 3.2 to 10.4 fold and activity increased by 177 fold in response to the addition of a urine-N substrate, and the AOB growth was significantly inhibited by a nitrification inhibitor, dicyandiamide (DCD). However, neither the AOA abundance, nor activity, increased with the application of an ammonia substrate. DCD decreased NO3 leaching by 59% and decreased N2O emissions by 64% from animal urine-N patches. Significant quantitative relationships were found between the AOB abundance and the nitrification rate, NO3 - -N leaching losses, and N2O emissions, whereas no such relationships were found with AOA. These findings suggest that nitrification and thus NO3 - leaching and N2O emissions are driven by bacteria rather than archaea in these
Remote Sensing for Sustainable Forest Management

INTRODUCTION Forest Management Questions Remote Sensing Data and Methods Categories of Applications of Remote Sensing Organization of the Book SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT Definition of Sustainable Forest Management Ecosystem Management Criteria and Indicators of Sustainable Forest Management Information Needs of Forest Managers Role of Remote Sensing ACQUISITION OF IMAGERY Field, Aerial, and Satellite Imagery Data Characteristics Resolution and Scale Aerial Platforms and Sensors Satellite Platforms and Sensors General Limits of Airborne and Satellite Remote Sensing Data IMAGE CALIBRATION AND PROCESSING Georadiometric Effects and Spectral Response Image Processing Systems and Functionality Image Analysis Support Functions Image Information Extraction Image Understanding FOREST MODELING AND GIS Geographical Information Science Ecosystem Process Models Spatial Pattern Modeling FOREST CLASSIFICATION Information on Forest Classes Classification Systems for Use with Remote Sensing Data Level I Classes Level II Classes Level III Classes FOREST STRUCTURE ESTIMATION Information on Forest Structure Forest Inventory Variables Biomass Volume and Growth Assessment FOREST CHANGE DETECTION Information on Forest Change Harvesting and Silviculture Activity Natural Disturbances Change in Spatial Structure CONCLUSION The Technological Approach - Revisited References
Reduced lung-cancer mortality with low-dose computed tomographic screening.

BACKGROUND The aggressive and heterogeneous nature of lung cancer has thwarted efforts to reduce mortality from this cancer through the use of screening. The advent of low-dose helical computed tomography (CT) altered the landscape of lung-cancer screening, with studies indicating that low-dose CT detects many tumors at early stages. The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) was conducted to determine whether screening with low-dose CT could reduce mortality from lung cancer. METHODS From August 2002 through April 2004, we enrolled 53,454 persons at high risk for lung cancer at 33 U.S. medical centers. Participants were randomly assigned to undergo three annual screenings with either low-dose CT (26,722 participants) or single-view posteroanterior chest radiography (26,732). Data were collected on cases of lung cancer and deaths from lung cancer that occurred through December 31, 2009. RESULTS The rate of adherence to screening was more than 90%. The rate of positive screening tests was 24.2% with low-dose CT and 6.9% with radiography over all three rounds. A total of 96.4% of the positive screening results in the low-dose CT group and 94.5% in the radiography group were false positive results. The incidence of lung cancer was 645 cases per 100,000 person-years (1060 cancers) in the low-dose CT group, as compared with 572 cases per 100,000 person-years (941 cancers) in the radiography group (rate ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 1.23). There were 247 deaths from lung cancer per 100,000 person-years in the low-dose CT group and 309 deaths per 100,000 person-years in the radiography group, representing a relative reduction in mortality from lung cancer with low-dose CT screening of 20.0% (95% CI, 6.8 to 26.7; P=0.004). The rate of death from any cause was reduced in the low-dose CT group, as compared with the radiography group, by 6.7% (95% CI, 1.2 to 13.6; P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS Screening with the use of low-dose CT reduces mortality from lung cancer. (Funded by the National Cancer Institute; National Lung Screening Trial ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00047385.).
Slow-light dispersion in coupled periodic waveguides

This work was supported by the Australian Research Council under the Centres of Excellence Program and through the Australian Partnership for Advanced Computing National Facility (APAC). Part of this project was completed during the visit of A. A. Sukhorukov to McMaster University (Canada) supported by the Australian Academy of Science travel grant. D. N. Chigrin acknowledges partial support by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) through the project FOR 557. A. V. Laurinenko acknowledges partial support from European Commission FP6, project NewTon, NMP4-CT-2005- 017160.
Neutrophil Dysfunction, Immature Granulocytes, and Cell-free DNA are Early Biomarkers of Sepsis in Burn-injured Patients

Citation for published version (Harvard): Hampson, P, Dinsdale, RJ, Wearn, CM, Bamford, AL, Bishop, JRB, Hazeldine, J, Moiemen, NS, Harrison, P & Lord, JM 2017, 'Neutrophil Dysfunction, Immature Granulocytes, and Cell-free DNA are Early Biomarkers of Sepsis in Burn-injured Patients: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study' Annals of surgery, vol. 265, no. 6, pp. 1241-1249. DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000001807
Modularity speeds up motor learning by overcoming mechanical bias in musculoskeletal geometry

We can easily learn and perform a variety of movements that fundamentally require complex neuromuscular control. Many empirical findings have demonstrated that a wide range of complex muscle activation patterns could be well captured by the combination of a few functional modules, the so-called muscle synergies. Modularity represented by muscle synergies would simplify the control of a redundant neuromuscular system. However, how the reduction of neuromuscular redundancy through a modular controller contributes to sensorimotor learning remains unclear. To clarify such roles, we constructed a simple neural network model of the motor control system that included three intermediate layers representing neurons in the primary motor cortex, spinal interneurons organized into modules and motoneurons controlling upper-arm muscles. After a model learning period to generate the desired shoulder and/or elbow joint torques, we compared the adaptation to a novel rotational perturbation between modular and non-modular models. A series of simulations demonstrated that the modules reduced the effect of the bias in the distribution of muscle pulling directions, as well as in the distribution of torques associated with individual cortical neurons, which led to a more rapid adaptation to multi-directional force generation. These results suggest that modularity is crucial not only for reducing musculoskeletal redundancy but also for overcoming mechanical bias due to the musculoskeletal geometry allowing for faster adaptation to certain external environments.
Characteristics of and influences on the Black Reef depositional sequence in the eastern Transvaal

Field relationships are used to establish the Black Reef depositional sequence in the eastern Transvaal. This depositional sequence comprises a thin unit of mainly fluvial siliciclastics, which developed below the Chuniespoort Group carbonates, and is bounded by regionally correlatable stratal surfaces. A subtle angular unconformity separates the Black Reef package from Archaean and Wolkberg Group strata over parts of the eastern Transvaal
Cellular Biology Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 Signaling Negatively Modulates Lymphatic Development in Vertebrate Embryos

lineage and begins to express Sox18 and Prox1 , which subsequently migrate out of the CV after the gradient formed by vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C). 18 At least 2 distinct mechanisms have been suggested to explain the initial segregation of LECs from blood ECs and formation of the jugular lymph sacs, the first lymphatic organ to emerge during development. 19,20 Similarly, additional lymph sacs are formed along the anterior–posterior axis, which contribute to the primary capillary plexuses. 21 At approximately E15.5, lymphatic vessels undergo morphogenetic changes to form mature lymphatic structures, such as capillaries, precollectors, and collecting vessels. 22 Although
Analyzing approaches to feral cat management--one size does not fit all.

ow to best solve the diverse issues related to feral cats is a complex question with many facets. Each facet reflects large gaps in our knowledge and understanding. Felid biology; global, regional, and local ecology; human psychology; sociology; economics; and theology are all examples of branches of learning that can contribute knowledge toward finding acceptable solutions to feral cat problems. Unfortunately, our understanding of any one of these disciplines is incomplete, particularly with regard to specific knowledge relevant to feral cats. Making informed decisions is therefore difficult at best. Discussions about feral cats often become emotionally charged, even when the discussion is among individuals with similar backgrounds. Perceptions based on personal experiences rapidly substitute for missing objective data, and interpretations of options become increasingly monochromatic. Over the years, I have been expounding to students a general rule based on my observations of scientific debate. The “Rule of Inverse Vehemence” states that the vehemence with which proponents of opposing views argue their points is inversely proportional to the quality of data available to support their positions. In other words, highly charged polemic disagreements are often fueled by
Hybrid Robot-Assisted Gait Training for Motor Function in Subacute Stroke: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Yen-Nung Lin Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Shih-Wei Huang Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Yi-Chun Kuan Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital Department of Neurology Hung-Chou Chen Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Wen-Shan Jian Taipei Medical University Li-Fong Lin (  08168@s.tmu.edu.tw ) Department of physical medicine and rehabilitation, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University
Glaciers and society: attributions, perceptions, and valuations

As icons of a world set in motion by human action, glaciers are often highlighted as quintessential evidences of global climate change. Although there is a general agreement among scientists that glaciers around the world are receding, much of the discussions on the subject tend to be oriented toward technological methodologies. Yet, as elements of the landscape, glaciers are strongly integrated to various societies around the world in ways that exceed their role as provider of fundamental sources of water. The relation between glaciers and societies is therefore marked by processes of attribution, perception, and valuation by local and distant actors. As a consequence, as they recede, glaciers often become the loci of interactions between actors of various scales. But besides melting, glaciers also transform from being objects of local to national and global concern. This is particularly true when esthetic and economic values are assigned to glaciers. Real and perceived changes in the form, reach and out‐flow of water impact the local populations, and shape the kinds of action undertaken by communities, local actors, state authorities, and international organizations. The paper concludes by arguing that place‐based research is fundamental to discuss a global environmental phenomenon such as glacier recession. WIREs Clim Change 2014, 5:793–808. doi: 10.1002/wcc.315
Nitric oxide emission from intensively managed agricultural soil in North Carolina

Emissions of nitric oxide (NO) were determined from an intensively managed agricultural soil near Plymouth, in the coastal plain of North Carolina, using the dynamic chamber technique. The measurements were made over a soybean field from July 15 to August 15, 1996, as part of the project Natural Emissions of Oxidant Precursors: Validation of Techniques and Assessment (NOVA). A N-containing fertilizer was applied at the middle of the experiment in order to investigate the effect of N-fertilizers on NO emissions and to test the response of instruments. Soil water content was high during the experimental period, with water-filled pore space ranging from 49% to 67%. NO emission during this period ranged between 0.28 and 18.45 ng N m -2 s -1 , with an overall average of 5.01 ± 3.03 ng N m -2 s -1 . A normal diurnal pattern with low values at nighttime and high values during the day was observed during the prefertilization period, but a reverse diurnal pattern (high at nighttime, low in daytime) of NO emission variation was found during the postfertilization, closed-canopy period, implying that interaction among canopy development, application of fertilization, and soil parameters may affect the diurnal variation of NO emission from soils. The emissions of NO were related to soil temperature, water-filled pore space, and extractable nitrogen. Application of fertilizer at the middle of the experiment was found to disrupt the normal relations between NO emission and soil temperature and water content seen during the prefertilization period but to enhance the positive relation between NO emission and extractable N. An intercomparison of the dynamic chamber technique with the eddy-correlation technique in this experiment indicates that in spite of large differences in the magnitudes of soil NO emission and the NO flux at 5 m, the two fluxes show similar variations with time and are strongly correlated.
Historical reconstruction of organic carbon decay and preservation in sediments on the East China Sea shelf

Sediment cores were collected from the East China Sea inner shelf in 2010 to study the decay and preservation of organic carbon (OC). The highest sediment mass accumulation rate (0.61 ± 0.20 g cm−2 yr−1), derived from 210Pb, was found near the river mouth and decreased alongshore to the south (0.17 ± 0.004 g cm−2 yr−1), and in an offshore direction (0.31 ± 0.08 g cm−2 yr−1). Average total OC content was higher at inner shelf stations (0.52%) than those offshore (0.38%). The δ13C was more depleted at nearshore (−23.49‰ to −21.97‰) than offshore (−22.49‰ to −21.60‰) stations. Principal component analysis indicated that terrestrial OC, as indicated by lignin‐phenols (Λ8) values, was preserved in sediment closer to the coast (0.22–0.44), while offshore sediment was more composed of lignin‐poor (0.12–0.24) degraded OC that was likely hydrodynamically sorted. Marine‐derived OC, as indicated by plant pigments, was significantly more abundant in the sediment mixed layer than the underlying accumulation layer. Historical flooding events were detected in Λ8 profiles in two of the six cores located at midshelf stations. Despite the magnitude of the 2010 flood in East China, we did not see any signature of this event with the chemical biomarker in these two cores. This may suggest that reduced sediment loading due to recent dam construction may have greatly decoupled river inputs with sediment loading to shelf sediment. The total OC standing stock since 1900 was approximately 1.62 ± 1.15 kg C m−2, about one tenth of all the middle and lower lakes in the Changjiang catchment basin. This work further supports the need for more research to better understand how the reduced inputs of fluvial input of sediments from Chinese rivers (due to river diversions and dams) affect carbon cycling in the East China Sea.
Isolation of the global MLT thermal response to recurrent geomagnetic activity

Recurrent geomagnetic activity at multi‐day periodicities (near 5.5, 7 and 9 day subharmonics of solar rotation) have been associated with high speed solar wind stream variations and have recently been shown to induce congruent multi‐day periodic responses in the global upper atmosphere. The ability to relate these periodicities in geomagnetic activity to global temperature observations from the TIMED/SABER instrument enables isolation of the global thermal response in the lower thermosphere and mesosphere due to geomagnetic activity. Observations from the TIMED/SABER instrument at altitudes below 120 km clearly show a zonally symmetric (s = 0) modulation in the global temperature field at a 9‐day period known to result from recurrent geomagnetic activity forced by corotating interaction regions (CIRs). The temporal variation of this zonally symmetric 9‐day perturbation in temperature is strongly correlated to the 9‐day variations in the Kp geomagnetic activity index in 2005, with the most significant correlation occurring above 110 km and polewards of 40° latitude in both hemispheres. The temperature amplitude at the 9 day period is in excess of 10 K above 110 km and increasing in amplitude poleward of 40°. The phase of the temperature maximum associated with such disturbances is coherent with altitude and hemisphere, with the disturbance occurring first near 110 km and then peaking at altitudes above and below this region hours later.