Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extensional processes in continental lithosphere

Since Vening-Meinesz's realization that the East African Rift represented an extensional, not compressional, feature and since the widespread acceptance of plate tectonics two decades later, research on the nature and causes of extensional tectonism within continental lithosphere has intensified. Among the manifestations of extensional processes affecting continental lithosphere are passive margins (Atlantic margin), discrete intracontinental rift zones (East African Rift), diffuse rifts (Basin and Range Province), strike-slip dominated rifts (Dead Sea Rift), and rifts in zones of regional compression (Tibetan grabens). Although no two rift zones are alike, continental rifts can generally be characterized by normal faulting with subsidiary strike-slip faulting, lithospheric thinning which outpaces crustal stretching, varying amounts of alkaline magmatism, heat flow that is locally elevated near faults and magmatic centers, and crust that has experienced magmatic underplating and some amount of magmatic intrusion. Most aspects of rift related deformation can be explained in terms of three parameters: (1) lithospheric and (sometimes) asthenospheric thermal structure, (2) lithospheric (particularly crustal) rheology, and (3) temporal factors such as the absolute age, timing, and rate of extension. The interaction of these physical parameters determines the eventual outcome of rifting (failure or progression to complete continental breakup), the patterns of subsidence and uplift, and the mode of extensional deformation. Modes of rifting (the lithosphere's mechanical response to extensional stress) can be broadly divided into pure shear, simple shear, and lower crustal flow mechanisms. In a general sense, these categories of rift mechanisms can account for observations at rifted margins, in the Basin and Range Province, and at metamorphic core complexes respectively. The mechanisms of continental lithosphere rifting (the effects) are here distinguished from the processes which actually drive extension (the causes). Following the terminology of previous authors, the causal processes are categorized as either passive or active: Passive processes originate at plate boundaries or in response to convective drag on the base of the lithosphere, while active processes are seated in the sublithospheric mantle and typically involve the interaction of mantle plumes and the lithospheric plates. A peculiar set of factors, including the local stress state, the retreat of a subducting plate, and convective instability of thickened crustal roots, may drive extension in compressional settings like Tibet. In the future, rifting studies are likely to focus on further clarification of the active and passive rifting terminology, better constraints on deformation rates and lithospheric rheology and thermal structure, along-axis segmentation of rifts, and the analogies and differences between rifting on Earth and nearby planets.
Mapping evapotranspiration based on remote sensing: An application to Canada's landmass

The evapotranspiration (ET) from all Canadian landmass in 1996 is estimated at daily steps and 1 km resolution using a process model named boreal ecosystem productivity simulator (BEPS). The model is driven by remotely sensed leaf area index and land cover maps as well as soil water holding capacity and daily meteorological data. All the major ET components are considered: transpiration from vegetation, evaporation of canopy‐intercepted rainfall, evaporation from soil, sublimation of snow in winter and in permafrost and glacier areas, and sublimation of canopy‐intercepted snow. In forested areas the transpiration from both the overstory and understory vegetation is modeled separately. The Penman‐Monteith method was applied to sunlit and shaded leaf groups individually in modeling the canopy‐level transpiration, a methodological improvement necessary for forest canopies with considerable foliage clumping. The modeled ET map displays pronounced east‐west and north‐south gradients as well as detailed variations with cover types and vegetation density. It is estimated that for a relative wet year of 1996, the total ET from all Canada's landmass (excluding inland waters) was 2037 km3. If compared with the total precipitation of 5351 km3 based on the data from a medium range meteorological forecast model, the ratio of ET to precipitation was 38%. The ET averaged over Canadian land surface was 228 mm/yr in 1996, partitioned into transpiration of 102 mm yr−1 and evaporation and sublimation of 126 mm yr−1. Forested areas contributed the largest fraction of the total national ET at 59%. Averaged for all cover types, transpiration accounted for 45% of the total ET, while in forested areas, transpiration contributed 51% of ET. Modeled results of daily ET are compared with eddy covariance measurements at three forested sites with a r2 value of 0.61 and a root mean square error of 0.7 mm/day.
Spatial accuracy of the EPA's environmental hazards databases and their use in environmental equity analyses

Many of the contemporary environmental problems are geographic problems of spatial disparities between the distribution, impact, enforcement, costs, and remediation of a host of environmental ills. In order to link environmental process and human uses of the environment, a spatially accurate database of environmental hazards is required. This article examines the positional accuracy of some of the most important Environmental Protection Agency databases. It presents a methodology for identifying and correcting the errors found in the EPA databases, with South Carolina used as an example. Results show that more than 50% of the facilities in the state were initially located in the wrong census block group. The importance of this research for policy making is demonstrated with the use of an environmental equity analyses of a particular facility in South Carolina. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Essential Functional Modules for Pathogenic and Defensive Mechanisms in Candida albicans Infections

The clinical and biological significance of the study of fungal pathogen Candida albicans (C. albicans) has markedly increased. However, the explicit pathogenic and invasive mechanisms of such host-pathogen interactions have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, the essential functional modules involved in C. albicans-zebrafish interactions were investigated in this study. Adopting a systems biology approach, the early-stage and late-stage protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks for both C. albicans and zebrafish were constructed. By comparing PPI networks at the early and late stages of the infection process, several critical functional modules were identified in both pathogenic and defensive mechanisms. Functional modules in C. albicans, like those involved in hyphal morphogenesis, ion and small molecule transport, protein secretion, and shifts in carbon utilization, were seen to play important roles in pathogen invasion and damage caused to host cells. Moreover, the functional modules in zebrafish, such as those involved in immune response, apoptosis mechanisms, ion transport, protein secretion, and hemostasis-related processes, were found to be significant as defensive mechanisms during C. albicans infection. The essential functional modules thus determined could provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions during the infection process and thereby devise potential therapeutic strategies to treat C. albicans infection.
Estimation of gross primary production capacity from global satellite observations

To estimate gross primary production (GPP), the process of photosynthesis was considered as two separate phases: capacity and reduction. The reduction phase is influenced by environmental conditions such as soil moisture and weather conditions such as vapor pressure differences. For a particular leaf, photosynthetic capacity mainly depends on the amount of chlorophyll and the RuBisCO enzyme. The chlorophyll content can be estimated by the color of the leaf, and leaf color can be detected by optical sensors. We used the chlorophyll content of leaves to estimate the level of GPP. A previously developed framework for GPP capacity estimation employs a chlorophyll index. The index is based on the linear relationship between the chlorophyll content of a leaf and the maximum photosynthesis at PAR =2000 (μmolm -2s-1) on a light-response curve under low stress conditions. As a first step, this study examined the global distribution of the index and found that regions with high chlorophyll index values in winter corresponded to tropical rainforest areas. The seasonal changes in the chlorophyll index differed from those shown by the normalized difference vegetation index. Next, the capacity of GPP was estimated from the light-response curve using the index. Most regions exhibited a higher GPP capacity than that estimated from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) observations, except in areas of tropical rainforest, where the GPP capacity and the MODIS GPP estimates were almost identical.
Strategies for decentralized Ad‐hoc trip planning

This paper considers a set of vehicles, called hosts, forming a transportation network, and a set of mobile transportation clients such as pedestrians. The paper focuses on the problem of clients choosing rides with hosts in an ad‐hoc manner, i.e., without calling a central service. For this purpose, clients and nearby hosts are enabled to negotiate via short distance radio, making it likely that clients will not find a complete ride to their destination instantly. Instead, they take rides to intermediate locations, in expectation of finding connecting rides from there on. This paper studies the clients’ dilemma to assess intermediate locations. It proposes a heuristic that outperforms the strategy of strictly following a predefined route (for example, the geometric shortest one). Furthermore, the proposed heuristic is expanded to incorporate a‐priori data about the spatially inhomogeneous – yet repetitive ‐ mobility behaviour of potential hosts as it is typical in urban traffic. It is shown that the average travel times of clients can be further reduced through the prediction of host availability at intermediate locations.
Introducing probabilistic aftershock hazard mapping

Aftershocks to large earthquakes pose a significant hazard, a fact that was highlighted by damaging aftershocks to the 1999 Turkey and Taiwan mainshocks. A new approach is introduced to quantify this hazard in terms of physical parameter maps that forecast the probabilistic aftershock hazard based on the observed spatially varying aftershock activity. For two case studies, the Landers and Northridge mainshocks, probabilistic aftershock hazard maps are shown to improve conventional aftershock hazard assessment.
Fictitious Inhibitory Differences

The stop-signal paradigm is a popular method for examining response inhibition and impulse control in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and clinical domains because it allows the estimation of the covert latency of the stop process: the stop-signal reaction time (SSRT). In three sets of simulations, we examined to what extent SSRTs that were estimated with the popular mean and integration methods were influenced by the skew of the reaction time distribution and the gradual slowing of the response latencies. We found that the mean method consistently overestimated SSRT. The integration method tended to underestimate SSRT when response latencies gradually increased. This underestimation bias was absent when SSRTs were estimated with the integration method for smaller blocks of trials. Thus, skewing and response slowing can lead to spurious inhibitory differences. We recommend that the mean method of estimating SSRT be abandoned in favor of the integration method.
Prenatal Exposure to NO2 and Ultrasound Measures of Fetal Growth in the Spanish INMA Cohort

Background Air pollution exposure during pregnancy has been associated with impaired fetal growth. However, few studies have measured fetal biometry longitudinally, remaining unclear as to whether there are windows of special vulnerability. Objective The aim was to investigate the impact of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure on fetal and neonatal biometry in the Spanish INMA study. Methods Biparietal diameter (BPD), femur length (FL), abdominal circumference (AC), and estimated fetal weight (EFW) were evaluated for up to 2,478 fetuses in each trimester of pregnancy. Size at 12, 20, and 34 weeks of gestation and growth between these points, as well as anthropometry at birth, were assessed by SD scores derived using cohort-specific growth curves. Temporally adjusted land-use regression was used to estimate exposure to NO2 at home addresses for up to 2,415 fetuses. Associations were investigated by linear regression in each cohort and subsequent meta-analysis. Results A 10-μg/m3 increase in average exposure to NO2 during weeks 0–12 was associated with reduced growth at weeks 0–12 in AC (–2.1%; 95% CI: –3.7, –0.6) and EFW (–1.6%; 95% CI: –3.0, –0.3). The same exposure was inversely associated with reduced growth at weeks 20–34 in BPD (–2.6%; 95% CI: –3.9, –1.2), AC (–1.8%; 95% CI: –3.3, –0.2), and EFW (–2.1%; 95% CI: –3.7, –0.2). A less consistent pattern of association was observed for FL. The negative association of this exposure with BPD and EFW was significantly stronger in smoking versus nonsmoking mothers. Conclusions Maternal exposure to NO2 in early pregnancy was associated with reduced fetal growth based on ultrasound measures of growth during pregnancy and measures of size at birth. Citation Iñiguez C, Esplugues A, Sunyer J, Basterrechea M, Fernández-Somoano A, Costa O, Estarlich M, Aguilera I, Lertxundi A, Tardón A, Guxens M, Murcia M, Lopez-Espinosa MJ, Ballester F, on behalf of the INMA Project. 2016. Prenatal exposure to NO2 and ultrasound measures of fetal growth in the Spanish INMA Cohort. Environ Health Perspect 124:235–242; http://dx.doi. org/10.1289/ehp.1409423
Evaluation of a Theory-Informed Implementation Intervention for the Management of Acute Low Back Pain in General Medical Practice: The IMPLEMENT Cluster Randomised Trial

Introduction This cluster randomised trial evaluated an intervention to decrease x-ray referrals and increase giving advice to stay active for people with acute low back pain (LBP) in general practice. Methods General practices were randomised to either access to a guideline for acute LBP (control) or facilitated interactive workshops (intervention). We measured behavioural predictors (e.g. knowledge, attitudes and intentions) and fear avoidance beliefs. We were unable to recruit sufficient patients to measure our original primary outcomes so we introduced other outcomes measured at the general practitioner (GP) level: behavioural simulation (clinical decision about vignettes) and rates of x-ray and CT-scan (medical administrative data). All those not involved in the delivery of the intervention were blinded to allocation. Results 47 practices (53 GPs) were randomised to the control and 45 practices (59 GPs) to the intervention. The number of GPs available for analysis at 12 months varied by outcome due to missing confounder information; a minimum of 38 GPs were available from the intervention group, and a minimum of 40 GPs from the control group. For the behavioural constructs, although effect estimates were small, the intervention group GPs had greater intention of practising consistent with the guideline for the clinical behaviour of x-ray referral. For behavioural simulation, intervention group GPs were more likely to adhere to guideline recommendations about x-ray (OR 1.76, 95%CI 1.01, 3.05) and more likely to give advice to stay active (OR 4.49, 95%CI 1.90 to 10.60). Imaging referral was not statistically significantly different between groups and the potential importance of effects was unclear; rate ratio 0.87 (95%CI 0.68, 1.10) for x-ray or CT-scan. Conclusions The intervention led to small changes in GP intention to practice in a manner that is consistent with an evidence-based guideline, but it did not result in statistically significant changes in actual behaviour. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN012606000098538
Reciprocal Reinforcement Between Wearable Activity Trackers and Social Network Services in Influencing Physical Activity Behaviors

Background Wearable activity trackers (WATs) are emerging consumer electronic devices designed to support physical activities (PAs), which are based on successful behavior change techniques focusing on goal-setting and frequent behavioral feedbacks. Despite their utility, data from both recent academic and market research have indicated high attrition rates of WAT users. Concurrently, evidence shows that social support (SS), delivered/obtained via social network services or sites (SNS), could increase adherence and engagement of PA intervention programs. To date, relatively few studies have looked at how WATs and SS may interact and affect PAs. Objective The purpose of this study was to explore how these two Internet and mobile technologies, WATs and SNS, could work together to foster sustainable PA behavior changes and habits among middle-aged adults (40-60 years old) in Taiwan. Methods We used purposive sampling of Executive MBA Students from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology to participate in our qualitative research. In-depth interviews and focus groups were conducted with a total of 15 participants, including 9 WAT users and 6 nonusers. Analysis of the collected materials was done inductively using the thematic approach with no preset categories. Two authors from different professional backgrounds independently annotated and coded the transcripts, and then discussed and debated until consensus was reached on the final themes. Results The thematic analysis revealed six themes: (1) WATs provided more awareness than motivation in PA with goal-setting and progress monitoring, (2) SS, delivered/obtained via SNS, increased users’ adherence and engagement with WATs and vice versa, (3) a broad spectrum of configurations would be needed to deliver WATs with appropriately integrated SS functions, (4) WAT design, style, and appearance mattered even more than those of smartphones, as they are body-worn devices, (5) the user interfaces of WATs left a great deal to be desired, and (6) privacy concerns must be addressed before more mainstream consumers would consider adopting WATs. Conclusions Participants perceived WATs as an awareness tool to understand one’s PA level. It is evident from our study that SS, derived from SNS and other pertinent vehicles such as the LINE social messaging application (similar to WhatsApp and WeChat), will increase the engagement and adherence of WAT usage. Combining WATs and SNS enables cost-effective, scalable PA intervention programs with end-to-end services and data analytics capabilities, to elevate WATs from one-size-fits-all consumer electronics to personalized PA assistants.
Creosote-contaminated sites. Their potential for bioremediation

Bioremediation of creosote-contaminated materials is reviewed here by characterizing coal-tar creosote, identifying techniques for assessing the biodegradability of its many chemical constituents, examining known routes of microbial transformation of these chemicals, and reviewing the performance of previous bioremediation efforts. The approach is developed as a model system to project the potential application of bioremediation to ameliorate environments contaminated by complex mixtures of structurally diverse hazardous chemicals.
Source mechanism of volcanic tremor

Low-frequency (<10 Hz) volcanic earthquakes originate at a wide range of depths and occur before, during, and after magmatic eruptions. The characteristics of these earthquakes suggest that they are not typical tectonic events. Physically analogous processes occur in hydraulic fracturing of rock formations, low-frequency icequakes in temperate glaciers, and autoresonance in hydroelectric power stations. We propose that unsteady fluid flow in volcanic conduits is the common source mechanism of low-frequency volcanic earthquakes (tremor). The fluid dynamic source mechanism explains low-frequency earthquakes of arbitrary duration, magnitude, and depth of origin, as unsteady flow is independent of physical properties of the fluid and conduit. Fluid transients occur in both low-viscosity gases and high-viscosity liquids. A fluid transient analysis can be formulated as generally as is warranted by knowledge of the composition and physical properties of the fluid, material properties, geometry and roughness of the conduit, and boundary conditions. To demonstrate the analytical potential of the fluid dynamic theory, we consider a single-phase fluid, a melt of Mount Hood andesite at 1250°C, in which significant pressure and velocity variations occur only in the longitudinal direction. Further simplification of the conservation of mass and momentum equations presents an eigenvalue problem that is solved to determine the natural frequencies and associated damping of flow and pressure oscillations. For a simple, constant pressure reservoir-conduit orifice fluid system, a change in orifice size can cause the source signal duration due to a single disturbance to change from several seconds to in excess of an hour. Fluid kinematic viscosity (0.412 m2/s) is both included and neglected in the analysis to illustrate its effect upon system damping. Tremor magnitude is related to the magnitude of the conduit wall motion occurring in response to oscillating fluid pressures. The entire volcanic fluid system does not generally experience a transient flow condition at a given time. Closed end and constant pressure fluid system boundaries reflect pressure waves and isolate components of the fluid system. Total fluid movement may not be accurately monitored by tremor data alone, since steady state and slowly changing flows are aseismic.
The Corticostriatal and Corticosubthalamic Pathways: Two Entries, One Target. So What?

The basal ganglia receive cortical inputs through two main stations – the striatum and the subthalamic nucleus (STN). The information flowing along the corticostriatal system is transmitted to the basal ganglia circuitry via the “direct and indirect” striatofugal pathways, while information that flows through the STN is transmitted along the so-called “hyperdirect” pathway. The functional significance of this dual entry system is not clear. Although the corticostriatal system has been thoroughly characterized anatomically and electrophysiologically, such is not the case for the corticosubthalamic system. In order to provide further insights into the intricacy of this complex anatomical organization, this review examines and compares the anatomical and functional organization of the corticostriatal and corticosubthalamic systems, and highlights some key issues that must be addressed to better understand the mechanisms by which these two neural systems may interact to regulate basal ganglia functions and dysfunctions.