Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Direct and higher‐order interactions in plant communities under increasing weather persistence

Climate change is increasing the weather persistence in the mid‐latitudes, prolonging both dry and wet spells compared to historic averages. These newly emerging environmental conditions destabilize plant communities, but the role of species interactions in this process is unknown. Here, we tested how direct and higher‐order interactions (HOIs) between species may change in synthesized grassland communities along an experimental gradient of increasing persistence in precipitation regimes. Our results indicate that species interactions (including HOIs) are an important determinant of plant performance under increasing weather persistence. Out of the 12 most parsimonious models predicting species productivity, 75% contained significant direct interactions and 92% significant HOIs. Inclusion of direct interactions or HOIs respectively tripled or quadrupled the explained variance of target species biomass compared to null models only including the precipitation treatment. Drought was the main driver of plant responses, with longer droughts increasing direct competition but also HOI‐driven facilitation. Despite these counteracting changes, drought intensified net competition. Grasses were generally more involved in competitive interactions whereas legumes were more involved in facilitative interactions. Under longer drought, species affinity for nutrient rich or wet environments resulted in more negative direct interactions or HOIs, respectively. We conclude that HOIs, crucially depending on species identity, only partially stabilize community dynamics under increasing weather persistence.Keywords: drought, facilitation and competition, grasslands, higher‐order interactions, increasing weather persistence, species interactions
A Sensitive combination of AVO slope and intercept for hydrocarbon indication

A critical question for AVM analysis is what parameter is most sensitive to change in fluid content. Existing indicators use velocities or Poisson's ratio as fundamental parameters. It is shown here that these parameterizations result in cancellation between the more fundamental parameters: bulk modulus, shear modulus, and density. Therefore, their sensitivity to fluid content change is impaired. As a result of emphasizing the bulk modulus (having highest sensitivity) and density variation, a new combination of AVO slope and intercept, 5A B, is proposed. Tests on synthetic and field data verified the theoretic development. The new combination is also used to define an optimum angle for angle stack.
A simple bioluminescence-based method for recording Ca 2+ signaling in the cytosol or mitochondria of neural progenitor cells from the adult zebrafish brain

Neurospheres derived from the adult zebrafish brain are a convenient model for investigating the initial stages of neurogenesis. Neurospheres are composed of stem cells, which have the ability to either self-renew or differentiate into specialized cells (i.e., neurons and glial cells) if cultured in an appropriate medium. It has previously been suggested that Ca 2+ signaling in the cytosol and mitochondria might play some role in neurogenesis. Ca 2+ signals can be recorded using the non-toxic bioluminescent Ca 2+ reporter complex, holoaequorin. We have developed a novel electroporation protocol to load neurospheres with cDNA encoding either mitochondrial-targeted EGFP-apoaequorin (MitGA) or the cytosolic-targeted EGFP-apoaequorin (CytGA). We show that within ~24 h after electroporation, each of these apoaequorin proteins were expressed in ~20% of the neurosphere cells. In addition, after reconstitution of holoaequorin by incubation of the cells with its luminophore, coelenterazine, dynamic changes in [Ca 2+ ] in the cytosol and mitochondria were imaged using a custom-built electron multiplying charge coupled device (EMCCD)-based photon imaging microscope (PIM) system or measured using a photomultiplier tube (PMT)-based luminescence detection system, after activation of store-operated Ca 2+ entry (SOCE).
PGK1 is involved in the HIF-1 signaling pathway as a hub gene for ferroptosis after traumatic brain injury

The pathogenesis of ferroptosis in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is unclear, in this study, we aimed to identify key molecules associated with ferroptosis in TBI using bioinformatics analysis to determine its underlying mechanisms. GSE128543 dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and TBI-associated modules were obtained by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). We identi�ed 60 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by intersecting the modules with ferroptosis and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis gene libraries. The hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway was identi�ed to be critical for ferroptosis post TBI, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network identi�ed 20 hub genes, including phosphoglycemicee kinase 1 (PGK1), ribosomal protein (RP) family, pyruvate kinase M1/2 (PKM), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α subunit (HIF-1 α ), and MYC genes. In this study, we further explored the role of PGK1, a gene involved in HIF-1 signaling pathway. Moreover, we constructed a TBI mice model and examined PGK1 and HIF-1 α expression levels, and the results revealed their expressions increased after cortical injury in mice and they co-localized in the same cells. Furthermore, we examined the expressions of PGK1 in the cerebrospinal �uid of 20 clinical patients with different degrees of brain injuries within 48 h of surgery. The results revealed that PGK1 expression level was negatively correlated with the severity of the brain injury. These �ndings suggest that PGK1 may become a potential hub gene for ferroptosis via the HIF-1 signaling pathway, second to neurological injury after TBI, thereby affecting patient prognosis.
Curing Viscosity of HTPB-Based Binder Embedding Micro- and Nano-Aluminum Particles

Aluminum is used as a metal fuel in energetic materials for the improvement of propulsion performance and density. Both nano-sized and micrometer-sized activated powders represent valuable options in order to improve metal combustion properties, each possessing advantages and drawbacks. These ingredients bear peculiar properties (namely, higher specific surface, coatings, or surface characteristics) which generate high mixing viscosity once suspended in a polymer as well as altered mechanical properties of the final product. Four different powders dispersed in a polymer binder are taken into consideration and the evolution of viscosity in time during the curing process is investigated. The suspending medium is represented by a mixture of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and dioctyl adipate (DOA). Viscosity was measured for 5 h on samples under isothermal curing at 60 °C. Non-isothermal DSC kinetic analyses were also performed using the Kissinger method. It was found that, for the test conditions, a size reduction of metal particles slowed down the increment rate of curing viscosity while some peculiar coatings, such as fatty acids, introduced opposite trends.
Statistical Inference for Hidden Markov Tree Models and Application to Wavelet Trees

The hidden Markov tree model was introduced by Crouse, Nowak and Baraniuk (1998) for modeling non-independent, non-Gaussian wavelet transform coeÆcients. In their article, they developed an inductive algorithm, called \upward-downward" algorithm, for likelihood computation. They also introduced Expectation Maximization algorithms for likelihood maximization. These algorithms are subject to the same numerical limitations as the \forward-backward" procedure for hidden Markov chains. In this report, we develop eÆcient variants of the \upward-downward" and EM algorithms, inspired by Devijver's \conditional forward-backward" recursion (1985). Thus, the inference algorithms limitations for hidden Markov trees are considerably reduced. Moreover, as the hidden states restoration problem has no known solution for hidden Markov trees, we present the MAP algorithm for this model. The interest of those algorithms is illustrated by an application to signal processing. Key-words: hidden Markov tree model, maximum likelihood estimation, hidden states restoration, maximum a posteriori algorithm, upward-downward algorithm Inf erence statistique pour les mod eles d'arbres de Markov cach es et application au traitement du signal R esum e : Le mod ele d'arbre de Markov cach e a et e d evelopp e par Crouse, Nowak et Baraniuk (1998), pour la mod elisation de la loi des coeÆcients d'une transform ee en ondelettes, lorsque ceux-ci sont non gaussiens et non ind ependants. Les auteurs proposent un algorithme r ecursif \haut-bas" pour le calcul de la vraisemblance du param etre. Cet algorithme est egalement utilis e comme etape E d'un algorithme EM d edi e au calcul de l'estimateur de maximum de vraisemblance. Ces deux algorithmes sont soumis aux mêmes limitations que l'algorithme \avant-arri ere" utilis e pour les châ nes de Markov cach ees. Dans ce rapport de recherche, nous proposons une variante eÆcace des algorithmes \haut-bas" et EM, inspir ee par l'algorithme \avant-arri ere conditionnel" de Devijver (1985). Les limitations des algorithmes d'inf erence pour les arbres de Markov cach es sont alors consid erablement diminu ees. Le probl eme de restauration des etats cach es n'ayant jusqu'alors pas de solution connue, nous proposons egalement un algorithme du MAP pour ce mod ele. L'utilit e de ces algorithmes est illustr ee par une application en traitement du signal. Mots-cl es : mod ele d'arbre de Markov cach e, estimation par maximum de vraisemblance, restauration des etats cach es, maximum a posteriori, algorithme haut-bas Statistical Inference for Hidden Markov Tree Models 3
A Phenomenological Examination of Female Interscholastic A Phenomenological Examination of Female Interscholastic Athletic Directors' Career Paths Athletic Directors' Career Paths

There is an underrepresentation of women in the role of athletic director in the interscholastic sport setting. Utilizing a phenomenological methodology, this study explored the career paths of female interscholastic athletic directors. Through a combination of sampling techniques, 13 female interscholastic athletic directors (FIADs) took part in semi-structured interviews. Emerging ideas from the lens of current female interscholastic athletic directors offer implications about direction and information needed to assist inspiring young females as they ascend the career ladder in becoming interscho-lastic athletic directors.
Estimating Surface Soil Moisture from Soil Color Using Image Analysis

In this technical note the ability to estimate surface soil moisture (θ) from soil color using image analysis is evaluated. Four natural soils and uniform fine sand were used. Calibration soil samples with θ varying from 0 to 0.40 m3 m−3 in 0.05 m3 m−3 increments were prepared and photographed. The variations in soil color with θ were investigated in both the RGB (red, green, and blue) and HSV (hue, saturation, and value) color spaces. Generally, all tested soils became darker when wetted up to a certain limit (around 0.25 m3 m−3). However, many soils actually became lighter again at the highest θ levels. This was due to that some water was visible on the soil surface causing reflections. A simple linear regression model between S and V was selected to estimate θ from the soil color. The model performed excellent in the fine sand and in two natural soils with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.011 to 0.017 m3 m−3. In the two other soils the RMSE was about 0.025 m3 m−3. An independent validation data set was also collected for the sand. The calibrated model performed well also in the validation data set with a RMSE of 0.015 m3 m−3. From the limited data presented in this study, it seems that the relationship between soil color and θ is stronger in light colored soils with low organic matter content. Some examples of practical applications of the method are also suggested in the paper.
INVESTING IN THE EUROPEAN SIZE FACTOR

This paper investigates the role of the size factor for constructing investment portfolios and proposes a dynamic extension that accommodates the risk-free asset and time-varying weights. These weights are determined by a set of state variables given by the term structure of sovereign interest rates, variables describing market risk aversion such as the VIX index and the CRB Industrial return, and indexes reflecting investor sentiment towards the economic outlook. The empirical section explores the suitability of these state variables and analyses the out-of-sample performance of size factors idiosyncratic to the U.S., U.K. and European financial markets that are compared against the dynamic version that optimizes the weights in each period. The results provide support to the different size factors except for periods of economic distress in which the optimal dynamic strategies are clearly superior.
A case series and a systematic review of the literature on upregulated miRs in gastric cancer: a story still to be told.

Background: Recent literature documented the expression of miRs in gastric cancer (GC), however their clinical utility is still unclear. Methods and Results: 117 resected GCs were evaluated for miR21, miR135b, miR196a, miR196b relative expression (RE). The performance of miRs’ to diﬀerentiate cancer vs normal mucosa was tested using ROC curves. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted to correlate miRs RE with pathological features and survivals. Although all the 4 miRs were upregulated, ROC curves documented that this was not-signiﬁcant in diﬀerentiating GC (p ns). miR135b signiﬁcantly correlated with Lauren’s intestinal type and more advanced pT stages (p 0.017, and p 0.025), whereas miR196a and miR196b were more expressed in advanced pStages (p 0.016, and p 0.038). miR196b was also more expressed in nodal positive patients comparing N0 (p 0.035). Survival curves were non-signiﬁcant for miRs RE, while pStages could signiﬁcantly diﬀerentiate oncological outcomes (p<0.0001). On Cox analyses, pStages independently correlated with OS (HR 4.9, 95%CI 2.041-12.104), whereas increased age correlated with a worse DFS (HR 6.0, 95%CI 2.596-13.947), and lymph-node ratio with DSS (HR 14.4, 95%CI 4.213-49.373). Literature was reviewed a using PRISMA method focusing on miRs and response to therapy and the detection of peritoneal metastases: out of 116 manuscripts retrieved, just 41 were pertinent with the outcomes of interest, and 14.6% were from Western countries. miR21, miR135b and miR204 were reported to correlate with response to therapy. Conclusions: miR21, miR135b, miR196a and miR196b were documented up-regulated in GC, but their clinical utility is still to be fully investigated.
North atlantic multidecadal climate variability: An investigation of dominant time scales and processes

The issue of multidecadal variability in the North Atlantic has been an important topic of late. It is clear that there are multidecadal variations in several climate variables in the North Atlantic, such as sea surface temperature and sea level height. The details of this variability, in particular the dominant patterns and time scales, are confusing from both an observational as well as a theoretical point of view. After analyzing results from observational datasets and a 500-yr simulation of an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) climate model, two dominant time scales (20‐30 and 50‐70 yr) of multidecadal variability in the North Atlantic are proposed. The 20‐30-yr variability is characterized by the westward propagation of subsurface temperature anomalies. The hypothesis is that the 20‐30-yr variability is caused by internal variability of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC) while the 50‐70-yr variability is related to atmospheric forcing over the Atlantic Ocean and exchange processes between the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.
Basic Concepts of Soil and Fertilizer Studies with Radioactive Phosphorus1

THE fate of fertilizers after addition to soils has long been a basic problem of agronomy. A new method of tracers having unique value for application to this problem is how available as a result of progress in nuclear physics. This tracer method makes use of radioactive isotopes which can now be obtained in considerable quantities. Phosphorus, potassium, calcium, carbon, and most of the "minor" elements have radioactive isotopes suitable for use. Compounds enriched with the heavy isotope of nitrogen are also being produced. It is the purpose here to describe agronomic applications of the radioactive isotope of phosphorus having mass 32. In this way the general techniques, the underlying science, and the specific uses can be illustrated. Radioactive phosphorus of mass 32 was first made in Rome ( i i ) 3 in 1935 by the reaction, 16S + on -> 15P 4-iH I
Experimental analysis of earth pressure against rigid retaining walls under translation mode

A series of physical model tests was conducted for the active case of a rigid retaining wall subjected to horizontal translation. The behaviour of a granular retained soil was investigated experimentally using a set of precise miniature pressure cells and particle image velocimetry. The good agreement between the experimental results and the arch-action-based theories for lateral active earth pressure could confirm the arching effect behind the retaining walls in the active translation mode. The distribution of shear strain confirms that, for active wall movement, the failure zone is distinguished from the stationary zone by a shear band behind the wall.
Intergranular solid‐fluid phase transformations under stress: The effect of surface forces

Existing work on mineral solubility in fluid-infiltrated and stressed rock has remained limited in that it has neglected surface forces. These forces are appreciable only when the fluid exists as a thin film, as in the grain-to-grain contact zone and in microcracks. Indeed, when the film thickness is of the order of 10−9 m or so, the strength of the forces can be comparable to overburden stress at several kilometers depth. In this contribution we develop the thermodynamics of the phase reaction between nonhydrostatically stressed grains and an intervening water layer by using the concept of the disjoining pressure to account for surface forces acting in the grain-to-grain contact zone. Using a thermodynamic extremum principle, we find an extended version of Gibbs's classical condition for the equilibrium of a stressed solid in contact with its solution phase. We then employ nonequilibrium thermodynamics to formulate kinetic equations describing phase boundary migration and intergranular mass transfer. It is demonstrated that surface forces weaken the efficacy with which diffusion removes dissolved material from the grain-to-grain contact zone and enhance the tendency of intergranular pressure solution to flatten initially rough surfaces.
Personnel Review

Purpose – A range of studies have shown that performance is typically higher in organisations with employee share ownership (ESO) schemes in place. Many possible causal mechanisms explaining this relationship have been suggested. These include a reduction in labour turnover, synergies with other forms of productivity-enhancing communication and participation schemes, and synergies with employer-provided training. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This paper empirically assesses these potential linkages using data from the 2004 and 2011 British Workplace Employment Relations Surveys, and provides comparisons with earlier analyses conducted on the 1990 and 1998 versions of the survey. Findings – Substantial differences are found between the 2004 and 2011 results: a positive relationship between ESO and workplace productivity and financial performance, observed in 2004, is no longer present in 2011. In both years, ESO is found to have no clear relationship with labour turnover, and there is no significant association between turnover and performance. There is, however, a positive moderating relationship with downward communication schemes in 2004 and in 2011 in the case of labour productivity. There is no corresponding relationship for upward involvement schemes. Research limitations/implications – The results are only partially supportive of extant theory and its various predictions, and the relationship between ESO and performance seems to have weakened over time. Originality/value – The study further questions the rhetoric offered in support of wider ESO.
Evaluation of the snow‐covered area data product from MODIS

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), flown on board the Terra Earth Observing System (EOS) platform launched in December 1999, produces a snow‐covered area (SCA) product. This product is expected to be of better quality than SCA products based on operational satellites (notably GOES and AVHRR), due both to improved spectral resolution and higher spatial resolution of the MODIS instrument. The gridded MODIS SCA product was compared with the SCA product produced and distributed by the National Weather Service National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (NOHRSC) for 46 selected days over the Columbia River basin and 32 days over the Missouri River basin during winter and spring of 2000–01. Snow presence or absence was inferred from ground observations of snow depth at 1330 stations in the Missouri River basin and 762 stations in the Columbia River basin, and was compared with the presence/absence classification for the corresponding pixels in the MODIS and NOHRSC SCA products. On average, the MODIS SCA images classified fewer pixels as cloud than NOHRSC, the effect of which was that 15% more of the Columbia basin area could be classified as to presence–absence of snow, while overall there was a statistically insignificant difference over the Missouri basin. Of the pixels classified as cloud free, MODIS misclassified 4% and 5% fewer overall (for the Columbia and Missouri basins respectively) than did the NOHRSC product. When segregated by vegetation cover, forested areas had the greatest differences in fraction of cloud cover reported by the two SCA products, with MODIS classifying 13% and 17% less of the images as cloud for the Missouri and Columbia basins respectively. These differences are particularly important in the Columbia River basin, 39% of which is forested. The ability of MODIS to classify significantly greater amounts of snow in the presence of cloud in more topographically complex, forested, and snow‐dominated areas of these two basins provides valuable information for hydrologic prediction. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.