Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Empirical Model of Rotorcrafy UAV Downwash for Disturbance Localization and Avoidance

Proximity operations of small rotary wing air vehicles pose a unique challenge due to the downwash they generate. These vertical flow disturbances may cause substantial and potentially hazardous flight disruption to nearby vehicles. This paper presents a downwash detection and localization strategy intended for use on small unmanned rotorcraft. A probabilistic framework estimates the position of neighboring rotorcraft operating at a higher altitude by combining onboard velocity measurements with a reduced-order flow model. A series of ground-based experiments that characterize the flow beneath a representative group of small rotary wing vehicles are described. A custom pressure probe designed to be carried by small rotary wing vehicles is mounted on an automated two-axis Cartesian carriage system, which enables accurate sensor placement. Velocity measurements collected in a prescribed path are assimilated into an axis-symmetric downwash model. Tests show that disturbances can be localized to the region directly beneath each vehicle while the sensor is still approaching, demonstrating basic downwash detection and localization capabilities for three different rotorcraft configurations.
Testing the risk compensation hypothesis for safety helmets in alpine skiing and snowboarding

Objective: The prevalence of helmet use by alpine skiers and snowboarders was estimated and self-reports on risk taking were assessed to test for potential risk compensation when using helmets in these sports. Setting: Skiers and snowboarders were observed and interviewed at 34 resorts in the western United States and Canada. Subjects: Respondents were 1779 adult skiers and snowboarders in the 2003 ski season. Outcome measures: Observations of helmet use and questions about perceived speed and degree of challenge when not wearing a helmet (helmet wearers) or in previous ski seasons (non-helmet wearers). Results: Helmet wearers reported that they skied/snowboarded at slower speeds (OR = 0.64, p<0.05) and challenged themselves less (OR = 0.76, p<0.05) than non-helmet wearers. Adoption of safety helmets in 2003 (23%) continued to increase over 2002 (OR = 0.46, p<0.05) and 2001 (OR = 0.84, p<0.05). Conclusions: No evidence of risk compensation among helmet wearers was found. Decisions to wear helmets may be part of a risk reduction orientation. Helmet use continues to trend upwards but adoption may be slowing.
Humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae song reveals wintering activity in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

The main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) are the principal breeding ground for humpback whales in the North Pacific. Over the past 3 decades, population recovery from whaling-era losses has resulted in a steady increase in the number of whales wintering in Hawaiian waters and a geo- graphic expansion of their distribution in the MHI. Until recently, no existing evidence showed that this expansion included the islands, atolls, and banks of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). To better understand the occurrence of humpback whales in the NWHI, 9 ecological acoustic recorders (EARs) were deployed at sites throughout the archipelago to record the occurrence of humpback whale song, an indicator of winter breeding activity. Song was found to be prevalent at Maro Reef, Lisianski Island, and French Frigate Shoals but was also recorded at Kure Atoll, Midway Atoll, and Pearl and Hermes Atoll. Both the timing and abundance of song at several locations closely followed trends observed on Oahu, which is one of the MHI, strongly suggesting that humpback whales use the NWHI as a wintering area. This finding is of particular relevance in light of recent suggestions that, based on photo-identification data, a yet undocumented wintering area exists somewhere in the central North Pacific. We propose that the NWHI could be that area.
Measuring Metacognition: A Prospect for Objective Assessment.

Yasser A. Al-Hilawani, Ed.D. , is an Associate Professor of Special Education in the Department of Education Psychology at Kuwait University. Fatimah A. Dashti, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Instructional Technology in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Kuwait University. Ahmad A. Abdullah, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Special Education in the Department of Educational Psychology at Kuwait University. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Dr. Al-Hilawani, Department of Educational Psychology, College of Education, Kuwait University, P. O. Box 13281 Kaifan, Code No. 71953, Kuwait, or by email at yhilawani@netscape.net. The Volta Review, Volume 108(2), 139–154
The Longitudinal Stability of Memory in Males with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Longitudinal Stability of Memory in Males with Autism Spectrum Disorder Alexander J. Cramond Department of Psychology, BYU Doctor of Philosophy Previous research has demonstrated mixed evidence on impaired memory functioning in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with the only consensus that there appears to be much heterogeneity. In addition, no research to date has examined the stability of memory in ASD. This study examined the stability of memory function in ASD compared to typically developing age-matched controls. Participants were administered the Test of Memory and Learning (TOMAL) twice, three years apart, in an established longitudinal NIH-supported investigation of ASD. Based on available research contrasting memory development in healthy individuals versus those with ASD, it was hypothesized that memory performance in the control group would be stable across time and that, compared to the control group, the autism group would demonstrate less stable memory function as measured by the TOMAL. Repeated Measures ANOVA and Reliable Change Index calculations of TOMAL Index and Subtest scores largely supported these hypotheses. The control group remained stable across time on all TOMAL indices and the ASD group showed improvement on the Composite Memory Index, Verbal Memory Index, and Delayed Memory Index but not the Non Verbal Memory Index. Clinical and research implications are discussed.
Normative Results of Healthy Older Adults on Standard Clinical Vestibular Tests

Objective To describe the performance of healthy older adults on common clinical vestibular tests. Patients Fifty community-dwelling older adults aged 70 and older, with mean age of 77.2 ± 6.1 years and range of 70 to 95 years. Intervention(s) Clinical vestibular tests, including spontaneous and head-shaking nystagmus, head impulse test (HIT), bucket test of subjective visual vertical, modified Romberg test (MRT), and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). Main Outcome Measure(s) Prevalence of abnormal vestibular tests and DHI score. Results We observed a 36% and 44% prevalence of abnormal right and left horizontal HIT, respectively. The bucket test was abnormal in 18% of participants; head-shaking nystagmus was present in 2%, and no participant had spontaneous nystagmus. Approximately 68% of participants had abnormal MRT. Abnormal horizontal HIT and MRT were significantly more prevalent among individuals age 80 years and older compared with those age 70 to 79 years (p < 0.05). Mean DHI score was 5.6 ± 11.2, consistent with no self-reported dizziness handicap. Conclusion This study documents the expected performance of normative older adults on vestibular tests commonly administered in the neurotology clinic. We observed a high prevalence of abnormalities on clinical vestibular testing in healthy older adults, although self-perceived dizziness handicap was low. Further studies using newly available clinical testing methods (e.g., video HIT) may identify finer gradations of vestibular function in older individuals and the levels of vestibular loss associated with functional impairment.
Structure and kinematics of candidate double - barred galaxies

Results of optical and NIR spectral and photometric observations of a sample of candidate double-barred galaxies are presented. Velocity fields and velocity dispersion maps of stars and ionized gas, continuum and emission-line images were constructed from integral-field spectroscopy observations carried out at the 6 m telescope (BTA) of SAO RAS, with the MPFS spectrograph and the scanning Fabry-Perot Interferometer. NGC 2681 was also observed with the long-slit spectrograph of the BTA. Optical and NIR images were obtained at the BTA and at the 2.1 m telescope (OAN, Mexico). High-resolution images were retrieved from the HST data archive. Morphological and kinematic features of all 13 sample objects are described in detail. Attention is focused on the interpretation of observed non-circular motions of gas and stars in circumnuclear (one kiloparsec-scale) regions. We have shown first of all that these motions are caused by the gravitational potential of a large-scale bar. NGC 3368 and NGC 3786 have nuclear bars only, their isophotal twist at larger radii being connected with the bright spiral arms. Three cases of inner polar disks in our sample (NGC 2681, NGC 3368 and NGC 5850) are considered. We found ionized-gas counter-rotation in the central kiloparsec of the lenticular galaxy NGC 3945. Seven galaxies (NGC 470, NGC 2273, NGC 2681, NGC 3945, NGC 5566, NGC 5905, and NGC 6951) have inner mini-disks nested in large-scale bars. Minispiral structures occur often in these nuclear disks. It is interesting that the majority of the observed, morphological and kinematical, features in the sample galaxies can be explained without the secondary bar hypothesis. Thus we suggest that a dynamically independent secondary bar is a rarer phenomenon than follows from isophotal analysis of the images only.
Equine idiopathic cheek teeth fractures. Part 1: Pathological studies on 35 fractured cheek teeth.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY There is little published information on the pathology of idiopathic fractures of cheek teeth (CT). OBJECTIVES To perform pathological examinations on equine CT with idiopathic fractures in order to establish fracture patterns and to gain information on their aetiopathogenesis. HYPOTHESIS Gross and histological examination of CT with idiopathic fractures, including measurements of dentinal thickness, will provide information on fracture patterns, and on the duration and aetiopathogenesis of these fractures. METHODS Of 35 CT with idiopathic fractures that were examined to determine their fracture patterns, 20 underwent gross, histological and ultrastructural examinations, including dentinal thickness measurements, with the latter compared to dentinal measurements of dental age and Triadan position matched control CT, to help determine the duration of any pre-existing endodontic disease. RESULTS The fracture planes involved the pulp chambers in 30 out of 35 CT examined, and ran through coalesced, carious infundibula in the other 5 (maxillary) CT. The maxillary CT, particularly the Triadan 09 position were preferentially affected. The most common fracture plane, which was termed a maxillary buccal slab fracture, occurred through the 2 lateral (1st and 2nd) pulp chambers of maxillary CT and usually involved only the clinical crown. Buccal slab fractures of mandibular CT (through 4th and 5th pulp chambers) and midline sagittal fractures through the infundibula (of maxillary CT) were the next most common fracture patterns. Reduced dentinal thickness (probably indicating prior pathological changes in the fractured CT) was present in 25% of fractured CT. CONCLUSIONS Most idiopathic equine CT fractures involve the pulp chambers, especially those on the buccal aspect of both upper and lower CT. No predisposition to fracture was found in the majority of affected CT that appeared to have a normal endodontic appearance prior to development of fractures through their pulp chambers. The remaining idiopathic CT fractures were caused by advanced infundibular caries. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE All CT with idiopathic fractures are all at risk of pulpar or even apical infection.
Spatiotemporal Resolution of Rab9 and CI‐MPR Dynamics in the Endocytic Pathway

Rab9 is a small GTPase that localizes to the trans‐Golgi Network (TGN) and late endosomes. Its main function has long been connected to the recycling of mannose‐6‐phosphate receptors (MPRs). However, recent studies link Rab9 also to autophagy and lysosome biogenesis. In this paper, using confocal imaging, we characterize for the first time the live dynamics of the Rab9 constitutively active mutant, Rab9Q66L. We find that it localizes predominantly to late endosomes and that its expression in HeLa cells disperses TGN46 and cation‐independent (CI‐MPR) away from the Golgi yet, has no effect on the retrograde transport of CI‐MPR. We also show that CI‐MPR and Rab9 enter the endosomal pathway together at the transition stage between early, Rab5‐positive, and late, Rab7a‐positive, endosomes. CI‐MPR localizes transiently to separate domains on these endosomes, where vesicles carrying CI‐MPR attach and detach within seconds. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Rab9 mediates the delivery of CI‐MPR to the endosomal pathway, entering the maturing endosome at the early‐to‐late transition.
Strangeness in hadronic stellar matter.

We examine the presence of strangeness-bearing components, hyperons and kaons, in dense neutron star matter. Calculations are performed using relativistic mean field models, in which both the baryon-baryon and kaon-baryon interactions are mediated by meson exchange. Results of kaon condensation are found to be qualitatively similar to previous work with chiral models, if compatibility of the kaon optical potentials is required. The presence of strangeness, be it in the form of hyperons or kaons, implies a reduction in the maximum mass and a relatively large number of protons, sufficient to allow rapid cooling to take place. The need to improve upon the poorly known couplings of the strange particles, which determine the composition and structure of neutron stars, is stressed. We also discuss generic problems with effective masses in mean field theories.
Insulin-like growth factor-1 in CNS and cerebrovascular aging

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is an important anabolic hormone that decreases with age. In the past two decades, extensive research has determined that the reduction in IGF-1 is an important component of the age-related decline in cognitive function in multiple species including humans. Deficiency in circulating IGF-1 results in impairment in processing speed and deficiencies in both spatial and working memory. Replacement of IGF-1 or factors that increase IGF-1 to old animals and humans reverses many of these cognitive deficits. Despite the overwhelming evidence for IGF-1 as an important neurotrophic agent, the specific mechanisms through which IGF-1 acts have remained elusive. Recent evidence indicates that IGF-1 is both produced by and has important actions on the cerebrovasculature as well as neurons and glia. Nevertheless, the specific regulation and actions of brain- and vascular-derived IGF-1 is poorly understood. The diverse effects of IGF-1 discovered thus far reveal a complex endocrine and paracrine system essential for integrating many of the functions necessary for brain health. Identification of the mechanisms of IGF-1 actions will undoubtedly provide critical insight into regulation of brain function in general and the causes of cognitive decline with age.
A Deep Reinforcement Learning Chatbot (Short Version)

We present MILABOT: a deep reinforcement learning chatbot developed by the Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms (MILA) for the Amazon Alexa Prize competition. MILABOT is capable of conversing with humans on popular small talk topics through both speech and text. The system consists of an ensemble of natural language generation and retrieval models, including neural network and template-based models. By applying reinforcement learning to crowdsourced data and real-world user interactions, the system has been trained to select an appropriate response from the models in its ensemble. The system has been evaluated through A/B testing with real-world users, where it performed significantly better than other systems. The results highlight the potential of coupling ensemble systems with deep reinforcement learning as a fruitful path for developing real-world, open-domain conversational agents.
Abnormally Expressed Low-Voltage-Activated Calcium Channels in β-Cells From NOD Mice and a Related Clonal Cell Line

A macroscopic low-voltage-activated (LVA) inward current was found in pancreatic β-cells isolated from NOD mice. However, this current was not present in nondiabetic prone mouse (e.g., Swiss-Webster) pancreatic β-cells. We performed pharmacological analyses on this current in NOD insulinoma tumor cells (NIT-1). This cell line was developed from pancreatic β-cells of a transgenic NOD mouse. The sodium-channel blocker, tetrodotoxin (TTX; 2 micromol/l) had no effect on this LVA current. The amplitudes of currents elicited by a –20 mV test pulse retained similarity when the extracellular sodium concentration was increased from 0 to 115 mmol/l; when the extracellular calcium concentration was decreased from 10 to 2 mmol/l, there was an approximate 50% reduction of this current elicited by a –30 mV test pulse. Neither the L-type calcium-channel blocker, nifedipine (3 μmol/l), nor the N-type calcium-channel blocker, ω-CgTx-GVIA (1 μmol/l), at –30 mV produced an appreciable effect. The T-type calcium-channel blockers, nickel (3 μmol/l) and amiloride (250 μmol/l), effectively reduced the peak of this current. In 2 mmol/l calcium external solution, the threshold of voltage-dependent activation of this calcium current was approximately –65 mV, and the peak current occurred at –20 mV. Half-maximum steady-state inactivation was around –43 mV. The mean time constant of slow deactivating tail currents generated by a preceding 20 mV pulse was 2.53 ms. The intracellular free calcium concentration was two- to threefold higher in NOD mouse pancreatic β-cells compared with Swiss-Webster pancreatic β-cells. We concluded that there are LVA calcium channels abnormally expressed in NOD mouse β-cells. This LVA calcium channel may be factorial to the high cytosolic free calcium concentration observed in these cells, and thereby may contribute to the pathogenesis of NOD mouse β-cells.
Compact SPAD-Based Pixel Architectures for Time-Resolved Image Sensors

This paper reviews the state of the art of single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) image sensors for time-resolved imaging. The focus of the paper is on pixel architectures featuring small pixel size (<25 μm) and high fill factor (>20%) as a key enabling technology for the successful implementation of high spatial resolution SPAD-based image sensors. A summary of the main CMOS SPAD implementations, their characteristics and integration challenges, is provided from the perspective of targeting large pixel arrays, where one of the key drivers is the spatial uniformity. The main analog techniques aimed at time-gated photon counting and photon timestamping suitable for compact and low-power pixels are critically discussed. The main features of these solutions are the adoption of analog counting techniques and time-to-analog conversion, in NMOS-only pixels. Reliable quantum-limited single-photon counting, self-referenced analog-to-digital conversion, time gating down to 0.75 ns and timestamping with 368 ps jitter are achieved.
Identity , Parochial Institutions , and Career Decisions : Linking the Past to the Present in the American Midwest ∗

This paper documents the presence of non-economic career motivations in the U.S. labor market, explores reasons why such motivations could arise, and provides an explanation for why they might have persisted across many generations. The analysis links ethnic (migrant) labor market networks in the American Midwest when it was first being settled, the local identity or attachment to place that emerged endogenously to maintain the integrity of these networks, and occupational choice today. While fractionalization may adversely affect the performance of secular institutions, ethnic competition in the labor market would at the same time have strengthened within-group loyalty and parochial institutions. These values and their complementary institutions, notably the church, could have mutually reinforced each other over many overlapping generations, long after the networks themselves had ceased to be salient. Counties with greater ethnic fractionalization in 1860 are indeed associated with steadily increasing participation in particular religious denominations historically dominated by the migrants all the way through the twentieth century. Complementing this result, individuals born in high fractionalization counties are significantly less likely to select into geographically mobile professional occupations and, hence, to migrate out of their county of birth, despite the fact that these counties are indistinguishable from low fractionalization counties in terms of local public good provision and economic activity today.
Application of the International Water Association activated sludge models to describe aerobic sludge digestion

Batch and semi-continuous flow aerobic digesters were used to stabilize thickened waste-activated sludge at different initial conditions and mean solids retention times. Under dynamic conditions, total suspended solids, volatile suspended solids (VSS) and total and particulate chemical oxygen demand (COD and PCOD) were monitored in the batch reactors and effluent from the semi-continuous flow reactors. Activated Sludge Model (ASM) no. 1 and ASM no. 3 were applied to measured data (calibration data set) to evaluate the consistency and performances of models at different flow regimes for digester COD and VSS modelling. The results indicated that both ASM1 and ASM3 predicted digester COD, VSS and PCOD concentrations well (R 2, ). Parameter estimation concluded that compared to ASM1, ASM3 parameters were more consistent across different batch and semi-continuous flow runs with different operating conditions. Model validation on a data set independent from the calibration data successfully predicted digester COD (R 2=0.88) and VSS (R 2=0.94) concentrations by ASM3, while ASM1 overestimated both reactor COD (R 2=0.74) and VSS concentrations (R 2=0.79) after 15 days of aerobic batch digestion.
Should I stay or should I go? Understanding Poland's adherence to gold, 1928-1936

Should I stay or should I go? Erkl? rungen f? r das lange Festhalten Polens am Goldstandard, 1928-1936? This paper examines the decision of the Polish government to adhere to the gold standard during the Great Depression. Poland did not leave gold until April 1936 and suffered through one of the worst examples of a depression, with massive deflation and a complete collapse of industrial pro duction. The Polish case stands out against the experience of other European countries as can be shown in an eco nometric framework. I argue that Poland's monetary policy was largely determined by non-economic considerations, especially attempts of the Pilsudski regime to defend Poland against foreign (esp. German) aggression. I provide evi dence that strongly supports this view until about mid-1933. Ironically, just after Poland had joined the gold-bloc there were signs of a broad strategic reorientation, which paved the way for an exit in 1936.