Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling δ18O in precipitation over the tropical Americas: 1. Interannual variability and climatic controls

[1] We use two atmospheric general circulation models (AGCMs), the ECHAM-4 and the GISS II models, to analyze the interannual variability of δ18O in precipitation over the tropical Americas. Several different simulations with isotopic tracers forced with observed global sea surface temperatures (SST) between 1950 and 1998 reveal the influence of varying temperature, precipitation amount, and moisture source contributions on the predicted δ18O distribution. Observational evidence from climatic (NCEP-NCAR) and sparse stable isotope (IAEA-GNIP) data is used to evaluate model performance. The models capture the essential features of surface climate over the tropical Americas in terms of both their spatial and temporal characteristics. Using a low-resolution model (GISS II), adjusted to provide a more realistic Andean topography, or a higher-resolution model (ECHAM-4 T106) leads to an improved δ18O distribution over the tropical Americas with an altitude effect comparable to observations. Water vapor transport and gradual rainout and increasingly depleted composition of water vapor along its trajectory are correctly simulated in both models, although the ECHAM model appears to underestimate the continentality effect over the Amazon basin. A significant dependence of δ18O on the precipitation amount is apparent in both models, in accordance with observations, while the influence of temperature seems to be less significant in most regions and is accurately reproduced by the ECHAM model only. Over most regions, however, the δ18O signal in precipitation is influenced by a combination of factors, such as precipitation amount, temperature, moisture source variability, and atmospheric circulation changes. Over parts of the tropical Americas, the δ18O signal is therefore also significantly correlated with ENSO because ENSO is an integrator of many factors affecting the δ18O composition of precipitation.
Multiplicity at the Stellar/Substellar Boundary in Upper Scorpius

We present the results of a high-resolution imaging survey of 12 brown dwarfs and very low mass stars in the closest (~145 pc) young (~5 Myr) OB association, Upper Scorpius. We obtained images with the Advanced Camera for Surveys High Resolution Channel on HST through the F555W (V), F775W (i′), and F850LP (z′) filters. This survey discovered three new binary systems, including one marginally resolved pair with a projected separation of only 4.9 AU, resulting in an observed binary fraction of 25% ± 14% at separations ≳4 AU. After correcting for detection biases assuming a uniform distribution of mass ratios for ms/mp > 0.6, the estimated binary fraction is 33% ± 17%. The binary fraction is consistent with that inferred for higher mass stars in Upper Sco, but the separation and mass ratio distributions appear to be different. All three low-mass binary systems in Upper Sco are tight (<18 AU) and of similar mass (ms/mp ≳ 0.6), consistent with expectations based on previous multiplicity studies of brown dwarfs and very low mass stars in the field and in open clusters. The implication is that the distinct separation and mass ratio distributions of low-mass systems are set in the formation process or at very young ages, rather than by dynamical disruption of wide systems at ages ≳5 Myr. Finally, we combine the survey detection limits with low-mass evolutionary models to show that there are no planets or very low mass brown dwarfs with masses >10MJ at projected separations >20 AU or masses >5MJ at projected separations >40 AU orbiting any of the low-mass (0.04-0.10 M☉) objects in our sample.
The trouble with teacher turnover: How teacher attrition affects students and schools

Addressing teacher turnover is critical to stemming the country's continuing teacher shortages. It is also important for school effectiveness, as the academic and financial costs of teacher turnover to student learning and district budgets are significant. Using the most recent nationally representative data from the National Center for Education Statistics' Schools and Staffing Surveys, the authors detail which teachers are leaving, why, and which students are most impacted. The study finds higher turnover rates in the South; among mathematics, science, special education, English language development, and world languages teachers; in schools serving students of color and from low-income families; and among teachers of color. The study also finds that several factors are associated with higher turnover rates, including lack of administrative support, teacher salaries, and alternative certification. The paper reviews policy strategies that can address teacher turnover.
Resource Room Implementation in a Secondary School and On-the-Job Training of Teachers

Various studies conducted into mainstreaming implementations in preschool and primary school but implementations in light of data are rare in the secondary schools. To provide valuable insights to this gap in the literature, the present study was conducted to identify the requirements in resource room implementations in a secondary school and demonstrate the contributions of the actions produced to improve the needs that were determined. The research was conducted as an action research. 12 mainstreaming students in 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade, 20 field teachers, three counselors, researchers and field specialists took part in the study. Data were collected using qualitative methods; interviews, observation, researcher notes, and documents. The data were analyzed with descriptive and content analysis. The research findings are explained under the following headings: needs assessment, preparation/implementation of the action plan and assessment after implementation. Our findings revealed that teachers had limited knowledge of teaching methods and on the implementation of teaching; they had high expectations from the students and because of the intensive curriculum, time was an important problem for the teachers. To meet the identified needs, an action plan that included the organization of RR and the on-the-job training of the teachers was prepared. During the implementation phase, a cyclical process of innovation and changes were followed. Following the implementation, the teachers and counselors evaluated the on-the-job training as being different from traditional in-service training and as an innovative education process that increased teacher-student motivation and participation.
Performance Study of Frame Aggregation Mechanisms in the New Generation WiFi

The new generation WiFi (Widely Fidelity), which is called 802.11ac, has the goal of reaching at least 1 Gbps on bands below 6 GHz. This is why, the standard has been extended with new features at both PHYsical (PHY) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers level. One of the key features of MAC layer is the ability of aggregating frames in order to reduce temporal overheads that significantly harm the performance of 802.11 networks. Three forms of aggregation exist, namely Aggregate MAC Service Data Unit (A-MSDU), Aggregate MAC Protocol Data Unit (A-MPDU) and hybrid A-MSDU/A-MPDU Aggregation (A-hybrid). In this paper, we study the impact of Frame Aggregation Mechanisms (FAMs) for improving the overall throughput of 802.11ac networks. Furthermore, we highlight the need of PHY/MAC cross-layer communications for optimizing the wireless bandwidth utilization. Simulation results demonstrate the gains offered by the FAMs.
Quantitative and Traditional Classifications of Bulgarian Dialects Compared

Dialect classification is a classical problem in traditional dialectology. In the course of the last few decades, several quantitative approaches have been suggested as solutions for this problem, one of which uses “Levenshtein distance” for measuring linguistic distances between dialects. In the present paper we shall introduce the Levenshtein algorithm as well as two methods with which the results of the measuring can be analyzed, viz. multidimensional scaling and clustering. Then we shall apply these methods to the Bulgarian language area and present a quantitative classification of Bulgarian dialects. Finally, we shall compare the classification obtained to the most widely accepted traditional Bulgarian dialect map, analyze the similarities and differences and evaluate our method.
How Ruthless Is Mortgage Default? A Review and Synthesis of the Evidence

Pure option-theoretic mortgage pricing models assume that the borrower will default immediately when the value of the property drops to the level of the mortgage value (“ruthless” default) rather than waiting until it drops further (“nonruthless” default or default underexercise). This article reviews and synthesizes the relevant literature to question whether this assumption is confirmed empirically. The pure option-theoretic model does correctly handle one form of “nonruthless” default— borrowers would optimally not default immediately upon reaching negative book equity because they would sacrifice the right to default in the future, which could be more valuable. However, the model disregards several realities that could drive nonruthlessness from another perspective: (1) transaction costs associated with default, (2) solvency, and (3) the lender’s role in affecting default through the decision to foreclose. The article concludes with a recommended model synthesis and research agenda to validate a revised model that incorporates these considerations.
Reusing Ontologies

Ontology reuse is turning into an important research issue in the ontology field. Ontology reuse can be seen from two points of view: (1) assembling, extending, specializing, adapting other ontologies which are parts of the resulting ontology, or (2) merging different ontologies on the same similar subject into a single one that unifies all of them. The first kind of reuse is named integration and is the central issue of this paper. In this article, we characterize the integration process, describe and discuss the activities that compose this process and propose an integration methodology. This integration methodology has successfully been applied to build two ontologies in different domains byreusing publicly available ontologies.
Human Decision Making Based on Variations in Internal Noise: An EEG Study

Perceptual decision making is prone to errors, especially near threshold. Physiological, behavioural and modeling studies suggest this is due to the intrinsic or ‘internal’ noise in neural systems, which derives from a mixture of bottom-up and top-down sources. We show here that internal noise can form the basis of perceptual decision making when the external signal lacks the required information for the decision. We recorded electroencephalographic (EEG) activity in listeners attempting to discriminate between identical tones. Since the acoustic signal was constant, bottom-up and top-down influences were under experimental control. We found that early cortical responses to the identical stimuli varied in global field power and topography according to the perceptual decision made, and activity preceding stimulus presentation could predict both later activity and behavioural decision. Our results suggest that activity variations induced by internal noise of both sensory and cognitive origin are sufficient to drive discrimination judgments.
Remodelling of the right ventricle after early pulmonary valve replacement in children with repaired tetralogy of Fallot: assessment by cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

AIMS Correct timing of pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) is crucial for preventing complications of pulmonary regurgitation and right ventricular (RV) dilatation after repair of tetralogy of Fallot. We sought to assess the remodelling of the RV after early PVR in children, using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty children with severe pulmonary regurgitation and RV dilatation and mean age 13.9 +/- 3 years underwent CMR evaluation 5.6 +/- 1.8 months before and 5.9 +/- 0.6 months after PVR. PVR was performed when the RV end-diastolic volume exceeded 150 mL/m(2), as measured by CMR. The time interval between primary repair and PVR was 12 +/- 3 years. Post-operative CMR demonstrated a significant reduction of the RV end-diastolic volume from 189.8 +/- 33.4 to 108.7 +/- 25.8 mL/m(2) (P < 0.0001), of the RV end-systolic volume from 102.4 +/- 27.3 to 58.2 +/- 16.3 mL/m(2) (P < 0.0001), and of the RV mass from 48.7 +/- 12.3 to 35.8 +/- 7.7 g/m(2) (P < 0.0001). The RV ejection fraction did not change significantly. CONCLUSION Prompt RV remodelling, with reduction of RV volume and mass, is observed after performing PVR if the RV end-diastolic volume exceeds 150 mL/m(2). Early PVR may prevent the detrimental complications of severe pulmonary regurgitation.
cAMP Response Element-Binding Protein 1 Feedback Loop Is Necessary for Consolidation of Long-Term Synaptic Facilitation in Aplysia

The transcription factor cAMP response element (CRE)-binding protein (CREB) plays an essential role in the induction of many forms of long-term synaptic plasticity. Levels of CREB1, the Aplysia homolog of CREB, show sustained elevations for several hours after the induction of long-term synaptic facilitation (LTF). Furthermore, CREB1 binds to the promoter of its own gene. These results suggest the existence of a CREB1-positive feedback loop that contributes to the consolidation of LTF. In the present study, we provide a detailed, quantitative characterization of the dynamics of CREB1 mRNA and protein as well as CREB1 phosphorylation after LTF induction. Injections of CRE oligonucleotides prevented the increase in CREB1 in response to 5-HT, corroborating the existence of the CREB1 feedback loop. This loop probably sustains CRE-dependent gene transcription, which remains elevated for at least 12 h after LTF induction. LTF is blocked by injection of CREB1 antibody after the induction phase, suggesting that the CREB1-positive feedback is required for consolidation of LTF.
t he Bpl census and a possible alternative

This paper explores the possibility of a simple method for the identification of households eligible for social assistance. In exploring alternative approaches for identifying a "social assistance base", of which the bpl list can be seen as a particular case, this note explores possible uses of simple exclusion and inclusion criteria. It first considers the possibility of a quasi-universal approach, whereby all households are eligible unless they meet pre-specified exclusion criteria. It then looks at various inclusion criteria for drawing up a sab list. Finally, it explores four simple ways of combining exclusion and inclusion criteria to construct a sab list. The intention here is to point to possible directions of further enquiry, including experimental applications of the suggested method, rather than to present definite recommendations. Whether any convincing method of selecting sab households actually exists is an open question. Some of the findings here can be read as a reinforcement of the case for a universal approach. Indeed, the search for a "safe" way of excluding privileged households, without significant risk of exclusion for poor households, remains somewhat elusive.
A Search for CO (J = 3–2) Emission from the Host Galaxy of GRB 980425 with the Atacama Submillimeter Telescope Experiment

We report on a deep search for 12 CO (J = 3–2) line emission from the host galaxy of GRB 980425 with the Atacama Submillimeter Telescope Experiment (ASTE). We observed five points of the galaxy, covering the entire region. After combining all of the spectra, we obtained a global spectrum with a rms noise level of 3.3 mK in the Tmb scale at a velocity resolution of 10 km s � 1 . N os ignificant emission was detected, though we found am arginal emission feature in the velocity range corresponding to the redshift of the galaxy. We derived 3 � upper limits on the global properties: the velocity-integrated CO (3–2) intensity of ICO(3–2) <0 :26 Kk m s � 1 , by adopting a velocity width of 67 km s � 1 ;a n H 2 column density of N.H2 /<3 � 10 20 cm � 2 ;am olecular gas mass of M.H2 /<3 � 10 8 Mˇ ,b y assuming a CO line luminosity to H2 molecular gas mass conversion factor of
Estimate of Impact on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Older Thai People by the Provision of Dentures through the Royal Project

Purpose. To estimate the impact of the provision of dentures to Thai older people by the Royal Project on their oral health-related quality of life. Methods. A purposive cross-sectional study of a sample of 812 subjects was conducted. The Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP) measure was used to assess the oral health-related quality of life. Results. Four groups of older people with different tooth types were studied. 216 (26.6%) had natural teeth (NT). 189 (23.3%) had natural and replaced teeth (NRT). 167 (20.6%) had below the minimum number of teeth but had no dentures (Edent) and 240 were edentate with complete dentures provided by the Royal Project (ECD) (29.6%). Overall, 36.5% had at least one oral impact. Eating was the most affected oral impact. When compared to the group with natural teeth (NT), the Edent group was significantly more likely to report having impacts on eating OR = 6.5 (3.9–10.9), speaking clearly OR = 43.7 (12.7–15.07), emotional stability OR = 16.5 (6.0–45.6), and social contacts OR = 4.6 (2.2–9.5) (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Those who are edentulous are much more likely to have an oral impact on their daily performances than those provided dentures. Provision of dentures may lead to improvement of considerable oral impacts.
Clinical Medicine Insights: Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders Hydroxyl Radical Modification of Immunoglobulin G Generated Cross-reactive Antibodies: Its Potential Role in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Open Access Full open access to this and thousands of other papers at Abstract: Objective: Role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) modified human Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been investigated. Methods: Human IgG was modified by hydroxyl-radicals. Immunogenicity of native and modified human IgG was probed by inducing polyclonal antibodies in rabbits. Cross-reactions of induced antibodies with nucleic acid, chromatin, different blood proteins and their ROS modified conformers were determined by competitive inhibition ELISA. The binding characteristics of circulating autoantibodies in SLE patients (n = 72) against native and modified IgG were screened by direct binding and competition ELISA and the results were compared with healthy age-matched controls (n = 39). Results: Induced antibodies against ROS-modified human IgG exhibited diverse antigen binding characteristics. Native DNA, native chromatin and their ROS-modified conformers were found to be effective inhibitors of induced antibody-immunogen interaction. Induced antibodies against native human IgG showed negligible binding to the above mentioned nucleic acid antigens. SLE sera (48.6%) showed strong binding to ROS-human IgG in comparison with its native analogue (P , 0.01). Normal human sera (NHS) showed negligible binding with either antigen (P. 0.05). Conclusion: ROS-induced modifications in human IgG present neo-epitopes, and make it a potential immunogen. The induced anti-bodies against ROS-modified human IgG resembled the diverse antigen-binding characteristics of naturally occurring SLE anti-DNA autoantibodies. ROS-modified IgG may be one of the factors for the induction of circulating SLE autoantibodies.
Updated CTE photometric correction for WFC and HRC

Observations for the ACS external CTE monitoring program were performed in Cycles 11 through 14 using both WFC and HRC. The aim of the program is to monitor the change in CTE in both cameras, and provide correction formulae for stellar photometry. Here we present the results of the data analysis, and we provide correction formulae for photometry on drizzled images for both HRC and WFC. The correction formulae we present here are significantly more accurate than those previously published, both because of the larger amount of data available and because of a more advanced analysis strategy. Observers are encouraged to use the new formulae to correct photometry, especially in presence of faint stars on a low sky background.
The Bangladeshi Perspective: The Case of Married Academic Women Pursuing Foreign Degrees

Since there is a dearth of research on Bangladeshi married academic women's participation in higher studies abroad, this study endeavours to explore their motives and experiences in pursuing foreign degrees, the barriers encountered, and their strategies for overcoming them. This case study (Yin, 1994) investigates the phenomenon of study abroad through the narrative accounts of five married academic women from Bangladesh at different stages of study abroad (pre-departure and planning; in progress; and completed). Within the framework of the discursive construction of identity (e.g., Ivanic, 1998; Lakoff, 1973; Tannen 1994), accounts of four participants were elicited through semi-structured interviews. The study suggests that academic women's participation in a foreign degree program depends to a great extent on how they construct the meaning of identity-shaping discourses in their "private" and "public" lives.
Mapping the international knowledge base of educational leadership, administration and management: a topographical perspective

ABSTRACT This study mapped the international knowledge base of educational leadership, administration and management (EdLAM) from a topographical perspective. Altogether 1651 publications from 18 peer-reviewed English journals published between 2007 and 2016 were reviewed. Combining bibliometric and content analyses, the authors identified 55 countries and regions that produced EdLAM publications. About half the publications came from five Anglo-Saxon countries, a quarter from Europe and a quarter from four emerging regions (Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America). In each cluster of countries, key EdLAM research themes were identified and illustrated with reviewed literature. The overall development trends of EdLAM research include the continuous theorisation and empirical investigation of EdLAM, the increasing critical voices against Neoliberalism and the New Public Management in education, the growing awareness of contextualising EdLAM research locally, and the rising value of comparative studies.
Ranges of human mobility in Los Angeles and New York

The advent of ubiquitous, mobile, personal devices creates an unprecedented opportunity to improve our understanding of human movement. In this work, we study human mobility in Los Angeles and New York by analyzing anonymous records of approximate locations of cell phones belonging to residents of those cities. We examine two data sets gathered six months apart, each representing hundreds of thousands of people, containing hundreds of millions of location events, and spanning two months of activity. We present, compare, and validate the daily range of travel for people in these populations. Our findings include that human mobility changes with the seasons: both Angelenos and New Yorkers travel less in the winter, with New Yorkers showing a greater decrease in mobility during the cold months. We also show that text messaging activity does not by itself accurately characterize daily range, whereas voice calling alone suffices. Finally, we show that our methodology is accurate by comparing our results to ground truth obtained from volunteers.