Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Groundwater Quality, Geochemical Processes and Groundwater Evolution in the Chateauguay River Watershed, Quebec, Canada

A hydrogeochemical study was carried out in the Quebec portion of the Chateauguay River watershed. The objective was to characterize the chemical composition of groundwater in order to evaluate its quality and assess geochemical variations related to the geological and hydrogeological settings. Bulk groundwater samples were collected from 144 wells distributed evenly over the study area. Nine of the wells were sampled with a multi-level packer system, for a total of 22 multi-level samples. Samples were analysed for a comprehensive set of chemical inorganic parameters: dissolved major, minor and trace constituents, bacterial content, and stable (δ2H, δ13C, δ18O) and radioactive (3H, 14C) isotopes. Major dissolved constituents Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, SO4 and HCO3– ions represent more than 92% of total dissolved solids and their concentrations seem controlled by both hydrogeological and geological factors. Most water quality problems are related to aesthetic standards for potable water use (hardness, total dissolved solids (TDS), Fe and Mn concentrations) and TDS and Cl for irrigation use. Analyses of tritium (3H) and 14C confirm the inferred recharge zones and indicate the presence of variable water ages. Groundwater shows a wide range of compositions as indicated by 12 water types defined on the basis of major ions with a weak variation of chemical composition with depth. The predominant water type, Ca-HCO3, occurs in most geological and hydrogeological settings. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and geochemical graphs were used to identify the major processes that exert a control over the chemical composition of the groundwater. Approximately 80% of the geochemical variation can be explained by mixing between fresh recharge water with more saline water associated with the former Champlain Sea, which invaded the aquifer. Secondary processes are related to ion exchange and the potential dissolution of minerals. A cross-section along a major flow path shows that the geochemical evolution of groundwater leads to relations between water type groups, geochemical processes, and groundwater flow conditions. The hydrogeochemical conceptual model infers that carbonate dissolution during recharge leads to one end-member, a Ca-HCO3 type water, which further evolves along its flow path due through ion exchange and mixing with remnant Champlain Sea water (Na-Cl), the other end-member.
Reasons for placement of restorations on previously unrestored tooth surfaces by dentists in The Dental Practice-Based Research Network.

OBJECTIVE The authors conducted a study to identify and quantify the reasons used by dentists in The Dental Practice-Based Research Network (DPBRN) for placing restorations on unrestored permanent tooth surfaces and the dental materials they used in doing so. METHODS A total of 229 DPBRN practitioner-investigators provided data from their practices regarding 9,890 consecutive restorations in 5,810 patients. Information the practitioner-investigators provided included their reasons for restoring the teeth, the specific teeth and surfaces they restored and the restorative materials they used. RESULTS Primary caries (85 percent of teeth, 8,351 of 9,890) and noncarious defects (15 percent, 1,479 of 9,890) were the main reasons participants gave for placing restorations. Participants placed restorations necessitated by caries most frequently on occlusal surfaces (49 percent, 4,091 of 8,351). They used amalgam for 47 percent of the molar restorations and 45 percent of the premolar restorations. They used directly placed resin-based composite (RBC) for 48 percent of the molar restorations, 50 percent of the premolar restorations and 93 percent of the anterior restorations. CONCLUSION DPBRN practitioner-investigators cited dental caries on occlusal and proximal surfaces of molar teeth as the main reasons for placing restorations on previously unrestored tooth surfaces. RBC was the material they used most commonly for occlusal and anterior restorations. Amalgam remains the material of choice to restore posterior teeth with proximal caries, although the authors noted significant differences in the use of amalgam and RBC by dentists in various regions of the DPBRN.
Improved pre-training of Deep Belief Networks using Sparse Encoding Symmetric Machines

Restricted Boltzmann Machines (RBM) continue to be a popular methodology to pre-train weights of Deep Belief Networks (DBNs). However, the RBM objective function cannot be maximized directly. Therefore, it is not clear what function to monitor when deciding to stop the training, leading to a challenge in managing the computational costs. The Sparse Encoding Symmetric Machine (SESM) has been suggested as an alternative method for pre-training. By placing a sparseness term on the NN output codebook, SESM allows the objective function to be optimized directly and reliably be monitored as an indicator to stop the training. In this paper, we explore SESM to pre-train DBNs and apply this the first time to speech recognition. First, we provide a detailed analysis comparing the behavior of SESM and RBM. Second, we compare the performance of SESM pre-trained and RBM pre-trained DBNs on TIMIT and a 50 hour English Broadcast News task. Results indicate that pre-trained DBNs using SESM and RBMs achieve comparable performance and outperform randomly initialized DBNs with SESM providing a much easier stopping criterion relative to RBM.
Low‐frequency variability of the Antarctic Circumpolar Wave

This study evaluates the Antarctic Circumpolar Wave (ACW) variability in the Southern Ocean using a 27‐year series of sea surface temperature (SST) and sea level pressure (SLP). From a cross‐covariance analysis we find that the strongest covariation between the extratropical wavenumber‐2 in SST and in SLP is during the austral summer in the South Pacific Ocean. Examination of the time series reveals two timescales of variability. A wavenumber‐2 structure in SST and SLP anomalies correlates well at interannual (IA) timescales, when ENSO‐driven teleconnections seem to energize the ACW. Moreover, in the 1973‐1999 epoch, the ACW has been modulated by interdecadal (ID) variability possibly related to the Southern Oscillation.
Essential characteristics of the Antarctic‐Spring Ozone Decline: Update to 1998

Using both ground‐based and satellite data up to December 1998, the intensity, duration, appearance at both horizontal and vertical scales and ozone‐mass deficiency (O3MD) of the severe ozone decline observed over the southern polar region are presented. Over the last six years: the depletion within the ozone hole area (i.e. total ozone amounts <220 m atm‐cm) is almost three times more severe than in the early 1980s, the ozone hole (O3h) area has exceeded 22 million km² at its maximum, and the lowest total ozone was ∼100 m atm‐cm. However, during the 1998 season for the first time for nearly 20 days the O3h area exceeded 25 million km², and the integrated O3MD during September‐October, poleward of 60°S, exceeded the average value of the 1990s by ∼25%. At the beginning of the 1980s, ozone hole values were observed mostly in October, but more recently, they frequently continue until mid‐December. The depletion was most severe in the 12–20 km layer over Antarctica: ∼70% in September, ∼90% in October and ∼80% in November. Related to this, the monthly mean lower stratospheric temperatures between 70–90°S have declined by ∼10°C in October, ∼12°C in November and by ∼5°C in December. Taking the last six years seasonally integrated O3MD over the area poleward of 60°S (average ∼6.300 Mt) is about a third greater than the O3MD over the northern polar region winter‐springs. Over the southern mid‐latitudes O3MD is about a third less than the deficiency observed between 35–55°N.
Sales Territory Alignment: An Overlooked Productivity Tool

The authors have a wide-spectrum of experience in territory alignment arising from research as well as direct interaction with over 300 sales forces. Based on their experience, they believe sales territory alignment is one of the most frequently overlooked sales force productivity areas. Many sales forces are losing millions of dollars each year because of territory imbalances. Well-managed companies are overcoming the many obstacles to good territory design by using a cogent process to realign territories. This process ensures that consistent, objective criteria are used to evaluate alignment needs, yet recognizes the importance of incorporating local management judgment.
Prediction and evolutionary information analysis of protein solvent accessibility using multiple linear regression

A multiple linear regression method was applied to predict real values of solvent accessibility from the sequence and evolutionary information. This method allowed us to obtain coefficients of regression and correlation between the occurrence of an amino‐acid residue at a specific target and its sequence neighbor positions on the one hand, and the solvent accessibility of that residue on the other. Our linear regression model based on sequence information and evolutionary models was found to predict residue accessibility with 18.9% and 16.2% mean absolute error respectively, which is better than or comparable to the best available methods. A correlation matrix for several neighbor positions to examine the role of evolutionary information at these positions has been developed and analyzed. As expected, the effective frequency of hydrophobic residues at target positions shows a strong negative correlation with solvent accessibility, whereas the reverse is true for charged and polar residues. The correlation of solvent accessibility with effective frequencies at neighboring positions falls abruptly with distance from target residues. Longer protein chains have been found to be more accurately predicted than their smaller counterparts. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling Different Voice Qualities for Female and Male Talkers Using a Geometric-Kinematic Articulatory Voice Source Model : Preliminary Results

Modeling natural sounding voice qualities – for example the pressed-modalbreathy voice quality continuum which widely occurs during normal speech production – is a crucial point in speech synthesis. A parametric voice source model using prescribed sinusoidal vocal fold vibration patterns (i.e. extended Titze model) is introduced in this paper. This voice source model was adapted for synthesis of a typical male and female voice. A simulation experiment was performed by varying glottal abduction/adduction in order to generate a voice quality continuum from pressed over modal towards breathy. A parameter analysis of the resulting waveshapes of glottal flow and its time derivative was carried out in terms of the LF-model. This analysis indicates that our parametric voice source model is flexible enough to generate the modal to breathy but not the modal to pressed voice quality continuum for the male as well as for the female voice. It can be hypothesized that a self-oscillating voice source 1. This paper is dedicated to the 60th Birthday of Bernd Pompino-Marschall. I met Bernd Pompino-Marschall in the early 90th of the last century as a young scientist when Bernd already was Professor in Berlin. I thank him especially for supporting me in my hard years between PhD and getting my permanent position at RWTH Aachen University. In these years I always was welcome to visit his Lab at ZAS and at Humboldt University of Berlin and I was employed in Berlin from 1999 to 2000. Great times! I learned a lot! Thank you for all, Bernd!
A Galerkin finite-element flow model to predict the transient response of a radially symmetric aquifer

A galerkin finite-element flow model to predict the transient response of a radially symmetric aquifer. Abstract 1 Introduction 1 Model assumptions and capabilities 1 Theory 2 Solution of radial flow equation by Galerkin finite-element method 2 Boundary conditions 5 Matrix equations 6 Computer program 7 Main 7 Subroutine CHECK 8 Subroutine MLTBM 8 Subroutine SOLVE 8 Evaluation of the model 8 Comparison with analytical solutions 8 Comparison with model solutions 9 Observations on model behavior 10 Possible program modifications 10 Design considerations for the finite-element grid 11 Sample simulation 11 Conclusions 13 References cited 13 Supplemental Data: I. Fortran IV program listing 16 II. Definition of selected program variables 24 III. Data input formats 25 IV. Array dimensioning 27 V. Input data for test problem 28 VI. Selected output for test problem 32 FIGURES 1. Diagram showing conceptual model of aquifer flow system 1 2. Diagram of modeled aquifer section showing configuration of triangular elements 3 3. Diagram showing typical linear triangular basis function 4 4-7. Graphs showing: 4. Comparison of model results with Theis' dimensionless analytical solution 9 5. Comparison of model results with Hantush 's analytical solution for head buildup in aquifer directly beneath center of a circular recharge basin and at 500 ft from basin center 10 6. Comparison of water-table drawdowns as predicted by Stallman's analog model and the Galerkin finite-element model 11 7. Comparison of drawdowns at the base of an aquifer as predicted by Stallman's analog model and the Galerkin finite-element model 12 8. Diagram showing radial cross section of aquifer for sample simulation 13
River meander behaviour and instability: a framework for analysis

Recent empirical and theoretical work on river meanders suggests that instability is inherent. Within this context, an occurrence of multiple cut-offs could be interpreted as a clustering associated with self-organized criticality. Types of meander behaviour ranging from stable to chaotic are examined as trajectories or attractors within the phase space of rate of meander movement and bend curvature and change to the system is explored as shift from one attractor to another. It is suggested that this new approach provides insights into meander dynamics and provides a basis to identify the conditions, limits and constraints under which different behaviour occurs. Basic controls of energy and resistance underlie planform behaviour, but need to be refined in relation to the morphology and stability of channel courses.
An observational cohort study of patients with newly diagnosed digital ulcer disease secondary to systemic sclerosis registered in the EUSTAR database.

OBJECTIVES This study describes clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and quality of life in patients with newly diagnosed (incident) digital ulcers (DU). METHODS Observational cohort study of 189 consecutive SSc patients with incident DU diagnosis identified from the EUSTAR database (22 centres in 10 countries). Data were collected from medical charts and during one prospective visit between 01/2004 and 09/2010. RESULTS Median age at DU diagnosis was 51 years, majority of patients were female (88%), and limited cutaneous SSc was the most common subtype (61%). At incident DU diagnosis, 41% of patients had one DU and 59% had ≥2 DU; at the prospective visit 52% had DU. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and multiple DU at diagnosis were associated with presence of any DU at the prospective visit (odds ratios: 4.34 and 1.32). During the observation period (median follow-up was 2 years) 127 patients had ≥1 hospitalisation. The event rate of new DU per person-year was 0.66, of DU-associated complications was 0.10, and of surgical or diagnostic procedures was 0.12. At the prospective visit, patients with ≥1 DU reported impairment in daily activities by 57%, those with 0 DU by 37%. The mean difference between patients with or without DU in the SF-36 physical component was 2.2, and in the mental component 1.4. DU patients were not routinely prescribed endothelin receptor antagonists or prostanoids. CONCLUSIONS This real world cohort demonstrates that DU require hospital admission, and impair daily activity. PAH and multiple DU at diagnosis were associated with future occurrence of DU.
Evaluation of Oral Mucosal Lesions in 598 Referred Iranian Patients

The mucosal membrane of the oral cavity displays at times classical developmental lesions considered to be variations of normal structures rather than having disease characteristics. Of these lesions leukoedema, Fordyce granules, geographic-, fissured- and hairy tongue, median rhomboid glossitis and lingual varices were studied in 598 patients referred to the School of Dentistry, Tehran, Iran. The prevalence was studied in relation to age, gender, occupation, education, smoking habits, general health, addictions and or drug therapies. Oral developmental lesions were seen in 295 patients (49.3%). Only Fordyce granules (27,9%), fissured tongue (12,9%), leukoedema (12,5%) and hairy tongue (8,9%) had enough cases for statistical analysis. Three of these lesions increased with age but not fissured tongue. All were more common in men. After adjusting for age, the parameters education, occupation and complaints upon referral had little influence on the prevalence of the lesions. Fewer Fordyce granules were seen in oral mucosa of smoking men. Leukoedema and hairy tongue were significantly associated with smoking, leukoedema with diabetes mellitus. We conclude that there was a highly significant association between these oral lesions and age, gender and smoking. Few significant associations were found between oral lesions and general diseases.
"Optimal Neural Tuning Curves for Arbitrary Stimulus Distributions: Discrimax, Infomax and Minimum $L_p$ Loss"

In this work we study how the stimulus distribution influences the optimal coding of an individual neuron. Closed-form solutions to the optimal sigmoidal tuning curve are provided for a neuron obeying Poisson statistics under a given stimulus distribution. We consider a variety of optimality criteria, including maximizing discriminability, maximizing mutual information and minimizing estimation error under a general Lp norm. We generalize the Cramer-Rao lower bound and show how the Lp loss can be written as a functional of the Fisher Information in the asymptotic limit, by proving the moment convergence of certain functions of Poisson random variables. In this manner, we show how the optimal tuning curve depends upon the loss function, and the equivalence of maximizing mutual information with minimizing Lp loss in the limit as p goes to zero.
On detecting determinism and nonlinearity in microelectrode recording signals: Approach based on non-stationary surrogate data methods

Two new surrogate methods, the Small Shuffle Surrogate (SSS) and the Truncated Fourier Transform Surrogate (TFTS), have been proposed to study whether there are some kind of dynamics in irregular fluctuations and if so whether these dynamics are linear or not, even if this fluctuations are modulated by long term trends. This situation is theoretically incompatible with the assumption underlying previously proposed surrogate methods. We apply the SSS and TFTS methods to microelectrode recording (MER) signals from different brain areas, in order to acquire a deeper understanding of them. Through our methodology we conclude that the irregular fluctuations in MER signals possess some determinism.
Traveltime Calculation in 3D TTI Media by the Fast Marching Method

SUMMARY I developed an efficient, stable, and accurate algorithm to calculate first arrival traveltimes in 3D transverse isotropic media having tilted symmetry axis (TTI). This algorithm is based on a fast marching scheme to solve the eikonal equation using a higher order finite difference (FD) method generally used to calculate first arrival traveltimes in 3D isotropic media. Numerical examples demonstrate that the newly developed algorithm is able to construct accurate first arrival traveltimes in any complicated 3D TTI model that contains a large velocity gradient and an arbitrary orientation of its axis of symmetry. This algorithm can be applied to 3D Kirchhoff pre-stack depth migration and anisotropic parameter inversion in 3D TTI media.
Home Health Care Outcomes Under Capitated and Fee-for-Service Payment

In this article, case-mix-adjusted outcomes of home health care are found to be superior for Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) patients relative to Medicare health maintenance organization (HMO) patients. The superior outcomes for FFS patients were accompanied by higher utilization and cost of home health services, suggesting a volume-outcome (or dose-response) relationship that was further substantiated by within-HMO and within-FFS analyses. The findings suggest that greater attention should be paid to both outcome-based quality assurance and managed care practices that may be overly restrictive in terms of the use of home health services.
Noise-induced dynamic variability in nano-scale CMOS SRAM cells

The lack of dynamic stability in memory circuits such as the Static Random Access Memory can lead to read/write failures or power supply limitations. In this work, the impact of low-frequency and random telegraph noise on the dynamic variability of a single SRAM cell is examined for the first time. The dependence on device noise level, speed and duration of operation is investigated, using the Supply Read Retention Voltage and the Read Static Noise Margin as stability metrics. New measurement and simulation methods are also presented. The results are compared to the mismatch-induced variability, revealing the importance of noise-related dynamic instabilities in advanced circuits.
Heat flow from the West African shield

The heat flow over Precambrian shields is generally lower than over other continental provinces. Previous observations at 9 sites of the West African shield have shown that heat flow ranges from 20 mW m/sup -2/ in Niger to 38-42 mW m/sup -2/ in Liberia, Ghana and Nigeria. Since some of these values are lower than expected for Precambrian shields, it is important to find out whether or not they are representative of the entire shield before trying to derive its thermal structure. In this paper, we present new heat flow determinations from seven sites of the West African shield. These indicate that the surface heat flow is comparable with that of other Precambrian shields in the world.
One hundred and thirty years since Darwin: ‘Reshaping’ the theory of atoll formation

April 2012 marked the 130th anniversary of the death of Charles Darwin. One of many significant contributions he made to science was the subsidence theory of atoll formation, which he penned on 12 April 1836 during the voyage of the Beagle through the Pacific. Darwin’s elegant theory, founded on the premise of a subsiding volcano and the corresponding upward growth of coral reef, was astonishing for the time considering the absence of an underpinning awareness of plate tectonics. His theory has endured until modern times in spite of a number of opposing ideas and permutations and has an enviable longevity amongst paradigms in geomorphology. Darwin frequently alluded to the generally circular morphology of the atoll shape, yet the reality is that many atolls are neither circular nor elliptical, instead possessing irregular morphologies. In particular, many exhibit major arcuate ‘bight-like’ structures (ABLS) in their plan form. These departures from the circular form are indicative of geomorphological processes that cannot be ignored. ABLS are the morphological expression of large submarine failures that are common on the slopes of volcanic edifices. Such failures can occur during any stage of atoll formation and are a valuable addition to Darwin’s theory because they indicate the instability of the volcanic foundations. Moreover, ABLS have fundamental implications for hazard research in the context of oceanic islands. Not only does our extension to the theory explain the diversity of atoll shape, but it also provides a mechanism for identifying a vast number of potential local tsunamigenic sources, which is critical for advancing modern understanding of tsunami hazards in oceanic environments.