Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Concentration gradients and growth/decay characteristics of the seasonal sea ice cover

The growth and decay characteristics of sea ice in the northern and southern hemispheres are presented quantitatively by using brightness temperature data from the Nimbus 5 Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer. The areal extent of >15% ice cover follows a basically symmetrical seasonal cycle in the northern hemisphere, ranging from 8×106 km2 in summer to 16×106 km2 in winter. In contrast the seasonal cycle in the southern hemisphere is asymmetrical, with longer periods of growth than decay and areal extent ranging from 4×106 km2 in summer to 20×106 km2 in winter. At different longitudes the occurrences of the maximum rates of advance of the ice edge differ by up to 2 months, and similarly for retreat. The distribution of the rate of change in the latitudinal position of the ice edge, using as a reference point the 50% ice concentration line near the ice-ocean boundary, follows a quasi-Gaussian function with peak at about 60 km/month and with a standard deviation of about ±120 km/month. However, for some months, rates as large as a 940-km/month change in the latitudinal position are observed when the movement of the ice edge tends to be in the eastward or westward direction as, for example, in the Weddell Sea. The gradient of ice concentration near the ice edge has considerable variability, following a Poisson distribution with peaks at about 0.89% ice concentration per kilometer as derived from the 3-day averages and 0.62% ice concentration per kilometer from the monthly averages. During the growth cycle, the dominant change in ice cover is the advance of consolidated ice behind the advancing ice edge, while during decay the retreat of the ice edge is accompanied by massive reduction of ice concentration within the ice pack. The monthly changes in ice edge position in the southern hemisphere are also shown to have good correlation with the rates of advance and retreat of the 271 K surface temperature isotherms inferred from climatological temperature data.
Network Neutrality on the Internet: A Two-Sided Market Analysis

We discuss network neutrality regulation of the Internet in the context of a two-sided market model. Platforms sell broadband Internet access services to residential consumers and may set fees to content and application providers on the Internet. When access is monopolized, cross-group externalities (network effects) can give a rationale for network neutrality regulation (requiring zero fees to content providers): there exist parameter ranges for which network neutrality regulation increases the total surplus compared to the fully private optimum at which the monopoly platform imposes positive fees on content providers. However, for other parameter values, network neutrality regulation can decrease total surplus. Extending the model to a duopoly of residential broadband ISPs, we again find parameter values such that network neutrality regulation increases total surplus suggesting that network neutrality regulation could be warranted even when some competition is present.
Seawater temperature trends at Usa Tide Gauge sites

Seawater temperatures have been measured at United States tide gauges throughout most of the 20th century. All available records have been digitized, and the longest 14 have been analyzed by linear least‐square regression. The largest positive trend is from Boston MA (+3.6±0.4°C per century), and the largest negative trend is at Charleston SC (−0.1±0.3°C per century). No consistent latitudinal or east‐coast vs. west‐coast patterns are discernable, but air temperature trends are typically greater than seawater changes.
Effects of heavy metals on the absorbance and reflectance spectra of plants

Abstract. Published work on the reflectance of vegetation growing over soil mineralizations is reviewed. Experimental work was carried out on several species grown in a glasshouse and was extended to a pilot field study. In the laboratory studies, the most general effects of Cd, Cu, Pb or Zn were growth inhibition. A detailed study of the leaf pigments of pea plants showed that the chl a/chl b ratio (chl=chlorophyll) decreased under conditions of Cd or Cu stress but showed little effect with Pb or Zn. However, the absorption spectra of chloroplast pigments were not found to show any wavelength shifts with metal treatments, indicating that new spectral forms of chlorophyll were not produced as a stress response. A decrease in the total chlorophyll content of leaf tissue (fresh weight basis) was correlated with an increase in visible-wavelength leaf reflectance (R) of pea plants. R at infrared wavelengths of 0.85 μm, 1.65 μm and 2.20 μm decreased in metal-treated plants, compared with controls. Although exp.
Design of Power-Rail ESD Clamp Circuit With Ultra-Low Standby Leakage Current in Nanoscale CMOS Technology

An ultra-low-leakage power-rail ESD clamp circuit, composed of the SCR device and new ESD detection circuit, has been proposed with consideration of gate current to reduce the standby leakage current. By controlling the gate current of the devices in the ESD detection circuit under a specified bias condition, the whole power-rail ESD clamp circuit can achieve an ultra-low standby leakage current. The new proposed circuit has been fabricated in a 1 V 65 nm CMOS process for experimental verification. The new proposed power-rail ESD clamp circuit can achieve 7 kV HBM and 325 V MM ESD levels while consuming only a standby leakage current of 96 nA at 1 V bias in room temperature and occupying an active area of only 49 mum 21 mum.
Nonthyroidal illness syndrome.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current state of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapeutic implications of the nonthyroidal illness syndrome is reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS Previous studies attributed the development of the nonthyroidal illness syndrome to alterations in three main areas of thyroid hormone metabolism: deiodinase activity, thyroid-stimulating hormone secretion, and hormone binding to serum proteins. New studies suggest that alterations in thyroid hormone transport into tissues and alterations of the nuclear thyroid hormone receptors may also play a role. Therapy of the nonthyroidal illness syndrome remains a controversial topic. SUMMARY Multiple factors lead to the development of the nonthyroidal illness syndrome, including alterations in type 1 and 3 deiodinase activity, thyrotropin-releasing hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone secretion, hormone binding to plasma proteins, thyroid hormone transporter expression and activity, and the thyroid hormone nuclear receptor complex. These data show that acute and chronic illness affect all aspects of thyroid hormone metabolism and action. Some of these changes are physiologic and some are pharmacologic. The mediators of these alterations are still largely unclear. There continues to be no indication for thyroid hormone therapy in the vast majority of patients with the nonthyroidal illness syndrome, although interesting data suggest a possible role for treating a small subset of patients.
Cardiac Biomarkers in Hyperthyroid Cats

Background Hyperthyroidism has substantial effects on the circulatory system. The cardiac biomarkers NT‐proBNP and troponin I (cTNI) have proven useful in identifying cats with myocardial disease but have not been extensively investigated in hyperthyroidism. Hypothesis Plasma NT‐proBNP and cTNI concentrations are higher in cats with primary myocardial disease than in cats with hyperthyroidism and higher in cats with hyperthyroidism than in healthy control cats. Animals Twenty‐three hyperthyroid cats, 17 cats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and 19 euthyroid, normotensive healthy cats ≥8 years of age. Fourteen of the hyperthyroid cats were re‐evaluated 3 months after administration of radioiodine (131I). Methods Complete history, physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistries, urinalysis, blood pressure measurement, serum T4 concentration, plasma concentrations of NT‐proBNP and cTNI, and echocardiogram were obtained prospectively from each cat. Results Hyperthyroid cats and cats with HCM had plasma NT‐proBNP and cTNI concentrations that were significantly higher than those of healthy cats, but there was no significant difference between hyperthyroid cats and cats with HCM with respect to the concentration of either biomarker. In hyperthyroid cats that were re‐evaluated 3 months after 131I treatment, plasma NT‐proBNP and cTNI concentrations as well as ventricular wall thickness had decreased significantly. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Although there may be a role for NT‐proBNP in monitoring the cardiac response to treatment of hyperthyroidism, neither NT‐proBNP nor cTNI distinguish hypertrophy associated with hyperthyroidism from primary HCM. Therefore, the thyroid status of older cats should be ascertained before interpreting NT‐proBNP and cTNI concentrations.
Regional Age Dependence of Human Brain Metabolites from Infancy to Adulthood as Detected by Quantitative Localized Proton MRS

Regional changes of metabolite concentrations during human brain development were assessed by quantitative localized proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in vivo. Apart from measurements in young healthy adults, the study was based on regional spectra from 97 children who were either healthy or suffered from mental retardation, movement disorders, epilepsies, neoplasm, or vascular malformation. Metabolite quantitation focused on cortical gray and white matter, cerebellum, thalamus, and basal ganglia in six age groups from infancy to adulthood. During infancy and childhood, the concentration of the neuroaxonally located N-acetylaspartate increased in gray matter, cerebellum, and thalamus, whereas a constant level was detected in white matter. These findings are in line with regional differences in the formation of synaptic connections during early development and suggest a role of N-acetylaspartate as a marker of functioning neuroaxonal tissue rather than of the mere presence of nerve cells. This view is further supported by high concentrations of taurine in gray matter and cerebellum during infancy, because taurine is also believed to be involved in the process of synapse formation. Remarkably, in basal ganglia both N-acetylaspartate and taurine remain constant at relatively high concentrations. Other metabolite changes during maturation include increases of N-acetylaspartylglutamate, especially in thalamus and white matter, and a decrease of glutamine in white matter. Despite regional differences and some small changes during the first year of life, the concentrations of creatine, phosphocreatine, choline-containing compounds, myo-inositol, and glutamate remain constant afterward. The creatine to phosphocreatine concentration ratio yields 2:1 throughout the human brain irrespective of region or age. The observed increase of the proton resonance line-width with age is most pronounced in basal ganglia and corresponds to the age-related and tissue-dependent increase of brain iron.
Climbing Atop the Shoulders of Giants: The Impact of Institutions on Cumulative Research

While cumulative knowledge production is central to growth, little empirical research investigates how institutions shape whether existing knowledge can be exploited to create new knowledge. This paper assesses the impact of a specific institution, a biological resource center, whose objective is to certify and disseminate knowledge. We disentangle the marginal impact of this institution on cumulative research from the impact of selection, in which the most important discoveries are endogenously linked to research-enhancing institutions. Exploiting exogenous shifts of biomaterials across institutional settings and employing a difference-in-differences approach, we find that effective institutions amplify the cumulative impact of individual scientific discoveries. (JEL D02, D83, I23, O30)
Computer Support for Reflective Learning in the Workplace: A Model

In this paper we propose a model of Computer Supported Reflective Learning (CSRL) that links the reflection process to supportive ICT. The CSRL model has the potential to support analysis and design of CSRL solutions. It fills a gap that currently exists between theoretical work on reflection and research investigating technologies for reflection support. The model is based on theory, specifically concerning the reflection process, and on empirical work on reflective learning in work life carried out in five different test bed organizations.
A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Effect of Soy Isolate Protein on the Serum Lipid Profile and Other Potential Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Moderately Hypercholesterolemic Chinese Adults

This article examines the effect of soy isolate protein on the serum lipids and other potential cardiovascular risk markers in 90 moderately hypercholesterolemic Chinese adults (64 women and 26 men, aged 25 to 70 years). Fasting blood samples were taken before and after consuming 24 g of protein supplied by soy isolate protein supplement (including 18 g soy protein and 6 g milk protein) or milk protein supplement daily for 8 weeks. Dietary intake was assessed by a 3-day record collected at baseline, week 4, and week 8 of the study. The results indicate that the two kinds of protein can modestly improve serum lipids and markers associated with obesity and inflammation.
An ANOCEF Genomic and Transcriptomic Microarray Study of the Response to Irinotecan and Bevacizumab in Recurrent Glioblastomas

Background. We performed a retrospective study to assess whether the initial molecular characteristics of glioblastomas (GBMs) were associated with the response to the bevacizumab/irinotecan chemotherapy regimen given at recurrence. Results. Comparison of the genomic and gene expression profiles of the responders (n = 12) and nonresponders (n = 13) demonstrated only slight differences and could not identify any robust biomarkers associated with the response. In contrast, a significant association was observed between GBMs molecular subtypes and response rates. GBMs assigned to molecular subtype IGS-18 and to classical subtype had a lower response rate than those assigned to other subtypes. In an independent series of 33 patients, neither EGFR amplification nor CDKN2A deletion (which are frequent in IGS-18 and classical GBMs) was significantly associated with the response rate, suggesting that these two alterations are unlikely to explain the lower response rate of these GBMs molecular subtypes. Conclusion. Despite its limited sample size, the present study suggests that comparing the initial molecular profiles of responders and nonresponders might not be an effective strategy to identify biomarkers of the response to bevacizumab given at recurrence. Yet it suggests that the response rate might differ among GBMs molecular subtypes.
Brain metabolic differences between sporadic and familial Alzheimer’s disease

This FDG-PET study with SPM99 compared 46 patients with sporadic Alzheimer disease (SAD) to 40 patients with familial AD (FAD) and to 35 matched controls. AD groups had equivalent metabolic (METglu) reductions in several cortical and limbic areas with respect to the controls. Patients with FAD showed decreased METglu in the posterior cingulate, parahippocampal, and occipital cortex as compared to the patients with SAD (p < 0.001). Genetic factors lead to phenotypic differences in AD.
Plausibility and Possible Determinants of Sudden “Remissions” in Borderline Patients

Abstract This study documents dramatic improvements in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and explores their possible determinants. From a sample of the 160 carefully diagnosed borderline patients on whom prospective follow-along data was collected, a subsample of 18 was identified whose DSM-IV criteria count fell to two or fewer during the course of the first 6 months of the study and retained that improvement for the next 6 months. Follow-along data including month-by-month ratings of BPD criteria; week-by-week ratings of Axis I disorders, medication changes, and life events were then used to establish concensus ratings on four hypothesized causes: Axis I remissions, situational change, misdiagnosis, and treatment effects. Follow-up data collected at 2 years was examined to see whether the improvements persisted. The results were that 18 BPD patients underwent dramatic improvements in the first 6 months. Only one had relapsed by 2 years. Though one was judged to have been misdiagnosed at baseline, the most important determinants were judged to be situational changes (n = 10) and remissions of co-occurring Axis I disorders (n = 7). In 10 patients treatment appeared to have facilitated these situational or Axis I resolutions. In conclusion, patients with BPD can make significant improvements that are rapid and of sufficient duration to be considered remissions. Determinants were identified that warrant further prospective evaluation.
Algorithms for 3D Shape Scanning with a Depth Camera

We describe a method for 3D object scanning by aligning depth scans that were taken from around an object with a Time-of-Flight (ToF) camera. These ToF cameras can measure depth scans at video rate. Due to comparably simple technology, they bear potential for economical production in big volumes. Our easy-to-use, cost-effective scanning solution, which is based on such a sensor, could make 3D scanning technology more accessible to everyday users. The algorithmic challenge we face is that the sensor's level of random noise is substantial and there is a nontrivial systematic bias. In this paper, we show the surprising result that 3D scans of reasonable quality can also be obtained with a sensor of such low data quality. Established filtering and scan alignment techniques from the literature fail to achieve this goal. In contrast, our algorithm is based on a new combination of a 3D superresolution method with a probabilistic scan alignment approach that explicitly takes into account the sensor's noise characteristics.
Optimal region of latching activity in an adaptive Potts model for networks of neurons

In statistical mechanics, the Potts model is a model for interacting spins with more than two discrete states. Neural networks which exhibit features of learning and associative memory can also be modeled by a system of Potts spins. A spontaneous behavior of hopping from one discrete attractor state to another (referred to as latching) has been proposed to be associated with higher cognitive functions. Here we propose a model in which both the stochastic dynamics of Potts models and an adaptive potential function are present. A latching dynamics is observed in a limited region of the noise(temperature)–adaptation parameter space. We hence suggest noise as a fundamental factor in such alternations alongside adaptation. From a dynamical systems point of view, the noise–adaptation alternations may be the underlying mechanism for multi-stability in attractor-based models. An optimality criterion for realistic models is finally inferred.
Asteroids - The big picture

An attempt is made to construct a simple model of the evolution of the asteroid belt from the data available about the individual asteroids. Data on the meaning of taxonomic types, the stratigraphy of the asteroid belt, the compositional meaning of Tholen space, collisional and dynamical history, and asteroid shapes are reviewed. Two main paradoxes concerning asteroids, called the ordinary chondrite mystery and the olivine problems, are briefly described. Finally, the tentative model is presented, showing how it takes into account condensation locations, heating, collisional evolution, and delivery of asteroids to earth.
High benthic foraminiferal species counts in a Clyde Sea maerl bed, western Scotland

Abstract A preliminary investigation of the occurrence of hard-shelled benthic foraminifera in a sample of maerl (gravels derived from calcareous red seaweed) collected from a water depth of 10 m by SCUBA diving in the Clyde Sea, Scotland reveals an exceptionally well-preserved and diverse assemblage. A total of 90 different species were identified, comprising 12 agglutinated, 15 porcelaneous and 63 hyaline types; this represents the highest recorded species count described from the west of Scotland. The assemblage probably represents an integrated record of material derived directly from the maerl (mostly epifaunal types) and material derived from the reworking of adjacent sediments (mostly infaunal types). Maerl deposits represent an important near-shore habitat which appear to have been largely overlooked in regional studies of benthic foraminiferal distribution/ecology.
Dominant sets and hierarchical clustering

Dominant sets are a new graph-theoretic concept that has proven to be relevant in partitional (flat) clustering as well as image segmentation problems. However, in many computer vision applications, such as the organization of an image database, it is important to provide the data to be clustered with a hierarchical organization, and it is not clear how to do this within the dominant set framework. We address precisely this problem, and present a simple and elegant solution to it. To this end, we consider a family of (continuous) quadratic programs, which contain a parameterized regularization term that controls the global shape of the energy landscape. When the regularization parameter is zero the local solutions are known to be in one-to-one correspondence with dominant sets, but when it is positive an interesting picture emerges. We determine bounds for the regularization parameter that allow us to exclude from the set of local solutions those inducing clusters of size smaller than a prescribed threshold. This suggests a new (divisive) hierarchical approach to clustering, which is based on the idea of properly varying the regularization parameter during the clustering process. Straightforward dynamics from evolutionary game theory are used to locate the solutions of the quadratic programs at each level of the hierarchy. We apply the proposed framework to the problem of organizing a shape database. Experiments with three different similarity matrices (and databases) reported in the literature have been conducted, and the results confirm the effectiveness of our approach.