Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Passive seismic interferometry by multidimensional deconvolution

We introduce seismic interferometry of passive data by multidimensional deconvolution (MDD) as an alternative to the crosscorrelation method. Interferometry by MDD has the potential to correct for the effects of source irregularity, assuming the first arrival can be separated from the full response. MDD applications can range from reservoir imaging using microseismicity to crustal imaging with teleseismic data.
AIR-2: An Aurora/Ipl1-related Protein Kinase Associated with Chromosomes and Midbody Microtubules Is Required for Polar Body Extrusion and Cytokinesis in Caenorhabditis elegans Embryos

An emerging family of kinases related to the Drosophila Aurora and budding yeast Ipl1 proteins has been implicated in chromosome segregation and mitotic spindle formation in a number of organisms. Unlike other Aurora/Ipl1-related kinases, the Caenorhabditis elegans orthologue, AIR-2, is associated with meiotic and mitotic chromosomes. AIR-2 is initially localized to the chromosomes of the most mature prophase I–arrested oocyte residing next to the spermatheca. This localization is dependent on the presence of sperm in the spermatheca. After fertilization, AIR-2 remains associated with chromosomes during each meiotic division. However, during both meiotic anaphases, AIR-2 is present between the separating chromosomes. AIR-2 also remains associated with both extruded polar bodies. In the embryo, AIR-2 is found on metaphase chromosomes, moves to midbody microtubules at anaphase, and then persists at the cytokinesis remnant. Disruption of AIR-2 expression by RNA- mediated interference produces entire broods of one-cell embryos that have executed multiple cell cycles in the complete absence of cytokinesis. The embryos accumulate large amounts of DNA and microtubule asters. Polar bodies are not extruded, but remain in the embryo where they continue to replicate. The cytokinesis defect appears to be late in the cell cycle because transient cleavage furrows initiate at the proper location, but regress before the division is complete. Additionally, staining with a marker of midbody microtubules revealed that at least some of the components of the midbody are not well localized in the absence of AIR-2 activity. Our results suggest that during each meiotic and mitotic division, AIR-2 may coordinate the congression of metaphase chromosomes with the subsequent events of polar body extrusion and cytokinesis.
Divergence of solutions to solute transport moment equations

We provide explicit solutions to one‐dimensional moment equations for solute transport in random porous media using asymptotic perturbation expansions up through fourth order in standard deviation of log hydraulic conductivity. From these solutions, we demonstrate the source of multi‐modal behavior in this special case; namely, oscillatory terms that increase with the variance of velocity (or of log conductivity) and time. We show that over time higher‐order moments become less accurate than second‐order moments. Moreover, we show that the complete asymptotic series solution diverges for any value of log conductivity variance after sufficient time, using an analytical bound and assuming Gaussian‐distributed velocity. This bound depends on the zero‐order mean velocity, correlation length, and properties of the initial data. We find that the bound is also a good approximation when applied to our solutions of moment equations for a non‐Gaussian velocity distribution.
Petrology and geochemistry of the Kruuse Fjord Gabbro Complex, East Greenland

The Kruuse Fjord Gabbro Complex is a composite intrusion of layered gabbro and troctolite with subordinate ultramafic rocks and minor trondhjemitic bodies. It was emplaced into Archaean continental crust of East Greenland during early Tertiary rifting of Greenland from Eurasia. The work to date has identified an outer gabbro series and an inner troctolite series, and these are separated by a narrow zone of trondhjemitic intrusions. In the southeast, the partially crystallized cumulates of the gabbro series were intruded by a lenticular, ultramafic pluton 800 m in thickness. Volumetrically minor, syenite–trachyandesite net-veined dykes and later, diabase dykes cross-cut the plutonic rocks. Structural and topographic features suggest that the layered rocks were affected by synmagmatic subsidence and deformation but not by monoclinal coastal flexure. The gabbro series is composed of a marginal gabbro unit, about 20 m wide, bordering more than a 2 km thickness of layered olivine and magnetite gabbro cumulates. The marginal gabbro is interpreted to be chilled magma. The layered cumulates are the product of repeated injections of magma that fractionated in an open-system magma chamber. Anorthositic and troctolitic layers in the lower part of the sequence may represent inputs of magma and suggest that the order of cumulus mineral crystallization was (1) plagioclase (An39–85), (2) olivine (Fo46–82), (3) augite (Wo28–47En39–58Fs8–18 ) and (4) magnetite. The disappearance of cumulus magnetite and a reversal in mineral compositions at 1.5 km from the base of the succession suggests a major input of magma occurred at this height. In the troctolite series, the composition of cumulus minerals, mineral crystallization sequence and style of emplacement are similar to those in the gabbro series. The ultramafic pluton is composed of coarse-grained wehrlite, olivine melagabbro and troctolite that were formed by at least three injections of magma. The typical mineral crystallization sequence was (1) cumulus chromite and olivine (Fo84–88); (2) poikilitic chrome diopside (Wo29–51En43–63Fs3–13 ); and (3) intercumulus plagioclase (An75–90), phlogopite, apatite and localized disseminated sulphides containing Au and platinum-group elements. Comparison of crystallization sequences and the major and trace element compositions of clinopyroxene suggests that the gabbroic and troctolitic rocks formed from a magma represented by the chilled marginal gabbro, a tholeiitic basalt magma similar to E-MORB, whereas the ultramafic rocks formed from a magma that was relatively enriched in incompatible trace elements and volatiles. The association of these two magma types is an example of bimodal mafic–ultramafic magmatism in a rifting environment.
Application of densification process in organic waste management

Densification of biomass material that usually has a low density is good way of increasing density, reducing the cost of transportation, and simplifying the storage and distribution of this material. The current study was conducted to investigate the influence of raw material parameters (moisture content and particle size), and densification process parameters (piston speed and die length) on the density and durability of pellets from compost manure. A hydraulic press and a single pelleter were used to produce pellets in controlled conditions. Ground biomass samples were compressed with three levels of moisture content [35%, 40% and 45% (wet basis)], piston speed (2, 6 and 10 mm/s), die length (8, 10 and 12 mm) and particle size (0.3., 0.9 and 1.5 mm) to establish density and durability of pellets. A response surface methodology based on the Box Behnken design was used to study the responses pattern and to understand the influence of parameters. The results revealed that all independent variables have significant (P < 0.01) effects on studied responses in this research.
A WINDOWS‐BASED GIS‐AGNPS INTERFACE 1

ABSTRACT: ArcView Nonpoint Source Pollution Modeling (AVNPSM), an interface between ArcView GIS and AGNPS (Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution Model) is developed in support of agricultural watershed analysis and nonpoint source pollution management. The interface is PC‐based and operates in a Windows environment. It consists of seven modules: AGNPS utility, parameter generator, input file processor, model executor, output visualizer, statistical analyzer, and land use simulator. Basic input data to the interface include: soil, digital elevation model, land use/cover, water features, climate, and information on management practices. Application of the AVNPSM to a sample watershed indicates that it is user friendly, flexible, and robust, and it significantly improves the efficiency of the nonpoint source pollution modeling process.
Naïve coadaptive cortical control

The ability to control a prosthetic device directly from the neocortex has been demonstrated in rats, monkeys and humans. Here we investigate whether neural control can be accomplished in situations where (1) subjects have not received prior motor training to control the device (naïve user) and (2) the neural encoding of movement parameters in the cortex is unknown to the prosthetic device (naïve controller). By adopting a decoding strategy that identifies and focuses on units whose firing rate properties are best suited for control, we show that naïve subjects mutually adapt to learn control of a neural prosthetic system. Six untrained Long-Evans rats, implanted with silicon micro-electrodes in the motor cortex, learned cortical control of an auditory device without prior motor characterization of the recorded neural ensemble. Single- and multi-unit activities were decoded using a Kalman filter to represent an audio ‘cursor’ (90 ms tone pips ranging from 250 Hz to 16 kHz) which subjects controlled to match a given target frequency. After each trial, a novel adaptive algorithm trained the decoding filter based on correlations of the firing patterns with expected cursor movement. Each behavioral session consisted of 100 trials and began with randomized decoding weights. Within 7 ± 1.4 (mean ± SD) sessions, all subjects were able to significantly score above chance (P < 0.05, randomization method) in a fixed target paradigm. Training lasted 24 sessions in which both the behavioral performance and signal to noise ratio of the peri-event histograms increased significantly (P < 0.01, ANOVA). Two rats continued training on a more complex task using a bilateral, two-target control paradigm. Both subjects were able to significantly discriminate the target tones (P < 0.05, Z-test), while one subject demonstrated control above chance (P < 0.05, Z-test) after 12 sessions and continued improvement with many sessions achieving over 90% correct targets. Dynamic analysis of binary trial responses indicated that early learning for this subject occurred during session 6. This study demonstrates that subjects can learn to generate neural control signals that are well suited for use with external devices without prior experience or training.
Improving Photovoltaic Properties of P3HT:IC60BA through the Incorporation of Small Molecules

We investigated the role of a functional solid additive, 2,3-dihydroxypyridine (DHP), in influencing the optoelectronic, morphological, structural and photovoltaic properties of bulk-heterojunction-based polymer solar cells (BHJ PSCs) fabricated using poly(3-hexylthiophene): indene-C60 bisadduct (P3HT:IC60BA) photoactive medium. A dramatic increase in the power conversion efficiency (~20%) was witnessed for the BHJ PSCs treated with DHP compared to the pristine devices. A plausible explanation describing the alignment of pyridine moieties of DHP with the indene side groups of IC60BA is presented with a view to improving the performance of the BHJ PSCs via improved crystalline order and hydrophobicity changes.
Signification dee paléomilieux et évolution du climat au Maghreb. Le Maroc oriental au Pléistocène récent

ResumeSuite a la decouverte de nouveaux sites prehistoriques et geologiques au Maroc oriental, des etudes pluridisciplinaires, portant sur les cultures prehistoriques, les sediments, les charbons de bois, les spores et pollens, la faune et la chronologie, ont ete menees au niveau regional. Elles ont permis d'aborder les problemes de l'evolution des flores et des climats durant le Rharbien (= Holocene) et le Soltanien (= Wurm), soit une centaine de millenaires, en fonction de l'altitude et de la latitude, ainsi que celui de la signification paleoenvironnementale des systemes glacis-terrasse alluviale, des croutes calcaires et des depots sous abri.Les paleoflores sont identiques aux flores actuelles et seules les limites de vegetation fluctuent. Ces variations diminuent du nord au sud. Le Soltanien est une periode aride entrecoupee de trois interstades humides avec des bioclimats semi-aride a subhumide. Le Rharbien est globalement humide avec trois courts episodes arides dont le dernier est actuel.Les syste.
Simultaneous recording of rat auditory cortex and thalamus via a titanium-based, microfabricated, microelectrode device

Direct recording from sequential processing stations within the brain has provided opportunity for enhancing understanding of important neural circuits, such as the corticothalamic loops underlying auditory, visual, and somatosensory processing. However, the common reliance upon microwire-based electrodes to perform such recordings often necessitates complex surgeries and increases trauma to neural tissues. This paper reports the development of titanium-based, microfabricated, microelectrode devices designed to address these limitations by allowing acute recording from the thalamic nuclei and associated cortical sites simultaneously in a minimally invasive manner. In particular, devices were designed to simultaneously probe rat auditory cortex and auditory thalamus, with the intent of recording auditory response latencies and isolated action potentials within the separate anatomical sites. Details regarding the design, fabrication, and characterization of these devices are presented, as are preliminary results from acute in vivo recording.
Treatment acceptance and adherence in HIV disease: patient identity and the perceived impact of physician–patient communication

Studies have found that physician–patient relationships and communication quality are related to medication adherence and outcomes in HIV care. Few qualitative studies exist of how people living with HIV experience clinical communication about their self-care behavior. Eight focus groups with people living with HIV in two US cities were conducted. Participants responded to a detailed discussion guide and to reenactments of actual physician–patient dialogue about antiretroviral adherence. The 82 participants were diverse in age, sex, and ethnicity. Most had been living with HIV for many years and had stable relationships with providers. They appreciated providers who knew and cared about their personal lives, who were clear and direct about instructions, and who were accessible. Most had struggled to overcome addiction, emotional turmoil, and/or denial before gaining control over their lives and becoming adherent to medications. They made little or no causal attribution for their transformation to any outside agency, including their providers. They generally saw medication adherence as a function of autonomous motivation. Successful coping with HIV with its prevalent behavioral comorbidities, stigma, and other challenges requires a transformation of identity and internalization of motivation to maintain health. Effective methods for clinicians to support such development are needed.
A Convex Analytic Approach to Risk-Aware Markov Decision Processes

In classical Markov decision process (MDP) theory, we search for a policy that, say, minimizes the expected infinite horizon discounted cost. Expectation is, of course, a risk neutral measure, which does not suffice in many applications, particularly in finance. We replace the expectation with a general risk functional, and call such models risk-aware MDP models. We consider minimization of such risk functionals in two cases, the expected utility framework, and conditional value-at-risk, a popular coherent risk measure. Later, we consider risk-aware MDPs wherein the risk is expressed in the constraints. This includes stochastic dominance constraints, and the classical chance-constrained optimization problems. In each case, we develop a convex analytic approach to solve such risk-aware MDPs. In most cases, we show that the problem can be formulated as an infinite-dimensional linear program (LP) in occupation measures when we augment the state space. We provide a discretization method and finite approximati.
Learning Sparse Representations in Reinforcement Learning with Sparse Coding

A variety of representation learning approaches have been investigated for reinforcement learning; much less attention, however, has been given to investigating the utility of sparse coding. Outside of reinforcement learning, sparse coding representations have been widely used, with non-convex objectives that result in discriminative representations. In this work, we develop a supervised sparse coding objective for policy evaluation. Despite the non-convexity of this objective, we prove that all local minima are global minima, making the approach amenable to simple optimization strategies. We empirically show that it is key to use a supervised objective, rather than the more straightforward unsupervised sparse coding approach. We then compare the learned representations to a canonical fixed sparse representation, called tile-coding, demonstrating that the sparse coding representation outperforms a wide variety of tile-coding representations.
High platelet reactivity to multiple agonists during aspirin and clopidogrel treatment is indicative of a global hyperreactive platelet phenotype

To the Editor The study performed by Breet et al 1 supported our previous suggestion that a cut-off of >550 aspirin reaction units (ARU) was too high to identify high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR). 2 The cut-off defined by the highest quartile (461 ARU) from our study2 is remarkably similar to the 454 ARU cut-off value associated with 1-year outcomes in the Breet et al study.1 Moreover, across ARU quartiles, reactivity to ADP and collagen …
User unknown: 4chan, anonymity and contingency

Both horrifying and fascinating, 4chan.org ( http://www.4chan.org/ ) is a wildly popular message board with a highly dedicated community of users. Compared to social media’s increasing push to persistent identity online, 4chan maintains a culture of anonymity. Focusing on the ontological encounter spawned by the site, this paper argues that the interface embodies contingency and senses of alterity in several uniquely virtual ways. It concludes by articulating how this online mode of being holds promise beyond the often repugnant content generated by the site.
Fixed-Parameter Hierarchies inside PSPACE

Treewidth measures the "tree-likeness" of structures. Many NP-complete problems, e.g., propositional satisfiability, are tractable on bounded-treewidth structures. In this work, we study the impact of treewidth bounds on QBF, a canonical PSPACE-complete problem. This problem is known to be fixed-parameter tractable if both the treewidth and alternation depth are taken as parameters. We show here that the function bounding the complexity in the parameters is provably nonelementary (assuming P is different than NP). This yields a strict hierarchy of fixed-parameter tractability inside PSPACE. As a tool for proving this result, we first prove a similar hierarchy for model checking QPTL, quantified propositional temporal logic. Finally, we show that QBF, restricted to instances with a slowly increasing (log*) treewidth, is still PSPACE-complete
Gentrification, use conversion and traditional architecture in Kumasi's central business district – case study of Odum Precinct

The process of gentrification unfolding in parts of Kumasi's Central Business District (CBD) is captured in this paper to facilitate an understanding of the change process at work; namely, the invasion and succession of old run-down traditional residential buildings by high rent yielding commercial developments.The study reveals that the process at work bears semblance with similar processes documented elsewhere in literature. Nonetheless, there are subtle differences. For example, the gentrifiers are not in the middle income category. Instead, they are in the low income category and perceive the process as a way of attracting investments to develop their properties without relinquishing their rights for posterity. The process also involves complete construction of new structures rather than refurbishment, remodelling or renovation. The location of displaced residents affected by the process is varied but is primarily dependent on income and average rents prevailing in various parts of the city. The link between gentrification and traditional architecture is also explored but the impact of the latter on the former is seen largely as being negative although streetscapes have been enhanced and skylines improved to reflect a more productive use of prime land. Consequently, the study has established a close link between gentrification, use conversion and the traditional architecture of the study area. It is argued that an understanding of the gentrification process in the study area is basic to a more efficient management of the change process at play in the CBD of Kumasi. To facilitate this, the extent of invasion and succession of residential uses by commercial interests in the CBD needs to be ascertained. Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 25(2) 2005: 80-90
Effect of COMT Val108/158 Met genotype on frontal lobe function and risk for schizophrenia

Abnormalities of prefrontal cortical function are prominent features of schizophrenia and have been associated with genetic risk, suggesting that susceptibility genes for schizophrenia may impact on the molecular mechanisms of prefrontal function. A potential susceptibility mechanism involves regulation of prefrontal dopamine, which modulates the response of prefrontal neurons during working memory. We examined the relationship of a common functional polymorphism (Val108/158 Met) in the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene, which accounts for a 4-fold variation in enzyme activity and dopamine catabolism, with both prefrontally mediated cognition and prefrontal cortical physiology. In 175 patients with schizophrenia, 219 unaffected siblings, and 55 controls, COMT genotype was related in allele dosage fashion to performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test of executive cognition and explained 4% of variance (P = 0.001) in frequency of perseverative errors. Consistent with other evidence that dopamine enhances prefrontal neuronal function, the load of the low-activity Met allele predicted enhanced cognitive performance. We then examined the effect of COMT genotype on prefrontal physiology during a working memory task in three separate subgroups (n = 11–16) assayed with functional MRI. Met allele load consistently predicted a more efficient physiological response in prefrontal cortex. Finally, in a family-based association analysis of 104 trios, we found a significant increase in transmission of the Val allele to the schizophrenic offspring. These data suggest that the COMT Val allele, because it increases prefrontal dopamine catabolism, impairs prefrontal cognition and physiology, and by this mechanism slightly increases risk for schizophrenia.