Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On modeling air/spaceborne Radar returns in the melting layer

The bright band is the enhanced radar echo associated with the melting of hydrometeors in stratiform rain. To simulate this radar signature, a scattering model of melting snow is proposed in which the fractional water content is prescribed as a function of the radius of a spherical mixed-phase particle consisting of air, ice, and water. The model is based on the observation that melting starts at the surface of the particle and then gradually develops toward the center. To compute the scattering parameters of a nonuniform melting particle, the particle is modeled as a sphere represented by a collection of 64/sup 3/ cubic cells of identical size where the probability of water at any cell is prescribed as a function of the radius. The internal field of the particle, used for deriving the effective dielectric constant, is computed by the conjugate gradient and fast Fourier transform (CGFFT) numerical methods. To make computations of the scattering parameters more efficient, a multilayer stratified-sphere scattering model is introduced after demonstrating that the scattering parameters of the nonuniformly melting particle can be accurately reproduced by the stratified sphere. In conjunction with a melting layer model that describes the melting fractions and fall velocities of hydrometeors as a function of the distance from the 0/spl deg/C isotherm, the stratified-sphere model is used to simulate the radar bright-band profiles. These simulated profiles are shown to compare well with measurements from the Precipitation Radar (PR) aboard the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite and a dual-wavelength airborne radar. The results suggest that the proposed model of a melting snow particle may be useful in studying the characteristics of the bright-band in particular and mixed-phase hydrometeors in general.
The role of domain-general cognitive control in language comprehension

What role does domain-general cognitive control play in understanding linguistic input? Although much evidence has suggested that domain-general cognitive control and working memory resources are sometimes recruited during language comprehension, many aspects of this relationship remain elusive. For example, how frequently do cognitive control mechanisms get engaged when we understand language? And is this engagement necessary for successful comprehension? I here (a) review recent brain imaging evidence for the neural separability of the brain regions that support high-level linguistic processing vs. those that support domain-general cognitive control abilities; (b) define the space of possibilities for the relationship between these sets of brain regions; and (c) review the available evidence that constrains these possibilities to some extent. I argue that we should stop asking whether domain-general cognitive control mechanisms play a role in language comprehension, and instead focus on characterizing the division of labor between the cognitive control brain regions and the more functionally specialized language regions.
Monetary and Fiscal Theories of the Price Level: The Irreconcilable Differences

The fiscal theory of the price level (FTPL) has attracted much attention but disagreement remains concerning its defining characteristics. Some writers have emphasized implications regarding interest-rate pegging and determinacy of RE solutions, whereas others have stressed its capacity to generate equilibria in which price level trajectories mimic those of bonds and differ drastically from those of money supplies. We argue that the FTPL attained prominence precisely because it appeared to provide a theory whose implications differ greatly from conventional monetary analysis; accordingly we review monetarist writings to identify the primary distinctions. In addition, we review recent findings concerning learnability - and therefore plausibility - of competing RE equilibria. These indicate that when FTPL and monetarist equilibria differ, the latter are more plausible in the vast majority of cases. Under Ricardian assumptions, necessary for clear distinctions, theoretical analysis indicates that fiscal and monetary coordination is not necessary for macroeconomic stability.
Who Do High-Growth Firms Hire?

We study employment and new hires among high-growth firms (HGFs) in the Swedish knowledge-intensive sectors 1999--2002. Using matched employer--employee data, we find that HGFs are more likely to employ young people, poorly educated workers, immigrants, and individuals who experienced longer unemployment periods. However, these patterns seem contingent on the stage of the firm's evolution. HGFs that have already realized some rapid growth are more likely to hire individuals from other firms, even though immigrants are still overrepresented among new hires. In the case of both HGF employees and HGF new hires, employment opportunities in HGFs are provided by young and small firms. Copyright 2014 The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Associazione ICC. All rights reserved. , Oxford University Press.
Finding Meaning in Nostalgia

Nostalgia—defined as sentimental longing for one's past—is a self-relevant, albeit deeply social, and an ambivalent, albeit more positive than negative, emotion. As nostalgia brings the past into present focus, it has existential implications. Nostalgia helps people find meaning in their lives, and it does so primarily by increasing social connectedness (a sense of belongingness and acceptance), and secondarily by augmenting self-continuity (a sense of connection between one's past and one's present). Also, nostalgia-elicited meaning facilitates the pursuit of one's important goals. Moreover, nostalgia acts as a buffer against existential threats. In particular, it shields against meaning threat, and buffers the impact of mortality salience on meaning, collective identity, accessibility of mortality-related thoughts, and death anxiety. Finally, nostalgia confers psychological benefits to individuals with chronic or momentary meaning deficits. These benefits are higher subjective vitality, lower stress, and regulation of meaning-seeking in response to boredom. Taken together, nostalgia helps people attain a more meaningful life, protects from existential threat, and contributes to psychological equanimity.
NoC‐Based SoC Test Scheduling Using Ant Colony Optimization

In this paper, we propose a novel ant colony optimization (ACO)‐based test scheduling method for testing network‐on‐chip (NoC)‐based systems‐on‐chip (SoCs), on the assumption that the test platform, including specific methods and configurations such as test packet routing, generation, and absorption, is installed. The ACO metaheuristic model, inspired by the ant's foraging behavior, can autonomously find better results by exploring more solution space. The proposed method efficiently combines the rectangle packing method with ACO and improves the scheduling results by dynamically choosing the test‐access‐mechanism widths for cores and changing the testing orders. The power dissipation and variable test clock mode are also considered. Experimental results using ITC’02 benchmark circuits show that the proposed algorithm can efficiently reduce overall test time. Moreover, the computation time of the algorithm is less than a few seconds in most cases.
Aggregate Tail Risk , Economic Disasters , and the Cross-Section of Expected Returns

The aggregate tail risk measure constructed in Kelly and Jiang (2014) has no additional explanatory power when added to a standard model of the unconditional crosssection of expected returns. In conditional predictive regression systems and vectorautoregressions of the market portfolio and the longand short-sides of the SMB and HML portfolios, the tail measure appears to forecast expected returns – and not cash flows – on both small and large stocks and on growth stocks. This is inconsistent with a rare disaster model of asset prices which should operate primarily through a cash flow channel. The tail measure appears to be related to decades long movements in expected returns which may be more consistent with a long-run risks model. ∗Mailing Address (both authors): McIntire School of Commerce, University of Virginia, Rouss & Robertson Halls, East Lawn, P.O. Box 400173, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4173, e-mail: david.chapman@virginia.edu. and mgallmeyer@virginia.edu. We would like to thank Alex Chinko, Tim Johnson, Dana Kiku, Neil Pearson, Josh Pollett and the participants in the FEBB seminar at the Darden School at the University of Virginia and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for helpful comments. We would like to thank Bryan Kelly and Hao Jiang for providing the time series of their tail risk factor. The current version of this paper (along with supporting programs and public domain data) is available online at https://sites.google. com/site/davidchapmanswebsite/research/cg_tailrisk. †Corresponding author 1
AIR Inhaled Insulin in Subjects With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

OBJECTIVE— In this open-label, randomized, crossover study, pharmacokinetic and glucodynamic responses were compared in healthy subjects versus subjects with moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), following administration of 12 units equivalent AIR inhaled insulin versus 12 units subcutaneous insulin lispro. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— Three nonsmoking groups (n = 15 each)— healthy subjects (baseline mean ± SD age 38 ± 13 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1] 4.06 ± 1.04 l), subjects with chronic bronchitis (aged 53 ± 9 years, FEV1 2.14 ± 0.60 l), and subjects with pulmonary emphysema (aged 58 ± 6 years, FEV1 1.67 ± 0.61 l)— were randomly assigned to one of three treatment sequences. Three euglycemic glucose clamp procedures were performed. RESULTS— In subjects with chronic bronchitis and emphysema, AIR inhaled insulin administration resulted in reduced insulin exposure (area under the serum insulin concentration curve from time zero until time of return to baseline [AUC0–t′]) (55.7%, P = 0.13 and 78.5%, P < 0.001, respectively) and reduced total insulin effect (total glucose infusion rate) (60.4%, P < 0.01 and 67.1%, P < 0.01, respectively) relative to healthy subjects. Subcutaneous insulin lispro administration resulted in similar responses across study groups for insulin exposure and metabolic effect. Intrasubject pharmacokinetic and glucodynamic variability ranged from 17 to 52% across groups. No significant differences were shown for pre- and postclamp pulmonary function tests. During clamps, FEV1 and forced vital capacity declined modestly in both COPD groups, with no difference between AIR insulin and subcutaneous insulin lispro. CONCLUSIONS— Short-term exposure to AIR inhaled insulin was well tolerated by COPD subjects, showing similar time-exposure and time-action profiles, but with reduced insulin absorption and metabolic effect compared with healthy subjects. Further clinical evaluation is warranted in patients with comorbid diabetes and COPD.
Abstract Spatial Reasoning as an Autistic Strength

Autistic individuals typically excel on spatial tests that measure abstract reasoning, such as the Block Design subtest on intelligence test batteries and the Raven’s Progressive Matrices nonverbal test of intelligence. Such well-replicated findings suggest that abstract spatial processing is a relative and perhaps absolute strength of autistic individuals. However, previous studies have not systematically varied reasoning level – concrete vs. abstract – and test domain – spatial vs. numerical vs. verbal, which the current study did. Autistic participants (N = 72) and non-autistic participants (N = 72) completed a battery of 12 tests that varied by reasoning level (concrete vs. abstract) and domain (spatial vs. numerical vs. verbal). Autistic participants outperformed non-autistic participants on abstract spatial tests. Non-autistic participants did not outperform autistic participants on any of the three domains (spatial, numerical, and verbal) or at either of the two reasoning levels (concrete and abstract), suggesting similarity in abilities between autistic and non-autistic individuals, with abstract spatial reasoning as an autistic strength.
Use of Observational Weather Data and Forecasts in Emergency Management: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

AbstractMany factors affect the extent to which forecasts inform emergency responses. In a survey based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), 207 U.S. emergency managers (EMs) were asked about 1) their past and intended future use of short-term weather forecasts and recorded weather data, 2) the perceived limitations and 3a) their attitude toward the usefulness of such weather information, 3b) their attitude toward their job and toward uncertainty, 4) perceived social norms, and 5) self-assessed numeracy. Work experience was found to be the best predictor of whether an emergency manager relied on recorded weather data and short-term weather forecasts in the past or intends to do so in the future. Among TPB variables, mainly social expectations and data attitude drive the reliance on recorded weather data and short-term forecasts. The EMs’ perception of the weather information’s limitations is related to their perceptions of what their social surroundings think. In sum, this article sheds light on when .
QuantCrit: education, policy, ‘Big Data’ and principles for a critical race theory of statistics

Abstract Quantitative research enjoys heightened esteem among policy-makers, media, and the general public. Whereas qualitative research is frequently dismissed as subjective and impressionistic, statistics are often assumed to be objective and factual. We argue that these distinctions are wholly false; quantitative data is no less socially constructed than any other form of research material. The first part of the paper presents a conceptual critique of the field with empirical examples that expose and challenge hidden assumptions that frequently encode racist perspectives beneath the façade of supposed quantitative objectivity. The second part of the paper draws on the tenets of Critical Race Theory (CRT) to set out some principles to guide the future use and analysis of quantitative data. These ‘QuantCrit’ ideas concern (1) the centrality of racism as a complex and deeply rooted aspect of society that is not readily amenable to quantification; (2) numbers are not neutral and should be interrogated for their role in promoting deficit analyses that serve White racial interests; (3) categories are neither ‘natural’ nor given and so the units and forms of analysis must be critically evaluated; (4) voice and insight are vital: data cannot ‘speak for itself’ and critical analyses should be informed by the experiential knowledge of marginalized groups; (5) statistical analyses have no inherent value but can play a role in struggles for social justice.
The Effects of Silver on Intestinal Ion and Acid-base Regulation in the Marine Teleost Fish, Parophrys Detulus

Exposure to elevated silver (as AgNO,) concentrations (6-9 pM) in seawater was associated with comparably high silver concentrations in the intestinzrl fluids of the lemon sole (Parophrys uettrlus), and a tendency for reduced drinking r:rte. The effects of silver on intestinal ion and acid-base regulation were studied using in situ perfusion of the intestine. Intestinal net Cl-uptake was reduced from 0.4 to 0.1 and intestinal net Na+ uptake from 0.2 to 0 mmol kg rh-rduring silver exposure (9 pM). At the same time, intestinal HCOt net efflux was reduced fton.r 0.2 to 0.1 mmol kg-th-r. Both intestinal Na+ and Cl uptake and Cl /HCO; exchange are thus sensitive to silver, but to different extents. None ol the observed effects were reversible during 24 h of recovery. Intestinal lvater transport was highly variable in vivo in the perfused pleparation, and no significant effect of silver exposure was observed. However, in vitro intestine preparations exhibited reduction of intestinal net water flux fron 4 to I pl cm-2 h-r during silver exposnre together with reduced unidirectional Cl-inflLrx. Reduced water intake and transepitl.relial water transport in silver-exposed fish resulted in moderate hemoconcentration evident from higher hematocrit values, but not in increased plasma ion levels. The latter could reflect a compensatory response via increased branchial Na+/K+-ATPase levels, obselved in silver-exposed fish, indicative of increased branchial ion transport capacity. In-rpairment of intestinal ion and water transport as a result of siiver intake via drinking could be an important part of the fatal cascade of physiological effects observed in marine fish during acute silver exposure. t I I t l. Introduction Silver is released to the environment by natural erosion , mining and photographic processing, and is discharged in variable amounts in the effluent of sewage treatment plants [12]. Waterborne silver toxicity has receivcd increasing attention over the last decade (reviewed by Hogstrand and Wood [5] and Wood et al. potentially one of the most toxic metals to freshwater fish, but complexation by naturally occurring ligands (e.g. chloride, dissohed organic matter, sulfide) greatly attenuates toxicity' in most natural waters. Silver toxicity to marine fish is not well described. While the toxic mechanisms for Ag+ toxicity to freshwater fish are relatively well understood [0,19,22], only a few studies address the physiology of silver toxicity to marine fish [4,14,18]. Because of the high Cl-concentration in seawater, Ag+ is virtually non-existent in the marine environment and all silver exists in …
Correlations among Global Photometric Properties of Disk Galaxies

Using a two-dimensional galaxy image decomposition technique, we extract global bulge and disk parameters for a complete sample of early-type disk galaxies in the near-infrared K band. We find significant correlation of the bulge parameter n with the central bulge surface brightness μb(0) and with effective radius re. Using bivariate analysis techniques, we find that log n, log re, and μb(0) are distributed in a plane with small scatter. We do not find a strong correlation of n with bulge-to-disk luminosity ratio, contrary to earlier reports. For these early-type disk galaxies, re and the disk scale length rd are well correlated, but with large scatter. We examine the implications of our results for various bulge formation scenarios in disk galaxies.
Impact of Religious Affiliation on Ethical Values of Spanish Environmental Activists

We analyzed the impact of religious affiliation on the ethical and environmental values of Spanish environmental activists, based on an internet survey and a working seminar held with representatives of major environmental non-government organizations (ENGO) of Spain. Respondents’ religious affiliations were significantly different compared with those of Spanish society in general, with a much higher proportion of Buddhists, agnostics and atheists and a lower proportion of Catholics. Strict environmental values of ENGOs activists did not show significant differences between the religious groups, which imply that religious beliefs did not impact actual environmental values. However, they did have a significant influence on the activists’ opinions on other bioethical issues. We found that Catholics and believers of other religions were more in favor than agnostics and atheists of introducing ethical limits on abortion, euthanasia or human embryo manipulation.
Modeling and Analysis of Beaconless and Beacon-Based Policies for a Swarm-Intelligent Inspection System

We are developing a swarm-intelligent inspection system based on a swarm of autonomous, miniature robots, using only on-board, local sensors. To estimate intrinsic advantages and limitations of the proposed possible distributed control solution, we capture the dynamic of the system at a higher abstraction level using non-spatial probabilistic microscopic and macroscopic models. In a previous publication, we showed that we are able to predict quantitatively the performances of the swarm of robots for a given metric and a beaconless policy. In this paper, after briefly reviewing our modeling methodology, we explore the effect of adding an additional state to the individual robot controller, which allow robots to serve as a beacon for teammates and therefore bias their inspection routes. Results show that this additional complexity helps the swarm of robots to be more efficient in terms of energy consumption but not necessarily in terms of time required to complete the inspection. We also demonstrate that a beacon-based policy introduces a strong coupling among the behavior of robots, coupling which in turn results in nonlinearities at the macroscopic model level.
36-Year-Old Female with Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome Treated with Eculizumab: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition characterized by diffuse vascular thrombosis, leading to multiple organ failure developing over a short period of time in the presence of positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). CAPS is a severe form of antiphospholipid syndrome, developing in about 1% of cases of classic antiphospholipid syndrome, manifesting as microangiopathy, affecting small vessels of multiple organs. It is acute in onset, with majority of cases developing thrombocytopenia and less frequently hemolytic anemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies have been reported as predominant antibodies associated with CAPS. Treatment options often utilized in CAPS include anticoagulation, steroids, plasma exchange, cyclophosphamide therapy, and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Even though the reported incidence of this condition is considered to be low, the mortality rate is approaching 50%. The high rate of mortality should warrant greater awareness among clinicians for timely diagnosis and treatment of this life-threatening condition. Studies have shown that complement activation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of aPL mediated thrombosis in CAPS. We report a case of a 36-year-old female admitted with clinical and laboratory findings consistent with CAPS successfully treated with eculizumab, a terminal complement inhibitor.
Video enhancement using a robust iterative SRR based on Andrew's Sine regularization technique

In this paper, we propose a alternative robust video enhancement algorithm using SRR based on the regularization ML technique. First, the classical registration process is used to estimate the relationship between the reference frame and other neighboring frames. Subsequently, the Andrew's Sine norm is used for measuring the difference between the projected estimate of the high quality image and each low high quality image and for removing outliers in the data. Moreover, Tikhonov regularization is incorporated in the proposed framework in order to remove artifacts from the final answer and to improve the rate of convergence. Later, the reconstructed video frame is estimated by minimize the total cost function. Finally, experimental results are presented to demonstrate the outstanding performance of the proposed algorithm in comparison to several previously published methods using standard sequences such as Foreman and Susie that are corrupted by several noise models such as AWGN, Poisson Noise, Salt & Pepper Noise and Speckle Noise.