Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mulla, Irfan A. and Dowlut, Aadil and Hussain, Taaha and Nikolaou, Zacharias M. and Chakravarthy, Satyanarayanan R. and Swaminathan, Nedunchezhian and Balachandran, Ramanarayanan (2016) Heat release rate estimation in laminar premixed flames using laser-induced fluorescence of CH2O

The present work demonstrates the feasibility of heat release rate imaging using the laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) of atomic hydrogen (H-atom) and formaldehyde (CH2O) in laminar premixed flames. The product of H-atom LIF and CH2O LIF signals is evaluated on a pixel-by-pixel basis and is compared with that of the OH × CH2O technique. These results for equivalence ratio ranging from 0.8 to 1.1 are compared with computations of one-dimensional freely-propagating flames. The performance of these markers is studied based on the following two aspects: the spatial accuracy of the local heat release rate and the trend in the total heat release rate with equivalence ratio. The measured trend in the spatial distribution of radicals and the deduced heat release rate agree well with the computational values. The variation in the spatially integrated heat release rate as a function of equivalence ratio is also investigated. The results suggest that the trend in the variation of the integrated heat release rate and the spatial location of heat release rate can be evaluated by either of these markers. The OH-based marker showed certain sensitivity to the chemical mechanism as compared to the H-atom based marker. Both the OH-based and H-atom based techniques provide close estimates of heat release rate. The OH based technique has practical advantage when compared to the H-atom based method, primarily due to the fact that the H-atom LIF is a two-photon process. © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of The Combustion Institute. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
The Sloan Digital Sky Survey Quasar Survey: Quasar Luminosity Function from Data Release 3

We determine the number counts and z = 0-5 luminosity function for a well-defined, homogeneous sample of quasars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). We conservatively define the most uniform statistical sample possible, consisting of 15,343 quasars within an effective area of 1622 deg2 that was derived from a parent sample of 46,420 spectroscopically confirmed broad-line quasars in the 5282 deg2 of imaging data from SDSS Data Release 3. The sample extends from i = 15 to 19.1 at z ≲ 3 and to i = 20.2 for z ≳ 3. The number counts and luminosity function agree well with the results of the Two Degree Field QSO Redshift Survey (2QZ) at redshifts and luminosities at which the SDSS and 2QZ quasar samples overlap, but the SDSS data probe to much higher redshifts than does the 2QZ sample. The number density of luminous quasars peaks between redshifts 2 and 3, although uncertainties in the selection function in this range do not allow us to determine the peak redshift more precisely. Our best-fit model has a flatter bright-end slope at high redshift than at low redshift. For z < 2.4 the data are best fit by a redshift-independent slope of β = -3.1 [Φ(L) ∝ Lβ]. Above z = 2.4 the slope flattens with redshift to β ≳ -2.37 at z = 5. This slope change, which is significant at the ≳5 σ level, must be accounted for in models of the evolution of accretion onto supermassive black holes.
Credit Risk Transfer and Bank Competition

We present a banking model with imperfect competition in which borrowers’ access to credit is improved when banks are able to transfer credit risks. However, the market for credit risk transfer (CRT) works smoothly only if the quality of loans is public information. If the quality of loans is private information, banks have an incentive to grant unprofitable loans in order to transfer them to other parties, leading to an increase in aggregate risk. Nevertheless, the introduction of CRT generally increases welfare in our setup. However, under private information, higher competition induces an expansion of loans to unprofitable firms, which in the limit offsets the welfare gains from CRT completely.
Liver Adenomatosis and Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) Type 3 Due to HNF1A Mutation Not Previously Described

The term MODY (maturity-onset diabetes of the young) is allocated for a heterogeneous subgroup of different diseases, characterized by its autosomal dominant inheritance, with high penetrance and early expression in childhood and early youth. They are due to genetic defects in factors involved in the formation and function of pancreatic beta cells. MODY 3 diabetes is the most common in adults. Liver adenomatosis is a rare disease. Diagnosis requires the presence of more than ten adenomas in a healthy parenchyma, the absence of liver storage diseases, and nor prior steroid treatment. In 2002 Bluteau and colleagues find a common genetic defect for both pathologies, HNF1A gene’s mutation. So far just five unrelated families with liver adenomatosis and MODY 3 diabetes due to HNF1A mutation have been reported. To our knowledge only four cases suffering from both pathologies under the age of 18 have been previously reported, and the mutation detected in all of them is P291fs in exon 4 of HNF1A gene. We present the case of a teenager with liver adenomatosis and MODY 3 diabetes, carrying a not previously described HNF1A gene’s mutation. J Endocrinol Metab. 2014;4(3):81-85 doi: http://dx.doi. org/10.14740/jem218w
Impact of high‐frequency waves on the ocean altimeter range bias

New aircraft observations are presented on the range determination error in satellite altimetry associated with ocean waves. Laser-based measurements of the cross correlation between the gravity wave slope and elevation are reported for the first time. These observations provide direct access to a long, O(10 m), gravity wave statistic central to nonlinear wave theory prediction of the altimeter sea state bias. Coincident Ka-band radar scattering data are used to estimate an electromagnetic (EM) range bias analogous to that in satellite altimetry. These data, along with ancillary wind and wave slope variance estimates, are used alongside existing theory to evaluate the extent of long- versus short-wave, O(cm), control of the bias. The longer wave bias contribution to the total EM bias is shown to range from 25 to as much as 100%. Moreover, on average the term is linearly related to wind speed and to the gravity wave slope variance, consistent with WNL theory. The EM bias associated with interactions between long and short waves is obtained assuming the effect is additive to the independently observed long-wave factor. This second component is also a substantial contributor, is observed to be quadratic in wind speed or wave slope, and dominates at moderate wind speeds. The behavior is shown to be consistent with EM bias prediction based in hydrodynamic modulation theory. Study implications for improved correction of the on-orbit satellite sea state bias are discussed.
Clintonite-1M: Crystal chemistry and its relationships to closely associated Al-rich phlogopite

Abstract Crystal-structure refinements were performed on clintonite-1M crystals [ideal composition [6]Ca[6](Mg2Al)[4](SiAl3)O10(OH)2] from skarns of the Predazzo-Monzoni area and Adamello Massif (northern Italy) with the aim of characterizing some aspects of their crystal chemistry and their relationships with closely associated phlogopite-1M In the clintonite samples examined, the tetrahedral composition ranges from Si1.19Al2. 78Fe0.03 to Si1.28Al2. 70Fe0.02, indicating that the extent of the exchange vector [4]Al-1[6]Mg-2[4]Si[6](Al,⃞), which links trioctahedral with dioctahedral Ca-bearing brittle micas, was very limited. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction data were collected and structure refinements completed in space group C2/m converging to Robs from 0.027 to 0.037 for six samples. The [4]Al3+ for [4]Si4+ substitution, which is close to 70%, produces more regular and flatter tetrahedra than in the case of phlogopite, together with an increase in the thickness and in the lateral dimensions of the sheet; the presence of Al3+ in octahedral coordination, on the other hand, reduces the dimensions of both M1 and M2 sites with a consequent decrease in the thickness of the sheet. The volume, the flattening angle Ψ and the central cation off-center shift (BLD) of the trans M1 octahedral site are greater than those of the cis M2 site, thus indicating a normal octahedral ordering. The high misfit value (from 1.187 to 1.326 A) between tetrahedral and octahedral sheets is mostly compensated by the distortion of the tetrahedral ring (tetrahedral rotation angle α: 23.1 ≤ α ≤ 24.9°). Relative to phlogopite, the interlayer separation in clintonite is reduced by about 0.6 Å.
A model‐based interpretation of low‐frequency changes in the carbon cycle during the last 120,000 years and its implications for the reconstruction of atmospheric Δ14C

A main caveat in the interpretation of observed changes in atmospheric Δ14C during the last 50,000 years is the unknown variability of the carbon cycle, which together with changes in the 14C production rates determines the 14C dynamics. A plausible scenario explaining glacial/interglacial dynamics seen in atmospheric CO2 and δ13C was proposed recently (Köhler et al., 2005a). A similar approach that expands its interpretation to the 14C cycle is an important step toward a deeper understanding of Δ14C variability. This approach is based on an ocean/atmosphere/biosphere box model of the global carbon cycle (BICYCLE) to reproduce low‐frequency changes in atmospheric CO2 as seen in Antarctic ice cores. The model is forced forward in time by various paleoclimatic records derived from ice and sediment cores. The simulation results of our proposed scenario match a compiled CO2 record from various ice cores during the last 120,000 years with high accuracy (r2 = 0.89). We analyze scenarios with different 14C production rates, which are either constant or based on 10Be measured in Greenland ice cores or the recent high‐resolution geomagnetic field reconstruction GLOPIS‐75 and compare them with the available Δ14C data covering the last 50,000 years. Our results suggest that during the last glacial cycle in general less than 110‰ of the increased atmospheric Δ14C is based on variations in the carbon cycle, while the largest part (5/6) of the variations has to be explained by other factors. Glacial atmospheric Δ14C larger than 700‰ cannot not be explained within our framework, neither through carbon cycle‐based changes nor through variable 14C production. Superimposed on these general trends might lie positive anomalies in atmospheric Δ14C of ∼50‰ caused by millennial‐scale variability of the northern deep water production during Heinrich events and Dansgaard/Oeschger climate fluctuations. According to our model, the dominant processes that increase glacial Δ14C are a reduced glacial ocean circulation (+∼40‰), a restricted glacial gas exchange between the atmosphere and the surface ocean through sea ice coverage (+∼20‰), and the enrichment of dissolved inorganic carbon with 14C in the surface waters through isotopic fractionation during higher glacial marine export production caused by iron fertilization (+∼10‰).
Distribution , Habitat , and Productivity of Tundra Swans on Victoria Island , King William Island , and Southwestern Boothia Peninsula

Data on tundra swans (Cygnus columbianus columbianus) were recorded in the central and eastern Canadian Arctic, south of 77’N latitude, and on Southampton Island during the summers of 1980-85. Swans were seen on Victoria, Royal Geographical Society, King William, Stanley, and Southampton islands and on southwestern Melville and Boothia peninsulas. Most swans inhabited low-lying areas that were inundated by the sea following glaciation and are now dotted with shallow tundra ponds. Breeding swans were common in the Minto Inlet, Lady Franklin Point, and Cambridge Bay areas of Victoria Island and on King William Island and southwestern Boothia Peninsula. In August, 52-89% of the adults and subadults in these areas were seen as potential breeders, and the remainder were in nonkreeding flocks. Between 17 and 33% of the pairs had cygnets, and 10-13% of all swans were cygnets. With brood sizes of 1-3 (1.5 f 0.7 [X f SD] to 1.6 f 0.5), the apparent breeding success was low relative to other northern swan populations. However, these breeding populations are significant and should be considered in management plans for the eastern population of the tundra swan.
Smallholder Farmers’ Perception of Climate Change Versus Meteorological Data in Semi-arid Areas of Iringa District, Tanzania

The ongoing changes in global climate threaten the sources of livelihood, especially among smallholder farmers in poor parts of the world. Smallholder farmers need to recognize the changes in climate already taking place in their areas and undertake appropriate investments towards adaptation. The coping and adaptation strategies of the farmers are linked to a very large extent with their perception on climate change and its impacts. The main objective of this study is to examine smallholder farmers’ perception of climate change vis-a-vis meteorological data. Specifically this paper answers the following research questions: how smallholder farmers perceive climate change, what are the meteorological data of the study area, and how meteorological data link with smallholder farmers’ perception to climate change. The study was carried out in semi-arid areas of Iringa District. The research design was cross sectional. A multistage sampling procedure was applied to select divisions, wards, villages and households. Ismani and Pawaga Divisions of Iringa District were purposefully selected based on their climatic conditions. A total of 240 respondents were drawn randomly from eight villages. Data were collected through household survey, key informant interviews, observation and focus group discussions methods. Meteorological data were collected from Tanzania Meteorological Agency. Quantitative data were analyzed through SPSS and qualitative data through content analysis. Instant Statistical Packages for Agro-climatological data was used in analyzing the 54 years meteorological data of Nduli meteorological station in Iringa District. The findings revealed that smallholder farmers perceived climate change in terms of change in temperature, changes in rainfall, increase in drought condition and increase in malaria and crop pests and diseases. Change in rainfall pattern, temperature pattern and occurrence of pests and diseases had significant impact on smallholder farmers’ households whose livelihood depends on rain fed farming. Therefore smallholder farmers need to adapt to the changing climate. It is recommended that there is need for development of appropriate adaptation strategies to climate change of which smallholder farmers in semi-arid areas of Iringa District perceived. This can be achieved by helping smallholder farmers use their local knowledge in combination with introduced innovations to enhance adaptation to the impact of climate change. Key words : perception; climate change; temperature and rainfall; semi arid; Iringa; smallholder farmers; Tanzania
Global cloud condensation nuclei influenced by carbonaceous combustion aerosol

Abstract. Black carbon in carbonaceous combustion aerosol warms the climate by absorbing solar radiation, meaning reductions in black carbon emissions are often perceived as an attractive global warming mitigation option. However, carbonaceous combustion aerosol can also act as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) so they also cool the climate by increasing cloud albedo. The net radiative effect of carbonaceous combustion aerosol is uncertain because their contribution to CCN has not been evaluated on the global scale. By combining extensive observations of CCN concentrations with the GLOMAP global aerosol model, we find that the model is biased low (normalised mean bias = −77 %) unless carbonaceous combustion aerosol act as CCN. We show that carbonaceous combustion aerosol accounts for more than half (52–64 %) of global CCN with the range due to uncertainty in the emitted size distribution of carbonaceous combustion particles. The model predicts that wildfire and pollution (fossil fuel and biofuel) carbonaceous combustion aerosol causes a global mean cloud albedo aerosol indirect effect of −0.34 W m −2 , with stronger cooling if we assume smaller particle emission size. We calculate that carbonaceous combustion aerosol from pollution sources cause a global mean aerosol indirect effect of −0.23 W m −2 . The small size of carbonaceous combustion particles from fossil fuel sources means that whilst pollution sources account for only one-third of the emitted mass they cause two-thirds of the cloud albedo aerosol indirect effect that is due to carbonaceous combustion aerosol. This cooling effect must be accounted for, along with other cloud effects not studied here, to ensure that black carbon emissions controls that reduce the high number concentrations of fossil fuel particles have the desired net effect on climate.
Application of response surface methodology in the formulation of nutrient broth systems with predetermined pH and water activities

Polynomial models describing the individual and combined influences of solutes (sucrose and NaCl) and pH on the water activity (aw) of nutrient broth systems (NBS) were established using Response Surface Methodology. For the sucrose-pH model, the linear, quadratic and interactive influences of sucrose concentration and pH significantly affected aw; while only the linear and quadratic influences of NaCl and pH significantly affected aw in NaCl-pH model. The resulting models were characterized with satisfactory goodness-of-fit and efficient predictive performance. The established models may be used in the estimation of NBS components to formulate growth media with desired physicochemical property combinations and may be applied when studying microbial behaviors such as in quantitative microbial ecology.
An investigation of effective SNR-change through amplitude-compression hearing aids

The long-term Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) at the input and output of compression amplification hearing aids (HA) are measured and computed. Systematic changes of long-term SNR from input to output are found. These changes are affected by both compression system parameters and signal properties of speech and noise. Such SNR changes may potentially affect perceptual performance for users of compression HAs. This is also investigated, although the current standing of this work does not provide a clear conclusion.
Velocity Profiles for Flow of Omani Crude Oils and Other Liquids

Velocity profiles of Newtonian immiscible liquids undergoing laminar flow between two horizontal plates under pressure gradient are investigated using a momentum balance equation. The differential equation describing the flow has been solved and equations for the velocity profiles of a two-layer and three-layer liquid systems are presented. As examples, we show flow patterns of two-layer water-crude oil system and three-layer system involving water, tetrachloromethane, xylene, cyclopentane and hexane. A distinctive pattern is noticeable between the velocity profiles of heavy (API 19.19) and light (API 40.89) Omani crude oils.
CTLA-4+49 polymorphism and susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis in Pakistani population.

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA-4), similar to co-stimulatory molecule CD28, plays an important role in down regulation of T cell activation. CLTA-4 binds to B7 with much greater affinity as compared to CD28, thus limiting the enhanced activation of T cells and preventing autoimmune diseases. CTLA-4 gene has an important variation rs231775 which interferes with the functioning of CTLA-4 causing uncontrolled activation of T cells. rs231775 may prone individuals to development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a severe autoimmune disease. This study aims to find the possible role of rs231775 polymorphism and the risk factors smoking, hypertension and diabetes in conferring susceptibility to RA in Pakistani population. Allele specific PCR based strategy was used to amplify rs231775 in samples of 100 RA patients and 100 age and sex matched healthy individuals. GG genotype of rs231775 polymorphism was found to increase the risk of RA development by 3.0186 times (OR 3.0186; 95% CI 1.6774-5.4322). Smoking increased the risk of RA development by 3.1672 times (OR or 3.1672; 95% CI 1.7766- 5.6462). Diabetes was found to increase the risk of RA development by 2.172 times (OR 2.172; 95% CI 1.1897- 3.9669). Hypertension also increased the risk of RA development by 2.280 times (OR 2.280; 95% CI 1.2676-4.1021). It can be concluded that smoking, diabetes, hypertension and rs231775 play an important role in development of RA in Pakistani population.
Interlayer structure, anion dynamics, and phase transitions in mixed-metal layered hydroxides: Variable temperature 35Cl NMR spectroscopy of hydrotalcite and Ca-aluminate hydrate (hydrocalumite)

Abstract The 35Cl NMR spectroscopy of Cl--intercalated hydrotalcite and the Ca-aluminate hydrate hydrocalumite (Friedel’s salt) demonstrates dynamical behavior of interlayer Cl-, the presence of dynamical order-disorder phase transitions in these phases, and significant differences in the transition temperatures and temperature interval over which the transitions occur. In hydrocalumite, the Ca,Al distribution is ordered, the interlayer water is directly coordinated to Ca in the hydroxide layer (creating sevenfold-coordinated Ca), and the interlayer Cl- and water sites are well ordered. The 35Cl NMR data show that the interlayer Cl- site has uniaxial or nearly uniaxial symmetry above about 0 °C and reduced (triaxial) symmetry at lower temperatures. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data show this change to be due to a structural phase transition at about 6 °C. The NMR and XRD data suggest that this phase transition is due to dynamical order-disorder involving a rigid interlayer atomic arrangement at low temperatures and dynamically averaged interlayer species at high temperatures. In contrast, in hydrotalcite Mg and Al are disordered over the octahedral sites, and the interlayer is disordered. The 35Cl NMR data for it show poorly resolved signal indicating a range of Cl⁻ environments and a change from triaxial to uniaxial or nearly uniaxial symmetry at Cl⁻ occurring over a broad temperature interval below -40 °C. DSC data for our sample shows a broad and poorly defined endothermic anomaly in the -100 to -75 °C range. These data suggest the presence of a phase transition that occurs over a larger temperature range due to its disordered interlayer structure. The results suggest that similar variable temperature NMR behavior previously observed for interlayer cations in smectites can be thought of as due to comparable phase transitions that lack well-defined critical temperatures due to the disordered interlayer structures.