Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Possible association between Indian monsoon rainfall and solar activity

Over the 120 y period (1871–1990) for which reliable Indian rainfall statistics are available, solar activity parameters exhibit nonstationarity. Taking this fact into account, we present here the results of an analysis of four solar activity indices and seven major Indian monsoon rainfall time series, over two distinct test periods respectively of low and high solar activity, each comprising three complete solar cycles. It is found that the average rainfall is higher in all seven rainfall indices during periods of greater solar activity, at confidence levels varying from 75% to 99%, being 95% or greater in three of them. Using wavelet techniques it is also found that the power in the 8–16 y band during the period of higher solar activity is higher in 6 of the 7 rainfall time series, at confidence levels exceeding 99.99%. These results support existence of connections between Indian rainfall and solar activity.
The Human Immunodeﬁciency Virus Type 1 Accessory Protein Vpu Induces Apoptosis by Suppressing the Nuclear Factor (cid:2) B–dependent Expression of Antiapoptotic Factors

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 Vpu is an integral membrane protein with a unique affinity for (cid:3) TrCP (TrCP), a key member of the SkpI-Cullin-F-box E3 ubiquitin ligase complex that is involved in the regulated degradation of cellular proteins, including I (cid:2) B. Re-markably, Vpu is resistant to TrCP-mediated degradation and competitively inhibits TrCP-dependent degradation of I (cid:2) B, resulting in the suppression of nuclear factor (NF)- (cid:2) B activity in Vpu-expressing cells. We now report that Vpu, through its interaction with TrCP, potently contributes to the induction of apoptosis in HIV-infected T cells. Vpu-induced apoptosis is specific and independent of other viral proteins. Mutation of a TrCP-binding motif in Vpu abolishes its apoptogenic property, demonstrating a close correlation between this property of Vpu and its ability to inhibit NF- (cid:2) B activity. The involvement of NF- (cid:2) B in Vpu-induced apoptosis is further supported by the finding that the levels of antiapoptotic factors Bcl-xL, A1/ Bfl-1, and TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF)1, all of which are expressed in an NF- (cid:2) B– dependent manner, are reduced and, at the same time, levels of active caspase-3 are elevated. Thus, Vpu induces apoptosis through activation of the caspase pathway by way of inhibiting the NF- (cid:2) B–dependent expression of antiapoptotic genes. a 30-min incubation at 4 (cid:10) C with a FITC-conjugated rabbit antiactive caspase-3 polyclonal antibody (BD PharMingen). Finally, the stained cells were fixed in 1% formaldehyde (in PBS) and analyzed for fluorescence intensity using a FACSort™ (Becton Dickinson). Western Blot Analysis. Western blot analyses were performed using the ECL detection system (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech) as described previously (16). The Abs used were as follows: anti– TNFR-associated factor (TRAF1) mAb (H-3; Santa Cruz Bio-technology, Inc.); anticaspase-8 polyclonal antibody (BD Phar-Mingen); anti–Bcl-xL mAb (2H12; BD PharMingen); anti-A1/ Bfl-1 polyclonal antibody (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc.); anti– (cid:4) -tubulin mAb (DM 1A; Sigma-Aldrich); anti-Vpu polyclonal antibody (U2–3; reference 23); and anti-p24 capsid mAb (pro-vided by S. Zolla-Pazner, AIDS Research and Reference Re-agent Program, Division of AIDS, NIAID, NIH; reference 24).
Ponded infiltration from a single ring : I. Analysis of steady flow

A new analysis of steady, ponded infiltration from within a single ring takes soil hydraulic properties, ring radius, depth of ring insertion, and depth of ponding into account. It also provides a means for determining the field-saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfₛ) and the matric flux potential (φₘ). The analysis employs numerically determined shape factors (G) that are found to depend significantly on ring radius (a) and depth of ring insertion (d), but only slightly on depth of ponding (H) and soil hydraulic properties. As a consequence, averaged G values (Gₑ) can be developed for specified d and a that apply to a wide range of ponded heads and soil types. Procedures for calculating Kfₛ and φₘ are based on G or Gₑ, and on the ponding of one, two, or multiple H levels in the ring. Test calculations based on Gₑ suggest that Kfₛ can be obtained with an accuracy of about ±20% for H = 0.05 to 0.25 m and α = 1 to 36 m⁻¹, where α is the soil parameter of the exponential hydraulic conductivity-pressure head relationship. A similar level of accuracy (using Gₑ) is obtained for φₘ when α is small (α ≤ 4 m⁻¹), and when both α and H are large (α > 4 m⁻¹, H ≥ 0.20 m). Significant errors in φₘ can occur, however, when α is large but H is small. Potentially important features of this single ring method include low sensitivity of the Kfₛ calculation to errors in Gₑ, reduced measurement errors resulting from small-scale soil variability, and the ability to pond large heads in order to increase flow rates in low-permeability materials. LRRC Contribution no. 89-57.
Defining the design requirements for an assistive powered hand exoskeleton

The goal of this study was to identify design criteria for the development of an assistive powered hand exoskeleton by consulting with potential end users. Structured interviews with clinicians and patients with hand impairment were carried out and the results were tabulated. Three participants with impaired hand function also underwent a quantitative measurement session regarding hand function. The objective of the measurement sessions was to understand the characteristics, abilities and limitations of the upper limb of individuals who could benefit from a hand exoskeleton device, in order to better define design criteria and control options for such a device. For the most part, clinicians and participants with hand impairment agreed on expectations for a hand exoskeleton device on topics including important grasp patterns, wear time, and grip strength. However, their expectation seemed to diverge on the topic of control, where clinicians felt simple reliable control strategies would be preferred, but patients desired intuitive control. This research has identified key features of hand exoskeleton design requirements that will need to be met in order to have acceptable clinical translation to patient populations. Including endusers in the design of such a device is essential for successful patient-oriented technology development.
Marine aerosol at southern mid‐latitudes

Results of an investigation of aerosol particles at Cape Grim (41°S, 145°E) for the period February 1978 to May 1980 are presented. Size distributions were obtained for radii of ∼0.003 to ∼5 μm. These distributions typically are bimodal in dN/d log r versus log r with modes at ∼0.025 and 0.5 μm radius. No evidence was observed for a nucleus mode previously reported for this site. The aerosol consisted of three distinct fractions, a small particle fraction of ammonium sulfate, a sea-salt fraction, and a small fraction (<1%) of insoluble noncrystalline but otherwise unidentified particles.
Pelletized cyanobacterial soil amendments: Laboratory testing for survival, escapability, and Nitrogen fixation

The escape and growth of Microcoleus vaginatus from alginate pellets onto soil crusts under controlled laboratory conditions were examined. Soil crust samples were collected and placed in petri dishes. Selected samples were sterilized, and three treatmerits were established: 75 g m−2 Microcoleus pellets added to sterilized soil, 75 g m−2 blank pellets added to sterilized soil, and unsterilized soil with no additions. Chlorophyll a readings were significantly higher in unsterilized soils. Microcoleus biovolumes were highest in sterilized inoculated soils and significantly higher than sterilized untreated soils. Microcoleus filament density was significantly higher in Microcoleus‐inoculated soils than in the other two treatments. Nitrogen fixation activity was recorded in unsterilized soils after only 1 month, and rates increased as the experiment progressed. Microcoleus‐inoculated soils had significant nitrogen‐fixing activity during the last sampling period.
Practical Equivalent Continuum Model for Simulation of Jointed Rock Mass Using FLAC3D

A simple practical equivalent continuum numerical model for simulating the behavior of jointed rock mass has been extended to three-dimensional using FLAC3D. This model estimates the properties of jointed rock mass from the properties of intact rock and a joint factor ( Jf ) , which is the integration of the properties of joints to take care of the effects of frequency, orientation, and strength of joint. A new FISH function has been written in FLAC3D specifically for modeling jointed rocks using the Duncan and Chang hyperbolic model. This model has been validated first with simple element tests at different confining pressures for different rocks with different joint configurations. Explicit modeling of the joints has also been done in element tests and results obtained compare well with the results of equivalent continuum model and also with experimental results. Further, this has been applied for a case study of a large underground power house cavern in the Himalayas. The analysis has been done under v.
The relationship between a grain's settling velocity and threshold of motion under unidirectional currents

ABSTRACT Rubey (1933) noted that the velocity of a current required to entrain and transport a sediment grain is similar in magnitude to the grain's settling velocity in still water. This observation contains implications as to the nature of the flow drag exerted on the grain at the time of threshold, and a pivoting analysis of grain entrainment can yield a relationship between the threshold shear velocity u*t and settling velocity wm, rather than being directly dependent upon the grain's diameter and density. Data sets for the threshold of natural sands have been reanalyzed to establish the relationship between u*t and wm, a correlation which does differ for each grain density but to a much smaller degree than for u*t /SUB> versus the grain diameter D. The ratio u*t/wm versus the Reynolds numbers u*tD/v or wmD/v do form "universal" threshold curves, similar to the standard Shields threshold curve. Comparisons between the threshold measurements and the grain-pivoting model yield reasonable agreement, although many aspects of this analysis remain uncertain and require further testing.
Conjoint Control of Hippocampal Place Cell Firing by Two Visual Stimuli

To better understand how hippocampal place cell activity is controlled by sensory stimuli, and to further elucidate the nature of the environmental representation provided by place cells, we have made recordings in the presence of two distinct visual stimuli under standard conditions and after several manipulations of these stimuli. In line with a great deal of earlier work, we find that place cell activity is constant when repeated recordings are made in the standard conditions in which the centers of the two stimuli, a black card and a white card, are separated by 135° on the wall of a cylindrical recording chamber. Rotating the two stimuli by 45° causes equal rotations of place cell firing fields. Removing either card and rotating the other card also causes fields to rotate equally, showing that the two stimuli are individually salient. Increasing or decreasing the card separation (card reconfiguration) causes a topological distortion of the representation of the cylinder floor such that field centers move relative to each other. We also found that either kind of reconfiguration induces a position-independent decrease in the intensity of place cell firing. We argue that these results are not compatible with either of two previously stated views of the place cell representation; namely, a nonspatial theory in which each place cell is tuned to an arbitrarily selected subset of available stimuli or a rigid map theory. We propose that our results imply that the representation is map-like but not rigid; it is capable of undergoing stretches without altering the local arrangement of firing fields.
Model-based, multi-sensor fusion and bundle adjustment for image registration and target recognition

We consider the joint inverse problems of sensor data registration and automatic target recognition. Single-platform, multi-sensor registration is posed as a model-based, data fusion problem using Bayesian and maximum likelihood frameworks. The sensor model parameters typically consist of platform pose parameters, sensor pointing angles, and internal calibration factors, and these are used to define a transformation that maps raw data recorded in the sensor frame to a ground-referenced, world coordinate system. The fusion estimation problem is one joint inversion since the sensor model parameters common to multiple sensors are simultaneously estimated (along with sensor-specific model parameters). For the ATR problem we pose the joint optimization problem over these sensor model parameters (constrained by the global scene) and target model parameters (e.g., for selected target chips). In addition, we pose a cooperative inversion approach that captures uncertainty from the system model estimation process for use in a refined ATR inversion. The latter consists of a search over target model parameters and a constrained system model parameter space with realization samples consistent with the estimated system model covariance. Estimation robustness is achieved through use of a hybrid global/local search method (to avoid final convergence to local minima), robust kernels that down-weight data residual outliers (generated from test and reference image feature correspondences), and the use of multi-sensor data to increase the number and diversity of data constraints. In summary, we have developed a model-based fusion approach which draws on well-developed methods in photogrammetry, computer vision and automatic target recognition for enhanced registration and recognition performance.
Hypochlorous Acid as a Potential Wound Care Agent: Part I. Stabilized Hypochlorous Acid: A Component of the Inorganic Armamentarium of Innate Immunity

A remarkable feature of the immune system is its ability to launch an effective response against invading pathogens by deploying a group of highly reactive chemicals, including oxidized halogens, oxidizing radicals, and singlet oxygen.1,2 As depicted in Figure ​Figure1,1, the precursor of these reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the oxygen radical (O2), which is generated by specialized immune cells—neutrophils, eosinophils, mononuclear phagocytes, and B lymphocytes.1–9 Production of ROS in these cells is accompanied by a significant rise in oxygen consumption, a series of events collectively referred to as the oxidative burst. The primary enzyme responsible for ROS production is a mitochondrial-membrane–bound enzyme known as respiratory burst NADPH oxidase.1 Patients with chronic granulomatous disease have oxidase defective genes, which makes them susceptible to repeated infection.10,11 During a respiratory burst, neutrophils produce H2O2, which is converted to HOCl by the activity of the granule enzyme myeloperoxidase in the following reaction.12 Figure 1 A schematic representation of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) production during the oxidative burst process. During this process, cells utilize O2 and convert it to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) using a mitochondrial-membrane–bound enzyme NADPHase. Then, . HOCl is known to be the major strong oxidant produced by neutrophils, and is a potent microbicidal agent within these cells.2,10 Experimentally, it has been estimated that 106 neutrophils stimulated in vitro can produce 0.1 μM HOCl. This quantity of HOCl can kill 1.5 × 107 Escherichia coli in less than 5 minutes.13 HOCl reacts readily with a range of biological molecules, particularly those with thiol, thiolether, heme proteins, and amino groups,12 and may lead to tissue injury. Taurine, a nonessential amino acid naturally found at roughly 15 mM within neutrophils acts as a scavenger molecule for HOCl via the following mechanism, and effectively dampens the collateral damage to cellular macromolecules caused by HOCl.14 To date, pure HOCl has not been developed as a commercial pharmaceutical formulation presumably because of the challenge of maintaining storage stability. In this article, we describe a method for the preparation and stabilization of a pure form of HOCl (also referred to as NVC-101) for potential use as a pharmaceutical agent. We show here that when compared to the commercially available disinfectants hydrogen peroxide and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), this formulation has improved in vitro antimicrobial activity and therapeutic index. Furthermore, we present data demonstrating an excellent safety profile for NVC-101 in animal toxicology studies. We believe the improved properties of our pure physiologically balanced stabilized form of HOCl may allow for its use in a clinical situation such as in the treatment or prevention of infection in burn or other wounds.
Snowmelt‐driven macropore flow and soil saturation in a semiarid forest

Lateral subsurface flow is generally assumed to occur as a result of the development of a saturated zone above a low‐permeability interface such as at the soil–bedrock contact, and it is often augmented by macropore flow. Our objective was to evaluate the development of lateral subsurface flow and soil saturation at a semiarid ponderosa pine forest in New Mexico with respect to the conceptual model of saturation building above the soil–bedrock contact. At this site, we have long‐term observations of the water budget components, including lateral flow. A 1·5 m deep by 7 m long trench was constructed to observe lateral subsurface flow and development of saturation directly. Our observations are based on flow resulting from a melting snowdrift. The edge of the drift was about 7 m upslope from the trench. Lateral subsurface flow only occurred from root macropores in the Bt soil horizon. Saturation developed and grew outward from flowing root macropores, rather than growing upward from the soil–bedrock interface. This macropore‐centred saturation resulted in a highly heterogeneous distribution of water content until enough macropores began flowing and individual macropore saturated zones grew large enough to coalesce and saturate large volumes of the soil. Our observations are based on one snowmelt event and a relatively short hillslope flow path, and thus do not represent a full range of hydrologic conditions. Nevertheless, the observed behaviour did not conform to the traditional model of soil–bedrock control of saturation and lateral flow. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between Lidar-derived Dust Extinction Coefficients and Mass Concentrations in Japan

Dust extinction coefficients near the ground surface, based on National Institute for Environmental Studies lidar network measurements, were directly compared with mass densities measured simultaneously by filter sampling during several heavy dust events in Japan. The ratio between them varied from 0.5 to 2 g m-1, and depended more on the observatory, than on the dust event being observed. This variation could not be accounted for by the change in particle size distribution during long-distance transport from the source region to Japan, but internal mixing of dust with spherical particles might explain the observed results.
Antibody Levels Correlate with Creatine Kinase Levels and Strength in Anti-HMG-CoA Reductase-Associated Autoimmune Myopathy

Objective—Anti-HMGCR antibodies are found in patients with statin-associated immunemediated necrotizing myopathy and, less commonly, in statin-unexposed subjects with autoimmune myopathy. The main objective of this study is to define the association of antiHMGCR antibody levels with disease activity. Methods—Anti-HMGCR levels, creatine kinase (CK) levels, and strength were assessed in antiHMGCR positive subjects. Associations of antibody level with CK and strength at visit 1 were analyzed in 55 subjects, 40 of whom were statin-exposed. In 12 statin-exposed and 5 statinunexposed subjects with serum from 5 serial visits, the evolution of antibody levels, CK levels, and strength was investigated. Results—Antibody levels were associated with CK levels (p < 0.001), arm strength (p < 0.05), and leg strength (p < 0.05) at visit 1 but these associations were only significant amongst statinexposed patients in stratified analyses. With treatment over 26.2 +/− 12.6 months, antibody levels declined (p < 0.05) and arm abduction strength improved (p < 0.05) in 17 subjects followed longitudinally. When analyzed separately, statin-exposed subjects developed decreased antibody levels (p < 0.01), decreased CK levels (p < 0.001), improved arm strength (p < 0.05), and Address correspondence to Andrew L Mammen, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Myositis Center, Mason F. Lord Building Center Tower, Suite 4100, Baltimore, MD 21224. amammen@jhmi.edu. Phone: 410-550-6962. Fax: 410-550-3542. A.L. M. and L.C. -S. have patented a test for anti-HMGCR antibodies. NIH Public Access Author Manuscript Arthritis Rheum. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2013 December 01. Published in final edited form as: Arthritis Rheum. 2012 December ; 64(12): 4087–4093. doi:10.1002/art.34673.
In vivo Glx and Glu measurements from GABA‐edited MRS at 3 T

In vivo quantification of glutamate (Glu) and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) using MRS is often achieved using two separate sequences: a short‐echo point resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) acquisition for Glu and a Mescher‐Garwood PRESS (MEGA‐PRESS) acquisition for GABA. The purpose of this study was to examine the agreement of Glu and Glx (the combined signal of glutamate + glutamine) quantified from two different GABA‐edited MEGA‐PRESS acquisitions (GABA plus macromolecules, GABA+, TE = 68 ms, and macromolecule suppressed, MMSup, TE = 80 ms) with Glu and Glx quantified from a short‐echo PRESS (PRESS‐35, TE = 35 ms) acquisition. Fifteen healthy male volunteers underwent a single scan session, in which data were acquired using the three acquisitions (GABA+, MMSup and PRESS‐35) in both the sensorimotor and anterior cingulate cortices using a voxel size of 3 × 3 × 3 cm3. Glx and Glu were quantified from the MEGA‐PRESS data using both the OFF sub‐spectra and the difference (DIFF) spectra. Agreement was assessed using correlation analyses, Bland–Altman plots and intraclass correlation coefficients. Glx quantified from the OFF sub‐spectra from both the GABA+ and MMSup acquisitions showed poor agreement with PRESS‐35 in both brain regions. In the sensorimotor cortex, Glu quantified from the OFF sub‐spectra of GABA+ showed moderate agreement with PRESS‐35 data, but this finding was not replicated in the anterior cingulate cortex. Glx and Glu quantified using the DIFF spectra of either MEGA‐PRESS sequence were in poor agreement with the PRESS‐35 data in both brain regions. In conclusion, Glx and Glu measured from MEGA‐PRESS data generally showed poor agreement with Glx and Glu measured using PRESS‐35.