Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Processes influencing ozone levels in Alaskan forest fire plumes during long-range transport over the

[1] A case of long-range transport of a biomass burning plume from Alaska to Europe is analyzed using a Lagrangian approach. This plume was sampled several times in the free troposphere over North America, the North Atlantic and Europe by three different aircraft during the IGAC Lagrangian 2K4 experiment which was part of the ICARTT/ ITOP measurement intensive in summer 2004. Measurements in the plume showed enhanced values of CO, VOCs and NOy, mainly in form of PAN. Observed O-3 levels increased by 17 ppbv over 5 days. A photochemical trajectory model, CiTTyCAT, was used to examine processes responsible for the chemical evolution of the plume. The model was initialized with upwind data and compared with downwind measurements. The influence of high aerosol loading on photolysis rates in the plume was investigated using in situ aerosol measurements in the plume and lidar retrievals of optical depth as input into a photolysis code (Fast-J), run in the model. Significant impacts on photochemistry are found with a decrease of 18% in O-3 production and 24% in O-3 destruction over 5 days when including aerosols. The plume is found to be chemically active with large O-3 increases attributed primarily to PAN decomposition during descent of the plume toward Europe. The predicted O-3 changes are very dependent on temperature changes during transport and also on water vapor levels in the lower troposphere which can lead to O-3 destruction. Simulation of mixing/dilution was necessary to reproduce observed pollutant levels in the plume. Mixing was simulated using background concentrations from measurements in air masses in close proximity to the plume, and mixing timescales ( averaging 6.25 days) were derived from CO changes. Observed and simulated O-3/CO correlations in the plume were also compared in order to evaluate the photochemistry in the model. Observed slopes change from negative to positive over 5 days. This change, which can be attributed largely to photochemistry, is well reproduced by multiple model runs even if slope values are slightly underestimated suggesting a small underestimation in modeled photochemical O-3 production. The possible impact of this biomass burning plume on O-3 levels in the European boundary layer was also examined by running the model for a further 5 days and comparing with data collected at surface sites, such as Jungfraujoch, which showed small O-3 increases and elevated CO levels. The model predicts significant changes in O-3 over the entire 10 day period due to photochemistry but the signal is largely lost because of the effects of dilution. However, measurements in several other BB plumes over Europe show that O-3 impact of Alaskan fires can be potentially significant over Europe.
An Incremental Formation Method of Influence Diagram Structure

As an effective decision tool, influence diagram has been widely used in many fields. However, its traditional building method needs experts or domain knowledge to identify the dependence relationship between variables in original dataset. When data set increased, its corresponding influence diagram might not suitable for it any more. A new influence diagram may need to be built from very beginning according to the traditional building method. An incremental formation method is developed in this paper, which could format the new influence diagram's structure by adjusting that of the original one. The validity of this method is discussed in theory and illustrated by experiment.
Determinants of Budgeted Information Technology Expenditures

Information technology expenditures vary across firms and across industries; however, very little empirical research has investigated the factors influencing the level of these expenditures. The object of this paper is to present theory and evidence of the determinants of corporate IT budgets. Using InformationWeek data, we find that budgeted IT expenditures are significantly influenced by the strategic role that IT plays in an industry, and by the level of complexity arising from industry and firm-level factors. The level of concentration within the industry has a significant impact on IT budgets. A number of firm-level factors also affect IT budgets, including prior IT investments, resource availability, business volatility, and the level of diversification. This suggests that managers should adjust for these firm and industry-level factors when comparing their IT spending to selected benchmark firms.
BCI for passive input in HCI

Much of BCI research to date has focused on the direct control of computer interfaces (e.g., mouse cursors or text input systems) by sensing brain states. While using brain activity as a replacement for motor movement is an astonishing and worth-while endeavor, we believe that brain-computer interfaces used in this capacity will remain limited to a fairly small group of users with limited motor abilities. We think there is a potential to use brain sensing in a more passive context, looking beyond direct system control to make BCI useful to the general population in a wide range of scenarios. Here we present some potential applications and considerations for using brain sensing as a supplementary input in HCI contexts. What are the differences from using BCI for direct interaction? How do we deal with the noise associated with typical users’ environments and usage? How do we make BCI systems cheap enough to be used by any computer user?
Microarchitectural innovations: boosting microprocessor performance beyond semiconductor technology scaling

Semiconductor technology scaling provides faster and more plentiful transistors to build microprocessors, and applications continue to drive the demand for more powerful microprocessors. Weaving the "raw" semiconductor material into a microprocessor that offers the performance needed by modern and future applications is the role of computer architecture. This paper overviews some of the microarchitectural techniques that empower modem high-performance microprocessors. The techniques are classified into: 1) techniques meant to increase the concurrency in instruction processing, while maintaining the appearance of sequential processing and 2) techniques that exploit program behavior. The first category includes pipelining, superscalar execution, out-of-order execution, register renaming, and techniques to overlap memory-accessing instructions. The second category includes memory hierarchies, branch predictors, trace caches, and memory-dependence predictors. The paper also discusses microarchitectural techniques likely to be used in future microprocessors, including data value speculation and instruction reuse, microarchitectures with multiple sequencers and thread-level speculation, and microarchitectural techniques for tackling the problems of power consumption and reliability.
Synthesis-based Robust Low Resolution Face Recognition

Recognition of low resolution face images is a challenging problem in many practical face recognition systems. Methods have been proposed in the face recognition literature for the problem which assume that the probe is low resolution, but a high resolution gallery is available for recognition. These attempts have been aimed at modifying the probe image such that the resultant image provides better discrimination. We formulate the problem differently by leveraging the information available in the high resolution gallery image and propose a dictionary learning approach for classifying the low-resolution probe image. An important feature of our algorithm is that it can handle resolution change along with illumination variations. Furthermore, we also kernelize the algorithm to handle non-linearity in data and present a joint dictionary learning technique for robust recognition at low resolutions. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated using standard datasets and a challenging outdoor face dataset. It is shown that our method is efficient and can perform significantly better than many competitive low resolution face recognition algorithms.
Effects of talk-spurt silence boundary thresholds on distribution of gaps and overlaps

Faced with lack of objective and easily applicable criteria for segmentation of speech into dialogue turns, many authors resort instead to units defined in terms of stretches of speech minimally bounded by silence of some predefined duration. There is, however, no consensus concerning silence thresholds employed. While such thresholds can be established on perceptual grounds, in practice a wide range of values is used. As this has a direct impact on the reported frequencies of silences and overlaps, the discrepancies make comparisons of results across different studies difficult. In an attempt to overcome these problems in the present paper we use the Switchboard corpus to evaluate the expected variability in distributions of inter- and intra-speaker intervals when silence boundary thresholds of inter-pausal units are manipulated. Index Terms: dialogue segmentation, inter-pausal units, gaps and overlaps
Prioritizing quantitative trait loci for root system architecture in tetraploid wheat

Optimization of root system architecture (RSA) traits is an important objective for modern wheat breeding. Linkage and association mapping for RSA in two recombinant inbred line populations and one association mapping panel of 183 elite durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum Desf.) accessions evaluated as seedlings grown on filter paper/polycarbonate screening plates revealed 20 clusters of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for root length and number, as well as 30 QTLs for root growth angle (RGA). Divergent RGA phenotypes observed by seminal root screening were validated by root phenotyping of field-grown adult plants. QTLs were mapped on a high-density tetraploid consensus map based on transcript-associated Illumina 90K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) developed for bread and durum wheat, thus allowing for an accurate cross-referencing of RSA QTLs between durum and bread wheat. Among the main QTL clusters for root length and number highlighted in this study, 15 overlapped with QTLs for multiple RSA traits reported in bread wheat, while out of 30 QTLs for RGA, only six showed co-location with previously reported QTLs in wheat. Based on their relative additive effects/significance, allelic distribution in the association mapping panel, and co-location with QTLs for grain weight and grain yield, the RSA QTLs have been prioritized in terms of breeding value. Three major QTL clusters for root length and number (RSA_QTL_cluster_5#, RSA_QTL_cluster_6#, and RSA_QTL_cluster_12#) and nine RGA QTL clusters (QRGA.ubo-2A.1, QRGA.ubo-2A.3, QRGA.ubo-2B.2/2B.3, QRGA.ubo-4B.4, QRGA.ubo-6A.1, QRGA.ubo-6A.2, QRGA.ubo-7A.1, QRGA.ubo-7A.2, and QRGA.ubo-7B) appear particularly valuable for further characterization towards a possible implementation of breeding applications in marker-assisted selection and/or cloning of the causal genes underlying the QTLs.
System-level testing of cyber-physical systems based on problem concerns

In this paper we propose a problem-oriented approach to system-level testing of cyber-physical systems based on Jackson’s notion of problem concerns. Some close associations between problem concerns and potential faults in the problem space are made, which necessitates system-level testing. Finally, a research agenda has been put forward with the goal of building a repository of system faults and mining particular problem concerns for system-level testing.
Fully coalescent-based approaches to phylogeography

Last time we saw an early example of using coalescent theory to distinguish between two scenarios describing the history of populations. In the example we considered, Knowles [7] compared two scenarios, the “widespread ancestor” and the “multiple glacial refugia” scenarios. To make the comparison she simulated data under the “widespread ancestor” hypothesis, collected the samples into a multiple-refuge tree, and calculated a statistic that measures the discrepancy between the gene trees and the population trees. Her observed gene tree was far less discordant than the simulated trees, leading her to conclude that her grasshoppers had been dispersed among multiple refugia in the past rather than being the remnants of a single, widespread ancestral population. As I mentioned, one limitation of the approach Knowles [7] takes is that it requires the investigator to identify alternative scenarios before beginning the analysis, and it can only identify which of the scenarios is more likely than the others with which it is compared. It cannot determine whether there are other scenarios that are even more likely. Another approach is to back off a bit, specify a particular process that we are interested in and to use what we know about that process to try and estimate its properties.
Quantification of the effects of VRN1 and Ppd-D1 to predict spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) heading time across diverse environments

Heading time is a major determinant of the adaptation of wheat to different environments, and is critical in minimizing risks of frost, heat, and drought on reproductive development. Given that major developmental genes are known in wheat, a process-based model, APSIM, was modified to incorporate gene effects into estimation of heading time, while minimizing degradation in the predictive capability of the model. Model parameters describing environment responses were replaced with functions of the number of winter and photoperiod (PPD)-sensitive alleles at the three VRN1 loci and the Ppd-D1 locus, respectively. Two years of vernalization and PPD trials of 210 lines (spring wheats) at a single location were used to estimate the effects of the VRN1 and Ppd-D1 alleles, with validation against 190 trials (~4400 observations) across the Australian wheatbelt. Compared with spring genotypes, winter genotypes for Vrn-A1 (i.e. with two winter alleles) had a delay of 76.8 degree days (°Cd) in time to heading, which was double the effect of the Vrn-B1 or Vrn-D1 winter genotypes. Of the three VRN1 loci, winter alleles at Vrn-B1 had the strongest interaction with PPD, delaying heading time by 99.0 °Cd under long days. The gene-based model had root mean square error of 3.2 and 4.3 d for calibration and validation datasets, respectively. Virtual genotypes were created to examine heading time in comparison with frost and heat events and showed that new longer-season varieties could be heading later (with potential increased yield) when sown early in season. This gene-based model allows breeders to consider how to target gene combinations to current and future production environments using parameters determined from a small set of phenotyping treatments.
Phase Contrast Microradiography of Mouse Lung Using Synchrotron X-ray: Correlation with Optical Microscopy

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of phase contrast X-ray microtomography and microradiography, using a polychromatic synchrotron X-ray, for analysis of the mouse lung microstructure. Materials and Methods Normal mice were used for experiments. Some of the mouse lungs were prepared by the lung fixation-inflation method. The resulting sponge-like inflated lung samples were used for microtomography. The remaining mouse lungs were cut into 10 um sections and were used for microradiography and optical microscopic correlation. The experiments on mouse lung samples were performed at the 7B2 beamline of the Pohang Light Source in Korea. Results Phase contrast X-ray microtomography of inflated lung samples showed individual alveolar structure on 3-D reconstruction. Phase contrast microradiographs of thin lung samples showed microstructure of lung, such as alveoli and bronchioles, and were well correlated with optical microscopic images. Conclusions The results indicate that the phase contrast X-ray microtomography and microradiography using polychromatic synchrotron X-ray is feasible for evaluation of microstructure of the lung.
Association between Albuminuria and Different Body Constitution in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: Taichung Diabetic Body Constitution Study

Objective. Albuminuria in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients increases the risk of diabetic nephropathy, the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Because albuminuria is modifiable, identifying relevant risk factors could facilitate prevention and/or management. This cross-sectional study investigated whether body constitution (BC) independently predicts albuminuria. Method. Patients with T2DM (n = 846) received urinalysis, a blood test, and diabetic retinopathy examination. Albuminuria was defined by an elevated urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (≥30 μg/mg). BC type (Yang deficiency, Yin deficiency, and Phlegm stasis) was assessed using a body constitution questionnaire (BCQ). Traditional risk factors for albuminuria were also recorded. Odds ratios (ORs) of albuminuria for BC were estimated using multivariate logistic regression. Results. Albuminuria was more prevalent in patients with Yang deficiency or Phlegm stasis (both P < 0.01). After adjustment, patients with both Yang deficiency and Phlegm stasis exhibited a significantly higher risk of albuminuria (OR = 3.037; 95% confidence interval = 1.572–5.867, and P < 0.001). Conclusion. BC is strongly associated with albuminuria in T2DM patients. Using a BCQ to assess BC is noninvasive, convenient, and inexpensive and can provide information for health care professionals to identify T2DM patients who are at a high risk of albuminuria.
Perceiving the Center of Three-Body Displays: The Role of Size-Ratio, Symmetry, Elongation, and Gravity

Participants judged the perceived center of three-dot displays at different orientations. In Experiment 1, the dots formed an equilateral triangle. The direction of the response distribution aligned with the largest dot, along axes of reflec- tional symmetry and with the gravitational down. In Experiment 2, we created isosceles triangles where the distance be- tween one of the dot pairs was varied. Errors were higher for configurations where the symmetry axis was horizontal and a virtual elongation axis was vertical. The results of Experiment 3 replicate this finding and show that response direction is an accommodation to gravity and other shape factors.
Bandwidth analysis of low-pass elliptic biquadratic structures OPA-RC

The influence of bandwidth of OPA on frequency characteristics was investigated in this paper. The analysis of frequency properties was carried out for two exemplary structures. For operational amplifier it was assumed a typical frequency macromodel with 1-pole characteristic. Deformation of the frequency characteristic and the structure bandwidth in dependence on amplifiers bandwidth were analyzed. It was proved that shape of the characteristic to some degree depends on some elements values. The procedure was proposed for optimal choice of the values of (RC) elements, that ensures the characteristic is most approached to ideal one. Optimal values of these (RC) elements ensure that the characteristic of structures do not have any distortion in all frequencies, and these structures can be used in high frequency applications.
Observer design for euler lagrange systems: application to path following control of an underactuated surface vessel

This paper presents a practical method to design an output feedback controller for a general mechanical system described by Euler Lagrange equations. An application of such an observer is formulated to path following controller for an underactuated surface vessel moving in a horizontal plan. The surface vessel is underactuated in the sway direction and has only position and orientation measurement available. The control development is based on Lyapunov direct method and backstepping technique.
Efficient Discovery of Frequent Correlated Subgraph Pairs

The recent proliferation of graph data in a wide spectrum of applications has led to an increasing demand for advanced data analysis techniques. In view of this, many graph mining techniques, such as frequent subgraph mining and correlated subgraph mining, have been proposed. In many applications, both frequency and correlation play an important role. Thus, this paper studies a new problem of mining the set of frequent correlated subgraph pairs. A simple algorithm that combines existing algorithms for mining frequent subgraphs and correlated subgraphs results in a multiplication of the mining operations, the majority of which are redundant. We discover that most of the graphs correlated to a common graph are also highly correlated. We establish theoretical foundations for this finding and derive a tight lower bound on the correlation of any two graphs that are correlated to a common graph. This theoretical result leads to the design of a very effective skipping mechanism, by which we skip the processing of a majority of graphs in the mining process. Our algorithm, FCP-Miner, is a fast approximate algorithm, but we show that the missing pairs are only a small set of marginally correlated pairs. Extensive experiments verify both the efficiency and effectiveness of FCP-Miner.
Differentiation of Avian Melanocytes-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate on the O Effects of 12-Updated Version

12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) has been re ported to inhibit and/or delay the terminal differentiation of a variety of cell types. More recently, TPA has been reported to enhance melanogenesis in cultured human melanoma cells. This study focuses on the effect of TPA on the differentiation of normal avian melanocytes. TPA blocked melanogenesis in normal replicating presumptive melanoblasts, as well as in replicating pigmented melanocytes derived from the neural crest, the retinal pigment epithelium, and the pectÃ©noculi. These normal embryonic cells not only failed to synthesize melanin but also failed to assemble premelanosomes and to assume either the characteristic dendritic processes of normal trunk melanocytes or the epithelioid morphology of the normal retinal pigment epithelial cell. This inhibition was remarkably reversible. Following removal of TPA, the previously blocked neural crest cells became pigmented and formed their char acteristic dendritic processes, whereas the previously blocked retinal cells formed a pigmented epithelium. The effect of TPA on these normal cells was dependent on duration of exposure and degree of differentiation of the cells at the time of exposure. TPA induced the formation of elongated neurite-like processes in the amelanotic neural crest cells which differed in their cytoskeletal structure from the dendritic processes of normal trunk melanocytes. These TPA-blocked pigment cells with elongated processes bear a striking morphological resem blance to presumptive myoblasts, chondroblasts, and fibroblasts treated with the tumor promoter.