Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non-invasive Brain Stimulation and Prism Adaptation in Art Constructive Errors in Painting

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the influence of neglect and the effect of prism adaptation (PA) combined with continuous Theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (cTBS) on the art constructive errors in painting rehabilitation of stroke patients with neglect. Methods: Fourteen patients with neglect and art constructive errors in painting secondary to stroke were randomly assigned to the rehabilitation group and received PA combined with the inhibitory protocol of cTBS over the intact parietal cortex; the control group received PA combined with sham cTBS for two weeks in ten daily sessions. Patients were assessed for art constructive errors in painting in figure copying test (FCT), and coloring test (CT) before and after the intervention. Art constructive errors in painting were classified into omission, deformation, size, neglect of warm colors, and perseveration of errors. Neglect was evaluated using the line bisection task (LBT), figure copying test (FCT), and coloring test (CT). Results: All patients showed a significant improvement in art constructive errors in painting (measured using the pattern of painting’ errors in FCT and CT), and neglect (measured using LBT, FCT, and CT) (P<0.05). Omission, neglect of warm colors, and deformation were the most frequent errors. Conclusion: Neglect and rehabilitation influence the painting system in stroke patients. Both approaches improved art constructive errors in painting and neglect symptoms.
Shear Wave Travel Time Determination Using an Unconventional Approach

In the past, numerous techniques have been used in attempting the downhole determination of formation shear travel time. These include visual inspection of full wave train recordings (e.g., variable density, signature, microseismogram), monitoring the amplitude characteristics of the acoustic wave train in selected gate(s), digital analysis of the acoustic wave train in selected gate(s), experimentally defining a relationship between compressional and shear wave transmit times, digital analysis of the acoustic wave train at various transmitter-receiver (T-R) spacings, etc. These techniques have had only limited success, particularly in shaly, unconsolidated, undercompacted and/or gas bearing formations. A new analytical model has been developed and tested which overcomes some of these constraints. By utilizing the standard compressional travel time in conjunction with supplementary non-acoustic logging data, the shear travel time can be estimated with reasonable accuracy in clastic (sand/shale) sequences.
Cyclone‐induced mixing does not cool SST in the post‐monsoon north Bay of Bengal

High‐resolution data from the TRMM satellite shows that sea surface temperature (SST) cools by 3 °C under the tracks of pre‐monsoon tropical cyclones in the north Indian Ocean. However, even the strongest post‐monsoon cyclones do not cool the open north Bay of Bengal. In this region, a shallow layer of freshwater from river runoff and monsoon rain caps a deep warm layer. Therefore, storm‐induced mixing is not deep, and it entrains warm subsurface water. It is possible that the hydrography of the post‐monsoon north Bay favours intense cyclones. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
A CONTRIBUTION TO STRUCTURAL VEGETATION MAPPING

In determining these leading forms or types, on the individual beauty, the distribution, and the grouping of which the physiognomy of the vegetation of a country depends, we must not follow the march of systems of botany, in which from other motives the parts chiefly regarded are the smaller organs of propagation, the flowers and fruit; we must, on the contrary, consider solely that which by its mass stamps a peculiar character on the total impression produced, or on the aspect of the country. ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT
A seasonally resolved bottom‐water temperature record for the period AD 1866–2002 based on shells of Arctica islandica (Mollusca, North Sea)

Existing studies on recent global warming are almost exclusively based on environmental data from the Earth's surface. Seasonal information on the effects of climate change on subsurface settings of mid to high latitudes is extremely scarce. Here, we present the first temperature proxy record from bottom (c. 50 m) water settings of the North Sea employing the oxygen isotope composition of ocean quahog shells. Results indicate that δ18Oaragonite measured across shells of Arctica islandica can provide reliable estimates (±0.25 to ±0.4 °C) of the ambient bottom water temperatures. Over the period AD 1880–2001, warming trends in bottom waters are of the order of 0.042 to 0.138 °C/decade. Apparently, the annual maximum‐temperature trend shows a twofold increase over the past four decades (0.236 °C/decade) while the minimum‐temperature trend has remained relatively stable (0.042 °C/decade). During the same time interval, however, annual maximum temperatures at the sea surface quadrupled. Shell oxygen‐isotope‐derived winter temperatures also provide a proxy for the winter North Atlantic oscillation index (WNAO). Some 28 to 50% of the variability in minimum temperatures below the thermocline can be explained by changes of the WNAO. Our new tool enables testing and verification of climate models prior to the 20th century greenhouse forcing. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society
Crystallographic and thermodynamic characterization of phenylaminopyridine bisphosphonates binding to human farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase

Human farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (hFPPS) catalyzes the production of the 15-carbon isoprenoid farnesyl pyrophosphate. The enzyme is a key regulator of the mevalonate pathway and a well-established drug target. Notably, it was elucidated as the molecular target of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, a class of drugs that have been widely successful against bone resorption disorders. More recently, research has focused on the anticancer effects of these inhibitors. In order to achieve increased non-skeletal tissue exposure, we created phenylaminopyridine bisphosphonates (PNP-BPs) that have bulky hydrophobic side chains through a structure-based approach. Some of these compounds have proven to be more potent than the current clinical drugs in a number of antiproliferation assays using multiple myeloma cell lines. In the present work, we characterized the binding of our most potent PNP-BPs to the target enzyme, hFPPS. Co-crystal structures demonstrate that the molecular interactions designed to elicit tighter binding are indeed established. We carried out thermodynamic studies as well; the newly introduced protein-ligand interactions are clearly reflected in the enthalpy of binding measured, which is more favorable for the new PNP-BPs than for the lead compound. These studies also indicate that the affinity of the PNP-BPs to hFPPS is comparable to that of the current drug risedronate. Risedronate forms additional polar interactions via its hydroxyl functional group and thus exhibits more favorable binding enthalpy; however, the entropy of binding is more favorable for the PNP-BPs, owing to the greater desolvation effects resulting from their large hydrophobic side chains. These results therefore confirm the overall validity of our drug design strategy. With a distinctly different molecular scaffold, the PNP-BPs described in this report represent an interesting new group of future drug candidates. Further investigation should follow to characterize the tissue distribution profile and assess the potential clinical benefits of these compounds.
High resolution SAR image simulation for buildings based on ray tracing algorithm

In this paper, a simulation method is introduced to generate synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image based on ray tracing algorithm. 3D models of buildings, which are triangulated and described with vectors, are introduced into the simulator and then the simulated images can be generated under different viewing configuration. The simulation consists of three steps -modeling of the scene, tracing and generation of high resolution SAR images. 3D models of man-made objects are illuminated by a virtual antenna whose signal is simplified by rays sent to the objects and back to the sensor. Then the intensity map of rays is gridded into the SAR images. In the end, two buildings, one with a plane roof and the other with a gable roof, are imported into the simulator under different viewing configuration. The effects of layover, shadow and double bounce are simulated correctly in geometrically. So the simulator can be used for some interpret complex SAR images which are composed of buildings.
Hydroclimatic analysis of an ice-scar tree-ring chronology of a high-boreal lake in Northern Québec, Canada

Ice-scars were investigated to reconstruct the ice-flood history of Corvette Lake in Northern Quebec in an attempt to determine the hydrological threshold of shore ice and identify the accompanying climatic conditions. The ice-scar record started around 1850 and showed a rapid increase in frequency at the start of the 1930s, while trees damaged by the ice were already mature and established over several decades. The study supports the hypothesis that this shift could correspond to an increase in flood discharge. Hydrological analysis of every event that occurred since 1961, the year during which instrumental recording began, indicated that scar frequency and scar maximum height were strongly correlated with average recession discharge, average flood discharge, peak discharge and flood onset. Ice-scars provided a discontinuous record of discrete events triggered by hydrologic extremes that were used to document the instrumental record using logistic regression. Results from multiple regressions suggested that ice-scars correspond to years with highs in total precipitation from January to March and from May to June, in the sum of degree-days of frost in April, and in the sum of degree-days of heat from October to April. Although imperfect for reconstructing past events, this study exemplifies the potential use of ice-scars for extending the historical record of ice-floods with hydroclimatic significance.
Predicting spatial spread of rabies in skunk populations using surveillance data reported by the public

Background Prevention and control of wildlife disease invasions relies on the ability to predict spatio-temporal dynamics and understand the role of factors driving spread rates, such as seasonality and transmission distance. Passive disease surveillance (i.e., case reports by public) is a common method of monitoring emergence of wildlife diseases, but can be challenging to interpret due to spatial biases and limitations in data quantity and quality. Methodology/Principal findings We obtained passive rabies surveillance data from dead striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) in an epizootic in northern Colorado, USA. We developed a dynamic patch-occupancy model which predicts spatio-temporal spreading while accounting for heterogeneous sampling. We estimated the distance travelled per transmission event, direction of invasion, rate of spatial spread, and effects of infection density and season. We also estimated mean transmission distance and rates of spatial spread using a phylogeographic approach on a subsample of viral sequences from the same epizootic. Both the occupancy and phylogeographic approaches predicted similar rates of spatio-temporal spread. Estimated mean transmission distances were 2.3 km (95% Highest Posterior Density (HPD95): 0.02, 11.9; phylogeographic) and 3.9 km (95% credible intervals (CI95): 1.4, 11.3; occupancy). Estimated rates of spatial spread in km/year were: 29.8 (HPD95: 20.8, 39.8; phylogeographic, branch velocity, homogenous model), 22.6 (HPD95: 15.3, 29.7; phylogeographic, diffusion rate, homogenous model) and 21.1 (CI95: 16.7, 25.5; occupancy). Initial colonization probability was twice as high in spring relative to fall. Conclusions/Significance Skunk-to-skunk transmission was primarily local (< 4 km) suggesting that if interventions were needed, they could be applied at the wave front. Slower viral invasions of skunk rabies in western USA compared to a similar epizootic in raccoons in the eastern USA implies host species or landscape factors underlie the dynamics of rabies invasions. Our framework provides a straightforward method for estimating rates of spatial spread of wildlife diseases.
Relationship between Photoelasticity of Polyurethane and Dielectric Anisotropy of Diisocyanate, and Application of High-Photoelasticity Polyurethane to Tactile Sensor for Robot Hands

Eight types of polyurethane were synthesized using seven types of diisocyanate. It was found that the elasto-optical constant depends on the concentration of diisocyanate groups in a unit volume of a polymer and the magnitude of anisotropy of the dielectric constant of diisocyanate groups. It was also found that incident light scattered when bending stress was generated inside photoelastic polyurethanes. A high sensitive tactile sensor for robot hands was devised using one of the developed polyurethanes with high photoelasticity.
Theoretical study of a series of 4,4′-azo-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-one based nitrogen-rich salts as potential energetic compounds

Density function theory has been employed to systemically study 4,4′-azo-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (ZTO) and its six nitrogen-rich salts at two different calculated levels (B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) and B3PW91/6-31G(d,p)). Their optimized geometries, electronic structures and molecular electrostatic potentials were further studied. Based on the two computed methods, the results of the optimized geometries show that the calculated structure of each compound adopted at the two different levels are rather similar except salt 7 with some differences. The values of the energy gaps indicate that compound 3 has the highest reactivity among salts 2–7. The crystal densities were corrected using the Politzer approach based on these two optimized levels. The density values with slight deviation indicate that the two calculated levels are applicable and the results are convincible. Based on the isodesmic reactions and Born–Haber energy cycle, the solid-phase heats of formation (HOFs) were predicted. Detonation parameters were evaluated using the Kamlet–Jacobs equations on the foundations of the calculated densities and HOFs. The results manifest that salt 2 exhibits the best detonation performance due to its highest density (1.819 g cm−3), followed by salt 6. Moreover, impact sensitivities of compounds 1–7 were assessed using the calculated Q values to correlate with h50. Combining the detonation performance with safety, 1–7 exhibit good comprehensive properties and might be screened as a composition of modern nitrogen-rich energetic compounds.
Dispersion model for mountain streams

Major differences have often been observed between experimental measurements and solutions of the one-dimensional dispersion equation for the spreading of tracers in rivers. This paper compares calculated values of peak concentration decay rates, variances, and concentration distributions for three different one-dimensional models with experimental results obtained by T. J. Day. The calculations show that the Fickian and dead-zone models have similar behaviors for peak decay rates and variances, but that these behaviors do not agree with Day's measurements. The third model, in which the dispersion coefficient increases linearly with distance downstream, gives results that agree closely with Day's measurements. It is suggested that the increase in the dispersion coefficient with distance downstream may be the result of a relatively large amount of dispersion from velocity shear near the leading and trailing edges of the tracer cloud.
New Direction with Low-Input of Fertilization in Grasslands

SUMMARY The modern agricultural systems have become productive but only by being highly dependent on external inputs (Altieri, 1995). A gro wing number of scientists, farmers and the general public fear for the long-term sustainabilli ty of such highly input ‐ dependent and ecologically simplified food production system. Far m chemicals ar questioned on grounds of cost but their widespread use also has implication for human and animal health and for the environement.The objectif of our paper is to mainta in biodiversity of grasslands by applying low inputs nutrients (to maintain the integrity and biological diversity) and to study the effect of organic fertilization and mulching upon phyto-di versity and productivity of grasslands from Garda de Sus The external input promovation experiment is look l ike an radical alternative for agricultural development, but on the other hand, lo ok like a negative part because „pressure” the human. This experiment took place in 2009 in Garda de Sus commune at 1320 m elevation. A randomized block repetition method with 7 different variants in 5 repetition were used. Species studied were performed using Braun- Blanquet standard method. Mowing was done at Poaceaes blooming using a spinning mowing machine. The floral composition was analysed in two different years (in 2009 and in 201 0). We observed that Agrostis capillarisFestuca rubra were the predominant types of grassland species in our analysis. There were no changes in species number and biodiversity. As result of technological inputs application, ther e were no changes recorded at the level of the treated variants’ canopy.
Where is the UK's pollinator biodiversity? The importance of urban areas for flower-visiting insects

Insect pollinators provide a crucial ecosystem service, but are under threat. Urban areas could be important for pollinators, though their value relative to other habitats is poorly known. We compared pollinator communities using quantified flower-visitation networks in 36 sites (each 1 km2) in three landscapes: urban, farmland and nature reserves. Overall, flower-visitor abundance and species richness did not differ significantly between the three landscape types. Bee abundance did not differ between landscapes, but bee species richness was higher in urban areas than farmland. Hoverfly abundance was higher in farmland and nature reserves than urban sites, but species richness did not differ significantly. While urban pollinator assemblages were more homogeneous across space than those in farmland or nature reserves, there was no significant difference in the numbers of rarer species between the three landscapes. Network-level specialization was higher in farmland than urban sites. Relative to other habitats, urban visitors foraged from a greater number of plant species (higher generality) but also visited a lower proportion of available plant species (higher specialization), both possibly driven by higher urban plant richness. Urban areas are growing, and improving their value for pollinators should be part of any national strategy to conserve and restore pollinators.
A New Interpretation of the Llandovery Sequence of North Connemara, Eire

Abstract The historical development of the stratigraphic nomenclature of the Llandovery of north Connemara is described. The lowest beds are red sandstones and interbedding keratophyre passing up into a complex sequence of grey, green and red clastics with shelly facies fossils. Above this are red and green mudstones and siltstones with rare graptolites. In the east these are overlain by coarse sandstones and conglomerates. The conglomerates are probably allochthonous. In the west this coarse facies is developed earlier and laterally interfingers with the shelly facies clastics and overlying mudstones. The sub-Wenlock unconformity reported by McKerrow and Campbell from this region is reinterpreted as an appearance of this interfingering.
Model Based Segmentation Of Flir Images

In the automatic recognition of tactical targets in FLIR images, it is desired to obtain an accurate and precise representation of the boundary of the targets. It is very important since the features used in the classification of the target are normally based on the shape and gray scale of the segmented target and therefore the performance of a statistical or a structural classifier critically depends on the results of segmentation. Generally, only the gray scale of the image is used to extract the target from the background. The segmentation thus obtained normally depends upon several parameters of the technique used. It is possible to obtain better segmentation by using other sources of information present in the image such as contextual cues, temporal cues, gradient, a priori information etc. In this paper we consider specifically the use of gray scale together with the edge information present in the image to obtain more precise segmentation of the target than obtained by using gray scale or edge information alone. A model of FLIR images based on gray scale and edge information is incorporated in a gradient relaxation technique which explicitly maximizes a criterion function based on the inconsistency and ambiguity of classification of pixels with respect to its neighbors. Four variations of the basic relaxation technique are considered which provide automatic selection of threshold to segment FLIR images. A comparison of these methods is discussed.
Single Points of Failure in Complex Aviation Systems of Communication, Navigation and Surveillance

State-of-the-art avionics achieves very good reliability, and the electronics in the current generation of communication and navigation satellites is sufficiently good to allow a design-life of around 10 years. Nevertheless, failures will arise. The purpose of failure analysis is to identify the consequences if a particular module does encounter a failure, and to ensure that, by system redundancy or through operational procedures, the effect and/or its probability of occurrence will be acceptably safe. This paper is a contribution to the discussion on the strength and weakness of redundancy in satellite-based Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) systems as envisaged by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to be an integral part of the future air navigation system. This particular paper makes a comparison with today's terrestrial-based systems.
Multiple approaches to formation processes: The Pine Spring Site, southwest Wyoming

Excavations in 1964 at the Pine Spring site in southwest Wyoming concluded that the site contains three cultural occupation levels; the earliest allegedly dates to the terminal Pleistocene and is associated with megafauna. However, excavations in 1998 and 2000, and analysis of the stratigraphy, AMS dates, micromorphology, and artifact carbonate isotopes, along with debitage refitting, density, orientation, inclination, burning, and trample damage, could not replicate the 1964 findings. A hiatus in deposition accounts for the highest density of artifacts, and the three original occupations are palimpsests. There is no unequivocal association between evidence of human activity and megafaunal remains. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.