Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Intelligent Navigation Solution for Land Mobile Location-Based Services

The increasing availability of small, low-cost GPS receivers has established a firm growth in the production of Location-Based Services (LBS). LBS, such as in-car navigation systems, are not necessarily reliant on high accuracy but a continuous positioning service. When available, the accuracy provided by the standard positioning service (SPS) of 30 metres, 95% of the time is often acceptable. The reality is, however, that GPS does not work in all situations, and it is therefore common to integrate GPS with additional sensors. The use of low-cost inertial sensors alone during GPS signal outage is severely restricted due to the accumulation of errors that is inherent with such dead reckoning (DR) systems. Through the integration of spatial information with real-time positioning sensors, intelligence can be added to the land mobile navigation solution. The information contained within a Geographical Information System (GIS) provides additional observations that can be used to improve the navigation result. With this approach, the solution is not dependent on the performance capabilities of the navigation sensors alone. This enables the use of lower accuracy navigation devices, allowing low-cost systems to provide a sustained, viable navigation solution despite long-term GPS outages. Practical results are presented comparing solutions obtained from a hand-held GPS receiver to a gyroscope and odometer.
Abnormal messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) transcribed from a mutant insulin receptor gene in a patient with type A insulin resistance

In a previous report on a 16-year-old Japanese girl with type A insulin resistance, we found that one allele of the insulin receptor gene was inherited from her mother and contained a 1.2 kilobase pair deletion which removed the 14th exon in the [3 subunit. We extended investigation of the proband and found the deletion between two Alu sequences. To determine the effect of the deletion on the level of transcription and the splicing pattern of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), we synthesized the complimentary DNA and used the polymerase chain reaction to amplify the region which included the deleted area. The deletion shifted the reading frame, resulting in a termination codon after amino acid 867 (Glu), thereby producing a truncated insulin receptor without a transmembrane region and cytoplasmic domain. We also sequenced each of 22 exons of the insulin receptor gene but found no mutation in exons of the insulin receptor gene, except for deletion of exon 14 of the maternal allele. Thus, the proband is a heterozygote for a single mutant allele. Abnormal mRNA transcribed from the mutant allele resulted in a decrease in insulin binding.
Are late-glacial climate oscillations recorded in varves of the upper Connecticut Valley, northeastern United States?

Abstract Ernst Antevs' original varve chronology for the upper Connecticut Valley in New England (USA), published in 1922 and 1928, has been extended and a 14C calibration has been established based on 1736+3 −20 5 varves containing terrestrial plant macrofossils at Newbury, Vermont. Varve deposition at Newbury began in a glacial lake (12.1 14C kyr BP) and persisted in a non-glacial lake (to at least 10.4 14C kyr BP). The calibrated Newbury varve stratigraphy and associated glacial events may be compared to climatic events recognized in cores from modern lakes in eastern North America and Europe and in Greenland ice cores. Thickness of glacial varves at Newbury is difficult to correlate to climate because of the thinning of varves in response to ice recession, flood events, and lake level changes that obscure thickness changes resulting from climate change. The Littleton-Bethlehem Read-vance (11.9–11.8 14C kyr BP), that is tied to the varves, may correspond to Older Dryas (GI-1d) cooling. Non-glacial (aft.
An Observation-Based Assessment of Nonlinear Feedback Processes Associated with the Indian Ocean Dipole

AbstractA well-known feature of the Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) is its positive skewness, with cold sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies over the east pole (IODE) exhibiting a larger amplitude than warm SST anomalies. Several mechanisms have been proposed for this asymmetry, but because of a lack of observations the role of various processes remains contentious. Using Argo profiles and other newly available data, the authors provide an observation-based assessment of the IOD skewness. First, the role of a nonlinear dynamical heating process is reaffirmed, which reinforces IODE cold anomalies but damps IODE warm anomalies. This reinforcing effect is greater than the damping effect, further contributing to the skewness. Second, the existence of a thermocline–temperature feedback asymmetry, whereby IODE cold anomalies induced by a shoaling thermocline are greater than warm anomalies associated with a deepening thermocline, is the primary forcing of the IOD skewness. This thermocline–temperature feedback asy.
Integrated policy approach to mitigate soil erosion in West Flanders

Soil erosion causes major on‐site problems, including the loss of productive topsoil, poor seedling emergence and soil crusting, all of which represent an important economic loss for farmers. Moreover, off‐site problems are also very serious. These include sedimentation of river basins and small streams and flooding of roads, all with significant costs to society. This article describes the situation in West Flanders, a province of Belgium. We discuss the severity of erosion, perceptions as to the erosion problem, the agricultural practices that can potentially counteract or avoid erosion and the types of policy that have been developed to control erosion. Using the Institutions of Sustainability (IoS) framework, we emphasise the importance of awareness and awareness raising with regard to the erosion problem in order to trigger policy and farming action. We describe the specific elements that have led to the design of different types of policy that try to limit soil erosion and increase the uptake of soil erosion control strategies by farmers. We conclude that a policy approach based on mixed instruments that are integrated at a local level can be successful in mitigating the erosion problem. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lithological discrimination of the Phenaimata felsic–mafic complex, Gujarat, India, using the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER)

This study deals with an evaluation of the efficacy of an Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) image for lithological mapping. ASTER level-1B data in the visible near-infrared (VNIR), short wave infrared (SWIR) and thermal infrared (TIR) regions have been processed to generate a lithological map of the study area in and around the Phenaimata igneous complex, in mainland Gujarat, India. ASTER band combinations, band ratio images and spectral angle mapper (SAM) processing techniques were evaluated for mapping various lithologies. The reflectance and emissivity spectra of rock samples collected from the study area were obtained in the laboratory and were used as reference spectra for ASTER image analysis. The original data in the scaled digital number (DN) values were converted to radiance and then to relative reflectance by using a scene-derived correction technique prior to SAM classification. The SAM classification in the VNIR–SWIR region is found to be effective in differentiating felsic and mafic lithologies. The relative band depth (RBD) images were generated from the continuum-removed images of ASTER VNIR–SWIR bands. Four RBD combinations (3, 5, 6 and 8) were used to identify Al-OH (aluminium hydroxide), Fe-OH (iron hydroxide), Mg-OH (magnesium hydroxide) and CO3 (carbonate) absorption from various lithological components. ASTER TIR spectral emittance data and the laboratory emissivity measurements show the presence of a number of discrete Si-O spectral features that can differentiate mafic and felsic rock types reflecting the lithological diversity around the regions of Phenaimata igneous complex. SAM classification using emittance data failed to distinguish the felsic and mafic lithology due to the wider spectral bandwidth. The felsic class comprises the granitoid composition of rocks. RBD12 and 13 images in the TIR region were used to derive the mafic index (MI) and the silica index (SI). The MI shows the highest value in regions of gabbro–basalt occurrence, while the SI indicates regions of high silica content. The MI is lowest in regions where granophyres occur. The complimentary attributes based on the spectral reflectance and emittance data resulted in the discrimination of silica-rich and silica-poor lithologies.
Processing of diffusion MR images of the brain : from crossing fibres to distributed tractography

Diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging allows the quantification of water diffusion within tissue. Due to the hindrance of water molecules by the various tissue compartments, probing for the diffusive properties of a region can provide information on the underlying structure. This is particularly useful for the human brain, whose anatomy is complex. Diffusion imaging provides currently the only tool to study the brain connectivity and organization non-invasively and in-vivo, through a group of methods, commonly referred to as tractography methods. This thesis is concerned with brain anatomical connectivity and tractography. The goal is to elucidate problems with existing approaches used to process DW images and propose solutions and methods through new frameworks. These concern data from two popular DW imaging protocols, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI), or Q-ball imaging in particular. One of the problems tackled is resolving crossing fibre configurations, a major concern in DW imaging, using data that can be routinely acquired in a clinical setting. The physical constraint of spatial continuity of the diffusion environment is imposed throughout the brain volume, using a multi-tensor model and a regularization method. The new approach is shown to improve tractography results through crossing regions. Quantitative tractography algorithms are also proposed that, apart from reconstructing the white matter tracts, assign relative indices of anatomical connectivity to all regions. A fuzzy algorithm is presented for assessing orientational coherence of neuronal tracts, reflecting the fuzzy nature of medical images. As shown for different tracts, where a-priori anatomical knowledge exists, regions that are coherently connected and possibly belong to the same tract can be differentiated from the background. In a different framework, elements of graph theory are used to develop a new tractography algorithm that can utilize information from multiple image modalities to assess brain connectivity. Both algorithms inherently consider crossing fibre information and are shown to solve problems that affect existing methods.
Asymmetric loading and bone mineral density at the asymptomatic knees of subjects with unilateral hip osteoarthritis

Objective—The contralateral knee of those with unilateral endstage hip OA is known to be at greater risk for endstage knee OA compared to the ipsilateral, same side knee. Likewise, in endstage hip OA, this contralateral knee is known to have increased dynamic joint loads compared to the ipsilateral knee. Here, we study a population with unilateral hip OA, who are asymptomatic at the knees, for early asymmetries in knee loading. Methods—Data from 62 subjects with unilateral hip OA were evaluated. Subjects underwent gait analyses for evaluation of dynamic knee loads as well as dual energy X-ray absorptiometry for evaluation of bone mineral density (BMD) at both knees. Differences between knees were compared. Results—Peak dynamic knee loads were significantly higher at the contralateral knee compared to the ipsilateral knee (2.46±0.71 vs 2.23±0.81 %BW*ht, p=0.029). Similarly, medial compartment tibial BMD was significantly higher at the contralateral knee compared to the ipsilateral knee (0.897±0.208 vs 0.854±0.206 gm/c2, p=0.033). Interestingly, there was a direct correlation between contralteral:ipsilateral dynamic knee load and contralateral:ipsilateral medial compartment tibial BMD (Spearman’s rho= 0.287, p=0.036). Conclusions—This study demonstrates that at the contralateral knees of patients with unilateral hip OA, which are at higher risk of developing progressive symptomatic OA compared to the ipsilateral knees, loading and structural asymmetries appear early in the disease course, while the knees are still asymptomatic. These early biomechanical asymmetries may have corresponding long term consequences, providing further support for the potential role of loading in OA onset and progression.
Sense of displacement on the Cobequid–Chedabucto fault system, Nova Scotia, Canada

The Cobequid–Chedabucto fault system of the Canadian Appalachians is a major anastomosing fault system over 300 km in length. It separates the Meguma Terrane of southern Nova Scotia from the Avalon Terrane to the north. These terranes are distinct tectonic and lithological entities in the Appalachian Orogen. Two areas at either end of this fault system have been examined in detail to determine the sense and history of offset along it. Both areas are situated on major component fault zones of the system, and both exhibit structures due to early intense ductile shearing that are overprinted by semi-brittle to brittle structures caused by later faulting. Along the eastern Chedabucto fault zone (area A), ductile structures were examined. This area is characterized by the progressive development of S–C textures and shear bands, rotated syntectonic porphyroblasts, and asymmetric minor folds, features indicative of and caused by ductile shearing. Along the western Cobequid fault zone (area B), semi-brittle and b.
Rocks under strain Strain-induced time-lapse time shifts are observed for depleting reservoirs

Pressure depletion as a result of oil and gas production creates changes in the stress and strain fields of the rock material both inside and outside the reservoir. Seismic waves propagating through these rocks have different traveltimes before and after depletion because the layer thicknesses change and the seismic velocity is altered by the changes in the stress and strain fields. The cumulative change in two-way traveltimes with depth is referred to as time-lapse time shift.
On the Relationship between Typhoon Intensity and Formation Region: Effect of Developing and Decaying ENSO

This study investigates the influence of the developing and decaying El -Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the relation between typhoon intensity and its formation. From the long-tenn data of 57 years (), we first defined the developing El years and the neutral years. During the developing El Nino years, the typhoon intensity has a strong relationship with formation region of the tropical cyclone, which results in an increase of the accumulated cyclone energy and intensity of energy of typhoon. During the developing El year based on 3.4 SST, the locations for the formation of the category 4+5 typhoon move to the eastward region. The genesis potential function and the low-level cyclonic vorticity have an important role on the formation of strong tropical cyclones, which eventually develop as a typhoon class. In this study, the dynamic potential (DP) function (Gray, 1977) and EOF 1 and EOF 2 time series (RMM 1 and RMM 2) of real-time multivariate MJO (Wheeler and Hendon, 2004) are used to measure the genesis potential and the low-level cyclonic vorticity, respectively. To investigate the influence of the developing and decaying ENSO, we defined the Type I case of the decaying El that turnovers to La Nina, and the Type II case of the recovering years to the neutral condition. During the decaying El years as Type I, the locations of the strong DP, RMM 1 and RMM 2 move to the westward more prominently to induce retard of the strong typhoon developing.
On transformation plasticity

After a short review of transformation plasticity and of the extant models, we propose an expression derived from microscopic first principles for the strain rate increase at constant stress or the stress drop at constant strain rate of solids driven through a phase transition. We also suggest the possibility of a premonitory contribution to transformation plasticity due to a weakening of elastic constants before the transition.
BANKFULL HYDRAULIC GEOMETRY RELATIONSHIPS AND RECURRENCE INTERVALS FOR NORTH CAROLINA'S COASTAL PLAIN 1

ABSTRACT: Bank full hydraulic geometry relationships relate stream channel geometry to watershed size for specific physiographic regions. This paper presents bank full hydraulic geometry relationships and recurrence intervals for the Southeastern Plain coercion and the flat woods subtype of the Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain ecoregion found within North Carolina's Coastal Plain physiographic province. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal survey data from gated and unpaged streams were used to compute channel dimension and profile information. Power functions were developed, relating drainage area to bank full discharge, cross‐sectional area, width, and mean depth. Recurrence intervals of bank full events were estimated from gagged streams using both a Log‐Pearson Type III distribution of peak annual discharge and a partial‐duration series of average daily discharge. Results from both methods indicate that average bank full recurrence intervals for the study area are below one year. Determinations of recurrence intervals by the Log‐Pearson Type III distribution were for the most part inconclusive (less than one year), while a partial duration series estimated a 0.19 year average, ranging from 0.11 to 0.31 years.
Glucose metabolism and b-cell mass in adult offspring of rats protein and/or energy restricted during the last week of pregnancy

Bertin, Eric, Marie-Nöelle Gangnerau, Danièle Bailbé, and Bernard Portha. Glucose metabolism and b-cell mass in adult offspring of rats protein and/or energy restricted during the last week of pregnancy. Am. J. Physiol. 277 (Endocrinol. Metab. 40): E11–E17, 1999. —An association between low birth weight and later impaired glucose tolerance was recently demonstrated in several human populations. Although fetal malnutrition is probably involved, the biological bases of such a relationship are not yet clear, and animal studies on the matter are scarce. The present study was aimed to identify, in adult (8-wk) female offspring, the effects of reduced protein and/or energy intake strictly limited to the last week of pregnancy. Thus we have tested three protocols of gestational malnutrition: a low-protein isocaloric diet (5 instead of 15%), with pair feeding to the mothers receiving the control diet; a restricted diet (50% of the control diet); and a low-protein restricted diet (50% of low-protein diet). Only the low-protein diet protocols, independent of total energy intake, led to a lower birth weight. The adult offspring female rats in the three deprived groups exhibited no decrease in body weight and no major impairment in glucose tolerance, glucose utilization, or glucose production (basal state and hyperinsulinemic clamp studies). However, pancreatic insulin content and b-cell mass were significantly decreased in the low-protein isocaloric diet group compared with the two energy-restricted groups. Such impairment of b-cell mass development induced by protein deficiency limited to the last part of intrauterine life could represent a situation predisposing to impaired glucose tolerance.
Probability distribution type of Canadian annual minimum streamflow / Type de distribution de probabilité du débit minimum annuel au Canada

Abstract The method of L-moment ratio diagrams along with the averaged weighted distance (AWD) is applied to identify a probability distribution of annual minimum streamflow, namely annual minimum daily streamflow in 11 climatic regions of Canada. Across the entire country, the Pearson type III probability distribution is an acceptable distribution for describing annual minimum streamflow with the 3-parameter lognormal and log Pearson type III distributions as potential candidates. Some minor differences in the probability distribution type among different climatic regions are also observed, which may be taken into account in the selection of the distribution type of annual minimum streamflow.
Fracture properties from seismic data – a numerical investigation

In the upper 5–10 km of the crust fractures may remain partially open, exerting a strong influence over the response of their host material to seismic waves due to their superior deformability. This raises the possibility of using seismic data to determine not only the location but also the properties of fracture networks. We present a particle‐based numerical scheme for modeling rock deformation and wave propagation and show that it accurately captures wave propagation across fractures. We investigate the effect of fracture tensile properties (i.e. fracture cohesion) on the wavefield and demonstrate that seismic data can, in theory, be used to distinguish fracture tensile and compressional properties.
Water Balance Models in One‐Month‐Ahead Streamflow Forecasting

Techniques are tested that incorporate information from water balance models in making 1-month-ahead streamflow forecasts in New Jersey. The results are compared to those based on simple autoregressive time series models. The relative performance of the models is dependent on the month of the year in question. The water balance models are most useful for forecasts of April and May flows. For the stations in northern New Jersey, the April and May forecasts were made in order of decreasing reliability using the water-balance-based approaches, using the historical monthly means, and using simple autoregressive models. The water balance models were useful to a lesser extent for forecasts during the fall months. For the rest of the year the improvements in forecasts over those obtained using the simpler autoregressive models were either very small or the simpler models provided better forecasts. When using the water balance models, monthly corrections for bias are found to improve minimum mean-square-error forecasts as well as to improve estimates of the forecast conditional distributions.
Second phase of paleoclimate modelling intercomparison project

By devoting an entire chapter of the fourth assessment report (AR4) to paleoclimates, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has recognized that studying past climates is essential for comprehending the climate system, and hence for predicting its future evolution. In particular, numerical simulations of past climates, different from today constitute an independent test of the performance and reliability of the general circulation models commonly used for climate predictions. This idea is the motivation for the Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project (PMIP), a long-standing initiative endorsed by the World Climate Research Programme and the International Geosphere and Biosphere Programme. The focus has so far been on two reference periods, chosen as being the most representative of cold and warm climate intervals in the recent past: the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, 21,000 years ago) and the mid-Holocene (6000 years ago).