Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of Atmospheric Mercury Sources and Transport Pathways on Local and Regional Scales.

Daily-event precipitation samples collected in Underhill, VT from 1995-2006 were analyzed for total mercury and results suggest that there were no statistically significant changes in annual mercury wet deposition over time, despite significant emissions reductions in the Northeast United States. Meteorological analysis indicates that mercury deposition has not decreased as transport of emissions from major source regions in the Midwest and East Coast have consistently contributed to the largest observed mercury wet deposition amounts over the period. In contrast, annual volume-weighted mean (VWM) mercury concentration declined slightly over the 12-years, and a significant decrease was observed from CY 2001-2006. An increase in the total annual precipitation amount corresponded with the decline in annual VWM mercury concentration. Analysis suggests that the increase in precipitation observed was strongly related to changes in the amount and type of precipitation that fell seasonally, and this departure was attributed to a response in meteorological conditions to climate variability and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. Increased amounts of rainfall and mixed precipitation (mixture of rainfall and snowfall), particularly in the spring and fall seasons, enhanced annual precipitation amounts and resulted in declining VWM mercury concentrations
Index based on atmospheric pressures for the detection of El Niño Southern Oscillation effects off the Peruvian coast

The behavior of an index based on the difference of atmospheric pressure between Darwin and Paita (IDP) was analyzed, as an indicator of the effects of El Nino and La Nina in the Northern Humboldt Current Ecosystem (NHCE). The temporal variation of IDP at monthly scale had a good correlation with the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). Additionally, the maximum cross correlation between IDP and AN3.4 was found at a lag of -3, which could allow to use the IDP to simulate the AN3.4. The behavior of IDP obeys to the complex interaction between the atmospheric system of the region and the Equatorial Pacific.
An Approach Related to Uncertainty in Software Projects

A number of recent studies confirm that change continues to occur in project management in both the professional and research fields. Although project management has become a core business process for many firms at strategic and operational level it is no secret that many projects still fail, and one reason for this may be due to a lack of knowledge regarding project uncertainties. The goal of this article is to understand what gives rise to uncertainty, to recognize its symptoms and explore strategies for controlling it. This article offers a new classification to areas of uncertainty in software projects, and our aim is to assist project managers and staff to reduce uncertainty and thereby contribute to commercial project success.
On Checking Versus Evaluation of Multiple Queries

The distinction between computing answers and checking answers is fundamental to computational complexity theory, and is reflected in the relationship of NP to P. The plausibility of computing the answers to many membership queries to a hard set with few queries is the subject of the theory of terseness. In this paper, we develop companion theories—both complexity-theoretic and recursion-theoretic—of characteristic vector terseness, which ask whether the answers to many membership queries to a hard set can be checked with fewer queries.
Gains and Losses of Transcription Factor Binding Sites in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces paradoxus

Gene expression evolution occurs through changes in cis- or trans-regulatory elements or both. Interactions between transcription factors (TFs) and their binding sites (TFBSs) constitute one of the most important points where these two regulatory components intersect. In this study, we investigated the evolution of TFBSs in the promoter regions of different Saccharomyces strains and species. We divided the promoter of a gene into the proximal region and the distal region, which are defined, respectively, as the 200-bp region upstream of the transcription starting site and as the 200-bp region upstream of the proximal region. We found that the predicted TFBSs in the proximal promoter regions tend to be evolutionarily more conserved than those in the distal promoter regions. Additionally, Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains used in the fermentation of alcoholic drinks have experienced more TFBS losses than gains compared with strains from other environments (wild strains, laboratory strains, and clinical strains). We also showed that differences in TFBSs correlate with the cis component of gene expression evolution between species (comparing S. cerevisiae and its sister species Saccharomyces paradoxus) and within species (comparing two closely related S. cerevisiae strains).
A Realistic Early-Stage Power Grid Verification Algorithm Based on Hierarchical Constraints

Power grid verification has become an indispensable step to guarantee a functional and robust chip design. Vectorless power grid verification methods, by solving linear programming (LP) problems under current constraints, enable worst-case voltage drop predictions at an early stage of design when the specific waveforms of current drains are unknown. In this paper, a novel power grid verification algorithm based on hierarchical constraints is proposed. By introducing novel power constraints, the proposed algorithm generates more realistic current patterns and provides less pessimistic voltage drop predictions. The model order reduction-based coefficient computation algorithm reduces the complexity of formulating the LP problems from being proportional to steps to being independent of steps. Utilizing the special hierarchical constraint structure, the submodular polyhedron greedy algorithm dramatically reduces the complexity of solving the LP problems from over O(km3) to roughly O(kmlogkm), where km is the number of variables. Numerical results have shown that the proposed algorithm provides less pessimistic voltage drop prediction while at the same time achieves dramatic speedup.
Thin Structure Estimation with Curvature Regularization

Many applications in vision require estimation of thin structures such as boundary edges, surfaces, roads, blood vessels, neurons, etc. Unlike most previous approaches, we simultaneously detect and delineate thin structures with sub-pixel localization and real-valued orientation estimation. This is an ill-posed problem that requires regularization. We propose an objective function combining detection likelihoods with a prior minimizing curvature of the center-lines or surfaces. Unlike simple block-coordinate descent, we develop a novel algorithm that is able to perform joint optimization of location and detection variables more effectively. Our lower bound optimization algorithm applies to quadratic or absolute curvature. The proposed early vision framework is sufficiently general and it can be used in many higher-level applications. We illustrate the advantage of our approach on a range of 2D and 3D examples.
Proteomic identification of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) seminal plasma proteinsc1,c2

ABSTRACT SDS‐PAGE combined with liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) and 2‐dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) combined with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight/time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF/TOF) were applied to characterize the turkey seminal plasma proteome. LC‐MS/MS led to the identification of 175 proteins, which were classified according to their function and to corresponding biochemical pathways. Using 2DE and MALDI TOF/TOF, 34 different turkey seminal plasma proteins could be identified, of which 20 were found in more than one spot, indicating different proteoforms of these proteins. For validation, antibodies against turkey albumin and ovoinhibitor as well as sperm acrosin were used in 2DE Western blots experiments. The bioinformatic analysis of the results indicates that turkey seminal plasma proteins may be involved in regulation of lipid metabolism [liver X receptor/retinoid X receptor (LXR/RXR) activation and farnesoid X receptor/retinoid X receptor (FXR/RXR) activation pathways)], endocytic entry of proteins and lipids at the plasma membrane (clathrin‐mediated endocytosis pathway), and defense against pathogens (acute phase response signaling pathway) and energy production (glycolysis and gluconeogenesis). Moreover, a comparative meta‐analysis of seminal plasma proteomes from other species indicated the presence of proteins specific for avian reproduction, but distinct differences between turkey and chicken seminal plasma proteomes were detected. The results of our study provide basic knowledge of the protein composition of turkey seminal plasma highlighting important physiological pathways which may play crucial roles in the sperm environment after ejaculation. This knowledge can be the basis to further develop procedures improving the reproduction of farmed turkeys.
An efficient, linear and compact GaN-MMIC power module for microwave backhaul links

A GaN-MMIC power module for microwave back-haul applications in C-band frequency range is presented in this contribution. The design is based on a commercial 0.25 μm channel length GaN power process. The module is composed of two stages. The final stage is designed in order to reach 38 dBm of saturated output power with high efficiency and AM/AM linearity. The driver stage is integrated in order to achieve 25 dB of gain and to partially compensate the phase distortion generated by the final stage. The size of the passive matching networks is minimized, allowing to implement the overall circuit in a 3×3mm2 chip area. An uneven drain bias voltage for the two stages is adopted in order to maximize the total efficiency. The module shows 38 dBm of saturated output power, 25 dB of gain, 55% of power added efficiency and less than 1.5 degree of phase distortion at 7 GHz.
Therapeutic trial of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation after acute ischemic stroke

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or sham stimulation was given over the motor cortex daily for 10 days to two randomly assigned groups of 26 patients with acute ischemic stroke. Patients otherwise continued their normal treatment. Disability scales measured before rTMS, at the end of the last rTMS session, and 10 days later showed that real rTMS improved patients' scores more than sham.
Rating curve estimation using local stages, upstream discharge data and a simplified hydraulic model

This article proposes a methodology for synthesising the rating curve in one or more cross-sections of a watercourse provided with stage data, when a reliable rating curve and stage data are also available in the upstream cross-section; the synthesised rating curves are consistent with each other. The proposed methodology uses a variable parameter Muskingum-Cunge model whose parameters take express account of travel times and attenuation of the flood wave, and are expressed in such a way that allows for an integration in the time-space domain even when a topographic survey of the river is not available. Furthermore, the methodology proposed implicitly provides a ready-calibrated simulation model whose ease of application suggests that it could also be useful in real time stage forecasting. The paper includes a description of a numerical application to a reach of the Po River (Italy).
The examination of superior mesenteric artery circulation in fetus during pregnancy

Abstract Objective: The aim of the study was a comprehensive examination of the circulation of superior mesenteric artery in different weeks of pregnancy using Doppler ultrasound examination. Methods: The study was conducted at the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Slovakia between the years 2008 and 2012. Dynamics and changes in superior mesenteric artery circulation were studied in 856 women. Results of Doppler examination were processed and subsequently evaluated for each gestational week separately. Results: We found that changes in resistance index of superior mesenteric artery are slower and have a tendency to decrease as a consequence of a gradual decrease in vascular resistance. The changes in pulsatility index are different in nature; there is a tendency for there are to be repeating periods of higher and then lower values, which are subject to a more pronounced dependence on flow rate, especially end diastolic velocity, and Vmean. Conclusions: This article and its results bring a new, comprehensive view not only of physiological changes in the splanchnic circulation, but also of changes that may be subject to a certain extent, not only to the sex, but primarily to the weight of the fetus, which, of course, indirectly reflects its metabolic and respiratory demands.
Unstructured Graph Partitioning and Sparse Matrix Ordering System Version 2 . 0

Graph partitioning has extensive applications in many areas, including scientific computing, VLSI design, and task scheduling. The problem is to partition the vertices of a graph in p roughly equal parts, such that the number of edges connecting vertices in different parts is minimized. For example, the solution of a sparse system of linear equations Ax = b via iterative methods on a parallel computer gives rise to a graph partitioning problem. A key step in each iteration of these methods is the multiplication of a sparse matrix and a (dense) vector. Partitioning the graph corresponding to the matrix A, significantly reduces the amount of communication required by this step [25]. If parallel direct methods are used to solve a sparse system of equations, then a graph partitioning algorithm can be used to compute a fill reducing ordering that lead to high degree of concurrency in the factorization phase [25, 10]. The multiple minimum degree ordering used almost exclusively in serial direct methods is not suitable for parallel direct methods, as it provides very little concurrency in the parallel factorization phase. METIS is a set of programs that implement the various algorithms described in [22, 23]. The advantages of METIS compared to other similar packages are the following:
Muc2 Protects against Lethal Infectious Colitis by Disassociating Pathogenic and Commensal Bacteria from the Colonic Mucosa

Despite recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of attaching and effacing (A/E) Escherichia coli infections, the mechanisms by which the host defends against these microbes are unclear. The goal of this study was to determine the role of goblet cell-derived Muc2, the major intestinal secretory mucin and primary component of the mucus layer, in host protection against A/E pathogens. To assess the role of Muc2 during A/E bacterial infections, we inoculated Muc2 deficient (Muc2−/−) mice with Citrobacter rodentium, a murine A/E pathogen related to diarrheagenic A/E E. coli. Unlike wildtype (WT) mice, infected Muc2−/− mice exhibited rapid weight loss and suffered up to 90% mortality. Stool plating demonstrated 10–100 fold greater C. rodentium burdens in Muc2−/− vs. WT mice, most of which were found to be loosely adherent to the colonic mucosa. Histology of Muc2−/− mice revealed ulceration in the colon amid focal bacterial microcolonies. Metabolic labeling of secreted mucins in the large intestine demonstrated that mucin secretion was markedly increased in WT mice during infection compared to uninfected controls, suggesting that the host uses increased mucin release to flush pathogens from the mucosal surface. Muc2 also impacted host-commensal interactions during infection, as FISH analysis revealed C. rodentium microcolonies contained numerous commensal microbes, which was not observed in WT mice. Orally administered FITC-Dextran and FISH staining showed significantly worsened intestinal barrier disruption in Muc2−/− vs. WT mice, with overt pathogen and commensal translocation into the Muc2−/− colonic mucosa. Interestingly, commensal depletion enhanced C. rodentium colonization of Muc2−/− mice, although colonic pathology was not significantly altered. In conclusion, Muc2 production is critical for host protection during A/E bacterial infections, by limiting overall pathogen and commensal numbers associated with the colonic mucosal surface. Such actions limit tissue damage and translocation of pathogenic and commensal bacteria across the epithelium.
Dried Distillers Grains as a Grazed Forage Supplement

Dried Distillers Grains as a Grazed Forage Supplement becoming increasingly available and are typically priced relative to corn. Therefore, as the cost of grazed forages increases relative to price of corn, by-products may prove to be an economical forage supplement. Characteristics of forage supple-mentation may include improved performance and/or reduced forage intake (i.e. forage substitution). Forage substitution allows for additional animal units to graze a fixed amount of forage and thus is an important consideration when determining value of a forage supplement. By-products which are accurately priced into a grazed forage system must be characterized in terms of their effects on forage intake as well as animal performance. The objective of this research was to determine effects of dried distillers grains (DDG) supplementation on animal performance and forage intake in a grazed forage production system and to demonstrate how DDG might be valued in this situation. Procedure Experimental design and animal performance Thirty heifers (650 lb, SD = 80) were supplemented with 0, 1.0, 2.1, 3.1, or 4.2 lb per head per day (DM) DDG for 84 days. Heifers rota-tionally grazed four smooth brome-grass pastures which were 15 acres each. Heifers in this study were a part of a larger supplementation experiment investigating the effects of supplemental methionine. Levels of DDG provided were based on supplying 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 grams of supplemental methionine. Heifers were stratified by weight, blocked by treatment from the previous experiment due to weight differences and assigned randomly to treatment. Supplemental DDG was provided individually using a Calan gate system. Heifer performance was determined by measuring ADG. Heifers were limit fed for five days at the beginning and end of the trial and weights were measured for three consecutive days to minimize variation in gut fill. Determination of forage intake Forage intake was estimated using the 1996 NRC model. DDG intake was known and forage intake was adjusted to achieve the observed ADG. DDG included solubles and had a fat content of 8.5%. It was assumed DDG contained 100% TDN, 29.5% CP, and 17.7% UIP (DM). Smooth brome-grass inputs were based on previous IVDMD and CP analysis and were assumed to be 61.5% TDN, 20% CP, and 1% UIP (DM). Animal inputs were based on a 14 month old 2 way british-continental cross animal weighing 730 lb with a 1350 lb mature weight. Implants and additives were not used. Net energy adjusters were …
Impact of Mobility on the Reliability Performance of 5G Multi-Connectivity Architectures

The support of mission-critical use cases is an ambitious goal of the upcoming fifth generation of mobile networks. In addition to challenging requirements regarding reliability and latency, particular use cases need to be supported in high mobility scenarios as well. To avoid extensive system simulations and enable studies of very small outage probabilities, we integrate mobility effects into an existing signal-to-interference- plus-noise ratio (SINR) model by combining the model with results from a mobility simulation. An evaluation of the model corroborates that high mobility can severely deteriorate the reliability performance in traditional single-connectivity architectures. As potential countermeasures, inter- and intra-frequency multi-connectivity are identified. Results show that high reliability of 99.999% or greater becomes possible if a sufficient number of connections is utilized.
Substance P induced by peripheral nerve injury in primary afferent sensory neurons and its effect on dorsal column nucleus neurons

Using in situ hybridization and the retrograde tracer, Fluorogold, we examined the expression of preprotachykinin (PPT) mRNA in the rat dorsal root ganglion neurons projecting to the gracile nucleus. Seven days after unilateral sciatic nerve transection, some medium- to large- sized neurons in the rat dorsal root ganglia projecting to the gracile nucleus express PPT mRNA, whereas very few gracile nucleus-projecting neurons on the contralateral side express PPT mRNA. Immunohistochemistry revealed an increase in substance P (SP) immunoreactivity in the gracile nucleus and large myelinated fibers in the dorsal root 2 weeks after unilateral sciatic nerve transection. The results suggest that medium to large DRG cells that project to the gracile nucleus express PPT mRNA de novo in response to peripheral nerve injury, and increased SP is transported to the gracile nucleus through large myelinated fibers. To determine whether the increased SP might affect the excitability of the gracile nucleus neurons postsynaptically, Fos expression after electrical stimulation of the injured sciatic nerve was examined. Multiple injections of the NK-1 receptor antagonist, CP-96,345, suppressed stimulus-induced Fos expression in gracile nucleus neurons including thalamic relay neurons. The inactive enantiomer, CP-96,344, had no effect on stimulus-induced Fos expression. These data indicate that the de novo synthesized SP in the lesioned primary afferent neurons may be involved in an augmentation of excitability in the dorsal column-medial lemniscus sensory pathway. This hyperexcitability may play a role in the pathogenesis of abnormal neuropathic sensations following peripheral nerve injury.
Interactions between the archaeal Cdc6 and MCM proteins modulate their biochemical properties

The origin recognition complex, Cdc6 and the minichromosome maintenance (MCM) complex play essential roles in the initiation of eukaryotic DNA replication. Homologs of these proteins may play similar roles in archaeal replication initiation. While the interactions among the eukaryotic initiation proteins are well documented, the protein–protein interactions between the archaeal proteins have not yet been determined. Here, an extensive structural and functional analysis of the interactions between the Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus MCM and the two Cdc6 proteins (Cdc6-1 and -2) identified in the organism is described. The main contact between Cdc6 and MCM occurs via the N-terminal portion of the MCM protein. It was found that Cdc6–MCM interaction, but not Cdc6–DNA binding, plays the predominant role in regulating MCM helicase activity. In addition, the data showed that the interactions with MCM modulate the autophosphorylation of Cdc6-1 and -2. The results also suggest that MCM and DNA may compete for Cdc6-1 protein binding. The implications of these observations for the initiation of archaeal DNA replication are discussed.