Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Straw Incorporation on Soil Nutrients, Enzymes, and Aggregate Stability in Tobacco Fields of China

To determine the effects of straw incorporation on soil nutrients, enzyme activity, and aggregates in tobacco fields, we conducted experiments with different amounts of wheat and maize straw in Zhucheng area of southeast Shandong province for three years (2010–2012). In the final year of experiment (2012), straw incorporation increased soil organic carbon (SOC) and related parameters, and improved soil enzyme activity proportionally with the amount of straw added, except for catalase when maize straw was used. And maize straw incorporation was more effective than wheat straw in the tobacco field. The percentage of aggregates >2 mm increased with straw incorporation when measured by either dry or wet sieving. The mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric mean diameter (GMD) in straw incorporation treatments were higher than those in the no-straw control (CK). Maize straw increased soil aggregate stability more than wheat straw with the same incorporation amount. Alkaline phosphatase was significantly and negatively correlated with soil pH. Sucrase and urease were both significantly and positively correlated with soil alkali-hydrolysable N. Catalase was significantly but negatively correlated with soil extractable K (EK). The MWD and GMD by dry sieving had significantly positive correlations with SOC, total N, total K, and EK, but only significantly correlated with EK by wet sieving. Therefore, soil nutrients, metabolic enzyme activity, and aggregate stability might be increased by increasing the SOC content through the maize or wheat straw incorporation. Moreover, incorporation of maize straw at 7500 kg·hm−2 was the best choice to enhance soil fertility in the tobacco area of Eastern China.
Advancement in color image processing using Geometric Algebra

This paper describes advancement in color image processing, using Geometric Algebra (GA). This is achieved using a compact representation of vectors within an n dimensional space. GA discussed here is a preferred framework for signal representation and image representation. In this context the R, G, B color channels are not defined separately but as a single entity. Therefore, the signal and image processing operations becomes straightforward and the algorithms intuitive due to the rich set of GA operators. From the experiments described in this paper, it is also possible to conclude that the convolution operation with the rotor masks within GA belong to a class of linear vector filters and can be applied to image or speech signals. The usefulness of the introduced approach has been demonstrated by analyzing and implementing two different types of edge detection schemes.
Clinical Features, Pathophysiology, and Treatment of Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesias in Parkinson's Disease

Dyskinetic disorders are characterized by excess of motor activity that may interfere with normal movement control. In patients with Parkinson's disease, the chronic levodopa treatment induces dyskinetic movements known as levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LID). This paper analyzed the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, pharmacological treatments, and surgical procedures to treat hyperkinetic disorders. Surgery is currently the only treatment available for Parkinson's disease that may improve both parkinsonian motor syndrome and LID. However, this paper shows the different mechanisms involved are not well understood.
Price Taking Equilibrium in Club Economies with Multiple Memberships and Unbounded Club Sizes

This paper develops a model of an economy with clubs where individuals may belong to multiple clubs and where there may be ever increasing returns to club size. Clubs may be large, as large as the total agent set. The main condition required is that sufficient wealth can compensate for memberships in larger and larger clubs. Notions of price taking equilibrium and the core, both with communication costs, are introduced. These notions require that there is a small cost, called a communication cost, of deviating from a given outcome. With some additional standard sorts of assumptions on preferences, we demonstrate that, given communication costs parameterized by e > 0, for all sufficiently large economies, the core is non-empty and contains states of the economy that are in the core of the replicated economy for all replications (Edgeworth states of the economy). Moreover, for any given economy, every state of the economy that is in the core for all replications of that economy can be supported as a price-taking equilibrium with communication costs. Together these two results imply that, given the communication costs, for all sufficiently large economies there exists Edgeworth states of the economy and every Edgeworth state can be supported as a price-taking equilibrium.
External coupling between bes and ham programs for whole-building simulation

This paper discusses a procedure for the two-way run time external coupling between Building Energy Simulation (BES) and building envelope Heat, Air and Moisture (HAM) programs for enhanced wholebuilding simulation. The coupling procedure presented here involves a description of the relevant physical phenomena at the interface between the programs, domain overlaps, coupling variables, coupling strategy and types of boundary condition. The procedure is applied using the programs ESP-r and HAMFEM, where the implementation and verification issues are discussed. This work concludes that the coupling between BES and HAM programs is feasible, and it can potentially enhance the accuracy in whole-building simulation.
Design and implementation of scalable distributed wireless network emulator for high-speed mobility

We designed a scalable distributed wireless network emulator for high-speed mobility. Wireless network emulators provide various conditions of mobile nodes' dynamics and wireless links to real implementation of protocols to be evaluated based on user-defined mobility scenarios. The target of the proposed emulator is IP-based protocols for large-scale mobile wireless networks composed of a large number of high-speed vehicles. One of the biggest design issues we faced in making our network emulator effective was attaining high scalability while maintaining transparency and high accuracy. To overcome this, we first introduce a backbone-network-based distributed architecture by which we can easily add test nodes while maintaining transparency, then we introduce our new approach, which is called “time-based wireless link emulation. ” In this approach, the mobility scenario is converted into a wireless link schedule, and each distributed processor emulates a wireless link based only on the schedule and its clock, which is precisely synchronized with the other processors' clocks by using IEEE 1588 PTPv2. This approach can eliminate unnecessary overhead caused by exchange of control messages. We also introduce a distribution method of wireless link emulation in which two processors effectively share an emulation process to reduce overhead while maintaining accuracy of packet delay emulation. We briefly describe our first prototype and preliminary results of an experiment and performance evaluation.
FINDING CORRELATES OF VOCAL FOLD ADDUCTION DEFICIENCIES

This paper presents first results from a pilot study in which a set of voice parameters are computed from the EGG and microphone signals. It is investigated which of the voice parameters can distinguish between 5 speaker groups. The speaker groups are divided into normal speakers, breathy speakers and speakers with an organic pathology. Some of the parameters can distinguish between (some of) the 5 groups regardless of speaker sex, whereas other parameter do so only for male or female voices. The results of this study can be useful for the derivation of parameters which can be used for instance for the evaluation of voice therapy; the results can also indicate parameters which should be given special attention in a pre-screening of speakers with a high risk of developing a voice pathology, since a change in these parameters between consultations at the ENT clinic may indicate a development towards a pathological voice. The main goal of this pilot study is not so much the derivation of these parameters, though, as the development of a methodology to find parameters which distinguish between the 5 speaker groups. The method is immediately applicable to the investigation of distinctions between other pathological groups. In der vorliegenden Abhandlung werden erste Ergebnisse einer Pilotstudie prSsentiert, in der vom elektroglottographischen und akustischen Signal abgeleitete Stimmparameter berŸcksichtig werden. Es wurde untersucht, mit Hilfe welcher der Stimmparameter zwischen 5 verschiedenen Sprechergruppen unterschieden werden kann. Bei den Sprechergruppen wurde zwischen normalen Sprechern, Sprechern mit behauchter Stimme und solchen mit organisch bedingten Pathologien differenziert. Mit Hilfe einer Anzahl von Parametern kann zwischen einigen der 5 Gruppen unterschieden werden, wobei das Geschlecht der Sprecher dabei keine Rolle spielt; bei anderen Parametern hingegen gilt die Unterscheidung nur fŸr mSnnliche oder weibliche Stimmen. Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie ksnnen fŸr solche
Quasi-periodic Oscillations in XTE J0111.2–7317: Highest Frequency among the HMXB Pulsars

We report the discovery of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) in the high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB) pulsar XTE J0111.2-7317 during a transient outburst of the source in 1998 December. Using observations made with the Proportional Counter Array of the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer during the second peak and the declining phase of the outburst, we have discovered a QPO feature at a frequency of 1.27 Hz. We have ruled out the possibility that the observed feature could instead be from the neighboring bright X-ray pulsar SMC X-1. This is the highest frequency QPO ever detected in an HMXB pulsar. In the absence of a cyclotron absorption feature in the X-ray spectrum, the QPO, along with the pulse period and X-ray flux measurement, helps us to constrain the magnetic field strength of the neutron star.
A monetary policy simulation game for the classroom

A computer game is presented that puts the player into the shoes of a central bank governor. The game is a stochastic simulation of a standard reduced form macro model, and the user interacts with this simulation by manipulating the interest rate. The decision problem that the player faces is in many ways quite realistic, in the following sense: Just as a real monetary authority, the player is confronted with a constant stream of shocks he cannot unambiguously identify, and his decisions affect the economy only with a considerable lag. These are two ingredients that make monetary policy decisions so challenging in reality, and that also make playing this game successfully rather difficult. The game can be used for undergraduate or continuing education classes. An "advanced mode" allows the teacher (or the student) to customize many aspects of the simulation, and to experiment with different calibrations or different monetary feedback rules.
Packet over SONET : Achieving 10 Gigabit / sec Packet Processing with an IXP 2800

The IXP2800 is the high-end device of a family of network processors developed by Intel Corporation. It is designed for 10 Gigabit/sec data rates, with typical usage in packet forwarding systems. It can be configured with large amounts of dynamic and static storage for buffering hundreds of thousands of packets for up to a million Internet Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) connections. The programmability and parallel nature of this processor chip make it an ideal choice when high performance and ability to quickly adapt to new network standards are the requirements. This paper describes the evolution of an OC-192 (10 Gigabit/sec) design for Packet over SONET (POS), using the IXP2800. This was a particularly difficult challenge due to the fact that the arrival rate of packets is one per 40nS (which equals 57 microengine processor cycles). At this rate, for each packet, buffers must be allocated, the packet must be received, reassembled, and stored in DRAM, header verified, multi-field and destination lookups performed, packet classified for destination, timestamp saved, packet tagged (metered) by priority, previous header stripped, IP header modified, evaluated as to whether it should be dropped, statistic counters updated, enqueued for transmit, new fabric header prepended, transmitted, and buffers freed. This paper chronicles the issues encountered and solutions devised to achieve high packet-forwarding rates. The resulting architectural concepts of context pipe stages, functional pipe stages, phase interleaving, critical sections, elasticity buffers, and pool of threads are defined. The techniques of next -neighbor message passing, scratch rings, signaling, CAM state caching, local memory linklists, SRAM link-lists, and reflected mailbox messages are explored. The OC-192 POS pipe stages are described. A performance summary is reported for a variety of packet streams.
Journal of Environmental and Resource Economics at Colby Renewable Energy Consumption: Initiatives in Colorado and Washington Renewable Energy Consumption: Initiatives in Colorado and Washington

This paper examines the use of policy mechanisms to increase renewable energy consumption within the United States. In order to effectively measure the change of renewable energy consumption, I analyze two initiatives that promote energy consumption from renewable sources and overall increases in energy conservation. Colorado and Washington had approved initiatives in the years 2004 and 2006, respectively. Although the results are not entirely statistically significant, I find that the initiatives lead to increases in total renewable energy consumption and decreases in total energy use. 1. Introduction Renewable energy is a rapidly growing sector throughout the global economy. In recent years, there has been a higher recognition of the environmental problems, such as global warming and climate change, that are affecting current day activity and that have detrimental effects in the future. Different renewable energy techniques exemplify possible strategies to overcome the earth's environmental obstacles. The transfer of the consumption of conventional energy mechanisms to renewable sources is an effective way to implement sustainability in federal, state, or local communities. The observation of trends is very important in order to maintain regulations and understand the magnitude of the negative effects. By examining state level adjustments to renewable energy consumptions, one can observe the improvements that exist within the United States. Since the renewable energy sector is increasing throughout the U.S., it would be fascinating to research the introduction of policy control for renewable energy consumption in states in comparison to the overall developments towards renewable energy consumption in the U.S. In the early 2000s, there were few initiatives that promoted energy conservation or consumption of renewable energy on the state level that were approved. This paper will examine two initiatives that were approved in Colorado and Washington. Colorado had an initiative for renewable energy in 2004. The state planned to increase the overall percent of electricity consumption stemming from renewable sources. Washington had an initiative for energy conservation in 2006 that encompassed the installation of a new target range for energy conservation and renewable energy. See Appendix A for more information about the two initiatives. Colorado has access to many renewable energy resources based on its geography. For example, it has the highest average elevation in comparison to any other state and has many open plains that provide space for wind energy sources. In addition, it has solar resources in the south of the state. Colorado was the, " fist …
ICMM 2005-75109 PRESSURE DROP OF FULLY-DEVELOPED , LAMINAR FLOW IN MICROCHANNELS OF ARBITRARY CROSS-SECTION

Pressure drop of fully developed, laminar, incompressible flow in smooth mini and microchannels of arbitrary cross-section is investigated. A compact approximate model is proposed that predicts the pressure drop for a wide variety of shapes. The model is only a function of geometrical parameters of the cross-section, i.e., area, perimeter, and polar moment of inertia. The proposed model is compared with analytical and numerical solutions for several shapes. Also, the comparison of the model with experimental data, collected by several researchers, shows good agreement. Nomenclature A = cross-sectional area, m b, c = channel semi-axes, m Dh = hydraulic diameter 4A/P , m E (·) = complete elliptic integral of the second kind f = Fanning friction factor, 2τ/ρw h = height of trapezoidal channel, m Ip = polar moment of inertia, m I∗ p = specific polar moment of inertia, Ip/A 2 L = microtube length, m n = number of sides, regular polygons P = perimeter, m ReA = Reynolds number, ρw √ A/μ w = fluid velocity, m/s w = mean fluid velocity, m/s z = flow direction ellow. Mem. ASME. Corresponding author. E.uwaterloo. ca. rofessor Emeritus. Fellow ASME. sor and Director of MHTL. Mem. ASME. 1 Greek α∗ = aspect ratio trapezoidal duct, h/a β = dimensionless parameter trapezoidal duct 2 = aspect ratio, c/b ρ = fluid density, kg/m μ = fluid viscosity, kg/m.s τ = wall shear stress, N/m τ∗ = non-dimensional wall shear stress, [−] φ = trapezoidal channel angle, rad ∆p = pressure drop, Pa Γ = boundary of duct Subscripts √ A = square root of cross-sectional area, m
Provision of Data-Intensive Services Through Energy- and QoS-Aware Virtual Machine Placement in National Cloud Data Centers

Many data-intensive services (e.g., planet analysis, gene analysis, and so on) are becoming increasingly reliant on national cloud data centers (NCDCs) because of growing scientific collaboration among countries. In NCDCs, tens of thousands of virtual machines (VMs) are assigned to physical servers to provide data-intensive services with a quality-of-service (QoS) guarantee, and consume a massive amount of energy in the process. Although many VM placement schemes have been proposed to solve this problem of energy consumption, most of these assume that all the physical servers are homogeneous. However, the physical server configurations of NCDCs often differ significantly, which leads to varying energy consumption characteristics. In this paper, we explore an alternative VM placement approach to minimize energy consumption during the provision of data-intensive services with a global QoS guarantee in NCDCs. We use an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm to develop an optimal VM placement approach involving a tradeoff between energy consumption and global QoS guarantee for data-intensive services. Experimental results show that our approach significantly outperforms other approaches to energy optimization and global QoS guarantee in NCDCs.
A systematic review of interventions to improve prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission service delivery and promote retention

The success of prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) is dependent upon high retention of mother‐infant pairs within these programmes. This is a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions that aim to improve PMTCT service delivery and promote retention throughout the PMTCT steps.
Factors predicting mortality in necrotizing community-acquired pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus containing Panton-Valentine leukocidin.

BACKGROUND Necrotizing pneumonia due to Panton-Valentine leukocidin-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus is associated with a high mortality rate. We sought factors associated with vital outcome in 50 cases occurring from 1986 through 2005. METHODS We compared the clinical and biological characteristics of 50 patients according to their vital outcome and examined the characteristics of the corresponding S. aureus isolates. RESULTS The overall mortality rate was 56%, and the median survival time was 10 days. All of the deaths were attributed to S. aureus infection and were secondary to refractory shock and/or respiratory failure. Fatal outcome was associated with classical severity factors, such as the need for mechanical ventilation or inotrope support, and with onset of the acute respiratory distress syndrome. Airway bleeding was strongly associated with fatal outcome (P=.002). Patients who had focal staphylococcal infection before the onset of pneumonia had a significantly lower mortality rate (P=.002). The main biological feature associated with death was leukopenia (P<.001). In multivariate analysis, leukopenia and erythroderma occurring within the first 24 h after admission to the hospital were independently associated with fatal outcome. Erythroderma was not associated with toxic shock syndrome toxin. CONCLUSIONS Airway bleeding, erythroderma, and leukopenia are associated with fatal outcome from Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive S. aureus necrotizing pneumonia. More work is needed to develop more efficacious therapy against this highly lethal disease.
MYCN and HDAC5 transcriptionally repress CD9 to trigger invasion and metastasis in neuroblastoma

The systemic and resistant nature of metastatic neuroblastoma renders it largely incurable with current multimodal treatment. Clinical progression stems mainly from the increasing burden of metastatic colonization. Therapeutically inhibiting the migration-invasion-metastasis cascade would be of great benefit, but the mechanisms driving this cycle are as yet poorly understood. In-depth transcriptome analyses and ChIP-qPCR identified the cell surface glycoprotein, CD9, as a major downstream player and direct target of the recently described GRHL1 tumor suppressor. CD9 is known to block or facilitate cancer cell motility and metastasis dependent upon entity. High-level CD9 expression in primary neuroblastomas correlated with patient survival and established markers for favorable disease. Low-level CD9 expression was an independent risk factor for adverse outcome. MYCN and HDAC5 colocalized to the CD9 promoter and repressed transcription. CD9 expression diminished with progressive tumor development in the TH-MYCN transgenic mouse model for neuroblastoma, and CD9 expression in neuroblastic tumors was far below that in ganglia from wildtype mice. Primary neuroblastomas lacking MYCN amplifications displayed differential CD9 promoter methylation in methyl-CpG-binding domain sequencing analyses, and high-level methylation was associated with advanced stage disease, supporting epigenetic regulation. Inducing CD9 expression in a SH-EP cell model inhibited migration and invasion in Boyden chamber assays. Enforced CD9 expression in neuroblastoma cells transplanted onto chicken chorioallantoic membranes strongly reduced metastasis to embryonic bone marrow. Combined treatment of neuroblastoma cells with HDAC/DNA methyltransferase inhibitors synergistically induced CD9 expression despite hypoxic, metabolic or cytotoxic stress. Our results show CD9 is a critical and indirectly druggable suppressor of the invasion-metastasis cycle in neuroblastoma.