Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of tropical cyclone disaster loss in Guangdong Province based on combined model

ABSTRACT Tropical cyclone (TC) disaster loss assessment is an important and difficult problem in TC prevention and disaster mitigation. Few studies have focused on combined model in this area. This study introduced a new combination model method to predict TC disaster loss, taking Guangdong province as an example. We analysed and collected 67 TC data from 1993 to 2009, which had impact on Guangdong province, in which 60 were randomly for training data and another 7 were for testing data. We conducted three models – GA–Elman neural networks, support vector regression (SVR) and generalized regression neural networks (GRNN), and the root mean square error (RMSE) value we got are 5.05, 7.85 and 3.82, respectively. Then the three models are combined into a comprehensive evaluation model by model combination method. The RMSE of the test results is 3.30. The results show that the combined model is superior to one individual model and it is a more accurate and stable method.
Video-Based Face Recognition Using the Intra / Extra-Personal Difference Dictionary

Face recognition in unconstrained videos is challenging due to large variations in pose, illumination, expression etc. We address the problem from two different aspects: To handle pose variations, we learn a Structural-SVM based detector which can simultaneously localize face fiducial points and estimate the face pose. By adopting a different optimization criterion from existing algorithms, we are able to improve localization accuracy. To model other face variations, we use intra-personal/extra-personal dictionaries. The proposed framework is advantageous in terms of both accuracy and scalability. We demonstrate through experiments that our algorithm achieves state-of-arts performance on challenging public databases, even when the training data come from a different database.
Interaction with PDZK1 Is Required for Expression of Organic Anion Transporting Protein 1A1 on the Hepatocyte Surface*

Although many organic anion transport protein (Oatp) family members have PDZ consensus binding sites at their C termini, the functional significance is unknown. In the present study, we utilized rat Oatp1a1 (NM_017111) as a prototypical member of this family to examine the mechanism governing its subcellular trafficking. A peptide corresponding to the C-terminal 16 amino acids of rat Oatp1a1 was used to affinity-isolate interacting proteins from rat liver cytosol. Protein mass fingerprinting identified PDZK1 as the major interacting protein. This was confirmed by immunoprecipitation of an Oatp1a1-PDZK1 complex from cotransfected 293T cells as well as from native rat liver membrane extracts. Oatp1a1 bound predominantly to the first and third PDZ binding domains of PDZK1, whereas the high density lipoprotein receptor, scavenger receptor B type I binds to the first domain. Although it is possible that PDZK1 forms a complex with these two integral membrane proteins, this did not occur, suggesting that as yet undescribed factors lead to selectivity in the interaction of these protein ligands with PDZK1. Oatp1a1 protein expression was near normal in PDZK1 knock-out mouse liver. However, it was located predominantly in intracellular structures, in contrast to its normal basolateral plasma membrane distribution. Plasma disappearance of the Oatp1a1 ligand [35S]sulfobromophthalein was correspondingly delayed in knock-out mice. These studies show a critical role for oligomerization of Oatp1a1 with PDZK1 for its proper subcellular localization and function. Because its ability to transport substances into the cell requires surface expression, this must be considered in any assessment of physiologic function.
Two microwave land emissivity parameterizations suitable for AMSU observations

In this work, two microwave emissivity parameterizations are proposed to estimate the land emissivity at Advanced Microwave Sounding Units (AMSU) frequencies and scanning conditions in order to help processing AMSU measurements over land surfaces. Both parameterizations are derived from previously calculated land emissivities directly from satellite observations and take into account different surface types from bare soil to areas with high vegetation density. The first parameterization uses best-fit functions derived from February 2000 observations whereas the second parameterization is based on the first one with the addition of a mean nadir emissivity map at 23.8 GHz to allow a more precise surface description. The emissivity parameterizations have been evaluated by comparing emissivity and Tb simulations to target emissivity and Tb observations.
Evaporation determined by the energy‐budget method for Mirror Lake, New Hampshire

Evaporation was determined by the energy‐budget method for Mirror Lake during the open water periods of 1982–1987. For all years, evaporation rates were low in spring and fall and highest during the summer. However,the times of highest evaporation rates varied during the 6 yr. Evaporation reached maximum rates in July for three of the years, in June for two of the years, and in August for one of the years. The highest evaporation rate during the 6‐yr study was 0.46 cm d−1 during 27 May–4 June 1986 and 15–21 July 1987. Solar radiation and atmospheric radiation input to the lake and long‐wave radiation emitted from the lake were by far the largest energy fluxes to and from the lake and had the greatest effect on evaporation rates. Energy advected to and from the lake by precipitation, surface water, and ground water had little effect on evaporation rates. In the energy‐budget method, average evaporation rates are determined for energy‐budget periods, which are bounded by the dates of thermal surveys of the lake. Our study compared evaporation rates calculated for short periods, usually ~1 week, with evaporation rates calculated for longer periods, usually ~2 weeks. The results indicated that the shorter periods showed more variability in evaporation rates, but seasonal patterns, with few exceptions, were similar.
A Concurrent G-Negotiation Mechanism for Grid Resource Co-allocation

Since computationally intensive applications may often require more resources than a single computing machine can provide in one administrative domain, bolstering resource co-allocation is essential for realizing the grid vision. Given that resource providers and consumers may have different requirements and performance goals, successfully obtaining commitments through concurrent negotiations with multiple resource providers to simultaneously access several resources is a very challenging task for consumers. The novel contribution of this work is devising a concurrent mechanism that (i) coordinates multiple one-to-many concurrent negotiations between a consumer and multiple resource providers, and (ii) manages (de-)commitment for consumers during the one-to-many negotiation in grid co-allocation. In this work, a utility-oriented coordination strategy and three classes of commitment strategies for concurrent negotiation are presented. A series of simulations were carried out in a variety of settings and favorable results show that the strategies (both commitment strategies and the coordination strategy) outperformed existing models in terms of utility, negotiation speed, and success rate.
A Flux Model of Glycolysis and the Oxidative Pentosephosphate Pathway in Developing Brassica napus Embryos*

Developing oilseeds synthesize large quantities of triacylglycerol from sucrose and hexose. To understand the fluxes involved in this conversion, a quantitative metabolic flux model was developed and tested for the reaction network of glycolysis and the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (OPPP). Developing Brassica napus embryos were cultured with [U-13C6]glucose, [1-13C]glucose, [6-13C]glucose, [U-13C12]sucrose, and/or [1,2-13C2]glucose and the labeling patterns in amino acids, lipids, sucrose, and starch were measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and NMR. Data were used to verify a reaction network of central carbon metabolism distributed between the cytosol and plastid. Computer simulation of the steady state distribution of isotopomers in intermediates of the glycolysis/OPPP network was used to fit metabolic flux parameters to the experimental data. The observed distribution of label in cytosolic and plastidic metabolites indicated that key intermediates of glycolysis and OPPP have similar labeling in these two compartments, suggesting rapid exchange of metabolites between these compartments compared with net fluxes into end products. Cycling between hexose phosphate and triose phosphate and reversible transketolase velocity were similar to net glycolytic flux, whereas reversible transaldolase velocity was minimal. Flux parameters were overdetermined by analyzing labeling in different metabolites and by using data from different labeling experiments, which increased the reliability of the findings. Net flux of glucose through the OPPP accounts for close to 10% of the total hexose influx into the embryo. Therefore, the reductant produced by the OPPP accounts for at most 44% of the NADPH and 22% of total reductant needed for fatty acid synthesis.
Multi-Objective Power Network Planning Based on Improved Pareto Ant Colony Algorithm

As the present power system planning can hardly take economy and reliability into account, an improved Pareto ant colony algorithm (IPACA) is proposed in this paper. An improved quick sort method is applied to construct Pareto optimal solution set, thereby the slow-chain is shorten and the time complexity is reduced. Clustering analysis has been used to improve the diversity and distributivity of the Pareto optimal solution set. Global convergence rate of the algorithm is expedited, as the control parameter in the local and global pheromone update is vary with the iteration. The global search ability is enhanced by dynamic self-adapting adjust mechanism of the evaporation coefficient. The proposed algorithm is tested with 18-bus system and results show that the find Pareto optimal solution of it is more than the basic PACA, and distribution of the Pareto front is well-proportioned.
Insights From Unsteady Flow Analysis of Underdamped Slug Tests in Fractured Rock

Slug tests generating oscillating (underdamped) responses are common in high‐transmissivity (T) zones, and the nature of the response depends on the plumbing of the test equipment and the formation properties. The standard approach for obtaining T is to measure pressure shallow in the riser pipe to obtain an accurate estimate of flow and then predict the formation response from this shallow measurement by accounting for friction and acceleration assuming steady flow conditions (parabolic radial velocity profile). In this study a mathematical solution is developed for unsteady oscillatory laminar flow that shows non‐parabolic radial velocity profiles resulting in larger frictional losses, which are out of phase with the average flow velocity, indicating that errors are introduced when using the standard approach for underdamped slug test analysis. The unsteady flow model produces correction factors that can be used to improve the standard approach for predicting the formation pressure; however, not all errors are eliminated. Consequently, a new procedure is presented and applied to underdamped slug tests observed in fractured rock that avoids errors associated with quantifying inertial and frictional effects along the test equipment. This is achieved through the use of two transducers, where one is placed shallow in the water column to infer flow, and one is placed inside the test interval to represent the formation pressure. Comparison of T estimated by the new procedure to T derived from constant head step tests show better agreement than T obtained when predicting the formation pressure from a shallow pressure measurement.
Totally endoscopic atrial septal defect closure with a robotic system: experience with seven cases.

BACKGROUND The development of minimally invasive cardiac surgery has shown good clinical results with shorter recovery time and better cosmetic results. The introduction of the robotic systems can further reduce the surgical trauma and improve the surgical dexterity. We report seven cases of complete closed chest atrial septal defect closure using the "da Vinci" Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Mountain View, CA). METHODS Following peripheral cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), aortic occlusion and cardioplegia delivery, five patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) and two patients with patent forame ovale (PFO) with atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) were successfully treated using the robotic system. Two robotic arms and an endoscopic camera were inserted through ports in the right hemithorax and an accessory port was placed for blood suction and ancillary instruments insertion. The defect closure was carried out with interrupted stitches in one patient and with a continuous suture in the others. RESULTS Mean cardiopulmonary bypass and cross clamp time were 101.8 +/- 39.6 and 63.4 +/- 21.9 minutes respectively. Extubation was carried out within the seventh postoperative hour. All patients returned to normal lifestyle in one week. CONCLUSION Complete closed chest ASD closure can be carried out using robotic technique with rapid postoperative recovery and excellent cosmetic result.
Adherence to and reasons for premature discontinuation from stop-smoking medications: data from the ITC Four-Country Survey.

INTRODUCTION Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) have been demonstrated to be effective in clinical trials but may have lower efficacy when purchased over-the-counter (OTC). Premature discontinuation and insufficient dosing have been offered as possible explanations. The aims are to (a) investigate the prevalence of and reasons for premature discontinuation of stop-smoking medications (including prescription only) and (b) how these differ by type, duration of use, and source (prescription or OTC). METHODS The sample includes 1,219 smokers or recent quitters who had used medication in the last year (80.5% NRT, 19.5% prescription only). Data were from Waves 5 and 6 of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four-Country Survey. RESULTS Most of the sample (69.1%) discontinued medication use prematurely. This was more common among NRT users (71.4%) than in users of bupropion and varenicline (59.6%). OTC NRT users were particularly likely to discontinue (76.3%). Relapse back to smoking was the most common reason for discontinuation of medication reported by 41.6% of respondents. Side effects (18.3%) and believing that the medication was no longer needed (17.1%) were also commonly reported. Of those who completed treatment, 37.9% achieved 6-month continuous abstinence compared with 15.6% who discontinued prematurely. Notably, 65.6% who discontinued because they believed the medication had worked were abstinent. CONCLUSIONS Premature discontinuation of stop-smoking medications is common but is not a plausible reason for poorer quit outcomes for most people. Encouraging persistence of medication use after relapse or in the face of minor side effects may help increase long-term cessation outcomes.
Effect of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Rs189037 in ATM Gene on Risk of Lung Cancer in Chinese: A Case-Control Study

Background Accumulated evidence has indicated that ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene polymorphisms are closely related to lung cancer. We aimed to explore the prognostic value of rs189037 (G>A), one of ATM single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and detect whether it involves in the risk of lung cancer in Chinese Han people. Methods In this hospital-based matched case-control study, 852 lung cancer patients and 852 healthy controls have been put into comparison to analyze the association between rs189037 and lung cancer risk in Chinese. The single nucleotide polymorphisms were determined by TaqMan real-time PCR and we used SPSS software to perform the statistical analyses. Results Individuals carrying variant AA genotype of rs189037 had higher lung cancer risk (adjusted OR: 1.56) than those carrying GG genotype. After analyzing data respectively from different groups divided by genders and smoking status, we observed that the risk effect of AA genotype on the lung cancer was significant in females, non-smokers and female non-smokers, as well as the risk effect of GA genotype in male smokers. Compared with non-smokers carrying GG genotype, smokers carrying at least one A allele had higher risk of developing lung cancer than those with GG genotype (adjusted OR: 3.52 vs. adjusted OR: 2.53). Conclusions This study suggested that rs189037 (G>A) polymorphism is associated with lung cancer risk in Chinese Han population. AA genotype and A allele may be dangerous lung cancer signals in Chinese and make contribution to diagnostic and treatment value.
Sustainable options for wetland-based livelihoods: The case of Pangani river basin, Tanzania

ion technologies. As illustrated by PBWO/IUCN (2007), 85% of the water abstracted in Pangani is wasted due to the low irrigation efficiency of the traditional furrow system. Approximately 2 000 traditional furrows have existed for centuries and are highly inefficient. Many scholars, including, Mujwahuzi (2001), Mwamfupe (2001), Lein (2004), Mbonile (2005) and Turpie et al. (2005), have assessed the livelihood options and socio-economic roles for wetland resources in the Pangani river basin. These assessments have led to few tangible accomplishments in terms of mobilising domestic sources of revenue, which is crucial for addressing the problem of water scarcity and moving the land governance system towards the sustainable management of wetlands and associated livelihoods. This has constrained the development of sustainable livelihood options, as water and land are key wetland resources that facilitate irrigated agriculture, which represents the main source for the livelihoods of 90% of the population of the Pangani river basin. This study investigated the institutional, environmental and socio-economic options for developing sustainable livelihoods in the wetlands of the Pangani river basin to contribute to the alleviation of poverty in line with the National Strategy for the Growth and Reduction of Poverty (MKUKUTA) 5 and development vision 2025. The investigation is motivated by the need to provide a broader and integrated perspective to identify sustainable options that allow people to earn a living and generate income from wetland resources and how this income can contribute to mobilising domestic revenues sources, which are fundamental to the development of capital investments in water and land resources. 5 MKUKUTA is a Swahili acronym for the National Strategy for the Growth and Reduction of Poverty – NSGRP. This strategy is the development framework for the current five year phase (2005-2010). It forms part of Tanzania‟s efforts to deliver on its national development vision 2025. The focus is outcome oriented and organized within three clusters; growth and reduction of poverty; improved quality of life and social well being; governance and accountability. www.tanzania. go.tz
Wind and Solar Energy in China

Th is paper looks at wind and solar power potential in China. The level of environmental problem in connection with energy consumption has been introduced in terms of air pollution, water pollution and CO2 emission. The major pollutants are sulfur dioxide and soot that are generated in the combustion of coal and this cause acid rain that affects 30% of China‟s total land area. Industrial boilers and furnaces consume about 50% of the coal and it is believed to be the major source of pollution in urban areas. The level of development, legislation and regulat ions and challenges facing wind and solar power development has been discussed at length. Industrial boilers and furnaces consume about 50% of the coal and is believed to be the major source of pollution in urban areas. In 1997 there was initiat ion of China‟s Ride the Wind Program which established two Sino -foreign joint ventures where wind turb ines were to be manufactured in China plants. In itially the domestically manufactured parts was 20%, but with technology transfer as well as R&D, new goals were set with aim of having the number of domestically manufactured components increased to 80% by the end of this program consumed 9.8% of all the energy used worldwide as per “China country analysis brief” which was published by the US Department of Energy (2001) and in 2006; China import of oil was 162.81 million tons. The reaction from private players will be important in further development of wind and solar power. Putting into consideration the problem of having discontinuous policy as experienced before 2006, it is obvious that success China Renewable Energy policy will be dependant on whether the legal framework and policies would be perceived to be long lasting direct ives or just some makeshift
Concanavalin A-inducible, interleukin-2-producing T cell hybridoma

The fusion of an AKR T cell tumor line to normal B6D2F1, T cells resulted in the production of a cloned T cell hybridoma (FS6-14.13) inducible with the mitogen concanavalin A (Con A). The supernate from Con A-stimulated hybridoma cells was active both in the stimulation of an anti-sheep red blood cell response by partially T cell-depleted B cells and in the stimulation of the growth of antigen-specific T cell blasts. The active principle in both assays had a molecular weight of approximately 30-40,000. These results indicated the presence of interleukin 2 (IL2) in the hybridoma supernate. The activity of the hybridoma supernate in B cell responses was dependent on the presence of adherent cells and a few contaminating T cells. On the other hand, Con A-stimulated supernates from normal spleen cells were active after either adherent cell removal or severe T cell depletion. These results suggested that IL2 was the only active helper factor in the hybridoma supernate, but that additional helper factors were present in supernates from Con A-stimulated normal spleen cells.
Athlete Pose Estimation from Monocular TV Sports Footage

Human pose estimation from monocular video streams is a challenging problem. Much of the work on this problem has focused on developing inference algorithms and probabilistic prior models based on learned measurements. Such algorithms face challenges in generalization beyond the learned dataset. We propose an interactive model-based generative approach for estimating the human pose in 2D from uncalibrated monocular video in unconstrained sports TV footage without any prior learning on motion captured or annotated data. Belief-propagation over a spatio-temporal graph of candidate body part hypotheses is used to estimate a temporally consistent pose between key-frame constraints. Experimental results show that the proposed generative pose estimation framework is capable of estimating pose even in very challenging unconstrained scenarios.