Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Case for Atmospheric Mercury Contamination in Remote Areas

Elevated levels of mercury in aquatic environments remote from industrial sources have been broadly attributed to long-range atmospheric transport and deposition of anthropogenic Hg. Evidence in support of this prevailing scientific viewglobal biogeochemical Hg models, sedimentary archives of historic Hg fluxes, and geographic trends in soil Hghave been challenged as being insuf ficiently rigorous to rule out the alternative explanation that natural geologic sources are the principal contributors of Hg in remote locations. In this review, we examine the weaknesses in interpretation and the choice of information that has been used to argue against atmospheric Hg contamination. Analytical advances in measuring trace levels of environmental Hg have greatly narrowed estimates of natural Hg fluxes, providing a clear measure of the relative magnitude of anthropogenic Hg emissions and deposition. Recent experimental results indicate that diagenetic processes cannot explain the mounting number of lake sediment an.
Reinforcement Learning-based Output Feedback Control of Nonlinear Systems with Input Constraints

feedback controller with magnitude constraints is designed to deliver a desired tracking performance for a class of multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) discrete-time strict feedback nonlinear systems. Reinforcement learning in discrete time is proposed for the output feedback controller, which uses three NNs: 1) a NN observer to estimate the system states with the input-output data; 2) a critic NN to approximate certain strategic utility function; and 3) an action NN to minimize both the strategic utility function and the unknown dynamics estimation errors. The magnitude constraints are manifested as saturation nonlinearities in the output feedback controller design. Using the Lyapunov approach, the uniformly ultimate boundedness (UUB) of the state estimation errors, the tracking errors and weight estimates is shown.
Replication Replication Proteins and Human Disease

Seiji Tanaka and Hiroyuki Araki Regulating DNA Replication in Eukarya Khalid Siddiqui, Kin Fan On and John F.X. Diffley Poxvirus DNA Replication Bernard Moss Archaeology of Eukaryotic DNA Replication Kira S. Makarova and Eugene V. Koonin Helicase The Minichromosome Maintenance Replicative Stephen D. Bell and Michael R. Botchan Translesion DNA Polymerases Myron F. Goodman and Roger Woodgate DNA Replication Origins Alan C. Leonard and Marcel Méchali
The hydrogen-bonding topologies of indole–(water)n clusters from resonant ion-dip infrared spectroscopy

A combination of resonant two-photon ionization, infrared-ultraviolet hole burning, and resonant ion-dip infrared spectroscopies are used to assign and selectively probe the hydrogen bonding topologies of indole–(water)n clusters with n=1,2. The indole–(water)1 complex is confirmed to possess the N−H⋯OH2 structure surmised from previous studies. However, the bands in the ultraviolet previously assigned to a π H-bound indole–water complex are shown to be due instead to the indole–(water)2 cluster in which the water dimer forms a H-bonded bridge between the N–H and aromatic π clouds of indole. The implications of this reassignment for our understanding of the influence of H-bonding solvents on indole’s fluorescence properties are discussed.
Electrical readout of a spin qubit without double occupancy

We identify a novel mechanism to read out a single solid-state electron spin using an all-electrical spin-to-charge conversion in a closed system. Our scheme uses three donors and two electron spins, one spin is the qubit, the other is a reference. The population in the third, originally ionized, donor is monitored with an electrometer. Energy-dependent tunnelling of the reference spin to the ionized donor is used to determine the state of the qubit. In contrast to previous methods [e.g., B.E. Kane, Nature (London), \textbf{393}, 133 (1998)] we avoid double electron occupancy of any site within the system, thereby eliminating the possibility of unwanted electron loss from the system. The single spin readout scheme described here is applicable to both electron and nuclear spin based quantum computer architectures.
Feasibility investigation of a hybrid on-grid wind photovoltaic retrofitting system

This paper investigates the feasibility of wind-PV penetration into an existing utility grid system for Ibrahimyya city in Jordan. Ibrahimyya is selected because it enjoys both high annual wind speed of 7.27 m/s and high annual solar radiation of 6.05 kWh/m2/day. Two sizing methods are presented using MATLAB and HOMER softwares. But, thousands of iterations have been carried out in HOMER to get the global autonomous sizing solution that is used for economic analysis. Results show that 3 CS6X-310 PV panels and 8 GE1.5sle-77 wind turbines are the optimal choice. A step-by-step analysis of the proposed system is presented. The net present cost (NPC) is $65,069,349 the cost of energy (COE) is 0.082$/kWh. A sensitivity analysis on interest rate, inflation rate, wind power law exponent and fuel price is implemented to assess the robustness of the system. The results prove the feasibility to apply the proposed Hybrid Wind-PV system for this city. The same procedure can be applied anywhere.
Use of the photoacoustic spectroscopy for surface characterization of nanometer-sized cobalt ferrite particles

Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation of aqueous iron(III) and cobalt(II) in alkaline medium. Preliminary characterization of the as produced nanoparticles was performed by X-ray measurements. Surface-uncoated and surface-coated nanoparticles were then subjected to photoacoustic spectroscopy and the corresponding spectra was analyzed.
Vertical and horizontal processes in the global atmosphere and the maximum entropy production conjecture

Abstract. The objective of this paper is to reconsider the Maximum Entropy Production conjecture (MEP) in the context of a very simple two-dimensional zonal-vertical climate model able to represent the total material entropy production due at the same time to both horizontal and vertical heat fluxes. MEP is applied first to a simple four-box model of climate which accounts for both horizontal and vertical material heat fluxes. It is shown that, under condition of fixed insolation, a MEP solution is found with reasonably realistic temperature and heat fluxes, thus generalising results from independent two-box horizontal or vertical models. It is also shown that the meridional and the vertical entropy production terms are independently involved in the maximisation and thus MEP can be applied to each subsystem with fixed boundary conditions. We then extend the four-box model by increasing its resolution, and compare it with GCM output. A MEP solution is found which is fairly realistic as far as the horizontal large scale organisation of the climate is concerned whereas the vertical structure looks to be unrealistic and presents seriously unstable features. This study suggest that the thermal meridional structure of the atmosphere is predicted fairly well by MEP once the insolation is given but the vertical structure of the atmosphere cannot be predicted satisfactorily by MEP unless constraints are imposed to represent the determination of longwave absorption by water vapour and clouds as a function of the state of the climate. Furthermore an order-of-magnitude estimate of contributions to the material entropy production due to horizontal and vertical processes within the climate system is provided by using two different methods. In both cases we found that approximately 40 mW m−2 K−1 of material entropy production is due to vertical heat transport and 5–7 mW m−2 K−1 to horizontal heat transport.
The Exchange Rate Regime , Government Quality and External Liability

This paper analyzes the debate over the effect of t he exchange rate regime on hedging of dollar debt in emerging markets. This paper argues that t he regime is far less important than the literature has previously claimed. The evidence pr esented in this paper strongly suggests that the exchange rate regime has only a limited effect on t he extent to which domestic banks hedge external dollar borrowing. This result confirms th e intuition that the exchange rate regime is not a key determinant of confidence in the domestic cur rency. The results in this paper also suggest that improvements in government quality, while nece ssary to restore confidence in the domestic currency, may have the unintended short run consequ ence of increasing exposure to foreign exchange risk as domestic banks become more willing to borrow in dollars from abroad.
Drug Targeting in IBD Treatment – Existing and New Approaches

Recent advances in understanding of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) pathogenesis, despite the questions remaining still unanswered, have led to improved approaches in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn`s disease (CD) treatment. In depth investigation of immunopathology of IBD and mucosal inflammation enabled the identification of new strategies for drug targeting, new points of therapeutic attack, cytokine based therapies and new therapeutic agents. Further understanding of the genetic background of this disease will enable discovery of potential gene therapy target molecules related to chronic intestinal inflammation, like new therapeutic targets in IBD. There is a vast body of information and research associated with current medical treatments, their undesirable effects and limited efficacy. Different drug delivery strategies were employed to overcome limited performance of conventional IBD therapy and many more will be designed to enable safe and efficacious delivery of newly developed therapeutic agents. Both diseases, UC and CD involve different parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. CD may involve any part of the GI tract, although most commonly the terminal ileum and colon, while UC usually involves only the colon and always extends proximally from the rectum. T helper 1 (Th1) stimulated immune dysregulation is characteristic for CD while T helper 2 (Th2) stimulated immune dysregulation causes inflammatory mediatory imbalance characteristic for UC (Bouma & Strober, 2003; Hedley, 2000; Sands, 2007; Sellin, 2005). Treatment of UC and CD varies depending on subtype and severity, but significant overlap is seen. The most common therapeutic agents for IBD, aminosalycilates and corticosteroids, have been incorporated into different dosage forms and drug delivery systems (DDS) in order to accomplish successful topical delivery of these agents at the site of inflammation (in CD terminal ileum, or colon, the site of inflammation for both subtypes) (Green et al., 2002; Haddish-Berhane et al., 2007; Sands, 2007). The most critical step in the development of a reliable DDS for IBD treatment is to achieve improved localization and controlled release of the active substance at the site of inflammation, minimizing the premature release and subsequent absorption in the blood stream. However, the main disadvantage of today’s therapy and DDS for management of IBD is the inability to target the drug directly to the site of action (inflammation) and/or to maintain high local concentration. In addition to poor localization extensive metabolism at the level of the epithelial cells of the intestinal wall
A New Electromagnetic Linear Actuator for Quick Latching

The traditional engine valve train in a combustion engine is the mechanically driven camshaft system that provides one-fixed valve timing. The variable valve timing (VVT), however, is highly required to achieve the significant improvement in fuel economy. To provide the VVT, the two-solenoid type of actuator had been developed in past years, but it requires current in all operation period, the starting is difficult and the efficiency is low. In this paper, a new linear actuator using permanent magnet (PM) is proposed and verified its feasibility by finite element (FE) analysis
Global Perspective of the Quasi-Biweekly Oscillation*

Abstract The quasi-biweekly oscillation (QBW: here defined as a 12–20-day oscillation) is one of the major systems that affect tropical and subtropical weather and seasonal mean climate. However, knowledge is limited concerning its temporal and spatial structures and dynamics, particularly in a global perspective. To advance understanding of the QBW, its life cycle is documented using a tracking method and extended EOF analysis. Both methods yield consistent results. The analyses reveal a wide variety of QBW activity in terms of initiation, movement, development, and dissipation. The convective anomalies associated with the QBW are predominant in the latitude bands between 10° and 30° in both hemispheres. The QBW modes tend to occur regionally and be associated with monsoons. Three boreal summer modes are identified in the Asia–Pacific, Central America, and subtropical South Pacific regions. Five austral summer modes are identified in the Australia–southwest Pacific, South Africa–Indian Ocean, South Ameri.
Digital Terrain Modeling and Distributed Soil Erosion Simulation/Measurement for Minimizing Environmental Impacts of Military Training (CS-752)

Abstract : Because soil erosion and deposition have negative repercussions on military preparedness and the environment, the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) has funded efforts to develop geographic information system (GIS) tools and methods to enhance the accuracy, spatial prediction, and visual representation of erosion and deposition on military lands. During Fiscal Year 1997, the CASC2D model was modified to include an upland erosion algorithm. The modified model produced accurate runoff hydrographs, but fell short in predicting sediment discharge. Part of the inaccuracy is attributable to channel erosion not taken into account by the current CASC2D model. The Unit Stream Power Erosion and Deposition (USPED) model was enhanced to include tangential curvature. The modification greatly improves the accuracy of erosion and deposition predictions in areas of convergent slopes. The process-based SIMulated Water Erosion (SIMWE) model was used to investigate the effects of rainfall excess, surface roughness, critical shear stress, detachment capacity, and transport capacity on erosion and deposition. Results of initial investigations conducted to determine if the SIMWE model could be used to predict the consequences of common erosion and sediment control practices were promising. Various GIS tools were developed to help in processing and visualization of distributed data.
Risk Regulation Lessons from Mad Cows

The mad cow disease crisis in the United Kingdom (U.K.) was a major policy disaster. The government and public health officials failed to identify the risk to humans, created tremendous uncertainty regarding the human risks once they were identified, and undertook a series of policies that undermined public trust. In contrast, the mad cow disease risk never became a major problem in the United States (U.S.). The lead time that the U.S. had in responding to the disease that was first identified in the U.K. assisted in planning the policy response to avert a crisis. The absence of a comparable U.S. crisis, however, does not imply that the U.S. risk management approach was a success. Until recently, there was no systematic assessment of the domestic risks of mad cow disease. Moreover, U.S. government agencies have never undertaken a comprehensive assessment of the benefits and costs of any U.S. regulation dealing with mad cow disease. The absence of a sound economic basis for policy is reflected in the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) ill-considered decision to prohibit the private testing of beef for mad cow disease. This decision disadvantaged companies that sought such testing in order to comply with foreign testing regulations. In the absence of such testing, U.S. beef exports plummeted. One company that attempted to implement a testing program launched a legal challenge to the USDA prohibition and thus far has been successful. The policy failures in both the U.K. and the U.S. provide several lessons for regulating invasive species risks and dealing with emerging risks more generally. We conclude with a series of ten public policy lessons for dealing with similar emerging risks.
Chapter 10 Role of Echocardiography in the Critically Ill Patients

Since its inception in 1950s, echocardiography has evolved significantly. Its role has expanded beyond cardiology into operating theaters, intensive care units, and emergency departments. It is an easy, inexpensive, noninvasive, and portable technique, which can be rapidly performed at bedside. It is devoid of complications and, for the most part, universally available. This review focuses on growing importance of echocardiography for critically ill patients in the intensive care and high dependency unit settings including indications, modalities, measurements, and therapeutic impact. Literature review of echocardiography use for the cardiovascular assessment of the critically ill patients was done and various indications are discussed including appropriate use scores. Methods being used include transthoracic and transesophageal echo with various modes. This does include assessment of volume status of the hemodynamically unstable patients, myocardial function, global left ventricular systolic function, regional wall motion abnormalities, cardiac output, cardiac tamponade, valvular function, left ventricular outflow obstruction, and right ventricular function. Other diagnostic assessments include aortic dissection, thromboembolisms, pleural effusions, and septal defects. Echocardiography is now considered as an indispensable tool for diagnosis and management including hemodynamic monitoring in critically ill patients. It provides advantages including noninvasiveness and real-time anatomical and functional assessment of the cardiovascular system.
Characterization of the Target-Mount Interaction in Radar Cross Section Measurement Calibrations

Abstract : Radar Cross Section (RCS) measurements are quintessential in understanding target scattering phenomenon. The reduced RCS of modern weapons systems stresses the capability of current RCS measurement ranges. A limiting factor that has recently become more significant is the electromagnetic coupling between a test target and the mounting hardware used to support it and control its orientation during the RCS measurement. Equally important is the electromagnetic coupling between the RCS calibration artifact and its mount, which provides an opportunity to explore the coupling phenomena without delving into operationally sensitive areas. The primary research goal was to characterize the interaction between a calibration artifact and its mounting apparatus when measuring the RCS of the calibration artifact as part of a larger RCS measurement process. Standard methods, such as vector background subtraction, do not account for this interaction. By understanding the interaction term, a more accurate measurement of target RCS may be obtained. Through careful characterization of the interaction, an additional term can be included in the vector background subtraction equation to reduce the level of uncertainty. Two techniques were developed to isolate and characterize the interaction between the target and mount. The first involves evaluating the far-zone fields scattered by the target under two conditions: the target alone and then the target with mounting hardware present. The fields are then coherently subtracted to isolate the interaction. This process was validated with measurements and computational results. The second technique involves evaluating fields on the target surface under the aforementioned conditions, which are subsequently subtracted from one another and radiated to the far-field.
Effect of storage time, temperature and solvent on the stability of sterigmatocystin standard solutions.

The infl uence of solvent, storage time and temperature on the stability of the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin (STC) was investigated. STC calibrants (1.0 μg ml-1) in acetonitrile, methanol and mixture of acetonitrile and methanol (50:50, volume/volume) were stored in dark glass bottles at (– 25), 4 and 25 °C for up to 8 weeks. Samples were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet (UV) detection. Obtained results indicate that more suitable solvents for storage of STC standard solutions at (–25 °C) are acetonitrile and mixture of acetonitrile and methanol (50:50, v/v), but not longer than for one week; for storage at 4 °C more suitable is mix of acetonitrile and methanol, but not longer than for one week.
Preparation and characterization of bio- and UV- degradable superabsorbent hydrogels based on a novel cross-linker

ABSTRACT We prepared bio- and UV-degradable superabsorbent hydrogels based on a novel cross-linker. Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) were employed to study the properties of the hydrogels. TG, DSC, and XRD data show that our hydrogels are amorphous polymer materials with excellent thermal stability. And they own high absorbency for water and aqueous solutions. Additionally, our superabsorbent hydrogels have good biodegradability and excellent UV degradability according to the GPC data. We suppose the superabsorbent hydrogels have potential applications in many important fields like hygienic products and agriculture due to their high absorbency for aqueous media and good bio- and UV degradability.
Utilization Control and Optimization of Real-Time Embedded Systems

Real-time embedded systems have been widely deployed in missioncritical applications, such as avionics mission computing, highway traffic control, remote patient monitoring, wireless communications, navigation, etc. These applications always require their real-time and embedded components to work in open and unpredictable environments, where workload is volatile and unknown. In order to guarantee the temporal correctness and avoid severe underutilization or overload, it is of vital significance to measure, control, and optimize the processor utilization adaptively. A key challenge in this mission is to meet real-time requirements even when the workload cannot be accurately characterized a priori. Traditional approaches of worst-case analysis may cause underutilization of resources, while Model Predictive Control (MPC) based approaches may suffer severe performance deterioration when large estimation errors exist. To address this challenging problem and provide better system performance, we have developed several important online adaptive optimal control approaches based on advanced control techniques. Our approaches adopt Recursive Least Square (RLS) based model identification and Linear Quadratic (LQ) optimal controllers to guarantee that the systems are neither overloaded, nor underloaded. These proposed approaches, as well as the associated tools, can quickly adapt to volatile workload changes to provide stable system performance. To minimize the impact of modeling errors, we adopt the Adaptive Critic Design (ACD) technique and develop an improved solution that requires little information of the system model. To deal with the discrete task rates, we further propose to utilize the frequency scaling technique to assist the utilization control and optimization. The computational overhead of centralized approaches explodes as the scale of systems increases. To ensure system scalability and global stability, decentralized control and optimization approaches are desired. We leverage an efficient decoupling technique and derive several distributed approaches. These approaches adopt one feedback loop to adjust the task rate, and apply another feedback loop to control the CPU frequency asynchronously. As these two manipulated variables (i.e., the Full text available at: http://dx.doi. org/10.1561/1000000042