Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Joint inference of discrete cell types and continuous type-specific variability in single-cell datasets with MMIDAS

Reproducible definition and identification of cell types is essential to enable investigations into their biological function, and understanding their relevance in the context of development, disease and evolution. Current approaches model variability in data as continuous latent factors, followed by clustering as a separate step, or immediately apply clustering on the data. We show that such approaches can suffer from qualitative mistakes in identifying cell types robustly, particularly when the number of such cell types is in the hundreds or even thousands. Here, we propose an unsupervised method, MMIDAS, which combines a generalized mixture model with a multi-armed deep neural network, to jointly infer the discrete type and continuous type-specific variability. Using four recent datasets of brain cells spanning different technologies, species, and conditions, we demonstrate that MMIDAS can identify reproducible cell types and infer cell type-dependent continuous variability in both uni-modal and multi-modal datasets.
Precise cortical contributions to feedback sensorimotor control during reactive balance

The role of the cortex in shaping automatic whole-body motor behaviors such as walking and balance is poorly understood. Gait and balance are typically mediated through subcortical circuits, with the cortex becoming engaged as needed on an individual basis by task difficulty and complexity. However, we lack a mechanistic understanding of how increased cortical contribution to whole-body movements shapes motor output. Here we use reactive balance recovery as a paradigm to identify relationships between hierarchical control mechanisms and their engagement across balance tasks of increasing difficulty in young adults. We hypothesize that parallel sensorimotor feedback loops engaging subcortical and cortical circuits contribute to balance-correcting muscle activity, and that the involvement of cortical circuits increases with balance challenge. We decomposed balance-correcting muscle activity based on hypothesized subcortically- and cortically-mediated feedback components driven by similar sensory information, but with different loop delays. The initial balance-correcting muscle activity was engaged at all levels of balance difficulty. Its onset latency was consistent with subcortical sensorimotor loops observed in the lower limb. An even later, presumed, cortically-mediated burst of muscle activity became additionally engaged as balance task difficulty increased, at latencies consistent with longer transcortical sensorimotor loops. We further demonstrate that evoked cortical activity in central midline areas measured using electroencephalography (EEG) can be explained by a similar sensory transformation as muscle activity but at a delay consistent with its role in a transcortical loop driving later cortical contributions to balance-correcting muscle activity. These results demonstrate that a neuromechanical model of muscle activity can be used to infer cortical contributions to muscle activity without recording brain activity. Our model may provide a useful framework for evaluating changes in cortical contributions to balance that are associated with falls in older adults and in neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
Real Scene Text Image Super-Resolution Based on Multi-Scale and Attention Fusion

Plenty of works have indicated that single image super-resolution (SISR) models relying on synthetic datasets are difficult to be applied to real scene text image super-resolution (STISR) for its more complex degradation. The up-to-date dataset for realistic STISR is called TextZoom, while the current methods trained on this dataset have not considered the effect of multi-scale features of text images. In this paper, a multi-scale and attention fusion model for realistic STISR is proposed. The multi-scale learning mechanism is introduced to acquire sophisticated feature representations of text images; The spatial and channel attentions are introduced to capture the local information and inter-channel interaction information of text images; At last, this paper designs a multi-scale residual attention module by skillfully fusing multi-scale learning and attention mechanisms. The experiments on TextZoom demonstrate that the model proposed increases scene text recognition’s (ASTER) average recognition accuracy by 1.2% compared to text super-resolution network.
Image Analysis for GIS Data Acquisition

The automatic interpretation of aerial and satellite imagery by means of image analysis is currently one of the major research tasks in photogrammetry and related disciplines. The primary goal is the automatic extraction of visible, spatial topographic objects from imagery. The extracted objects represent one possible form of input for creating geographic databases. In this paper, different aspects of image analysis are discussed and a framework is provided for scene interpretation, which is based on the integration of image analysis and a GIS data model. Two examples concerned with the combined extraction of roads and trees, and with the multitemporal interpretation and monitoring of moorland, are given to illustrate the research.
Microcraters on Apollo 15 and 16 rocks

Microcrater frequency distributions, determined for 11 Apollo 16 rocks and three Apollo 15 rocks, fall into four categories. Category 1 rocks (68415, 68416, 62235) are angular, cratered on one side only, and have moderate crater densities. Category 2 rocks (60016, 66075, 61175) are subrounded, cratered on all sides, and have distributions suggestive of the steady state. Category 3 rocks (61015, 62295) are subangular and cratered on only one side, but the crater frequency distributions have some of the characteristics of category 2 rocks. Category 4 rocks (15015, 15017, 15076, 60335) are angular, cratered on only one side, and have moderated to very low crater densities. The crater frequency distributions of categories 1 and 4 have properties indicating the possibility of estimating the time they were exposed to micrometeor bombardment. Category 1 rocks appear to have been exposed for 2 to 3 m.y. These rocks, particularly 68415, 68416, and 69935, may be ejecta from South Ray Crater, indicating an age of 2 to 3 m.y. for South Ray Crater. Category 4 rocks have been exposed for much shorter periods.
Gross-merchantable timber volume estimation using an airborne lidar system

RESUMEUne etude preliminaire visant a determiner l'utilite d'un laser aeroporte comme moyen employe par les gestionnaires forestiers pour le calcul du volume forestier marchand brut a ete effectuee pres de la National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center, Wallops Flight Facility, au moyen du lidar oceanographique aeroporte (LOA) de la NASA. Le volume forestier mesure a ete mis en regression avec la section efficace du lidar le long d'un profil de la foret. On a constate que ce profil de la section efficace du lidar constituait une variable tres importante dans l'estimation du volume forestier marchand brut. La stratification des essences d'arbres a permis d'obtenir des resultats beaucoup plus satisfaisants, soit une valeur globale de R2 de 0,921, pour un niveau de confiance de la regression de 99 %.
Salir del atraso en América Latina

espanolEste ensayo es una reflexion sobre la situacion latinoamericana en contraste con las experiencias exitosas de salida del atraso ocurridas en Europa occidental en la segunda mitad del siglo XIX y en Asia oriental en la segunda mitad del siglo XX. Entre las diferencias criticas mas importantes se senalan aqui el retardo estructural de la agricultura, la pobre calidad institucional, el debil sentido de urgencia politica y una persistente y aguda segmentacion social. EnglishThis essay presents a reflection on the Latin-American situation in contrast with the successful progress experiences in Western Europe during the second half of XIX century and in Eastern Asia during the second half of XX century. Amongst the most critical differences we underscore the structural agricultural gap, the poor institutional efficiency, the low political priority and a dramatic social segmentation.
Performance of Hereford and Holstein heifers on kikuyu pasture (Pennisetum clandestinum), using n-alkanes for determination of digestibility and dry matter intake.

Kikuyu pasture (Pennisetum clandestinum) is potentially the most important source of roughage used to feed dairy heifers in summer in KwaZulu-Natal. It is commonly believed that on kikuyu pasture beef breed females grow at a faster rate than those from dairy breeds when no supplementation is given. Little conclusive evidence is, however, available to support this. Explanations as to why such differences may exist are also limited. Eight Hereford and eight Holstein heifers of similar age and maturity stage were used in a trial. The trial was run over a twenty week period. For the first ten weeks all the animals in the trial grazed ad libitum kikuyu pasture with no supplementation except for a mineral lick. Over this (grass only) period the two breed groups formed the two treatments. During the second ten week period of the trial all of the Holsteins and four of the Herefords were fed a restricted but equivalent amount (1 .7 kg) of a maize meal based concentrate. The use of a computerized, mobile feeding system allowed concentrate intake of individual animals to be measured. Animal height, weight and condition score readings were taken weekly over the grass only and the concentrate (final seven weeks) periods of the trial. Herbage intake and digestibility were estimated using n-alkanes as indigestible markers in two experiments conducted during the grass only and concentrate periods. The Herefords had a significantly higher ADG than the Holsteins (0.82 vs. 0.04 kg/day; P < 0.01) over the grass only period. During the concentrate period the rate of mass gain of the Holstein treatment did not differ significantly (P >0.05) from the Hereford treatment receiving concentrate. The Herefords receiving concentrate were also not significantly different (P > 0.05) in rate of mass gain from the Herefords not receiving concentrate. Rate of height gain was not significantly different (P> 0.05) between treatments over either the concentrate or the grass only periods. During the grass only period the Holsteins lost condition (0.07 condition score units per week) whilst the Herefords gained condition at an equivalent rate. The voluntary intake of concentrates was not significantly different (P > 0.05) between the Herefords and Holsteins (19.19 vs. 16.40 g/kg/L.W(liveweightt ·) . Regression coefficients
A day in the life of the RF spectrum

There is a misguided perception that RF spectrum space is fully allocated and fully used though even a superficial study of actual spectrum usage by measuring local RF energy shows it largely empty of radiation. Traditional regulation uses a fence-off policy, in which competing uses are isolated by frequency and/or geography. We seek to modernize this strategy. Given advances in radio technology that can lead to fully cooperative broadcast, relay, and reception designs, we begin by studying the existing radio environment in a qualitative manner. We wish to objectively understand the purpose of a particular transmission, its threshold of allowable interference, and whether anyone is attempting to receive it. We wish to propose ways in which cognitive radio systems might coexist with legacy radio systems. In Chapter 1, we review the conditions that led to the current regulatory climate. Chapter 2 discusses the purpose of this thesis and how the work done relates to cognitive radio technologies. Chapter 3 discuses the design of data capture and analysis modules used to better understand RF spectrum space usage. Chapter 4 applies the software modules to a range of spectrum space and evaluates the results. Thesis Supervisor: Andrew B. Lippman Title: Senior Research Scientist of Media Arts and Sciences
Luminescence chronology of late Quaternary moraines and Last Glacial Maximum equilibrium‐line altitude reconstruction from Parlung Zangbo Valley, south‐eastern Tibetan Plateau

Optically stimulated luminescence dating was applied to samples from glacial sediments in the Parlung Zangbo Valleys (Daba and Charao) of the south‐eastern Tibetan Plateau to better constrain the timing of Late Quaternary glaciation, which is thought to have been linked to the Indian monsoon. The single aliquot regenerative‐dose protocol on quartz was used for equivalent dose (De) determination using small aliquots. For samples from the Daba Valley, the comparison of ages using two grain size fractions, middle (38–63 µm) and coarse (90–250 µm) were conducted. The coarse grain ages in the Daba Valley (P3) and Charao Valley (P7) range from 16.4 to 26.0 ka, and are consistent with previously published cosmogenic radionuclide exposure ages in the Baiyu Valley (PB1). Our dating results reveal that these moraines were formed during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). We then reconstruct the past equilibrium‐line altitudes (ELAs) during the LGM for five glacial valleys in the study area, which range from 3286 to 4014 m with an average value of 3730 m, while the contemporary average ELA is 4655 m. After correction for terrain uplift (about 8 m since the LGM), the difference in the ELA values between the LGM and today is 917 m. According to these data, the estimated temperature during the LGM is 6.3 °C lower than present for the Parlung Zangbo River Valley.
Venus Interior Structure Mission (VISM): Establishing a Seismic Network on Venus

Magellan radar data show the surface of Venus to contain a wide range of geologic features (large volcanoes, extensive rift valleys, etc.). Although networks of interconnecting zones of deformation are identified, a system of spreading ridges and subduction zones like those that dominate the tectonic style of the Earth do not appear to be present. In addition, the absence of a mantle low-viscosity zone suggests a strong link between mantle dynamics and the surface. As a natural follow-on to the Magellan mission, establishing a network of seismometers on Venus will provide detailed quantitative information on the large scale interior structure of the planet. When analyzed in conjunction with image, gravity, and topography information, these data will aid in constraining mechanisms that drive surface deformation.
Tackling climate change through livestock : a global assessment of emissions and mitigation opportunities

As renewed international efforts are needed to curb greenhouse gas emissions, the livestock sector can contribute its part. An important emitter of greenhouse gas, it also has the potential to significantly reduce its emissions. This report provides a unique global assessment of the magnitude, the sources and pathways of emissions from different livestock production systems and supply chains. Relying on life cycle assessment, statistical analysis and scenario building, it also provides estimates of the sector’s mitigation potential and identifies concrete options to reduce emissions. The report is a useful resource for stakeholders from livestock producers to policy-makers, researchers and civil society representatives, which also intends to inform the public debate on the role of livestock supply chains in climate change and possible solution.
Statistical distribution of elapsed times and distances of seismic events: the case of the Southern Spain seismic catalogue

Several empiric cumulative distributions of elapsed times and distances between seismic events occurred in the Southern Iberian Peninsula from 1985 to 2000 (data extracted from the seismic catalogue of the Andalusian In- stitute of Geophysics) are investigated. Elapsed times and distances between consecutive seismic events of the whole catalogue, taking into account threshold magnitudes of 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0, and of five seismic crises, without distin- guishing magnitudes, are investigated. Additionally, the se- ries of distances and elapsed times from the main event to every aftershock are also analysed for the five seismic crises. Even though a power law is sometimes a satisfactory model for the cumulative distribution of elapsed times and distances between seismic events, in some cases a fit with a Weibull distribution for elapsed times performs better. It is worth of mention that, in the case of the seismic crises, the fit achieved by the power law is sometimes improved when it is combined with a logarithmic law. The results derived might be a con- tribution to a better representation of the seismic activity by means of models that could be based on random-walk pro- cesses.
Dimensionally Regulated Pentagon Integrals

We present methods for evaluating the Feynman parameter integrals associated with the pentagon diagram in 4 − 2 dimensions, along with explicit results for the integrals with all masses vanishing or with one non-vanishing external mass. The scalar pentagon integral can be expressed as a linear combination of box integrals, up to O() corrections, a result which is the dimensionally-regulated version of a D = 4 result of Melrose, and of van Neerven and Vermaseren. We obtain and solve differential equations for various dimensionally-regulated box integrals with massless internal lines, which appear in one-loop n-point calculations in QCD. We give a procedure for constructing the tensor pentagon integrals needed in gauge theory, again through O(0). and by the Direction des Sciences de laMatì ere of the Commissariatà l'Energie Atomique of France (Saclay).
Interglacial intensity in the North Atlantic over the last 800 000 years: investigating the complexity of the mid‐Brunhes Event

The mid‐Brunhes Event (MBE) represents a step‐like increase, between Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 13/11, in the intensity of interglacial warmth. A transect of palaeoclimatic records in the North Atlantic from 40°N to the Nordic Seas indicates strong differences in the expression of the MBE within this region. Between 40 and 56°N sea surface and air temperature records suggest that all interglacials of the past 800 000 years were characterized by similar levels of warmth, so there is no evidence for an MBE in these latitudes of the North Atlantic. North of 56°N there is increasing evidence for interglacials MIS 19–13 being cold relative to MIS 11–1. As most records of long‐term interglacial diversity suggest the MBE is a global event the North Atlantic is clearly anomalous. Furthermore, the strong spatial difference in temperature conditions during interglacials MIS 19–13 in the North Atlantic means that the temperature gradient across this region would have been enhanced, in fact effectively doubled in magnitude, during this interval. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nitrate and colloid transport through coarse Hanford sediments under steady state, variably saturated flow

At the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Reservation, colloid‐facilitated transport is a potential mechanism for accelerated movement of radionuclides like Cs‐137. Here we investigate the transport of colloids through Hanford sediments under steady state, unsaturated flow conditions. We isolated colloids from Hanford sediments by dispersion and sedimentation and determined colloid breakthrough curves in packed sediment columns. A column system was developed with which we could control volumetric water contents with accuracy better than 0.01 effective saturation and the water potentials to better than 0.06 cm‐H2O. Inflow and outflow boundary conditions had to be meticulously controlled to ensure uniformity of water contents and water potentials inside the column. Colloid breakthrough curves were determined under a series of water contents ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 effective saturation. Colloids were mobile under all water saturations, but the total amount of colloids transported decreased with decreasing water saturation. Colloid behavior was described with the mobile‐immobile model concept, including first‐order deposition from the mobile phase only.
Exploring Media Influences on Individual Learning: Implications for Organizational Learning

Individual learning in organizations is an important activity to be nurtured for corporate procedures, policy, and knowledge sharing. One essential mechanism for individual learning is communication, increasingly occurring via multiple media environments. Understanding individual learning effectiveness depends on our ability to understand and predict media effects. Since recent research on media richness theory suggests that its central proposition does not hold, we explore why this may be. Within the context of communications among individuals in three media environments (asynchronous online, synchronous video conferencing, and face-toface), this research explores individual perceptions of media and outcomes through individual cognitive communication processes. We link cognitive learning theories and their influence on individual learning and media perceptions to media theories. Results suggest that asynchronous media allow time to pause and reflect during learning, playing an important role in determining an individual’s perceptions of media and learning outcomes. This study presents an important contribution to studies of media, technology mediated learning, and individual learning in organizations.
Thermal Analysis of Bamboo Fibre and Its Composites

Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were used to study the thermal degradation and thermal stability of bamboo powder and its composites (EP-BFC) in a nitrogen atmosphere. The thermal stability of EP-BFC decreased as the bamboo filler-loading increased. Compared with epoxy, bamboo powder had a lower thermal stability, which reduced the thermal stability for the higher filler-loading composites. The addition of glass fibre to the EP-BFC improved the thermal stability of the new hybrid composites. Both the hybrid and non-hybrid composites exhibited similar thermal-induced degradation profiles that had only one mass loss step. However, a noticeable difference between the percentage value of the degradation between both the hybrid and non-hybrid composites showed that the EP/G-BFC hybrids were more thermally stable than the non-hybrid EP-BFC. Different materials experienced different activities, which were clearly shown from the DSC analysis. Bamboo fibre and non-fully cured epoxy exhibit exothermic peaks, while fully cured epoxy exhibits an endothermic peak.
Load Pull-Driven Behavioral Modelling of Microwave Switches for the Design of Tunable Reflective Terminations

Recent advances in RFPA design make extensive use of active load modulation techniques. These architectures can be made more effective by the insertion of electronically tuneable reactive elements. This work describes the measurement and modeling of microwave switches aimed at this application. Active open-loop load-pull measurements were performed on microwave switches with different biasing voltages and power levels. Using load-pull measurement data, the devices are modeled based on Cardiff behavioral model’s mathematics expressing good accuracy in reproducing the switch response in the linear and compression regions.