Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deep distributary channels and giant bedforms in the Upper Carboniferous of the Central Pennines, northern England

Channels, with maximum depths of over 40 m, have been cut into the top of a coarsening upward sequence, in the Upper Carboniferous of northern England. The channels are interpreted as deep, distributaries cut into delta slope deposits. Giant cross-bed sets, up to 40 m thick, are the major channel infilling facies. Internal erosion surfaces occur within the giant cross-beds and some are draped by micaceous, silty sandstone. Previously interpreted as deltaic sedimentation units, the cross-beds are now thought to have been produced mainly by side attached, alternate bars and the drapes are interpreted as low stage deposits. Cosets of medium scale cross-beds overlie the giant cross-beds. These are thought to be deposits of dunes and smaller bars on top of the transverse bars and in the shallower parts of the distributary. The giant cross-beds are commonly underlain by unlaminated sandstone but may be underlain by undulatory bedding. The latter was apparently produced by ridges, parallel to the current, spaced between 9 and 23 m apart. The north of England appears to have had a major river by present day standards, for at least part of the upper Carboniferous.
The Self-Pleasantness Judgment Modulates the Encoding Performance and the Default Mode Network Activity

In this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, we evaluated the effect of self-relevance on cerebral activity and behavioral performance during an incidental encoding task. Recent findings suggest that pleasantness judgments reliably induce self-oriented (internal) thoughts and increase default mode network (DMN) activity. We hypothesized that this increase in DMN activity would relate to increased memory recognition for pleasantly-judged stimuli (which depend on internally-oriented attention) but decreased recognition for unpleasantly-judged items (which depend on externally-oriented attention). To test this hypothesis, brain activity was recorded from 21 healthy participants while they performed a pleasantness judgment requiring them to rate visual stimuli as pleasant or unpleasant. One hour later, participants performed a surprise memory recognition test outside of the scanner. Thus, we were able to evaluate the effects of pleasant and unpleasant judgments on cerebral activity and incidental encoding. The behavioral results showed that memory recognition was better for items rated as pleasant than items rated as unpleasant. The whole brain analysis indicated that successful encoding (SE) activates the inferior frontal and lateral temporal cortices, whereas unsuccessful encoding (UE) recruits two key medial posterior DMN regions, the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and precuneus (PCU). A region of interest (ROI) analysis including classic DMN areas, revealed significantly greater involvement of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in pleasant compared to unpleasant judgments, suggesting this region’s involvement in self-referential (i.e., internal) processing. This area may be responsible for the greater recognition performance seen for pleasant stimuli. Furthermore, a significant interaction between the encoding performance (successful vs. unsuccessful) and pleasantness was observed for the PCC, PCU and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). Overall, our results suggest the involvement of medial frontal and parietal DMN regions during the evaluation of self-referential pleasantness. We discuss these results in terms of the introspective referential of pleasantness judgments and the differential brain modulation based on internally- vs. externally-oriented attention during encoding.
The Arapahoe Glacier in 1902

IN the front range of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado are several remnants of glaciers. One of these, the Arapahoe glacier," has an area at present of about one-half square mile. It lies on the eastern slope of the continental divide, twenty-one miles due west from the city of Boulder. It is inclosed by nearly vertical walls five to seven hundred feet in height, forming a deep cirque opening to the east. The valley leading eastward is that of a branch of North Boulder Creek. This valley has been occupied by a glacier to a distance of at least eight miles to the east. The bottom of the valley for four miles eastward from the present glacier is occupied by a series of lakes resulting from the glacial action and the intervening topography is marked by roche moutonees (Fig. I). The front of the glacier has retreated up this valley to its present position, and its length has been thereby reduced from nine miles to one mile. The features of this glacier at the close of the summer of 1902 have a peculiar interest. The snowfall for the past three winters has been deficient, and the melting in the ensuing summers has been excessive. The results of these climatic circumstances appear in a great contraction of the ice-covered area, an unusual exposure of fresh moraines and, what is still more important, an almost complete absence of snow below the neve. This last condition is responsible for many fine exposures revealing the stratification of the ice, and for the complete uncovering of crevasses, some of which stand open as much as ten feet. Moraines. -The bottom of the valley is far from being a single trough, and the glacier is therefore by no means a single
Canonical Polyadic Decomposition with a Columnwise Orthonormal Factor Matrix

Canonical polyadic decomposition (CPD) of a higher-order tensor is an important tool in mathematical engineering. In many applications at least one of the matrix factors is constrained to be columnwise orthonormal. We first derive a relaxed condition that guarantees uniqueness of the CPD under this constraint. Second, we give a simple proof of the existence of the optimal low-rank approximation of a tensor in the case that a factor matrix is columnwise orthonormal. Third, we derive numerical algorithms for the computation of the constrained CPD. In particular, orthogonality-constrained versions of the CPD methods based on simultaneous matrix diagonalization and alternating least squares are presented. Numerical experiments are reported.
Volume density thresholds for overall star formation imply mass–size thresholds for massive star formation

We aim at understanding the massive star formation (MSF) limit m(r) = 870M_☉(r/pc)^(1.33) in the mass–size space of molecular structures recently proposed by Kauffmann & Pillai. As a first step, we build on the property that power-law density profiles for molecular clumps combined with a volume density threshold for the overall star formation naturally leads to mass–radius relations for molecular clumps containing given masses of star-forming gas. Specifically, we show that the mass m_(clump) and radius r_(clump) of molecular clumps whose density profile slope is −p and which contain a mass mth of gas denser than a density threshold ρ_(th) obeys the following: m_(clump) = m^(p/3)_(th) (^(4πpth) _(3-p))^((3-p)/3) r^(3-p)_(clump). In a second step, we use the relation between the mass of embedded clusters and the mass of their most massive star to estimate the minimum mass of the star-forming gas needed to form a 10-M_⊙ star. Assuming a star formation efficiency (SFE) of SFE ≃ 0.30, this gives m_(th,crit)≃150 M_⊙. In a third step, we demonstrate that, for sensible choices of the clump density index (p ≃ 1.7) and of the cluster formation density threshold (n_(th)≃ 10^4 cm^(−3)), the line of constant m_(th,crit)≃150 M_⊙ in the mass–radius space of molecular structures equates to the MSF limit for spatial scales larger than 0.3 pc. Hence, the observationally inferred MSF limit of Kauffmann & Pillai is consistent with a threshold in star-forming gas mass beyond which the star-forming gas reservoir is large enough to allow the formation of massive stars. For radii smaller than 0.3 pc, the MSF limit is shown to be consistent with the formation of a 10-M_⊙ star (m_(th,crit) ≃ 30 M_⊙ with SFE ≃ 0.3) out of its individual pre-stellar core of density threshold n_(th) ≃ 10^5 cm^(-3). The inferred density thresholds for the formation of star clusters and individual stars within star clusters match those previously suggested in the literature.
The altitude effect on the isotopic composition of precipitation and glacier ice in the Alps

1 Simultaneously collected rain samples from 3 stations in the Alps (altitude difference 1680 m) show that the evaporation from falling drops causes an isotopic altitude effect of ? 0.2‰ per 100 m. 2 Despite the lack of altitude effect in Alpine snow fall, the summer melting and the wind erosion cause distinct isotopic variations in the net-accumulated material on Kesselwandferner. 3 These variations are reflected in the ice in the ablation zone, and they may be used for studying glacier flow patterns. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1968. tb00402.x
Property Directed Reachability for Automated Planning

Property Directed Reachability (PDR), also known as IC3, is a very promising recent method for deciding reachability in symbolically represented transition systems. While originally conceived as a model checking algorithm for hardware circuits, it has already been successfully applied in several other areas. This paper summarizes the first investigation of PDR from the perspective of automated planning.
Dual Distribution and Intangible Firm Value: Franchising in Restaurant Chains

Dual distribution systems in which firms use vertical integration and market governance simultaneously are widely used across diverse marketing contexts (e.g., restaurants, retailing, industrial selling). A prominent example of dual distribution includes business format franchising, in which firms (i.e., the franchisors) license the operation of some of their units to franchisees while owning and operating some units themselves. Despite the widespread prevalence of dual distribution, there are few insights into its performance implications. In this article, the author examines the relationship between a firm's dual distribution strategy and its intangible value. Franchising in restaurant chains serves as the empirical context for the study. It is proposed that a firm's dual distribution strategy affects its intangible value both independently and jointly with a set of firm characteristics. The author considers the firm's age, scope of vertical integration, advertising, financial leverage, and financial liquidity as firm characteristics that influence the relationship between dual distribution strategy and intangible value. The author measures the firm's dual distribution strategy by the proportion of its franchised units to its total units and intangible value by its Tobin's q. The author estimates the proposed model using panel data on 55 publicly listed U.S. restaurant chains for the period 1992–2002. Unobserved firm heterogeneity is accommodated using latent class regression analysis. The results support a four-segment model. Dual distribution increases intangible value for some firms but decreases intangible value for others, both independently and in conjunction with other firm characteristics.
Prostate mucinous adenocarcinoma with signet ring cell

Prostate mucinous adenocarcinoma with signet ring cell is a rare neoplasm with only 11 cases reported to date. We present the 12th case of prostate mucinous adenocarcinoma with signet ring cell. The case was detected incidentally as a result of a biopsy taken from a lesion in the prostatic urethra during a urethrocystoscopy of a 47‐year‐old male patient who underwent an internal urethrotomy operation due to urethrostenosis. Endoscopic examination showed a loose, spongy, gray–white structure covering the prostatic urethra, especially the right lobe of the prostate. The diagnosis resulting from the pathological examination of the biopsy was prostate mucinous adenocarcinoma with signet ring cell. A total of 50 Gy radiotherapy was applied to the patient. In the 27th month of follow‐up after treatment, thoracoabdominal computed tomography, bone scintigraphy, and tumor markers (PSA, CEA and CA19‐9) were found to be normal.
Regulation of Structural Plasticity by Different Channel Types in Rod and Cone Photoreceptors

In response to retinal disease and injury, the axon terminals of rod photoreceptors demonstrate dramatic structural plasticity, including axonal retraction, neurite extension, and the development of presynaptic varicosities. Cone cell terminals, however, are relatively inactive. Similar events are observed in primary cultures of salamander photoreceptors. To investigate the mechanisms underlying these disparate presynaptic responses, antagonists to voltage-gated L-type and cGMP-gated channels, known to be present on rod and cone cell terminals, respectively, were used to block calcium influx during critical periods of plasticity in vitro. In rod cells, L-type channel antagonists nicardipine and verapamil inhibited not only the outgrowth of processes and the formation of varicosities, but also the synthesis of vesicle proteins, SV2 and synaptophysin. In contrast, the synthesis of opsin in rod cells was unaffected. In cone cells, L-type channel antagonists caused only modest changes. However, cobalt bromide, which blocks all calcium channels, andl-cis-diltiazem, a potent antagonist of cGMP-gated channels, significantly inhibited varicosity formation and synthesis of SV2 in cone cells. Moreover, the cGMP-gated channel agonist 8-bromo-cGMP caused a significant increase in varicosity formation by cone but not rod cells. Thus voltage-gated L-type channels in rod cells and cGMP-gated channels in cone cells are the primary calcium channels required for structural plasticity and the accompanying upregulation of synaptic vesicle synthesis. The differing responses of rod and cone terminals to injury and disease may be determined by these differences in the regulation of Ca2+ influx.
Evidence for meteoritic sulfur in the lunar regolith.

Abundance and isotopic data are presented for a suite of 19 soils from the Apollo 16 mission. It is concluded that the S systematics of the lunar regolith support a model in which S from a number of indigenous rock types is mixed with a time-dependent, extralunar component of probably meteoritic origin. This mixture is processed on the lunar surface by a time-dependent mechanism which removes S-32 enriched S from the moon, enriching the residue in S-34. The loss of S by this mechanism approximately equals the meteoritic input, producing the apparent coincidence between rock abundances and abundances in soils which has led to adoption of simplified mixing models. In reality, at least for the Apollo 16 site, addition of meteoritic S slightly outweighs loss from the moon, resulting in a positive trend.
First unequivocal record of the hybodont shark egg capsule Palaeoxyris in the Mesozoic of North America

The hybodont shark egg capsule Palaeoxyris humblei n. sp. is described here from four specimens collected from flood plain deposits in the Blue Mesa Member of the Chinle Formation of Late Triassic (Norian) age in Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona. This find is the first unequivocal record of Palaeoxyris in the Mesozoic of North America. The species differs from previously known taxa, especially other Triassic forms in size and banding. It also is one of the smallest species assigned to the genus. This find offers the rare opportunity of plausibly assigning these egg capsules to the hybodont nonmarine shark Lonchidion humblei as the most probable source since its disarticulated remains (teeth, fin spines) have been found at a closely adjacent locality. Originally, these eggs were deposited in special spawning grounds in the river that deposited the Newspaper Sandstone Bed. There they became attached by tendrils to a piece of drift wood or perhaps the stem or branches of a horsetail such as Neocalamites or Equisetites that grew in the shallow waters of the stream. However, the stream overflowed its banks and the egg capsules together with masses of plant debris and various invertebrates were washed onto the adjacent floodplain where they were buried and eventually fossilized.
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in diagnosis of pleural effusion of malignant origin.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in differentiating benign from malignant exudative pleural effusions. METHODS This is a unicentre observational study including 97 consecutive patients with exudative pleural effusions. Metalloproteinase-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, lactate dehydrogenase, ferritin, carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 15-3 were measured in pleural effusion and serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The activity of metalloproteinase-9 was also evaluated by substrate zymography. The data were correlated with final diagnosis of pleural effusions to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS Of the 97 eligible patients, 6 were excluded. Of the 91 patients included in the study, 70 had malignant pleural effusions and 21 had benign pleural effusions. Both in sera and pleural effusions, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (P < 0.0001), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (P < 0.0001) and carcinoembryonic antigen (P < 0.0001) levels were higher in neoplastic patients than in benign group. Zymography analysis showed a most prominent band at a molecular weight of 92 kDa (metalloproteinase-9) whereas a less intense band was observed at 72 kDa (metalloproteinase-2). A significant correlation was found between metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 levels in pleural effusion (P < 0.0001; r = 0.8) and serum (P < 0.03; r = 0.2). Pleural effusion metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 levels showed higher value of sensitivity (97 and 91%, respectively) and specificity (90 and 95%, respectively) compared with other standard markers. Serum metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 levels showed similar results. Among 70 neoplastic patients, 29 had negative pleural cytology. Of these, 25 presented elevated levels of metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, whereas 4 patients had elevated levels of one of the two markers. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 might be valuable markers in differentiating benign from malignant pleural effusions. Their levels are neither influenced by the histology and tumour origin nor by the presence of tumour cells in pleural effusions. Thus, their use in clinical practice could help in the selection of patients needing more invasive procedures, such as thoracoscopic biopsy.
The Bajau Laut: Adaptation, History, and Fate in a Maritime Fishing Society of South-Eastern Sabah

a rural community where life can be precarious and families are just trying to get by, societal norms become inconsequential. Matriliny and Modernity brings together a great deal of information that shows how gender relations are a critical factor in shaping the social and economic life of Rembau. The women are not just involved in reproduction (although they are often not only responsible for raising their children but also their grandchildren) but also in production. In the past two decades, however, their involvement in production has shifted away from peasant agricultural. Young women are now contributing to their families and the Rembau economy by sending remittances home from the urban settings where they are employed as maids and factory workers. Participation in the remittance economy creates its own problems as the position of these women in their families becomes ambiguous (p. 171). The book is less successful in linking rural Rembau to the modern world. Perhaps it is because the necessity of making Rembau the focal point of the study also required a generalizing of the world outside Rembau. Similarly, the uniqueness of Rembau relative to the rest of Malaysia is not apparent. As Stivens herself points out, Negeri Sembilan is but a variant of Southeast Asian female-centred kinship practices (p. 126). The lack of an actual comparison makes it difficult to show how matriliny has "produced patterns of gender relations somewhat different from those elsewhere in Malaysia" (p. 6). The assumption that the rest of Malaysia is uniform is somewhat problematic since it denies the possibility of heterogeneity such as the well-documented instance of the state of Kelantan would indicate. Also, in certain segments of the concluding chapter there is a deviation from the clear and concise language that is used in the rest of the book. It disrupts the readability of the book and obscures important points that link this book to the broader theoretical and substantive debates. Matriliny and Modernity addresses a number of important issues in the various debates on gender and development. First, matriliny is not an unchanging set of traditions. It is being constantly re-invented as social situations change. As just one of a number of different ideologies available to the people in Rembau its use is becoming somewhat situational. Second, modernity is an overwhelming social force that appears to be undermining matriliny even as it adapts to the changing social situation. Women appear to become more dependent as they adopt the more individualistic views of the world that are purveyed by modernity (p. 256). Finally, life in Southeast Asia cannot adequately be represented by categories developed in social, cultural, political and historical contexts that are very different (p. 239).
Evaluation of hepatic glucose metabolism via gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis after oral administration of insulin nanoparticles

Nanoparticles were designed to promote insulin intestinal absorption via the oral route, to increase portal insulin levels to better mimic the physiological pathway, providing enhanced glucose control through glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. Nanoparticles were formulated with insulin encapsulated in the core material consisting of alginate and dextran sulfate, associated with poloxamer and subsequently coated with chitosan then albumin. A spherical and slightly rough core was observed in electron micrographs with the appearance of a concentration gradient of the polysaccharide structure toward the periphery of the nanoparticle. Atomic force microscopy showed that the fully formed nanoparticles are about 200 nm in diameter with smooth and spherical morphology. Histopathological analysis of organs and tissues of diabetic rats dosed daily for 15 days with insulin nanoparticles was used to evaluate toxicological issues. No morphological or pathological alterations were observed in rat liver, spleen, pancreas, kidney or intestinal sections. Following, the effect of nanoencapsulated insulin on inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis was evaluated after a single insulin administration and oral glucose tolerance test, which represents a significant metabolic challenge to the liver. Alterations in the hepatic glucose metabolism of fasted streptozotocin-diabetic rats were determined by the percent contribution of glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, measured by using metabolic tracers, however similar gluconeogenesis contribution to the hepatic metabolism was observed between diabetic rats receiving nanoencapsulated insulin or insulin solution. The metabolic results may be explained by the inability of a single dose in shifting the gluconeogenesis/glycogenolysis contributions, sampling time, fasting period or by influence of the kidney enzymes and impairment in insulin signaling observed in stz-diabetic rats.