Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Shift of a rift by a transform zone: a case from the Northern Rift Zone and Tjörnes Fracture Zone of Iceland

Transform zones present fascinating geometry and tectonic deformation, some of which can be confusing, especially, when rift and transform zones interact, and rift structures are displaced by transform fractures. A case study from north Iceland includes the transform zone of Tjörnes (the Tjörnes Fracture Zone) and the Theistareykir Fissure Swarm of the Northern Rift Zone. This fissure swarm contains two north-trending central graben that are apparently shifted in a sinistral motion across a WNW-trending fault of the transform zone (the Stórihver Fault). The present analysis takes into account the number of faults and their relative displacement as criteria, and demonstrates that the configuration of the north-trending rift structures is compatible with the dextral slip on this WNW blind leaky fault of the transform zone. The dextral motion along the WNW fault explains more coherently the greater number and greater throw of the north-trending normal faults in two of the blocks on the shoulder of the graben, as well as with the formation of the central graben themselves. A dextral motion is also compatible with the regional tectonics and the mechanism of transform faulting. The apparent displacement of tectonic structures at diverging plate boundaries can be misleading. Therefore, identifying the correct sense of motion is essential for exploration and structural drilling targets where rift and transform of any age interact.
Identification of Galectin-1 as a Critical Factor in Function of Mouse Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Mediated Tumor Promotion

Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have recently been implicated as one source of the tumor-associated stroma, which plays essential role in regulating tumor progression. In spite of the intensive research, the individual factors in MSCs controlling tumor progression have not been adequately defined. In the present study we have examined the role of galectin-1 (Gal-1), a protein highly expressed in tumors with poor prognosis, in MSCs in the course of tumor development. Co-transplantation of wild type MSCs with 4T1 mouse breast carcinoma cells enhances the incidence of palpable tumors, growth, vascularization and metastasis. It also reduces survival compared to animals treated with tumor cells alone or in combination with Gal-1 knockout MSCs. In vitro studies show that the absence of Gal-1 in MSCs does not affect the number of migrating MSCs toward the tumor cells, which is supported by the in vivo migration of intravenously injected MSCs into the tumor. Moreover, differentiation of endothelial cells into blood vessel-like structures strongly depends on the expression of Gal-1 in MSCs. Vital role of Gal-1 in MSCs has been further verified in Gal-1 knockout mice. By administering B16F10 melanoma cells into Gal-1 deficient animals, tumor growth is highly reduced compared to wild type animals. Nevertheless, co-injection of wild type but not Gal-1 deficient MSCs results in dramatic tumor growth and development. These results confirm that galectin-1 is one of the critical factors in MSCs regulating tumor progression.
UN CO RR EC TE D PR OO F Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 a induces twist expression in tubular epithelial cells subjected to hypoxia leading to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

CO RR EC TE D PR OO F Hypoxia-inducible factor-1a induces twist expression in tubular epithelial cells subjected to hypoxia leading to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition Shiren Sun, Xiaoxuan Ning, Yanqi Zhang, Yuanyuan Lu, Yongzhan Nie, Shuang Han, Lili Liu, Rui Du, Lin Xia, Lijie He and Daiming Fan Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China; State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China and Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
On the isolated spectrum of the Perron-Frobenius operator

We discuss the existence of large isolated (non-unit) eigenvalues of the Perron-Frobenius operator for expanding interval maps. Corresponding to these eigenvalues (or `resonances') are distributions which approach the invariant density (or equilibrium distribution) at a rate slower than that prescribed by the minimal expansion rate. We consider the transitional behaviour of the eigenfunctions as the eigenvalues cross this `minimal expansion rate' threshold, and suggest dynamical implications of the existence and form of these eigenfunctions. A systematic means of constructing maps which possess such isolated eigenvalues is presented.
Forest stability during the early and late Holocene in the igapó floodplains of the Rio Negro, northwestern Brazil

Abstract Located at the northwestern part of the Amazon basin, Rio Negro is the largest black-water river in the world and is one of the poorest studied regions of the Amazon lowlands. In the middle-upper part of the Rio Negro were retrieved sediment cores form Lake Acarabixi, which were analyzed using pollen, spores, charcoal, and geochemistry. The aim of this study was to detect the influences from humans and river dynamics on the vegetation history in the region. Two main periods of vegetation and river dynamics were detected. From 10,840 to 8240 cal yr BP, the river had a direct influence into the lake. The lake had a regional input of charcoal particles, which reflected the effect of the dry Holocene period in the basin. Furthermore, highland taxa such as Hedyosmum and Myrsine were found at that time along with igapó forest species that are characteristic to tolerate extended flooding like Eschweilera, Macrolobium, Myrtaceae, Swartzia, and Astrocaryum. During the late Holocene (1600 to 650 cal yr BP), more lacustrine phases were observed. There were no drastic changes in vegetation but the presence of pioneer species like Vismia and Cecropia, along with the signal of fires, which pointed to human disturbances.
Benchmarks for evaluating socially assistive robotics

Socially assistive robotics (SAR) is a growing area of research. Evaluating SAR systems presents novel challenges. Using a robot for a socially assistive task can have various benefits and ethical implications. Many questions are important to understanding whether a robot is effective for a given application domain. This paper describes several benchmarks for evaluating SAR systems. There exist numerous methods for evaluating the many factors involved in a robot’s design. Benchmarks from psychology, anthropology, medicine, and human–robot interaction are proposed as measures of success in evaluating a given SAR system and its impact on the user and broader population.
Efficacy of Topical Application of a Skin Moisturizer Containing Pseudo-Ceramide and a Eucalyptus Leaf Extract on Atopic Dermatitis: A Review

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with pruritus, an impaired cutaneous barrier function and a disrupted water holding capacity. Levels of ceramides, which are major components of intercellular lipids and are crucial for their functions, are decreased in the stratum corneum of patients with AD. Treatments to increase ceramide levels are effective for AD care. Synthetic pseudo-ceramide (cetyl PG hydroxyethyl palmitamide (SLE66)), which has a structure developed via molecular designs, and a eucalyptus leaf extract (ELE) enhance ceramide synthesis in the epidermis. The topical application of a skin moisturizer containing SLE66 and ELE improves the barrier functions and water holding capacity of AD skin accompanied by an improvement in skin symptoms. This is a multifaceted review that summarizes the efficacy of the topical application of a skin moisturizer containing SLE66 and ELE on atopic dermatitis.
Towards Statistical Queries over Distributed Private User Data

To maintain the privacy of individual users' personal data, a growing number of researchers propose storing user data in client computers or personal data stores in the cloud, and allowing users to tightly control the release of that data. While this allows specific applications to use certain approved user data, it precludes broad statistical analysis of user data. Distributed differential privacy is one approach to enabling this analysis, but previous proposals are not practical in that they scale poorly, or that they require trusted clients. This paper proposes a design that overcomes these limitations. It places tight bounds on the extent to which malicious clients can distort answers, scales well, and tolerates churn among clients. This paper presents a detailed design and analysis, and gives performance results of a complete implementation based on the deployment of over 600 clients.
Magnetic resonance imaging of cardiac transplants: the evaluation of rejection of cardiac allografts with and without immunosuppression.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in vivo for the characterization of tissue changes associated with acute myocardial rejection after cardiac transplantation. Of 15 dogs that underwent heterotopic cardiac transplantation, six served as untreated controls, and nine received immunosuppressive therapy (25 mg/kg/day cyclosporine, 1 mg/kg/day prednisone). Serial electrocardiographically gated MRI (spin-echo technique) and histologic examinations of allograft biopsy samples were performed for each dog at 2 to 3, 7 to 10, 14 to 17, and 26 to 29 days after transplantation and immediately after animals were killed. Untreated allografts showed a significant increase (p less than .01) in T2 (spin-spin) relaxation time (T2 = 66 +/- 8 msec) and intensity values compared with values in the native hearts (T2 = 44 +/- 6 msec) as early as 1 week after transplantation. The significant difference in T2 values could be observed in vivo as well as on postmortem examination and corresponded to histologic progression of the rejection process. There was no significant difference in T1, T2, or intensity values in cyclosporine-treated allografts and native hearts except in two dogs in which T2 relaxation times and signal intensity in the transplanted hearts increased simultaneously with histologic evidence of rejection, indicating failure of immunosuppressive therapy. There was a significant correlation between histologic grading of severity of rejection and T2 relaxation times of the cardiac transplants (r = .72). Likewise, there was a significant linear relationship between T2 values in vivo and percent water content when the differences between native hearts and allografts were compared (r = .92, p less than .001). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
MCP-1 overexpressed in tuberous sclerosis lesions acts as a paracrine factor for tumor development

Patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) develop hamartomatous tumors showing loss of function of the tumor suppressor TSC1 (hamartin) or TSC2 (tuberin) and increased angiogenesis, fibrosis, and abundant mononuclear phagocytes. To identify soluble factors with potential roles in TSC tumorigenesis, we screened TSC skin tumor–derived cells for altered gene and protein expression. Fibroblast-like cells from 10 angiofibromas and five periungual fibromas produced higher levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA and protein than did fibroblasts from the same patient's normal skin. Conditioned medium from angiofibroma cells stimulated chemotaxis of a human monocytic cell line to a greater extent than conditioned medium from TSC fibroblasts, an effect blocked by neutralizing MCP-1–specific antibody. Overexpression of MCP-1 seems to be caused by loss of tuberin function because Eker rat embryonic fibroblasts null for Tsc2 (EEF Tsc2 −/−) produced 28 times as much MCP-1 protein as did EEF Tsc2 +/+ cells; transient expression of WT but not mutant human TSC2 by EEF Tsc2 −/− cells inhibited MCP-1 production; and pharmacological inhibition of the Rheb-mTOR pathway, which is hyperactivated after loss of TSC2, decreased MCP-1 production by EEF Tsc2 −/− cells. Together these findings suggest that MCP-1 is an important paracrine factor for TSC tumorigenesis and may be a new therapeutic target.
Antifungal Activity of the Biphosphinic Cyclopalladate C7a against Candida albicans Yeast Forms In Vitro and In Vivo

Vulvovaginal and invasive candidiasis are frequent conditions in immunosuppressed individuals caused by Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida spp. Fluconazole and Amphotericin B are the main drugs used to fight the infection. However, resistance to fluconazole and other azole antifungal drugs is an important clinical problem that encourages the search for new therapeutic alternatives. In this work, we evaluate the antifungal activity of the biphosphinic cyclopalladate C7a in the in vitro and in vivo model. Our results showed fungicidal activity, with low values of minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimum fungicidal concentrations, even for fluconazole and/or miconazole resistant Candida isolates. Fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the compound was able to inhibit the formation of hyphae/pseudohyphae and, moreover, promoted morphological alterations in cellular organelles and structures, such as disruption of cell wall, apparent mitochondrial swelling, chromatin marginalization into the nuclei and increased numbers of electron-lucent vacuoles. C7a significantly decreased the biofilm formation and reduced the viability of yeast cells in mature biofilms when tested against a virulent C. albicans strain. In vivo assays demonstrated a significant decrease of fungal burden in local (vaginal canal) and disseminated (kidneys) infection. In addition, we observed a significant increase in the survival of the systemically infected animals treated with C7a. Our results suggest C7a as a novel therapeutic agent for vaginal and disseminated candidiasis, and an alternative for conventional drug-resistant Candida.
Um ærgistaðir og ærgitoftir

In 1956 Professor Chr. Matras demonstrated the former use of shielings in the Faroes, based on the occurrence of the element ærgi, Old Irish airge in Faroese place-names5. The philological discovery was followed by archaeological recordíng and excavation, and in this paper identified and still unidentified remains of shielings are surveyed (fig. 1) and the excavation of a site in Ergidalur at Hov in Suðuroy is described. To the left of the brook on fig. 2 an enclosure for the cattle — still unexcavated — is shown. To the right is the site of the house, fig. 3. , from where the brook was crossed by a bridge. The house is 5.3 X 3.5 m inside and is divided by a secondary partition wall. Of dating evidence remains of clay bowls of Viking Age character are mentioned.
Research Article Factors Associated with Uncontrolled Hypertension among Renal Transplant Recipients Attending Nephrology Clinics in Nairobi, Kenya

Objective. To determine the factors associated with poor blood pressure control among renal transplant recipients in a resource-limited setting. Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out on renal transplant recipients at the Kenyatta National Hospital. Sociodemographic details, blood pressure, urine albumin : creatinine ratio, and adherence using the MMAS-8 questionnaire were noted. Independent factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension were determined using logistic regression analysis. Results. 85 subjects were evaluated. Mean age was 42.4 (SD ± 12.2) years, with a male : female ratio of 1.9 : 1. Fifty-five patients (64.7%) had uncontrolled hypertension (BP ≥ 130/80 mmHg). On univariate analysis, male sex (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.4–9.5, í µí± = 0.006), higher levels of proteinuria (í µí± = 0.042), and nonadherence to antihypertensives (OR 18, 95% CI 5.2–65.7, í µí± < 0.001) were associated with uncontrolled hypertension. On logistic regression analysis, male sex (adjusted OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.1–19.0, í µí± = 0.034) and nonadherence (adjusted OR 33.8, 95% CI 8.6–73.0, í µí± < 0.001) were independently associated with uncontrolled hypertension. Conclusion. Factors associated with poor blood pressure control in this cohort were male sex and nonadherence to antihypertensives. Emphasis on adherence to antihypertensive therapy must be pursued within this population. Renal transplantation is the preferred therapy for patients with end stage renal disease, with improved quality of life and survival compared to dialysis. The prevalence of hypertension remains high at 80–90% [1], despite improved glomerular filtration rate and fluid status after transplantation. The pathogenesis of posttransplant hypertension is multifactorial. It has been linked to both recipient and donor factors, including immunosuppressant use (particularly cyclosporine) [2], advancing donor age, transplant renal artery stenosis, and transplant dysfunction. Treatment goals of hypertension among renal transplant recipients are more stringent than in the general hypertensive population. KDIGO (kidney disease improving global outcomes) guidelines recommend target blood pressure levels of <130/80 mmHg [3]. In the UK, up to 50% of renal transplant recipients were found to have uncontrolled hypertension [4]. In Kenya, the figures are much higher, with unpublished data showing that 79–84% of renal transplant recipients have not met target blood pressure levels. The consequences of uncontrolled hypertension in this population include increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality among renal transplant recipients, more than mortality from infection and malignancy combined [5]. In addition, poorly controlled hypertension is associated with reduced allograft survival, as shown in the …
Role of intestinal myofibroblasts in HIV-associated intestinal collagen deposition and immune reconstitution following combination antiretroviral therapy

Objective:To investigate the potential role of mucosal intestinal myofibroblasts (IMFs) in HIV and associated fibrosis in gut-associated lymphoid tissue. Design:Profibrotic changes within the secondary lymphoid organs and mucosa have been implicated in failed immune reconstitution following effective combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Microbial translocation is believed to be sustaining these systemic inflammatory pathways. IMFs are nonprofessional antigen-presenting cells with both immunoregulatory and mesenchymal functions that are ideally positioned to respond to translocating microbial antigen. Methods:Duodenal biopsies, obtained from patients naive to cART, underwent trichrome staining and were examined for tissue growth factor-beta (TGF-&bgr;) expression. Combined immunostaining and second harmonic generation analysis were used to determine IMF activation and collagen deposition. Confocal microscopy was performed to examine IMF activation and Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 expression. Finally, primary IMF cultures were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide to demonstrate the expression of the inflammatory biomarkers. Results:The expression of the fibrosis-promoting molecule, TGF-&bgr;1, is significantly increased in duodenal biopsies from HIV patients naïve to cART, and negatively correlated with subsequent peripheral CD4+ recovery. The increase in TGF-&bgr;1 coincided with an increase in collagen deposition in the duodenal mucosa in the tissue area adjacent to the IMFs. We also observed that IMFs expressed TLR4 and had an activated phenotype since they were positive for fibroblast activation protein. Finally, stimulation of IMFs from HIV patients with TLR4 resulted in significantly increased expression of profibrotic molecules, TGF-&bgr;1, and interleukin-6. Conclusion:Our data support the hypothesis that activated IMFs may be among the major cells contributing to the profibrotic changes, and thus, the establishment and maintenance of systemic inflammation interfering with immune reconstitution in HIV patients.
Early evidence for complex social structure in Proboscidea from a late Miocene trackway site in the United Arab Emirates

Many living vertebrates exhibit complex social structures, evidence for the antiquity of which is limited to rare and exceptional fossil finds. Living elephants possess a characteristic social structure that is sex-segregated and multi-tiered, centred around a matriarchal family and solitary or loosely associated groups of adult males. Although the fossil record of Proboscidea is extensive, the origin and evolution of social structure in this clade is virtually unknown. Here, we present imagery and analyses of an extensive late Miocene fossil trackway site from the United Arab Emirates. The site of Mleisa 1 preserves exceptionally long trackways of a herd of at least 13 individuals of varying size transected by that of a single large individual, indicating the presence of both herding and solitary social modes. Trackway stride lengths and resulting body mass estimates indicate that the solitary individual was also the largest and therefore most likely a male. Sexual determination for the herd is equivocal, but the body size profile and number of individuals are commensurate with those of a modern elephant family unit. The Mleisa 1 trackways provide direct evidence for the antiquity of characteristic and complex social structure in Proboscidea.
Generation of Phase-Stable Sub-Cycle Mid-Infrared Pulses from Filamentation in Nitrogen

Sub-single-cycle pulses in the mid-infrared (MIR) region were generated through a laser-induced filament. The fundamental (ω1) and second harmonic (ω2) output of a 30-fs Ti:sapphire amplifier were focused into nitrogen gas and produce phase-stable broadband MIR pulses (ω0) by using a four-wave mixing process (ω1 + ω1 - ω2 → ω0) through filamentation. The spectrum spread from 400 cm-1 to 5500 cm-1, which completely covered the MIR region. The low frequency components were detected by using an electro-optic sampling technique with a gaseous medium. The efficiency of the MIR pulse generation was very sensitive to the delay between the fundamental and second harmonic pulses. It was revealed that the delay dependence of the efficiency came from the interference between two opposite parametric processes, ω1 + ω1 - ω2 → ω0 and ω2 - ω1 - ω1 → ω0. The pulse duration was measured as 6.9 fs with cross-correlation frequency-resolved optical gating by using four-wave mixing in nitrogen. The carrier-envelope phase of the MIR pulse was passively stabilized. The instability was estimated as 154 mrad rms in 2.5 h.