Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mineralogy, Petrography, Distribution, and Origin of the Messinian Mediterranean Evaporites

Jacques Bourcart was the first to draw attention, in the middle of the nineteen fifties, to the knolls of the Ligurian Abyssal Plain which are the superficial topographic expression of the piercement structures of the Mediterranean evaporites (Bourcart et al., 1958, Bourcart 1959). Later, Alinat and Cousteau (1962), followed by Hersey (1965) interpreted them as salt diapirs, followed by Glangeaud et al. (1966). Since that time, various solutions were proposed regarding the petrographic nature and the age of the Mediterranean deep-sea diapirs (Mauffret 1969, Watson and Johnson 1968, etc.). The problem of the peri-Mediterranean evaporites is not a simple one. Important salt deposits of Triassic age are known throughout the western Alps. In addition, elevated shreds of evaporitic series of Messinian age are observed around the different Mediterranean basins. In this context, the relationship of the deep sea diapirs to the geological outcrops of evaporites of different ages was not obvious. The scientific shipboard party of Leg 13 was well aware of this situation and consider confirmation of the evaporitic nature of the deep-sea diapirs and the discovery of their Messinian age a major step to an understanding of the Cenozoic geological history of the western Alps. Our drilling proved the existence of a huge geological formation of Messinian Mediterranean evaporites well defined by its lithology and time boundaries (Figure 1). All of the shreds of Messinian evaporites scattered around the Mediterranean, and the deep-sea diapirs, belong to this formation, which is younger in age than, and distinct from, the Triassic evaporites of the same region. Since discovery of the deep-sea diapirs and the corroboration of their salt nature (Ewing, Worzel, et al, 1969), the problem of the de positional mechanism of the salts, now underlying several thousand meters of water, has never ceased to attract attention. Traditionally, authors considered that the evaporites precipitated under a very thin layer of water. Recently however, Schmalz (1969) proposed several models of precipitation in deep water that could account for deep deposits such as those which have been discovered in the Gulf of Mexico. In this context, the interpretation of Leg 13 findings becomes all the more important because none of the existing theories account completely for our results. Thus we felt the need for a new explanation. In this chapter, we present the petrographic and mineralogic results together with all the pertinent data which may help to solve this problem. These different results are organized into a coherent group of observations which, however, may be interpreted in two different ways. In the discussion, we show how these observations have led us to the choice of a shallow-water, shallow-basin desiccation model for the Messinian Mediterranean evaporites.
EVIDENCE FOR MULTIPLE SOURCES OF 10Be IN THE EARLY SOLAR SYSTEM

Beryllium-10 is a short-lived radionuclide (t1/2 = 1.4 Myr) uniquely synthesized by spallation reactions and inferred to have been present when the solar system's oldest solids (calcium–aluminum-rich inclusions, CAIs) formed. Yet, the astrophysical site of 10Be nucleosynthesis is uncertain. We report Li–Be–B isotope measurements of CAIs from CV chondrites, including CAIs that formed with the canonical 26Al/27Al ratio of ∼5 × 10−5 (canonical CAIs) and CAIs with Fractionation and Unidentified Nuclear isotope effects (FUN-CAIs) characterized by 26Al/27Al ratios much lower than the canonical value. Our measurements demonstrate the presence of four distinct fossil 10Be/9Be isochrons, lower in the FUN-CAIs than in the canonical CAIs, and variable within these classes. Given that FUN-CAI precursors escaped evaporation–recondensation prior to evaporative melting, we suggest that the 10Be/9Be ratio recorded by FUN-CAIs represents a baseline level present in presolar material inherited from the protosolar molecular cloud, generated via enhanced trapping of galactic cosmic rays. The higher and possibly variable apparent 10Be/9Be ratios of canonical CAIs reflect additional spallogenesis, either in the gaseous CAI-forming reservoir, or in the inclusions themselves: this indicates at least two nucleosynthetic sources of 10Be in the early solar system. The most promising locale for 10Be synthesis is close to the proto-Sun during its early mass-accreting stages, as these are thought to coincide with periods of intense particle irradiation occurring on timescales significantly shorter than the formation interval of canonical CAIs.
Predicting individual tree and stand diameter increment responses of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) after mountain forest selective cutting

Abstract Models for predicting diameter increment in multi-storey spruce stands following mountain forest selective cutting (MFS) were developed. They were based on increment cores, tree ring analyses and stump registrations. The presented models rely upon time series data from 1600 trees in thirty-one Norway spruce stands in south-eastern and central parts of Norway. The selective cuttings were heavy; on average two thirds of the standing volume were cut. The increment following the interventions was highly variable, resulting in large random variability in the models with R2 varying between 0.18-0.31 for individual tree diameter growth and 0.40-0.50 for mean tree stand diameter growth. Dummy variables referring to three first 5-year periods after cutting were found to increase the precision and significantly reduce the random error. Selected models were validated using a test material from central Norway and also compared with the mostly applied Norwegian diameter increment models. Despite a large random variation in all models, the model performances appeared logical and the general fit to the data was acceptable. Based on tests, two diameter increment models are recommended for future yield prognoses in MFS. The models should also be of interest for wider use in other parts of the Nordic and Baltic boreal zone.
Factor Influencing Depersonalization on Prison Employees

The prison staff is a key factor in the progress of the institution which means that their behaviour directly affects the services it provides. Prisons aim serving the sentence and rehabilitation of prisoners. If the employees of the institution will feel tired, stressed, consume professionally then decrease their effectiveness and performance, which has a direct effect on the life of a prisoner. Professionals dehumanized do not help in achieving the final goal of rehabilitation and teaching positive behaviour of prisoners. This study investigates one of three dimensions of burnout, depersonalization. The aim is to measure the level of depersonalization of the prison staff and to identify the factors influencing it. Quantitative research method was used for data collection and analyse. Cristina Maslach Inventory is completed from 290 participants, aiming to measure the level of depersonalization. The study found out that male professionals, divorced, those who work with the target of the men, and an employee who had a great distance from the place of work were more dehumanized. The quality of relationship with superiors and colleagues affects depersonalization. The less level of communication and cooperation in organization the higher is the level of emotional exhaustion, consequently the level of depersonalization is higher. As conclusion the prevalence of depersonalization is evident in prison staff, but in low levels. Dominant factors influencing depersonalization are the quality of relationship with superiors and colleagues.
Analysis of two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in exon 1 of kappa-casein gene (CSN3) in Martina Franca donkey breed

The aim of this study is to assess genetic polymorphism at two loci in the exon 1 of the kappa-casein gene (CSN3) in Martina Franca donkey breed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. Martina Franca donkey was derived from the Catalan donkey brought to Apulia at the time of the Spanish rule. This donkey is tall and well built and has good temperament. Both considered loci were found to be monomorphic in the considered population. At CSN3/PstI locus, all the animals were genotyped as AA since no AG and GG animals were found in the population. A similar result was found at CSN3/BseYI locus: all the donkeys were monomorphic and genotyped as AA. As a consequence, only one out of nine possible combined genotype (AAAA) was detected. Key words : Martina Franca donkey, kappa-casein gene (CSN3), gene polymorphism, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).
Compactness estimates for Hamilton-Jacobi equations depending on space

We study quantitative estimates of compactness in $\mathbf{W}^{1,1}_{loc}$ for the map $S_t$, $t>0$ that associates to every given initial data $u_0\in \mathrm{Lip}(\mathbb{R}^N)$ the corresponding solution $S_t u_0$ of a Hamilton-Jacobi equation $$ u_t+H\big(x, \nabla_{\! x} u\big)=0\,, \qquad t\geq 0,\quad x\in \mathbb{R}^N, $$ with a convex and coercive Hamiltonian $H=H(x,p)$. We provide upper and lower bounds of order $1/\varepsilon^N$ on the the Kolmogorov $\varepsilon$-entropy in $\mathbf{W}^{1,1}$ of the image through the map $S_t$ of sets of bounded, compactly supported initial data. Quantitative estimates of compactness, as suggested by P.D. Lax, could provide a measure of the order of "resolution" and of "complexity" of a numerical method implemented for this equation. We establish these estimates deriving accurate a-priori bounds on the Lipschitz, semiconcavity and semiconvexity constant of a viscosity solution when the initial data is semiconvex. The derivation of a small time controllability result is also fundamental to establish the lower bounds on the $\varepsilon$-entropy.
Feeding behaviour and functional response of Abra ovata and A. nitida compared by image analysis

An automated image analysis system was used to monitor sediment surface feeding activity of 2 bivalves (Abra ovata and A. nitida) inhabiting contrasting environments. A larger variety of feeding behaviours was recorded in A. nitida, whereas A. ovata mostly fed at the sediment surface. There were also clear differences in the behaviour of the 2 species during surface deposit feeding (i.e. a wider extension of the inhalant siphon in A. ovata, and the exhalant siphon being located below the sediment-water interface in A. ovata and above this interface in A. nitida). In A. nitida, increase in feeding activity resulted mostly from an increase in feeding intensity, and not from an increase in the amount of time devoted to feeding. In A. ovata, the most active bivalves tended to increase their activity mostly by increasing the amount of time devoted to feeding. This suggests that feeding inten- sity was limited in A. ovata but not in A. nitida. Food dilution and food addition experiments were car- ried out to assess the functional response in the 2 species. The results of the food dilution experiments were statistically insignificant due to high inter-individual variability. Food addition significantly affected feeding activity in A. ovata and A. nitida, although in different ways. In A. ovata, feeding activity was highest at intermediate food concentrations, and inhibited at the highest ones. In A. nitida, increased feeding activity was induced at higher concentrations than in A. ovata, and feeding activity was greatest at the highest food concentration. Such discrepancies in feeding behaviour and functional response in closely related species characterise the difficulty in delineating functional groups in benthic deposit-feeders.
Highly accurate RNA and DNA sequencing: Application to longstanding questions in aging and cancer

Highly accurate RNA and DNA sequencing: application to longstanding questions in aging and cancer Kate-Siobhan Reid-Bayliss Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Lawrence A. Loeb, MD, PhD Department of Pathology Accurate DNA replication and RNA transcription are critically important for proper cell functioning: the fidelity of these processes is crucial; infidelity can lead to cellular dysfunction and disease. The key problem in studying the fidelity of these processes is the accurate detection of rare DNA and RNA mutations, which result as a consequence of infidelity. Until recently, this has not been possible, as the high error rates of available methods has limited their ability accurately detect rare mutations among a preponderance of wildtype molecules. The solution to this problem, as the Loeb lab and others have found, is to perform single molecule sequencing of individually barcoded DNA and RNA molecules. In the present work, I present three projects which apply the use of barcoding individual DNA and RNA molecules in order to enable highly accurate and sensitive analyses of DNA replication and RNA transcription fidelity. (i) The question of why CS patients don’t get cancer despite being repair-deficient has puzzled scientists for decades. While many have speculated as to the cause, we have
Bar pattern speed evolution over the last 7 Gyr

Context. The tumbling pattern of a bar is the main parameter characterising its dynamics. From numerical simulations, its evolution since bar formation is tightly linked to the dark halo in which the bar is formed through dynamical friction and angular momentum exchange. Observational measurements of the bar pattern speed with redshift can restrict models of galaxy formation and bar evolution. Aims. We aim to determine, for the first time, the bar pattern speed e volution with redshift based on morphological measurements. Methods. We have selected a sample of 44 low inclination ringed galaxies from the SDSS and COSMOS surveys covering the redshift range 0< z<0.8 to investigate the evolution of the bar pattern speed. We have derived morphological ratios between the deprojected outer ring radius (Rring) and the bar size (Rbar). This quantity is related to the parameter R = RCR/Rbar used for classifiying bars in slow and fast rotators, and allow us to investigate possible differences with redshift. Results. We obtain a similar distribution of R at all redshifts. We do not find any systematic effect that cou ld be forcing this result. Conclusions. The results obtained here are compatible with both, the bulk of the bar population (∼ 70%) being fast-rotators and no evolution of the pattern speed with redshift. We argue that if bars are long-lasting structures, the results presented h ere imply that there has not been a substantial angular momentum exchange between the bar and halo, as predicted by numerical simulations. In consequence, this might imply that the discs of these high surface-brightness galaxies are maximal.
IONIZED OUTFLOWS FROM COMPACT STEEP SPECTRUM SOURCES

Massive outflows are known to exist, in the form of extended emission-line regions (EELRs), around about one-third of powerful FR II radio sources. We investigate the origin of these EELRs by studying the emission-line regions around compact-steep-spectrum (CSS) radio galaxies that are younger (103–105 yr old) versions of the FR II radio galaxies. We have searched for and analyzed the emission-line regions around 11 CSS sources by taking integral field spectra using Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph on Gemini North. We fit the [O iii] λ5007 line and present the velocity maps for each detected emission-line region. We find, in most cases, that the emission-line regions have multi-component velocity structures with different velocity dispersions and/or flux distributions for each component. The velocity gradients of the emission-line gas are mostly well aligned with the radio axis, suggesting a direct causal link between the outflowing gas and the radio jets. The complex velocity structure may be a result of different driving mechanisms related to the onset of the radio jets. We also present the results from the line-ratio diagnostics we used to analyze the ionization mechanism of the extended gas, which supports the scenario where the emission-line regions are ionized by a combination of active galactic nucleus radiation and shock excitation.
CLASSIFICATION OF X-RAY SOURCES IN THE XMM-NEWTON SERENDIPITOUS SOURCE CATALOG

We carry out classification of 4330 X-ray sources in the 2XMMi-DR3 catalog. They are selected under the requirement of being a point source with multiple XMM-Newton observations and at least one detection with the signal-to-noise ratio larger than 20. For about one-third of them we are able to obtain reliable source types from the literature. They mostly correspond to various types of stars (611), active galactic nuclei (AGNs, 753), and compact object systems (138) containing white dwarfs, neutron stars, and stellar-mass black holes. We find that about 99% of stars can be separated from other source types based on their low X-ray-to-IR flux ratios and frequent X-ray flares. AGNs have remarkably similar X-ray spectra, with the power-law photon index centered around 1.91 ± 0.31, and their 0.2–4.5 keV flux long-term variation factors have a median of 1.48, with 98.5% being less than 10. In contrast, 70% of compact object systems can be very soft or hard, highly variable in X-rays, and/or have very large X-ray-to-IR flux ratios, separating them from AGNs. Using these results, we derive a source type classification scheme to classify the other sources and find 644 candidate stars, 1376 candidate AGNs, and 202 candidate compact object systems, whose false identification probabilities are estimated to be about 1%, 3%, and 18%, respectively. There are still 320 sources associated with nearby galaxies and 151 in the Galactic plane, which we expect to be mostly compact object systems or background AGNs. We also have 100 candidate ultraluminous X-ray sources. They are found to be much less variable than other accreting compact objects.
Establishing long-term measurements of halocarbons at Taunus Observatory

Abstract. In late 2013, a whole air flask collection programme was started at Taunus Observatory (TO) in central Germany. Being a rural site in close proximity to the Rhine–Main area, Taunus Observatory allows assessment of emissions from a densely populated region. Owing to its altitude of 825 m, the site also regularly experiences background conditions, especially when air masses approach from north-westerly directions. With a large footprint area mainly covering central Europe north of the Alps, halocarbon measurements at the site have the potential to improve the database for estimation of regional and total European halogenated greenhouse gas emissions. Flask samples are collected weekly for offline analysis using a GC/MS system simultaneously employing a quadrupole as well as a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. As background reference, additional samples are collected approximately once every 2 weeks at the Mace Head Atmospheric Research Station (MHD) when air masses approach from the site's clean air sector. Thus the time series at TO can be linked to the in situ AGAGE measurements and the NOAA flask sampling programme at MHD. An iterative baseline identification procedure separates polluted samples from baseline data. While there is good agreement of baseline mixing ratios between TO and MHD, with a larger variability of mixing ratios at the continental site, measurements at TO are regularly influenced by elevated halocarbon mixing ratios. Here, first time series are presented for CFC-11, CFC-12, HCFC-22, HFC-134a, HFC-227ea, HFC-245fa, and dichloromethane. While atmospheric mixing ratios of the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) decrease, they increase for the hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and the hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Small unexpected differences between CFC-11 and CFC-12 are found with regard to frequency and relative enhancement of high mixing ratio events and seasonality, although production and use of both compounds are strictly regulated by the Montreal Protocol, and therefore a similar decrease in atmospheric mixing ratios should occur. Dichloromethane, a solvent about which recently concerns have been raised regarding its growing influence on stratospheric ozone depletion, does not show a significant trend with regard to both baseline mixing ratios and the occurrence of pollution events at Taunus Observatory for the time period covered, indicating stable emissions in the regions that influence the site. An analysis of trajectories from the Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model reveals differences in halocarbon mixing ranges depending on air mass origin.
Water decoction of Astragalus membranaceus enhances cellular immune response and disease resistance in spotted maigre

The effect of dietary Chinese herb Astragalus membranaceus on the cellular immune response of spotted maigre ( Nibea albifiora ) was investigated. 300 spotted maigre with an average initial weight of 49.6 ± 5.5 g were selected and fed with different levels of water decoction of A. membranaceus (WDA) (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0%) for 4 weeks. Non-specific immune responses were measured after 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 days of feeding. We then injected control and WDA treated fish with an intraperitoneal injection of Vibrio vulnificus , and recorded their mortality rate for 7 days post-infection. The results showed that the phagocytic index of phagocytes was significantly higher in 2% WDA treated group as compared to other groups (P<0.05). Whereas, the percentages of phagocytes were significantly higher in 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% WDA groups as compared to 4.0% WDA and control groups (P<0.05). But lysozyme activities were significantly higher in the Astragalus-fed groups as compared to the control group (P≤0.05), and 2% group was the highest. Furthermore, 2% WDA-fed fish were significantly protected against V. vulnificus infestation (73.3% survival) as compared to 63.3, 53.3 and 36.7% survival in the 1 and 0.5% WDA-fed and control, respectively. In conclusion, dietary WDA may effectively enhance cellular immune response and disease resistance in spotted maigre against V. vulnificus. Key words : Astragalus membranaceus , spotted maigre, non-specific immune response, Vibrio vulnificus .
Visualizing Worldviews: Shifting Perspectives on Global Change

This essay encourages a reflective approach to communicating the urgency of global change issues. Recognizing that multiple factors shape personal intuitions and interpretations of the world, it seeks to highlight some of the entrenched paradigmatic assumptions that continue to reinforce misperceptions about humanity’s relationships to the natural world. Multiple critiques of how these misperceptions arise are summarized, and alternate proposals that encourage expanded comprehension of the integral role played by humans within nested ecosystems are considered. It concludes with a description of a communication strategy based on literal and metaphorical interpretations of the term “worldview,” employing immersive scientific visualizations to experientially expand perspectives on these critical issues.