Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Carboniferous Archerbeck Borehole, near Canonbie (Dumfriesshire, southern Scotland): biostratigraphic revision of the late Asbian to early Pendleian succession using foraminiferans and regional correlations

ABSTRACT The upper half of the Archerbeck Borehole contains a continuous Mississippian succession from the late Asbian (late Viséan) to the Pendleian (early Serpukhovian), with numerous limestone horizons. The borehole sequence lies within the Solway Basin (western end of the Northumberland Trough) and bridges the successions between the Midland Valley of Scotland and the Pennines (northern England). The rich foraminiferal and algal assemblages are compared to those described by previous authors, and genera as well as species are updated as far as is possible. In addition, some other overlooked or underestimated taxa have been identified and illustrated, which improve notably the biostratigraphic resolution of the Archerbeck Borehole succession. Within the abundant foraminiferal assemblages can be highlighted the richness and diversity of representatives of the family Archaediscidae. In general, the succession developed in the Archerbeck Borehole is closely comparable with that in the Alston Block of northern England. The Asbian/Brigantian transition mimics that observed in the Janny Wood boundary stratotype section, with clear late Asbian horizons (lower part of the Archerbeck Beds), transitional beds (middle and upper parts of the Archerbeck Beds), and Brigantian limestones (from the Cornet Limestone upwards). The base of the early Brigantian is placed at the base of the Cornet Limestone (equivalent to the Lower Peghorn Limestone in the Alston Block). The base of the late Brigantian is placed at the base of the Gastropod Limestone (equivalent to the Scar Limestone Member in northern England), and the base of the Pendleian is repositioned at the base of the Under Limestone (equivalent to the Four Fathom Limestone Member in northern England). Throughout, the borehole, protista and microfloral elements are abundant, which allows the recognition of Assemblages 4 to 10, previously recognised in northern England and the Midland Valley of Scotland. Furthermore, other local assemblages are recognised and related to palaeoecological controls, although they do not represent any improvement in biostratigraphical resolution.
Primary biliary cirrhosis: new perspectives in diagnosis and treatment

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by cholestatic liver function tests, antimitochondrial antibodies, and abnormal liver histology. Early descriptions of a rare rapidly progressive disease no longer reflect the more indolent progress often seen today. Many patients have significant long term morbidity through symptoms such as fatigue and itch with a minority progressing to liver failure and need for transplantation. The current data on the diagnosis, clinical progression, and treatment of PBC are reviewed.
Dynamic Traffic Modeling: Approximating the equilibrium for peak periods in urban areas

This article addresses the problem of the choice of departure time in cities subject to heavy congestion. The model originally developed by Vickrey and extended by many authors was developed for bottlenecks with constant capacity. While this assumption might be reasonable for physical bottlenecks submitted to light congestion, empirical evidence shows that in urban networks, the trip completion rate strongly depends on the density. Several analytical approaches have been proposed to address this shortcoming, but they all rely on some simplifications. In this work, the impact of some of these simplifications on the tra c flow dynamics is first evaluated using simulation. Then, a heuristic is proposed to approximate the equilibrium with more realistic assumptions and the results are compared with those that can be obtained with the widely used Method of Successive Averages (MSA). While analytical solutions assuming a constant capacity remain useful to design system optimum solutions, the heuristic proposed is complementary and allows addressing the user equilibrium problem. This talk concludes by presenting how this tool can be used to create strategies to alleviate peak-hour congestion in urban areas.
Land surface and orographic controls on precipitation patterns in the Sierra Madre Occidental and Western Ghats

Several aspects of land surface-atmosphere interactions cannot be adequately captured by climate models, due in part to inadequacies in representing small scale processes in space and time, such as diurnal cycles, convection, and cloud microphysics. Individual and collaborative modeling efforts with climate models and reanalyses have established various parameters that attempt to diagnose the magnitude of connections between land surface conditions and atmospheric responses, such as soil moisture and precipitation. As global precipitation patterns change, the regions that experience high degrees of coupling between the land surface and atmosphere are likely to be impacted most. Within this study, we focus on two regions where we suspect coupling between the land surface, topography, and the atmosphere is significant: the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains of western Mexico, and the Western Ghats of India, and investigate the processes behind these connections in detail. While these regions possess their own unique meteorological challenges, including sparse observational networks of land surface and meteorological fields, the orography in each case acts as the primary regulator of heat and moisture in monsoonal flows. We use the recently developed Land Information System (LIS) to generate both realistic and hypothetical land surface conditions to use in sensitivity tests with the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) at high resolutions (5 km) over seasonal time scales to capture the intricacies of dynamical processes occurring between the land surface, terrain, and atmosphere. We find that fluxes of heat and moisture from the surface in these regions of complex terrain act as additional, but secondary, controls on orographic precipitation that modulates the flow of moisture onshore and upslope. Both regions exhibit strong diurnal cycles in meteorological fields, land surface parameters, and convective parameters which lead to diurnal cycles of precipitation. Impacts of contrasting initial soil conditions on precipitation intensity, timing,
AN ABRUPT VARIATION EVENT OF STROMATOLITIC MICROSTRUCTURES IN THE NEOPROTEROZOIC AND ITS ORIGINATION BACKGROUND

A sharp reduce in both the diversity and abundance of the stromatolites occurred at the boundary of the Neoproterozoic Shisanlitai and Majiatun Formations in southern Liaoning, as well as Weiji and Shijia Formations in northern Anhui and Jiangsu respectively. The abrupt change of stromatolitic microstructure accompanied with a distinct negative shift of carbon isotope values of carbonate carbon, is the key marker of an oceanographic chemical change, and consequently is of an isochoronic event. More evidences include the near synchronous occurrence of tussocky microstructure in the Pre Sinian strata, and its correlated shift of carbon isotope values in Majiatun and Shijia Formations, as well as formation I 6 of the Upper Riphean Atar Group in Mauritania. The tussocky microstructure is thought to be a special calcified blue alga, and temporal oceanic stratification and upwelling of the anoxia deep water afterwards may be the provenances of its calcification and the corresponding negative shift of carbon isotope values. The anomaly high hydrothemal flux in a time span from 850 Ma to 800 Ma indicated by the strontium isotopic ratios coincides with production of large amount of juvenile crust and rifting of a super continent, and gave rise to the transient oceanic stratification and enhancement of calcification of blue algae.
ANALYSIS OF THE RUSLE AND WEPP MODELS FOR A SMALL WATERSHED LOCATED IN VIÇOSA, MINAS GERAIS STATE, BRAZIL

The objective of this paper was to compare runoff and soil loss amounts observed in an experimental watershed with those values simulated by RUSLE and WEPP models. The watershed has sandy-clay-loam soil covered with pasture. Runoff and soil loss measured were very low, due to high infiltration rate and vegetable covering conditions. In WEPP simulations two values were used for the hydraulic conductivity (K0): a measured in field (scenario A) and another calculated using WEPP internal procedures (scenario B). The runoff calculated by WEPP in scenario A was very close to measured value. In scenario B the annual runoff amount was over-predicted. RUSLE model simulated a very low value of soil loss and, therefore, close to the field observed. WEPP, in scenario B, also simulated a small soil loss, although greater than that one simulated by RUSLE. In scenario A, WEPP simulated soil loss equal to zero, that is close to the observed value. Both models satisfactorily estimated soil loss for the analyzed conditions, although RUSLE performed better. In WEPP, the water loss was simulated better using measured K0, suggesting that WEPP internal procedures should be carefully used for Brazilian conditions. Additional Keywords: soil erosion, hydrologic modeling, hydraulic conductivity, runoff, watershed
Macrophage Activation JUNB Is a Key Transcriptional Modulator of

Activated macrophages are crucial for restriction of microbial infection but may also promote inflammatory pathology in a wide range of both infectious and sterile conditions. The pathways that regulate macrophage activation are therefore of great interest. Recent studies in silico have putatively identified key transcription factors that may control macrophage activation, but experimental validation is lacking. In this study, we generated a macrophage regulatory network from publicly available microarray data, employing steps to enrich for physiologically relevant interactions. Our analysis predicted a novel relationship between the AP-1 family transcription factor Junb and the gene Il1b, encoding the pyrogen IL-1b, which macrophages express upon activation by inflammatory stimuli. Previously, Junb has been characterized primarily as a negative regulator of the cell cycle, whereas AP-1 activity in myeloid inflammatory responses has largely been attributed to c-Jun. We confirmed experimentally that Junb is required for full expression of Il1b, and of additional genes involved in classical inflammation, in macrophages treated with LPS and other immunostimulatory molecules. Furthermore, Junb modulates expression of canonical markers of alternative activation in macrophages treated with IL-4. Our results demonstrate that JUNB is a significant modulator of both classical and alternative macrophage activation. Further, this finding provides experimental validation for our network modeling approach , which will facilitate the future use of gene expression data from open databases to reveal novel, physiologically relevant regulatory relationships. M acrophages, tissue-resident phagocytic cells of the innate immune system, are critical sentinels in the detection and containment of infectious microbes and the initiation of inflammatory type I immune responses. In addition to these functions, collectively referred to as classical activation, macrophages may also undergo alternative activation, resulting in distinct nonin-flammatory programs that are important in type II immune responses, wound healing, and tissue homeostasis (1, 2). Given the central role of macrophages in diverse immune functions, it is important to develop a more systematic understanding of the transcriptional networks that govern their activation and polarization. One recently developed tool that may yield great insight into mechanisms of macrophage activation is regulatory network analysis, a statistical method for identifying components of a dataset that covary across a broad range of samples or conditions (3, 4). A wealth of macrophage transcriptional data is available in public databases, but such data are generally considered unsuitable for network analysis due to the confounding effects of technical variation resulting from the use of diverse nucleic acid amplification procedures …
GJI Geomagnetism, rock magnetism and palaeomagnetism Decomposition analysis of the BEAR magnetotelluric data: implications for the upper mantle conductivity in the Fennoscandian Shield

SUMMARY Long-period magnetotelluric (MT) and geomagnetic depth sounding data (GDS) have been acquired on the Fennoscandian Shield under the framework of the Baltic Electromagnetic Array Research (BEAR) project. The field campaign was carried out in the summer of 1998 when variations of the natural electromagnetic field were recorded simultaneously at 46 MT and 20 GDS stations. The key targets of the project are to investigate the electrical properties of the upper mantle and to determine the depth to the lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary in the Fennoscandian craton. A challenging task emerges from the fact that numerous highly conductive crustal bodies and local conductivity contrasts generate galvanic and inductive distortions to the calculated transfer functions in the research area. We present here a systematic decomposition and dimensionality analysis of the BEAR data and use the results of this analysis to verify regions for which 1-D inversion is justified. We argue that most of the BEAR data represent regional 2-D and 3-D structures with local galvanic distortion. The decomposition of the long-period (T > 3000 s) MT impedance tensors yield a set of smoothly varying regional strike directions. Yet strike angles vary significantly in the scale of the BEAR array and have abrupt regional changes in some areas. The spatial behaviour of strike angles cannot be connected with largescale geological units. Moreover, strong variation of strike azimuths over the BEAR array convincingly shows that the strike angles cannot be associated with present day plate motion or mantle convection, because that would require a consistent strike azimuth over the whole array. Observed long-period strike angles indicate mainly upper mantle 2-D and 3-D structures or frozen in anisotropy induced by several Palaeoproterozoic and Archaean events. The dimensionality analysis of the BEAR data shows that in the northeastern part of the array the regional structure is approximately 1-D. 1-D inversion of selected data from the western Lapland-Kola Domain reveals a conducting layer in the middle crust. An increase of conductivity is required also at depths greater than 170 km providing a minimum estimate of the lithosphere thickness beneath the target area. Partial melts or dissolved water in olivine are most plausible sources for increased conductivity at such depths.
Applying ‘self-efficacy’ theory to the Motivation-Opportunity-Ability (MOA) Model to reveal factors that influence inclusive engagement within local community festivals

Purpose – This study lies within “classical discourse” (Getz, 2010) within festival studies as its context is firmly situated within cultural anthropology and sociology. Unlike previous studies this research is unique in that it integrates social cognitive theory (SCT) which is usually found in psychology discourses. The purpose of this paper is to propose how the Motivation-Opportunity-Ability (MOA) model would benefit from integrating self and group efficacy theory. It achieves this by building on previous analysis of primary data collected in the field at the Utcazene, Street Music Festival, Veszprem, Hungary, (Jepson et al., 2013) using an adapted MOA model. Design/methodology/approach – This paper analyses previous studies which have tested the MOA model through primary data collection. Following this analysis best practice is and similarities are identified through discussion; then a case is then made to adapt the model to integrate and test Bandura's (1986) concept of self-efficacy based on the ben.
Variability Studies as Inferred from Leaf Morpho-Stomatal Features in Moringa oleifera Lam. from Northern Nigeria

The increasing demand for the Moringa oleifera product needs to be complimented with new improved cultivars with high performance to meet the supply chain of the country. To achieve this, the present study was aimed at studying the variability among 21 ecotype of M. oleifera based on morphology and leaf anatomy to detect promising cultivars for mapping out of future breeding schemes of this important crop. The generated data were analysed with the NTSYS pc software, and the 33 plant accessions were clustered into five groups irrespective of area of collection. Significant variations were observed in the leaf morphological and anatomical parameters of the accessions such that on clustering, region unspecific were observed in clusters I, II and III indicating a high possibility of exchange of genetic information between samples from far and closer geographical locations since they are not completely isolated. From the analysed accessions, 26BDMKT from north-west part of Nigeria forms a single cluster (IV) and gave the highest leaf length measurement of 61.2cm. Keywords : Leaf, Morphology, Stomata, Variation and Moringa oleifera
The Welfare Consequences of ATM Surcharges: Evidence from a Structural Entry Model

We estimate a structural model of the market for automatic teller machines (ATMs) in order to evaluate the implications of regulating ATM surcharges on ATM entry and consumer and producer surplus. We estimate the model using data on firm and consumer locations, and identify the parameters of the model by exploiting a source of local quasi-experimental variation, that the state of Iowa banned ATM surcharges during our sample period while the state of Minnesota did not. We develop new econometric methods that allow us to estimate the parameters of equilibrium models without computing equilibria. Monte Carlo evidence shows that the estimator performs well. We find that a ban on ATM surcharges reduces ATM entry by about 12 percent, increases consumer welfare by about 35 percent and lowers producer profits by about 20 percent. Total welfare remains about the same under regimes that permit or prohibit ATM surcharges and is about 17 percent lower than the surplus maximizing level. This paper can help shed light on the theoretically ambiguous implications of free entry on consumer and producer welfare for differentiated products industries in general and ATMs in particular.
Investment Behavior of U.S. Firms Over Heterogeneous Capital Goods: A Snapshot

The 1998 Annual Capital Expenditure Survey (ACES) provides information on disaggregate investment across a wide range of detailed asset types for a representative sample of roughly 30,000 firms. These rich data on disaggregate investment provides us with a point-in-time snapshot of investment composition choices at the firm level. This short paper uses this data to establish a number of stylized facts about disaggregate investment behavior, with a special focus on information technology.
Response of Teff (Eragrostis (teff) Trotter) to Phosphorus and Nitrogen on Vertisol at North Ethiopia

-1 ) and P (0, 23, 46, and 69kg ha -1 ), in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was used. Results showed a significant response (p<0.05) of grain yield, biomass yield, plant height, days to 50% emergence, days to 75% maturity and lodging percentage to N and P. However, no significant response was observed in harvest index and dead heart count of shoot fly. The highest grain and biomass yields were obtained with 69 kg N ha -1 which is not different from 46 kg N ha -1 . Orga-P significantly (p<0.05) increased yields, however, it reduced days to 50% emergence and days to 75% maturity. There was a positive correlation between grain yield and biomass yields, plant height, and days to 75% maturity. Similarly, significant correlations between applied N and N uptake (r=0.904, p<0.01) and P and P uptake (r=0.84, p<0.01) were found. The study concludes that a combination of N and P at the rates of 46 kg ha -1 gave the optimum yield of the teff variety “Dz 01-974’’. These results should be considered preliminary until further work is performed, either at several locations or various seasons, for confirmation. Economic appraisal is necessary to justify the recommended 46 kg ha -1 of N and 69 kg ha -1 of P vis-a-vis the current market prices of teff and the fertilizers. 1
Preliminary report on the biostratigraphy of new placoderm discoveries in the Hervey Group (Upper Devonian) of central New South Wales

Re-mapping during 1994-96 of the Upper Devonian on the Parkes and Grenfell 1:100,000 map sheets was the first systematic field examination of this area by an experienced vertebrate palaeontologist. This resulted in the discovery of some 40 new fossil localities (mostly fish) at various horizons within the Hervey Group. Two new fish occurrences, in sediments associated with the underlying Dulladerry Volcanics, require an age revision from Early to late Middle Devonian for the termination of Devonian volcanism in central New South Wales. The age of the Canowindra fossil fish fauna is uncertain, but may be as old as late Frasnian, rather than Famennian as was previously assumed. Correlations across the Lachlan River are clarified, and a new locality for the sinolepid antiarch Grenfellaspis is reported from near the top of the Bumberry Formation. A fish fauna from higher in the sequence includes an antiarch with an armour 1-2 m long, of comparable size to similar material from South China, which supports a latest Devonian Asian connection with East Gondwana. Preliminary analysis of faunal content is used to propose a provisional succession of six faunal zones, to improve the resolution on the Late Devonian part of the macrovertebrate zonation for East Gondwana.
Electronic Commerce: A Managerial Perspective

From the Publisher: This book presents the fundamentals of electronic commerce and its terminology, describing what it is and how it is being conducted and managed. It also focuses on the major opportunities, limitations, issues, and risks impacting the market place around the world as we enter the second millenium. Chapter topics include retailing, consumer behavior and market research, advertisement and publishing, services, intranet and extranet application, payments, corporate strategy, public policy, and infrastructure. For anyone interested in network and Internet transactions  especially managers and professional in any functional area of the business world, and people in government, education, and health services.
Impact of Physical Exercise on Melanoma Hallmarks: Current Status of Preclinical and Clinical Research

In recent years, accumulating evidence from preclinical and clinical studies consistently indicated that physical activity/exercise plays a crucial role in reducing the incidence and recurrence of various malignancies, by exerting a beneficial modulation of cancer hallmarks. Moreover, physical activity is suggested to attenuate certain adverse effects of anticancer therapy, including the reduction of cardiovascular toxicity and symptoms related to depression and anxiety, among others, while preserving muscular strength. In the case of melanoma, the relationship with physical activity has been critically debated. Historically, several cohort studies and meta-analyses reported a positive association between physical activity/exercise and melanoma risk. This association was primarily attributed to outdoor activities that may expose the skin to UV radiation, a well-known risk factor for melanocyte transformation. However, more recent evidence does not support such association and recognizes physical activity/exercise role in both melanoma prevention and progression. Nevertheless, sun protection is recommended during outdoor training to minimize UV radiation exposure. This narrative review summarizes preclinical and clinical data about physical activity effects on melanoma hallmarks. Specifically, experimental evidence is reported concerning (i) invasion and metastasis, (ii) reprogramming of energy metabolism, (iii) angiogenesis, (iv) resistance to cell death, (v) evasion from immune destruction, and (vi) tumor-promoting inflammation.