Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Formation of low-T hydrated silicates in modern microbialites from Mexico and implications for microbial fossilization

Microbialites are organo-sedimentary rocks found in abundance throughout the geological record back to ~3.5 Ga. Interpretations of the biological and environmental conditions under which they formed rely on comparisons with modern microbialites. Therefore, a better characterization of diverse modern microbialites is crucial to improve such interpretations. Here, we studied modern microbialites from three Mexican alkaline crater lakes: Quechulac, La Preciosa and Atexcac. The geochemical analyses of water solutions showed that they were supersaturated to varying extents with several mineral phases, including aragonite, calcite, hydromagnesite, as well as hydrated Mg-silicates. Consistently, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses revealed that microbialites are composed of a diversity of mineral phases including aragonite and sometimes calcite, hydromagnesite, and more interestingly, a poorly-crystalline hydrated silicate phase. Coupling of scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry microanalyses on polished sections showed that this latter phase is abundant, authigenic, magnesium-rich and sometimes associated with iron and manganese. This mineral phase is similar to kerolite, a hydrated poorly crystalline talc-like phase (Mg3Si4O10(OH)2·nH2O). Diverse microfossils were permineralized by this silicate phase. Some of them were imaged in 3D by FIB-tomography showing that their morphologically was exquisitely preserved down to the few nm-scale. The structural and chemical features of these fossils were further studied using a combination of transmission electron microscopy and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy at the carbon and magnesium K-edges and iron L2,3-edges. These results showed that organic carbon is pervasively associated with kerolite. Overall, it is suggested that the poorly-crystalline hydrated magnesium-rich silicate forms in many alkaline lakes and has a strong potential for fossilization of microbes and organic matter. Moreover, the frequent occurrence of such an authigenic silicate phase in modern lacustrine microbialites calls for a reappraisal of its potential presence in ancient rocks.
Effects of Policy Reforms on Price Transmission in Coffee Markets: Evidence from Zambia and Tanzania

In the late 1990s, several governments in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) embarked on various market reforms to improve commodity market performance. The success of such market reforms depends partly on the strength of the transmission of price signals between spatially separated markets and between different levels of commodity value chains. This study takes a look at these issues through an analysis of coffee producer prices for Zambia and Tanzania.
Awareness and Reflection in Technology Enhanced Learning . In conjunction with the 9 th European Conference on Technology Enhanced Learning : Open Learning and Teaching in Educational Communities

We describe our use of the Experience API in preparing blue-collar workers for three frequently arising work contexts, including, for example, the requirement to perform maintenance tasks exactly as specified, consistently, quickly, and without error. We provide some theoretical underpinning for modifying and updating the API to remain useful in near-future training scenarios, such as having a shorter time allowed for kinaesthetic learning experiences than in traditional apprenticeships or training. We propose ways to involve a wide range of stakeholders in appraising the API and ensuring that any enhancements to it, or add-ons, are useful, feasible and compatible with current TEL practices and tools, such as learning-design modelling languages.
Angiotensin 1A receptors transfected into caudal ventrolateral medulla inhibit baroreflex gain and stress responses.

AIMS The caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM) is important for autonomic regulation and is rich in angiotensin II type 1A receptors (AT(1A)R). To determine their function, we examined whether the expression of AT(1A)R in the CVLM of mice lacking AT(1A)R (AT(1A)(-/-)) alters baroreflex sensitivity and cardiovascular responses to stress. METHODS AND RESULTS Bilateral microinjections into the CVLM of AT(1A)(-/-) mice of lentivirus with the phox-2 selective promoter (PRSx8) were made to express either AT(1A)R (Lv-PRSx8-AT(1A)) or green fluorescent protein (Lv-PRSx8-GFP) as a control. Radiotelemetry was used to record mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and locomotor activity. Following injection of Lv-PRSx8-GFP, robust neuronal expression of GFP was observed with ∼60% of the GFP-positive cells also expressing the catecholamine-synthetic enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase. After 5 weeks, there were no differences in MAP or HR between groups, but the Lv-PRSx8-AT(1A)- injected mice showed reduced baroreflex sensitivity (-25%, P = 0.003) and attenuated pressor responses to cage-switch and restraint stress compared with the Lv-PRSx8-GFP-injected mice. Reduced MAP mid-frequency power during cage-switch stress reflected attenuated sympathetic activation (Pgroup × stress = 0.04). Fos-immunohistochemistry indicated greater activation of forebrain and hypothalamic neurons in the Lv-PRSx8-AT(1A) mice compared with the control. CONCLUSION The expression of AT(1A)R in CVLM neurons, including A1 neurons, while having little influence on the basal blood pressure or HR, may play a tonic role in inhibiting cardiac vagal baroreflex sensitivity. However, they strongly facilitate the forebrain response to aversive stress, yet reduce the pressor response presumably through greater sympatho-inhibition. These findings outline novel and specific roles for angiotensin II in the CVLM in autonomic regulation.
Recycling Endosomes and Viral Infection

Many viruses exploit specific arms of the endomembrane system. The unique composition of each arm prompts the development of remarkably specific interactions between viruses and sub-organelles. This review focuses on the viral–host interactions occurring on the endocytic recycling compartment (ERC), and mediated by its regulatory Ras-related in brain (Rab) GTPase Rab11. This protein regulates trafficking from the ERC and the trans-Golgi network to the plasma membrane. Such transport comprises intricate networks of proteins/lipids operating sequentially from the membrane of origin up to the cell surface. Rab11 is also emerging as a critical factor in an increasing number of infections by major animal viruses, including pathogens that provoke human disease. Understanding the interplay between the ERC and viruses is a milestone in human health. Rab11 has been associated with several steps of the viral lifecycles by unclear processes that use sophisticated diversified host machinery. For this reason, we first explore the state-of-the-art on processes regulating membrane composition and trafficking. Subsequently, this review outlines viral interactions with the ERC, highlighting current knowledge on viral-host binding partners. Finally, using examples from the few mechanistic studies available we emphasize how ERC functions are adjusted during infection to remodel cytoskeleton dynamics, innate immunity and membrane composition.
Towards a methodology for lifelong validation of service compositions

We argue that the dynamic nature of compositions in service-oriented architectures requires re-thinking the whole lifetime of an application, from requirements, to design and implementation, to deployment, to operation. In particular, the traditional boundary between design time and run time is blurring. Validation, which traditionally pertains to design time, must now extend to run time. This position paper digs into the requirements and outlines a research agenda, based on the experience gained in previous research projects, to engineer dependable service compositions.
Defects in purine nucleotide metabolism lead to substantial incorporation of xanthine and hypoxanthine into DNA and RNA

Deamination of nucleobases in DNA and RNA results in the formation of xanthine (X), hypoxanthine (I), oxanine, and uracil, all of which are miscoding and mutagenic in DNA and can interfere with RNA editing and function. Among many forms of nucleic acid damage, deamination arises from several unrelated mechanisms, including hydrolysis, nitrosative chemistry, and deaminase enzymes. Here we present a fourth mechanism contributing to the burden of nucleobase deamination: incorporation of hypoxanthine and xanthine into DNA and RNA caused by defects in purine nucleotide metabolism. Using Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae with defined mutations in purine metabolism in conjunction with analytical methods for quantifying deaminated nucleobases in DNA and RNA, we observed large increases (up to 600-fold) in hypoxanthine in both DNA and RNA in cells unable to convert IMP to XMP or AMP (IMP dehydrogenase, guaB; adenylosuccinate synthetase, purA, and ADE12), and unable to remove dITP/ITP and dXTP/XTP from the nucleotide pool (dITP/XTP pyrophosphohydrolase, rdgB and HAM1). Conversely, modest changes in xanthine levels were observed in RNA (but not DNA) from E. coli lacking purA and rdgB and the enzyme converting XMP to GMP (GMP synthetase, guaA). These observations suggest that disturbances in purine metabolism caused by known genetic polymorphisms could increase the burden of mutagenic deaminated nucleobases in DNA and interfere with gene expression and RNA function, a situation possibly exacerbated by the nitrosative stress of concurrent inflammation. The results also suggest a mechanistic basis for the pathophysiology of human inborn errors of purine nucleotide metabolism.
Face Recognition Using Multiple Image View Line Segments Title Face Recognition Using Multiple Image View Line Segments Primary Author(s) Date

Most research in recognising human faces consists of full frontal view images and operate under strict imaging conditions such as controlled illumination and limited facial expressions. Face recognition using multiple views in the viewing sphere is a more di cult task since face rotations out of the imaging plane can introduce occlusion of facial structures. In this paper we propose a novel image-based face recognition technique using transects or line segments of 2D image views that achieves high generalisati on recognition rates for rotations both in and out of the plane, is invariant to scaling, and has reduced computational time complexity. Results show that the algorithm is superior compared with benchmark algorithms and is able to recognise test views in quasi real-time.
Running with technology: where are we heading?

Running has become popular in recent years, and numerous runners utilize wearable technologies in order to improve their run training. This paper investigates the development and trends in technologies used for run training, and describes how these are changing from solely focusing on the performance (e.g. pace) to having an additional focus on the technique (e.g. foot strike type). Based on this investigation, we present a design space for run-training technologies. By plotting existing technologies onto the design space, we argue that there has been limited attention on how to utilize technique-related information in run-training interfaces. From that finding, this paper presents three questions to be addressed by designers of future run-training interfaces. We believe that addressing these questions will support creation of expedient interfaces that improve runners' technique and training.
Diabetic Retinopathy: Vascular and Inflammatory Disease

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of visual impairment in the working-age population of the Western world. The pathogenesis of DR is complex and several vascular, inflammatory, and neuronal mechanisms are involved. Inflammation mediates structural and molecular alterations associated with DR. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the inflammatory pathways associated with DR are not completely characterized. Previous studies indicate that tissue hypoxia and dysregulation of immune responses associated with diabetes mellitus can induce increased expression of numerous vitreous mediators responsible for DR development. Thus, analysis of vitreous humor obtained from diabetic patients has made it possible to identify some of the mediators (cytokines, chemokines, and other factors) responsible for DR pathogenesis. Further studies are needed to better understand the relationship between inflammation and DR. Herein the main vitreous-related factors triggering the occurrence of retinal complication in diabetes are highlighted.
Characterization of 3D-printed dielectric substrates with different infill for microwave applications

This paper presents the characterization of a 3D printed material based on Ninjaflex filament, through different techniques: the dielectric properties of the material are preliminary retrieved by a waveguide-based method, where a 3D-printed dielectric sample is inserted into a hollow metallic waveguide: this method allows for an accurate and narrow-band characterization. Subsequently, two microstrip lines with different length, realized on a 3D-printed substrate, are used for the broadband characterization in the frequency band from 2 GHz to 20 GHz. The effect of the infill percentage on the dielectric permittivity and loss tangent of the printed material are rigorously investigated and experimentally demonstrated, showing a large tunability when varying the infill from 25% to 100%. These results pave the road to the implementation of novel microwave components, based on the local variation of the dielectric permittivity, and suggest a technique to effectively reduce dielectric losses.
Internet addiction among medical students in three universities (Omdurman Islamic University, University of Science and Technology and Ahfad University for Women). Omdurman Locality - Sudan 2016.

Background: There has been explosive growth in the use of internet in the last decade. This results in serious problems in many areas. The aim is to study patterns and effects of internet addiction among medical students in three universities in Omdurman locality, Sudan 2016 Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at 3 medical colleges out of 5 in Omdurman. A standard questionnaire based on Young’s internet addiction test was used to collect data from 272 medical students. Results: The prevalence of internet addiction was found to be 80.15% (95% CI: 75-85). Most students use internet for chatting and academic purposes. There is no signifcant association between gender and internet addiction (p=0.360), but there is association between duration of daily internet use and the level of internet addiction (p<0.001). Most students have their academic performance affected, and 74.7% (95% CI: 69-80) feel depressed when not online. Most students prefer staying on internet than sitting with parents or friends. The most observed side effects for prolonged use are “blurring of vision”55.9% (95% CI: 50-62) and headache 47.8% (95% CI: 42-54). Conclusion: Incidence of internet use is increasing. Most students have their health affected from prolonged use of internet, and most of them have their academic, social life and sleep affected. There is a need for motivation of students to participate in social activities, limiting internet use in lecture theatre, limiting access to open Wi-Fi and for awareness raising sessions.
Meningeal Inflammation is not Associated With Cortical Demyelination in Chronic Multiple Sclerosis

Cortical demyelination can be extensive in chronic multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Cortical lesions are not associated with lymphocyte infiltration, blood-brain barrier disruption, or complement deposition; therefore, their pathogenesis is unclear. We analyzed the extent and cellular composition of leptomeningeal inflammatory infiltrates and their relationship with cortical demyelinated lesions in brain autopsy samples from 28 chronic MS patients; samples from 6 nonneurological disease control patients were alsostudied. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect meningeal T cells, B cells, macrophages, mature and immature dendritic cells, T-helper cells, (activated) cytotoxic T cells, and plasma cells. Quantitative analysis revealed significant meningeal inflammation in chronic MS patients; T cells were the predominant inflammatory cells. Morphometric analysis was performed on coronal hemisphere sections of the MS cases to assess subpial demyelination; no correlation between the extent of subpial demyelination and extent of meningeal inflammation was identified. Moreover, no differences were observed in the degree or cellular composition of meningeal infiltrates in areas directly adjacent to subpial lesions compared with areas adjacent to normal-appearing gray matter in the MS cases. In addition, no follicle-like structures were found in the MS samples. Our data suggest that the occurrence of cortical lesions is not related to the presence of meningeal inflammation in a large number of chronic MS patients.
Life-Cycle Software Validation

Twvo validation activities should take place during each phase of the software life cycle: analysis and test data generation. There are many ways to approach these tasks. The software life cycle can be divided into requirements , design, programming, and maintenance. Validation has also been considered a phase of the life cycle and is sometimes inserted between programming and maintenance. Recent experience, however, indicates that validation should be integrated into all phases rather than isolated in a separate stage that takes place long after requirements and design have been completed. Studies show that the later validation is carried out, the more expensive it becomes to find errors made early in the development process. I In the integrated approach described in this article, validation is a part of each phase of the life cycle. Two validation activities-analysis and test data generation-take place during each phase. The programming and maintenance phases also include actual execution of program tests. Analysis involves the direct examination of specifications and code for errors or erroneous properties. Test data generation involves the construction of test cases that are based on the important functional properties of specifications and code. Requirements Validation and requirements specifications. It is difficult to discuss the details of specification-based validation activities outside the context of a particular specification method. Of the different specification methods that have been developed (SADT, PDL, PSA/PSL, etc.), structured analysis2 is among the most general, and its use is assumed in the following discussion. Structured analysis specifications include data flow diagrams, data dictionaries, structured English and decision-table process descriptions, and file and database schemata. Various aspects of the method can be emphasized to suit various areas of application. The data flow diagram is often the most important part of the specification for a data processing application. The specification for a scientific program might consist entirely of a complex process description and data dictionary entries for describing input and output data. Figure 1 contains a typical data flow diagram of the type used in structured analysis. The circles, or "bub-Figure 1. Data flow diagram for dating service database builder.
Issues in Reengineering the Architecture of Evolving Component-Based Software

"Architecture", then "component", became buzzwords in the last decade. The precise meanings of these terms have been evolving over time, and vary among different research communities. Traditionally the reengineering community has focused on recovering the architecture of unstructured or modular software. Recently, significant amount of work has been dedicated to the integration of the reengineering and object-oriented worlds. In this paper we claim that the next step could be the integration of reengineering and component-based development. Our collaboration with Dassault Systèmes, the world leader in the CAD/CAM market, shows that time has come to investigate this issue. Structuring large software products has always been difficult and this will remain an open issue for a long time. Which is the good paradigm to organize huge amounts of software entities? Looking backwards in the history of computer science reveals that there is no definitive answer to this question. According to Raccoon's wave model [1], various paradigms have been successively judged as the "good one". The stream depicted in figure 1 on the next pagez represents the trends in forward engineering. However, there are at least two problems when considering this evolution in the context of large software products: (1) it takes a long time for large teams to learn and really understand a new paradigm and (2)the paradigm used to structure a long-living software product will invariably become out of date since better techniques will appear. As a result, large amounts of "old-fashioned" yet valuable code accumulate in large software companies. To deal with this problem, a wide range of concepts and techniques has been studied: reverse engineering, restructuring, reengineering, etc. In the context of this paper, RE will make reference to these techniques and to the corresponding research community. Indeed, the wave model could also be used to interpret and forecast the evolution of the RE field. This evolution is linked with the evolution of forward engineering. Traditionally the RE community focuses on legacy software based on old technologies, providing for instance modernization techniques. These techniques typically aim to pull software from an "old" wave to the current one. Since RE techniques came late in the history of computer science, it is not surprising that most of the work is dedicated to recover the assets of software created during the first waves. More recently it has been shown that RE techniques are also useful in the context of modern software based …
Lateralized Sensitivity of Motor Memories to the Kinematics of the Opposite Arm Reveals Functional Specialization during Bimanual Actions

It is generally believed that the dominant arm exhibits greater functional advantages over the nondominant arm in every respect, including muscular strength and movement accuracy. Recent studies have proposed that this laterality is due to different underlying control strategies for each limb rather than different limb capabilities constraining performance. However, the functional role and mechanisms of these different control strategies have yet to be elucidated. Here, we report a specialized function of the nondominant arm that plays a significant role only during bimanual movements. Right-handed human participants performed bimanual reaching movements while only one arm was subjected to a force field. Consistent with our previous study, adaptation to the force field decreased gradually as the movement direction of the opposite arm deviated from the trained direction. We also observed that the decrement of the adaptation was significantly greater for the nondominant left arm. According to our previously proposed theory, this poorer generalization of the left arm originated from a difference in parameters characterizing motor memory; the nondominant arm's motor memory was more strongly influenced by the opposite arm's kinematics. Remarkably, a model incorporating this lateralized memory predicted that the nondominant arm would demonstrate greater adaptability to force fields associated with the opposite arm's movement. We confirmed this prediction experimentally and found that this advantage of the left arm disappeared in left-handed human participants. We concluded that the secondary supporting role often played by the nondominant arm in bimanual actions reflects its specialization rather than its inferiority.