Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Geologic periodicities and the Galaxy

New geologic and astronomical developments are reviewed that have recently led to the proposal of various Galactic theories to explain the temporal pattern of impact craters on earth. Linear and harmonic time series analyses have revealed that two dominant periodicities about equal to 33 + or - 3 Myr and 260 + or - 25 Myr underlie the geologic record of terrestrial impact cratering and global tectonic phenomena. It is argued that purely terrestrial mechanisms cannot account for the cratering cycles as being preservational artifacts; cratering rather appears to influence tectonism, possibly through perturbations of mantle convection. Galactic models proposed to explain the two long-term periodicities are reviewed critically. The most likely explanation for the 33 Myr cycle involves the comparatively stable half period of vertical oscillation of the solar system about the Galactic plane. The 260 Myr cycle may be related to rare encounters with Galactic spiral arms during the revolution of the solar system around the Galactic center.
ARCTIC PEDOGENESIS: 1. EVIDENCE FOR CONTEMPORARY PODZOLIZATION

The genetic origin of soils displaying eluvial E and illuvial Bs horizons in the Arctic has been questioned, because present climatic conditions and biotic influences appear too limiting for active podzolization. We evaluated current trends in soil development by a new approach that uses chemical analysis and interpretation of soil solutions collected in situ. When plotted as depth functions, such solution parameters as dissolved organic carbon (DOC), Fe, and Al can reveal distinct pedogenic trends. These solution profile “signatures” can be used to compare current soil-forming processes in the Arctic with established temperate zone solution signatures for podzolization and brunification. Solutions collected from the boreal forest and arctic tundra of northern Alaska show metal cations (Fe, Al) and organic carbon leaching from the E and accumulating in the Bs, pedogenic processes that are the essence of podzolization. Spodosols can, therefore, be explained in terms of contemporary soilforming processes in the Arctic tundra.
A conceptual model of the relationship between channel characteristics and discharge

Regression equations with the form y = f(q), where y is a channel characteristic and q is a discharge of a particular frequency are widely used in fluvial geomorphology. They imply that channel geometry is related to a dominant discharge. For this to be so, the river must be ‘in regime’ i.e. its characteristics must fluctuate about a mean condition which is effectively stationary at the time scale considered. The static regression-dominant discharge approach does not fully describe the relationship between channel characteristics and discharge and an alternative model is proposed with the form y(t) = ∞h(u)- q(t-u)du. This model states that channel form is a product of the whole series of discharges experienced by the channel. The dominant discharge-static regression approach provides a working approximation of the relationship between channel characteristics and discharge only when temporal variations in q are small or when y is insensitive to variations in q.
The enigmatic Chad lineament revisited with global gravity and gravity-gradient fields

Abstract The crustal structure of northern Africa is puzzling, large areas being of difficult access and concealed by the Sahara. The new global gravity models are of unprecedented precision and spatial resolution and offer a new possibility to reveal the structure of the lithosphere beneath the Sahara. The gravity gradients correlate better than gravity with geological features such as rifts, fold belts and magmatic deposits and intrusions. They are an ideal tool to follow geological units (e.g. basement units) below a stratigraphic layer of varying density (e.g. sediments). We focus on the Chad lineament, a 1300 km arcuate feature located between the west and central African rift system. The gravity fields show differences between the lineament and the west and central African rift system. Along the centre of the lineament high-density rocks must be present, which relate to either magmatic or metamorphic rocks. This is very different to the lineaments of the western and central-west African rift system which are filled with sediments. Considering present models of rifting and the absence of topography, the lineament cannot be coeval to the west and central African rift system and is most likely older. We suggest that the lineament is a structural element of the Saharan Metacraton.
Cloud climatology at the Southern Great Plains and the layer structure, drizzle, and atmospheric modes of continental stratus

[1] Long-term (6.5 years) cloud observations from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurements (ARM) program Southern Great Plains (SGP) climate research facility in Oklahoma are used to develop detailed cloud climatology. Clouds are classified with respect to their altitude (low, middle, and high), vertical development, and the presence of multilayer clouds. Single-layered cirrus, middle or low clouds were observed a total of 23% of the time the MilliMeter Cloud Radar (MMCR) was operating, and multilayer clouds were observed 20.5% of the time. Boundary layer clouds exhibit the strongest seasonal variability because of continental stratus associated with midlatitude frontal systems. Cirrus clouds are the most frequently observed cloud type and exhibit strong seasonal variability in cloud base height (higher cloud base during the summer months) and relatively constant cloud fraction. The majority of middle-level clouds are shallow with vertical extent less than 1 km. No strong seasonal cycle in the fractional coverage of multilayer clouds is observed. Continental stratus clouds exhibit strong seasonal variability with maximum occurrence during the cold seasons. Nondrizzling stratus clouds exhibit a bimodal seasonal variability with maximum occurrences in the fall and spring, while drizzling stratus occur most frequently in the winter. Thermodynamic and dynamic variables from soundings and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Model (ECMWF) analyses at the SGP site illustrate an interesting coupling between strong large-scale forcing and the formation of single-layered (no other cloud layer is present) continental stratus clouds. Single-layered stratus clouds (drizzling and nondrizzling) exhibit a strong correlation with positive ω at 500 mbar and strong northerly flow.
Periodische und statistische Beziehungen zwischen den jährlichen Häufigkeiten der Großwetterlagen Europas und der räumlichen Verteilung der jährlichen Niederschlagssummen in Teilen Westafirkas

signifikante Korrelation der Haufigkeiten der Grofi wetterlagen mit einer Vielzahl objektiv gemessener Parameter (Cappel 1975) zeigt aber, dafi die Grofi wetterlagen (GWL) eine gute approximative Beschrei bung der Zirkulationsverhaltnisse im europaischen Quadranten liefern. In dieser Arbeit werden Haufigkeiten der GWL fiir Teilperioden verglichen, auf vorliegende Periodizita ten untersucht und in Beziehung zu den jahrlichen Nie
Magnetic Induced Polarization - using new technology for greater detection capability of deep and elusive mineralization

The Magnetic Induced Polarization (MIP) method uses the measurement of magnetic fields to directly detect internal and external current flow from IP-generating targets, rather than the resultant surface currents as with conventional Electric Induced Polarization (EIP). Magnetometric Resistivity (MMR) measures the magnetic field produced by galvanic current flow to detect horizontal variations in resistivity. We focus primarily on the MIP method but since MIP and MMR data are collected simultaneously, we will treat them together where appropriate. MIP/MMR is insensitive to horizontal layering, and is especially suitable for regions with highly conductive cover where EIP and resistivity responses are sharply attenuated. Magnetic fields easily propagate through such conditions; therefore MIP/MMR is minimally impacted by conductive cover. The other major advantage of MIP/MMR, over traditional electrical IP and resistivity, is that it completely eliminates the need for measurement electrodes. Hence, it is effective in difficult ground contact conditions such as dry sandy soils, frozen ground, and rocky scree slopes. For inversion purposes, MIP has an additional benefit that magnetic fields can be measured in all three axes simultaneously, which provides significantly more information about target position and attitude. By using SQUID technology and remote referencing, we are able to improve the data quality and extract useful three component MIP and MMR data. We present a number of field trials using both frequency and time domain methods to analyze the MIP and MMR responses from porphyry copper, and unconformity uranium ore bodies.
Patients with chronic migraine without history of medication overuse are characterized by a peculiar white matter � ber bundle pro �

Gianluca Coppola Universita degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza Dipartimento di Scienze e Biotecnologie Medico-Chirurgiche Antonio Di Renzo IRCSS Fondazione G B Bietti per lo Studio e la Ricerca in Oftalmologia ONLUS Emanuele Tinelli Universita degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza Facolta di Medicina e Psicologia Barbara Petolicchio Universita degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza Facolta di Medicina e Psicologia Cherubino Di Lorenzo Universita degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza Facolta di Medicina e Psicologia Vincenzo Parisi (  vmp_g@outlook.it ) IRCSS Fondazione G B Bietti per lo Studio e la Ricerca in Oftalmologia ONLUS https://orcid.org/00000001-9513-4092 Mariano Serrao Universita degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza Facolta di Farmacia e Medicina Valentina Calistri Universita degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza Facolta di Medicina e Psicologia Stefano Tardioli Universita degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza Dipartimento di Neurologia e Psichiatria Gaia Cartocci Universita degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza Facolta di Medicina e Psicologia Francesca Caramia Universita degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza Facolta di Medicina e Psicologia Vittorio Di Piero Universita degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza Facolta di Medicina e Psicologia Francesco Pierelli Universita degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza Facolta di Farmacia e Medicina
Living Cells as Test Tubes

The combination of specific probes and advanced optical microscopy now allows quantitative probing of biochemical reactions in living cells. On selected systems, one can detect and track a particular protein with single-molecule sensitivity, nanometer spatial precision, and millisecond time resolution. Metabolites, usually difficult to detect, can be imaged and monitored in living cells with coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy. Here, we describe the application of these techniques in studying gene expression, active transport, and lipid metabolism.
Toward a Controllable Disentanglement Network

This article addresses two crucial problems of learning disentangled image representations, namely, controlling the degree of disentanglement during image editing, and balancing the disentanglement strength and the reconstruction quality. To encourage disentanglement, we devise distance covariance-based decorrelation regularization. Further, for the reconstruction step, our model leverages a soft target representation combined with the latent image code. By exploring the real-valued space of the soft target representation, we are able to synthesize novel images with the designated properties. To improve the perceptual quality of images generated by autoencoder (AE)-based models, we extend the encoder–decoder architecture with the generative adversarial network (GAN) by collapsing the AE decoder and the GAN generator into one. We also design a classification-based protocol to quantitatively evaluate the disentanglement strength of our model. The experimental results showcase the benefits of the proposed model.
RESISTIVITY PROSPECTING IN A UNITED NATIONS GROUNDWATER PROJECT OF WESTERN ARGENTINA

Resistivity surveys including surface measurements and electric well logging are at present carried out as routine techniques by a Groundwater Project of the United Nations Special Fund in arid valleys of the Argentine eastern Andes. The aims of the Project are the evaluation of ground water supplies in 5 pilot areas and the training of Argentine professionals in modern techniques of groundwater investigation. In Zonda and Tulum Valleys, one of the five pilot areas, the groundwater body is essentially represented by alluvium of San Juan River and upper Tertiary gravels lying upon impervious clayey Tertiary sediments. Profiles of electrical soundings—spread in the valleys normal to the structural trends—were completed as a broad reconnaissance type investigation. In the outwash plain, a thick clayey overburden sometimes covered by saline material produces a masking effect on the deep sands and gravels and makes the evaluation of true resistivities difficult. Under certain conditions, appropriate use of electric well logging results helps solving the ambiguities found in the interpretation of the electrical soundings. Two examples are discussed. Also a typical development of surface resistivity interpretation as a whole is presented. Emphasis is placed upon the significance of the transverse resistance values to better interpret the hydrogeological picture. The last stage in data processing, presented on a map of the resistive fill and the conductive basement, provides evidence of the strong structural control of the valleys and shows the main variations in the ground water body constitution.
An efficient process for the beneficiation of a low grade chromite ore

The applicability of centrifugal force multigravity separator (MGS) to concentrate fine fractions (–0·1 mm) of a low grade chromite ore assaying 9·3%Cr2O3 was investigated. The metal screen analysis revealed that 83·92% of the material prepared for tests was in the +0·106 mm fraction containing 8%Cr2O3 and that 16·08% was in the –0·106 mm size fraction containing 16·12%Cr2O3. The +0·1 and –0·1 mm fractions of the ore was used as feed for shaking table and MGS tests respectively. The results gathered from shaking table test were not satisfactory due to low Cr2O3 recoveries. However, a chromite concentrate with 46·22%Cr2O3 grade and 66·1 wt-%Cr2O3 recovery was obtained by the combination of shaking table and MGS. It was clearly demonstrated that MGS is an ideal beneficiation equipment for fine fractions of a low grade Cr2O3 ore. Based on the experimental results, a principal flowsheet for the enrichment plant was proposed.
Using Artifacts and Qualitative Methodology to Explore Pharmacy Students’ Learning Practices

Objective. To explore the use of artifacts and material objects in accessing what learning means to pharmacy students, what their learning practices are, and their assumptions about what it means to master the pharmacy curriculum. Methods. Data collection was qualitative and took the form of individual semi-structured interviews with students in a Master of Pharmacy program. Participants were asked to select three artifacts (a photograph, an object, a song, a picture, or something else) that represented what learning as a pharmacy student meant to them and bring them to the interview. The interviews were conducted using both the abstracts and a semi-structured interview plan constructed as a mind map. Flexibility was applied to changing the sequence of themes, and additional probing questions were asked. Data were analyzed thematically using mind mapping and, subsequently, theoretical constructs were applied to make sense of the analysis. Results. Nineteen interviews were conducted. Findings were grouped into five distinct themes: study practices or strategies adopted, rituals associated with learning and studying, pharmacy knowledge, motivation for learning, and ways of learning. Each of these identified themes was summarized and illustrations from the data given. The affective dimensions of learning were a strong emergent theme throughout the data. Conclusion. The use of artifacts in the research process afforded in-depth insight into the specific study practices adopted by a group of pharmacy students. Qualitative methods can be useful in surfacing students’ learning practices and difficulties faced in their negotiation of the pharmacy curriculum.
Mean surface circulation and mesoscale turbulent flow characteristics in the eastern South Pacific from satellite tracked drifters

[1] Circulation of the eastern South Pacific region (10°–34°S, 70°–100°W) was studied using drifting buoy trajectories from 1979 to 2003. Three different current regimes were highlighted: the South Equatorial Current, flowing westward north of 26°S with surface velocities of 7–8 cm s−1; the South Pacific Current, an eastward current of ∼2 cm s−1 south of 25°–30°S; and the Chile-Peru Current, a northwestward flow of ∼6 cm s−1 found to the east of 82°W and south of 22°S. The velocity variance distribution showed the regional flow to be anisotropic in nature. Maps of eddy kinetic energy obtained from drifter measurements and satellite altimetry data showed similar patterns, with higher energy levels near the South American coast. The Lagrangian time and length scales of the turbulent flow revealed typical values of 5.9 ± 0.6 days and 40.7 ± 5.4 km in the zonal direction and of 3.5 ± 0.4 days and 29 ± 3.4 km in the meridional direction. The estimated diffusivities were (4.9 ± 0.5) × 107 cm2 s−1 and (2.6 ± 0.3) × 107 cm2 s−1 in the eastward and northward directions, respectively. Finally, we estimated the respective role of horizontal advection and lateral diffusion on the mixed layer heat and salt budgets. Near the coast the lateral turbulent fluxes in the surface layer were two times larger than the horizontal transports associated with the large-scale circulation; mean horizontal heat and salt diffusive fluxes were around 25 W m−2 and 50 g m−2 d−1.
Session 1: Public health nutrition Nutrition and social disadvantage in Ireland

There is now considerable evidence from several data sources, including the National Surveys of Lifestyles, Attitudes and Nutrition, that dietary patterns vary according to social position in the Republic of Ireland and those individuals in situations of social disadvantage experience barriers to consuming a healthy diet according to recommended guidelines. Obesity is a major impending public health problem related in part to social position that requires concerted inter-sectoral policy action. The Life-ways Cross-generation Cohort Study of >1000 Irish families has been followed prospectively since antenatal recruitment in 2001. Published findings to date indicate considerable social variability in food consumption and BMI patterns during pregnancy in the case of the maternal cohort. The present paper reports nutrient intake across the four family cohorts related to a key variable of interest, means-tested General Medical Services eligibility.
Red rock and red planet diagenesis: Comparisons of Earth and Mars concretions

Compelling similarities between concretions on Earth and “blueberries” on Mars are used to suggest the blueberries are concretions that formed from a history of watery diagenesis. In the terrestrial examples, groundwater flow produces variations in sandstone color and iron oxide concretions in the Jurassic Navajo Sandstone of Utah. Variations in concretion mineralogy, form, and structure reflect different conditions at chemical reaction fronts, the influence of preferential fluid flow paths, the relative roles of advection and diffusion during precipitation, the presence of multiple events, fluid geochemistry, and time. The terrestrial concretions are analogs that can be used to understand the water-saturated conditions that formed spherical hematite concretions on Mars.
Liquid-solid slip on charged walls: dramatic impact of charge distribution

Nanofluidic systems show great promises for applications in energy conversion, where their performance can be enhanced by nanoscale liquid-solid slip. However, efficiency is also controlled by surface charge, which is known to reduce slip. Combining molecular dynamics simulations and analytical developments, we show the dramatic impact of surface charge distribution on the slip-charge coupling. Homogeneously charged graphene exhibits a very favorable slip-charge relation (rationalized with a new theoretical model correcting some weaknesses of the existing ones), leading to giant electrokinetic energy conversion. In contrast, slip is strongly affected on heterogeneously charged surfaces, due to the viscous drag induced by counter-ions trapped on the surface. In that case slip should depend on the detailed physical chemistry of the interface controlling the ion binding equilibrium. Our numerical results and theoretical models provide new fundamental insight on the molecular mechanisms of liquid-solid slip, and practical guidelines for searching new functional interfaces with optimal energy conversion properties, e.g. for blue energy or waste heat harvesting.
Cost-effectiveness of Preemptive Therapy Versus Prophylaxis in a Randomized Clinical Trial for the Prevention of Cytomegalovirus Disease in Seronegative Liver Transplant Recipients With Seropositive Donors

Background. The relative costs of preemptive therapy (PET) or prophylaxis for the prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in high-risk donor CMV-seropositive/recipient-seronegative (D + /R − ) liver transplant recipients have not been assessed in the context of a randomized trial. Methods. A decision tree model was constructed based on the probability of outcomes in a randomized controlled trial that compared valganciclovir as PET or prophylaxis for 100 days in 205 D + /R − liver transplant recipients. Itemized costs for each site were obtained from a federal cost transparency database. Total costs included costs of implementation of the strategy and CMV disease treatment-related costs. Net cost per patient was estimated from the decision tree for each strategy. Results. PET was associated with a 10% lower absolute rate of CMV disease (9% vs 19%). The cost of treating a case of CMV disease in our patients was $88 190. Considering cost of implementation of strategy and treatment-related cost for CMV disease, the net cost-savings per patient associated with PET was $8707 compared to prophylaxis. PET remained cost-effective across a range of assumptions (varying costs of monitoring and treatment, and rates of disease). Conclusions. PET is the dominant CMV prevention strategy in that it was associated with lower rates of CMV disease and lower overall costs compared to prophylaxis in D + /R − liver transplant recipients. Costs were driven primarily by more hospitalizations and higher CMV disease–associated costs due to delayed onset postprophylaxis disease in the prophylaxis group.