Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the interaction of two scales of convection in the mantle

A system in which convection takes place in the upper mantle on two distinct horizontal length scales is proposed. This is consistent with the existence of the plates themselves, the relatively constant heat flux background in older ocean basins, and the knowledge of convection in fluid layers gained from laboratory and numerical experiments. The large-scale circulation consists of the plates themselves and the return flow necessary to conserve mass. The small-scale flow, analogous to Rayleigh-Benard convection or variants of this, which have been the main target of numerical study, provides the necessary vertical heat transport in the upper mantle that supplies the required heat flux at the base of the lithosphere. The depth of convection is taken to be down to the 650-km seismic discontinuity, and this depth characterizes the horizontal length scale of the small-scale convection. This system is studied by means of a set of laboratory experiments that explore the interaction of the small-scale convection with the large-scale flow. The experiments show the plausibility of convection on two scales. Furthermore, they suggest that beneath fast-moving plates (absolute velocities around 10 cm y−1) the small-scale convection will align itself as rolls in the direction of the large-scale flow in geologically short times. However, beneath very slow moving plates the times required for the alignment of convective rolls are long in comparison with times over which no changes in plate motions are to be expected. Here the convective planform is more likely to take the form of upwelling and downwelling spouts. Thus this simple system of a convecting layer beneath a moving boundary contains the possibility of explaining a wide variety of surface features. Observational tests of the consequences of the two-scale idea are suggested, and the assumptions on which this idea is based are critically discussed.
Exploring Factors That Contribute to the Success of Rehabilitation With Hearing Aids

Objectives: Hearing aids are an essential and important part of hearing rehabilitation. The combination of technical data on hearing aids and individual rehabilitation needs can give insight into the factors that contribute to the success of rehabilitation. This study sets out to investigate if different subgroups of (comparable) hearing aids lead to differences in the success of rehabilitation, and whether these differences vary between different domains of auditory functioning. Design: This study explored the advantages of including patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in the process of purchasing new hearing aids in a large sample of successful hearing aid users. Subject data were obtained from 64 (commercial) hearing aid dispensers and 10 (noncommercial) audiological centers in the Netherlands. The PROM was a 32-item questionnaire and was used to determine the success of rehabilitation using hearing aids by measuring auditory disability over time. The items were mapped on six domains of auditory functioning: detection, discrimination, localization, speech in quiet, speech in noise, and noise tolerance, encompassing a variety of daily-life listening situations. Hearing aids were grouped by means of cluster analysis, resulting in nine subgroups. In total, 1149 subjects were included in this study. A general linear model was used to model the final PROM results. Model results were analyzed via a multifactor Analysis of Variance. Post hoc analyses provided detailed information on model variables. Results: Results showed a strong statistically significant effect of hearing aids on self-perceived auditory functioning in general. Clinically relevant differences were found for auditory domains including detection, speech in quiet, speech in noise, and localization. There was only a small, but significant, effect of the different subgroups of hearing aids on the final PROM results, where no differences were found between the auditory domains. Minor differences were found between results obtained in commercial and noncommercial settings, or between novice and experienced users. Severity of Hearing loss, age, gender, and hearing aid style (i.e., behind-the-ear versus receiver-in-canal type) did not have a clinically relevant effect on the final PROM results. Conclusions: The use of hearing aids has a large positive effect on self-perceived auditory functioning. There was however no salient effect of the different subgroups of hearing aids on the final PROM results, indicating that technical properties of hearing aids only play a limited role in this respect. This study challenges the belief that premium devices outperform basic ones, highlighting the need for personalized rehabilitation strategies and the importance of evaluating factors contributing to successful rehabilitation for clinical practice.
Understanding the Lunar Surface and Space-Moon Interactions

The surface of the Moon is a critical boundary that shapes our understanding of the Moon as a whole. All geologic mapping and remote sensing techniques utilize only the outermost portion of the Moon. Before leaving the Moon for study in our laboratories, all lunar samples that have been studied existed at or very near the surface. With the exception of the deeply probing geophysical techniques, our understanding of the interior of the Moon is derived from surficial, but not superficial, information, coupled with boundary of the lunar crust, it is the lower boundary layer of the tenuous lunar atmosphere and constitutes both a source and a sink for atmospheric gases. The surface is also where the Moon interacts with the space environment, causing changes in the physical nature of lunar materials, and provides a laboratory for the study of processes that occur on all airless bodies. The data obtained remotely by the Galileo, Clementine, and Lunar Prospector missions, as well as data derived from lunar meteorites, have resulted in major changes to our understanding of global distributions of chemistry and rocks. This chapter summarizes the current understanding of this critical interface, the surface of the Moon, in its role as the lower boundary of the lunar atmosphere, the upper boundary of the crust, and the window through which we view, through remote sensing, the composition of the crust and the history of the Moon. In this post-Lunar Prospector time, the view of the Moon has changed, lending new perspectives to lunar samples and lunar processes. But the New View will likely remain in flux as we continue to digest the results from these recent space missions and move forward to a new era of lunar exploration. Despite the freshness of our perspective, this is an important moment to capture, …
Incorporacion de tecnologias educativas en la UTN-FRT

En el presente trabajo, se pretende relatar y compartir, las experiencias que venimos desarrollando en la Universidad Tecnologica Nacional (UTN), Facultad Regional Tucuman (FRT), desde el ano 2008 hasta el presente, y consiste en la sucesiva incorporacion de tecnologias educativas en el ambito universitario para el mejoramiento de los procesos de ensenanza – aprendizaje y con el fin de adaptar estos procesos a los tiempos actuales. Este proyecto se basa en las siguientes hipotesis de trabajo: • Existe una fuerte tendencia actual en la incorporacion de las TIC en la vida cotidiana y en el trabajo, es necesario que los estudiantes adquieran disciplina de uso racional de estas tecnologias como herramientas de trabajo. • Existe la necesidad de adaptar los procesos de ensenanza – aprendizaje a la nueva generacion de estudiantes.
Corticosteroid‐induced chromatin loop dynamics at the FKBP5 gene

FKBP5 is a 115‐kb‐long glucocorticoid‐inducible gene implicated in psychiatric disorders. To investigate the complexities of chromatin interaction frequencies at the FKBP5 topologically associated domain (TAD), we deployed 15 one‐to‐all chromatin capture viewpoints near gene promoters, enhancers, introns, and CTCF‐loop anchors. This revealed a “one‐TAD‐one‐gene” structure encompassing the FKBP5 promoter and its enhancers. The FKBP5 promoter and its two glucocorticoid‐stimulated enhancers roam the entire TAD while displaying subtle cell type–specific interactomes. The FKBP5 TAD consists of two nested CTCF loops that are coordinated by one CTCF site in the eighth intron of FKBP5 and another beyond its polyadenylation site, 61 kb further. Loop extension correlates with transcription increases through the intronic CTCF site. This is efficiently compensated for, since the short loop is restored even under high transcription regimes. The boundaries of the FKBP5 TAD consist of divergent CTCF site patterns, harbor multiple smaller genes, and are resilient to glucocorticoid stimulation. Interestingly, both FKBP5 TAD boundaries harbor H3K27me3‐marked heterochromatin blocks that may reinforce them. We propose that cis‐acting genetic and epigenetic polymorphisms underlying FKBP5 expression variation are likely to reside within a 240‐kb region that consists of the FKBP5 TAD, its left sub‐TAD, and both its boundaries.
On the flow of water in an elastic artesian aquifer

Slichter showed in 1898 that a solution may be obtained for a given problem in the steady motion of ground-water by solving the familiar Laplace equation and that therefore in steady-state conditions a problem in the motion of ground-water is mathematically analogous to a problem in the steady flow of heat or electricity [see 1 of “References” at end of paper]. More recently it has been recognized that the analogy holds also for the non-steady-state flow of compressible liquids, in elastic systems as well as in rigid systems. In studying the effect of the discharge of flowing wells on the head in the Dakota sandstone, Meinzer [2, 3] concluded that the water discharged by the wells had largely been derived locally from storage. It was found that the amount of water withdrawn from storage could not be accounted for on the basis of the compressibility of water alone but that it might be accounted for on the basis of the probable compressibility of the sandstone itself. Prior to that time, estimates of water-supplies from artesian aquifers had been based upon the assumption that artesian aquifers are perfectly incompressible and inelastic However, as Meinzer states [2, p. 289], “artesian aquifers are apparently all more or less compressible and elastic though they differ widely in the degree and relative importance of these properties. In general, the properties of compressibility and elasticity are of the most consequence in aquifers that have low permeability, slow recharge, and high head. ”
Measurement of melting temperatures of some minerals under lower mantle pressures

Melting temperature measurements of six minerals (stishovite (SiO2), corundum(Al2O3), diopside (CaMgSi2O6), and three perovskites (MgSiO3, CaSiO3, Mg3Al2Si3O12)) at high pressures were carried out in a YAG laser-heated diamond anvil cell with rhenium meta
Spreading of the Labrador Sea Water to the Irminger and Iceland basins

Labrador Sea Water (LSW) is a principal convectively‐formed water mass of the subpolar North Atlantic (SPNA). Using extensive oceanographic archives we demonstrate striking changes in SPNA caused by massive LSW production during 1987–1994 and document recent salinification and warming, imminently bringing SPNA to the state last time seen in the 1960s. Two prominent LSW classes are spreading across SPNA since the 1980s. The first, record dense, deep, and voluminous, class has been progressively built by intense winter convection through 1987–1994. Even though most of this LSW has left SPNA, its remnants are still present there. The second, shallower, class strengthens in 2000; over subsequent years its core becomes slightly thicker and deepens. The anomalous signals acquired by these LSW classes in their formation region arrive in the Irminger and Iceland basins with the characteristic delays of two and five years for deeper LSW and a year and four years for shallower LSW.
Novel genetic tools improve Penicillium expansum patulin synthase production in Aspergillus niger

Since the first CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)‐Cas (CRISPR‐associated) system was developed for creating double‐stranded DNA breaks, it has been adapted and improved for different biotechnological applications. In this issue of The FEBS Journal, Arentshorst et al. developed a novel approach to enhance transgene expression of a specific protein, patulin synthase (PatE) from Penicillium expansum, in the important industrial filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger. Their technique involved the disruption of selected genes with counter‐effects on targeted protein production and simultaneous integration of glucoamylase landing sites into the disrupted gene locus such as protease regulator (prtT) in an ATP‐dependent DNA helicase II subunit 1 (kusA or ku70)‐deletion strain. Multiple copies of the PatE transgene expression cassette were introduced by CRISPR‐Cas9‐mediated insertion. The purified PatE was further used for structural and functional studies, and the technique laid the foundation for elevating the overall production of various proteins or chemicals in those industrially important fungi.
SEDIMENTARY CHARACTERISTICS AND CLIMATIC ANALYSIS OF EASTERLY DUST STORMS IN THE NEGEV (ISRAEL)

SUMMARY Sedimentary and meteorological characteristics of easterly dust storms causing severe damage in the Negev in November 1958 are analysed. Though the heavy storm originated in weather conditions outside of the affected area, the intense dustiness was of a more local nature. The sedimentological character of the dust indicates that the largest portion was of local origin, picked up by the turbulent current in the loess area of the northern Negev on its passage westward. Total quantity of sediment transported in the Beersheba Basin is estimated to be 10–20 million tons. The analysis of climatic data and of sedimentary characteristics of several other dust samples indicates that though severe dust storms can produce dramatic effects in transporting and deposition of aeolian dust, the rare occurrence of easterly dust storms does not make it likely that they were responsible for the import of aeolian sediments found in the northern Negev.
Psychosocial services for pediatric oncology patients in low‐ and middle‐income countries from health care providers' perspectives: A survey‐based report from the SIOP Global Health Network Psychosocial Working Group

While pediatric cancer survival rates have improved in high‐income countries, they remain much lower in low‐ and middle‐income countries (L/MICs). While much focus in recent years has been on remediating the survivorship gap, less is known about the psychosocial needs and availability of psychosocial services for this population.
Age of the peel sandstone group, isle of man

An Early Devonian age for the continental, red‐bed succession of the Peel Sandstone Group can be defined on the basis of: (1) a derived marine fauna of late Wenlock (Homerian) age, (2) a Scoyenia ichnofacies assemblage (including Beaconites and Diplichnites) characteristic of latest Silurian to Early Devonian (Lower Old Red Sandstone magnafacies) sediments in the British Isles, (3) a microflora of late Lochkovian to Pragian age, (4) a detrital palaeomagnetic remanence that pre‐dates local, Acadian palaeomagnetic directions and coincides with a prominent, southerly, Late Silurian to Early Devonian excursion in the local apparent polar wander path, and (5) a mid‐Devonian palaeomagnetic remanence that overprints (? )Acadian, thrust‐related folding. Data presented in this study confirm previous suggestions (Allen and Crowley 1983) that the Peel Sandstone Group represents a rare example of Early Devonian sedimentation preserved on the northern margin of the former Eastern Avalonia microcontinent. Potential correlations and linkages with other Lower Old Red Sandstone successions exposed in the Anglo‐Welsh Basin are developed and discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Infrared complex refractive indices of supercooled liquid HNO3/H2O aerosols

Complex refractive indices have been retrieved for the first time directly from the Fourier transform infrared extinction spectra of supercooled liquid HNO3/H2O aerosols at 220 K. Aerosol compositions were determined by simultaneously monitoring equilibrium HNO3 and H2O vapor pressures with a tunable diode laser. The new optical constants are compared with previous results from room temperature bulk solutions and <160 K amorphous solid thin films, and the differences are explained primarily in terms of the temperature-dependent dissociation of molecular HNO3 into its constituent ions. Mie scattering analysis of aerosol extinction spectra suggests that using either the room temperature liquid or the amorphous solid refractive indices may result in inaccurate particle size determination. These new data sets are directly applicable to the characterization of polar stratospheric clouds through spectroscopic remote sensing.
Improving lysosomal ferroptosis with NMN administration protects against heart failure

NMN supplementation affects lysosome-mediated ferroptosis, leading to improved autophagy, thereby reducing heart failure and prolonging the lifespan in mitochondrial translation-deficient mice. Myocardial mitochondria are primary sites of myocardial energy metabolism. Mitochondrial disorders are associated with various cardiac diseases. We previously showed that mice with cardiomyocyte-specific knockout of the mitochondrial translation factor p32 developed heart failure from dilated cardiomyopathy. Mitochondrial translation defects cause not only mitochondrial dysfunction but also decreased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels, leading to impaired lysosomal acidification and autophagy. In this study, we investigated whether nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) administration, which compensates for decreased NAD+ levels, improves heart failure because of mitochondrial dysfunction. NMN administration reduced damaged lysosomes and improved autophagy, thereby reducing heart failure and extending the lifespan in p32cKO mice. We found that lysosomal damage due to mitochondrial dysfunction induced ferroptosis, involving the accumulation of iron in lysosomes and lipid peroxide. The ameliorative effects of NMN supplementation were found to strongly affect lysosomal function rather than mitochondrial function, particularly lysosome-mediated ferroptosis. NMN supplementation can improve lysosomal, rather than mitochondrial, function and prevent chronic heart failure.
Optimizing formulation parameters for the development of carvedilol injectable in situ forming depots

Abstract In situ forming depots (ISFDs) represent attractive alternatives to the conventional sustained drug delivery systems. Carvedilol, a short half-life drug used on a daily basis to manage chronic conditions, could benefit from this technology. The aim of this work was to develop, for the first time, a new injectable long-acting carvedilol-ISFD. Accordingly, 4 different grades of polyesters with varying properties as i) lactide-to glycolide ratio (polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) vs. polylactide (PLA)), and ii) end functionality (acid- vs. ester-capped) were utilized for the preparation of ISFD formulations. In addition, 4 different organic solvents with varying properties (i.e. N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethyl acetate, and benzyl benzoate) were also investigated. It was found that NMP and DMSO were more suitable for the formation of depots. Furthermore, all ISFD formulations demonstrated excellent encapsulation efficiency (i.e. 96–98%). Interestingly, both PLGA-based ISFDs (acid-capped and ester-capped) exhibited similar release behaviors and were able to extend carvedilol release over 30 days. On the other hand, acid-capped and ester-capped PLA-based ISFDs exhibited slower release over the 30 days with an average release of only 36% and 60%, respectively. In conclusion, the developed carvedilol-ISFDs resulted in a tunable extended-release behavior, simply by choosing the appropriate grade of polymer. These results open the door toward a novel injectable carvedilol-ISFD formulation. Graphical Abstract
Long‐term benefits and harms of early colorectal cancer screening in German individuals with familial cancer risk

Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) may benefit from early screening with colonoscopy or immunologic fecal occult blood testing (iFOBT). We systematically evaluated the benefit‐harm trade‐offs of various screening strategies differing by screening test (colonoscopy or iFOBT), interval (iFOBT: annual/biennial; colonoscopy: 10‐yearly) and age at start (30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 55 years) and end of screening (65, 70 and 75 years) offered to individuals identified with familial CRC risk in Germany. A Markov‐state‐transition model was developed and used to estimate health benefits (CRC‐related deaths avoided, life‐years gained [LYG]), potential harms (eg, associated with additional colonoscopies) and incremental harm‐benefit ratios (IHBR) for each strategy. Both benefits and harms increased with earlier start and shorter intervals of screening. When screening started before age 50, 32‐36 CRC‐related deaths per 1000 persons were avoided with colonoscopy and 29‐34 with iFOBT screening, compared to 29‐31 (colonoscopy) and 28‐30 (iFOBT) CRC‐related deaths per 1000 persons when starting age 50 or older, respectively. For iFOBT screening, the IHBRs expressed as additional colonoscopies per LYG were one (biennial, age 45‐65 vs no screening), four (biennial, age 35‐65), six (biennial, age 30‐70) and 34 (annual, age 30‐54; biennial, age 55‐75). Corresponding IHBRs for 10‐yearly colonoscopy were four (age 55‐65), 10 (age 45‐65), 15 (age 35‐65) and 29 (age 30‐70). Offering screening with colonoscopy or iFOBT to individuals with familial CRC risk before age 50 is expected to be beneficial. Depending on the accepted IHBR threshold, 10‐yearly colonoscopy or alternatively biennial iFOBT from age 30 to 70 should be recommended for this target group.
Disease Delineation for Multiple Sclerosis, Friedreich Ataxia, and Healthy Controls Using Supervised Machine Learning on Speech Acoustics

Neurodegenerative disease often affects speech. Speech acoustics can be used as objective clinical markers of pathology. Previous investigations of pathological speech have primarily compared controls with one specific condition and excluded comorbidities. We broaden the utility of speech markers by examining how multiple acoustic features can delineate diseases. We used supervised machine learning with gradient boosting (CatBoost) to delineate healthy speech from speech of people with multiple sclerosis or Friedreich ataxia. Participants performed a diadochokinetic task where they repeated alternating syllables. We subjected 74 spectral and temporal prosodic features from the speech recordings to machine learning. Results showed that Friedreich ataxia, multiple sclerosis and healthy controls were all identified with high accuracy (over 82%). Twenty-one acoustic features were strong markers of neurodegenerative diseases, falling under the categories of spectral qualia, spectral power, and speech rate. We demonstrated that speech markers can delineate neurodegenerative diseases and distinguish healthy speech from pathological speech with high accuracy. Findings emphasize the importance of examining speech outcomes when assessing indicators of neurodegenerative disease. We propose large-scale initiatives to broaden the scope for differentiating other neurological diseases and affective disorders.