Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fossil amphibians and reptiles from Plakias , Crete : a glimpse into the 1 earliest late Miocene herpetofaunas of southeastern Europe 2 3

Fossil amphibians and reptiles from Plakias, Crete: a glimpse into the earliest late Miocene herpetofaunas of southeastern Europe / Georgalis, Georgios; Villa, Andrea; Vlachos, Evangelos; Delfino, Massimo. In: GEOBIOS. ISSN 0016-6995. 49:6(2016), pp. 433-444. Original Citation: Fossil amphibians and reptiles from Plakias, Crete: a glimpse into the earliest late Miocene herpetofaunas of southeastern Europe
Macrophage-derived VEGF-C decreases hematogenous metastatic dissemination by normalizing the tumor vasculature

vascular endothelial growth the primary tumor correlates with the occurrence of proximal lymph node metastasis in most solid cancer types, including those of the breast. However, the role of VEGF-C in regulating tumor cell dissemination to distant organs, such as the lungs, is currently unclear. Perivascular tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key regulators of hematogenous tumor cell spreading, forming tumor microenvironment of metastasis (TMEM) doorways for breast cancer cells to intravasate tumor blood vessels and fuel distant metastases. Using an experimental breast cancer (BC) model, we show here that TAMs expressing VEGF-C decrease tumor cell dissemination to the lung. The mechanism by which TAM-derived VEGF-C hampered pulmonary metastases involved a phenotypic change in the TAMs, which upregulated the expression of Podoplanin and LYVE1, concomitant with augmented VEGFR3 expression on blood vessels, leading to vessel normalization and improved vessel functionality. We obtained evidence that TAM-derived VEGF-C may play a role in hematogenous spreading also in human breast cancer; indeed, perivascular TAMs expressing VEGF-C inversely correlated with the malignant grade and TMEM assembly. Thus, our study reveals an apparently paradoxical role of TAM-derived VEGF-C in regulating hematogenous tumor spreading in both experimental models and clinical samples.
Data-model fusion for improving LAI mapping: a case study over China's land mass

A simple data-model fusion method is developed to improve leaf area index (LAI) mapping using satellite data. The objective is to overcome two issues with satellite-derived LAI maps: (1) optical remote sensing data are often seriously affected by the atmosphere due to clouds, and in some areas no reliable data are obtained in the whole growing season, and (2) seasonal variations in conifer LAI derived from satellite data are often distorted by the seasonal variations in leaf greenness (pigments), the background vegetation and snow cover, etc., and the derived LAI reflects the overall greenness rather than the actual forest leaf area present in a pixel. These shortcomings of satellite measurements can be greatly alleviated when an ecological model is used to simulate the LAI in the absence of reliable remote sensing data and to estimate the seasonal variation of LAI according to ecological principles. The usefulness of this fusion method is demonstrated through improving a China-wide LAI map series in 10-day intervals at 1 km resolution using Satellite Pour l'Observation de la Terre (SPOT) VEGETATION (VGT) data.
A Network Interference Service Model for Wireless Networks

Taking cue from the role of a Domain Name Server (DNS) in the context of the wired Internet, this paper proposes a Network Interference Service (NIS) model capable of providing information about the neighborhood of a wireless node. All nodes within the network that partake of this directory service provide a log of their transmission pattern to the NIS through reliable control channels. A wireless node can request neighborhood information by sending a record of its received signals, and the NIS correlates this sequence of attenuated signal strengths with the uncorrupted data received by itself. The set of linear equations thus set up is solved to estimate the channel coeﬃcients, and hence the “radio distance” between nodes. A simple simulation was performed for an 802.11b network, and the channel coeﬃcients were estimated to a high degree of accuracy. The problem is then reformulated in vector notation and a least–squares estimate for the channel coeﬃcients is obtained.
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U–Pb zircon dating and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic evidence to support a juvenile origin of the ~ 634 Ma El Shalul granitic gneiss dome, Arabian–Nubian Shield

Abstract The calc-alkaline, gneissic El Shalul granite is the westernmost gneiss dome or core complex within the Arabian–Nubian Shield. Previous studies have indicated that it represents either a window into the underlying pre-Neoproterozoic Sahara metacraton or a melt derived from the metacraton. U–Pb LA-ICP-MS dating of magmatic zircons from two samples of the variably foliated El Shalul pluton gives ages of 637 ± 5 Ma and 630 ± 6 Ma, excluding it from representing exhumed cratonic rocks. The ages are, however, indistinguishable from the age of the Um Ba'anib pluton, constituting the core of the Meatiq Gneiss Dome, as well as several other plutons in the Eastern Desert, indicating an important magmatic pulse in the Arabian–Nubian Shield in Late Cryogenian time. Major and trace element data indicate a within-plate setting. Bulk rock Nd-isotope and Hf-isotope data on zircons from the El Shalul pluton indicate derivation of the primary melt from a relatively juvenile source, either the lower crust of a mid-Neoproterozoic volcanic arc or as a result of fractionation of a mantle-derived mafic melt. Sm–Nd bulk rock isotopic data indicate a model age of c. 720 Ma for the protolith from which the melt was derived. Time-corrected Hf-isotope data obtained on the magmatic zircons indicate that the bulk of the source rock was extracted from the mantle around 810 Ma.
Large-Scale Natural Gradient Tracer Test in Sand and Gravel,

A large-scale natural gradient tracer experiment was conducted on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to examine the transport and dispersion of solutes in a sand and gravel aquifer. The nonreactive tracer, bromide, and the reactive tracers, lithium and molybdate, were injected as a pulse in July 1985 and monitored in three dimensions as they moved as far as 280 m down-gradient through an array of multilevel samplers. The bromide cloud moved horizontally at a rate of 0.42 m per day. It also moved downward about 4 m because of density-induced sinking early in the test and accretion of areal recharge from precipitation. After 200 m of transport, the bromide cloud had spread more than 80 m in the direction of flow, but was only 14 m wide and 4-6 m thick. The lithium and molybdate clouds followed the same path as the bromide cloud, but their rates of movement were retarded about 50% relative to bromide movement because of sorption onto the sediments.
Antarctic paleolake sediments and the search for extinct life on Mars

Evidence of lakes in Mars history is substantial. The proposed similarities between the ancient Martian environment and certain modern environments on Earth have led exobiologists to study antarctic lakes as analogs to those purported to have existed on Mars. We have investigated modern sedimentation processes (especially with respect to δ13C of carbonate and organic matter) in lakes in the McMurdo Dry Valleys region of east Antarctica and assessed various paleolake deposits with respect to their utility as Martian analogs and targets for future Mars exobiology missions. Three main types of paleolake deposit were identified and assessed: strand lines, perched deltas, and lacustrine sand mounds. Deltas are usually identified as good targets, but our research shows that authigenic carbonates are not readily identifiable in the sediments. Large deltas, although most likely to attract attention through remote sensing, generally are difficult sites for discovery of paleobiological matter, and δ13C signals follow no coherent pattern. Lacustrine sand mounds, on the other hand, contain abundant authigenic carbonate and freeze-dried organic matter and appear to be excellent records of paleolimnological conditions. The advantage of studying lake bottom deposits versus lake edge deposits is retrieval of a stable lake-wide signal. Deltas are therefore most useful in that they are generally large-scale features capable of drawing attention to a region of potential for the discovery of smaller lacustrine sand mounds.
Assessment of Sensorimotor Behaviour in Konzo-Induced Rats Using the Irvine, Beattie Bresnahan Forelimb Scale

Konzo is a neurological disorder of selective upper motor neurons. It is an irreversible paralytic disease associated with prolonged consumption of Cassava. It contains cyanogenic glycosides metabolized to hydrogen cyanide, which has been shown by studies to affect the motor neurons of the central nervous system. The Irvine, Beattie Bresnahan (IBB) scale is a recently developed forelimb scale for the assessment of fine control of the forelimb and digits after cervical spinal cord injury such as Konzo. 20 Adult male Wistar rats were assigned to 4 experimental groups (i) control n=5, (ii) konzo-induced group n=5, (iii) induced + Complan n=5 (iv) Induced + Bambara Nut (Okpa). The bitter cassava foods were taken by oral ingestion for a period of 4 weeks. The assessment of the forelimb and digits were done using the Irvine, Beattie Bresnahan (IBB) with specific parameters such as Predominant Elbow Joint movement, Contact Volar Support, and Grasping method. The body weight of the animals was also recorded every week. The data obtained were analyzed using ANOVA. The result obtained showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) between the body weight of the animals induced with Konzo and rehabilitated with Complan milk and Bambara nut when compared to the unrehabilitated Konzo-induced group. There were differences in the results of the parameters being tested for the Irvine, Beattie Bresnahan (IBB) scaling. The IBB scale confirmed that there was a high level of cyanide content in the cassava which affected the behavioral attributes of the induced group and it also confirmed that the induced group can be ameliorated with the use of Complan and Bambara Nut (Okpa) which was shown in the parameters being tested such as Predominant Elbow Joint movement, Contact Volar Support, and Grasping method. It was concluded that insufficiently processed bitter cassava is toxic and has neurotoxicity effects on the Spinal Cord especially on the upper motor neurons and IBB scale is capable of measuring gradual improvements in motor forelimb functions in this model and may be a new and effective assessment tool for peripheral nerve injury.
Simulation of solute transport using a transfer function model

A transfer function model is proposed for simulating solute transport under natural field conditions where substantial variability exists in water transport properties. This approach makes no attempt to describe the variability through a deterministic model but merely measures the distribution of solute travel times from the soil surface to a reference depth. Using this distribution function, it is possible to simulate the average solute concentrations at any depth and time for arbitrary solute inputs or water application variability. Equivalently, the model may be used to predict the probability of extremely long or short travel times for a mobile chemical. In this paper several illustrative calculations are performed for which analytic solutions are possible. In a companion paper (Jury et al., this issue) a field test of the model is reported.
Dynamic orbit determination using GPS measurements from TOPEX/POSEIDON

The GPS data acquired by the TOPEX/POSEIDON (T/P) Demonstration Receiver (DR) have been used in a dynamic orbit determination, which was based on the description of the gravitational and nongravitational forces in the equations of motion. The GPS carrier phase data were processed in a double difference mode to remove clock errors, including the effects of Selective Availability. Simultaneous estimation of the T/P orbit and GPS orbits was performed using five 10-day cycles in the interval between December (1992) and April (1993). The resulting T/P orbits have been compared with the orbits determined from Satellite Laser Ranging, the French one-way Doppler tracking system, DORIS, and with the JPL reduced dynamic orbits obtained from the GPS/DR data. Using similar dynamic orbit determination strategies and force models with the GPS/DR to those used with SLR/DORIS, the radial component of the T/P orbit (based on JGM-2) was found to agree to better than 30 mm (rms) and 35 mm with the JPL reduced dynamic orbit. An experimental gravity tuning was accomplished using four cycles of GPS/DR data. The resulting GPS/DR-orbits, determined by the dynamic technique with the experimental gravity field, are in better agreement with the JPL reduced dynamic orbits in both the radial component (21–25 mm) and altimeter crossover residuals than the JGM-2 orbits.
Possible evidence for a connection between methyl iodide emissions and Saharan dust

Methyl iodide has been measured during two field campaigns in the Atlantic region in 2002. The first took place in July–August at 2300 m on the island of Tenerife, while the second was a shipborne, east–west crossing of the Tropical Atlantic at 10°N in October–November of the same year. Both campaigns were periodically impacted by dust, advected from Africa in trade winds. Unexpectedly, during these dust events, methyl iodide mixing ratios were observed to be high relative to other times. Backward calculations with the particle dispersion model FLEXPART show the origin of the dust storms as Mauritania and southern Algeria for the ground- and ship-based campaigns, respectively. The dust-laden air traveled from its source above the marine boundary layer to the measurement region. On the basis of the field data correlations and the simulations, we suggest that dust-stimulated emission of methyl iodide has occurred. To test this hypothesis, dust samples were collected from the identified source regions and added to filtered Atlantic seawater. This rapidly produced methyl iodide. Further tests established that the addition of iodide increased the yield and that iodide with H2O2 was greater still. This was found for both sterilized and nonsterilized samples. We conclude that there is an abiotic methyl iodide production mechanism that can occur via substitution, analogous to those in soil, rather than radical recombination. This may occur when dust contacts seawater containing iodide or when marine water vapor condenses on dust containing iodide. This hypothesis appears to be consistent with recent long-term methyl iodide data sets from Tasmania and may help resolve current uncertainties in the iodine cycle.
Role of crustal flexure in initiation of low-angle normal faults and implications for structural evolution of the basin and range province

The mechanics of low-angle normal faulting has proved difficult to establish despite clear geological evidence for the existence of such faults. Gently dipping shear stress trajectories are necessary for nucleation and propagation of low-angle faults in a structurally isotropic medium. Such trajectories are not produced by simple horizontal extension, but do arise in the presence of flexural stresses. We model stress conditions in a cross section through the strong upper crust using Airy stress functions for a two-dimensional elastic medium. Numerical modeling indicates that high ratios of flexural stress to extensional stress produce conditions favorable for low-angle normal fault initiation at intermediate depths in an elastic medium. We propose that the gentle dip of Cenozoic low-angle normal faults in the Basin and Range Province resulted from flexural stresses that were produced by isostatically uncompensated surface and, especially, Moho relief. Resurgent mid-Cenozoic magmatism and the consequent reduction of the thermally dependent flexural strength of the mantle lithosphere transferred flexural stresses to the upper crust, causing or promoting initiation of low-angle normal faults. Temporal changes in structural style, from dominantly low-angle to dominantly high-angle normal faulting, may reflect reduction of the magnitude of flexural stresses in the upper crust due to flattening of the Moho and cooling of the mantle lithosphere.
Seasonal patterns in streamwater nutrient and dissolved organic carbon concentrations: Separating catchment flow path and in‐stream effects

Distinct seasonal patterns in streamwater nutrient and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations are evident in the data record from 7 years of weekly sampling in the West Fork of Walker Branch (WB) and 4 years of weekly sampling in a nearby stream, upper White Oak Creek (WOC), both first‐order streams in the Ridge and Valley Province of eastern Tennessee. Concentrations of NO3 and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) in both streams showed a repeated pattern of annual maxima in summer and biannual minima in autumn and spring. Concentrations of DOC in WB exhibited distinct autumn maxima. To determine whether temporal variations in catchment hydrological processes could explain the seasonal nutrient and DOC variations in WB, we used an end‐member mixing analysis involving Ca and SO4 concentrations to separate stream discharge into three catchment flow paths of differing nutrient concentrations. Stream NO3, SRP, and DOC concentrations were predicted solely on the basis of temporal variation in the importance of these flow paths and measurements of nutrient concentrations for the different flow paths. Ratios of observed/predicted concentrations in stream water near 1.0 suggested that catchment effects alone explained streamwater concentrations, whereas ratios substantially different from 1.0 suggested that in‐stream processes were important determinants of streamwater concentrations. Observed/predicted NO3 and SRP concentration ratios showed repeated annual patterns with values closer to 1.0 during winter and summer (generally 0.8–1.2) and minima (<0.6) in spring and autumn, suggesting substantial in‐stream net uptake at these times. Observed/predicted DOC concentration ratios were more variable and generally ≥1 but did show consistent autumn maxima (>2.5), indicating substantial in‐stream DOC generation at this time. Observed/predicted ratios for all nutrients were generally less variable and were closer to 1.0 at high flow compared to low flow, suggesting that in‐stream controls on streamwater chemistry are less important at high discharge than at low discharge. Our results indicate two general modes of control of stream nutrient concentrations: (1) catchment control via seasonal variation in the dominant hydrologic pathway (greater proportion of deep groundwater in summer), which produces lower winter and higher summer concentrations, and (2) in‐stream control via high rates of net nutrient uptake during the spring (primarily by autotrophs) and autumn (primarily by heterotrophs).
Diatom-based conductivity reconstruction and palaeoclimatic interpretation of a 40-ka record from Lake Zeribar, Iran

Sediment cores from Lake Zeribar in the Zagros Mounitains of western Iran provide a record of changes in the diatom flora since about 40 ka. Conductivity transfer functionis applied to diatom records from the lake indicate generally higher conductivity during the Last Glacial Maximum and Lateglacial, especially between 15.0 and 10.5 ka. This observation is consistent with previous interpretations of relatively arid conditions during this interval based on the Lake Zeribar pollen records. Oscillations between high- and lowconductivity states during this interval additionally suggest changes in precipitation associated with millennialscale climate events, with relatively dry conditions during the Younger Dryas. Diatom-inferred conductivity is relatively low throughout the Holocene. Shifts in diatomn composition occur in the Holocene record; however. minor variations in reconstrtucted conductiVity are not considered significant.
Array-based infra-red detection: an enabling technology for people counting, sensing, tracking, and intelligent detection

A 16x16 element un-cooled pyroelectric detector array has been developed which, when allied with advanced tracking and detection algorithms, has created a universal detector with multiple applications. Low-cost manufacturing techniques are used to fabricate a hybrid detector, intended for economic use in commercial markets. The detector has found extensive application in accurate people counting, detection, tracking, secure area protection, directional sensing and area violation; topics which are all pertinent to the provision of Homeland Security. The detection and tracking algorithms have, when allied with interpolation techniques, allowed a performance much higher than might be expected from a 16x16 array. This paper reviews the technology, with particular attention to the array structure, algorithms and interpolation techniques and outlines its application in a number of challenging market areas. Viewed from above, moving people are seen as 'hot blobs' moving through the field of view of the detector; background clutter or stationary objects are not seen and the detector works irrespective of lighting or environmental conditions. Advanced algorithms detect the people and extract size, shape, direction and velocity vectors allowing the number of people to be detected and their trajectories of motion to be tracked. Provision of virtual lines in the scene allows bi-directional counting of people flowing in and out of an entrance or area. Definition of a virtual closed area in the scene allows counting of the presence of stationary people within a defined area. Definition of 'counting lines' allows the counting of people, the ability to augment access control devices by confirming a 'one swipe one entry' judgement and analysis of the flow and destination of moving people. For example, passing the 'wrong way' up a denied passageway can be detected. Counting stationary people within a 'defined area' allows the behaviour and size of groups of stationary people to be analysed and counted, an alarm condition can also be generated when people stray into such areas.