Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The discovery and significance of the Lower Ordovician Lhasai Formation in the Xainza region, northern Xizang

The marine carbonate rocks were discovered for the first time in the Xainza region during the regional geological surveying of the 1∶250000 Toiba Sheet in Xizang. These strata contain abundant Boreal Actinoceras faunal fossils such as Armenoceras sp. , Wutinoceras sp. , Discoactinoceras multiplexum Kobayashi, Adaomsoceras sp. , Sactoceras sp. , Ordosoceras sp. , Oncoceratida, Ormoceratidae, ? Curtoceras sp. , Ormoceras sp. , Liulinoceras sp. , Deiroceras cf. globsom Zholt et Shen, brachiopods, conodonts, bryozoans and crinoids. The characteristics of lithologic associations and faunas found here appear to be in conflict with the existing strata in the study area, and the geological ages of the strata are obviously earlier than the other Palaeozoic strata in this area. This is why the Lower Ordovician Lhasai Formation is suggested for the Xainza region, northern Xizang.
Experimental flume study of the deposition of heavy minerals in a simulated Witwatersrand sandstone unconformity

The concentration of heavy minerals in a sedimentary deposit depends, inter alia, on the composition of the source material, local hydraulic conditions during deposition, sizes and densities of the sediment grains, and sizes of the grains relative to the bed roughness. Effects of these factors have been investigated in a laboratory flume by depositing pure heavy mineral and mixed heavy and light mineral sediments on a stationary granular bed. Experiments with pure heavy minerals indicate that once a minimum mobility condition is exceeded, deposits will be fairly extensive and uniform, and only slightly affected by the flow condition. In all experiments, deposits were generally finer grained than the supply sediments and, in some cases, were bimodal. The concentrations and total amounts of heavy mineral in the deposits were influenced by the concentrations in the supply mixtures and were strongly dependent on the sizes of the light mineral grains. The results show that settling velocity is a poor indicator of hydraulic equivalence, while critical shear velocity appears to be a good indicator.
Denitrification in deep subsurface sediments

Abstract Dissimilatory nitrate reduction (denitrification) in subsurface sediments by indigenous microflora was investigated in samples obtained over a range of depths from 0 to 289 m. Denitrifying activity in sediment samples retrieved from similar stratigraphic horizons at four different sites was determined by measuring the accumulation of N2O using the acetylene blockage technique. Denitrification was detected in unamended samples which received only prereduced deionized water at almost all depths in all sediments sampled. The surface sediments showed the highest denitrification activity. In the deeper sediments, denitrifying activity was much higher in saturated sandy samples and lower or absent in drier clay samples. Addition of nitrate enhanced denitrification activity in all samples from below the water table down to the maximum depth sampled (289 m), while addition of a carbon (succinate) source in general had no stimulatory effect. These results show that denitrifying microorganisms were present.
Structural analysis of the Zipaquira Anticline (Eastern Cordillera, Colombia)

We report geological mapping, recollection of kinematic data, fracture data and transverse sections along the Zipaquira Anticline (ZA) used to recognize the deformation mechanisms involved in the kinematic evolution of the ZA. The Zipaquira Anticline (ZA) is an assimetrical fold with variation in the strike of fold axis and affected by some transverse faults (Transverse Zones) along its extension. The main fracture set in the ZA was formed in a prefolding stage (J1), controlling the formation and propagation of sin-folding fractures (J2). Another fracture set (J3) was only recognized near the Zipaquira Lineament where several factors converge to deform considerably the rocks (e.g. Salt diapirs). We calculate the stress tensor from kinematic data, resulting in fractures formed in an extensional environment induced by diapir intrusion in the fold core. According to the transverse sections and previous considerations, thickness variation in Upper Cretaceous-Paleocene formations may indicate the onset of the pre-Andean Orogeny and the uplift of separated blocks, controlled by the transverse zones.
Nutritional and anti-nutritional properties of sweet cassava (Manihot esculenta) and black pepper (Piper nigrum) leaves

The proximate compositions,some minerals,some vitamins and antinutrients contents of sweet Cassava (Manihot esculenta) and Black pepper (Piper nigrum) leaves were investigated on dried weight basis by employing the standard methods described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC, 1990). , Association of vitamin chemists (1987) and Harborne. (1973). The results showed that Sample A (sweet cassava leabes ) contained crude protein (11.70 ± 2.34%), Hexane extract (1.47 ± 0.1%), Ash content (1.90 ±0.1%), crude fibre (3.56 ± 0.14%), moisture (10.8 ± 0.00%) and carbohydrate (70.57 ± 0.45%). while Sample B(black pepper leaves ) contained crude protein (8.73±1.25%), Hexane extract (1.49 ± 0.1222%), Ash content (1.82 ± 0.141%), crude fibre (2.92 ± 0.141%), moisture (12.81 ± 0.00%) and carbohydrate (78.46 ± 1.25%). The results also revealed that Sample A contained potassium (155.75 ± 1.02 mg/100g), sodium (3.82 ± 0.14 mg/100g), calcium (2.47 ± 0.1 mg/100g), magnesium (75.28 ± 0.60 mg/100g), manganese (0.44 ± 0.10 mg/100g) and copper (0.17 ± 0.01 mg/100 g). Sample B on the other hand, contained potassium (164.45 ± 0.387 mg/100 g), sodium (4.80 ± 0.01 mg/100 g), calcium JJ(3.65 ± 0.223 mg/100 g), magnesium (94.75 ± 0.223 mg/100 g), manganese (0.10 ± 0.001 mg/100 g) and copper (0.17 ± 0.01 mg/100 g). The results of vitamin analysis depicted that Sample A contained vitamin A (0.116 ± 0.01IU), vitamin B1 (0.032 ± 0 mg/100 g), vitamin B2 (0.0027 ± 0 mg/100 g), vitamin B6 (0.125 ± 0 mg/100 g), vitamin B12 (0.024 ± 0 mg/100 g), vitamin C (17.80 ± 0 mg/100 g), vitamin E (0.012 ± 0 mg/100 g) and vitamin K (0.002 ± 0 mg/100 g). While Sample B contained vitamin A (0.114 ± 0.01 IU), vitamin B1 (0.0765 ± 0.038 mg/100 g), vitamin B2 (0.0435 ± 0.038 mg/100 g), vitamin B6 (0.1245 ± 0.022 mg/100 g), vitamin B12 (0.033 ± 0.031 mg/100 g), vitamin C (15.72 ± 0.282 mg/100 g), vitamin E (0.014 ± 0 mg/100 g) and vitamin K (0.00165 ± 0.036 mg/100 g). The results of antinutrient analysis also depicted that Sample A contained Tannin (0.3655±0.038 mg/100 g), saponin (0.2855 ± 0.0387 mg/100 g), Alkaloid (0.1025 ± 0.1025 mg/100 g), phytate (0.2815 ± 0.0387 mg/100 g), oxtate (0.195 ± 0.0316 mg/100 g), glycocyanide (0.005 ± 0.001 mg/100 g) and flavnoid (0.58 ± 0.04 mg/100 g). However, Sample B contained Tannin (0.357 ± 0.031 mg/100 g), saponin (0.293 ± 0.031 mg/100 g), Alkaloid (4.551 ± 0.114 mg/100 g), pytate (0.347 ± 0.031 mg/100 g), oxtate (0.233 ± 0.0446 mg/100 g), glycocyanide (0.005 ± 0.001 mg/100 g) and flavonoid (0.6425 ± 0.05 mg/100 g). Therefore, dried sweet cassava and black pepper leaves are good soourses of proteins, carbohydrates, fibre, potassium, vitamin C and flavonoids. Black pepper leaves also rich in alkaloid.
The Investigation of the Association Between the Bcl-2 3’-UTR rs1564483 Polymorphism and miR-296-3p in the Development of Breast and Gastric Cancers

Background: B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) gene regulates carcinogenesis by inhibiting apoptosis. This study evaluated the association of Bcl-2 3′-untranslated regions (3′ UTR) rs1564483 polymorphism and miR-296-3p with the development of breast and gastric cancers. Methods: A microarray analysis was performed on the Genomic Spatial Event (GSE)29431 and GSE161533 datasets for breast and gastric cancers. Blood samples were taken from 222 (111 patients and 111 controls) and 210 (84 patients and 126 controls) individuals for breast and gastric cancers, respectively. Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood samples and genotyping was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), followed by examining the high-temperature melting curve. Statistical analysis was conducted to examine the potential correlation between the rs1564483 polymorphism and the risk of breast and gastric cancers concerning pathological characteristics. Results: The results of the microarray showed that the Bcl-2 gene was up-regulated in gastric cancer (logFC [log fold change]: 0.65, adjusted P < .05). Clinical outcome showed no notable relationship between the rs1564483 polymorphism and breast cancer risk; however, for gastric cancer, it identified a large difference between healthy controls and patients for an allelic frequency of rs1564483 (P ⩽ .001). Moreover, an assay of different models (dominant, recessive, and co-dominant) showed a significant association between the AG genotype between control and gastric cases (Pearson chi-square test, P = .046). In addition, the prevalence of the AG genotype was greater in persons under the age of 45 and in patients with H. pylori infection (P ⩽ .001). The AG genotype was not related to smoking, although the AA genotype was associated with increased cancer incidence in smokers (P ⩽ .001). Conclusions: In silico studies and calculations of the ΔG binding of micro ribonucleic acid (miRNA) hsa-miR-296-3p to the mutant and wild alleles of the rs15644833 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) have revealed that Bcl-2 mRNA expression in gastric cancer decreases, thus confirming the tumor suppressor role of the Bcl-2 gene.
ENSAYO ESTUDIO PROSPECTIVO MEDIOAMBIENTAL CON ORIENTACIÓN ESTRATÉGICA DE LA INVESTIGACIÓN FORESTAL EN SEIS PAÍSES LATINOAMERICANOS ENVIRONMENTAL PROSPECTIVE STUDY WITH A STRATEGIC VIEWPOINT OF FOREST RESEARCH IN SIX LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES

Here is described a prospective study carried out in six countries of Latin America and the Caribbean (Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Venezuela) by professional talents with expertice and integrated into multidisciplinary and interinstitutional groups, in order to observe, with a greater scope, the vulnerability phenomenon of natural resources of the region, in the major institutions and organisms focused on forest, agriculture and game science and technology of their countries. The present and future importance of several emergent and present-day topics were analyzed in a tendential scenario, in regard to environment and natural resources, and the question of which is the present dominion degree that institutions, development organizations and non-government organisms have about the necessary knowledge to make progress on research and innovation in this fields. The main tool was a survey previously designed and proved with 13 topics of the environmental universe, to be applied to the experts of the region by the Delphi method; such method favors the opinion of the group over that of the individual, it is anonymous and reduces risks. In addition, a forum was made in which participants identified a series of strategic actions that must be taken into account by the institutions focused on science and technology of natural resources involved in agriculture, forestry and game in their agenda.
Towards reduced herbicide use in forest vegetation management

Mechanical, manual, thermal, biological and chemical methods of managing forest vegetation have, to a large extent, been developed independently. The effectiveness and relatively low cost of chemical herbicides, however, have led to systems of vegetation management that rely on their continued availability and the near exclusion of non-herbicide methods for controlling forest weeds. Greater public concern, perceptions of risk, and pressures exerted by some forest certification systems, have increased the need to provide a wider array of alternative methods that can reduce dependence on herbicides. In response, forest vegetation management research has widened to include investigations of alternatives to herbicides, along with initiatives aimed at reducing chemical use. An international review of progress indicates that reduced herbicide use may already be possible in many countries. There are however, a number of commercial, economic and social issues associated with the practical application of this knowledge, notwithstanding the fact that a more integrated approach is required to combine relevant methods of vegetation management, rather than attempting to practise alternative techniques in isolation from other silvicultural practices. This paper, together with appropriate examples, reviews pressures to reduce herbicide use as well as past and current research to develop alternatives to herbicides in eleven different countries, as well as identifying instances of the successful or unsuccessful implementation of this technology.
Larval nutritional effects on male and female survival and fecundity in Anastrepha ludens

The three major macronutrients – proteins (P), carbohydrates (C), and lipids (L) – constitute the fundamental nutrient niche. In order to meet their nutritional requirements, organisms need to assess their nutritional state, select suitable foods, and regulate the amount of food eaten. The objective of this study was to determine whether larval nutrition could have a differential effect on female and male survival and fecundity by manipulating the P:C:L ratios in diet environments. We manipulated food availability during the larval stages, subjecting the larvae to food regimes with different P:C:L ratios. Upon adult emergence, we examined the fecundity, fertility, survival, and longevity of the various larval nutrition treatments. We then assessed the reproductive performance (fecundity and egg hatching) under an ad libitum food regime. We found that the concentration of macronutrients in the larval hemolymph indicates that the P:C:L ratio in the larval diet affects the assignment of macronutrients, and this effect is carried over to males and females differently. A larval diet with high carbohydrate content affects the carryover of macronutrients and male and female fitness. According to the life‐history traits, an adult that emerged from a larva with high lipid content in the hemolymph could suggest better health status. Insects with high cold tolerance have high body lipids content. Interactions between lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins suggest that their relative ratios must be taken into consideration in the design and improvement of artificial diets.
ReC-Gripper: A Reconfigurable Combined Suction and Fingered Gripper for Various Logistics Picking and Stowing Tasks

This letter presents a gripper comprising finger and suction with reconfigurable attributes. With the reconfiguration feature, the proposed gripper has a configuration suitable for different working environments of logistic order picking. The finger part of the gripper was configured with the parallelogram remote center of motion (RCM) mechanism to implement reconfigurable features. With the RCM mechanism, the gripper implements the function of zeroed offset, which removes the gap between the finger and the suction gripper, and the function of the supporting finger. In order-picking tasks, the gripper shows higher grasping stability and practicality than existing grippers. First, the design of the mechanism and model constituting the gripper is described. Afterward, a quantitative evaluation of the performance of this gripper compared to the existing ones in the bin and shelf environment is conducted. In this section, the gripper shows 32.912$\%$ improved performance in representative tasks. Finally, the practical aspects of this gripper are described through a quantitative evaluation.
Short incubation periods of atypical H-type BSE in cattle with EK211 and KK211 prion protein genotypes after intracranial inoculation

In 2006, a case of atypical H-type BSE (H-BSE) was found to be associated with a germline mutation in the PRNP gene that resulted in a lysine substitution for glutamic acid at codon 211 (E211K). The E211K amino acid substitution in cattle is analogous to E200K in humans, which is associated with the development of genetic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). In the present study, we aimed to determine the effect of the EK211 prion protein genotype on incubation time in cattle inoculated with the agent of H-BSE; to characterize the molecular profile of H-BSE in KK211 and EK211 genotype cattle; and to assess the influence of serial passage on BSE strain. Eight cattle, representing three PRNP genotype groups (EE211, EK211, and KK211), were intracranially inoculated with the agent of H-BSE originating from either a case in a cow with the EE211 prion protein genotype or a case in a cow with E211K amino acid substitution. All inoculated animals developed clinical disease; post-mortem samples were collected, and prion disease was confirmed through enzyme immunoassay, anti-PrPSc immunohistochemistry, and western blot. Western blot molecular analysis revealed distinct patterns in a steer with KK211 H-BSE compared to EK211 and EE211 cattle. Incubation periods were significantly shorter in cattle with the EK211 and KK211 genotypes compared to the EE211 genotype. Inoculum type did not significantly influence the incubation period. This study demonstrates a shorter incubation period for H-BSE in cattle with the K211 genotype in both the homozygous and heterozygous forms.
Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities, and Metabolite Profiling of Selected Medicinal Plants of Nepal

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, antiarthritic, and anti-inflammatory properties of extracts from the leaves of twelve different medicinal plants in Nepal. We then evaluated the total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents of the extract using in-vitro assays and characterized it using GC-MS analysis. Results revealed that most of the leaf extracts contained phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins. Few plants also showed the presence of glycosides, phytate, and vitamin C. Among the studied plants, Neolamarckia cadamba exhibited the highest total phenolic and tannin contents, as 241.53 ± 0.20 µg of gallic acid equivalent/mg and 74.48 ± 1.081 µg of tannic acid equivalent/mg, respectively. Ipomoea batatas exhibited the highest total flavonoid content, as 53.051 ± 1.11 µg of quercetin equivalent/mg. Moreover, Raphanus sativus demonstrated significant ferrous ion chelating, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and total antioxidant activities with IC50 value of 4.76 ± 0.68 µg/mL, 5.84 ± 0.14 µg/mL, 6.89 ± 0.16 µg/mL, and 8.99 ± 0.20 µg/mL, respectively. Similarly, Colocasia esculenta and Cicer arietinum exhibited the highest hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide scavenging activities, measuring IC50 value of 7.22 ± 0.56 µg/mL and 9.06 ± 0.10 µg/mL, respectively. Among all the extracts, Amorphophallus paeoniifolius displayed significant human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization activity (IC50 = 6.22 ± 0.78 µg/mL). Furthermore, Raphanus sativus, Chenopodium album, Cicer arietinum, and Murraya koenigii exhibited the highest inhibitory activities against protein denaturation with bovine serum albumin, antiarthritic, lipoxygenase inhibitory, and proteinase inhibitory, measuring IC50 of 7.48 ± 0.48 µg/mL, 9.44 ± 1.62 µg/mL, 14.67 ± 1.94 µg/mL, and 28.57 ± 2.39 µg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the twelve leaf extracts' significant antioxidant, antiarthritic, and anti-inflammatory activities.
Hydroxychloroquine ameliorates DSS-induced colitis by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization through NF-κ B/NLRP3 signaling pathway

Background and Aims: Polarization of macrophages to the M1 or M2 phenotype is critical for the development and occurrence of in�ammation and disease. An increased proportion of M1-type macrophages has been observed in in�ammatory bowel disease (IBD). Macrophage-targeted hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) nanotherapeutics are highly effective treatments for autoimmune diseases. HCQ has been widely used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases because of its anti-inammatory and immunomodulatory properties. We investigated the potential effect of HCQ on dextran sulphate sodium salt (DSS)-induced colitis as well as the underlying potential mechanism. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups: control, DSS, or DSS + HCQ. The mRNA expressions of cytokines in M1 macrophages were measured using quantitative RT-PCR. The proportion of F4/80+CD86+ (M1) macrophages was measured by �ow cytometry. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were isolated and stimulated with LPS/IFN-γ to induce M1 macrophages. The levels of NF-κ B p65, phospho-p65, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 in the macrophages were detected by western blotting. Results: HCQ ameliorates DSS-induced colitis as evidenced by improved colon shortening, reduced disease activity index (DAI), and decreased histopathological scores. Furthermore, HCQ decreased the expressions of M1-related cytokines and signi�cantly decreased the percentage of F4/80+CD86+ (M1) subsets in colonic lamina propria cells in DSS-induced colitis mice. Moreover, HCQ signi�cantly repressed M1 polarisation. HCQ can decrease the phosphorylation of NF-κ B and the expressions of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 in M1 macrophages. Blocking the NF-κ B signaling pathway downregulated NLRP3 in�ammasomes, and reduced the number of F4/80+CD86+ M1 macrophages. Conclusions: HCQ attenuated colonic in�ammation by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization through the NF-κ B/ NLRP3signaling pathway.
Business Cycles in Central Asia and the Russian Federation

The paper examines business cycle (BC) features of selected Central Asian (CA) countries - Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan - and the Russian Federation, from the first quarter of 2000 through the fourth quarter of 2011. Key findings include the following: (i) output fluctuations in these countries are more volatile than in developed countries; (ii) unlike in the Russian Federation, the duration of business cycles in the CA countries is shorter compared to that of developed countries; (iii) with the exception of Kazakhstan, household consumption is more volatile than output; (iv) there is a mixed picture on the BC properties of other main macroeconomic variables in these countries; (v) in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, monetary shocks matter for BC fluctuations; (vi) in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, government expenditures are found to be procyclical, which may indicate the inefficiency of fiscal policy in stabilizing economy following negative shocks in these countries; (vii) Kyrgyz and Tajik BCs are not synchronized with either Russian or Kazakh BCs; (viii) Kazakh and Russian BCs are synchronized, indicating the increasing degree of economic integration between the countries, and (ix) with the exception of Tajikistan, there is a positive correlation between BCs in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan with fluctuations in the global prices of their main export commodities: gold and oil.
Applied and Computational Harmonic Analysis

In this paper, we build an organization of high-dimensional datasets that cannot be cleanly embedded into a low-dimensional representation due to missing entries and a subset of the features being irrelevant to modeling functions of interest. Our algorithm begins by deﬁning coarse neighborhoods of the points and deﬁning an expected empirical function value on these neighborhoods. We then generate new non-linear features with deep net representations tuned to model the approximate function, and re-organize the geometry of the points with respect to the new representation. Finally, the points are locally z-scored to create an intrinsic geometric organization which is independent of the parameters of the deep net, a geometry designed to assure smoothness with respect to the empirical function. We examine this approach on data from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hospital Quality Initiative, and generate an intrinsic low-dimensional organization of the hospitals that is smooth with respect to an expert driven function of quality. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.