Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New chronology for the late Paleocene thermal maximum and its environmental implications

The late Paleocene thermal maximum (LPTM) is associated with a brief, but intense, interval of global warming and a massive perturbation of the global carbon cycle. We have developed a new orbital chronology for Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 690 (Weddell Sea, Southern Ocean) by using spectral analysis of high-resolution geochemical records. The LPTM interval spans 11 precessional cycles yielding a duration of 210 to 220 k.y. The δ 13 C anomaly associated with the LPTM has a magnitude of about −2.5‰ to −3‰; we show that about −2‰ of the excursion occurs within two steps that each were less than 1000 yr in duration. The remainder developed through a series of steps over ∼52 k.y. The timing of these steps is consistent with a series of nearly catastrophic releases of methane from gas hydrates, punctuated by intervals of relative equilibria between hydrate dissociation and carbon burial. Further, we are able to correlate the records between ODP Sites 690 and 1051 (western North Atlantic) on the scale of 21 k.y. cycles, which demonstrates that the details of the δ 13 C excursion are recognizable between distant sites. Comparison of cycle records at Sites 690 and 1051 suggests that sediment representing the interval ∼30 k.y. just prior to and at the onset of the LPTM are missing in the latter location. This unconformity probably resulted from slope failure accompanying methane hydrate dissociation within 10 k.y. of the start of the LPTM.
Why Do So Few Minority People Visit National Parks? Visitation and the Accessibility of “America's Best Idea”

It has been said that national parks are “America's Best Idea,” they are among the most famous and instantly recognizable places in the country, and they attract visitors from all over the world. Yet visitors to these sites are overwhelmingly white. A number of theoretical perspectives have been proposed for the absence of minority visitors, including socioeconomic marginality, differing cultural norms, and the lingering legacy of discrimination, but geography is not one of the usual explanations. Given the strong associations between particular regions of the country and the locations of parks, as well as the uneven spatial distribution of population, the absence of geography as an explanation is striking. We examine this issue with the expectation that geography is an important part of the explanation for low minority visitation rates. Put simply, do potential minority visitors live anywhere near national park units? Are they more likely to visit the ones to which they live nearest? This study uses the geographic concept of accessibility to examine the spatial relationships between national parks and potential minority visitors. Accessibility was measured using driving times between each of 285 parks and county populations, with the results compared to a visitation database compiled for fifty-one park units. There is clearly a relationship between park visitation and the location of minority populations, in the sense that racial or ethnic minorities are disproportionately represented at closer and smaller national parks.
The effect of increased nitrate loading on nitrate reduction via denitrification and DNRA in salt marsh sediments

The effects of increased nitrogen loading on denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) in marsh sediments were studied in permanently submerged subtidal creek sediments and on the tidally inundated vegetated marsh platform in Plum Island Sound estuary, Massachusetts. DNRA and denitrification in surface sediments were measured at all sites using whole‐core incubations and the isotope pairing technique, which allows distinction between denitrification of water column nitrate and coupled nitrification‐denitrification. On the marsh platform, denitrification was also measured at depth in the rhizosphere, using a new approach that combined the push‐pull method and the isotope pairing technique. In tidal creek sediments, fertilization increased denitrification of water column nitrate by approximately one order of magnitude, and coupled nitrification‐denitrification threefold. Coupled nitrification‐denitrification made a significant contribution to the total N2 production in the unfertilized creek but was of minor importance in the fertilized creek due to increased rates of denitrification of water column nitrate. In the surface sediment of the marsh platform, fertilization increased denitrification of water column nitrate by an order of magnitude during inundation of the marsh platform, about 12% of the day. However, coupled nitrification‐denitrification occurring at depth in the rhizosphere was the main denitrification pathway, accounting for more than 50% of the total N2 production in the fertilized as well as in the reference marsh. DNRA was measured in the surface sediment only, where it was comparable in magnitude to denitrification in the fertilized as well as in the unfertilized marsh.
A realist review of one‐to‐one breastfeeding peer support experiments conducted in developed country settings

The World Health Organisation guidance recommends breastfeeding peer support (BFPS) as part of a strategy to improve breastfeeding rates. In the UK, BFPS is supported by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance and a variety of models are in use. The experimental evidence for BFPS in developed countries is mixed and traditional methods of systematic review are ill-equipped to explore heterogeneity, complexity, and context influences on effectiveness. This review aimed to enhance learning from the experimental evidence base for one-to-one BFPS intervention. Principles of realist review were applied to intervention case studies associated with published experimental studies. The review aimed (a) to explore heterogeneity in theoretical underpinnings and intervention design for one-to-one BFPS intervention; (b) inform design decisions by identifying transferable lessons developed from cross-case comparison of context-mechanism-outcome relationships; and (c) inform evaluation design by identifying context-mechanism-outcome relationships associated with experimental conditions. Findings highlighted poor attention to intervention theory and considerable heterogeneity in BFPS intervention design. Transferable mid-range theories to inform design emerged, which could be grouped into seven categories: (a) congruence with local infant feeding norms, (b) integration with the existing system of health care, (c) overcoming practical and emotional barriers to access, (d) ensuring friendly, competent, and proactive peers, (e) facilitating authentic peer-mother interactions, (f) motivating peers to ensure positive within-intervention amplification, and (g) ensuring positive legacy and maintenance of gains. There is a need to integrate realist principles into evaluation design to improve our understanding of what forms of BFPS work, for whom and under what circumstances.
Approximation and Fixed Parameter Subquadratic Algorithms for Radius and Diameter in Sparse Graphs

The radius and diameter are fundamental graph parameters, with several natural definitions for directed graphs. Each definition is well-motivated in a variety of applications. All versions of diameter and radius can be solved via solving all-pairs shortest paths (APSP), followed by a fast postprocessing step. However, solving APSP on n-node graphs requires Ω(n2) time even in sparse graphs. We study the question: when can diameter and radius in sparse graphs be solved in truly subquadratic time, and when is such an algorithm unlikely? Motivated by our conditional lower bounds on computing these measures exactly in truly subquadratic time, we search for approximation and fixed parameter subquadratic algorithms, and alternatively, for reasons why they do not exist. We find that: • Most versions of Diameter and Radius can be solved in truly subquadratic time with optimal approximation guarantees, under plausible assumptions. For example, there is a 2-approximation algorithm for directed Radius with one-way distances that runs in O(m[EQUATION]) time, while a (2 -- Δ)-approximation algorithm in O(n2--e) time is considered unlikely. • On graphs with treewidth k, we can solve all versions in 2O(k log k)n1+o(1) time. We show that these algorithms are near optimal since even a (3/2 -- Δ)-approximation algorithm that runs in time 2o(k)n2--e would refute plausible assumptions. Two conceptual contributions of this work that we hope will incite future work are: the introduction of a Fixed Parameter Tractability in P framework, and the statement of a differently-quantified variant of the Orthogonal Vectors Conjecture, which we call the Hitting Set Conjecture.
Urban spatial structure: an interaction between employment and built-up volumes

This paper employs socioeconomic and remote sensing data to develop a novel approach to analysing the morphological urban spatial structure in select German city-regions. Furthermore, the suggested multidimensional procedure facilitates the analysis of the implications of different urban spatial structures in terms of physical urban form. All analyses are conducted on the spatial scale of 1 km² grid cells to allow for spatially detailed results and to account for intra-municipality differences in the urban spatial structures in the study regions. The results indicate fundamental differences among the study regions’ distribution of employees and built-up volumes and, as a result, among their urban spatial structures. Both employees and built-up volumes are found to be highly spatially clustered primarily within the core cities but with notable exceptions, which thus qualifies the regions as polycentric. This finding is consistent with prior research but also reveals that built-up volumes can be understood as physical manifestations of proximity advantages to which firms and employees are subject.
Genotypic variability and genetic parameters for root yield, dry matter and related traits of cassava in the Guinea Savannah ecological zone of Ghana

The aim of this study was to assess the agronomic performance and genetic parameters governing storage root yield and related traits in cassava genotypes in order to identify superior genotypes. The study involved 18 elite cassava genotypes which were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications and assessed for storage root yield and yield components (12 months after planting) in the Guinea savannah ecology of Ghana for three seasons. Analysis of variance indicated significant (p < 0.05) genotype and year main effects for fresh and dry root yields, dry matter content, starch yield and harvest index. Genotype × year effect was significant (p < 0.05) for fresh root yield, dry root yield and starch yield. Estimates of the variance components revealed greater genotypic influence for starch yield, fresh and dry root yields implying the potential for genetic gain with selection for these traits among the genotypes. Relatively high (69 %) broad sense heritability estimate was observed for dry storage root yield indicating the depth of genetic influence. Path coefficient analysis revealed a direct positive effect of dry matter content on dry storage root yield whilst dry storage root yield had direct positive effect on starch yield suggesting the possibility of indirect selection for starch yield through dry storage root yield. The study revealed ample genotypic variability among the cassava genotypes to warrant selection. Four genotypes, IBA 070134, IBA 419, IBA 950289 and IBA 980581 were identified for high and stable fresh and dry root yields for multilocational testing.
On the theoretical derivation of Darcy and Forchheimer formulas

Darcy's law q = KJ(q = vector of specific discharge; J = — grad E = hydraulic gradient; E — energy of flow; K — hydraulic conductivity of porous medium) is historically reviewed as well as its numerous extensions. The author starts from the Navier-Stokes hydrodynamic equations of viscous flow, and using statistical methods (space averaging) shows that: The head (or energy) used in Darcy law is different from that used in viscous flow; which recommends large piezometric intakes. The formula J = aq + bqq + c∂q/∂t is obtained (a, b, c = coefficients in isotropic media). Usually the third term may be neglected. At low values of Reynolds numbers, Darcy's law is obtained with a = 1/K in the Kozeny-Carman form. It is found that a = the hydraulic resistivity is more important than K. At larger values of Reynolds number, the Forchheimer formula is obtained, with b depending on the soil texture (grain diameter d) and porosity, not on temperature nor viscosity. The Laplace equation is replaced by a non linear Poisson-type equation with K = f(J). Darcy's law then becomes physically meaningless. A minimum principle is found: Darcy flow is such that the kinetic energy or the dissipation becomes minimum. The application of the Navier-Stokes equations to rocks with seams or cracks gives Darcy's law in its tensorial form.
The Effect of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Impaired Glucose Tolerance : A Pilot Randomized Study

Feng Huang , Jian Kong, Hongcai Wang , Hong Meng, Rosa B Spaeth , Stephanie Camhi ,Xing Liao, Xia Li, Xu Zhai, Shaoyuan Li , Bing Zhu Peijing Rong Institute of Acu-Mox, China Academy of Chinese Medi cal Sciences, Beijing 100700; 2 Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 10 0027, China; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Ho spital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychology, Endicott College, Beverly, MA, USA; Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Older Cancer Patients ’ User Experiences With Web-Based Health Information Tools

Background: Health information is increasingly presented on the Internet. Several Web design guidelines for older Web users have been proposed; however, these guidelines are often not applied in website development. Furthermore, although we know that older individuals use the Internet to search for health information, we lack knowledge on how they use and evaluate Web-based health information. Objective: This study evaluates user experiences with existing Web-based health information tools among older (≥ 65 years) cancer patients and survivors and their partners. The aim was to gain insight into usability issues and the perceived usefulness of cancer-related Web-based health information tools. Methods: We conducted video-recorded think-aloud observations for 7 Web-based health information tools, specifically 3 websites providing cancer-related information, 3 Web-based question prompt lists (QPLs), and 1 values clarification tool, with colorectal cancer patients or survivors (n=15) and their partners (n=8) (median age: 73; interquartile range 70-79). Participants were asked to think aloud while performing search, evaluation, and application tasks using the Web-based health information tools. Results: Overall, participants perceived Web-based health information tools as highly useful and indicated a willingness to use such tools. However, they experienced problems in terms of usability and perceived usefulness due to difficulties in using navigational elements, shortcomings in the layout, a lack of instructions on how to use the tools, difficulties with comprehensibility, and a large amount of variety in terms of the preferred amount of information. Although participants frequently commented that it was easy for them to find requested information, we observed that the large majority of the participants were not able to find it. Conclusions: Overall, older cancer patients appreciate and are able to use cancer information websites. However, this study shows the importance of maintaining awareness of age-related problems such as cognitive and functional decline and navigation J Med Internet Res 2016 | vol. 18 | iss. 7 | e208 | p.1 http://www.jmir. org/2016/7/e208/ (page number not for citation purposes) Bolle et al JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
Frequency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in holoendemic village of Sub-Saharan Africa

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme deficiency (G6PD) is one of the malaria hypotheses, in addition to haemoglobinopathy, ovalocytosis, and thalassaemia, among others, that confer resistance to the severity of malaria infection to their carriers. High prevalent rates of these red blood cell abnormalities are known to correlate with malaria endemicity of an area as a natural selection. This study, which was part of a broader study, tried to investigate the level of G6PD enzyme activity as a protective polymorphism contributing to low morbidity and mortality rate in people living in stable malaria transmission areas. Well, stained-Giemsa thick blood smears were viewed under a light microscope x100 objective by a well-trained microscopist and quantitation of asexual stages of the parasite was done by counting the number of asexual form against leucocytes, assuming 8000 leucocytes /uL. The G6PD status of the study subjects was determined by the methaemoglobin reduction method, using Sigma Kit 203-A (Sigma-Adrich, Inc., St Louis, MO, USA) on freshly withdrawn venous blood devoid of haemolysis. The result showed that 3 different types of G6PD polymorphism were identified in 72 cases: Heterozygous 11(15.28%), homozygous 21 (29.17%) and hemizygous 40 (55.56%). Seventy-two per cent prevalence seen in this study is far above what was reported for Africa by previous studies. Higher parasite density was found in study subjects with normal G6PD activity (6000/uL). The high prevalence rate of this red blood cell enzyme polymorphism is suspected to be responsible for protection against the severity of Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection found in the study, despite the high malaria endemicity of the area. The seventy-two percent G6PD enzyme deficiency prevalence rate seen in this study shows that the frequency of this enzyme deficiency depends on a particular area of study rather than geographical contraption.
Under-Savers Anonymous : Evidence on self-help groups and peer pressure as savings commitment device ∗

Abstract Peer groups are widely observed to be used as commitment devices to reach personal goals, but there is little empirical evidence evaluating their effectiveness and analyzing what aspect leads to their success. We conduct two randomized field experiments among low-income micro-entrepreneurs in Chile to shed light on these questions. We find that self-help peer groups increase the number of deposits in a formal savings account 3.5-fold, and almost double the average savings balance. Comparing this effect to a separate treatment with an increased interest rate, we estimate that a commensurate effect would require increasing the interest rate by about 7.8 percentage points, and find that most participants do not respond to the increased interest rate at all. A second field experiment shows that over 80% of this effect can be achieved without actual meetings or peer pressure, through simple text messages that remind participants of their savings commitment, and give them feedback on their achievement. A text message coupled with peer pressure by a real-life savings buddy has no larger effect than a text message that simply informs participants of their own achievement and the success rate of others. These findings suggest that regular follow-up and taking stock may be more important than actual peer pressure in making peer group meetings an effective tool to encourage savings.
Seismic modeling of multidimensional heterogeneity scales of Mallik gas hydrate reservoirs, Northwest Territories of Canada

[1] In hydrate-bearing sediments, the velocity and attenuation of compressional and shear waves depend primarily on the spatial distribution of hydrates in the pore space of the subsurface lithologies. Recent characterizations of gas hydrate accumulations based on seismic velocity and attenuation generally assume homogeneous sedimentary layers and neglect effects from large- and small-scale heterogeneities of hydrate-bearing sediments. We present an algorithm, based on stochastic medium theory, to construct heterogeneous multivariable models that mimic heterogeneities of hydrate-bearing sediments at the level of detail provided by borehole logging data. Using this algorithm, we model some key petrophysical properties of gas hydrates within heterogeneous sediments near the Mallik well site, Northwest Territories, Canada. The modeled density, and P and S wave velocities used in combination with a modified Biot-Gassmann theory provide a first-order estimate of the in situ volume of gas hydrate near the Mallik 5L-38 borehole. Our results suggest a range of 528 to 768 × 106 m3/km2 of natural gas trapped within hydrates, nearly an order of magnitude lower than earlier estimates which did not include effects of small-scale heterogeneities. Further, the petrophysical models are combined with a 3-D finite difference modeling algorithm to study seismic attenuation due to scattering and leaky mode propagation. Simulations of a near-offset vertical seismic profile and cross-borehole numerical surveys demonstrate that attenuation of seismic energy may not be directly related to the intrinsic attenuation of hydrate-bearing sediments but, instead, may be largely attributed to scattering from small-scale heterogeneities and highly attenuate leaky mode propagation of seismic waves through larger-scale heterogeneities in sediments.
Feature-Preserving Surface Reconstruction and Simplification from Defect-Laden Point Sets

We propose a robust, feature-preserving surface reconstruction algorithm which turns a point set with noise and outliers into a low triangle-count simplicial complex. Our approach starts with a simplicial complex filtered from a 3D Delaunay triangulation of the input points. This initial approximation is iteratively simplified based on the optimal cost to transport the point set to the simplicial complex, both seen as measures (or mass distributions). Our optimal transport formulation allows the recovery of sharp features even in the presence of a large amount of outliers and/or noise in the input set. Key-words: Optimal transportation, Wasserstein distance, Linear programming, Surface reconstruction, Shape simplification, Feature recovery. ∗ GEOMETRICA INRIA Sophia Antipolis † California Institute of Technology ha l-0 07 06 71 2, v er si on 1 11 J un 2 01 2 Reconstruction et simplification de surfaces à partir de nuages de points imparfaits Résumé : Nous proposons une méthode robuste de reconstruction de surface qui préserve les bords et les arêtes vives. Cette méthode part d’un nuage de points bruités et contenant des points aberrants pour reconstruire un complexe simplicial parcimonieux. Notre approche débute par la construction d’un complexe simplicial par filtrage d’une triangulation de Delaunay des points initiaux. Cette approximation initiale est ensuite itérativement simplifiée en se basant sur le coût de transport entre le nuage de points et le complexe simplicial, ceux-ci étant vus comme des distributions de masse. Cette formulation basée sur le transport optimal entre les deux distributions permet de retrouver les arêtes vives même en présence de nombreux points aberrants ou de bruit dans le nuage de points initial. Mots-clés : Transport optimal, Distance de Wasserstein, Programmation linéaire, Reconstruction de surface, Simplification de forme, Recouvrement d’arête et de bord ha l-0 07 06 71 2, v er si on 1 11 J un 2 01 2 Feature-Preserving Surface Reconstruction and Simplification from Defect-Laden Point Sets 3