Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Studying subtropical thermocline ventilation and circulation using tritium and 3He

A 13-year time series of tritium and 3 He in the Sargasso Sea near Bermuda shows the downward penetration of the bomb tritium and excess 3 He maxima into the main thermocline at a rate of about 17 m yr -1 . A simple box-mixing model effectively mimics both the evolution of the tracer maxima and their thermocline inventories. The thermocline inventory of ζ(the sum of tritium and 3 He) near Bermuda has halved over duration of the time series. This can be used to estimate a regional average nitrate efflux from the main thermocline of 0.7±0.2 mol (N) m -2 yr - 1 . In the eastern subtropical North Atlantic I combine 3 H- 3 He age with salinity, oxygen, and geostrophy to compute isopycnal diffusivities, oxygen consumption rates, and absolute velocities. The reference level velocities are determined almost solely by the 3 H- 3 He age equations and to an accuracy of about 1 mm s -1 . A classic absolute velocity spiral is seen. The depth variation of computed vertical velocities is consistent with vorticity conservation and extrapolates to within errors of surface Ekman pumping and local subduction rates. Isopycnal diffusivities are largely constrained by the salinity equations and are ∼1200 m 2 s -1 at a depth of 300 m, decreasing gradually downward. Diffusivities apparently decrease toward the surface, likely an artifact of unsteadiness in the salinity equations. The oxygen utilization rates (OURs) determined by the oxygen equations decrease exponentially with depth. Vertical integration of OUR yields a net water column oxygen demand of 4.1±0.8 mol m -2 yr -1 , which corresponds to an export production of 2.5±0.5 mol m -2 yr -1 carbon. I present a simple scheme to show how to relate the vertical profiles of 3 H- 3 He age to the subduction rate as a function of depth projected back to the surface outcrop. The shallowest horizon has a subduction rate indistinguishable from local climatological Ekman pumping rates but gradually exceeds the projected rates with depth. The difference may be attributed to the increasing importance of buoyancy-forced subduction at higher latitudes.
Early supplementation with zinc proteinate does not change rectal microbiota but increases growth performance by improving antioxidant capacity and plasma zinc concentration in preweaned dairy calves

The present study evaluated the effects of early supplementation with zinc proteinate (ZnP) or zinc oxide (ZnO) for 2 weeks on the growth performance, redox status, plasma trace element concentrations, and rectal microbiota of preweaned dairy calves. A total of 60 newborn healthy female Holstein dairy calves, with initial body weight (BW): 41.33 ± 0.62 kg, were randomly allocated to 5 groups of 12 each: a control group (CON); three groups supplemented with 261 (L-ZnP), 523 (M-ZnP), and 784 (H-ZnP) mg/day ZnP, equivalent to 40, 80, and 120 mg/day zinc, respectively; and one group supplemented with 232 mg/day ZnO, equivalent to 180 mg/day zinc (ZnO). Zinc supplements were administered on days 1–14, and the calves were followed up until day 70. Zinc supplementation increased total dry matter intake (DMI) and starter DMI compared with the CON group (p < 0.01). The final BW, average daily gain, and feed efficiency were higher in the M-ZnP, H-ZnP, and ZnO groups (p < 0.05). The incidence of diarrhea on days 1–28 was reduced by zinc administration (p < 0.01), whereas the incidence on days 29–56 was lower in the M-ZnP and ZnO groups (p < 0.05). Serum glutathione peroxidase activity, total antioxidant capacity, immunoglobulin G and plasma zinc concentrations were increased linearly (p < 0.05), while the serum concentration of malondialdehyde was decreased linearly (p < 0.01), as the dose of ZnP increased. ZnP yielding 80 mg/day zinc had similar effects as ZnO yielding 180 mg/day zinc, except that final BW was higher in the ZnO group (p < 0.05). At the phylum level, ZnO decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes while increasing the abundance of Bacteroidetes (p < 0.05). At the genus level, ZnO increased the relative abundances of Prevotella, Subdoligranulum, and Odoribacter (p < 0.05). These findings indicated that early supplementation with ZnP did not affect the rectal microbiota of preweaned dairy calves but increased their growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and plasma zinc concentration. In summary, ZnP is an organic zinc source with greater bioavailability than ZnO for preweaned dairy calves. Early dietary supplementation with ZnP yielding 80 mg/day zinc is recommended.
Spatial analysis of trends in extreme precipitation events in high-resolution climate model results and observations for Germany

[1] A statistical extreme value analysis is applied to very high-resolution climate model results and observations encompassing the area of Germany. Two control runs representing the current climate, as well as three scenario simulations of the regional climate model REMO, are investigated. The control runs were compared against high-resolution observations. The analysis is divided into two main parts: first trends in extreme quantiles of daily precipitation totals are estimated in a station-by-station analysis. In the second part, the spatial characteristics of the estimated trends in heavy rainfall are investigated over the area of Germany by fitting a parametric geostatistical model to these trends. The rule of thumb of estimating trends in extreme quantiles of heavy precipitation based on the Clausius-Clapeyron relation, about 6.5% per 1°C temperature increase, has been roughly confirmed for Germany by our study with respect to the observations, but the climate model computes weaker trends. In the control simulations, the climate model tends to underestimate trends in heavy rainfall compared to observations. In the scenario simulations, positive trends prevail (as in the observations). They are, however, relatively small when set in relation to the uncertainties. The trends become significantly positive to a larger spatial extent only in the A2 scenario simulation. The estimated shape of the extreme value distributions does not change significantly in the scenario simulations compared to the climate model control runs. The parameter estimates for the geostatistical model for the trends in extreme quantiles of daily precipitation sums are rather uncertain. The most striking feature of the analysis is a reduction of the spatial variance of the trends over the considered area of Germany in the scenario simulations compared to observations and, in particular, the climate model control runs.
Short and Long-term Changes in the Fish Assemblages of Bayou Lacombe, Louisiana

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Applicability of Uni‐ and Bimodal Retention Functions for Water Flow Modeling in a Tropical Acrisol

Modeling soil water fluxes is an important part of many agricultural and environmental investigations and applications. A prerequisite for accurate modeling results is a sound parameterization of the soil hydraulic functions. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the unimodal retention function is sufficient to simulate the soil water regime of an Acrisol in Northern Thailand. The van Genuchten parameterization and its modification by Vogel and Cislerova were compared with the bimodal van Genuchten parameterization of Durner. Parameters of the soil hydraulic functions were optimized by solving the inverse problem of a one‐dimensional transient flow field experiment. Simulations using the bimodal approach resulted in the best agreement between measured and simulated data. Results with the modified van Genuchten function had a lower degree of accuracy but were still sufficient to predict the soil water balance. In case of the original van Genuchten approach, unrealistically high saturated hydraulic conductivities were required to obtain satisfactory simulation results. Hence, in fine‐textured soils those optimized Ks values should be considered as fitting and not as physical parameters.
Spatial and temporal patterns of variations in tree growth over the northeastern Tibetan Plateau during the period AD 1450-2001

We analyzed spatial and temporal growth variations of Qilian Junipers over the northeastern Tibetan Plateau (TP) during the period 1450—2001 by applying the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) technique to seven moisture-sensitive tree ring-width chronologies. The first three principal components together explain 78.21% of the total variance. The first principal component (PC1) accounts for 51.58% of the total variance, and represents consistent tree-growth variations in the northeastern TP. The second EOF mode reveals an opposite structure for the southern and northern parts of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, reflecting the effect of huge topography and associated atmospheric circulation on tree-growth anomalies. The third EOF mode represents an opposite structure for the eastern and western parts of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, possibly indicating the influence of different branches of atmospheric circulation system in this area. The EOF analysis results of instrumental precipitation data resembl.
A historical record of ammonium concentrations from a glacier in the Alps

Ammonia is the primary gaseous alkaline species in the atmosphere over Europe, neutralising up to 70% of the original acidity in precipitation [Buijsman et al., 1987]. It is directly involved in the conversion of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the aerosol phase. Furthermore, ammonium contributes considerably to the nitrogen deposition and soil acidification which causes extensive changes in plant communities in many ecosystems [Moore, 1995 ; Rohde et al., 1995]. However, in Europe continuous long-term measurements of atmospheric ammonia or ammonium in precipitation are lacking. Here, we present a continuous, high-resolution record of ammonium in precipitation for the time period 1780 to 1980 deduced from an ice core recovered from a high-altitude glacier in the Alps. The ammonium level remained constant from 1780 to 1870 and increased afterwards by a factor of three. This trend shows that ammonia emissions in Europe have substantially increased in the last 100 years.
Long-term, repeated doses of intravenous autologous mesenchymal stem cells for a patient with Parkinson's disease: a case report

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that involves the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the basal ganglia. Clinically, patient presentation involves a combination of motor and non-motor symptoms characterized by progressive worsening over time and significant decreases in overall quality-of-life. Despite there being no fully restorative cure for PD, Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) therapy offers promising therapeutic potential. Here, we report a case of a 77-year-old female, living with idiopathic Parkinson's Disease for over 17 years. The patient received multiple infusions of autologous Hope Biosciences adipose-derived MSCs (HB-adMSCs). A total of 26 infusion treatments of HB-adMSCs were administered over the course of ~2 years that resulted in marked improvements in her typical Parkinsonian symptoms, as demonstrated by the decreases in her UPDRS (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale) scores. Changes in clinical scores mirrored concurrent changes in regional brain metabolism as quantified by FDG-PET (Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron Emission Tomography), compared to baseline. Long-term, multiple infusions of HB-adMSCs were safely tolerated by the patient without any serious adverse events. Further research is needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of HB-adMSC therapy for the treatment of PD patients.
Adsorption and desorption of boron by goethite

The effects of varying pH, concentration of boron, and competing anions on the adsorption of boron were examined. Boron adsorption initially increased with pH, peaked at approximately pH 8, and then declined. The presence of phosphate reduced adsorption over the pH range 5.2-10.6; the effect of sulfate was less than that of phosphate and ceased at about pH 7. The presence of mannitol caused virtually no difference in boron adsorption up to about pH 6, but reduced adsorption at higher values. The model by Bowden and coworkers was successful in describing both the charge characteristics of goethite in the absence of boron adsorption and the effects of pH and boron concentration on adsorption of the element. The best fit of the model was achieved when B(OH)4-, B3O3(OH)4-, B4O5(OH):- and B5O6(OH)4- were considered as the adsorbing species, although B(OH)4- and B4O5(OH)24- were predicted to be the major adsorbing ions. Boron adsorption was found to be reversible with respect to both concentration and pH. Elevated temperature increased the amount of desorption at both pH 6 and 8. The effect of mannitol on boron desorption mirrored the effect of the compound on adsorption of the element; there was no effect up to pH 6, but at higher pH values desorption was increased. The significance of the desorption data for soil testing for boron is discussed.
The solar chimney—overall efficiency, design and performance

SYNOPSIS An analysis is developed for the soiar chimney, aimed particularly at deriving overall efficiency and significant performance data. Numerical values are consistent with available information on the 200 m solar chimney at Manzanares, Spain, and projected designs. Overall efficiency is directly related to the height of the chimney and is shown to be about 1% for a height of 1000 m. It is concluded that the solar chimney is essentially a power generator of large scale.
Temporal and spatial structures of flickering aurora derived from high‐speed imaging photometer observations at Syowa Station in the Antarctic

[1] In order to investigate the generation mechanisms of flickering aurora, especially the physical processes producing its temporal and spatial structures, an advanced optical observation system called “a high-speed imaging photometer system” was developed by Tohoku University in 1997. The high-speed imaging photometer system consists of two sets of imaging photometer, which are used for measurements of the N2+ first negative emission (427.8 nm) and N2 first positive emission (∼660 nm) independently. Observations were carried out at Syowa Station (69.00° S, 39.58° E, −66.2° MLAT) in the Antarctic from April 24, 1998 to September 26, 1998. Dynamic spectra at two different wavelengths and clear temporal and spatial structures of flickering aurora at 427.8 nm are derived from these high-speed imaging photometer data. The most important result in this study is that flickering auroral columns (or spots) remain in almost the same location during their lifetime and that these columns (or spots) do not propagate across the magnetic field lines. It is suggested that interference of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves or inertial Alfven waves (IAW) in the auroral acceleration region produce the observed characteristics of flickering aurora.
Revisiting the Rochechouart impact structure, France

The Rochechouart impact structure, south‐central France (45o50′N, 0o46′E), is a partly eroded, approximately 200 Myr, complex impact structure. The impactite suite at Rochechouart provides an excellent example of gradational boundaries and transitional lithologies that have been historically difficult to classify with standard impactite nomenclature. Here, we present the first detailed scanning electron microscopy‐based description of the Rochechouart impactites integrated with hand‐sample and petrographic observations with the goal of understanding the clast‐matrix relationships of transitional lithologies. Three main impact‐generated hydrothermal alteration assemblages are also recognized: (1) argillic‐like, (2) carbonate, and (3) oxide. Our results support the existence of a continuum between clast‐rich impact melt rocks and glass‐rich clastic breccias (suevites) that must be represented in universal classification schemes. This suite of impactites from the Rochechouart impact structure is used as a test case for a recently published classification scheme based on the nature of the groundmass setting a precedent for classification of impactites with limited to no geological context such as deeply eroded terrestrial impact structures and future sample return missions. The re‐evaluation of the melt‐bearing Rochechouart impactites questions the currently accepted size of the crater, suggesting a much larger original crater diameter.
Rotational-electric principles of RNA/DNA and viability

Photographic investigations of rising bubbles in seawater revealed that each bubble may conduct a single or bi-spiraling motion, which resemble architecture of RNA or DNA respectively. The rotational motion results from acceleration of ionic hydrates, which are separated to anionic and cationic domains at the upper and bottom curvatures of the bubble. Afterwards, rotational motion undergoes further acceleration in the bubble upper vortex, followed by deceleration at the vortex tip. During that phase, the spiraling motion cause significant friction that result in polarization of electronegative atoms of H, C, N, O and P. These may be simultaneously arranged around a whirling cationic strands and form phosphate groups, ribose and nitrogen bases equipped with H2 and H3 rotors. It is hypothesized that such hydrogen rotors may operate as generators of electrons, which may be detached from valence shells of electropositive atoms. Then, electrons may flow via nitrogen bases and deoxyribose or ribose to phosphate groups. Next, the negatively charged edges of phosphate groups may attract cationic hydrates and energize their rotational motion in the grooves, then causing also its spiraling projection outward. That may be responsible for replication of nucleotides and its arrangement along the cationic flow into RNA or DNA polymers, in the same manner as originally produced by rising bubbles. Moreover, it points that hydrogen rotors may generate energy needed for viability as well as interact with all physical and chemical fields.
Seychelles, a vulnerable or resilient SIDS? A local perspective.

This article analyses perceptions of residents of the Seychelles in the western Indian Ocean in relation to a long-running debate over small island developing states (SIDS) as to whether they are vulnerable or resilient. The results of data obtained from 25 key informant interviews and 70 household surveys conducted in 2013 showed that respondents perceived their country to be both vulnerable and resilient. Moreover, the data revealed that the relationship between vulnerability and resilience was complex, and that five interpretations of that relationship were evident: conflict, compromise, complementarity, symbiosis and transformation. Also, the conceptual distance between the two terms – vulnerability and resilience – was shown to be closer than may be commonly assumed. Finally, the paper questions whether the debate over vulnerability versus resilience is rightly confined to SIDS or could be equally applied to other states.
Ketogenic effects of medium chain triglycerides containing formula and its correlation to breath acetone in healthy volunteers: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, single dose-response study

The efficacy of low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets, such as ketogenic diets, for cancer patients is of research interest. We previously demonstrated the efficacy of the ketogenic diet in a case study in which medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) or MCT-containing formula (ketogenic formula) was used as a supplement to increase blood ketone bodies. However, little is known about the amounts needed to induce ketogenic effects and about the usefulness of monitoring of breath acetone. To investigate the pharmacokinetics of MCTs and their metabolites, blood ketone bodies and breath acetone, 24 healthy subjects received one of four single oral doses of the ketogenic formula (equivalent to 0, 10, 20, and 30 g of MCTs) under fasting conditions. Total blood ketone bodies, β-hydroxybutyrate, octanoic acid, and decanoic acid were increased in a dose-dependent manner. The ketogenic effect was considered to depend on octanoic and decanoic acids, because a positive correlation was observed between them. A strong positive correlation was also observed between total serum ketone bodies and breath acetone at each time points. Therefore, monitoring breath acetone levels seems a less invasive method to predict blood concentrations of ketone bodies during ketogenic diet therapy. Clinical trial registration:https://rctportal.niph. go.jp/en/detail? trial_id=UMIN000032634, UMIN-CTR UMIN000032634.
Niche Differentiation of Ammonia-Oxidizing Microbial Communities in Arid Land Soils

Human activity has increased loading of reactive nitrogen (N) in the environment, with important and often deleterious impacts on biodiversity, climate, and human health. Since the fate of N in the ecosystem is mainly controlled by microorganisms, understanding the factors that shape microbial communities becomes relevant and urgent. In arid land soils, these microbial communities and factors are not well understood. I aimed to study the role of N cycling microbes, such as the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), the recently discovered ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), and various fungal groups, in soils of arid lands. I also tested if niche differentiation among microbial populations is a driver of differential biogeochemical outcomes. I found that N cycling microbial communities in arid lands are structured by environmental factors to a stronger degree than what is generally observed in mesic systems. For example, in biological soil crusts, temperature selected for AOA in warmer deserts and for AOB in colder deserts. Land-use change also affects niche differentiation, with fungi being the major agents of N2O production in natural arid lands, whereas emissions could be attributed to bacteria in mesic urban lawns. By contrast, NO3- production in the native desert and managed soils was mainly controlled by autotrophic microbes (i.e., AOB and AOA) rather than by heterotrophic fungi. I could also determine that AOA surprisingly responded positively to inorganic N availability in both short (one month) and long-term (seven years) experimental manipulations in an arid land soil, while environmental N enrichment in other ecosystem types is known to favor AOB over AOA. This work improves our predictions of ecosystem response to anthropogenic N increase and shows that paradigms derived from mesic systems are not always applicable to arid lands. My dissertation also highlights the unique ecology of ammonia oxidizers and draws attention to the importance of N cycling in desert soils.