Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the impact of soil redistribution on the in situ mineralization of soil organic carbon

Soil erosion, transport and deposition by water drastically affect the distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) within a landscape. Moreover, soil redistribution may have a large impact on the exchange of carbon (C) between the pedosphere and the atmosphere. One of the large information gaps within this research domain, concerns the fate of SOC after erosion by water. According to different (mainly laboratory) studies, soil redistribution leads to aggregate breakdown, thereby exposing the contained SOC to mineralization.
Role of Free Silicon, Aluminum, and Iron in Fragipan Formation

Fragipans form by various physical and chemical processes. The objective of this study was to elucidate the role of free Si, Al, and Fe in weak cementation of fragipan soils. We studied a toposequence of soils in which natural drainage ranged from poor to good on a dissected pre-Wisconsinan plain covered with loess in southern Indiana. Soils were sampled in 10 to 15 cm layers. In the laboratory, strength was determined by a rupture test on disturbed samples, and Si, At, and Fe were determined on citrate-bicarbonate-dithionite (CBD) extracts (with d subscripts). Strength reached a profile maximum in the fragipan. With molar Si d /(Si d + Al d ) ratio of ≤0.5 there was no correlation between this ratio and strength, but in horizons in which the ratio was >0.5, mainly in fragipans, the correlation was strong. Strength was also correlated with exchangeable Mg. In fragipans the molar Al d /(Al d + Fe d ) ratio was 0.20, and above the fragipan the ratio was greater. We propose that in the fragipan most of the Al d is derived from At substituted for Fe in Fe oxides, but in horizons above the fragipan there is more At than the Fe oxides can accommodate. The extra Ald combines with free Si in these horizons to form aluminosilicates. In the fragipan, however, most free At is tied up in the Fe oxides and cannot react with Si, so the free Si that is translocated from upper horizons bonds to clay minerals, and especially to Fe oxides, to cause cementation.
The Sapienza University of Rome network of automated external defibrillators: a prototype webMap developed to speed access to community defibrillators and increase survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

OBJECTIVE In Italy, only around 10% of people who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survive. A large portion of OHCA events in public settings are characterized by an initial shockable rhythm, which requires prompt defibrillation. We aimed to create a system to quickly locate nearby public access automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on the campus of Sapienza University of Rome, the largest public university in Europe. MATERIALS AND METHODS We developed the AED webMap through a 6-step process involving the: 1) collection of information and geographical coordinates for each AED from the university management system; 2) development of a new geolocation database; 3) integration of information contained in the new database with data provided by university departments; 4) geolocation of AEDs in the Google MyMaps environment; 5) graphic representation of all AEDs on digital map templates using specific symbols, with pop-ups containing additional information for each AED; and 6) publication of the webMap on the university website. RESULTS The AED webMap was published on the university website (https://www.uniroma1.it/it/pagina/defibrillatori-sapienza-in-rete) and facilitates prompt identification of nearby AEDs by providing: 1) detailed AED geolocalization with interactive pop-up information for each AED, including whether the AED is located internally or externally; 2) the option to use different base maps (e.g., digital street map); 3) calculation and display of the route to reach the chosen AED; and 4) the possibility to migrate towards multiple platforms. CONCLUSIONS The webMap can help bystanders quickly identify, locate, and reach nearby AEDs present on the campus of the largest public university in Europe, a measure that could help speed defibrillation and maximize the life-saving potential of AEDs in the event of OHCA.
MINRbase: a comprehensive database of nuclear- and mitochondrial-ribosomal-RNA-derived fragments (rRFs)

Abstract We describe the Mitochondrial and Nuclear rRNA fragment database (MINRbase), a knowledge repository aimed at facilitating the study of ribosomal RNA-derived fragments (rRFs). MINRbase provides interactive access to the profiles of 130 238 expressed rRFs arising from the four human nuclear rRNAs (18S, 5.8S, 28S, 5S), two mitochondrial rRNAs (12S, 16S) or four spacers of 45S pre-rRNA. We compiled these profiles by analyzing 11 632 datasets, including the GEUVADIS and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) repositories. MINRbase offers a user-friendly interface that lets researchers issue complex queries based on one or more criteria, such as parental rRNA identity, nucleotide sequence, rRF minimum abundance and metadata keywords (e.g. tissue type, disease). A ‘summary’ page for each rRF provides a granular breakdown of its expression by tissue type, disease, sex, ancestry and other variables; it also allows users to create publication-ready plots at the click of a button. MINRbase has already allowed us to generate support for three novel observations: the internal spacers of 45S are prolific producers of abundant rRFs; many abundant rRFs straddle the known boundaries of rRNAs; rRF production is regimented and depends on ‘personal attributes’ (sex, ancestry) and ‘context’ (tissue type, tissue state, disease). MINRbase is available at https://cm.jefferson. edu/MINRbase/.
Magnetostratigraphy of the Miocene Corque Basin, Bolivia: Implications for the geodynamic evolution of the Altiplano during the Late Tertiary

A magnetostratigraphic study of a thick Miocene continental red bed sequence (Totora Formation) located in the north central Altiplano (the Corque syncline) yielded quantitative determinations of the sedimentation rate and better constraints of the timing of the deformation within the Altiplano. Paleomagnetic results obtained in 653 samples from a composite 4.5 km thick red bed sequence across the Corque syncline indicate that most of the Totora sequence was deposited in the middle Miocene from 14 to 9 Ma with high sedimentation rates up to 970 m/Myr from 12 to 9 Ma. The high rate of infill of the Corque basin demonstrates active subsidence of the northern Altiplano during the middle Miocene. Deformation ceased in the northern Altiplano domain only at the end of the Miocene. Two major tuff beds within the sequence have been previously dated by 39 Ar/ 40 Ar of sanidine minerals [Marshall et al., 1992]. The excellent agreement between the magnetostratigraphic dating of the tuffs and the radiometric dating independently supports the age calibration of the geomagnetic reference timescale proposed by Cande and Kent [1995]. The numerous paleomagnetic results obtained in middle Miocene sediments within the Corque syncline, a structure which can be traced for more than 100 km along its axis, demonstrate that the Corque syncline rotated counterclockwise by 10.8°±2.9° since 9 Ma as a consequence of the internal deformation of the Altiplano. Inclination flattening of 17° is recorded in these red bed sediments. This result provides additional evidence that detrital magnetizations, especially in red beds, should be taken with caution when estimating paleolatitudes or long-term variations of the geomagnetic field.
Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilisers on Maize and Traditional Vegetable Yields in Kisii Highlands

ABSTRACT One of the major problems facing resource-poor small-scale farmers producing maize and traditional vegetables in Kenya is a decline in soil fertility. During participatory rural appraisal (PRA) exercises undertaken in Bogetaorio village, Nyamira District, Kenya, farmers attributed low yields of maize and traditional vegetables to declining soil fertility as a result of continuous cropping, burning of crop residues and soil erosion. The PRA further showed that farmers in the region applied low quantities of organic and inorganic fertilisers because of their high costs. A study was therefore started during the Short Rains of 1995 to address the problem of low crop production by improving soil fertility. The objectives of this study were to determine: 1) the effect of both organic and inorganic fertilisers on yield of maize and traditional vegetables and 2) low cost fertilisers for recommendation to farmers in the study area. The treatments varied according to test crops and included varying rates of farm yard manure (FYM) combined with inorganic fertiliser. Application of organic/inorganic fertiliser treatment combinations significntly increased soil nutrient status over the experimental period. The level of soil P, Ca, and K increased by over 70%. The fertiliser treatment combinations generally gave similar yields to the recommended rate of inorganic P and N fertilisers and gave higher yields than FYM/compost treatments alone. In 1998, the combination treatments of 10 t/ha compost + 15 kg P2O5/ha + 15 kg N/hagave a maize yield of 7.8 t/ha, which was significantly higher (P<0.05) than yields from the other treatments and was within the range of potential maize yield (7.2–9.0 t/ha) in the region. The fertiliser treatment combinations also increased yield of traditional vegetables significantly (P=0.05) compared to FYM applied alone. Thus, a combination of organic and reduced rates of inorganic fertilisers may be a promising low cost option to the use of the recommended rate of inorganic fertiliser for maize and vegetable production.
Evaluations of patient-specific bolus fabricated by mold-and-cast method using computer numerical control machine tools

Abstract The patient-specific bolus fabricated by a mold-and-cast method using a 3D printer (3DP) and silicon rubber has been adopted in clinical practices. Manufacturing a mold using 3DP, however, can cause time delays due to failures during the 3D printing process. Thereby, we investigated an alternative method of the mold fabrication using computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools. Treatment plans were conducted concerning a keloid scar formed on the ear and nose. The bolus structures were determined in a treatment planning system (TPS), and the molds were fabricated using the same structure file but with 3DP and CNC independently. Boluses were then manufactured using each mold with silicone rubbers. We compared the geometrical difference between the boluses and the planned structure using computed tomography (CT) images of the boluses. In addition, dosimetric differences between the two measurements using each bolus and the differences between the measured and calculated dose from TPS were evaluated using an anthropomorphic head phantom. Geometrically, the CT images of the boluses fabricated by the 3DP mold and the CNC mold showed differences compared to the planned structure within 2.6 mm of Hausdorff distance. The relative dose difference between the measurements using either bolus was within 2.3%. In conclusion, the bolus made by the CNC mold benefits from a stable fabricating process, retaining the performance of the bolus made by the 3DP mold.
Health Status of Spring Barley Grown on Alfisol as Affected by Catch Crop

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of field pea grown as a catch crop and used for green manure on the health of spring barley grown in cereal crop rotation. Study Design:The experiment was carried out in the randomized block design with four replications. Place and Duration of Study:A field experiment was carried out in the years 2008-2011 at Mochelek (17∫51 2E; 53∫13 2N), the Experiment Station of the University of Technology and Life Sciences in Bydgoszcz, Poland. Methodology: The experimental factor was made up by the manner and the time of the catch crop biomass incorporation into the soil: the catch crop plowed -in in autumn; catch crop left as mulch for winter and incorporated in spring; control. The evaluation of the health of roots, stem base and spikes was complemented by mycological analysis. Results:Catch crop has anambiguous effect on the health of barley. Averaged over the three years it significantly decreased the stem infection with
Details of the Doublet Moho Structure beneath Lhasa, Tibet, Obtained by Comparison of P and S Receiver Functions

The collision of the Indian and Asian plates since about 55 Ma has created the largest plateau with the thickest crust on Earth. There is, however, no general agreement on the modes of the crustal thickening. The crustal thickness of the Tibetan plateau still remains poorly determined. It is generally accepted that the Tibetan crust has roughly double normal thickness and that it thins somewhat toward the north, but individual observations of Moho depth vary spatially and for different techniques at the same place by greater than 20 km. In this work we compare P and S receiver functions at station LSA, located in the southern Lhasa terrane, to determine the crustal thickness beneath the station. A doublet Moho structure with two significant interfaces at about 60 and 80 km depth in the lower crust is seen clearly in the P receiver functions. The deeper phase (Moho) is, however, absent in the S receiver function data. Here we model the observed P and S receiver functions by a strong Moho topography that dips to the east at an angle of 30°. This result may indicate that the Moho structure beneath Tibet can be very complicated and has strong lateral variations and suggests that a detailed map of Moho depth is only possible with 2D dense seismic experiments. The Moho dips locally perpendicular to the direction of the Indian plate motion, suggesting that the lower crustal deformation is decoupled from the underlying Indian mantle lithosphere. The extremely strong Moho variation beneath and east of station LSA may also imply a crust-mantle interaction, specifically delamination or foundering of lower crust down to the upper mantle.
Interpretation of data from the monitoring thermal camera of Stromboli volcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy)

Abstract Twenty eruptive events from the Northeast Crater of Stromboli volcano recorded by a thermal monitoring camera in early 2004 were analysed in order to understand the eruptive dynamics. Selected events were chosen to be typical of explosions that characterize the steady activity of Stromboli in terms of jet height and duration. Most of the explosions consisted of clast-rich single bursts, originating from the same vent inside the Northeast Crater. Conspicuous ash emission was scarce. Eruptions were preceded by the flashing of a perturbation wave characterized by low temperatures and an average propagation velocity of about 35–100 m s−1. This perturbation was thought to be caused by the bursting of the gas slug at the bottom of the crater and is interpreted as an air wave. This was immediately followed by the expansion of a jet of ‘hot’ gas and particles, at a velocity of 35–75 m s−1. Ejecta coarser than 138 cm appeared ~1.6–2 s after the onset of the explosion, moving at a variable velocity (30–60 m s−1). Eruptive events were either vertical or inclined 7–13° towards the NNW. This inclination is thought to be a consequence either of the morphology of the conduit, following modest rock falls that partially obstructed the uppermost part of the crater, or of the displacement of the internal conduit due to the explosive activity of the volcano. The instability of the summit area is a further possible cause of the deformation of the conduit.
The interplay between event and background sedimentation and the origin of fossil-rich carbonate concretions: a case study in Permian rocks of the Paraná Basin, Brazil

The Permian Serra Alta Formation was generated under transgressive conditions within a large, calm epeiric sea. A monotonous succession of ‘barren’, massive mudstones deposited under oxygen-deficient conditions (mainly below storm wave base) is the main lithofacies of this unit. Fossils are generally rare and diluted in the matrix, but certain intervals contain shell-rich concentrations with well-preserved, closed articulated bivalves, mixed with shells and comminuted debris with variable quality of preservation, all encased in carbonate concretions. Two main scenarios may account for the origin of these bivalve-rich concretions (i.e. unique events in sea-water chemistry or unique burial-starvation couplets). Sedimentological and taphonomic information indicates that the final deposition of the original shell-rich mudstone intervals was probably tied to episodic influx of fine-grained sediments in distal settings. Moderate bioturbation is also recorded suggesting low rates of sedimentation prior to early diagenesis. Hence, the fossil concentrations in concretions were formed due to the interplay of event and background sedimentation. These are internally simple concentrations with complex depositional histories. The concretion-bearing beds are not randomly distributed in the Serra Alta Formation. Rather, they are found in the sparsely fossiliferous offshore deposits of the basal to intermediate portions of the unit. Thus, the concretionary mudstone beds and associated deposits are preserved in particular intervals and can be tracked for kilometres. This indicates that the conditions essential for concretion development existed only at particular stratigraphical intervals. Finally, our study strongly corroborates the idea that concretions are critical sources of sedimentological, taphonomic and stratigraphical information.
Occurrence and Prediction of Flare After Tapering of Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis

Objective Patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in clinical remission tapered tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) therapy according to a clinical guideline. Over a 2-year follow-up period, we aimed to investigate flare frequency, dose at which flare occurred, type of flare, and predictors thereof. Methods Patients in clinical remission (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index [BASDAI] < 40, physician global score < 40, and without disease activity the previous year) tapered TNFi to two-thirds the standard dose at baseline, half at week 16, one-third at week 32, and discontinued at week 48. Flares were defined as BASDAI flare (BASDAI ≥ 40 and change ≥ 20 since inclusion), and/or clinical flare (development of inflammatory back pain, musculoskeletal or extraarticular manifestations, and/or Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score [ASDAS] ≥ 0.9), and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) flare (≥ 2 new or worsened inflammatory lesions). Results Of 108 patients, 106 (99%) flared before 2-year follow-up: 29 patients (27%) at two-thirds standard dose, 21 (20%) at half dose, 29 (27%) at one-third dose, and 27 (25%) after discontinuation. Regarding type of flare, 105 (99%) had clinical flares, 25 (24%) had BASDAI flares, and 23 (29% of patients with MRI at flare available) had MRI flares. Forty-one patients (41%) fulfilled the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) definition of clinically important worsening (≥ 0.9 increase since baseline). Higher baseline physician global score was an independent predictor of flare after tapering to two-thirds (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.04-1.41, P = 0.01). Changes in clinical and/or imaging variables in the 16 weeks prior to tapering did not predict flare. Conclusion Almost all (99%) patients with axSpA in clinical remission experienced flare during tapering to discontinuation, but in over half of these patients, flare did not occur before receiving one-third dose or less. Higher physician global score was an independent predictor of flare.
Evaluation of plateletcrit level from platelet indices as a prognostic marker in COVID-19 patients.

OBJECTIVE COVID-19 disease bears similarities to a wide range of diseases, from simple flu infections to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this study, we aimed to elucidate the plateletcrit levels in patients with and without mortality who had been admitted to the intensive care unit because of pneumonia associated with SARS-CoV-2. PATIENTS AND METHODS In total, 434 patients were evaluated in this retrospective analysis. Their demographic data, comorbid diseases, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, platelet, lymphocyte, white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts; mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), plateletcrit (PCT), hemoglobin and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratios (NLRs) were obtained from the hospital's electronic database on the days of the patients' intensive care unit admissions. Afterwards, their PLR, PNR, and MPV/PLT ratios were calculated. RESULTS APACHE II score, length of hospital stay, WBC count, PCT, PLR, NLR, and CRP levels affected mortality. Increases in hospital stay duration, APACHE II score, platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and CRP, as well as decreases in PCT percentage, were associated with mortality. ROC curve analysis was performed to determine the success of PCT, PLR, and NLR in predicting mortality in COVID-19 patients and to determine cut-off values for mortality. It was determined that PCT, PLR, and NLR could correctly classify patients at rates of 58.9%, 59.2%, and 66.8% (moderate), respectively. The risk of mortality was higher in patients with PCT values of 0.188 or less, PLR values greater than 293.46, and NLR values greater than 9.49. CONCLUSIONS In the COVID-19 patients evaluated in this study, plateletcrit indices could be utilized to predict mortality.