Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tephra analysis of sediments from Midge Lake (South Shetland Islands) and Sombre Lake (South Orkney Islands), Antarctica

Lake sediment cores from Midge Lake, Livingston Island, South Shetland Islands and Sombre Lake, Signy Island, South Orkney Islands were analysed for volcanic tephra using light microscopy and magnetic susceptibility. Cores were dated using published 14C and 210Pb chronologies. Electron probe microanalyses of discrete tephra glass shards were undertaken to characterise the tephra geochemically in order to identify possible source volcanoes and refine tephrochronological data for the region. Results identified five tephra horizons in a core from Midge Lake. Four of these tephra at 3–4 cm, 8–9 cm (c. 450 yr BP), 15–16 cm (c. 755 ± 105 yr BP) and 21–22 cm (c. 1340 ± 100 yr BP) consisted of sodic basaltic to basalticandesitic glasses, containing abundant labradoritic feldspar inclusions, and a single ‘acidic’ tephra was found at 2–3 cm. Seven tephra horizons were identified in the Sombre Lake core including three basaltic tephra at 3–9 cm (30 ± 4 yr BP to 125 ± 25 yr BP), 31–32 cm and 44–46 cm (1325 ± 50 14C yr BP) and four acidic tephra at 21–22 cm and 24–25 cm, 33–36 cm (c. 1021 14C yr BP) and 54–56 cm (c. 1450 14C yr BP). These are the first tephra to be identified from the South Orkney Islands. Geochemical and grain size analysis indicated that the analysed Midge Lake tephra were derived from the Quaternary Deception Island volcano. Smaller grain sizes, congruent geochemical data and prevailing wind directions also indicate this volcano as the likely source of Sombre Lake tephra. Results highlight the importance of establishing geochemical consistency between tephra deposited across wide geographical areas, during apparently synchronous time periods, if they are to be used in a regional tephrochronology.
The Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Group III-Classified Getah Virus from a Commercial Modified Live Vaccine against PRRSV

As an epizootic causative agent, the Getah virus (GETV) can cause moderate illness in horses, lethal disease in foxes, and reproductive disorders and fetal death in pigs. Due to the wide range of hosts and multiple routes of transmission, GETV has become a growing potential threat to the global livestock industry, and even to public health. More attention and research on GETV are urgently needed. In this study, we successfully isolated a novel GETV strain, named BJ0304, from a commercial live vaccine against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and determined its growth kinetics. Then, genetic and phylogenetic analyses were performed. The results revealed that BJ0304 was clustered into Group III, and it was most related to the GETV-V1 strain based on the complete genome sequence. Furthermore, the pathogenicity of the isolate was assessed and found to be a low virulent strain in mice relative to its closest homolog GETV-V1. Finally, mutation and glycosylation analysis showed that a unique mutation (171 T > I) at one amino acid of E2, which affected the glycosylation of E2, may be associated with viral pathogenicity. In summary, the general characteristic of a novel Group III-classified GETV-BJ0304 isolated from commercial live PRRSV vaccine was defined and then mutation/glycosylation-related potential virulence factor was discussed. This study highlights the complexity of GETV transmission routes in swine and the need for more surveillance on commercial animal vaccines, contributes to the understanding of genetic characterization of clinical isolates, provides possible virulence factors in favor of unveiling the viral pathogenesis, and eventually lays the foundation for the prevention and control of GETV.
The Influence of the Microbiome on Urological Malignancies: A Systematic Review

Simple Summary The human microbiome has become an increasingly important area of study in recent years, with growing evidence suggesting that it plays a critical role in numerous diseases, including those affecting the urinary tract. However, the specific role of the microbiome in malignant urologic diseases remains largely unknown. Our study aimed to synthesize current evidence regarding the relationship between the microbiome and these urologic conditions, such as prostate, bladder, kidney, penile, and testicular cancer. Our systematic review of 37 studies provides an up-to-date overview of the microbiome’s role in urologic health concerns. Using the present study as a guide, future studies have potential for microbiome-focused interventions to offer hope for presently unexplained medical conditions. Abstract The microbiome, once considered peripheral, is emerging as a relevant player in the intricate web of factors contributing to cancer development and progression. These often overlooked microorganisms, in the context of urological malignancies, have been investigated primarily focusing on the gut microbiome, while exploration of urogenital microorganisms remains limited. Considering this, our systematic review delves into the complex role of these understudied actors in various neoplastic conditions, including prostate, bladder, kidney, penile, and testicular cancers. Our analysis found a total of 37 studies (prostate cancer 12, bladder cancer 20, kidney cancer 4, penile/testicular cancer 1), revealing distinct associations specific to each condition and hinting at potential therapeutic avenues and future biomarker discoveries. It becomes evident that further research is imperative to unravel the complexities of this domain and provide a more comprehensive understanding.
Stable isotopic variations in west China: A consideration of moisture sources

[1] In this study, individual precipitation samples, collected over 2 years at stations in different climatic regions of west China (Tibetan Plateau region, Tianshan region, and Altay) were analyzed for the stable isotopes of precipitation to improve our understanding of how vapor transport impacts the modern stable isotopic distribution. Our results identify regional patterns in both δ18O and deuterium excess (D excess, defined as δD – 8δ18O), and in particular we have identified the northward maximum extent of the southwest monsoon over the Tibetan Plateau. This demarcation is also the boundary for the fractionation effect of temperature on stable isotopes in precipitation. The patterns we have identified are as follows: (1) In the southern Tibetan Plateau, along the southern slope of the Himalayas, our results show a distinct seasonality for both δ18O and D excess as a result of the shift of summer monsoon moisture and winter westerly moisture transport. The signals of δ18O in the western Tibetan Plateau reveal that the region receives southwest monsoonal moisture. In the east of the plateau, stable isotopic variation shows alternation between monsoon intrusion and recycling of northern moisture. (2) In contrast, in Tianshan there is an apparent “temperature effect” in δ18O, with enriched values occurring in summer and depleted values occurring in winter. Seasonal D excess values, opposite to those observed in the southern Tibetan Plateau, are controlled by differing seasonal evaporation conditions. (3) In Altay, the most northern mountain region, the seasonal δ18O shows the same variation with that in Tianshan region. However, D excess shows no apparent seasonal variation.
Hydrology and water quality across gradients of agricultural intensity in the Little River watershed area, New Brunswick, Canada

Impacts of suspended sediment and agrochemicals on water quality comprise one of the dominant environmental concerns affecting the agricultural sector today. Three subwatersheds within the Little River watershed (New Brunswick, Canada) were instrumented to continuously monitor discharge and sample water for suspended sediment and agrochemical analysis with the objective of determining the impacts of different agriculture and forestry intensities on water yield and quality on a long-term basis. The subwatersheds included (1) Black Brook watershed (BBW), a predominantly agricultural (65%) watershed with potato as the major crop; (2) Little River watershed (LRW), a combination of forest (77%) and agricultural (16%) land uses; and (3) Upper Little River watershed (ULRW), a forest- and wetland-dominated watershed (94%). Data from 2003 to 2007 showed that average water yields were 0.588, 0.849, and 0.901 million m3 km−2 y−1 (53.78, 77.65, and 82.41 million ft3 mi−2 yr−1) for the BBW, LRW, and ULRW, respectively, indicating that water yield decreased with increasing agricultural intensity. Average suspended sediment yield in the receiving water decreased from high agricultural intensity to low agricultural intensity, with values of 181.60, 121.60, and 57.00 Mg km−2 y−1 (470.34, 314.94, and 147.63 tn mi−2 yr−1) for the BBW, LRW, and ULRW, respectively, as did flow-weighted sediment concentration (0.33, 0.13, and 0.06 mg L−1 for the BBW, LRW, and ULRW, respectively). Average flow-weighted nitrate-nitrogen concentration in the water of the BBW was 4.39 mg L−1 compared to 1.24 mg L−1 in the LRW and 0.45 mg L−1 in the ULRW; ortho-phosphorus in the BBW was 56.43 μg L−1 compared to 24.29 μg L−1 in the LRW and 19.56 μg L−1 in the ULRW. Major ions such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium followed similar trends to those observed for suspended sediments and dissolved nutrients across the watersheds. Water pH showed little variation among watersheds, but water conductivity and water temperature were highly related to the intensity of agriculture. While the differences across the watersheds were generally consistent, differences among years were variable-dependent. Except for the ortho-phosphorus load, chemical loads of nitrogen, potassium, calcium, and magnesium were closely related to annual precipitation, but chemical concentrations did not show much correlation with either rainfall amount or erosivity. The robust time-series data available for this study enabled meaningful assessment of agricultural impacts at a landscape scale.
Sensitivity of the total anthropogenic aerosol effect to the treatment of rain in a global climate model

This study investigates the sensitivity of the total anthropogenic aerosol effect to the treatment of rain within the global climate model (GCM) ECHAM5. A comparison between a prognostic (rain is stored within the atmosphere) and a diagnostic rain scheme (rain is precipitated out within one model time step) is conducted. Furthermore, the shape of the rain drop distribution within the prognostic rain scheme is varied. The prognostic rain scheme shifts the emphasis of the rain production process from autoconversion to accretion in better agreement with observations. Since the parameterization of the accretion process is independent of the cloud droplet number concentration, the total anthropogenic aerosol effect decreased by 0.5 to 0.9 Wm−2. Varying the rain drop distribution has a smaller influence on the total anthropogenic aerosol effect, changing it by 0.2 to 0.3 Wm−2.
A Cross-sectional Study on Urinary Incontinence and Associated Factors among 
Elderly Females in a Rural area of Singur, West Bengal

Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a chronic debilitating disease affecting a significant proportion of elderly women. However, due to its social and hygienic issues, it often remains underreported in rural areas of India. It has the potential to significantly impact an individual's quality of life, thus highlighting its public health importance. Objective: To find out proportion of rural women having UI and its associated risk factors. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural area of Singur among 120 elderly women aged ≥60 years selected by cluster sampling technique. A pre-designed questionnaire was utilized for data collection which included QUID questionnaire for assessing UI. Data were analysed with SPSS version 16.0. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis was applied to find out any association between variables. Results: Around 42(35%) out of 120 women were found having UI among which the most prevalent type of UI was stress UI 22(18.3%), followed by mixed UI 13(10.8%) and urge UI 7(5.8%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed hypertension (AOR = 2.15, 95%CI=1.13–4.75), chronic cough (AOR= 4.50, 95%CI=1.24–16.30), constipation (AOR= 8.58, 95%CI=2.06–35.65), physical activity (AOR= 4.35, 95% CI=1.30–15.35), mental stress (AOR= 8.50, 95% CI=2.07–35.60)were factors significantly associated with presence of UI among the study participants. Only 25(59.5%) had sought healthcare for their issues. Conclusion: This study revealed that a significant proportion of rural older women are suffering from UI. Proper medical management of the risk factors associated with UI will help to decrease the burden of UI and improve health status of rural elderly women.
Recent Data Characterizing the Prevalence and Resistance Patterns of FimH-producing Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Isolated from Patients with Urinary Tract Infections in North Lebanon

Background: The adhesin gene (FimH) of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) plays a critical role in mediating the first contact of UPEC bacterial strains with uroepithelial cells, leading to colonization and invasion of host cells. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FimH in UPEC strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in North Lebanon and characterize the resistance profile of UPEC isolates. Methods: A total of 881 urine samples were collected from UTI-symptomatic patients admitted to different hospitals and laboratories in North Lebanon. Seventy UPEC isolates were identified and transferred to the Biomedical Laboratory of Beirut Arab University (BAU) for further analysis. All UPEC isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing, phenotypic assays for ESBL detection, and PCR to detect the FimH gene. Results: The prevalence of UTIs reached 42% (370/881), with UPEC representing 19% (70/370) of the detected uropathogens. The highest and the lowest resistance among UPEC isolates were reported against Ampicillin (80%; 56/70) and carbapenem (0%; 0/70), respectively. A high prevalence of MDR (68%; 48/70) and ESBL (64%; 45/70) was reported. Molecular analysis revealed that most of the tested UPEC (98.6%; 69/70) harbored the FimH gene. A significant correlation was found between FimH expression and the antimicrobial resistance properties of UPEC (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study highlighted the high prevalence of the FimH adhesin gene among UPEC isolates, revealing its crucial role in enhancing the resistance of these bacteria to antimicrobial agents.
Hydrogeomorphic linkages of sediment transport in headwater streams, Maybeso Experimental Forest, southeast Alaska

Hydrogemorphic linkages related to sediment transport in headwater streams following basin wide clear‐cut logging on Prince of Wales Island, southeast Alaska, were investigated. Landslides and debris flows transported sediment and woody debris in headwater tributaries in 1961, 1979, and 1993. Widespread landsliding in 1961 and 1993 was triggered by rainstorms with recurrence intervals (24 h precipitation) of 7·0 years and 4·2 years respectively. Occurrence, distribution, and downstream effects of these mass movements were controlled by landform characteristics such as channel gradient and valley configuration. Landslides and channelized debris flows created exposed bedrock reaches, log jams, fans, and abandoned channels. The terminus of the deposits did not enter main channels because debris flows spread and thinned on the unconfined bottom of the U‐shaped glaciated valley. Chronic sediment input to channels included surface erosion of exposed till (rain splash, sheet erosion, and freeze–thaw action) and bank failures. Bedload sediment transport in a channel impacted by 1993 landslides and debris flows was two to ten times greater and relatively finer compared with bedload transport in a young alder riparian channel that had last experienced a landslide and debris flow in 1961. Sediment transport and storage were influenced by regeneration of riparian vegetation, storage behind recruited woody debris, development of a streambed armour layer, and the decoupling of hillslopes and channels. Both spatial and temporal variations of sediment movement and riparian condition are important factors in understanding material transport within headwaters and through channel networks. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of thermokarst lakes during the holocene at sites near Mayo, Yukon territory

The origin and growth of numerous thermokarst lakes near Mayo, central Yukon, has been examined, using ground surveys, aerial photographs and dendrochronology. Many of the lakes are currently expanding, at rates of axial increment up to 1.2 m/yr. Three lakes, whose axes are currently enlarging at about 1.0 m/yr, were studied in particular detail: tree-ring analysis indicates that these lakes formed by the middle to the late part of the last century. The talik profile was determined beneath one lake, and is consistent with the Stefan solution for thawing of ice-rich soil with such an initiation date and rate of expansion. Organic-rich horizons containing logs, vegetative detritus and fresh-water ostracods have been exposed in two retrogressive thaw slumps near the lakes. These horizons have been interpreted as the bottoms of former thermokarst lakes. Radiocarbon dates of approximately 8500 BP, 3900 BP and 2300 BP have been obtained, indicating several periods of thermokarst activity during the Holocene. The results suggest that thermokarst lake development is not solely associated with changing climatic conditions in this region, since the current lakes and those that formed around 2300 BP do not appear to be directly linked to climatic warming. It is suggested that the most recent initiation of thermokarst activity is related to the effects of forest fires.
Regional stratigraphic architecture and reservoir types of the Oligo-Miocene deposits in the Dezful Embayment (Asmari and Pabdeh Formations) SW Iran

Abstract A regional sequence stratigraphic model is proposed for the Oligo-Miocene Asmari and Pabdeh Formations in the Dezful Embayment of SW Iran. The model is based on both new detailed sedimentological observations in outcrops, core and well logs, and an improved high-resolution chronostratigraphic framework constrained by Sr isotope stratigraphy and biostratigraphy. A better understanding of the stratigraphic architecture distinguishes four, geographically separated types of Asmari reservoirs. Three Oligocene sequences (of Rupelian, early Chattian and late Chattian age) and three Miocene sequences (of early Aquitanian, late Aquitanian and early Burdigalian age) have been distinguished, representing a period of 15.4 Ma. The stratigraphic architecture of these sequences is primarily controlled by glacio-eustatic sea-level fluctuations, which determined the distribution of carbonates, sandstones and anhydrites in this sedimentary system. Tectonic control became important in the Burdigalian with a regional tilt down towards the NE. The lithological heterogeneity, the complex geometries, and both early and late diagenetic alterations are the basis for a classification of four main stratigraphic reference types for the Asmari Reservoirs: Type 1, sandstone dominated; Type 2, mixed carbonate-siliciclastic; Type 3, mixed carbonate-anhydrite; and Type 4, carbonate dominated. The sequence stratigraphic model predicts how and when these types change laterally from one to another.
Soil Topochronosequences at Storbreen, Jotunheimen, Norway

The rate at which an undifferentiated pile of geologic materials becomes organized into a soil is unknown in most environments. To this end, we examined soil development and chemical weathering trends on four dated Holocene moraines and on adjacent 9000-yr-old sites at Storbreen gladal foreland in Norway. Our objective was to determine the influence of land surface age, elevation, and landscape position on soil properties in this alpine environment. Sampling sites on moraine crests and bases ranged in elevation from 1165 to 1465 m and in age from 70 to 250 yr old. The soils were mostly frigid or isofrigid, coarse textured, and poorly developed Cryorthents. However, there were differences between same-age soils at different elevations, same-elevation soils of differing ages, and soils from adjacent moraine crest-base pairs. Older and higher elevation soils tended to have more silt and clay, possibly due to eolian additions, Extractable Al and Fe, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic C, and C/N ratio tended to increase with time, while pH, base saturation, and most extractable elements generally decreased with time. Extractable Mg, Al, Fe, K, P, and Cu tended to increase with elevation. Soils at moraine base locations were cooler and had more organic C than adjacent moraine crest soils. The rate of organic N accumulation initially is rapid, but diminished with time from 0.120 to 0.001 g cm -2 yr -1 on the 70- and 9000-yr-old surfaces, respectively. Organic C accumulation rates were greatest on the 250-yr-old surface, 031 g cm -2 yr -1 , and slowest on the 9000-yr-old surface, 0.02 g cm -2 yr -1 . Rates of organic C and N accumulation both increased with elevation. Primary minerals, quartz, mica, feldspar, and amphibole dominated soil mineralogy. Secondary minerals, in particular hydrobiotite, increased with age and elevation, thus revealing weathering trends. Despite generally poor soil development, we found detectable topochronosequence differences in soils and weathering in this young, cold environment.
SHRIMP U-Pb dating of the preeruption growth history of zircons from the 340 ka Whakamaru Ignimbrite, New Zealand: Evidence for >250 k.y. magma residence times

The Whakamaru group ignimbrites are products of one of the largest caldera-forming eruptions from the central Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand, ca. 340 ka. Imaging of zircons separated from low-silica rhyolite pumice from Whakamaru group ignimbrite reveals a complex magmatic crystallization history; some grains contain resorbed cores. Cores and rims of individual zircons were dated using the sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe. Due to the high U contents of the zircons, 206 Pb count rates were sufficiently high to obtain 206 Pb/ 238 U ages with precisions of 5%–10% (1 σS) using longer than usual 206 Pb + count times, and this has allowed zircon core and rim ages to be distinguished. Zircon rim and outer growth zone ages range from within 1 σS error of the eruption age to 449 ± 20 ka, whereas zircon cores produced ages to 608 ± 20 ka, indicating magmatic residence times exceeding 250 k.y. for some zircons. The data are consistent with a prolonged evolution of the magma system over hundreds of thousands of years, involving magma replenishment and mixing with residual phases of older silicic magma chambers, in addition to crystal fractionation processes, prior to eruption. The study has shown that 206 Pb/ 238 U dating using high-resolution ion microprobe can be used to determine zircon preeruptive growth histories in Quaternary lavas and pyroclastic rocks.