Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous travel time inversion for earthquake location and subduction zone structure in the Central Aleutian Islands

A combined location and velocity inversion technique is applied to travel time data from 151 well-recorded central Aleutian earthquakes. The data include P and S wave arrivals at stations of a local network and P, pP, and sP wave arrivals at teleseismic stations. After correction for crustal structure at the reflection points, the depth phases pP and sP provide important constraints on subduction zone structure not ordinarily resolved by other types of data. The structure is assumed to vary only across the arc and in depth; it is parameterized with cubic splines by specifying the velocity at each point of a gridded arc cross section. To avoid ray tracing, it is assumed that the velocity part of the problem is linear. Preliminary results show that deep earthquakes apparently occur within a narrow downdip zone near the upper surface of the descending slab, in contrast with previous studies which have located them within the presumably stronger and colder inner core of the slab. A slab thickness of 80–100 km and a downdip length of about 400 km, well below the deepest seismic activity, are indicated. The slab is characterized by seismic velocities as much as 11% higher than the surrounding mantle in its upper portions and 4–6% higher at depth. A sharp velocity gradient and lower velocities occur directly beneath the volcanic arc near the top of the slab. The slab anomaly appears to spread out and fall off very slowly with depth; these are probably not real effects but consequences of the omission of three-dimensional ray tracing.
Deviation from Red Queen behaviour at stratigraphic boundaries: evidence for directional recovery

Abstract Boundary-defining events influence the evolutionary behaviour of post-extinction survivors. The Cox proportional hazards model takes into account the varying background extinction rates characteristic of boundaries and enables survivorship analysis of post-boundary behaviour. Survivorship results from the Middle Cretaceous to recent planktonic foraminifera reveal two intriguing observations. First, they indicate significantly age-dependent extinction probabilities in populations of species following two boundaries: Cenomanian-Turonian (C-T) and Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T); the survivors are short lived and show rapid turnover. Characteristics that might mediate this macroevolutionary behaviour are clearly distinct from those that precede the extinction. We hypothesize that the rapid taxonomic turnover during post-extinction macroevolutionary recovery is driven by the lingering expression of ‘passport’ characteristics, where the primary adaptive value was during the preceding extinction. Second, age-dependency of extinction oscillates through time. Many survivorship curves averaging long-term data have exponential or near-exponential form: suggesting a lack of age-dependence consistent with the Red Queen hypothesis. The boundary events discussed here, analysed in higher-resolution 15 Ma subsets, demonstrate perturbation of some post-extinction populations toward positive age-dependence, and are followed by long intervals suggestive of recovery. Red Queen behaviour, when measured over very long time-spans, appears to be the time-averaged result of these boundary-generated oscillations between short-term positive age-dependence and longer-term return to nearly age-independent Red Queen behaviour.
Numerical Modeling of Irregular Water Wave Transformation

Propagation of irregular water wave from deep water to a shoreline has been numerically modeled. Linear and irregular waves are considered. Model equations govern effects of shoaling, refraction, and diffraction over a varying bathymetry. The model requires the input of the incoming directional random sea at the offshore boundary. Statistical energy dissipation model is incorporated to predict realistically energy losses due to wave breaking in surf zone. Unlike most of the previous models, this model can predict wave transformation in surf zone where energy dissipation and bottom friction must be taken into consideration. The model does not have the limitation of parabolic approximation models (PAM) that are valid only in case of weak refraction. Finite difference approximations have been used to solve the governing equation. The model results are compared with experimental data for directional random wave propagation over a submerged shoal. Good agreements between the model results and experimental data are shown. Applicability of the model to real coastal areas is shown by application to coastal areas along the Nile Delta Coast, Egypt.
A Thermodynamic, kinematic and microphysical analysis of a jet and gigantic jet‐producing Florida thunderstorm

This paper presents a meteorological analysis of a storm that produced two jets, four gigantic jets (GJ), and a starter, which were observed by two radars as well as the Kennedy Space Center 4‐Dimensional Lightning Surveillance System on 3 August 2013 in Central Florida. The work is the first application of dual polarization data to a jet‐producing storm and is the fifth case related to a tropical disturbance. The storm environment is consistent with the moist tropical paradigm that characterizes about three quarters of the surface and aircraft observed jet and GJ events. The most unstable (MU) convective available potential energy is not unusual for Florida summer convection and is below the climatological mean for these events. An unusual speed shear layer is located near the storm equilibrium level (EL) and the storm exhibits a tilted structure with CGs displaced upshear. The turbulence, as measured by the eddy dissipation rate, is extreme near the storm top during the event window, consistent with the GJ mixing hypothesis. The individual events are collocated with, and track along, the center axis of the divergent outflow at the EL and occur within the region of the coldest GOES IR temperatures—placing the events within the overshoot. The dual polarization data indicate a deep graupel column, extending above the mixed phase layer, to a 13 km altitude.
Intra-Annual Variability of Diurnal Cycle Precipitation over China from 1960-2000

Abstract Characteristics of diurnal cycle precipitation over China are investigated using twice-daily observations by the China Meteorological Administration during 1960–2000. Characteristics investigated include night-time/daytime precipitation amount (PA), intensity, and frequency. Geographically, the region is separated into western and eastern China by the 110°E longitude. Our analysis shows that there generally is more night-time than daytime precipitation in western China, particularly in the Sichuan Basin. Over eastern China, the opposite holds true, particularly along the southeast coast. Regional average monthly daytime and night-time precipitation peaks in the same month for both western and eastern China. Over western China, monthly night-time precipitation is always greater than that during daytime, but the night-time precipitation frequency (PF) is only greater in non-summer (June–August) months. Over eastern China, daytime precipitation is greater than that in the night-time during the warm season (May–August) in both amount and frequency. The night-day difference (night-time minus daytime) in PA over western China is mainly influenced by precipitation intensity, while over eastern China the night-day difference in rainfall amount is mostly driven by PF.
Multi-year effect of wetting on CH4 flux at taiga–tundra boundary in northeastern Siberia deduced from stable isotope ratios of CH4

Abstract. The response of CH4 emission from natural wetlands due to meteorological conditions is important because of its strong greenhouse effect. To understand the relationship between CH4 flux and wetting, we observed interannual variations in chamber CH4 flux, as well as the concentration, δ13C, and δD of dissolved CH4 during the summer from 2009 to 2013 at the taiga–tundra boundary in the vicinity of Chokurdakh (70∘37′ N, 147∘55′ E), located on the lowlands of the Indigirka River in northeastern Siberia. We also conducted soil incubation experiments to interpret δ13C and δD of dissolved CH4 and to investigate variations in CH4 production and oxidation processes. Methane flux showed large interannual variations in wet areas of sphagnum mosses and sedges (36–140 mg CH4 m−2 day−1 emitted). Increased CH4 emission was recorded in the summer of 2011 when a wetting event with extreme precipitation occurred. Although water level decreased from 2011 to 2013, CH4 emission remained relatively high in 2012, and increased further in 2013. Thaw depth became deeper from 2011 to 2013, which may partly explain the increase in CH4 emission. Moreover, dissolved CH4 concentration rose sharply by 1 order of magnitude from 2011 to 2012, and increased further from 2012 to 2013. Large variations in δ13C and δD of dissolved CH4 were observed in 2011, and smaller variations were seen in 2012 and 2013, suggesting both enhancement of CH4 production and less significance of CH4 oxidation relative to the larger pool of dissolved CH4. These multi-year effects of wetting on CH4 dynamics may have been caused by continued soil reduction across multiple years following the wetting. Delayed activation of acetoclastic methanogenesis following soil reduction could also have contributed to the enhancement of CH4 production. These processes suggest that duration of water saturation in the active layer can be important for predicting CH4 emission following a wetting event in the permafrost ecosystem.
Are tropical SST trends changing the global teleconnection during La Niña?

From 1950 to 2008, the linear trend of tropical sea surface temperature (SST) indicates the largest warming across the Indian and western Pacific Oceans, while the eastern Pacific trend is slightly negative. The interannual SST variations due to the El Niño‐ Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are superimposed onto these longer‐term SST trends, which can potentially influence the structure and amplitude of the resulting atmospheric teleconnections. In this study, the cold phase of ENSO, or La Niña, is examined using composite differences based on the observations and the model‐simulated response to SSTs. The analyses show that during the recent period (1980–2008), the global teleconnection pattern associated with La Niña has been associated with higher heights from the tropics to the mid‐latitudes. The model simulations attribute these apparent changes in the teleconnections, across the tropics and the Northern Hemisphere, to warmer SSTs in the Indian Ocean and warm pool region. The implications of these results are discussed within the context of seasonal predictions in an evolving climate.
Blocking the effects of interleukin-6 in rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory rheumatic diseases : systematic literature review and meta-analysis informing a consensus statement

Suppression of the immunoinflammatory cascade by targeting interleukin 6 (IL-6) mediated effects constitutes a therapeutic option for chronic inflammatory diseases. Tocilizumab is the only IL-6 inhibitor (IL-6i) licensed for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), but also other agents targeting either IL-6 or its receptor are investigated in various
Improving coal mine safety by identifying factors that influence the sudden release of gases in outburst prone zones

In recent decades, the subject of coal and gas outburst in underground coal mines has been a focus of Much the result of the alarming related incidents and associated fatalities world wide, Australia, on the other hand, has seen a relative decline in outburst related incidents, for the last three years no outburst related incident has been reported. Effective gas drainage programmes, better management of outburst prone zones, tougher regulations and a continuing programme of dedicated vigilance and research have collectively contributed to improvements in outburst prevention. Still, however, difficult problems remain to be addressed. Geological disturbances such as dykes, shear planes and increased mineralisation can influence coal permeability and porosity. These disturbances must be fully understood in order to develop an effective on gas drainage programme and reduce outburst risks. Accordingly, a programme of laboratory studies was undertaken to investigate the relationship between coal composition, coal volumetric change and coal permeability. Coal samples for this study were obtained from four different coalmines in Australia (Tahmoor, Metropolitan, Dartbrook and North Goonyella) and Tabas coalmine in Iran. Coal samples were tested in different types of gases and under different gas pressures and stress conditions. Coal permeability tests were conducted in the gas pressure chamber of the multi-function outburst research rig (MFORR), and the volumetric
Biogeochemistry of major World rivers

Spatial variability of river plumes and eutrophication, K.H. Szekielda and D.McGinnis remote sensing of water substances in rivers, estuarine and coastal waters, J.Fischer et al the biogeochemistry of a major river system - the Amazon case study, J.E. Richey et al carbon and mineral transport in major North America, Russian Arctic, and Siberian rivers - the St. Lawrence, the Mackenzie, the Yukon, the Arctic Alaskan rivers, the Arctic Basin rivers in the Soviet Union, and the Yenisei, S.A. Telang et al biogeochemical aspects of South American rivers - the Parana and the Orinoco, P.J.Depetris and J.E. Paolini biogeochemistry of major African rivers - carbon and mineral transport, O.Martins and J.L. Probst Himalayan type rivers, V.Subramanian and V.Ittekkot biogeochemistry of European rivers, S.Kempe et al dissolved organic carbon in rivers, A.Spitzy and J.Leenheer fate of riverine particulate organic matter, V.Ittekkot and R.W. P.M. Laane stable carbon isotopes in rivers and estuaries, W.G. Mook and F.C. Tan minerals in rivers, G.Irion particulate matter processes in estuaries, D.Eisma and G.C. Cadee modelling terrestrial sources to rivers, B.Esser and G.H. Kohlmaier summary - biogeochemistry of major world rivers, E.T. Degens.
A theoretical exploration of catchment‐scale sediment delivery

This paper proposes a theoretical explanation of the variations of the sediment delivery ratio (SDR) versus catchment area relationships and the complex patterns in the behavior of sediment transfer processes at catchment scale. Taking into account the effects of erosion source types, deposition, and hydrological controls, we propose a simple conceptual model that consists of two linear stores arranged in series: a hillslope store that addresses transport to the nearest streams and a channel store that addresses sediment routing in the channel network. The model identifies four dimensionless scaling factors, which enable us to analyze a variety of effects on SDR estimation, including (1) interacting processes of erosion sources and deposition, (2) different temporal averaging windows, and (3) catchment runoff response. We show that the interactions between storm duration and hillslope/channel travel times are the major controls of peak‐value‐based sediment delivery and its spatial variations. The interplay between depositional timescales and the travel/residence times determines the spatial variations of total‐volume‐based SDR. In practical terms this parsimonious, minimal complexity model could provide a sound physical basis for diagnosing catchment to catchment variability of sediment transport if the proposed scaling factors can be quantified using climatic and catchment properties.
The implications of improved water allocation policy

My introduction to water policy-baptism, I am almost tempted t o say-took place a little over twenty years ago when I was on a commission of the state of California to investigate the social and economic consequences of the California Water Plan. In the course of these deliberations I came up with some verses. It is alleged that these had something to d o with the fact that the legislature abolished the commission as soon as it found out what it was going to say and before it could report. I cannot refrain from quoting one of the verses now:
Diversity of Wild Mammals in a Megalopolis: Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, is located on the Southern-Central part of the country and it is one of the most important megalopolis in the world. This city lies within the Distrito Federal, bordering with the state of Mexico on the north, east and west and with the state of Morelos on the south. It is one of the 32 political divisions of Mexico and the smallest one, comprising an area of 1,485 km2 (Fig. 1). Mexico City belongs to the Basin of Mexico together with parts of the states of Hidalgo, Puebla, Tlaxcala and Mexico. Mexico City and the rest of the metropolitan area is one of the largest cities in the world with more than 30 million inhabitants (INEGI, 2010), just behind Tokyo, Japan and forward New York and the Philadelphia area, USA (34.3 and 22 respectely; Brinkhoff, 2011). The rapid growth of its population has led to the loss of original habitats and to the transformation of natural sites and therefore and in spite of being considered as a region with high levels of biodiversity to the local extinction of wildlife species. Mammals are one of the most important components of biodiversity, particularly in Mexico. Several inventories and studies have reported the occurrence of mammals in the Valley of Mexico in the past years. Some of the most remarkable contributions to this subject are by far those of Villa-R (1952) and Hall (1981). However, important mammalian information for the Valley of Mexico was also gathered by Ceballos & Galindo (1984) and Villa & Cervantes (2003). Moreover, the paper published by Ramirez-Pulido et al. (1986) more than a quarter of a century ago about mammals of the Distrito Federal contributed important information to the knowledge of the species richness of local mammals species. In addition, several papers reports on mammals collected in diverse areas of the Distrito Federal (Lopez-Forment, 1989; Sanchez et al., 1989; Negrete, 1991; Negrete & Soberon, 1994; Castro-Campillo, 1992; Chavez & Ceballos, 1992, 1994; Chavez, 1993 a, b; Alvarez et al., 1994; Monroy et al., 1999; CONANP-SEMARNAT, 2006; Navarro, et al., 2007; Barcenas & Medellin, 2007; Gomez-Jimenez, 2009). Research papers referriing especially to particular taxonomic groups (Villa-R, 1966; Alvarez & Ramirez-Pulido, 1972; Polaco et al., 2002; Carraway, 2007) also mentioned the presence of mammals in Mexico City and confirmed the outstanding contribution of mammals to the biodiversity of the Distrito Federal. Despite this large number of reports, the available information on mammals of Mexico City was scattered and incomplete. Therefore, in order to properly documents the species
Trend of mountain big Sagebrush crown cover and ground cover on burned sites, Uinta Mountains and West Tavaputs Plateau, Utah

Photography and notes on file at the Supervisors Office, Ashley National Forest make it possible to date many fires in mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana) communities on this National Forest. Crown cover of mountain big sagebrush and other shrubs was measured in repeat visits to many burned sites. Burned areas studied varied in age from 1 year to 42 years. Crown cover measurements in these burns demonstrate high capability of mountain big sagebrush to return to burned sites. Crown cover of mountain big sagebrush was highly variable in post burn environments. After 15 years post burn, crown cover of mountain big sagebrush varied from 4 to 46 percent at the various study sites. This variability indicates highly diverse structure and cover of mountain big sagebrush in post burn environments. In addition to crown cover, ground cover was also measured. These measurements demonstrate rapid return of ground cover in mountain big sagebrush communities. Most burned sites had greater than 80 percent ground cover after 5 years post burn.
Safety in the midst of stigma: Experiencing HIV/AIDS in two Ghanaian communities

Stigmatization of people associated with HIV can be devastating, even more so than the virus itself. It destroys the lives of HIV positive people and their loved ones. All too often in Ghana, those with no direct HIV experience do not see the depth of the impact of stigma on individuals, households and communities. This monograph, the result of fifteen months of ethnographic fieldwork in two communities in Ghana, brings to the fore the lived experiences of people infected with and affected by HIV from their own perspectives. In particular, their negotiations between resignation to fate and the struggle for survival as they cope with stigma are presented. Significantly, this book shows that being infected with or affected by HIV is as much a social issue as a medical one, and those associated with HIV/AIDS require more than medical care and support. Concerted efforts by all stakeholders - social and political leadership, the untested, the uninfected, the infected, the affected, service providers and policy makers - would go a long way to reduce the main problem that persists with regard to HIV prevention and treatment in Ghana: stigma.
Evidence of a recent input of magmatic gases into the quiescent volcanic edifice of Panarea, Aeolian Islands, Italy

On 2nd/3rd November 2002, a huge amount of gas, mainly composed of CO2, was suddenly released from the sea bottom off the coast of Panarea, producing a “crater” 20 by 10 meters wide and 7 meters deep. The gas output was estimated to be 109 l/d, two orders of magnitude higher than that measured in the 1980s. The anomalous degassing rate lasted for some weeks, slowly decreasing to an almost constant rate of about 4 × 107 l/d after two months. The geo‐thermo‐barometric estimations revealed an increase of both the temperature and pressure in the geothermal system feeding the sampled vents. The 3He/4He ratios were similar to those measured in nearby Stromboli. We have monitored the area for the last two decades, and based on our intensive and extensive geochemical measurements, have ascertained that the geothermal reservoir has lost its steady state. We maintain that a new magmatic input caused these phenomena.
Noise induced multidecadal variability in the North Atlantic: excitation of normal modes

In this paper it is proposed that the stochastic excitation of a multidecadal internal ocean mode is at the origin of the multidecadal sea surface temperature variability in the North Atlantic. The excitation processes of the spatial sea surface temperature pattern associated with this multidecadal mode within an idealized three-dimensional model are studied by adding noise to the surface heat flux forcing. In the regime where the internal mode is damped, the amplitude of its sea surface temperature pattern depends on the type of noise forcing applied. While the mode is weakly excited by white noise, only the introduction of spatial and temporal coherence in the forcing, with characteristics of the North Atlantic Oscillation in particular, causes the amplitude of the variability to increase to levels comparable to those observed. Within this idealized model the physical mechanism of the excitation can be determined: the presence of the noise rectifies the background state and consequently changes the growth factor of the internal mode.