Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microstructure and properties of stoneware clay bodies

Abstract Raw clay materials manufactured for stoneware use are typically compounds of kaolins, silicas and feldspars. Two stoneware clay materials examined here were chosen because each is representative of the range of manufactured clay bodies. Samples were fired in an oxidizing atmosphere to a range of temperatures between ~1000 and 1300℃. Sample dimensions, density, porosity and mechanical properties under compression were measured as a function of firing temperature. Thin sectionls, showing particles and their relationship to pore/void structures, were prepared, recorded under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and analysed. The observed changes in microstructure can be related to previously described metamorphic and micro-eutectic reactions and a gradual sintering process. Indications of changes to apparent porosity are further amplified by measured changes of mechanical properties. The modulus of elasticity increases with reduction in porosity to a point at which porosity ceases to be the principal determining factor. The critical Griffith’s crack length, calculated from fracture-strength measurement, exhibits a similar trend. The onset of these changes coincides with a significant increase in sealed porosity and with the microstructural metamorphosis as revealed by SEM.
Calibration of the TOPEX altimeter using a GPS buoy

The use of a spar buoy equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna to calibrate the height measurement of the TOPEX radar altimeter is described. In order to determine the height of the GPS antenna phase center above the ocean surface, the buoy was also equipped with instrumentation to measure the instantaneous location of the waterline, and tilt of the buoy from vertical. The experiment was conducted off the California coast near the Texaco offshore oil platform, Harvest, during cycle 34 of the TOPEX/POSEIDON observational period. GPS solutions were computed for the buoy position using two different software packages, K&RS and GIPSY-OASIS II. These solutions were combined with estimates of the waterline location on the buoy to yield the height of the ocean surface. The ocean surface height in an absolute coordinate system combined with knowledge of the spacecraft height from tracking data provides a computed altimeter range measurement. By comparing this computed value to the actual altimeter measurement, the altimeter bias can be calibrated. The altimeter height bias obtained with the buoy using K&RS was −14.6±4 cm, while with GIPSY-OASIS II it was −13.1±4 cm. These are 0.1 cm and 1.6 cm different from the −14.7±4 cm result obtained for this overflight with the tide gauge instruments located on Platform Harvest.
Coseismic and postseismic motion of a landslide: Observations, modeling, and analogy with tectonic faults

We document the first time series of a landslide reactivation by an earthquake using continuous GPS measurements over the Maca landslide (Peru). Our survey shows a coseismic response of the landslide of about 2 cm, followed by a relaxation period of 5 weeks during which postseismic slip is 3 times greater than the coseismic displacement itself. Our results confirm the coseismic activation of landslides and provide the first observation of a postseismic displacement. These observations are consistent with a mechanical model where slip on the landslide basal interface is governed by rate and state friction, analogous to the mechanics of creeping tectonic faults, opening new perspectives to study the mechanics of landslides and active faults.
A two-pyroxene thermometer

Experimentally determined pyroxene phase relations at 800°–1200°C are combined with calculated phase equilibria for the Di-En and Hd-Fs joins to produce a graphical two-pyroxene thermometer that should be applicable to a wide variety of rocks from the earth, moon, and meteorites. The thermometer can be used directly with natural pyroxenes that have low contents of Al and other minor components. Samples with higher contents of ‘others’ components require special projection onto the Ca-Mg-Fe pyroxene quadrilateral; Wo, En, and Fs as normally calculated will not yield correct temperatures! The special projection is necessary to approximate the activities of those components in natural pyroxenes. The effects of pressure are nonnegligible but can be corrected for. Use of the thermometer for slowly-cooled rocks may pose special problems if the pyroxenes have undergone granule exsolution (coalescence of exsolved material to form separate grains). For example, published analyses of Mg-rich augites from the Skaergaard intrusion give temperatures that are 50°–100°C below expected magmatic values. Textural and experimental evidence confirms that these augites have undergone granule exsolution. The primary pyroxene compositions must be reconstructed from textural evidence before correct igneous or peak-metamorphic temperatures can be obtained from this or any two-pyroxene thermometer. Of the numerous two-pyroxene thermometers proposed in the literature, those of Ross and Huebner [1975] and of Kretz [1982] Ca-reaction] yield temperatures most similar to our own, although the former tends to give temperatures about 50°C lower for some igneous pyroxenes. Other thermometers generally overestimate temperatures for metamorphic rocks (hornblende granulite facies) by 50°–100°C.
Mamíferos del turoliense medio en la Rambla de Valdecebro (Teruel)

The Valdecebro Rambla, located in the Northeast of Teruel (Central Spain), is known by the existence of important miocene mammal localities: Masia del Barbo, Vivero de Pinos, Arquillo de la Fontana, Arquillo 3, etc, They are all aged between Upper Vallesian and Middle Pliocene. A new locality, Valdecebro 5 (VDC 5), is studied in this paper. It permits us to affirm the presence of Middle Turolian sediments, not yet documented, in the Rambla. The rodent fauna contains Occitanomys adroveri, Parapodemus barbarae, Ruscinomys schaubi and Eliomys truci . The macromammals are mainly represented by carnivores: Indarctos atticus, Baranogale adroveri, Thalasictis aff. hipparionum and Lycyaena chaeretis , further on Hipparion concudense concudense and two indetermined artiodactils. The biostratigraphical data of the new bed, just as others known before, are reflected in a detailed geological scheme of Rambla de Valdecebro. This scheme is placed in the general geological context of the miocene Teruel Basin.
p32/OPA1 axis-mediated mitochondrial dynamics contributes to cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung cancer

Cisplatin resistance is a major obstacle in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). p32 and OPA1 are the key regulators of mitochondrial morphology and function. This study aims to investigate the role of the p32/OPA1 axis in cisplatin resistance in NSCLC and its underlying mechanism. The levels of p32 protein and mitochondrial fusion protein OPA1 are higher in cisplatin-resistant A549/DDP cells than in cisplatin-sensitive A549 cells, which facilitates mitochondrial fusion in A549/DDP cells. In addition, the expression of p32 and OPA1 protein is also upregulated in A549 cells during the development of cisplatin resistance. Moreover, p32 knockdown effectively downregulates the expression of OPA1, stimulates mitochondrial fission, decreases ATP generation and sensitizes A549/DDP cells to cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, metformin significantly downregulates the expressions of p32 and OPA1 and induces mitochondrial fission and a decrease in ATP level in A549/DDP cells. The co-administration of metformin and cisplatin shows a significantly greater decrease in A549/DDP cell viability than cisplatin treatment alone. Moreover, D-erythro-Sphingosine, a potent p32 kinase activator, counteracts the metformin-induced downregulation of OPA1 and mitochondrial fission in A549/DDP cells. Taken together, these findings indicate that p32/OPA1 axis-mediated mitochondrial dynamics contributes to the acquired cisplatin resistance in NSCLC and that metformin resensitizes NSCLC to cisplatin, suggesting that targeting p32 and mitochondrial dynamics is an effective strategy for the prevention of cisplatin resistance.
Copy Number Variation That Influences the Ionizing Radiation Sensitivity of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Genome instability in cancer cells causes not only point mutations but also structural variations of the genome, including copy number variations (CNVs). It has recently been proposed that CNVs arise in cancer to adapt to a given microenvironment to survive. However, how CNV influences cellular resistance against ionizing radiation remains unknown. PRMT5 (protein arginine methyltransferase 5) and APE1 (apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1), which enhance repair of DNA double-strand breaks and oxidative DNA damage, are closely localized in the chromosome 14 of the human genome. In this study, the genomics data for the PRMT5 and APE1 genes, including their expression, CNVs, and clinical outcomes, were analyzed using TCGA’s data set for oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. The two genes were found to share almost identical CNV values among cancer tissues from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. Levels of expression of PRMT5 and APE1 in OSCC tissues are highly correlated in cancer but not in normal tissues, suggesting that regulation of PRMT5 and APE1 were overridden by the extent of CNV in the PRMT5-APE1 genome region. High expression levels of PRMT5 and APE1 were both associated with poor survival outcomes after radiation therapy. Simultaneous down-regulation of PRMT5 and APE1 synergistically hampered DNA double-strand break repair and sensitized OSCC cell lines to X-ray irradiation in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that the extent of CNV in a particular genome region significantly influence the radiation resistance of cancer cells. Profiling CNV in the PRMT5-APE1 genome region may help us to understand the mechanism of the acquired radioresistance of tumor cells, and raises the possibility that simultaneous inhibition of PRMT5 and APE1 may increase the efficacy of radiation therapy.
Selected physical and mechanical properties of particleboards with variable shares of nettle Urtica dioica L. lignocellulosic particles

Selected physical and mechanical properties of particleboards with variable shares of nettle Urtica dioica L. lignocellulosic particles. The aim of the research was to confirm the possibility of using woody particles of either young or adult nettle Urtica dioica stems as alternative raw materials in the production of particleboards. As part of the work, particleboards made out of nettle Urtica dioica particles were produced in laboratory conditions and selected physical and mechanical properties of the obtained boards were tested. The results show, that it is possible to manufacture particleboards for the furniture industry using particles of nettle (Urtica dioica L.) meeting the requirements for P2 boards according to EN 312 as long as nettle particle mass content does not exceed 50%.
Rheologic inferences from the levees of lava flows on Mars

[1] A new methodology is presented for estimating the rate of levee growth for channelized lava flows on the basis of spatial changes in the dimensions of the channels and levees. The rate of levee growth can then be used to describe the decrease in flow rate as a function of distance along the flow and, subsequently, to constrain rheologic behavior along the flow length. One terrestrial (Mauna Loa 1984 1A) and two Martian (one on the plains north of Pavonis Mons, one near the summit of Ascraeus Mons) examples are shown. A linear "levee building rate function" adequately describes levee growth for all three examples, with the overall magnitude of the rate function inversely correlated with the total volume of material in the levees. Theoretical levee widths based on these linear functions are consistent with those measured in the field or from planetary images. Assuming Newtonian rheologies, the viscosity increases for the Mauna Loa and Pavonis Mons lava flows are about an order of magnitude greater than when the levee building process is ignored. Application to the Mauna Loa 1984 1A flow shows that the model provides results more consistent with independent petrologic studies as well as field observations of the levee formation process. Viscosity changes at Ascraeus Mons are similar to those estimated previously (Zimbelman, 1985) because of the constant thickness of the flow.
The Cenozoic evolution of the Lundy Pull-Apart Basin into the Lundy Rhomb Horst

Abstract The NW–SE Cornubian fault zones (FZs) continue to southwest Wales, where they caused dextral offsets during the late Stephanian. A fault bounded area of Devonian–Carboniferous strata, intruded by the Tertiary Lundy Igneous Complex, forms the Lundy Rhomboid. It originated as the Lundy Rhomb Graben, created by 28–40 km of Tertiary sinistral strike–slip faulting along the left-stepping NW–SE Sticklepath–Lustleigh FZ (SLFZ). Tertiary sedimentation in the graben was accompanied by intrusion of the 2.5–4.0 km thick igneous complex into its basement. Sedimentation later spread beyond the graben to form a ‘steer's horns’ basin, of which the Stanley Bank and West Lundy basins are remnants. The strata of the rhomb graben and the ‘steer's horns’ basin constituted the perhaps 4 km deep Lundy Pull-Apart Basin. Subsequent relatively minor dextral faulting on the left-stepping SLFZ inverted the graben into the Lundy Rhomb Horst; the basement of the graben was uplifted ≮ 1–2 km (net) and exposed by erosion of the Tertiary strata. The pull-apart basin developed at the intersection of reactivated Hercynian NW–SE transform FZs, and E–W subduction zone thrusts. Cenozoic N–S tensional and compressional reactivations of the thrusts were respectively associated with transtensional development of the pull-apart basin, transpressional of the rhomb horst.
Seasonal variations, environmental parameters, and standing crop assessment of benthic foraminifera in eastern Bahrain, Arabian Gulf

Living benthic foraminifera in a relatively unpolluted site offshore Bahrain in the Arabian Gulf, were studied to determine the seasonal variability of their populations, as well as environmental parameters that may affect their distribution. The maximum foraminiferal density was observed during winter with the assemblages primarily dominated by rotaliids and secondarily by miliolids. The high population is attributed to an increased number of juveniles. A relationship between sediment grain size and the foraminiferal density reveals that juveniles were most abundant on coarse-grained sandy substrate and less abundant on fine-grained substrates. In spring, the foraminiferal density decreased, and the lowest values were observed during summer. The population increased again in autumn with highest juvenile/adult ratios. Moreover, results of relative abundance and species consistency show that Ammonia and Glabratellina are consistent from the shallowest to the deepest station, whereas miliolids occurred only at deeper stations. The numbers of peneroplidae and Elphidium also increased along the depth transect. Environmental characterization reveals that although the site is subject to eutrophication caused by nitrates and sulfates, pollution caused by hydrocarbons and heavy metals is not significant. The assessment of 63 heavy metals showed that none of the metals had concentrations that exceed internationally accepted norms [the devised level of Effect Range-Low], but with high concentration of strontium. The lack of a significant environmental effect of heavy metals is confirmed by the Foraminiferal Abnormality Index of <2%. Likewise, no hydrocarbon contamination was detected in the water or sediment samples. We conclude that the site in Bahrain is not yet adversely affected by human development, and therefore can provide baseline information for future comparison and assessment of foraminiferal assemblages in contaminated zones of the Arabian Gulf.
Trail of sand in upper Monterey Canyon : Offshore California

Detailed sampling of the axis and flanks of upper Monterey Canyon (water depths of <1500 m) was undertaken using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV)-deployed vibracoring system. The objective was to document the characteristics and distribution of sediment within the canyon and to elucidate the sources and processes by which materials move into and through the canyon. Detailed multibeam bathymetric surveys guided the sampling. The combination of core data, multi-beam bathymetry, and multi-beam reflectivity reveals for the first time the facies and facies distribution patterns associated with the axial channel of an active submarine canyon. Coarse-grained deposits form a narrow trail of material that is tightly restricted to the axial channel floor, indicating that upper Monterey Canyon is an active submarine system closely coupled to sand transport along the shoreline. Sand from the modern beach and nearshore environment captured by the canyon head is moving down the axial channel of the canyon, while fine-grained sediments are accumulating on the flanks of the canyon. Our observations suggest that other submarine canyons in close proximity to the shoreline are presently active and that a modern supply of sand-sized material is moving down these canyon systems.
Revision of the conodont Erraticodon hexianensis from the upper Meitan Formation (Middle Ordovician) of Guizhou, South China

ABSTRACT Erraticodon hexianensis, a conodont with an octomembrate species apparatus, is described and illustrated from the upper part of the Meitan Formation in Guizhou, South China. Cooccurrence of Erraticodon hexianensis and Lenodus variabilis at the top of the Meitan Formation in the Honghuayuan Section of Tongzi suggests an early Darriwilian age for this level. Recovery of Oepikodus communis from the base of the Meitan Formation in the Ganxi Section of Yanhe indicates a correlation with the communis Zone of the Early Ordovician.
Seasonal variation of the global electrical circuit

The effects of boundary layer aerosol particles on the electric field measurement of the DC global circuit are considered. Aitken (condensation) nuclei concentrations are found to have systematic local seasonal variations which obscure the global behavior of the DC circuit. These local variations appear to be the result of several seasonal factors, including variations in atmospheric mixed layer heights, variations in the productions rates of anthropogenic aerosols, and variations in surface wind speed. Air-Earth conduction current measurements made by W. Cobb at Mauna Loa (1977-1983), a site remote from sources of pollution and mostly above the boundary layer, appear to be relatively free of aerosol particle effects. The Mauna Loa data are examined and the air-Earth current is found to peak in the northern hemisphere summer, consistent with the peak of the global thunderstorm activity in the same season. A reanalysis of the entire Carnegie and Maud ocean data set as well as ongoing Schumann resonance results support this finding. However, the general absence of a distinct semiannual signal remains unresolved.
Impact of Electronic Cigarettes, Heated Tobacco Products and Conventional Cigarettes on the Generation of Oxidative Stress and Genetic and Epigenetic Lesions in Human Bronchial Epithelial BEAS-2B Cells

Electronic cigarettes (e-cig) and heated tobacco products (HTP) are often used as smoking cessation aids, while the harm reduction effects of these alternatives to cigarettes are still the subject of controversial debate, in particular regarding their carcinogenic potential. The objective of this study is to compare the effects of e-cig, HTP and conventional cigarette emissions on the generation of oxidative stress and genetic and epigenetic lesions in human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. Our results show that HTP were less cytotoxic than conventional cigarettes while e-cig were not substantially cytotoxic in BEAS-2B cells. E-cig had no significant effect on the Nrf2 pathway, whereas HTP and cigarettes increased the binding activity of Nrf2 to antioxidant response elements and the expression of its downstream targets HMOX1 and NQO1. Concordantly, only HTP and cigarettes induced oxidative DNA damage and significantly increased DNA strand breaks and chromosomal aberrations. Neither histone modulations nor global DNA methylation changes were found after acute exposure, regardless of the type of emissions. In conclusion, this study reveals that HTP, unlike e-cig, elicit a biological response very similar to that of cigarettes, but only after a more intensive exposure: both tobacco products induce cytotoxicity, Nrf2-dependent oxidative stress and genetic lesions in human epithelial pulmonary cells. Therefore, the health risk of HTP should not be underestimated and animal studies are required in order to determine the tumorigenic potential of these emerging products.
Recognition of the Kaweka Terrane in northern South Island, New Zealand: preliminary evidence from Rb–Sr metamorphic and U–Pb detrital zircon ages

Detrital zircon U–Pb ages and Rb–Sr metamorphic ages from low-grade Torlesse Supergroup metasedimentary rocks from North Canterbury and Marlborough provide preliminary evidence for a continuation of the Kaweka Terrane of the central North Island into the Torlesse Composite Terrane of the South Island. This would extend from the south side of the Wairau Fault in the upper Wairau River valley southwards to the Lake Tennyson and Lake Sumner areas, and as far as Hawarden. Rb–Sr ages indicate Jurassic metamorphism, 170±24 Ma, with initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios at that time 0.7073±0.0007 i.e. similar to their North Island counterparts. These Kaweka Terrane rocks have detrital zircon ages that follow the distinctive pattern of the Torlesse rocks in general, i.e. substantial (>30%) Permian–Triassic and Precambrian–Early Palaeozoic groupings, but they also have minor youngest age components c. 175–165 Ma which constrain a maximum Early–Middle Jurassic depositional age. In detail, significant, older zircon components are Late Permian–Early Triassic (260–240 Ma) and Late Triassic (220–210 Ma), but the Precambrian–Early Palaeozoic detrital zircon ages are more scattered. The Kaweka Terrane thus forms a linear belt (c. 500 km) along the length of the Torlesse Composite Terrane in both North and South Islands. In the South Island it coincides with the Esk Head Belt, i.e. east of the Rakaia Terrane (Triassic–Late Permian) and west of the Pahau Terrane (Early Cretaceous–Late Jurassic).
Anomalous 20th century tree growth, Mackenzie Delta, Northwest Territories, Canada

A number of contemporary dendroecological studies from northwestern North America have highlighted a divergence in growth trends during recent decades. These studies suggest that warmer temperatures are now exceeding the physiological threshold of some northern tree species, or perhaps are contributing to increased drought stress as current precipitation is insufficient to offset increasing water demands under warmer conditions. Here we document additional evidence of these diverging growth trends from the Mackenzie Delta region of Canada and show they are anomalous to the twentieth century. Using wavelet coherency analyses we demonstrate that our white spruce tree ring chronologies exhibit little divergence from one another during the past four centuries, but coherency of the data‐sets rapidly break down after the 1930s.