Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence of active mantle flow beneath South China

The India‐Eurasia collision is responsible for producing the Himalayan Mountains and Tibetan plateau and has been hypothesized to have significant far field influences, including driving the Baikal rift and the eastward extrusion of South China. However, quantification of lithospheric buoyancy forces and integrated effect of tractions acting at base of the lithosphere are unable to explain the observed surface motions within South China. We present 198 new SKS shear wave splitting observations beneath South China and invert these data along with published GPS data to solve for the subasthenospheric flow field beneath South China to assess the role of small‐scale convection here. We find a 15–20 mm/yr southwestward‐directed mantle flow toward the Burma slab. This flow is consistent with the mantle response of slab retreat over the past 25 Ma, and counter flow due to subduction of Burma/Sunda slabs demonstrating the importance of localized mantle convection on present‐day plate motions.
Response of Climate Simulation to a New Convective Parameterization in the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Climate Model (CCM3)

Abstract This study examines the response of the climate simulation by the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Climate Model (CCM3) to the introduction of the Zhang and McFarlane convective parameterization in the model. It is shown that in the CCM3 the simulated surface climate in the tropical convective regimes, especially in the western Pacific warm pool, is markedly improved, yielding a much better agreement with the recent observations. The systematic bias in the surface evaporation, surface wind stress over the tropical Pacific Ocean in previous model simulations is significantly reduced, owing to the better simulation of the surface flow. Experiments using identical initial and boundary conditions, but different convection schemes, are performed to isolate the role of the convection schemes and to understand the interaction between convection and the large-scale circulation in a convecting atmosphere. The comparison of the results from these experiments in the western Pacific warm po.
Hydrologic modeling using triangulated irregular networks : terrain representation, flood forecasting and catchment response

Numerical models are modem tools for capturing the spatial and temporal variability in the land-surface hydrologic response to rainfall and understanding the physical relations between internal watershed processes and observed streamflow. This thesis presents the development and application of a distributed hydrologic model distinguished by its representation of topography through a triangulated irregular network (TIN) and its coupling of the surface and subsurface processes leading to the catchment response. As a research tool for hydrologic forecasting and experimentation, the TIN-based Real-time Integrated Basin Simulator (tRIBS) fully incorporates spatial heterogeneities in basin topography, surface descriptors and hydrometeorological forcing to produce dynamic maps of hydrologic states and fluxes. These capabilities allow investigation of theoretical questions and practical problems in hydrologic science and water resources engineering. Three related themes are developed in this thesis. First, a set of methods are developed for constructing TIN topographic models from raster digital elevation models (DEM) for hydrologic and geomorphic applications. A new approach for representing a steady-state estimate of a particular watershed process within the physical mesh is introduced. Hydrologic comparisons utilizing different terrain models are made to investigate the suitable level of detail required for capturing process dynamics accurately. Second, the TIN-based model is utilized in conjunction with a rainfall forecasting algorithm to assess the space-time flood predictability. For two hydrometeorological case studies, the forecast skill is assessed as a function of rainfall forecast lead time, catchment scale and the spatial variability in the quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPF). Third, the surface and subsurface runoff response in a complex basin is investigated with respect to changes in storm properties and the initial water table position. The partitioning of rainfall into runoff production mechanisms is found to be a causative factor in the nonlinearity and scale-dependence observed in the basin hydrograph response. The model applications presented in this thesis highlight the advantages of TINbased modeling for hydrologic forecasting and process-oriented studies over complex terrain. In particular, the multi-resolution and multi-scale capabilities are encouraging for a range of applied and scientific problems in catchment hydrology. Thesis Supervisors: Dara Entekhabi and Rafael L. Bras Titles: Professors of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Seasonal Variation in the Stable Carbon Isotopic Composition of Algal Lipids in a Shallow Anoxic Fjord: Evaluation of the Effect of Recycling of Respired CO2 on the δ13C of Organic Matter

The sedimentary records of the Toarcian oceanic anoxic event display an up to 6 permil negative δ13C excursion in both carbonate and organic matter. One hypothesis to explain this excursion is increased recycling of respired CO2, formed by mineralization of organic matter and temporarily trapped below the chemocline of the shallow, stratified shelf seas of Europe (“the Küspert hypothesis”). We attempted to evaluate the effect of recycling of CO2 on the 13C-contents of organic matter by studying a shallow marine fjord (Kyllaren, Norway) with persistent stratification and anoxic bottom waters. During a two-year field study the water column of the fjord was sampled for dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and particulate organic matter (POM). Earlier studies indicated that δ13CDIC in bottom waters is indeed substantially depleted (δ13C up to −20‰) and that this isotopically depleted DIC is advected to surface waters at times of mixing. However, δ13C of particulate organic carbon (POC) did not reveal isotopic depletion of POC at times of advection of respired CO2 as predicted in Küspert’s scenario, perhaps due to the isotopic heterogeneity of POM. Therefore, in this study we used the δ13C of biomarker lipids for specific photoautotrophic organisms in the surface water (above the chemocline) to further evaluate the effect of recycling of respired CO2 on the 13C-contents of organic matter. The concentrations of specific sterols and long-chain alkenones revealed a seasonal succession of dominant algal classes: diatoms bloomed in the spring, haptophytes proliferated in late summer and dinoflagellates thrived in fall. The change of sources of POM, and the taxon-specific differences in the carbon isotopic fractionation (εp) may thus deteriorate the correlation between the δ13C-CO2 and that of POC as we would expect if recycling of respired CO2 has an impact on the 13C-contents of organic matter. Similar to the εp of POC, a large variation in the εp of the sterols and alkenones was observed. Moreover, a strong co-variance existed between the εp of POC and that of the individual biolipids, with high εp in summer (up to 22 ‰) and very low εp (3 to 15 ‰) in the fall. Most likely, a common environmental factor, such as an increased nutrient supply, caused the decrease in εp. Water column mixing by storms, the same mechanism that likely increased the 13C-depleted DIC in the oxygenated surface water of Kyllaren fjord in the fall, also explains the increase of nutrients. As a consequence, the short term effect of recycling of respired CO2 on the δ13C of phytoplankton lipids and total organic carbon is negligible in this anoxic marine system. This shows that, even by using compound-specific isotopes, it is difficult to reconstruct the impact of recycling of respired CO2 on the 13C-contents of organic matter.
Three-dimensional Orientation Sensors by Defocused Imaging of Gold Nanorods through an Ordinary Wide-Field Microscope

Gold (Au) nanoparticles particularly nanorods are actively exploited as imaging probes because of their special nonblinking and nonbleaching absorption, scattering and emitting properties that arise from the excitation of surface plasmons. Herein, we report a novel orientation sensor at nanoscale by defocused imaging of single Au nanorods (AuNRs) through an ordinary wide-field optical microscope. By simultaneously recording defocused images and two-photon luminescence intensities for a large number of single AuNRs, we correlate their defocused images with their three-dimensional spatial orientations. As many AuNRs can be monitored in parallel, defocused imaging of single AuNRs is a high throughput sensing technique that allows us to obtain their spatial orientations within one frame in situ and real-time. The probe size can be down to several nanometers, which is highly desirable in order to minimize any potential interference from the probe itself. Furthermore, the sensing property is insensitive to the excitation polarization and the distribution of the probe aspect ratio, which allows AuNRs of any length in a proper regime to be used as orientation sensors without changing the laser frequency and polarization. These unique features make the orientation probes proposed here outstanding candidates for optical imaging and sensing in material science and biology.
Iceberg trajectory modeling and meltwater injection in the Southern Ocean

This is the first large-scale modeling study of iceberg trajectories and melt rates in the Southern Ocean. An iceberg model was seeded with climatological iceberg calving rates based on a calculation of the net surface accumulation from each snow catchment area on the Antarctic continent. In most areas, modeled trajectories show good agreement with observed patterns of iceberg motion, though discrepencies in the Weddell Sea have highlighted problems in the ocean general circulation model output used to force the iceberg model. The Coriolis force is found to be important in keeping bergs entrained in the coastal current around Antarctica, and topographic features are important in causing bergs to depart from the coastal regions. The modeled geographic distribution of iceberg meltwater joining the ocean has been calculated and is found in many near-coastal regions to be comparable in magnitude to the excess of precipitation over evaporation (P-E).
Valuing a Spatially Diverse Non-Market Good: The Benefits of Reduced Non-Point Source Pollution in Green Bay, WI

This article presents an empirical approach to correcting for spatial interactions in stated preference data when valuing large-scale, spatially variable environmental improvements. This approach is presented in the context of a contingent valuation study estimating the benefits of reduced non-point source pollution in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The significant spatial variation of water clarity conditions in this large water body was captured using satellite-derived GIS data. This article focuses on two significant challenges: first, ensuring respondents are adequately informed of how the proposed change will impact their individual utility stream; second, dealing with the spatial effects within the estimation model. The GIS water clarity data were used to measure the initial conditions faced by each individual parcel. Including this information in the analysis significantly increased the estimated expected WTP of some individuals but decreased that of others. Some of the difference in aggregated benefits is likely due to issues of spatial correlation between properties that is unaccounted for in the simpler models.
Working conditions, health and productivity among dentists in Swedish public dental care – a prospective study during a 5-year period of rationalisation

In recent decades, comprehensive rationalisations have been implemented in public dentistry in Sweden. How rationalisations affect working conditions, health and production from a long-term perspective has been poorly investigated. This study aims to analyse changes and associations in dentists' working conditions, health and productivity during a 5-year period. In 2003 and 2008, 65 dentists responded to questionnaires measuring work conditions and health. Treatment times for patients and productivity were tracked in electronic registers. Paired t-tests showed that the number of treated adult patients per dentist increased, and perceived physical working conditions improved while perceived work control and leadership deteriorated. Structural equation modelling showed that physical factors were important for health and productivity. When assessing risks in the work environment, there is a need to understand the interaction of effects on working conditions and health due to rationalisations so as to increase the sustainability of production systems. Practioner Summary: Dentistry in Sweden has undergone considerable change. Questionnaire surveys with dentists, undertaken in 2003 and 2008, found that the present rationalisations resulted in improved perceived physical working conditions. Aspects of the psychosocial working environment had deteriorated, however. This is a concern as health and workability are important for workplace efficiency.
Numerical modeling of the September 13, 1999 landslide and tsunami on Fatu Hiva Island (French Polynesia)

On September 13, 1999, Omoa Bay (Fatu Hiva Island, French Polynesia) was struck by 2 to 5 m high water waves: several buildings were flooded and destroyed but no lives were lost. Observations gathered during a post‐event survey revealed the recent collapse into the sea of a 300 × 300 m2, at least 20‐m thick, cliff located 5 km southeast of Omoa. This cliff failure most certainly triggered the tsunami waves since the cliff was reported intact 45 min earlier. We simulate the tsunami generation due to a subaerial landslide, using a finite‐difference model assimilating the landslide to a flow of granular material. Numerical modeling shows that a 0.0024‐km3 landslide located in the presumed source area accounts for the tsunami waves reported in Omoa Bay. We show that the striking amplification observed in Omoa Bay is related to the trapping of waves due to the shallow submarine shelf surrounding the island.
Molecular Diagnosis of TORCH Infection of Pregnant Women in Iraq

Background: TORCH complex (Toxoplasma gondii, others, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes simplex virus) infections in pregnant women may attribute to bad obstetric outcomes.Objective: To investigate the role of TORCH as an etiology of bad obstetric outcome using a molecular technique.Materials and Methods: The samples were collected from women with Bad Obstetric History attending clinics in Mosul and Baghdad hospitals in Iraq over a period from (15/4/2013) to (1/6/2014) and from (1/5/2017) to (1/11/2017). The women included in the study were with mean age of (26±6.1) years and a range of 22 to 39 years. Blood samples, throat and cervical swabs were collected from 300 women ELISA positive seroprevalence of TORCH for PCR testing.Results: DNA and RNA were extracted and Real-Time PCR indicates negative results for T.gondii, Rubella and HSV I&II, but were CMV positive in only four samples represented (1.3%) from total 300 positive samples in ELISA tests.Conclusion: ELISA test is considered as a preliminary and screening test for TORCH infections. Real Time PCR is an essential tool in the research laboratory. It has engendered wider acceptance than the conventional PCR due to its improved rapidity, sensitivity, reproducibility and the reduced risk of carry-over contamination
Durable Adoptive Immunotherapy for Leukemia Produced by Manipulation of Multiple Regulatory Pathways of CD8 þ T-Cell Tolerance

, Abstract Tolerizing mechanisms within the host and tumor microenvironment inhibit T-cell effector functions that can control cancer. These mechanisms blunt adoptive immunotherapy with infused T-cells due to a complex array of signals that determine T-cell tolerance, survival, or deletion. Ligation of the negative regulatory receptors CTLA4, PD-1(PDCD1), or LAG3 on T-cells normally hinders their response to antigen through nonredundant biochemical processes that interfere with stimulatory pathways. In this study, we used an established mouse model of T-cell tolerance to de ﬁ ne the roles of these inhibitory receptors in regulating CD8 þ T-cell tolerance during adoptive immunotherapy to treat leukemia. Blocking CTLA4 and PD-1 in vivo combined to promote survival of transferred T-cells despite powerful deletional signals that mediate Bim (BCL2L11) – dependent apoptosis. However, this dual blockade was not optimal for stimulating effector function by responding T-cells, which required the additional blockade of LAG3 to induce full expansion and allow the acquisition of robust cytolytic activity. Thus, the cooperation of multiple distinct regulatory pathways was needed for the survival and effector differentiation of adoptively transferred tumor-reactive CD8 þ T-cells. Our work de ﬁ nes the immune escape pathways in which simultaneous blockade could yield durable immunotherapeutic responses that can eradicate disseminated leukemia. Cancer Res; 73(2); 1 – 12. (cid:1) 2012 AACR.
Upper limb rehabilitation after spinal cord injury: a treatment based on a data glove and an immersive virtual reality environment

Abstract Purpose state: The aim of this preliminary study was to test a data glove, CyberTouch™, combined with a virtual reality (VR) environment, for using in therapeutic training of reaching movements after spinal cord injury (SCI). Method: Nine patients with thoracic SCI were selected to perform a pilot study by comparing two treatments: patients in the intervention group (IG) conducted a VR training based on the use of a data glove, CyberTouch™ for 2 weeks, while patients in the control group (CG) only underwent the traditional rehabilitation. Furthermore, two functional parameters were implemented in order to assess patient’s performance of the sessions: normalized trajectory lengths and repeatability. Results: Although no statistical significance was found, the data glove group seemed to obtain clinical changes in the muscle balance (MB) and functional parameters, and in the dexterity, coordination and fine grip tests. Moreover, every patient showed variations in at least one of the functional parameters, either along Y-axis trajectory or Z-axis trajectory. Conclusions: This study might be a step forward for the investigation of new uses of motion capture systems in neurorehabilitation, making it possible to train activities of daily living (ADLs) in motivational environments while measuring objectively the patient’s functional evolution. Implications for Rehabilitation Key findings: A motion capture application based on a data glove is presented, for being used as a virtual reality tool for rehabilitation. This application has provided objective data about patient’s functional performance. What the study has added: (1) This study allows to open new areas of research based on the use of different motion capture systems as rehabilitation tools, making it possible to train Activities of Daily Living in motivational environments. (2) Furthermore, this study could be a contribution for the development of clinical protocols to identify which types of patients will benefit most from the VR treatments, which interfaces are more suitable to be used in neurorehabilitation, and what types of virtual exercises will work best.
The road to recovery: Comparing Canada and US recovery strategies for shared endangered species

Canada and the United States share 30 endangered or threatened species. This paper examines the recovery process for species at risk under the two country's domestic laws: Canada's Species at Risk Act and the American Endangered Species Act. These two countries could be working together to recover shared species, especially migratory and cross-border species. Through comparing the recovery strategies and plans for the 30 species, and interviewing recovery team members on both sides of the border, it is shown that cross-border collaboration is limited. The paper argues that more collaboration, data sharing, and cross-border recovery teams are needed. Biodiversity loss is an increasing problem in both countries. Resume Le Canada et les Etats-Unis partagent 30 especes en voie de disparition ou menacees. Cet article s'interesse au processus de retablissement des especes en peril etabli en vertu des legislations nationales des deux pays: la Loi sur les especes en peril du Canada et la Loi americaine sur les especes en voie de disparition. Ces deux pays pourraient collaborer afin de retablir les especes partagees, en particulier les especes migratrices et transfrontalieres. A l'aide d'une comparaison des strategies et plans de retablissement definis pour les 30 especes et a partir d'entrevues menees aupres des membres des equipes de retablissement de part et d'autre de la frontiere, il a ete constate que la collaboration transfrontaliere reste limitee. L'article soutient qu'il faudrait renforcer la collaboration et le partage de donnees ainsi que le nombre d'equipes transfrontalieres de retablissement. La perte de biodiversite est un probleme grandissant qui se pose dans les deux pays.
Early-Life Stress Impairs Perception and Neural Encoding of Rapid Signals in the Auditory Pathway

In children, early ear infections are a risk factor for later speech perception deficits. This is likely because auditory deprivation during a developmental critical period (CP) induces long-lasting deficits in perception and ACx encoding of temporally-varying sounds. CPs also create susceptibility to early-life stress (ELS) in neural regions involved with cognition and anxiety. As CP mechanisms are shared by sensory cortices and higher neural regions, ACx and temporal encoding may also be susceptible to ELS. To examine the effects of ELS on temporal processing, we developed a model of ELS in the Mongolian gerbil, a well-established model for auditory processing. ELS induction impaired the behavioral detection of short gaps in sound, which are critical for speech perception. This was accompanied by reduced neural responses to gaps in ACx, the auditory periphery, and auditory brainstem. These ELS effects presumably degrade the fidelity of sensory representations available to higher regions, and could contribute to ELS-induced problems with cognition.
Scavenging of Aerosol Particles by Precipitation

Abstract Airborne measurements have been made of aerosol particle size distributions (>0.01 μm) in aged air masses, in the plumes from several coal power plants and a large Kraft paper mill, and in the emissions from a volcano, before and after rain or snow showers. These measurements have been used to deduce the precipitation scavenging collection efficiencies of aerosol particles ranging in size from ∼0.01 to 10 μm diameter. Despite large variations in the nature of the aerosol particles and the precipitation, the scavenging collection efficiencies as a function of particle size showed marked similarities, with some well-defined maxima and minima values. The measurements agree well with theoretical calculations for aerosol particles >1 μm, but for the submicron aerosol particles the scavenging collection efficiencies are generally much higher, and the region of very low scavenging efficiencies (the “scavenging gap”) much narrower, than current theories predict. Some possible explanations for these discr.