Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Source study of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake

All quality teleseismic recordings of the great 1906 San Francisco earthquake archived in the 1908 Carnegie Report by the State Earthquake Investigation Commission were scanned and digitized. First order results were obtained by comparing complexity and amplitudes of teleseismic waveforms from the 1906 earthquake with well calibrated, similarly located, more recent earthquakes (1979 Coyote Lake, 1984 Morgan Hill, and 1989 Loma Prieta earthquakes) at nearly co-located modern stations. Peak amplitude ratios for calibration events indicated that a localized moment release of about 1 to 1.5 × 1027 dyne-cm was responsible for producing the peak the teleseismic body wave arrivals. At longer periods (50 to 80 sec), we found spectral amplitude ratios of the surface waves require a total moment release between 4 and 6 × 1027 dyne-cm for the 1906 earthquake, comparable to previous geodetic and surface wave estimates (Thatcher, 1975). We then made a more detailed source analysis using Morgan Hill S body waves as empirical Green's Functions in a finite fault subevent summation. The Morgan Hill earthquake was deemed most appropriate for this purpose as its mechanism is that of the 1906 earthquake in the central portion of the rupture. From forward and inverse empirical summations of Morgan Hill Green's functions, we obtained a good fit to the best quality teleseismic waveforms with a relatively simple source model having two regions of localized strong radiation separated spatially by about 110 km. Assuming the 1906 epicenter determined by Bolt (1968), this corresponds with a large asperity (on the order of the Loma Prieta earthquake) in the Golden Gate/San Francisco region and one about three times larger located northwest along strike between Point Reyes and Fort Ross. This model implies that much of the 1906 rupture zone may have occurred with relatively little 10 to 20 sec radiation. Consideration of the amplitude and frequency content of the 1906 teleseismic data allowed us to estimate the scale length of the largest asperity to be less than about 40 km. With rough constraints on the largest asperity (size and magnitude) we produced a suite of estimated synthetic ground velocities assuming a slip distribution similar to that of the Loma Prieta earthquake but with three times as much slip. For purposes of comparison with the recent, abundant Loma Prieta strong motion data set, we “moved” the largest 1906 asperity into Loma Prieta region. Peak ground velocity amplitudes are substantially greater than those recorded during the Loma Prieta earthquake, and are comparable to those predicted by the attenuation relationship of Joyner and Boore (1988) for a magnitude MW = 7.7 earthquake.
Anisotropic behaviour of a sensitive clay

This paper presents the results of a study carried out to determine the drained stress–strain behaviour of a sensitive clay from St-Louis de Bonsecours (Quebec), tested under conventional axisymmetric (σ′1 > σ′2 = σ′3) and complex true-triaxial (σ′1 ≠ σ′2 ≠ σ′3) stress states.The data reported herein show that, for confining pressures below the preconsolidation pressure of the clay, the influence of cementation bonds and anisotropy results in deviation from the Mohr–Coulomb theory and causes the clay to behave as an anisotropic pseudo-elastic, plastic material. It is shown that constitutive relationships derived from the theories of anisotropic elasticity and plasticity represent very well the mechanical response of the clay.
Bioaccumulation and Concentration of Mercury in Rivers and Streams of the Hudson Bay Lowland

ii Table of Contents . iii List of Tables . v List of Figures . vi List of Appendices . vii Chapter 1 . 1 1 Introduction . 1 1.1 Mercury as a global pollutant . 1 1.2 Bioaccumulation, biomagnification, and depuration of mercury . 3 1.3 Mercury cycling in rivers and streams . 6 1.4 Mercury in northern environments . 8 1.5 Research objectives . 10 Chapter 2 . 13 2 Materials and Methods . 13 2.1 Study site . 13 2.2 Sample collection . 15 2.3 Laboratory analysis . 17 2.4 Data analysis . 19 Chapter 3 . 21 3 Results . 21 3.1 Water . 22 3.1.1 THg in water . 22 3.1.2 MeHg and %MeHg in water . 23 3.2 Sediment . 23
Echocardiographic Assessment of the Left Ventricle in Young Prehypertensive Nigerians

Background: Prehypertension is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This risk could partly be explained by the early compromise in left ventricular (LV) structure and function. This study investigated the LV geometry and function in young black prehypertensive subjects. Methods and results: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. Echocardiography-derived LV geometry and function were assessed using standardized methods. Prehypertensive subjects had higher mean systolic blood pressure (BP) (130.78 ± 3.57 mmHg vs 111.42 ± 3.54 mmHg, P<0.001), diastolic BP (79.32 ± 4.13 mmHg vs 66.39 ± 4.42 mmHg, P<0.001), body mass index (BMI) (26.24 ± 3.45 kg/m2 vs 22.20 ± 2.21 kg/m2, P<0.001), waist circumference (WC) (86.93 ± 8.73 cm vs 76.73 ± 6.66 cm, P<0.001), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (93.84 ± 7.28 mg/dl vs 90.08 ± 6.26 mg/dl, P<0.001), and dyslipidemia (21.5% vs 6%. P<0.001) compared to normotensive subjects. LV mass index (LVMI) was greater in prehypertensive subjects compared to normotensive subjects {male (106.84 ± 12.34 g/m2 vs 76.07 ± 10.25 g/m2, P<0.001); female (92.06 ± 8.80 g/m2 vs 66.53 ± 7.21 g/m2, P<0.001)}, with abnormal LV geometry recorded in 17.5%. Linear regression analysis showed that waist circumference, systolic BP, serum creatinine level, and urea level were determinants of LVMI. The prevalence of LV diastolic dysfunction was higher in prehypertensive subjects than in normotensive subjects (14.5% vs. 0.5%, P<0.001), with systolic BP {odds ratio (OR) 0.928, confidence interval (CI) 0.834 - 0.969; P=0.016)} and diastolic BP (OR 0.832, CI 0.722 - 0.958; P=0.011) being independent predictors. Conclusion: This study showed that prehypertension in young Black subjects was associated with altered LV geometry and impaired diastolic function, and these changes demonstrated linear progression with increasing systolic BP.
A model for the structure and development of fault zones

Cross-sections of fault zones commonly show two sub-parallel slip surfaces which bound more or less deformed rock. This characteristic geometry can be explained by a combination of 'tip-line' and 'asperity' bifurcation processes. Fault tip-line bifurcation is due to irregular tip-line propagation resulting in leading edge segmentation, fault overlap and eventual duplex formation. Asperity bifurcation removes a fault surface irregularity by the generation of a new slip surface which by-passes the original slip surface. Repetitions of either or both bifurcation processes give rise to a fault zone with a complex and unpredictable internal geometry. These processes are described mainly on the basis of observation of normal faults hut can be applied to other fault types. Fault zone thickening by bifurcation is intermittent rather than progressive and localised fault zone thinning may occur.
Investigation of a monumental Macedonian tumulus by three‐dimensional seismic tomography

Monumental tumuli are important monuments of past human activity, and may contain burial structures of high cultural and historical value. Seismic tomography is used to investigate the internal structure of a monumental tumulus. Energy sources and recorders are placed on the periphery at the base of the tumulus. Travel time data are analysed and processed with three‐dimensional tomographic inversion in order to construct images of the distribution of seismic velocity in the interior of the tumulus. Velocity variations are known to correlate well with the lithological character of the earth materials, thus providing important structural and lithological information of the tumulus. A case history from a Macedonian tumulus in northern Greece is presented. The results are interpreted in terms of evidence for possible man‐made buried structures, such as tombs, walls, etc.; three‐dimensional modelling is used to assist in the interpretation and evaluation of the significance and reliability of the results. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of direct incorporation of poultry litter on phosphorus leaching from coastal plain soils

Management of poultry litter on the Delmarva Peninsula is critical to reducing phosphorus losses to the Chesapeake Bay. New poultry litter incorporation technologies have shown promise at reducing phosphorus losses, but their effectiveness has not been tested in this environmentally sensitive region. This study evaluates subsurface leaching losses of three litter application methods, including surface broadcast, surface broadcast with disking, and subsurface litter incorporation with a novel litter incorporator developed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service. Cube-shaped soil lysimeters (61 × 61 × 61 cm [24 × 24 × 24 in]) were extracted from high phosphorus (P) (Mehlich-3 P is greater than 500 mg kg−1) agricultural soils on the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Research Farm near Princess Anne, Maryland, and were subjected to two rainfall simulation events that were separated by 11 semiweekly soaking-type irrigation events. The average cumulative total phosphorus loss was highest for the subsurface litter incorporation method (0.48 kg ha−1 [0.43 lb ac−1]) and was lowest for the no litter control (0.19 kg ha−1 [0.17 lb ac−1]). Particulate P loss among manure treatments ranged from 58% to 64% of total P loss. Total phosphorus losses were strongly correlated to total phosphorus concentration in the leachate (coefficient of determination [r2] ≥ 0.84), indicating availability of P in applied litter to be the primary control of P in leachate. Soil properties also impacted P leaching losses, with the soils possessing a higher sand content and having a shallower depth to the sandy subsoil, yielding higher cumulative total P losses (0.64 kg ha−1 [0.57 lb ac−1]). Although the subsurface litter incorporator increased total P leaching losses, a concern on the Delmarva Peninsula, opportunity exists to modify the subsurface incorporator design using zone tillage, potentially reducing the leaching losses.
Interactions between Blood-Borne Streptococcus pneumoniae and the Blood-Brain Barrier Preceding Meningitis

Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) is a Gram-positive bacterium and the predominant cause of bacterial meningitis. Meningitis is thought to occur as the result of pneumococci crossing the blood-brain barrier to invade the Central Nervous System (CNS); yet little is known about the steps preceding immediate disease development. To study the interactions between pneumococci and the vascular endothelium of the blood-brain barrier prior to meningitis we used an established bacteremia-derived meningitis model in combination with immunofluorescent imaging. Brain tissue of mice infected with S. pneumoniae strain TIGR4, a clinical meningitis isolate, was investigated for the location of the bacteria in relation to the brain vasculature in various compartments. We observed that S. pneumoniae adhered preferentially to the subarachnoid vessels, and subsequently, over time, reached the more internal cerebral areas including the cerebral cortex, septum, and choroid plexus. Interestingly, pneumococci were not detected in the choroid plexus till 8 hours-post infection. In contrast to the lungs, little to no leukocyte recruitment to the brain was observed over time, though Iba-1 and GFAP staining showed that microglia and astrocytes were activated as soon as 1 hour post-infection. Our results imply that i) the local immune system of the brain is activated immediately upon entry of bacteria into the bloodstream and that ii) adhesion to the blood brain barrier is spatiotemporally controlled at different sites throughout the brain. These results provide new information on these two important steps towards the development of pneumococcal meningitis.
Characterization and functional inferences of a genome-wide DNA methylation profile in the loin (longissimus dorsi) muscle of swine

Objective DNA methylation plays a major role in regulating the expression of genes related to traits of economic interest (e.g., weight gain) in livestock animals. This study characterized and investigated the functional inferences of genome-wide DNA methylome in the loin (longissimus dorsi) muscle (LDM) of swine. Methods A total of 8.99 Gb methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequence data were obtained from LDM samples of eight Duroc pigs (four pairs of littermates). The reference pig genome was annotated with 78.5% of the raw reads. A total of 33,506 putative methylated regions (PMR) were identified from methylated regions that overlapped at least two samples. Results Of these, only 3.1% were commonly observed in all eight samples. DNA methylation patterns between two littermates were as diverse as between unrelated individuals (p = 0.47), indicating that maternal genetic effects have little influence on the variation in DNA methylation of porcine LDM. The highest density of PMR was observed on chromosome 10. A major proportion (47.7%) of PMR was present in the repeat regions, followed by introns (21.5%). The highest conservation of PMR was found in CpG islands (12.1%). These results show an important role for DNA methylation in species- and tissue-specific regulation of gene expression. PMR were also significantly related to muscular cell development, cell-cell communication, cellular integrity and transport, and nutrient metabolism. Conclusion This study indicated the biased distribution and functional role of DNA methylation in gene expression of porcine LDM. DNA methylation was related to cell development, cell-cell communication, cellular integrity and transport, and nutrient metabolism (e.g., insulin signaling pathways). Nutritional and environmental management may have a significant impact on the variation in DNA methylation of porcine LDM.
Ancient DNA Reveals Genetic Continuity in Mountain Woodland Caribou of the Mackenzie and Selwyn Mountains, Northwest Territories, Canada

We examine the mitochondrial genetic stability of mountain woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in the Mackenzie and Selwyn Mountains, Northwest Territories, over the last 4000 years. Unlike caribou populations in the Yukon, populations in the Northwest Territories show no evidence for mitochondrial genetic turnover during that period, which indicates that they were not adversely affected by the widespread deposition of the White River tephra around 1200 years ago. We detect moderate genetic differentiation between mountain woodland and barren-ground caribou in both territories, lending support to the current subspecies designations. In addition, we identify moderate genetic differentiation between Northwest Territories and western Yukon mountain woodland caribou, suggesting that there has been minimal mixing of matrilines between these herds.
Monitoring Canada’s forests. Part 2: National forest fragmentation and pattern

Canada is one of the world’s largest nations, with a land area of nearly one billion hectares. This vast area is home to a number of unique ecosystems, comprised of different climate, land cover, topography, and disturbance characteristics. Depiction of forest composition, based on satellite-derived land cover, is a common means to characterize and identify trends in forest conditions and land use. Forest pattern analyses that consider the size, distribution, and connectivity of forest patches can provide insights to land use, habitat, and biodiversity. In this communication, we present the pattern characteristics of Canada’s forests as determined by the Earth Observation for Sustainable Development of Forests (EOSD) product, a new land cover classification of the forested area of Canada. The EOSD product (EOSD LC 2000) represents conditions circa the year 2000, mapping each 25 m × 25 m pixel into one of 23 categories. We used the EOSD data to assess forest patterns nationally at four spatial extents: level 1, 13 000 km2 (corresponding to the area of a single 1:250 000 scale National Topographic System (NTS) map sheet); level 2, 800 km2 (corresponding to the area of a single 1:50 000 scale NTS map sheet); level 3, 1 km2; and level 4, 1 ha. For levels 1–3, a total of 95 landscape pattern metrics were calculated; for the 1 ha units, a subset of eight metrics were calculated. The results of this analysis indicate that Canada’s forest pattern varies by ecozone, with some ecozones characterized by large areas of contiguous forest (i.e., Boreal Shield, Atlantic Maritime, and Montane Cordillera), while other ecozones have less forest and are characterized by large numbers of small forest patches, reflecting the complex mosaic of land cover types present (Taiga Shield, Taiga Cordillera). Trends for the subset of metrics used to characterize national conditions are relatively consistent across levels 1-3. Level 4 metrics, where the analysis extent is 1 ha, are well-suited to regional or local analyses. As the first regional assessments of the patterns contained in the EOSD LC 2000, these measures of Canada’s forest landscape patterns add value to the national land cover baseline.
Polymetamorphism in the mainland Lewisian complex, NW Scotland – phase equilibria and geochronological constraints from the Cnoc an t’Sidhean suite

The metamorphic evolution of rocks cropping out near Stoer, within the Assynt terrane of the central region of the mainland Lewisian complex of NW Scotland, is investigated using phase equilibria modelling in the NCKFMASHTO and MnNCKFMASHTO model systems. The focus is on the Cnoc an t’Sidhean suite, garnet‐bearing biotite‐rich rocks (brown gneiss) with rare layers of white mica gneiss, which have been interpreted as sedimentary in origin. The results show that these rocks are polymetamorphic and experienced granulite facies peak metamorphism (Badcallian) followed by retrograde fluid‐driven metamorphism (Inverian) under amphibolite facies conditions. The brown gneisses are inferred to have contained an essentially anhydrous granulite facies peak metamorphic assemblage of garnet, quartz, plagioclase and ilmenite (±rutile, K‐feldspar and pyroxene) with biotite, hornblende, muscovite, chlorite and/or epidote as hydrous retrograde minerals. P–T constraints imposed by phase equilibria modelling imply conditions of 13–16 kbar at >900 °C for the Badcallian granulite facies metamorphic peak, consistent with the field evidence for partial melting in most lithologies. The white mica gneiss comprises a muscovite‐dominated matrix containing porphyroblasts of staurolite, corundum, kyanite and rare garnet. Previous studies have suggested that staurolite, corundum, kyanite and muscovite all grew at the granulite facies peak, with partial melting and melt loss producing a highly aluminous residue. However, at the inferred peak P–T conditions, staurolite and muscovite are not predicted to be stable, suggesting they are retrograde phases that grew during amphibolite facies retrograde metamorphism. The large proportion of mica suggests extensive H2O‐rich fluid‐influx, consistent with the retrograde growth of hornblende, biotite, epidote and chlorite in the brown gneisses. P–T conditions of 5.0–6.5 kbar at 520–550 °C are derived for the Inverian event. In situ dating of zircon from samples of the white mica gneiss yield apparent ages that are difficult to interpret. However, the data are permissive of granulite facies (Badcallian) metamorphism having occurred at c. 2.7–2.8 Ga with subsequent fluid driven (Inverian) retrogression at c. 2.5–2.6 Ga, consistent with previous interpretations.
The plugging behaviour of driven and jacked piles in sand

A series of model pile tests have been performed in the geotechnical centrifuge at the University of Western Australia to study the plugging behaviour of piles in sand. Open and sleeve-ended piles have been driven and jacked by a miniature pile driving actuator into silica flour of varying densities. The progression of the soil column has been measured during installation and static loading. It was found that the plug length increased with increasing relative density during driving and decreased with increasing relative density during jacking. During installation, the jacked piles exhibited a greater tendency to plug than the driven piles. Piles fitted with an internal driving shoe provided significant stress relief within the soil plug during jacking, leading to longer plug lengths compared with internally flush piles. All static load tests at high embedments behaved in a completely plugged manner. An analysis of the plug capacity is conducted and a model for the variation of the earth pressure coefficie.
Effects of Vermicompost Application on Soil Aggregation and Certain Physical Properties

Application of organic waste on agricultural land as a soil conditioner and fertilizing material has lately gained much attention. This study was conducted to determine the effects of vermicompost applications (0·5%, 1%, 2% and 4% w/w) on physical characteristics of soils with different textures (sandy loam, loam and clay), under laboratory conditions. The results indicated that in the higher soil aggregate fraction (>12·7 mm) aggregate fraction was limited at the three soils. Vermicompost applications in all three soils significantly increased organic matter content. When compared with control, the increasing rates in organic matter content were 14·0%, 23·8%, 42·0% and 90·2% for 0·5%, 1%, 2% and 4% vermicompost application doses, respectively. Vermicompost applications increased the wet aggregate stability and decreased the dispersion ratio of all the experimental soils in all aggregate size fractions. Overall, wet aggregate stability increased from 26·9% to 52·2% with the application rate of 4%. Correlation coefficient between organic matter content and wet aggregate stability was found as 0·918**. The lowest mean bulk density and the highest mean total porosity occurred when the most vermicompost was added. In all the soils studied, the highest permeability coefficients were gained with the application dose of 2%. As a result of increase in wet aggregate stability and decrease in bulk density, air permeability increased, and penetration resistance decreased significantly. The results obtained in this study have clearly indicated that the vermicompost application is an effective way to improve soil physical characteristics. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Occurrence and abundance of Sagitta bedoti Beraneck (Chaetognatha) in a tidal creek of Sagar Island, Sunderbans

Distribution of Sagitta bedoti Beraneck with reference to prevailing hydrological conditions was studied at two stations in a tidal creek of Sagar Island, Sunderbans, West Bengal, India, during July, 1977 to June, 1978. Salinity ranged from 1.5 to 22.8 ppt and the water temperature varied from 20 to 31.5 degrees C. Maximum population density of this species was encountered in March (355/m(to the power -3)) at station 2. The abundance was found to be related with higher salinity. The population was poor during the monsoon months (July to October) at both the stations