Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Developments in waveform tomography of land seismic data with applications in south-central British Columbia

Waveform tomography (WT) is an advanced class of seismic imaging methods that may be applied to generate detailed models of subsurface velocity and attenuation by analysis of recorded field seismograms. WT comprises two steps: 1) initial velocity model building by traveltime inversion (raytracing) and 2) full-waveform inversion to update the model of velocity based on analysis of refracted data waveforms. The nature of this method requires that the initial model and simulated survey parameters reproduce closely those used for the field data acquisition. The application of WT to on-land seismic data is challenged by the geometry irregularities inherent in crooked-line two-dimensional (2D) seismic data acquisition. This thesis develops two methodologies that permit the inversion of on-land crooked-line vibroseis multi-channel seismic (MCS) reflection data by traveltime tomography (TT) and subsequent viscoacoustic full-waveform inversion (FWI) to generate 2D cross sections of P-wave velocity. The first method uses 2.5D TT and applies a TT-derived static correction to enable the subsequent application of 2D FWI. The second method uses 2.5D or three-dimensional (3D) TT followed by 2.5D full-waveform inversion that models 3D survey geometry (a new development). These technical developments are motivated and tested by a multi-part case study, which analyses data from the 2008 Geoscience BC Nechako Basin seismic survey. Both the static-correction method and 2.5D FWI method are applied to a single acquisition line. The results are analysed and compared with the conclusion that 2.5D WT provides a superior result, but at additional computational cost. This cost is still significantly lower than that associated with 3D FWI. The 2.5D WT method is applied to three datasets from the 2008 survey, and TT alone is applied to a fourth. The resulting models constrain the positions and lithology of Eocene volcanic rock units, Cretaceous strata and Jurassic or earlier basement rocks in the Nechako-Chilcotin Plateau region of south-central British Columbia. These results are synthesized and interpreted in conjunction with colocated surficial-geology maps, ex-
Ionosphere VLF electric field anomalies before Wenchuan M 8 earthquake

Based on the information of spatial electric field spectrums recorded at DEMETER satellite,the possible electric field anomalies before Wenchuan earthquake were extracted and analyzed. Firstly using the revisited feature of satellite orbis,background spectrum of VLF electric field during more than 2 years at certain latitude(31°N)above the Wenchuan M8 earthquake in Sichuan were analyzed. It is found that,the spectrum curves are steady during January to June,but during July to October,the spectrums are disturbed violently,uprising wholly or decreasing quickly,so electric field in this area may exist annual variation. On the basis of background information analysis,using electric filed spectrums at all frequency points recorded at 31°N on all up-orbits in local nighttime in a distance of 2000 km to Wenchuan epicentre during 1 April～12 May 2008,it was shown that during 1 week before the earthquake,that is 6～10 May,the amplitude of electric field spectrums increased apparently,reaching 3σ at the band of 2～6 kHz,while with the anomalous area distributing in a large area at the south of the epicenter. This anomalous phenomenon occurred in the quiet period of spatial electromagnetic activity,so it may be related to the preparation process of Wenchuan earthquake. Finally the forming mechanism of spatial seismo electric field anomalies was discussed,and it is thought that further understanding on the coupling mechanism between earthquakes and ionosphere needs the support of united and stereoscopic observation at surface and space.
Application of Stabilization Pond Effluent Quality Parameters in Assessing Treatment Efficiency, Disposal Safety and Irrigation Suitability

Physico-chemical and microbiological parameters of treated pond effluent and effluent-receiving stream water were assessed for their suitability for irrigation and effluent for discharge safety. The study was done at stabilization ponds in northern Zimbabwe. Monthly effluent and stream water samples were collected between May and October, 2011 from the 5 th maturation pond outlet of a 2A-4F-5M stabilization pond system and at a point that was 4 km downstream. Overall pond treatment efficiency estimates were >89% with respect to BOD 5, TSS and faecal coliforms (FCs). Mean treated effluent parameters (22.18±1.64mg/L BOD 5, 17.00±1.19mg/L TSS and 37.33±2.99 cfu/100 mL FCs) were significantly lower (p<0.05) than safe surface disposal limits. Treated effluent and stream water were both non-saline (mean electrical conductivity: effluent = 779.50±37.79 μS/cm and stream water = 470.33±41.83 μS/cm) with a low sodium hazard (mean SAR: pond effluent = 1.71±0.06 and stream water = 1.08±0.10). Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) values were negative indicating safe water. Non-toxic levels of Cl - and Na + were observed in stream water but slight restrictions for irrigation use were observed for the effluent. Effluent was slightly alkaline (pH 8.30±0.13) and safe. Stream water and effluent quality parameters were significantly different (p<0.05) except for FCs, CO 3 2- , Cd 2+ , K + , Pb 2+ and PO4 3- . Treated effluent was suitable for both surface discharge and for irrigation. Strong relationships were observed between effluent parameters and also between stream water parameters. Treated effluent from Woodbrook waste stabilization ponds can periodically be used for irrigation. This may help to restore stream water quality with a view to public health protection and environmental preservation.
Preparation, characterization and evaluation of hydrogels from different fractions of diverse medicinal plants for management of pain and inflammation

ABSTRACT Damage to body tissue either deeply or superficially causes pain sensation in response to which Inflammation occurs which is a normal protective natural response of the body to a variety of hostile agents. Different treatment options, including conventional and herbal therapies, are available for pain and inflammation. This study was designed to evaluate the polyherbal n-hexane and methanolic extracts and their hydrogel formulations prepared from commonly available medicinal plants for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential. Cinnamomum verum J. (bark), Moringa oleifera L. (leaves), Nigella sativa L. (seed), and Trigonella foenum graecum L. (seed) were collected and purchased from the vicinity and local market of Multan Punjab, Pakistan. After drying, extraction was carried out by maceration separately with two different solvents (methanol and n-hexane). An equal quantity of all methanolic and n-hexane extracts was used to formulate polyherbal methanolic and n-hexane extracts separately. Then 1%, 3%, and 5% pH-based hydrogel formulations of methanolic and n-hexane polyherbal extract were prepared. All prepared six formulations were evaluated for pH, rheological study, spreadability, extrudability, stability study, texture, color, and for toxicological study. Then analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential of methanol and n-Hexane polyherbal extracts at (200, 400 and 800.0 mg/kg) in comparison with diclofenac sodium (100 mg/kg) and prepared gel formulations (1%, 3%, and 5%) were also evaluated in comparison to diclofenac sodium 1% gel (standard drug). Both polyherbal extracts and their gel formulations have significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential but methanolic extract and its hydrogel have slightly more potential as compared to n-hexane extracts and its prepared hydrogel. Results also revealed that their gel formulations have more significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory potentials as compared to extracts. All pH-based gels have good texture, spreadability, extrudability, stability, and are safe to use. It is concluded that methanolic polyherbal extract and hydrogel prepared from methanolic extract have more analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential as compare to n-Hexane extract and hydrogel prepare from n-Hexane extract.
Wnt5a-Rac1-NF-kB Homeostatic Circuitry Sustains Innate Immune Functions in Macrophages

Macrophages play a critical role in innate immunity. Differentiation Ags present on macrophages such as CD14 orchestrate the first line of defense against infection. The basal/homeostatic signaling scheme that keeps macrophages thus groomed for innate immune functions remains unresolved. Wnt5a–Fz5 signaling being a primordial event during cell differentiation, we examined the involvement of Wnt5a–Fz5 signaling in the maintenance of innate immune functions. In this study, we demonstrate that innate immune functions of macrophages ensue at least partly through a homeostatic Wnt5a–Fz5–NF-kB (p65) circuit, which is Rac1 dependent. The autocrine/paracrine Wnt5a–Fz5–Rac1–p65 signaling cascade not only maintains basal levels of the immune defense modulating IFNs and CD14; it also supports macrophage survival. Wnt5a–Fz5–Rac1 signaling mediated p65 homeostasis in turn sustains Wnt5a expression in a feed-forward mode. The natural immune response of macrophages to Escherichia coli/LPS and virus is accordingly sustained. The depiction of sustenance of innate immune functions as an outcome of a homeostatic Wnt5a–p65 axis unfolds previously unidentified details of immune regulation and provides new insight into homeostatic cell signaling. The Journal of Immunology, 2014, 192: 000–000.
Principal Component Analysis

When large multivariate datasets are analyzed, it is often desirable to reduce their dimensionality. Principal component analysis is one technique for doing this. It replaces the p original variables by a smaller number, q, of derived variables, the principal components, which are linear combinations of the original variables. Often, it is possible to retain most of the variability in the original variables with q very much smaller than p. Despite its apparent simplicity, principal component analysis has a number of subtleties, and it has many uses and extensions. A number of choices associated with the technique are briefly discussed, namely, covariance or correlation, how many components, and different normalization constraints, as well as confusion with factor analysis. Various uses and extensions are outlined. Keywords: dimension reduction; factor analysis; multivariate analysis; variance maximization
Local and global climate signals from tree rings of Parkinsonia praecox in La Guajira, Colombia

Land use change and climate change have been increasingly contributing to loss or reduction of biological and economic productivity of arid lands. The dry climate and physiographic characteristics of the Peninsula of La Guajira on the Colombian Caribbean coast are considered to be crucial drivers of the loss of vegetative cover and soil erosion; however, little knowledge exists on long‐term changes in climate in the area. This study presents a tree‐ring chronology from Parkinsonia praecox (18 trees, 45 radii) that allows the reconstruction of local and global climate drivers spanning the last 63 years. Tree‐ring width was strongly correlated with rainfall and wind data, indicating that annual tree growth was closely related to local climatic variability. The chronology also strongly correlated with an index of ENSO severity (El Niño Southern Oscillation), suggesting that large‐scale climatic phenomenon also have important influence on Parkinsonia growth. To further investigate rainfall‐growth relationships, climate data series of annual rainfall and rainfall from September to November (SON), the rainiest months, were reconstructed using transfer functions. These data series did not exhibit a clear trend of change in rainfall over the last 63 years. The transfer functions reconstructed the total annual rainfall (R2 = 0.8), and SON (R2 = 0.7). This study constitutes the first attempt to reconstruct climatic patterns in Colombia with techniques of dendrochronology, and demonstrates the potential of Parkinsonia praecox for studying climatic patterns along the American subtropics, ranging from Mexico to Argentina. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Further analysis of the 1981 Southern California Field Test for leveling refraction

Application of least squares spectral analysis and multiple linear regression techniques to the 1981 southern California field test for leveling refraction has revealed that in addition to differential refraction, rod/instrument settlement and an effect attributed to differential rod miscalibration are also detectable. The object of our analysis was the discrepancy between the forward and backward runnings of a section as this quantity properly reflects the direction of running thereby allowing for the detection of direction dependent effects. A multiple regression model using three arguments representing differential refraction, rod/instrument settlement, and differential rod miscalibration reduced the observed variation of the discrepancies by 61% as opposed to 53% when only the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) computed refraction correction is applied. It was found that of the original 23-mm accumulated discrepancy, 14 mm was attributed to differential refraction, 20 mm to settlement, and −14 mm to differential rod miscalibration. Analyses with the NGS computed refraction corrections applied (based on Kukkamaki's single sight equation with observed temperatures) gave similar results. It is also shown that the settlement effect is always present in any discrepancy and accumulates in the discrepancies between the forward and backward runnings while it cancels and is thus hidden in the accumulation of the NGS-derived discrepancies between the short and long sight length runnings.
Comments on ‘Mafic–Ultramafic Sills: New Insights from M- and S-shaped Mineral and Whole-rock Compositional Profiles’ by V. Egorova and R. Latypov (J. Petrology, 54, 2155–2191, 2013)

The principal conclusion of the detailed study of Siberian sills by Egorova & Latypov (2013) is that the M- and S-shaped compositional profiles in mafic^ultramafic sills, or more specifically the marginal reversals that give rise to them, formed as a result of the injection of magma that changed composition with time during the filling of the sill. They further conclude that the compositional changes resulted from fractionation in the feeder channels of the sills. We concur with their interpretation. years, both in print and private debate with numerous pet-rologists and geochemists, that marginal reversals in mafic^ ultramafic layered intrusions and sills originate in situ as a result of non-equilibrium Soret fractionation in the liquid statecombinedwithstrongmagmaconvection.Itistherefore significant that no mention is now made by Egorova & Latypov(2013)ofthishypothesisfortheoriginofthecompos-itional profiles in the Siberian sills: it appears that Latypov has effectively abandoned his earlier ideas, at least as far as sills are concerned, and we very much welcome this ‘Damascene conversion’. This revelation was clearly influ-enced by overwhelming evidence fromthe sills andother intrusions
Temporal-Spatial Characteristics of Cumulative Snow Depth in Northeast China and Its Vicinity

Based on the snow cover data and meteorological element data at 123 meteorological stations in Northeast China during the period of 1960—2006,the spatial and temporal characteristics of snow cover are analyzed by the area weighted method,empirical orthogonal function,Morlet wavelet analysis and power spectral method.The results show that the cumulative snow depth in Northeast China is increasing slowly in the recent 40 years.The cumulative snow depth is no obvious changes in autumn,increasing in winter,and decreasing in spring,in which the increasing cumulative snow depth in winter is the key factor to the increasing annual cumulative snow depth.We hold the opinion that there are three main spatial patterns of cumulative snow depth in Northeast China by using EOF method,of which,the first pattern is consistently more(less)than normal,the second pattern is a seesaw between southern(northern)region and northern(southern)region,and the third pattern is a seesaw between central region(other region)and other region(central region). There is a quasi-period of 7 years revealed by Morlet wavelet analysis and power spectral method,its period displays a decreasing trend and has a good response to the global warming.
New Frontiers: ARID3a in SLE

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a devastating and heterogeneous autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs, and for which the underlying causes are unknown. The majority of SLE patients produce autoantibodies, have increased levels of type-I inflammatory cytokines, and can develop glomerulonephritis. Recent studies indicate an unexpected but strong association between increased disease activity in SLE patients and the expression of the DNA-binding protein ARID3a (A + T rich interaction domain protein 3a) in a number of peripheral blood cell types. ARID3a expression was first associated with autoantibody production in B cells; however, more recent findings also indicate associations with expression of the inflammatory cytokine interferon alpha in SLE plasmacytoid dendritic cells and low-density neutrophils. In addition, ARID3a is expressed in hematopoietic stem cells and some adult kidney progenitor cells. SLE cells expressing enhanced ARID3a levels show differential gene expression patterns compared with homologous healthy control cells, identifying new pathways potentially regulated by ARID3a. The associations of ARID3a expression with increased disease severity in SLE, suggest that it, or its downstream targets, may provide new therapeutic targets for SLE.
Evolution geologique du domaine peri-caledonien (sud-ouest pacifique)

Cette etude, realisee et financee dans le cadre du programme zoneco, concerne l'evolution geologique du domaine peri-caledonien (sud-ouest pacifique) situe entre la marge est australienne et l'arc des nouvelles-hebrides. Ce domaine presente, sur une distance d'environ 2000 km, les themes majeurs de la geologie moderne avec des phases de rifting, d'accretion oceanique, de subduction et d'ecaillage. Le travail a consiste a analyser et interpreter l'ensemble des donnees (bathymetrie, sismique, gravimetrie et magnetisme) existantes dans la zone economique de nouvelle caledonie. Un volet de ce travail est consacre au recensement des ressources marines non-vivantes de la zone economique de nouvelle caledonie (des encroutements polymetalliques et un gisement d'hydrates de gaz, recemment decouvert). Le manuscrit comprend cinq parties. La premiere presente le contexte geodynamique de la region du sud-ouest pacifique et la zone d'etude. Les deux parties suivantes sont des monographies realisees sur les zones ouest et est et sud de la zone economique de nouvelle caledonie et articulees selon : une presentation des travaux anterieurs realises dans le domaine ; une analyse de l'ensemble des donnees existantes dans le domaine d'etude et une discussion-conclusion. Le programme zoneco est decrit dans la quatrieme partie. La derniere partie illustre les apports de l'etude dans une conclusion generale et propose un modele geologique en resultant. Les themes abordes au cours de ce travail sont : la redefinition precise de la couverture sedimentaire ; la formation de la ride de fairway ; la tectonique et le volcanisme de la ride de lord howe ; la prolongation de la nappe des ophiolites de nouvelle caledonie, au nord et au sud de la grande terre ; et les effets de deux phases de volcanisme reconnues sur la ride des loyaute. Le modele geologique integre les resultas de l'analyse concernant le domaine peri-caledonien a la region du sud ouest pacifique.
Discussion on prediction of the Ms 7.6 september 21, 1999 great earthquake in Taiwan Island

The three elements of predicting the september 21, 1999 great earthquake Ms = 7.6 in the Taiwan island by means of the triplet method, the periodicity, the commensurability and golden section, are introduced. Using the formula of tectonic segmentation and the judgement of activity in quiescence, a supplementary discussion on the prediction is carried out. Seeing that short and immediate prediction of earthquake is very important, with use of the multiplied nine days regularity of magnetic storm, namely the precreep-magnetic stom-weather rhythm model, the occurrence date of the September 21, 1999 great earthquake is discussed.
Consolidation of Soils by Vertical Drain Wells with Finite Permeability

ABSTRACT The present study has theoretically treated the consolidation process by the vertical drain, method, taking the well registance into consideration. Rigorous solutions of this problem have been given in graph forms and will be of great use in the analysis of the stabilization of soft soils by means of drain wells. The derived quantitative data predict that the effect of well registance should be taken into account for the design of vertical drains in the case of deep and soft deposit which is often found in Japan.
Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance of growth and yield components of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Linseed, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, College of Agriculture, Nagpur440001, Maharashtra. PG Student, Section of Botany, College of Agriculture, Dr. PDKV Akola, Nagpur. 2 Research Scholar, Department of Entomology, ANGRAU, Hyderabad, A.P. Section of Botany, College of Agriculture, Dr. PDKV Akola, Nagpur. *Corresponding author e-mail: prathap.mula@gmail.com; charitha.mula@gmail.com
A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2 Study of Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of Pirfenidone in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Interstitial Lung Disease

Background Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a known complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with a lifetime risk in any individual of 7.7%. The TRAIL1 trial was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, phase 2 study of safety, tolerability, and efficacy of pirfenidone for the treatment of patients with RA-ILD. Methods The TRAIL1 was a phase 2 trial intended to enroll 270 adult patients (18 to 85 years) with established RA-ILD at 33 sites in 4 countries. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to 2,403 mg oral pirfenidone or placebo daily. The primary endpoint was the incidence of the composite endpoint of decline from baseline in percent predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%) of 10% or greater or death during the 52-week treatment period. Key secondary endpoints included change in absolute and FVC% over 52 weeks. Findings. The trial was stopped early due to slow recruitment and soon after the shutdown of clinical trials as a consequence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Data from 123 patients enrolled were analyzed. The primary endpoint was met by 11.1% on pirfenidone vs. 15% on placebo [OR=0.67 (0.22, 2.03), p=0.48]. Subjects receiving pirfenidone had a slower rate of decline in lung function as measured by estimated annual change in FVC(ml) (-66 vs. -146, p=0.0082) and FVC(%) (-1.02 vs. -3.21, p=0.0028). This effect on decline was also seen when analyzed within participants with baseline usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern on HRCT (FVC(ml) (-43 vs. -169, p=0.0014) and FVC% (-0.2 vs. -3.81, p=0.0002)). There was no significant difference in the rate of treatment-emergent serious adverse events. Interpretation Due to early termination of the study, results should be interpreted with caution. Despite being underpowered to evaluate the primary endpoint, pirfenidone slowed the rate of decline of FVC over time in subjects with RA-ILD. Safety in patients with RA-ILD was similar to that seen in other pirfenidone trials.