Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unfinished and unfinishable : London's skylines

How is the city seen from a distance? With regard to ‘world cities’ and their battle for recognisable city-images, this is an aesthetic, political and historiographical question. How does a particular representation of the city’s past become useful for economic globalisation? This thesis analyses the relationships between history, power and profit as played out on a city’s skylines. It is conceived as a politicisation of the aesthetics of skylines, which speaks to the increasing power of aesthetic arguments in developer-driven urbanisation processes. My focus is on professional debates attending the development of the City of London’s ‘formal skyline’ prior to the economic recession; debates between architects, historians and townscape consultants, which revolved around the visibility of the emerging high-rise cluster that is located adjacent to listed buildings and conservation areas. I show how the conservatism that is encapsulated in concerns with the visual protection of historic landmarks is being transformed into ‘progressive’ arguments for constructing iconic towers. This transformation results from professionals’ pre-occupation with a single static viewpoint as providing a ‘definitive’ and easily marketable image of London, their fetishisation of St Paul’s as a building that needs to be visually enhanced, and their insistence to produce a unified skyline that is rooted in a linear historical narrative of continuity and change. In my critique of the intrinsic marriage of historical-aesthetic concerns with the prosaic pressing interests of finance capital I draw on two different traditions: the British Townscape movement and the idiosyncratic admixture of Marxism, Messianism and Modernism in the writings of Walter Benjamin. I challenge the prevalent understanding of ‘the new London skyline’ as a representative, aesthetically pleasing, compositional whole and argue for an understanding of skylines as unfinished and unfinishable, adversarial processes that is based on four conceptualisations: a cinematic skyline, which involves the notion of Surrealist montage, grounded in radical disjunction, unresolved tensions and contradictions; a non-auratic skyline, breaking with the conception of skylines as ‘enframed paintings’, foregrounding disruptive elements and providing for shock and distraction rather than contemplation; a multidirectional skyline, which attests manifold and marginalised histories that run counter the conventional historicist ideal conception of historical progress; an allegorical skyline in which meanings are multiplied and mortified and the unity and purity of the symbolic and the power of the iconic are fractured and fragmented, subject to political construction in the present.
DNA alkylation repair limits spontaneous base substitution mutations in Escherichia coli

The Escherichia coli Ada and Ogt DNA methyltransferases (MTases) are known to transfer simple alkyl groups from O6-alkylguanine and O4-alkylthymine, directly restoring these alkylated DNA lesions to guanine and thymine. In addition to being exquisitely sensitive to the mutagenic effects of methylating agents, E. coli ada ogt null mutants display a higher spontaneous mutation rate than the wild type. Here, we determined which base substitution mutations are elevated in the MTase-deficient cells by monitoring the reversion of six mutated lacZ alleles that revert via each of the six possible base substitution mutations. During exponential growth, the spontaneous rate of G:C to A:T transitions and G:C to C:G transversions was elevated about fourfold in ada ogt double mutant versus wild-type E. coli. Furthermore, compared with the wild type, stationary populations of the MTase-deficient E. coli (under lactose selection) displayed increased G:C to A:T and A:T to G:C transitions (10- and 3-fold, respectively) and increased G:C to C:G, A:T to C:G, and A:T to T:A transversions (10-, 2.5-, and 1.7-fold, respectively). ada and ogt single mutants did not suffer elevated spontaneous mutation rates for any base substitution event, and the cloned ada and ogt genes each restored wild-type spontaneous mutation rates to the ada ogt MTase-deficient strains. We infer that both the Ada MTase and the Ogt MTase can repair the endogenously produced DNA lesions responsible for each of the five base substitution events that are elevated in MTase-deficient cells. Simple methylating and ethylating agents induced G:C to A:T and A:T to G:C transitions in these strains but did not significantly induce G:C to C:G, A:T to C:G, and A:T to T:A transversions. We deduce that S-adenosylmethionine (known to e a weak methylating agent) is not the only metabolite responsible for endogenous DNA alkylation and that at least some of the endogenous metabolites that cause O-alkyl DNA damage in E. coli are not simple methylating or ethylating agents.
Nonhydrostatic simulations of the regional circulation in the Monterey Bay area

[1] The regional circulation in the vicinity of Monterey Bay is complex and highly variable. We use a one-way coupled, nonhydrostatic version of the Dietrich Center for Air Sea Technology (DieCAST) ocean model to simulate the regional circulation. Seasonally varying local wind stress, topographic irregularities, coastal upwelling, and forcing from the open ocean are all important in this region. Satellite imagery often shows a cyclonic eddy inside the bay and an anticyclonic eddy outside the bay. The offshore anticyclonic eddy is also associated with a year-round anticyclonic eddy over the Monterey Submarine Canyon (MSC). The offshore eddy is better organized during winter. It is found that the California Undercurrent (200-400 m) does not enter the bay itself but is diverted offshore past the entrance of the bay, presumably to reform farther north along the coast. The main branch flows northward contributing to the deep anticyclonic eddy located approximately 50 km offshore of Monterey Bay. The simulations show that vertical motion is greater during summer than winter, as expected. During spring upwelling, the deep waters often upwell along the walls of the canyon and then spread and mix with surrounding waters. The deep circulation enhances mixing significantly due to the topography. We further investigate the regional circulation by comparing it with the cases where the deep canyon was filled gradually. Vortex stretching over the canyon just beyond the entrance to Monterey Bay and along the adjacent continental slopes contributes to cyclonic circulation at deeper levels. Vertical sections of velocity along the axis of MSC indicate horizontal and vertical patterns of flow that are generally consistent with past observations on the circulation of Monterey Bay.
High resolution TEM of chondritic carbonaceous matter: Metamorphic evolution and heterogeneity

Abstract– The insoluble carbonaceous matter from 12 chondrites (CI, CM, CO, CV, EH, and UOC), was characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Besides ubiquitous nanoglobules, the insoluble organic matter from petrologic type 1 and 2 chondrites and Semarkona (LL 3.0) is composed of a highly disordered polyaromatic component. No structural differences were observed between these IOMs, in agreement with the limited thermal metamorphism they all experienced. In chondrites of petrologic type >3.0, the evolution of the IOM is controlled by the extent of thermal metamorphism. The polyaromatic layers, shorter than 1 nm in petrologic type ≤3.0 chondrites, grow up to sizes between 5 and 10 nm in petrologic type >3.6 chondrites, contributing to the increase of the degree of structural order. In addition, we find rare, but ubiquitous onion‐like carbons, which may be the product of nanodiamond graphitization. The insoluble carbonaceous matter of the enstatite chondrite Sahara 97096 (EH 3) is different from the other meteorites studied here. It is more heterogeneous and displays a high abundance of graphitized particles. This may be the result of a mixture between (1) the disordered carbon located in the matrix, and (2) catalytic graphitized phases associated with metal, potentially originating from partial melting events. The structural and nanostructural evolution are similar in all IOMs. This suggests that the structure of the accreted precursors and the parent body conditions of their secondary thermal modifications (temperature, duration, and pressure) were similar. The limited degree of organization of the most metamorphosed IOMs compared with terrestrial rocks submitted to similar temperature suggests that the conditions are not favorable to graphitization processes, due to the chemical nature of the precursor or the lack of confinement pressure.
Impact of storms on mixed carbonate and siliciclastic shelves: insights from combined diffusive and fluid‐flow transport stratigraphic forward model

A quantitative stratigraphic model of mixed carbonate/siliciclastic continental shelves is presented to investigate the relationships between depositional processes and stratigraphic responses at long‐term, large spatial scales. A diffusion model is combined with a fluid‐flow approach to simulate both long‐term factors, i.e. the processes controlling large‐scale architecture, and short‐term processes, i.e. sediment redistribution by storms. Any net sediment accumulation is the result of the succession of a storm and a fair‐weather period. Sediments are mobilized by waves and advected by low‐frequency currents during storm events. Sediments are then reworked and redistributed downslope by diffusive processes during fair‐weather period. The results are successful in capturing several major characteristics of both modern and ancient depositional systems (geometry, differential preservation, net accumulation rates). The study highlights the importance of waves and unidirectional currents. Depositional geometry and shelf morphology depend on the balance between available sediment supply (generated in situ or detrital) and the transport energy, which is related to the style of sediment transport (diffusive or advective), and to the magnitude and frequency of storms.
Synoptic conditions related to soil moisture‐atmosphere interactions and unorganized convection in Oklahoma

Atmospheric modification by anomalously dry or wet soils can both enhance and suppress convective activity. However, the local‐scale and mesoscale feedback governing soil moisture‐precipitation coupling are embedded within the larger synoptic‐scale environment. Despite their importance, synoptic‐scale atmospheric conditions are rarely considered in studies examining soil moisture‐atmosphere interactions. We combine self‐organizing maps of 500 hPa geopotential height, spatial synoptic classification, and Hybrid Single‐Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model air mass trajectories to determine if the synoptic‐scale environment affects the ability of the land surface to force unorganized convection in Oklahoma. We identify several synoptic patterns that significantly impact the frequency of unorganized convection. Synoptic patterns characterized by midlevel troughs over the Southern Great Plains are less frequently associated with unorganized convective events. These patterns exhibit cool air advection in the midlevel and lower level of the atmosphere and are linked to suppression of convective activity. The synoptic patterns characterized by 500 hPa ridging over the study region are more frequently associated with unorganized convective events. These patterns likely result in increased net radiation, vapor pressure deficit, and more homogenously dry soils. Unorganized convective events that occur during these synoptic conditions initiate preferentially over dry soils. We present evidence that the synoptic‐scale environment can influence whether and how the land surface has an impact on convection.
Remote sensing of seagrasses in a patchy multi-species environment

We tested the utility of IKONOS satellite imagery to map seagrass distribution and biomass in a 4.1 km2 area around Chumbe Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania. Considered to be a challenging environment to map, this area is characterized by a diverse mix of inter- and subtidal habitat types. Our mapped distribution of seagrasses corresponded well to field data, although the total seagrass area was underestimated due to spectral confusion and misclassification of areas with sparse seagrass patches as sparse coral and algae-covered limestone rock. Seagrass biomass was also accurately estimated (r 2 = 0.83), except in areas with Thalassodendron ciliatum (r 2 = 0.57), as the stems of T. ciliatum change the relationship between light interception and biomass from that of other species in the area. We recommend the use of remote sensing over field-based methods for seagrass mapping because of the comprehensive coverage, high accuracy and ability to estimate biomass. The results obtained with IKONOS imagery in our complex study area are encouraging, and support the use of this data source for seagrass mapping in similar areas.
Regional Flow in the Lower Crust and Upper Mantle under the Southeastern Tibetan Plateau

Seismic tomography reveals an “R-shape” regional flow constrained between the depths of 50 to 80 km in the Southeastern Tibetan Plateau (STP) which demonstrates some of the differences revealed by the magnetotelluric (MT) soundings in some areas. The “R-shape” flow could be present in both the lower crust and uppermost mantle, but not in the lower crust above the Moho discontinuity. Lateral flow has been imaged under the Qiangtang and Songpan-Ganzi blocks while two channel flows have been revealed beneath the south part of the STP with the eastward lateral flow from the Qiangtang block separating into two channel flows. One branch turns southwards at the south Qiangtang block, along the Bangong-Nujiang fault reaching to the Indochina block, and another is across the Songpan-Ganzi block (fold system) which then separates into northward and southward parts. The northward branch is along the edge of the north Sichuan basin reaching to the Qingling fault and the southward channel turns south along the Anninghe fault, then turns eastward along the margins of the south Sichuan basin. Our study suggests that the crustal deformation along the deep, large sutures (such as the Longmen Shan fault zone) is maintained by dynamic pressure from the regional flow intermingled with the hot upwelling asthenosphere. The material in the lower crust and uppermost mantle flowing outward from the center of the plateau is buttressed by the old, strong lithosphere that underlies the Sichuan basin, pushing up on the crust above and maintaining steep topography through dynamic pressure. We therefore consider that the “R-shape” regional flow played a key role in the crustal deformation along the deep suture zones of the Bangong-Nujiang, the Longmen-Shan faults, and other local heavily faulted zones.
Using the Geoscience Australia-CSIRO ASTER maps and airborne geophysics to explore Australian geoscience

This study evaluated the geological mapping potential of the recently released Australian CSIRO-GA ASTER satellite geoscience products in providing mineral abundance and compositional information. A range of environments was examined by using test sites including the temperate cultivated New South Wales area of Wagga Wagga, and the semi-arid rangeland Mt Fitton of South Australia. Data integration of the ASTER derived products was undertaken with geophysical data, digital elevation models and fractional vegetation cover information. The study demonstrated that these products can successfully assist geological mapping within semi-arid areas and, to a lesser extent, within temperate open woodland environments.
Tectonic development of the Drummond Basin, eastern Australia: backarc extension and inversion in a Late Palaeozoic active margin setting

Detailed seismic reflection data combined with regional magnetic, gravity and geological data indicate that the Drummond Basin originated as a backarc extensional basin associated with Late Devonian and Early Carboniferous active margin tectonism in the northern New England Fold Belt. Seismic reflection data have been used to generate a two-way time map of seismic basement, providing a clear view of the basinal geometry and structural development. Broadscale structural asymmetry of the basin implies that simple shear along a deep, upper-crustal detachment provided the extensional mechanism and generated an inter-related set of listric normal faults and associated transfer faults, as well as steeply-dipping planar normal faults. The orientation of normal faults near the basin margins appears to have been controlled by regional basement structural trends. Transfer-fault trends were approximately orthogonal to the line of plate convergence as assessed from the orientation of coeval arc, forearc and subduction complex stratotectonic elements. Three distinct phases of infill are represented in the basinal stratigraphic succession. The first consists largely of volcanics and volcaniclastics, indicating that effusive magmatism and extension were closely associated in space and time. The second is quartzose and of basement derivation, but was not derived from footwall blocks at the faulted basinal margins to the east and north. Uplifted hanging-wall crust beyond the western basinal margin, a product of westdirected simple shear detachment, was the likely source terrain. The final infill phase consisted of volcaniclastics considered to have been derived from a coeval volcanic arc to the east. Major faults at the basin margins provided conduits for magmatism during extensional basin development, and long after the basinal history was complete. During the Late Carboniferous and mid-Triassic, the basin was affected by two discrete episodes of compressional deformation. This led to inversion with the development of folds, and reverse and wrench faults now seen at the surface.
Accuracy and reliability-based region-specific recalibration of dynamic pile formulas

Many state departments of transportation and consulting firms continue to use dynamic formulas because they are simple and inexpensive as compared to the preferred dynamic loading test with signal matching. Efforts to reduce the error and uncertainty associated with dynamic formulas are therefore warranted until dynamic monitoring becomes standard for every driven pile. However, dynamic formulas calibrated to national test pile databases have indicated inaccuracy and high uncertainty in the capacity prediction using dynamic formulas. A region-specific dynamic load test database was used to assess the accuracy and uncertainty in the Janbu, Danish and FHWA Gates formulas, recalibrate the equations for local conditions (construction practice, geology) and to generate resistance factors for use with Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD). Following recalibration, the capacity predictions became more accurate, and an observed dependence of the accuracy on the magnitude of resistance was eliminated for most driving conditions (e.g. end-of-driving, restrike). Previously reported static load test data were used to incorporate the transformation error associated with using the dynamic capacity to predict an equivalent static capacity. Resistance factors for use in Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) were developed in consideration of American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials–recommended load statistics and target reliability indices. Efficiency factors were used to assess the economic performance of each dynamic formula. Comparison of the accuracy and uncertainty of the recalibrated equations to a nationwide calibration illustrated the advantage of using a geologic-specific database for the calibration of resistance factors.
PALEOENVIRONMENTAL AND PALEOLANDSCAPE RECONSTRUCTIONS OF GREENWICH BAY REGION, RI

A paleoenvironmental and paleolandscape reconstruction of two separate sites in the Greenwich Bay region of RI was completed for use in the Paleocultural Landscapes Project. Investigations of a lacustrine sediment record in Warwick, RI were completed in order to develop a regional paleoenvironmental reference record. Investigations of the acoustic sub-bottom record in Greenwich Bay, RI were completed in order to develop paleolandscape reconstructions of the observed depositional environments for future use in an archaeological site prediction model. For Chapter one, we took a single sediment core from Gorton Pond, Warwick, RI in the summer of 2013 for the purpose of developing a regional paleoenvironmental reference record. The core was dated using both AMS-radiocarbon dating of four terrestrial macrofossil samples, and correlations with a radiometric/pollen age model from a surface core taken from Gorton Pond for a previous study. The oldest terrestrial macrofossil was a spruce cone dated to ~12,100 calendar years BP, but an estimated 18,000 years of sediment is in the Gorton Pond record, based on bracketing ages from dated recessional moraines in the region. However, we only sampled an estimated 16,000 years, based on a Younger Dryas transition of 13, 000 BP. Physical, magnetic, and elemental/isotopic (C, N, S, D/H) proxy measurements were made, and six distinct environmental zones were interpreted. The Gorton Pond record indicates significant changes in lake productivity and temperature. The Late Pleistocene Deglacial Period (16.0–13.0 ky BP) is indicated by low OC%, high concentrations of magnetic material, and terrestrially-sourced organic matter. The Younger Dryas chronozone was observed (13.0–11.8 kyr BP) as large decreases in
Preliminary observations on biological communities at shallow hydrothermal vents in the Aegean Sea

Abstract Hydrothermal vents, at depths varying from the littoral zone to water depths of 115 m, have been explored around the islands of Milos and Santorini in the Hellenic Volcanic Arc. The biota were surveyed by scuba divers and with a remote operated vehicle as well as by soft-bottom sampling with grabs and corers. No species specific to hydrothermal areas were found at any of the sites investigated. Animals in the immediate vicinity of the vents belonged to opportunistic species, such as the polychaetes Capitella capitata, Microspio sp. and Spio decoratus. The nassariid gastropod Cyclope neritea was the dominant macrofaunal species found in the bacterial mat areas at Milos which overlay hot brine seeps. At all rocky hydrothermal sites deeper than 35 m water depth the echiuran Boniellia cf. viridis was observed. Around the periphery of the seeps the meiofaunal community was dominated by the nematode Onchlaimus camplyoceroides. Few nematodes were found in the centre of the hydrothermal brine areas. At Santorini the bacteria at the venting sites were dominated by iron bacteria, whereas at Milos large globular sulphur bacteria, Achromatium volutans, covered the hydrothermal brine seeps. Unlike deep-sea vents, little of the biomass production was due to symbiotic associations between animals and chemoautolithotrophic bacteria, although a few stilbotnematine nematodes were found at the periphery of the brine seeps at Milos. Macrofaunal biomass reached a maximum of 80 g m−2 around the vents, compared with ≥c 500 g m−2 at hydrothermal vents elsewhere. Much of the bacterial biomass appeared to be exported from the sites.