Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nature and tectonic setting of accreted basalts from the Mino terrane, central Japan

The Mino tectono-stratigraphic terrane of central Japan is dominated by thrust-deformed Jurassic terrigenous clastic sediments, thought to have formed as a subduction–accretion complex at an active margin. However, in the central Mino terrane, basic volcanic rocks, together with stratigraphically overlying Permian shallow-water platform and slope carbonates and radiolarian cherts (Okumino Group), are present as tectonic intercalations. These Permian units have previously been interpreted as representing a large oceanic seamount-type body, formed in a distal oceanic setting. In addition, basaltic volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks of unknown age and affinities are also found as tectonic slivers within the adjacent Jurassic trench clastic sequences (Neo Formation). New petrological and geochemical investigations of all these basalts show that two main compositional groups are present: (i) alkali basalts (Mid-Permian) which are highly enriched in incompatible trace elements and the light REE (Group 1); (ii) tholeiitic basalts (mainly Lower Permian) which are moderately enriched in incompatible trace elements and light REE, relative to N-type MORB (Group 2). These characteristics suggest derivation from an enriched mantle source, such as a mantle plume. The compositions of Neo Formation basalts closely resemble those of the Okumino Group, suggesting that they were probably derived from the latter by both tectonic and sedimentary processes. Geochemical comparison with modern oceanic plume-influenced basalts, notably using La/Smn–Sm/Ybn ratios, suggests that the older Group 2 basalts are more akin to volcanics erupted along a constructive plate boundary (P- or E-type MORBs), than to tholeiitic basalts of intraplate oceanic islands (OIB). The sedimentary evidence for bathymetric elevation further indicates that the setting for this volcanism was most likely a spreading axis-centered oceanic plateau or ridge (e.g. Iceland, Ninety-East Ridge). The younger alkali basalts probably formed in an off-axis position, either due to normal lateral spreading processes, or perhaps more complex spreading centre–plume interactions. Accretion of this plateau onto the southern margin of the Asian landmass in the Mid–Late Jurassic apparently involved significant subduction-erosion of the plateau, evidenced by reworking of the Permian units into adjacent trench clastic sequences.
CONSUMER BEHAVIOR IN NEW SPORT LEAGUES

Research question: Research of new sport teams has maintained a narrow focus on season ticket holders. This is redressed in this study by determining whether immediate preferences toward new local teams can be observed in the broader viewing behavior of the general population within local markets. The consumption of new sport teams is then tracked longitudinally to understand the influence of consumer novelty on market behavior. Research methods: The study analyzed television ratings data of a new Australian cricket league. The period of analysis spanned five seasons from 2013/2014 through to 2017/2018. Data analysis included independent samples t tests and hierarchical linear modelling. Results and findings: Each local market exhibited an immediate preference for their local team. Local viewing preference for local teams did not grow over time, with the relative audience of local and non-local team fixtures increasing proportionally over the period. The league appears to be towards the end of its novelty phase, evidenced by a stabilization in viewing commitment yet retraction in base audience size between season three and five. Implications: The ability of new teams to solicit immediate local viewing preferences within the general population confirms the salience of geography as a foundational component of team identity. New teams should strategically consider their alignment to a suburban, city, state, or regional identity. That preference towards local teams did not increase within local markets reflects a critical theoretic distinction from more identified fan segments in which connection to team is thought to typically grow over time.
Geologic setting of Mosul Dam and its engineering implications

Abstract : The geologic setting of Mosul Dam is critically important for its engineering implications and its usefulness and contribution to engineering and operational decisions about the dam. The dam was constructed on alternating and highly variable units of gypsum, anhydrite, marl, and limestone, each of which is soluble in water under the environmental and hydrogeologic conditions of the dam. From a geologic standpoint, the foundation is very poor, and the site geology is the principal cause of continuing intense concern about the safety of the structure. Mineralogic variability within rock units resulted from original depositional processes that created interfaces and zones of weakness within individual beds. These natural zones of weakness now function as ingress points for seep water and allow dissolution zones to move vertically and horizontally. Dissolution is occurring at a faster rate than natural geologic processes. Sinkholes that have reached the surface recently on the east abutment indicate large-scale dissolution in the subsurface. Rock quality, grout-curtain efficiency as related to piezometer data, sinkhole development, sinkhole retreatment, dissolution rates of rock material, and water chemistry (total dissolved solids) collectively indicate that the dissolution front is moving to the east and downstream. The rate of subsurface dissolution has been increased by the presence of the reservoir. The pattern of regrouting in and between recently grouted sections of the dam shows that grouting at one location causes the flow path (seepage) of subsurface water to move to another location, but does not stop the seepage. At or above a pool depth of 318 m above sea level, the rate of subsurface dissolution increases markedly, leading to the recommendation that the pool not be raised above 318 m.
Foliar Uptake Of Atmospheric Reactive Nitrogen Pollution

Vegetation is a significant sink for atmospheric nitrogen (N) pollutants in terrestrial ecosystems and, in N-limited systems, the foliar uptake of reactive N may represent a considerable source of N to plants. However, little research has examined the variation in foliar N assimilation among species at realistic concentrations or how this assimilation may influence foliar δ15N values. An understanding of the magnitude of foliar N uptake and whether foliar δ15N values may be used to track this assimilation of anthropogenic N is imperative for understanding the future N cycle. In the following chapter, I discuss several of the more promising laboratory and field efforts using δ15N to quantify foliar N uptake. In particular, I have used combined hydroponics-fumigation systems to address several of the unresolved questions associated with the foliar uptake of reactive N. Using this system, I evaluated tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), which contrast in the reduction site for metabolism, under low or high (50μM and 500μM) root NO3 supply and exposed shoot systems to filtered or NO2-enriched air (0 ppb, 20 ppb, *Vallano D.M. and J.P. Sparks. 2007. Foliar δ15N values as indicators of foliar uptake of atmospheric nitrogen pollution. In Dawson T. and Siegwolf R. (eds) Isotopes as Indicators of Ecological Change, Elsevier Academic Press. 93109.
Technology Shocks : Novel Implications for International Business Cycles

This paper studies the effects of neutral and investment-speci c technology shocks in a standard international business cycle model. When investment-speci c shocks explain a large fraction of uctuations, as recently suggested by the empirical literature, our theoretical framework can account quantitatively for 1) the negative correlation between real exchange rates and relative consumption (Backus-Smith puzzle) 2) the negative correlation between terms of trade and relative output and 3) the large volatility of the terms of trade and trade ows. The main insight of this exercise is that investment-speci c technology shocks in a open economy generate effects similar to taste-shocks: they raise production and domestic prices together with an appreciation of the terms of trade and large in ows of foreign goods. Our ndings entail a reconsideration of the international transmission of technology shocks: the reponse of international prices depends critically on the type of technology shocks. JEL Classi cation: E32; F32; F41
Landslides cause tsunami waves : insights from Aysén fjord, Chile

On 21 April 2007, an Mw 6.2 earthquake produced an unforeseen chain of events in the Aysen fjord (Chilean Patagonia, 45.5°S). The earthquake triggered hundreds of subaerial landslides along the fjord flanks. Some of the landslides eventually involved a subaqueous component that, in turn, generated a series of displacement waves—tsunami-like waves produced by the fast entry of a subaerial landmass into a water body—within the fjord [Naranjo et al., 2009; Sepulveda and Serey, 2009; Hermanns et al., 2013]. These waves, with run-ups several meters high along the shoreline, caused 10 fatalities. In addition, they severely damaged salmon farms, which constitute the main economic activity in the region, setting free millions of cultivated salmon with still unknown ecological consequences.
PCBP2 as an intrinsic aging factor regulates the senescence of hBMSCs through the ROS-FGF2 signaling axis

Background: It has been reported that loss of PCBP2 led to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and accelerated cell aging. Knockdown of PCBP2 in HCT116 cells leads to significant down-regulation of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2). Here, we tried to elucidate the intrinsic factors and potential mechanisms of BMSCs aging from the interactions among PCBP2, ROS and FGF2. Methods: Unlabeled quantitative proteomics were performed to show differentially expressed proteins in the replicative senescent human-derived bone marrow stromal cells (RS-hBMSCs). ROS and FGF2 were detected in the loss-and-gain cell function experiments of PCBP2. The function recovery experiments were performed to verify whether PCBP2 regulates cell function through ROS/FGF2-dependent ways. Results: PCBP2 expression was significantly lower in P10-hBMSCs. Knocking down the expression of PCBP2 inhibited the proliferation while accentuated the apoptosis and cell arrest of RS-hBMSCs. PCBP2 silence could increase the production of ROS. On the contrary, overexpression of PCBP2 increased the viability of both P3-hBMSCs and P10-hBMSCs significantly. Meanwhile, over-expression of PCBP2 led to significantly reduced expression of FGF2. Overexpression of FGF2 significantly offset the effect of PCBP2 overexpression in P10-hBMSCs, leading to decreased cell proliferation, increased apoptosis and reduced G0/G1 phase ratio of the cells. Conclusion: This study initially elucidates that PCBP2 as an intrinsic aging factor regulates the replicative senescence of hBMSCs through the ROS-FGF2 signaling axis.
Spatial and temporal analysis of cholera cases in high-risk areas of Kenya

Cholera outbreaks remain an important public health challenge in Kenya, especially in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene including urban informal settlements, refugee camps and rural areas bordering large water bodies. Even in endemic settings, the distribution of cases exhibits spatial and temporal variations. Utilizing a Poisson discrete space-time scan statistic (SaTScan), this study investigated the temporal trends and the nature of spatial spread of cholera within selected high-risk areas in Kenya. The study was conducted in an urban informal settlement in Nairobi (Mukuru), a refugee camp in Northern Kenya (Dadaab) and the four counties bordering Lake Victoria region. Retrospective cholera line list data from January 2012 to December 2022 in the selected high-risk areas was used. SaTScan v10.1. 2 was used to carry out Spatiotemporal analysis and generate spatial clusters. Throughout the study period, a total of 7,372 cholera cases were reported, corresponding to a lower annual incidence rate of 12.2 per 100,000 people compared to a mean annual incidence of 25 cases per 100,000 population previously reported in Kenya. The highest number of cases (n=5934) were reported between 2015 and 2018 with an annual incidence rate of 27.0 per 100,000 people, indicating a relative risk (RR) of 7.22 and a log-likelihood ratio (LLR) of 3015.17 (p< 0.001). The risky clusters (RR>1) were in Dadaab, Fafi, Suna West, Nyatike, Ugunja, Ndhiwa and Suna East sub counties with annual cases of 111.6, 164.1, 28.4, 19.9, 19.4, 14.0 and 13.9 per 100,000, respectively. The sub-counties of Nyakach, Nyando, Rachuonyo East, Kisumu East and Kisumu Central were reported as low-risk clusters, with a relative risk of 0.055 and an annual incidence rate of 1.1 cases per 100,000 individuals. Out of the thirty-two sub-counties included in the study, ten of them did not report any cases of cholera during the study period. Cholera cases waxed every three years in the selected high-risk areas. This data on hotspots specific to endemic settings forms a basis for prompt public health response and resource allocation by prioritizing the significantly high-risk clusters to control and eventually eliminate the disease.
R-process Nucleosynthesis of Subminimal Neutron Star Explosions

We show that a minimum-mass neutron star undergoes delayed explosion after mass removal from its surface. We couple the Newtonian hydrodynamics to a nuclear reaction network of ∼4500 isotopes to study the nucleosynthesis and neutrino emission during the explosion. An electron antineutrino burst with a peak luminosity of ∼3 × 1050 erg s−1 is emitted while the ejecta is heated to ∼109 K. A robust r-process nucleosynthesis is realized in the ejecta. Lanthanides and heavy elements near the second and third r-process peaks are synthesized as end products of nucleosynthesis, suggesting that subminimal neutron star explosions could be an important source of solar chemical elements.
A click-based electrocorticographic brain-computer interface enables long-term high-performance switch-scan spelling

Abstract Background Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) can restore communication in movement- and/or speech-impaired individuals by enabling neural control of computer typing applications. Single command “click” decoders provide a basic yet highly functional capability. Methods We sought to test the performance and long-term stability of click-decoding using a chronically implanted high density electrocorticographic (ECoG) BCI with coverage of the sensorimotor cortex in a human clinical trial participant (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03567213) with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We trained the participant’s click decoder using a small amount of training data (< 44 minutes across four days) collected up to 21 days prior to BCI use, and then tested it over a period of 90 days without any retraining or updating. Results Using this click decoder to navigate a switch-scanning spelling interface, the study participant was able to maintain a median spelling rate of 10.2 characters per min. Though a transient reduction in signal power modulation interrupted testing with this fixed model, a new click decoder achieved comparable performance despite being trained with even less data (< 15 min, within one day). Conclusion These results demonstrate that a click decoder can be trained with a small ECoG dataset while retaining robust performance for extended periods, providing functional text-based communication to BCI users.
Mechanical sensitivity to hydrochemical processes of Monastero Bormida clay

The paper presents the results of an experimental study on the mechanical behavior of a marly clay, motivated by the recurrent episodes of slope failure induced by intense rainfall events over the area of Langhe (NW Italy). The sensitivity of the material to environmental actions has been systematically explored by reproducing on laboratory samples hydrological and chemical processes similar to those expected to arise on site. Chemomechanical effects due to pore fluid dilution and decalcification have been investigated by testing both reconstituted and intact samples with different degrees of weathering. Pore water salinity was found to have minor consequences on the mechanical behavior of the material at its intact state and at the original calcite content. Decalcification enhanced the chemical sensitivity of the clay minerals constituting the soil matrix, not only by affecting the residual shear strength and the stiffness, but also by magnifying the tendency to swell under chemical loads, inducing a chemical sensitivity over swelling on saturation and enhancing water retention properties. Field observations also support the hypothesis that decalcification followed by interstitial pore water dilution are key factors to take into account to understand the degradation of the mechanical properties and that these phenomena can enhance the instability onset.
“Project YES! has given me a task to reach undetectable”: Qualitative findings from a peer mentoring program for youth living with HIV in Zambia

The Project YES! clinic-based peer mentoring program was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted among 276 youth from four HIV clinics to test the impact of the program on promoting HIV self-management and reducing internalized stigma among youth living with HIV (ages 15–24 years) in Ndola, Zambia. We conducted a qualitative sub-study involving in-depth interviews with 40 intervention youth participants (21 female, 19 male) to explore their experiences with Project YES! which included: an orientation meeting led by a healthcare provider, monthly individual and group counseling sessions over six months, and three optional caregiver group sessions. Using baseline RCT data, we used maximum variation sampling to purposively select youth by sex, age, change in virologic results between baseline and midline, and study clinic. A four-person team conducted thematic coding. Youth described their increased motivation to take their HIV care seriously due to Project YES! , citing examples of improvements in ART adherence and for some, virologic results. Many cited changes in behavior in the context of greater feelings of self-worth and acceptance of their HIV status, resulting in less shame and fear associated with living with HIV. Youth also attributed Project YES! with reducing their sense of isolation and described Project YES! youth peer mentors and peers as their community and “family. ” Findings highlight that self-worth and personal connections play a critical role in improving youths’ HIV outcomes. Peer-led programs can help foster these gains through a combination of individual and group counseling sessions. Greater attention to the context in which youth manage their HIV, beyond medication intake, is needed to reach global HIV targets.
Effects of exogenous melatonin on sugar and organic acid metabolism in early-ripening peach fruits

To evaluated the effects melatonin (MT) on the sugar and acid metabolism of early-ripening peach fruits, the concentration of 150 μmol/L MT was sprayed on the leaves of peach trees. MT increased the contents of total soluble sugar and sucrose in peach fruits during the whole ripening period, and increased the contents of glucose and sorbitol at the mature stage. During the whole ripening period, MT also increased the activities of sucrose synthase, sucrose phosphate synthase, neutral invertase, and acidic invertase and the relative expression levels of sucrose synthase, sucrose phosphate synthase, neutral invertase, and acidic invertase genes, while decreased the activity of sorbitol oxidase and the relative expression level of sorbitol dehydrogenase to some extent. Moreover, MT decreased the contents of total organic acid, malic acid, and citric acid at mature stage. At mature stage, MT decreased the activities of citrate synthetase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and the relative expression levels of citrate synthetase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase genes, while increased the relative expression levels of Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+)-malic enzyme, malate dehydrogenase, and aconitase genes. Therefore, MT promotes the sugar accumulation and organic acid degradation in early-ripening peach fruits.
PETROLOGY OF MANTLE PERIDOTITES AND INTRUSIVE MAFIC ROCKS FROM THE KERMANSHAH OPHIOLITIC COMPLEX (ZAGROS BELT, IRAN): IMPLICATIONS FOR THE GEODYNAMIC EVOLUTION OF THE NEO-TETHYAN OCEANIC BRANCH BETWEEN ARABIA AND IRAN

The Kermanshah ophiolitic complex consists of a melange formation, which includes dismembered ophiolitic sequences. These ophiolites are located along the Main Zagros Reverse Fault, which marks the ophiolitic suture zone between the Zagros belt and the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone. They represent the Neo- Tethyan oceanic lithosphere, which originally existed between the Arabian (to the south) and Eurasian (to the north) continental margins. The Kermanshah ophiolites were emplaced onto platform carbonate rocks, which represented the northeastern Arabian margin. The Kermanshah ophiolitic complex is composed of various partial sequences, which are represented by: (1) mantle tectonites consisting of depleted lherzolites and both clinopyroxene- (cpx-) rich and cpx-free harzburgites; (2) a troctolite-cumulate gabbro-isotropic gabbro sequence mainly showing pegmatoid texture; (3) a wehrlite-cumulate gabbro-isotropic gabbro sequence showing foliated texture; (4) a dyke complex; (5) very scarce pillow basalts. Mantle tectonites are volumetrically predominant and tectonically overlay the gabbroic sequences. A number of conclusions may be drawn based on petrographic observations, mineral chemistry, whole-rock chemistry, and rare earth elements (REE) modelling carried out on both mantle tectonites and intrusive rock associations. (1) The Foliated Gabbro Unit has an N-MORB chemical signature and represents a portion of oceanic crust generated in a mid-ocean ridge setting from an N-MORB-type sub-oceanic mantle. (2) The Pegmatoid Gabbro Unit displays an E-MORB signature and represents a portion of oceanic crust most likely generated from a sub-oceanic mantle source enriched in light REE (LREE). A comparison with the well-studied Oman ophiolites suggests that this sequence may have formed during the early stage of oceanic spreading. (3) The depleted lherzolites present mild depletions in heavy REE (HREE) and variable depletion in LREE. REE modelling shows that they may represent a residual mantle after 15-20% removal of N-MORB melts. Some lherzolites show a moderate enrichment in La and Ce with respect to Sm, suggesting that this residual MORB mantle was subsequently trapped in a supra-subduction zone (SSZ) mantle wedge and enriched in LREE by subduction-derived fluids. (4) The depleted harzburgites present a significant depletion in incompatible elements and REE, coupled with a marked LREE enrichment with respect to medium REE. REE modelling shows that they may represent a residual mantle after 25-30% removal of boninitic-type melts in an intra-oceanic arc setting.