Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The relationship between the microwave radar cross section and both wind speed and stress: Model function studies using Frontal Air-Sea Interaction Experiment data

The Frontal Air-Sea Interaction Experiment (FASINEX) provided a unique data set with coincident airborne scatterometer measurements of the ocean surface radar cross section (RCS) (at Ku band) and near-surface wind and wind stress. These data have been analyzed to study new model functions which relate wind speed and surface friction velocity (square root of the kinematic wind stress) to the radar cross section and to better understand the processes in the boundary layer that have a strong influence on the radar backscatter. Studies of data from FASINEX indicate that the RCS has a different relation to the friction velocity than to the wind speed. The difference between the RCS models using these two variables depends on the polarization and the incidence angle. The radar data have been acquired from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory airborne scatterometer. These data span 10 different flight days. Stress measurements were inferred from shipboard instruments and from aircraft flying at low altitudes, closely following the scatterometer. Wide ranges of radar incidence angles and environmental conditions needed to fully develop algorithms are available from this experiment.
Characterizing PM2.5 Secondary Aerosols via a Fusion Strategy of Two-stage Positive Matrix Factorization and Robust Regression

Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) is a commonly used receptor model for source apportionment of PM 2.5 . However, PMF results often retrieve an individual factor mainly composed of secondary aerosols, making it difficult to link with primary emission sources and formulate effective air pollution control strategies. To overcome this limitation, we employed a two-stage PMF modeling approach with adjustments of the species weighting, which was fused with a robust regression model to better characterize the sources of PM 2.5 secondary aerosols. Additionally, organic molecular tracers were incorporated into PMF for source identification. A field campaign was conducted between May and December 2021 in Taichung, Taiwan. An improved PMF model was utilized to resolve the multiple time resolution data of 3-h online and 24-h offline measurements of PM 2.5 compositions. Retrieved factors from PMF were averaged over 24-h intervals and then applied in robust regression analysis to re-apportion the contributions. Comparing with conventional PMF, downweighting the secondary aerosol-related species in the model was more effective in linking them to primary emission sources. The results from the fusion model showed that the majority of secondary aerosols (sum of secondary aerosol-related species = 2.67 µ g m –3 ) within three hours were mainly contributed by oil combustion , while the largest contributor of secondary aerosols (1.65 µ g m –3 ) over 24 hours was industry , highlighting the need for regulation of these two sources based on various temporal scales. The developed fusion strategy of two-stage PMF and robust regression provided refined results and can aid in the management of PM 2.5 .
The mean evolution and variability of the Asian summer monsoon: comparison of ECMWF and NCEP/NCAR reanalyses

Abstract The behavior of the Asian summer monsoon is documented and compared using the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Reanalysis (ERA) and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP–NCAR) Reanalysis. In terms of seasonal mean climatologies the results suggest that, in several respects, the ERA is superior to the NCEP–NCAR Reanalysis. The overall better simulation of the precipitation and hence the diabatic heating field over the monsoon domain in ERA means that the analyzed circulation is probably nearer reality. In terms of interannual variability, inconsistencies in the definition of weak and strong monsoon years based on typical monsoon indices such as All-India Rainfall (AIR) anomalies and the large-scale wind shear based dynamical monsoon index (DMI) still exist. Two dominant modes of interannual variability have been identified that together explain nearly 50% of the variance. Individually, they have many features in c.
Impulsive control of unstable homogeneous positive systems of degree one with unbounded time‐varying delay

This paper investigates the impulsive control of unstable homogeneous positive systems of degree one with unbounded time‐varying delay. By using max‐separable Lyapunov functions and Razumikhin technique, sufficient conditions ensuring μ$$ \mu $$ ‐stability are derived. It should be noted that it is the first time that impulsive stabilization results for such systems are given. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the control strategy.
Geophysical models for the formation and evolution of coronae on Venus

Coronae are large circular features on Venus characterized by an annulus of concentric tectonic features, interior fracturing, volcanism, and generally upraised topography. They are suggested to form over sites of mantle upwelling and modified by subsequent gravitational relaxation. We examine this proposition using two geophysical models to determine whether and under what conditions these mechanisms can produce the topography and tectonics exhibited by coronae in the Magellan altimetry data and radar images. Our results show that mantle diapirism can produce the domical topography of novae, which may be coronae in the earliest stage of formation. The model stresses induced at the surface by a mantle diapir imply the formation of radially oriented extensional fracturing as observed in novae. The dimensions of novae indicate that the diapirs responsible for them are smaller than about 100 km in radius and that the elastic lithosphere is less than 32 km thick. Diapirs that have reached the top of the mantle are expected to spread and flatten, producing plateaulike rather than domical topography. We model a flattened diapir at the top of the mantle and show that it will result in plateaulike uplift. The volume of the flattened model diapir is similar to that of the spherical diapirs derived for novae. We model gravitational relaxation of isostatically uncompensated plateaus and show that they relax to the topographic forms associated with coronae and that the model stresses are consistent with the development of the annulus of tectonic features around coronae.
Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Infection among Hemodialysis Patients from Southern Bulgaria

Viral hepatitis B and C are widely recognized problems in hemodialysis (HD) patients. There have been increasing reports of the importance of the hepatitis E virus (HEV) in recent years, but the worldwide data on the seroprevalence of HEV among them are conflicting. The aim of the present study was to assess the seroprevalence of HEV in HD patients and to analyze the predictors of seropositivity. This study was conducted in 2020 in the central part of southern Bulgaria. A total of 225 patients were enrolled. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the determination of anti-HEV IgM/IgG was used. All patients were tested for the presence of HEV RNA. Anti-HEV IgM alone and anti-HEV IgG alone were found in 6 (2.7%) and 14 (6.2%) patients, respectively, and in 4 (1.8%) patients, they were found simultaneously. All patients were HEV RNA-negative. The overall HEV seroprevalence was 10.7% (24/225). The binominal logistic regression analysis of available predictors confirmed the role of vascular access and a duration of dialysis treatment over 5 years as predictors significantly associated with increased risk for HEV, and the consumption of bottled water with lower levels of HEV IgG seroprevalence among hemodialysis patients. The accumulated data are the basis for comparative analysis in subsequent trials in the same dialysis centers and for enhancing the range of screening markers used in this particular patient group.
Deep seismic reflection studies in Israel - an update

Summary. The results of three deep crustal reflection lines are presently available from Israel. A 90 km line from near the Dead Sea rift to the Mediterranean coast was carried out for deep study. Two other lines in the Mediterranean coastal area were derived by recorrelation of oil exploration lines. The data shows a division between continental inner Israel and the coastal plain. In the first area a reflective lower crust is apparent with transparent upper crust and almost transparent upper mantle. Near the coast, in an area which was previously suggested as underlain by an ancient fossil oceanic crust, strong reflections characterize the uppermost mantle. Comparison between the reflection pattern and previous deep refraction and MT data indicates some agreement away from the coast and lack of correlation in the area of possible fossil oceanic crust near the coast.
Identification of Fibrotic Biomarkers Associated with Macrophages in Diabetic Nephropathy

Background Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the main cause of end-stage renal disease. Renal fibrosis is an important pathological feature of kidney injury, and the therapeutic means are very limited. The functions of macrophages play important roles in renal fibrosis. There is a complicated link between altered immune metabolism and oxidative stress. Hence, we designed this study to identify the oxidative stress- and macrophage-relevant biomarkers reflecting fibrosis in DN. Material/Methods Differential expression analysis was performed based on the GSE96804 dataset. xCell and weighted gene co-expression network analysis were used to determine the distinctions in infiltrating immune cells between DN and control specimens. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were conducted. A protein–protein interaction network was constructed to identify the hub genes. Hub genes were validated in an external dataset, GSE30528, and cell models. Results MMP2, CASP3, and HIF-1α were identified as biomarkers, which were upregulated in the DN group and positively correlated with the infiltration of macrophages and M1 macrophages. In vitro, the 3 genes were highly expressed in murine MPC5 cells treated with high glucose and human THP-1 macrophages treated with advanced glycation end products. Conclusions Our results provided biomarkers for predicting the fibrotic progression of DN and confirmed that MMP2, CAPS3, and HIF-1α have good diagnostic value. They might be involved in the progression of DN fibrosis by regulating oxidative stress and macrophage recruitment or polarization.
The Palynology of Archaeological Sites

A pioneer in the area of soil pollen analysis, the author distills his wealth of practical experience in this volume to show how soil pollen sheds light on the relationship between ancient man and his environment. The uses and dangers of these techniques are discussed and illustrated with the help of over thirty pollen profiles. Numerous references to similar studies in Europe, Africa, and America place the author's work in the widest possible perspective. -- AATA
WARM CLIMATE IN THE LATE MIOCENE OF THE SOUTH COAST OF ALASKA AND THE OCCURRENCE OF PODOCARPACEAE POLLEN

Abstract A study of the Homerian type section in the upper Beluga Formation (Upper Miocene) of the Kenai Group of southern Alaska has yielded two surprising discoveries: (1) warmth-loving taxa and (2) the presence in Alaska of a ‘new’ gymnosperm family, Podocarpaceae. A well-preserved pollen and spore flora is present in Upper Miocene coal beds of the Kenai lowland, near Homer, Alaska. Stump horizons, abundant wood fragments, wood grain, and amber within the coal attest to a forested swamp. Pollen assemblages from the Homerian type section include elements of both Mixed Northern Hardwood and warm-temperate Mesophytic forests and are far richer than the flora previously defining the Homerian type section, which had suggested a less diverse, cooler assemblage. Within the Homerian type section, the flora exhibits no definite taxonomic chronology; in general, Alnus dominates, with up to 45% of the total counts, followed by Pinaceae and Taxodiaceae pollen types (30 to 35%) and thermophiles (c. 14%). At least 36 genera are represented, including Carya type, Corylus, Ilex, Juglans, Myrica, Ostrya/Carpinus, Pterocarya, Quercus/Quercus-type, and Ulmus/Zelkova, eight dicot genera have not previously been reported from the type Homerian. Presence of these hardwoods in moderate to minor amounts suggests that the climate during the Homerian (Late Miocene) was only slightly cooler than that of the Seldovian (Early to Middle Miocene). Unexpectedly, Dacrydium and Podocarpus are present as minor elements in most of the samples. They apparently coexisted with the other Miocene taxa, because the pre-Paleogene Kenai–Chugach terrane to the southeast, which supplied sediments to the Kenai Group, is mostly of oceanic plate provenance and is unlikely to have been the source of the pollen. A uniform orange fluorescence of all the pollen, including the podocarps and any potentially reworked pollen, also suggests a contemporaneous origin for all the taxa. The flora from the Homerian type section may precede or coincide with uplift of the Alaska Range to the north. Thus, further comparison with Homerian taxa at localities north and south of the Alaska Range will be important as it may reveal a possible rain shadow effect.
Developing a consistent process‐based conceptualization of catchment functioning using measurements of internal state variables

We use isotope data in addition to discharge and groundwater level data to conceptualize the internal processes of runoff generation and tracer transport in a low parameter coupled flow‐tracer model that could predict the runoff response and isotopic composition of an upland stream. We used sensitivity analysis to assess the effect of these data on model calibration in terms of parameter identifiability and the model's ability to predict the stream's runoff response, isotopic composition and water age. The results showed that the incorporation of tracer data in particular, clearly increased parameter identifiability and improved the predictive power of models for simulating both streamflow and isotopes. This also resulted in a more consistent process‐based conceptualization of catchment functioning. We could also show that using models as learning tools can guide sampling campaigns toward measurements with increased information content for further modeling. We conclude that this is a promising approach for assessing dominant processes in coupled flow‐tracer models. This is of value when such models are being used to test hypotheses about the hydrological functioning of catchments, particularly in relation to pollutant transfers.
Seismic monitoring and vibrational characterization of small wind turbines: A case study of the potential effects on the Eskdalemuir International Monitoring System Station in Scotland

This paper presents a case study of the ground-borne vibrations generated by small wind turbines. This is of particular importance for assessing the possible impact on the detection capabilities of the International Monitoring System seismic array at Eskdalemuir in Scotland. Measurements were gathered from a selection of small wind turbines (≤50 kW), from three different manufacturers, varying in hub height, power and construction using a range of accelerometers and seismometers fixed to the tower and buried in the adjacent ground at increasing distances. Previous studies have shown that medium and large turbines generate harmonic vibrations. Planning guidelines exist but have inadvertently led to a ban on the deployment of individual small-turbines within 50 km of the array. This study investigates whether their inclusion in these guidelines is necessary. Vibration levels on the tower are in the region of 10-3 m/sqrt(Hz), are transferred into the ground and decay rapidly away from the turbine (10-5 m/sqrt(Hz) in the ground at 200 m). The spectral content of the vibrations shows variations between the turbines, but each have peaks in the band of interest for Eskdalemuir. Further, sources of the peaks in the spectra are identified as either originating from the blades’ rotation or the resonant modes of the turbines. Analysis of the relationship between wind speed and seismic amplitude on the tower shows an exponential trend, individual to each wind turbine and the frequency band of interest. Similarly, analysis of the seismic amplitude between the tower and foundation shows that this can be described by a power law, but this is individual to each turbine. It is our opinion that there is little requirement to include turbines of 50 kW or less in planning guidelines outside the statutory exclusion zone of 10 km, but each turbine should be considered on an individual basis.
Oxygen Isotopes and the Identification of Geographical Origins: The Valley of Oaxaca versus the Valley of Mexico

Oxygen isotope analysis of human bone phosphate is used for archaeological samples from three sites in Mexico with contemporaneous time sequences to test its usefulness in determining population movement and locational stability. Individuals (N=11) from the Teotihuacan site of Tlajinga 33 represent an isotopic baseline for the Basin of Mexico from the Early Tlamimilolpa phase (AD 250–300) to the Metepec phase (AD 550–650). The Valley of Oaxaca is represented by 16 individuals from Monte Alban spanning Monte Alban I to Monte Alban V phases (500 BCtoAD 1520). These two samples are compared to 11 burials from the site of Tlailotlacan, an enclave of Oaxacan culture at Teotihuacan. The results indicate that there is no temporal variability at any of the sites. Tlajinga and Monte Alban are completely separated isotopically, and the uniformity of δ18O values at both sites indicates few if any itinerant members, thus making the sites good isotopic baselines. There is considerably more variability in the Tlailotlacan sample, however, and its patterning has implications for interpreting the maintenance of ethnicity in the Oaxacan enclave. Although the adults, on average, exhibit the local values of Tlajinga 33, children under the age of 5 have significantly higher δ18O values. Female adults and secondary burials also appear to have higherδ18O values but these subgroups are too small to test statistically.
A new automatic ice-fabric analyzer which uses image-analysis techniques

Abstract An automatic ice-fabric analyzer has been developed, which can determine individual ,-axis orientations by image-analysis techniques. The analyzer consists of four major components: a sample stage, a pair of crossed polaroids, a charge coupled device (CCD) camera and a light source. Both the sample stage and the crossed polaroids can be rotated independently of each other by the stepping motors controlled by a personal computer (PC). Measurements are conducted as follows. An ice thin section is set on the sample stage and then the crossed polaroids are rotated. Thin-section images are recorded by the PC at intervals of 2° of rotation. From the image-intensity (gray value) dataset of each crystal in the thin section the extinction angles of individual crystals can be determined. Similarly, eight other extinction angles of individual crystals are obtained from eight other CCD camera positions with respect to the thin section: Finally, the . -axis orientation of individual crystals is calculated by using these extinction angles. With this technique, all crystals within the view of the CCD camera can be analyzed at the same time. In addition, with image-processing techniques the individual crystals are recognized automatically and other parameters, such as grain-size and grain shape, can be measured simultaneously. Textural studies of Dome Fuji (Antarctica) ice cores have been conducted with this analyzer.
ASSESSING RELATIVE RISKS TO AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS: A MID‐APPALACHIAN CASE STUDY 1

ABSTRACT: Aquatic monitoring aims to assess the condition of aquatic habitats and biota. To make statements about condition, the range of human activities and the risks they pose to aquatic ecosystems must be identified. Assessing relative risk and placing sample sites on a human disturbance gradient is necessary for interpreting biological response and distinguishing human disturbance from natural controls in aquatic systems. We describe a process that uses readily available sources, such as topographic maps, aerial photographs, and field information, to identify and prioritize stream reach and watershed stressors for 102 streams in the mid‐Appalachian region of the United States. All perceptible human alterations to riparian and upland areas along with their number, type, intensity, and extent of impact were recorded and ranked; a relative risk index was developed to assign scores to the watersheds. The resulting risk index scores were consistent with measures of stream condition based on water chemistry and benthic macroinvertebrates. The risk index gives a cost‐effective, regional picture of the relative risk of impairment to aquatic ecosystems in the mid‐Appalachian region of the USA and could be modified for other regions or ecosystem types.
DYNAMICALLY LOADED PILE IN OVERCONSOLIDATED CLAY

A series of dynamic axial loading tests were conducted on a 273-mm-diameter steel pipe pile driven 13.4 m into a layered deposit of overconsolidated clay. A linear inertial mass vibrator was used to provide frequency sweep loadings from frequencies above to frequencies below the fundamental frequency of the pile-soil-cap system at three magnitudes of dynamic load. Superposition of a dynamic component of load of about 5% of the static capacity of the pile on a static biased compressive load resulted in slight nonlinear behavior and induced some residual increase in flexibility of the system. Two existing analytical models were studied in light of the measured performance of the pile and were found to yield appropriate solutions provided the soil parameters were selected properly.
Salinity effects on the Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca in starfish skeletons and the echinoderm relevance for paleoenvironmental reconstructions

Skeletal Mg/Ca ratios of well-preserved fossil echinoderms have been used to reconstruct past Mg/Ca ratio in seawater up to the Phanerozoic, taking into account the known temperature effect on this ratio. This study investigates the effects of salinity and growth rate on Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios in starfish calcite skeletons grown in experimental conditions. Both ratios are not related to growth rate: on the contrary, both are positively related to salinity. This effect induces an error on the reconstructed Mg/Ca ratio in seawater that may reach 46%. An intriguing inverse relation between skeletal Sr/Ca ratio and temperature was recorded. The salinity effects are presumably due to physiological regulation processes.
Lognormal Distribution Model for Unsaturated Soil Hydraulic Properties

The soil water retention model developed by Kosugi was modified to be compatible with Mualem's model in order to derive an analytical expression for the relative hydraulic conductivity Kr. The modified water retention model is to be derived by applying a lognormal distribution law to the soil pore radius distribution function. Parameters of this retention model have physical significance on the water content (θ)– capillary pressure (ψ) curve and are related directly to the statistics of the pore radius distribution. The accuracy of the resulting combined water-retention-hydraulic-conductivity model is verified for observed data sets for six soils. Results showed that the proposed model produces acceptable matches with observed water retention curves and adequate predictions of hydraulic conductivities in five out of six cases. The θ − ψ and Kr− ψ (or Kr − θ) curves generated by this model are generally similar to those generated by van Genuchten's model.