Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Precipitation Variation in the Pacific Northwest (1675–1975) as Reconstructed from Tree Rings

Abstract Long-term records of precipitation variation for three regions within the Pacific Northwest are reconstructed based on ring-width data from drought-sensitive conifers. Precipitation reconstructions are derived using multiple regression models that predict variation in annual precipitation as a function of standardized and prewhitened tree-ring chronologies. The precipitation reconstructions indicate that droughts similar in magnitude and duration to those observed in the 1920s and 1930s have occurred frequently, at least once per century, in the past. The timing of drought episodes varies spatially, most notably during the nineteenth century. During the first half of the nineteenth century, precipitation was above average in Washington and northern Oregon but below average in southern Oregon and northern California. During the latter half of the nineteenth century, southern Oregon and northern California experienced above average precipitation while Washington and northern Oregon experienced repe.
Subduction initiates at straight passive margins

Subduction initiation at straight passive margins can be investigated with two-dimensional (2-D) numerical models, because the geometry is purely cylindrical. However, on Earth, straight margins rarely occur. The construction of 3-D models is therefore critical in the modeling of spontaneous subduction initiation at realistic, curved passive margins. Here we report on the results obtained from gravitationally driven, 3-D thermomechanical numerical models using a visco-plastic rheology and a passive margin with a single curved section in the middle. The models show that the curvature angle β can control subduction initiation: the greater β is, the more difficult subduction initiation becomes. The 3-D thermomechanical models provide an in-depth physical understanding of the processes. Specifically, we find that pressure gradients, arising from density differences between oceanic and continental rocks, drive subduction initiation, and strongly influence the timing. The main difference between straight (cylindrical) and curved margins is that the orientation of the pressure gradient in 3-D is no longer constant, thus producing a horizontal, along-margin component of flow. We thus conclude that the reason for the impedance of subduction initiation is the result of partitioning of the vertical velocity component into a horizontal component, which therefore decreases the effective slab pull. We infer that, although favorable for subduction initiation in a 2-D model, because the estimated force balance is adequate, the pronounced curvature in the southeast Brazilian margin is a likely explanation why subduction initiation is hampered there.
Surface waves and bottom sediment response

Abstract Field measurements of bottom oscillations and wave characteristics have been made in a study of the interaction of fine‐grained sediments and surface waves. A wave staff, pressure sensor, and accelerometer were used in East Bay, Louisiana, an area that has a fine‐grained clay bottom. The accelerometer contained three solid‐state accelerometers mounted at right angles. The instrument was placed about 0.3 m below the mudline. The results of the study indicate that bottom motions under wave action show well‐defined periodic features. The bottom sediments appear to be undergoing an elastic response to bottom pressures, such that the bottom is depressed under a surface wave crest. Under the range of bottom pressures measured, bottom displacement varied linearly with bottom pressure. Measured bottom pressures were up to 35% larger than predicted by linear wave theory. The effect of a movable bottom on wave pressure is considered. The energy lost from the surface wave to the bottom in forcing the bottom.
Finite strain isotherm and velocities for single‐crystal and polycrystalline NaCl at high pressures and 300°K

Ultrasonic, pressure-volume, and shock wave measurements of NaCl are reviewed, with the purpose of representing as much as possible within a single theoretical framework, A large portion of the data is consistent, to within reasonable uncertainties, with the Eulerian formulation of finite strain, in the BE2 form. This contains three parameters, of which two, K0 and K0′, are obtainable from single-crystal ultrasonic measurements, while the third, K0″, may be found with the aid of shock wave data. The combination of the values of Spetzler et al. (1972a) with the isotherm of Fritz et al. (1971) gives an equation of state consistent with the pressure-volume measurements to 300 kbar, to within a kilobar or two. There remain small but possibly significant discrepancies with the high-precision measurements of linear change at low pressures. Various two-parameter isotherms are also examined and found to fail either at low or at high compressions: While other three-parameter forms may be fitted to the data, they do not afford a satisfactory general treatment of wave propagation. Finite strain theory is applied to project the effective elastic coefficients of single-crystal NaCl to 270 kbar. The anisotropy index, 2B44(B11–B12), falls from 0.7 at P = 0 to 0.12 at 270 kbar, and the usual methods of averaging to find the properties of a quasi-isotropic aggregate diverge increasingly as pressure increases. The methods of Kroner and of Peresada give fair agreement with recent measurements of velocities in NaCl aggregates to 270 kbar.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of a New Indenoisoquinoline Copper Derivative as a Topoisomerase I Inhibitor

Topoisomerases are interesting targets in cancer chemotherapy. Here, we describe the design and synthesis of a novel copper(II) indenoisoquinoline complex, WN198. The new organometallic compound exhibits a cytotoxic effect on five adenocarcinoma cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, HeLa, HT-29, and DU-145) with the lowest IC50 (0.37 ± 0.04 μM) for the triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. Below 5 µM, WN198 was ineffective on non-tumorigenic epithelial breast MCF-10A cells and Xenopus oocyte G2/M transition or embryonic development. Moreover, cancer cell lines showed autophagy markers including Beclin-1 accumulation and LC3-II formation. The DNA interaction of this new compound was evaluated and the dose-dependent topoisomerase I activity starting at 1 μM was confirmed using in vitro tests and has intercalation properties into DNA shown by melting curves and fluorescence measurements. Molecular modeling showed that the main interaction occurs with the aromatic ring but copper stabilizes the molecule before binding and so can putatively increase the potency as well. In this way, copper-derived indenoisoquinoline topoisomerase I inhibitor WN198 is a promising antitumorigenic agent for the development of future DNA-damaging treatments.
Morphobot: A Platform for Morphogenesis in Robot Swarm

Various robot platforms have been developed for investigating new algorithms for swarm robotics. Morpho-genetic engineering in robot swarms, however, proposes new requirements for platforms: precise motion control, physical interactions with the environment or neighbor robots, and functionalized shells. Few current platforms fulfill all the above characteristics. Here, we present Morphobot, a robot platform for morphogenetic engineering in swarm robotics. Its direct current coreless motors provide physical support and strong power, meanwhile, these needle-like motors also enhance the physical interactions among robots. Each Morphobot has a changeable shell. It is functionalized for programming local interactions, through physical contact or communication, among Morphobots. We characterized the mobility of Morphobot to test its capability of moving and physically interacting with its neighbors. To demonstrate its advantages in the morphogenesis of robot swarms, we designed two morphogenetic engineering experiments. The results revealed that swarms of Morphobots can form patterns via physical interactions and optical communications.
Rotation of the southernmost Sierra Nevada, California

Structural, paleogeographic, and magmatic trends of the Sierra Nevada batholith swing from a characteristic NNW trend in the northern and central parts of the batholith to a nearly E-W trend in the Tehachapi and San Emigdio mountains. Paleomagnetic results from eight sites in the upper Cretaceous (80–86 m.y.) Bear Valley Springs pluton in the Tehachapi Mountains yield a mean direction D = 022°, I = 56° (k = 97, α95 = 5.6°). This mean direction is significantly different from the expected late Cretaceous field direction for this locality and suggests that the pluton has undergone a clockwise rotation of 45° ± 14°, in accord with the change in structural trend in that area. Lower to middle Miocene volcanic and sedimentary rocks of the Kinnick Formation overlie the plutonic rocks and yield a mean direction D = 354°, I = 64°. A paleomagnetic pole derived from this mean direction is not significantly different from the expected Miocene pole for North America. This constrains the time of rotation of the pluton to be between about 80 and 20 m.y. , probably predating establishment of the present San Andreas transform in this area. We suggest that the observed rotation is part of a large oroclinal bend affecting to different degrees the entire southern Sierra Nevada. The driving mechanism for such a bending may be right-lateral shear along a proto-San Andreas transform, for which there is now a significant body of evidence.
Scalable Processing of Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) Microfluidic Biochips

Microfluidics evolved with the appearance of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), an elastomer with a short processing time and the possibility for replication on a micrometric scale. Despite the many advantages of PDMS, there are well-known drawbacks, such as the hydrophobic surface, the absorption of small molecules, the low stiffness, relatively high cost, and the difficulty of scaling up the fabrication process for industrial production, creating a need for alternative materials. One option is the use of stiffer thermoplastics, such as the cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), which can be mass produced, have lower cost and possess excellent properties. In this work, a method to fabricate COC microfluidic structures was developed. The work was divided into process optimization and evaluation of material properties for application in microfluidics. In the processing step, moulding, sealing, and liquid handling aspects were developed and optimized. The resulting COC devices were evaluated from the point of view of molecular diffusion, burst pressure, temperature resistance, and susceptibility to surface treatments and these results were compared to PDMS devices. Lastly, a target DNA hybridization assay was performed showing the potential of the COC-based microfluidic device to be used in biosensing and Lab-on-a-Chip applications.
Compact and Broadband Substrate Integrated Dielectric Resonator Antenna Suitable for 5G Millimeter-Wave Communications

To date, few broadband DRAs can cover n257, n258, n260, and n261 bands with a small physical footprint (e.g., < <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$0.4\lambda _{0}\times 0.4\lambda _{0}\times 0.15\lambda _{0}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, where <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\lambda _{0}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is the free-space wavelength at 28GHz). This article proposes a compact and broadband substrate-integrated dielectric resonator antenna (SIDRA) suitable for 5G millimeter-wave band applications. Four operating modes from three resonators, including TE111 and TE131 modes from the DR, slot mode from the H-shaped feeding slot, and patch mode from the inserted ring patch, are excited to achieve a bandwidth of 61.9% (24-45.5 GHz) with a compact size of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$0.37{\lambda }_{0}\times 0.37{\lambda }_{0}\times 0.125{\lambda }_{0}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. The proposed DRA can be extended to an array with <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sim 0.5 \lambda _{0}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> element interval to obtain wide-angle beam scanning capability. A <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$1\times 4$ </tex-math></inline-formula> SIDRA array was simulated, achieving beam-scanning area of ±45° and ±32° at the frequencies of 28/39 GHz. Further, the DRA array was fabricated and tested. It offers a measured 10-dB bandwidth (|S11| ≤ −10 dB) of ~60.4% (23.5-43.7 GHz), in which the gain varies between 10.1 to 12.5 dBi.
Effects of Artificial Light at Night on Fitness-Related Traits of Sea Urchin (Heliocidaris crassispina)

Simple Summary The sea urchin (Heliocidaris crassispina) is an ecologically important invertebrate in structuring marine benthic communities. Most dwell within intertidal regions, rendering them highly susceptible to elevated artificial light at night. However, their potential acclimation to artificial light exposure remains largely unexplored. This study investigates the changes of prolonged artificial light pollution on the fitness-related traits of sea urchins. Following a six-week exposure to artificial light at night, survival remained unaffected, while behavioral responses exhibited slower reactions. Concurrently, growth inhibition was observed in sea urchins, which might be attributed to reduced mouthparts weight and decreased food consumption. This study also revealed that sea urchin gonads are more susceptible to artificial light than guts. Pax6 gene expression may serve as a sensitive indicator to assess the impact on the photosensitive system of sea urchins. These results increase our understanding of the effects of artificial light at night on sea urchins and provide valuable information about coastal animals’ safety. Abstract Limited data are available regarding the effects of elevated coastal artificial light at night (ALAN) on intertidal echinoderms. In this study, we investigated the behavioral, morphological, and physiological responses of the sea urchin (Heliocidaris crassispina) after continuous exposure to ALAN at light intensities of 0.1, 300, and 600 Lux for 6 weeks. Our findings revealed that ALAN at 300 Lux substantially reduced food consumption, Lantern weight, and gonadosomatic index (GSI). On the other hand, ALAN at 600 Lux notably prolonged the righting and covering response times and elevated the 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio, while concurrently decreasing food consumption, body weight, Lantern weight, GSI, and Pax6 gene expression. These results indicated that continuous exposure to ALAN could cause an adverse effect on fitness-related traits, including behavioral responses, growth, reproductive performance, and photoreception of sea urchins. The present study provides new insights on the impact of light pollution on echinoderms.
Long-Term Variability and Trends in the Caribbean Sea

Upper ocean conditions in the Caribbean Sea are studied for long-term variability and trends using filtered surface observations and ocean model reanalysis fields. A principal component analysis is made, and trends in the leading mode are extracted. Sea surface temperature shows an accelerating upward trend while air pressure exhibits quasidecadal fluctuations. Sea surface height and subsurface temperature rise linearly while subsurface salinity exhibits fresher upper and saltier lower layers. The amplitude of warming is highest in the southern Caribbean east of 75°W near 150 m and lowest near the surface, indicating little role for a top-down process such as air-sea exchange. The freshening surface layer does not appear connected to river discharge or regional rainfall, so changes in ocean advection and sources are the likely drivers. Westward currents exhibit a reduction of throughflow and an influx from the Windward Passage. The Caribbean Current has slowed ~0.06 m/s in the reanalysis era. Crop yields show little sensitivity to ocean conditions but tend to follow rainfall. Marine catch per capita in the Caribbean follows subsurface currents and vertical motion but is less affected by temperature and salinity.
A Method to Localize the Axial Position of Partial Discharges in GIL by Gas Sensors

This article proposes a novel method to realize the partial discharge (PD) localizing function of gas sensors in gas-insulated transmission lines (GIL). First, the diffusion characteristics of decomposition products were studied. The Fuller-Schettler-Giddings (FSG) model was corrected to obtain decomposition products diffusion coefficients in high-pressure SF6. The finite element method (FEM) calculated the temperature rise, convection, and diffusion of decomposition products in GIL. With the relationship between the concentration variation and positions, a PD defects location method was proposed. The results indicate that the decomposition products would diffuse rapidly in the radial direction with the convection. Gas diffusion at the top of the GIL was faster than that at the bottom. Hence, the gas sensors were suggested to be set at the top of GIL. The axial diffusion was much slower and mainly affected by the temperature and diffusion coefficient. For a long GIL unit, the diffusion of decomposition products could be simplified to 1-D. In diffusion, the delay of the product concentration is negatively correlated with the square of the distance. That quantitative relationship could be used for localizing PD by the concentration increase delay detected by the sensors on both sides of the defect. The localization error would decrease with the increase of diffusion coefficient (rate) and prolonged monitoring (diffusion) time. The accuracy of the localization would also increase when the defect is close to the midpoint of the sensors.
Winagami reflection sequence: Seismic evidence for postcollisional magmatism in the Proterozoic of western Canada

A recent Lithoprobe seismic-reflection transect in the Peace River arch region of the Western Canada sedimentary basin traverses continental crust that was assembled in a series of magmatic and collisional events during the interval 2.0–1.9 Ga. The seismic data reveal panels of dipping reflectivity at tectonic domain boundaries, but they are otherwise dominated by prominent, subhorizontal reflections that occur between 3.5 and 18.5 km depth over an area of at least 120 000 km 2 . These reflections, here named the Winagami reflection sequence, overlap several tectonic domains and are comparable in geometry, depth, and areal distribution to sills and discordant intrusive sheets imaged by previous seismic profiling in the Baltic shield and the Basin and Range province of the western United States. As many as five distinct reflections are present, some of which can be traced for more than 100 km. Contrasting reflection character in adjacent tectonic domains suggests an intrusive geometry controlled partly by the mechanical properties of the host rocks. Seismic modeling indicates that observed waveforms are consistent with reflections from tabular mafic bodies ∼70 m thick. The Winagami reflection sequence crosscuts the collisional fabric (ca. 1890 Ma), but the sequence is offset by a brittle fault with an estimated age of 1760 Ma. These timing constraints suggest that the Winagami reflection sequence is a previously unknown component of a regional magmatic event emplaced during a period of brittle indentation of the western Canadian shield by the Slave province.
A Crown-Following Approach to the Automatic Delineation of Individual Tree Crowns in High Spatial Resolution Aerial Images

RESUMELa disponibilite d'images numeriques multispectrales aeriennes georeferencees de haute resolution spatiale, telles qu'obtenues par le MEIS-II, pourrait conduire a de nouvelles facons d'acquerir les inventaires d'amenagement forestier. Le potentiel d'une interpretation humaine assistee par ordinateur et faite a l'ecran est un bon exemple des benefices possibles d'une telle technologie. Une utilisation encore plus judicieuse de la nature numerique de ce genre de donnees est possible en obtenant des inventaires forestiers precis d'une maniere presque completement automatique. Pour realiser ce but tout en quantifiant adequatement la composition en espece des peuplements forestiers, nous croyons qu'une delineation des couronnes d'arbres suivie d'une identification individuelle de leurs especes et d'un regroupement subsequent sont requis. Cet article decrit la premiere etape de ce projet, une approche a la delineation automatique des couronnes d'arbres qui produit des contours detailles pour chaque couron.
Woodland expansion in the presence of deer: 30 years of evidence from the Cairngorms Connect landscape restoration partnership

Restoring native woodlands to areas where they have been lost is a key element for tackling the nature and climate crises. Natural regeneration offers the potential to achieve this cheaply and at scale, but browsing ungulates like deer can inhibit this or alter the pattern of regeneration. This issue is particularly pronounced in the Scottish Highlands, a heavily deforested region with high deer numbers. We describe the work of the 60,000 ha landscape restoration partnership, Cairngorms Connect, in speeding up natural woodland expansion. We use 30 years of regeneration monitoring to show a consistent, large‐scale expansion of native woodland, largely through natural regeneration alongside deer culling, without the use of fences. This was achieved across the partnership, despite differing management histories and land‐managing organisations (comprising two statutory agencies, one private landowner and one non‐governmental organisation). During peak periods of woodland expansion, the area of new woodland (i.e. exceeding 100 trees per hectare) increased by 1.2%, 1.7%, 2.7% and 6.0% annually in the four landholdings' regeneration zones, equating to a total of approximately 164 ha annually of new woodland. Natural regeneration is however patchy and hard to predict. Higher levels of management intervention may be needed to increase species that are rarer, more palatable or further from seed sources; we recommend long‐term field trials to inform this, such as those underway in Cairngorms Connect. Further research should develop techniques for remote sensing of woodland expansion, verified against field data and combined with the development of process‐based models to enable us to predict the outcomes of different management scenarios. Synthesis and applications. We show that collaborative deer management across multiple adjoining landholdings can achieve rapid landscape‐scale native woodland expansion with minimal need for planting or fencing. Our results show the power of monitoring regeneration directly, to inform deer management for an area. We demonstrate that by uniting over a shared vision, organisations with differing management approaches and histories can build understanding alongside landscape‐scale ecological restoration.
Depositional time trends and remobilization of PCBs in lake sediments

The vertical distribution of PCBs was measured in a dated core from the profundal sediments of Esthwaite Water, U.K. The resulting historical record of ∑PCB deposition agreed well with published U.K. production data. Ratios between the various PCB homolog groups revealed significant compositional variations with depth. Sediments deposited in the last 10 years and sediments deposited before PCB production began are both relatively enriched in the less chlorinated homolog groups. When considered with other available data, these enrichments provide evidence for post-depositional mobility of PCBs favoring the more aqueous soluble and volatile compounds. The results lend further support to a growing body of evidence that recyling of PCBs is occurring between the sediments and overlying waters, associated with solubilization and diffusive transport.