Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-term monitoring of Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major irruptions in the Baltic region and Karelia

Sokolov L.V. , Shapoval A.P. & Yakovleva M.V. (2013): Long-term monitoring of Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major irruptions in the Baltic region and Karelia. Avian Ecol. Behav. 24: 3-33. Winter and summer counts of Great Spotted Woodpeckers in Karelia during 43 years (1970- 2013) revealed significant fluctuations. Analysis of capture data in the Baltic region during 65 years (1948-2013) also showed large annual variation, from 0 to 1058 individuals. Winter and breeding period numbers of these birds in Karelia were positively related to summer and autumn numbers in the Baltic region. Numbers in both regions were significantly directly re- lated to spruce seed crops in the preceding year and inversely related to the crops in the cur- rent year. Of 10 years with strongest irruptions of Great Spotted Woodpeckers in the Baltic region, five irruptions occurred in years with poor spruce seed crops and five in years with good crops. This fact puts into question the hypothesis that Great Spotted Woodpecker irruptions are caused by deficit of conifer seeds in the years of poor crops. Numbers of juveniles in the Bal- tic region showed no significant relationship with North Atlantic Oscillation index NAO DJFM or with regional air temperatures. Timing of postfledging dispersal in the Baltic region underwent long-term change during the study period and was inversely related to spring air temperature in the region. The date of onset of postfledging movements was inversely related to late sum- mer numbers of juveniles in the Baltic area. Our main conclusion is that after the years with good spruce seed crops numbers of Great Spotted Woodpeckers that survive winter and start breeding increases which causes production of a large number of juveniles that take place in irruptions in late summer and autumn. We suggest that irruptions are triggered not by food shortage, as commonly assumed, but some other trigger, possibly related to intraspecific com- petition and aggression under high population density, as known from other irregular migrants.
Stratigraphy, lithofacies distribution, and petroleum potential of the Triassic strata of the northern Arabian plate

Triassic strata of the northern part of the Arabian plate mark the establishment of the Neo-Tethys passive margin. This ocean first opened in the western part of the Mediterranean region directly after the Hercynian orogeny. The strata were deposited on a shallow carbonate platform surrounded by clastic-evaporitic lagoons and continental fluvial and eolian settings. The rocks are divided between continental clastics (such as the Budra and the Ga'ara formations), continental-marine clastics and evaporites (such as the Mohilla, Abu Ruweis, Beduh, and Baluti formations) and epicontinental marine facies (such as the Saharonim, Salit, and Kurra Chine formations). These settings are comparable to those of the German Triassic and have matching lithofacies and eustatic sea level changes. The succession has been divided into four high-frequency sequences dominated by highstand systems tract carbonates and highstand systems tractlowstand systems tract evaporites and clastics: the Mulussa Formation, the Kurra Chine dolomite and oolitic limestones, the clastics in the EuphratesAnah graben in Syria and Iraq, and the Triassic buildups in the northern parts of the Levant form attractive hydrocarbon reservoirs when they are overlain by the TriassicJurassic evaporite sequence and are in communication with Silurian source rocks. In Syria, the Kurrachine Formation contains both source and reservoir rocks. On the Aleppo plateau, this formation is believed to lie at the beginning of the thermal maturation window, whereas in the areas of Jebbissa, Soukhne, and Souedie, it is in the mature or overmature windows. The Triassic strata produced fair amounts of light oil, gas, and condensates from some fields in Syria and Iraq with a high potential of gas and condensate accumulations in the Levant region.
Adversarial Learning for MRI Reconstruction and Classification of Cognitively Impaired Individuals

Game theory-inspired deep learning using a generative adversarial network provides an environment to competitively interact and accomplish a goal. In the context of medical imaging, most work has focused on achieving single tasks such as improving image resolution, segmenting images, and correcting motion artifacts. We present a dual-objective adversarial learning framework that simultaneously (1) reconstructs higher quality brain magnetic resonance images (MRIs) that (2) retain disease-specific imaging features critical for predicting progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease (AD). We obtained 3-Tesla, T1-weighted brain MRIs of participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI, N=342) and the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC, N=190) datasets. We simulated MRIs with missing data by removing 50% of sagittal slices from the original scans (i.e., diced scans). The generator was trained to reconstruct brain MRIs using the diced scans as input. We introduced a classifier into the GAN architecture to discriminate between stable (i.e., sMCI) and progressive MCI (i.e., pMCI) based on the generated images to facilitate encoding of AD-related information during reconstruction. The framework was trained using ADNI data and externally validated on NACC data. In the NACC cohort, generated images had better image quality than the diced scans (SSIM: snm{$0.553 pm 0.116$} versus snm{$0.348 pm 0.108$}). Furthermore, a classifier utilizing the generated images distinguished pMCI from sMCI more accurately than with the diced scans (F1-score: snm{$0.634 pm 0.019$} versus snm{$0.573 pm 0.028$}). Competitive deep learning has potential to facilitate disease-oriented image reconstruction in those at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Multimodal imaging-based diagnostic approach for MRI-negative posterior cortex epilepsy

Background: Posterior cortex epilepsy (PCE) primarily comprises seizures originating from the occipital, parietal, and/or posterior edge of the temporal lobe. Electroclinical dissociation and subtle imaging representation render the diagnosis of PCE challenging. Improved methods for accurately identifying patients with PCE are necessary. Objectives: To develop a novel voxel-based image postprocessing method for better visual identification of the neuroimaging abnormalities associated with PCE. Design: Multicenter, retrospective study. Methods: Clinical and imaging features of 165 patients with PCE were retrospectively reviewed and collected from five epilepsy centers. A total of 37 patients (32.4% female, 20.2 ± 8.9 years old) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-negative PCE were finally included for analysis. Image postprocessing features were calculated over a neighborhood for each voxel in the multimodality data. The postprocessed maps comprised structural deformation, hyperintense signal, and hypometabolism. Five raters from three different centers were blinded to the clinical diagnosis and determined the neuroimaging abnormalities in the postprocessed maps. Results: The average accuracy of correct identification was 55.7% (range from 43.2 to 62.2%) and correct lateralization was 74.1% (range from 64.9 to 81.1%). The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.766 for the correct identification and 0.683 for the correct lateralization with similar results of the interclass correlation coefficient, thus indicating reliable agreement between the raters. Conclusion: The image postprocessing method developed in this study can potentially improve the visual detection of MRI-negative PCE. The technique could lead to an increase in the number of patients with PCE who could benefit from the surgery.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of cervical cancer screening and its associated risk factors among family planning service users at Debre Tabor town health facilities, North Central Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Background: The fourth most common cancer in women worldwide is cervical cancer. Over 87% of deaths from cervical cancer occur in developing nations. One of the risks of developing cervical cancer is the use of oral contraceptives. However, there is limited evidence on the knowledge, attitude, and practice of cervical cancer screening among family planning service users in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward cervical cancer screening and its associated factors among family planning service users. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to February 28, 2023. A total of 816 participants were selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, and interviewer-administered questionnaire. The collected data were entered into EPI Data 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 24 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) for analysis. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors. An odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and a p-value < 0.05 were used to declare statistical significance. Results: Overall, 42.5%, 36.6%, and 20.1% of the participants had good knowledge, a positive attitude, and practiced cervical cancer screening, respectively. Being single (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.39, 95% confidence intervals: 1.15–6.26), having college or university level of education (AOR = 8.03, 95% confidence intervals: 3.45–19.23), having a family history of cervical cancer (AOR = 3.14, 95% confidence intervals: 1.82–8.84), and having a source of information from the media (AOR = 1.74, 95% confidence intervals: 1.09–2.54) were significantly associated with good knowledge of cervical cancer screening. Women who were aged 15–23 years (AOR = 5.62, 95% confidence intervals: 2.76–14.56), had college- or university-level education (AOR = 3.69, 95% confidence intervals: 1.65–8.22), and had good knowledge of cervical cancer (AOR = 4.71, 95% confidence intervals: 3.08–7.55) were significantly associated with a positive attitude toward cervical cancer screening. An earlier age of first sexual intercourse (AOR = 5.0, 95% confidence intervals: 3.80–9.20) and good knowledge of cervical cancer (AOR = 1.52, 1.21–5.82) were positively associated with good practice of cervical cancer screening. Women who attended high school were negatively associated with good practice in cervical cancer screening (AOR = 0.46, 0.23–0.73). Conclusion: Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward cervical cancer screening were low. As a result, during patient visits for care delivery, healthcare providers should inform and educate patients about cervical cancer screening.
Microbially induced formation of ooid‐like coated grains in the Late Cretaceous methane‐seep deposits of the Nakagawa area, Hokkaido, northern Japan

Abstract Ooid‐like coated grains are found in the Late Cretaceous methane‐seep deposits in the Nakagawa area, Hokkaido, Japan. The coated grains were examined using macro‐ and microscopic observations, electron‐probe microanalysis, and biomarker analysis. They are round‐ to oval‐shaped, with nuclei consisting of fractured sediment and micritic envelopes. The fractures probably occurred as a result of increasing hydrostatic pressure when the sediment was still unconsolidated or weakly consolidated. Biomarker analysis revealed that two types of molecules, crocetane and PMI, are predominant in the hydrocarbon fraction with highly negative carbon isotopic composition as low as −122‰ (vs Vienna Peedee Belemnite). These data suggest that the coated grains were formed under the influence of anaerobic oxidation of methane, near the sediment/seawater interface. The presence of such grains indicates that methane‐containing pore water reached the sea floor at that time.
Epigenetic scores for the circulating proteome as tools for disease prediction

Protein biomarkers have been identified across many age-related morbidities. However, characterising epigenetic influences could further inform disease predictions. Here, we leverage epigenome-wide data to study links between the DNA methylation (DNAm) signatures of the circulating proteome and incident diseases. Using data from four cohorts, we trained and tested epigenetic scores (EpiScores) for 953 plasma proteins, identifying 109 scores that explained between 1% and 58% of the variance in protein levels after adjusting for known protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) genetic effects. By projecting these EpiScores into an independent sample (Generation Scotland; n = 9537) and relating them to incident morbidities over a follow-up of 14 years, we uncovered 130 EpiScore-disease associations. These associations were largely independent of immune cell proportions, common lifestyle and health factors, and biological aging. Notably, we found that our diabetes-associated EpiScores highlighted previous top biomarker associations from proteome-wide assessments of diabetes. These EpiScores for protein levels can therefore be a valuable resource for disease prediction and risk stratification.
Molecular Characterisation of Blood Microbiome in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Healthy Controls

Background In human and animal studies, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has been increasingly linked to changes in the microbial inhabitants in the human body (microbiome). These studies have primarily now concentrated on the microbial communities that live in the gastrointestinal tract. However, evidence suggests that various molecular techniques can be used to detect microbial DNA in blood circulation. This DNA might be an unknown reservoir of biomarkers with the potential to track alterations in the microbiomes of remote locations, such as the gut. To this end, we compared the presence and identity of microbial DNA in blood samples taken from ankylosing spondylitis patients to healthy control subjects by amplifying and sequencing the bacterial 16S rRNA variable region four. Methods The study's design is a case study based on the presence and identity of bacterial DNA in the blood of Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients (n = 10) and healthy control subjects (n = 10) was investigated by amplifying and sequencing the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Blood concentrations of the cytokines TNF alpha, IL-17A, and IL-23 were determined by the Human Magnetic Luminex Screening, and data were analysed using an Unpaired T-test. Results Using PCR amplification, 8 of 10 AS patients (80%) and 8 of 10 healthy control samples (80%) had microbial 16S rRNA in their blood. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria (Control = 48.5%, AS = 52%), Firmicutes (Control = 27.8%, AS = 26.1%), Actinobacteria (Control = 15.4%, AS = 10.7%), and Bacteroidetes (Control = 6.5%, AS = 10%) dominated the blood microbiome. A two-tailed Mann-Whitney test found that Ankylosing Spondylitis was associated with significantly elevated Bacteroides (P < 0.05), Prevotella (P < 0.001), and Micrococcus (P < 0.01), and significantly reduced levels of Corynebacterium 1 (P < 0.001), Gemella (P < 0.01), and Alloprevotella (P < 0.05), compared to healthy controls. Additionally, it was shown that the presence of the Prevotella genus was highly positively correlated with higher levels of TNF-alpha (P < 0.05; r = 0.8) in AS patients' blood. Conclusion This article reveals that a blood microbiome exists in healthy individuals and identifies particular taxa modulated in disease. These blood-derived signatures indicate that this field needs more research and may be helpful as disease biomarkers.
Technology use and intimacy development in committed relationships: exploring the influence of differentiation of self

Contemporary relationships now exist within the context of technology saturated homes and lifestyles. This is particularly true for current young adults and subsequent generations. Evidence exists to suggest that modern technology, including television, cellular phones, computers and the Internet, can be used in ways that cause and perpetuate problems in committed relationships. Conversely, existing research suggests that such technologies can be employed to facilitate relationship formation, maintenance, and growth. Nevertheless, it has previously been uncertain what determines whether individuals use current technologies in relationship promoting or inhibiting ways. This study involved 323 individuals in committed relationships. These participants were surveyed to assess individual differentiation of self, personal access and uses of technology, and types and levels of intimacy within their committed relationships. Additionally, participants were asked to describe any perceived or experienced benefits and harms of technology use within their relationships. Results from this study suggest that greater differentiation of self is related to lower amounts of both solitary and conjoint technology use as well as with higher levels of emotional, social, sexual, intellectual, and recreational intimacy. Additionally, higher amounts of solitary technology use are associated with poor intimacy in committed relationships. In this regard, it appears that technology acts as a time sponge and affects the amount of time and effort that is invested in building intimacy in relationships. In addition, technology use reflects intimacy in close relationships in that higher levels of
Genetics of sleep medication purchases suggests causality from sleep problems to psychiatric traits

Abstract Study Objectives Over 10% of the population in Europe and in the United States use sleep medication to manage sleep problems. Our objective was to elucidate genetic risk factors and clinical correlates that contribute to sleep medication purchase and estimate the comorbid impact of sleep problems. Methods We performed epidemiological analysis for psychiatric diagnoses, and genetic association studies of sleep medication purchase in 797 714 individuals from FinnGen Release 7 (N = 311 892) and from the UK Biobank (N = 485 822). Post-association analyses included genetic correlation, co-localization, Mendelian randomization (MR), and polygenic risk estimation. Results In a GWAS we identified 27 genetic loci significantly associated with sleep medication, located in genes associated with sleep; AUTS2, CACNA1C, MEIS1, KIRREL3, PAX8, GABRA2, psychiatric traits; CACNA1C, HIST1H2BD, NUDT12. TOPAZ1 and TSNARE1. Co-localization and expression analysis emphasized effects on the KPNA2, GABRA2, and CACNA1C expression in the brain. Sleep medications use was epidemiologically related to psychiatric traits in FinnGen (OR [95% (CI)] = 3.86 [3.78 to 3.94], p < 2 × 10−16), and the association was accentuated by genetic correlation and MR; depression (rg = 0.55 (0.027), p = 2.86 × 10−89, p MR = 4.5 × 10−5), schizophrenia (rg = 0.25 (0.026), p = 2.52 × 10−21, p MR = 2 × 10−4), and anxiety (rg = 0.44 (0.047), p = 2.88 × 10−27, p MR = 8.6 × 10−12). Conclusions These results demonstrate the genetics behind sleep problems and the association between sleep problems and psychiatric traits. Our results highlight the scientific basis for sleep management in treating the impact of psychiatric diseases.
Winter habitat use of snow leopards in Tomur National Nature Reserve of Xinjiang, Northwest China

Snow leopards are one of the least known large cats, the population of which has dramatically decreased. Their habitat loss was considered the main reason for the decline during the last decade, but their habitat preferences are still not well known. In this paper, we studied the winter habitat preferences of snow leopards in the Tomur National Nature Reserve (TNNR) in Northwest China during 2004–2005. We used sign surveys and transects to study the winter habitat selection of snow leopards. The results indicated that snow leopards showed a preference for habitat variabilities in slope aspect, vegetation cover, dominant topographical features, landform ruggedness and grazing status. We found that prey availability and dominant topographical features were the most important factors that determined the winter habitat selection of snow leopards. Our results supported the idea that the habitat preferences of snow leopards are a tradeoff between suitable habitat features and avoidance of potential human interactions.
Evaluation of Collector Well Configurations to Model Hydrodynamics in Riverbank Filtration and Groundwater Remediation

Evaluation of Collector Well Configurations to Model Hydrodynamics in Riverbank Filtration and Groundwater Remediation. (August 2010) Tiffany Lucinda De Leon, B.S., Texas A&M University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Hongbin Zhan Collector well designs are necessary to maximize groundwater uptake and riverbank filtration without negatively impacting an aquifer. Unfortunately, there is a lack of information and research regarding the implementation of collector well design parameters. In the past, collector well installation was too costly, but recent advances in well technology have made collector wells more cost effective. This research will contribute a set of guidelines to optimize riverbank filtration and groundwater remediation. This study models the hydrodynamics surrounding collector well configurations in riverbank filtration and groundwater remediation. Visual Modflow® was utilized to run a variety of numerical models to test four areas: flux along the laterals of a collector well, collector well interactions with a river, collector well yield, and collector well remediation capability. The two design parameters investigated were lateral length (25 m, 50 m, and 100 m) and number of laterals (3 and 4). The lateral flux tests confirm flux increases towards the terminal end of each lateral and pumping rate is the controlling factor in flux amount obtained along the laterals. The analysis of the flux-river interaction shows the main factor in determining
Management of Patients With Unexplained Syncope: Derivation and Validation of a Simplified 2‐Step Diagnostic Approach

Background The aim of this study was to develop a structured 2‐step approach, based on noninvasive diagnostic criteria, that led to an electrophysiology study in patients with unexplained syncope. Methods and Results Two independent cohorts were used: the derivation cohort with 665 patients based on electronic health record data to develop our 2‐step diagnostic approach, and the validation cohort based on 160 prospectively screened patients, presenting with unexplained syncope episodes. Noninvasive electrocardiographic and imaging markers and an electrophysiology study–based invasive assessment were combined. A positive diagnostic approach according to our study's prespecified criteria resulted in a decision to proceed with a permanent pacemaker/implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator. The primary end point was the time until the event of recurrent syncope (syncope‐free survival). Number needed to treat was calculated for patients with a positive diagnostic approach. The number of patients with unexplained syncope and borderline sinus bradycardia needed to treat was 5, and the number of patients with unexplained syncope and bundle branch block needed to treat was 3 over a mean follow‐up of ≈4 years. After the structured 2‐step approach, the primary outcome occurred in 14 of 82 (17.1%) with a pacemaker/implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator and 19 of 57 (33%) with a negative approach, with a mean follow‐up of ≈2.5 years (29.29±12.58 months, P=0.03). Conclusions The low number needed to treat in the derivation cohort and the low percentage of syncope recurrence in the validation cohort supports the proposed 2‐step electrophysiology‐inclusive algorithm as a potentially low‐cost, 1‐day, structured tool for these patients.