Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How do pre‐existing normal faults influence rift geometry? A comparison of adjacent basins with contrasting underlying structure on the Lofoten Margin, Norway

Recent studies of natural, multiphase rifts suggest that the presence of pre‐existing faults may strongly influence fault growth during later rift phases. These findings compare well with predictions from recent scaled analogue experiments that simulate multiphase, non‐coaxial extension. However, in natural rifts we only get to see the final result of multiphase rifting. We therefore do not get the chance to compare the effects of the same rift phase with and without pre‐existing structural heterogeneity, as we may in the controlled environment of a laboratory experiment. Here, we present a case study from the Lofoten Margin that provides a unique opportunity to compare normal fault growth with and without pre‐existing structural heterogeneity. Using seismic reflection and wellbore data, we demonstrate that the Ribban Basin formed during Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous rifting. We also show that the rift fault network of the Ribban Basin lacks a pre‐existing (Permian‐Triassic) structural grain that underlies the neighbouring North Træna Basin that also formed during the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous. Being able to compare adjacent basins with similar histories but contrasting underlying structure allows us to study how pre‐existing normal faults influence rift geometry. We demonstrate that in Lofoten, the absence of pre‐existing normal faults produced collinear fault zones. Conversely, where pre‐existing faults are present, normal fault zones develop strong “zigzag” plan‐view geometries.
Pore space characteristics of the Upper Visean ‘Rudov Beds’: insights from broad ion beam scanning electron microscopy and organic geochemical investigations

Abstract This study gives valuable insights into the microstructure and pore space characteristics of 17 compositionally variable Visean shale samples from the Ukrainian Dniepr-Donets Basin (the ‘Rudov Beds’). The representative imaging area varies considerably (from 10 000 to >300 000 µm2) as a function of the mineralogy and diagenetic overprinting. The pores hosted in organic matter (OM) are restricted to secondary solid bitumen. Based on high-resolution maps from broad ion beam scanning electron microscopy combined with organic geochemical and bulk mineralogical data, we propose that the amount of OM-hosted porosity responds to the availability of pore space, enabling the accumulation of an early oil phase, which is then progressively transformed to a porous solid bitumen residue. The type of OM porosity (pendular/interface v. spongy) is reflected in the individual pore size distributions: the spongy pores are usually smaller (<50 nm) than the pendular or OM–mineral interface pores. The OM-hosted porosity coincides with differences in the composition of the extract, with high amounts of extractable OM and saturated/aromatic compound ratios indicative of abundant porous solid bitumen. The average circularity and aspect ratio of the mineral matrix pores correlate with the corresponding values for the OM-hosted pores, which show a preferred bedding-parallel orientation, suggesting that compaction influenced both types of pore.
Blood Clot Dynamics and Fibrinolysis Impairment in Cancer: The Role of Plasma Histones and DNA

Simple Summary Blood clots are formed when blood vessels are injured. They help stop bleeding and heal wounds, but can also cause serious problems if they block blood flow or break off and travel to other organs. This study investigates how blood clots differ in people with cancer compared to healthy or non-cancerous individuals. This study found that cancer patients have higher levels of histones in their blood, which make their clots stiffer and resistant to lysis. Further, clots formed in cancer patients have higher viscoelastic properties, and hence are harder to break down. These findings suggest that cancer patients have abnormal clotting properties that may increase their risk of developing thrombosis, and evaluating these properties can be helpful in detecting cancer. Abstract Background: Blood viscoelasticity and plasma protein levels can play an important role in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. However, the role of histones and DNA in modulating blood clot properties remains to be investigated. This study investigates the differences in blood viscoelasticity and plasma protein levels among cancer patients, individuals with other diseases, and healthy individuals. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 101 participants, including 45 cancer patients, 22 healthy individuals, and 34 individuals with other diseases. Rheological properties of clots formed in vitro by reconstituted elements of fibrinogen or plasma were analyzed with an Anton Paar Rheometer, USA. Plasma protein levels of D-dimer, TPA, EPCR, fibrinogen, and histone H3 were measured through ELISA. Blood clots were formed with or without DNA and histones (H3) by adding thrombin and calcium to plasma samples, and were evaluated for viscoelasticity, permeability, and degradation. Results: Cancer patients show higher blood viscoelasticity and plasma D-dimer levels compared to healthy individuals and individuals with other diseases. Our in vitro analysis showed that the addition of histone to the plasma results in a significant decrease in viscoelasticity and mean fiber thickness of the clot formed thereafter. In parallel studies, using plasma from patients, DNA and histones were detected in fibrin clots and were associated with less degradation by t-PA. Moreover, our results show that the presence of DNA and histones not only increases clots’ permeability, but also makes them more prone to degradation. Conclusions: Plasma histones and DNA affect the structure of the clot formed and induce defective fibrinolysis. Moreover, the increased viscoelastic properties of plasma from cancer patients can be used as potential biomarkers in cancer prognosis.
Temporal samples of visual information guides skilled interception

This study investigated whether performance of an interceptive skill requires an intact visual-perception-action cycle. Eleven skilled male Australian rules football athletes (Mage = 17.54, SD = 0.15) were recruited from an elite developmental pathway squad for a within-subject study. Participants were required to kick a ball directly at a goal from a 20-meter distance while wearing a pair of stroboscopic glasses. The glasses were used to create four vision conditions. Condition one kept intact the visual-perception-action cycle with uninterrupted vision of the motor skill. Three other conditions included stroboscopic vision that presented temporal samples of vision, which interrupted the perception-action cycle through progressive increases to intermittent vision occlusion of the motor skill. Goal kick error of ball position relative to a central target line within the goal and number of successful goals kicked were measured. Written report of internal and external focus of attention was also measured after each vision condition. Generalized estimating equation analysis did not reveal a significant decrement in kick target error, nor accuracy of goals scored, across normal to stroboscopic vision conditions. Performance was maintained despite a shift in attention focus from external to internal across normal to stroboscopic vision conditions. These findings have theoretical and practical implications for the visual regulation of skilled interceptive actions.
The Treatment of Diabetic Retinal Edema with Intravitreal Steroids: How and When

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus and a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide. It is defined as the diabetes-related accumulation of fluid, proteins, and lipids, with retinal thickening, within the macular area. DME affects a significant proportion of individuals with diabetes, with the prevalence increasing with disease duration and severity. It is estimated that approximately 25–30% of diabetic patients will develop DME during their lifetime. Poor glycemic control, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes duration, and genetic predisposition are recognized as risk factors for the development and progression of DME. Although the exact pathophysiology is still not completely understood, it has been demonstrated that chronic hyperglycemia triggers a cascade of biochemical processes, including increased oxidative stress, inflammation, activation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cellular dysfunction, and apoptosis, with breakdown of the blood-retinal barriers and fluid accumulation within the macular area. Early diagnosis and appropriate management of DME are crucial for improving visual outcomes. Although the control of systemic risk factors still remains the most important strategy in DME treatment, intravitreal pharmacotherapy with anti-VEGF molecules or steroids is currently considered the first-line approach in DME patients, whereas macular laser photocoagulation and pars plana vitrectomy may be useful in selected cases. Available intravitreal steroids, including triamcinolone acetonide injections and dexamethasone and fluocinolone acetonide implants, exert their therapeutic effect by reducing inflammation, inhibiting VEGF expression, stabilizing the blood-retinal barrier and thus reducing vascular permeability. They have been demonstrated to be effective in reducing macular edema and improving visual outcomes in DME patients but are associated with a high risk of intraocular pressure elevation and cataract development, so their use requires an accurate patient selection. This manuscript aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathology, epidemiology, risk factors, physiopathology, clinical features, treatment mechanisms of actions, treatment options, prognosis, and ongoing clinical studies related to the treatment of DME, with particular consideration of intravitreal steroids therapy.
The Effect Of Crop Spacing And Dossage Of Potassium Fertilizer On Growth And Yield Of Sweet Corn (Zea mays Var. saccharata Sturt) Bonanza Cultivar

The development of sweet corn in Indonesia using cultivation techniques in the form of crop spacing is expected to affect the plant population and affect the competition between plants in using water and nutrients, and the application of potassium fertilizer functions in the formation of sugar and starch, sugar translocation, enzyme activity and stomatal movement. The research was conducted in Gombang Village, Plered District, Cirebon Regency from March to June 2023. The treatment used a Randomized Group Design (RAK) factorial pattern consisting of two factors, namely crop spacing and potassium fertilizer dose, obtained 9 treatment combinations and repeated 3 times, so that in total there were 27 experimental plots. The results showed that the spacing of 50 cm x 40 cm (J2) and potassium fertilizer dossage of 100 kg K2O/ha (K2) showed the best effect on the weight of the corn cob with husks per plot which produced 31.85 kg/plot or equivalent to 21.23 tons/ha. There was a significant correlation between the growth components of plant height at 5 weeks and 6 weeks and the number of leaves at 4 weeks and 5 weeks with the weight of the corn cob with husks per plot.
Development and Validation of an HPLC-UV Method for the Quantification of Acyclovir and Ganciclovir in the Plasma of Pediatric Immunocompromised Patients

Acyclovir and ganciclovir comprise the prophylaxis and treatment of herpesvirus and cytomegalovirus infections occurring in immunocompromised patients. Their therapeutic drug monitoring is fundamental because of interindividual variability leading to side effects and drug resistance and is performed through several techniques, such as liquid chromatography coupled with UV spectrophotometry (HPLC-UV) or mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Therefore, we developed and validated a low-cost, non-time-consuming, and low-sample-consuming HPLC-UV method. Briefly, 100 µL of sample was used for sample preparation, mainly consisting of precipitation through organic solvent. In total, 20 µL was injected into the instrument. Chromatographic separation was obtained eluting mobile phases A (10 mM ammonium formiate 0.01% formic acid) and B (acetonitrile) on a Poroshell 120 SB-C8 2.1 × 150 mm, 2.7 µm for 12 min isocratically (97:3; A:B) at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. The linearity range (0.5–40 mg/L) of the method allowed us to quantify both the Cmin and Cmax of acyclovir and ganciclovir. Plasma concentrations measured on a small cohort of patients undergoing acyclovir (31) and ganciclovir (9) treatment by the proposed method and the LC-MS/MS methods, already in use, were significantly correlated. The proposed HPLC-UV method may be implemented in diagnostics as an alternative method in case of the unavailability of the LC-MS/MS system.
Enhance Pose and Extrinsic Accuracy With Online Spatial and Temporal Compensation in Monocular Camera-Aided GNSS/SINS Integration

Continuous, reliable, and accurate pose estimation is the basis for perception, planning, and control, which are parts of an autonomous vehicle system or a mobile robot system. For complementarity to each other, the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) can achieve accurate pose solutions in many cases after being integrated with the strap-down inertial navigation system (SINS), which can be further enhanced via fusing visual information. However, unmodeled errors will be introduced in the multisensor fusion system by inaccurate spatial parameters caused by coarse calibration or slight changes in mechanical structure. Moreover, an unsynchronized temporal relationship will also influence the pose and extrinsic accuracies. To reduce the negative influence brought by spatial and temporal misalignment, we propose a monocular camera-aided GNSS/SINS integration system with online spatial and temporal compensation, where the time delay and extrinsic of SINS and camera will be estimated and compensated online together with the SINS state. The influence of temporal compensation and GNSS information on extrinsic accuracy is analyzed with a Monte Carlo simulation. The Monte Carlo simulation demonstrates that the extrinsic accuracy improves by 31.33% and 70.00% for rotation and translation after adding temporal compensation and GNSS information, respectively. In addition, the performance of the proposed multisensor fusion system is analyzed with two real-world experiments. The position accuracy improves by 19.16%–31.04% in both experiments, which further reveals that online spatial–temporal compensation can significantly improve the pose accuracy of the fusion system.
Antibacterial Activity and Mechanisms of Plant Flavonoids against Gram-Negative Bacteria Based on the Antibacterial Statistical Model

The antimicrobial quantitative structure–activity relationship of plant flavonoids against Gram-positive bacteria was established in our previous works, and the cell membrane was confirmed as a major site of action. To investigate whether plant flavonoids have similar antibacterial effects and mechanisms against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, here, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 37 plant flavonoids against Escherichia coli were determined using the microdilution broth method, and then the correlation between their lipophilic parameter ACD/LogP or LogD7.40 value and their MIC was analyzed. Simultaneously, the correlation between the ACD/LogP or LogD7.40 value and the MIC of 46 plant flavonoids reported in the literature against E. coli was also analyzed. Both sets of results showed that there is a significant correlation between the LogP value and the MIC of plant flavonoids against Gram-negative bacteria. However, it is difficult to effectively predict the MIC of plant flavonoids against Gram-negative bacteria from their lipophilic parameters. By comparing two regression curves derived from plant flavonoids against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, it was further discovered that the antibacterial activities of most plant flavonoids against Gram-negative bacteria are stronger than those against Gram-positive bacteria when their LogP values are less than approximately 3.0, but the opposite is true when their LogP values are more than approximately 3.6. Moreover, this comparison also suggests that unlike mainly acting on the cell membrane of Gram-positive bacteria, plant flavonoids have multiple mechanisms against Gram-negative species, while the cell membrane is also an important action site among them. Combined with the correlation analyses between the enzyme inhibitory activity and the LogP value of the reported flavonoids, it was further suggested that DNA gyrase is another important target of plant flavonoids against Gram-negative bacteria.
Winter Snow Level Rise in the Northern Sierra Nevada from 2008 to 2017

The partitioning of precipitation into frozen and liquid components influences snow-derived water resources and flood hazards in mountain environments. We used a 915-MHz Doppler radar wind profiler upstream of the northern Sierra Nevada to estimate the hourly elevation where snow melts to rain, or the snow level, during winter (December–February) precipitation events spanning water years (WY) 2008–2017. During this ten-year period, a Mann-Kendall test indicated a significant (p < 0.001) positive trend in snow level with a Thiel-Sen slope of 72 m year−1. We estimated total precipitation falling as snow (snow fraction) between WY1951 and 2017 using nine daily mid-elevation (1200–2000 m) climate stations and two hourly stations spanning WY2008–2017. The climate-station-based snow fraction estimates agreed well with snow-level radar values (R2 = 0.95, p < 0.01), indicating that snow fractions represent a reasonable method to estimate changes in frozen precipitation. Snow fraction significantly (p < 0.001) declined during WY2008–2017 at a rate of 0.035 (3.5%) year−1. Single-point correlations between detrended snow fraction and sea-surface temperatures (SST) suggested that positive SST anomalies along the California coast favor liquid phase precipitation during winter. Reanalysis-derived integrated moisture transported upstream of the northern Sierra Nevada was negatively correlated with snow fraction (R2 = 0.90, p < 0.01), with atmospheric rivers representing the likely circulation mechanism producing low-snow-fraction storms.
Invertebrate community structure and oxygen availability in an intermittent stream/wetland/river system of the Ugandan highlands

Alrhough there is much information on the community strucrure and function of stream macroinverrebrates in temperate regions (HYNES 1970, WHITTON 1975, fuLAN 1996), factors influencing macroinvertebrate community structure in tropical waters are largely unknown (BISHOP 1973, HYNES 1975, BEADLE 1981). However, o ne character t hat may strongly influence macroinvertebrate fauna! srrucrure and diversity in the tropics is dissolved oxygen. Hypoxia is widespread in tropical fresh waters, particularly in floodplain pools, inundated forests, and permanent swamps (CARTER & BEADLE 1930, CARTER 1955, KRAMER er al. 1978, CHAPMAN er al. 1998). In East Africa, hypoxia is prevalent in extensive dense wedands dominared by papyrus ( Cyperus papyrus) (CARTER 1955, BEADLE 1981, CHAPMAN er al. 1998). Vegetation height averages 3-4 m and associared low lighr and mixing along wirh high rates of decomposition result in low redox potential and oxygen availability (CARTER 1955, BEADLE 1981). The macroinvertebrate faunas of papyrus swamps a re no t well srudied; however, BEADLE ( 1981) foun d several species of macroinverrebrates in the vegetative mat and anoxic pools of papyrus swamps in Uganda including several air breathers (adult Hemiptera, Coleoptera). Alrhough air-breathing may be a widespread strategy among macroinverrebrates in the dense interior of papyrus swamps, there are few data for a comparison of rhe fauna! composition o f papyrus swamps to associated flowing waters. In addition, the increase of dissolved oxygen associared with seasonal variation in rainfall may increase rhe richness of water breathers in the dense swamp intenor. In this srudy, we compare the macroinverrebrate community of a dense papyrus swamp site in western Uganda ro a nearby river and srream site in the same drainage where oxygen levels are much higher. First, we compare overall richness and relative abundance of major macroinvenebrate taxa among the three sites. Then, we examine trends in diversiry, richness, and respiratory strategies of rhe macroinverrebrate communities relarive to seasonal variation in oxygen condirions.
Safety Profile of Monoclonal Antibodies and Subsequent Drug Developments in the Treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a clonal stem cell disease characterized by intravascular hemolysis due to the targeting of affected red blood cells by the complement system. Eculizumab and ravulizumab are two monoclonal antibodies that inhibit the complement system’s components and have been shown to significantly improve survival and quality of life. This review describes the role of these monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of PNH with an emphasis on their safety profile. The challenges in the use of these drugs and new drugs in various stages of drug development are also described, which may be helpful in addressing some of these challenges.
Fixed-Time Aperiodic Intermittent Control for Quasi-Bipartite Synchronization of Competitive Neural Networks

This paper concerns a class of coupled competitive neural networks, subject to disturbance and discontinuous activation functions. To realize the fixed-time quasi-bipartite synchronization, an aperiodic intermittent controller is initially designed. Subsequently, by combining the fixed-time stability theory and nonsmooth analysis, several criteria are established to ensure the bipartite synchronization in fixed time. Moreover, synchronization error bounds and settling time estimates are provided. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to verify the main results.
Poststagnation Retreat of Kamb Ice Stream's Grounding Zone

Despite the importance of grounding zone sedimentation for ice sheet stability and ice sheet history, evidence for sedimentary deposits beneath West Antarctica's modern grounding zone remains sparse. Seismic surveying shows that Kamb Ice Stream has no detectable grounding zone deposit. As grounding zone deposition relies strongly on ice flow, the absence of a deposit suggests that the transition from the ice stream to the ice shelf has moved after stagnation of Kamb Ice Stream. Further support for a recent grounding zone occupation comes from satellite imagery of sub‐ice shelf channel features that likely originated at previous grounding‐zone locations. These features begin 25 km seaward of the current grounding zone and cut across ice flow streak lines. We estimate that retreat to the modern grounding‐zone position was abrupt at rates >0.2 km a−1.
Taxation Aspects of Corporate Taxpayers

This research delves into the intricate taxation aspects surrounding corporate taxpayers. It examines the various dimensions of corporate taxation, including the principles governing corporate tax liabilities, tax planning strategies, and compliance obligations. The study navigates through the complexities of corporate tax regimes, analyzing the implications of tax laws, regulations, and reforms on businesses. Furthermore, it explores the evolving landscape of international taxation and its impact on multinational corporations. The paper also discusses contemporary issues such as tax avoidance, transfer pricing, and tax incentives, shedding light on their implications for corporate taxpayers and tax authorities. Through a comprehensive review of literature and case studies, this research provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with corporate taxation, offering recommendations for policymakers, tax practitioners, and corporate entities to navigate the ever-changing tax environment effectively.