Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hillslope lowering rates and mobile-regolith residence times from in situ and meteoric 10Be analysis, Boulder Creek Critical Zone Observatory, Colorado

Cosmogenic radionuclides (CRNs) are commonly employed to quantify both the production rates and residence times of mobile regolith. Meteoric and in situ CRNs have different accumulation mechanisms and can independently constrain landscape evolution rates. Here we use both in situ and meteoric 10 Be to investigate where in the regolith 10 Be is stored, and to quantify production rates and residence times of mobile regolith on active hillslopes in Gordon Gulch, within the Boulder Creek Critical Zone Observatory (CZO), Colorado, USA. Our data reveal that two-thirds of in situ 10 Be in regolith is produced within saprolite, and at least one-tenth of the meteoric 10 Be inventories is stored in saprolite, highlighting the importance of consistent terminology and identification of the mobile regolith–saprolite boundary. We find that mobile-regolith production rates are on average 3.1 cm/k.y. , and residence times are between 10 and 20 k.y. A notable exception exists at the depositional north-facing footslope, where residence times likely exceed 40 k.y. Close agreement between the meteoric and in situ results indicates that upper- and mid-slope positions are consistent with steady, uniform lowering of the landscape. In addition to comparing the two methods, we develop a one-dimensional analytical model for the 10 Be concentration fields on an active, steady-state catena with uniform erosion. We then compare model predictions with measurements to evaluate how well our sites adhere to the steady-state assumption underlying the calculations for mobile-regolith residence time and production rates. Such comparisons suggest that calculated residence times and lowering rates are likely no closer than ±25% of the geomorphic reality.
Advances in molecular and imaging biomarkers in lower-grade gliomas

ABSTRACT Introduction Lower-grade (grade 2–3) gliomas (LGGs) constitutes a group of primary brain tumors with variable clinical behaviors and treatment responses. Recent advancements in molecular biology have redefined their classification, and novel imaging modalities emerged for the noninvasive diagnosis and follow-up. Areas covered This review comprehensively analyses the current knowledge on molecular and imaging biomarkers in LGGs. Key molecular alterations, such as IDH mutations and 1p/19q codeletion, are discussed for their prognostic and predictive implications in guiding treatment decisions. Moreover, the authors explore theranostic biomarkers for the potential of tailored therapies. Additionally, they also describe the utility of advanced imaging modalities, including widely available techniques, as dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion-weighted imaging and less validated, emerging approaches, for the noninvasive LGGs characterization and follow-up. Expert opinion The integration of molecular markers enhanced the stratification of LGGs, leading to the new concept of integrated histomolecular classification. While the IDH mutation is an established key prognostic and predictive marker, recent results from IDH inhibitors trials showed its potential value as a theranostic marker. In this setting, advanced MRI techniques such as 2-D-hydroxyglutarate spectroscopy are very promising for the noninvasive diagnosis and monitoring of LGGs. This progress offers exciting prospects for personalized medicine and improved treatment outcomes in LGGs.
Relationship of Soluble Lectin‐Like Low‐Density Lipoprotein Receptor‐1 (sLOX‐1) With Inflammation and Coronary Plaque Progression in Psoriasis

Background Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition associated with coronary artery disease risk. Uptake of oxidized low‐density lipoprotein by the lectin‐like low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐1 triggers release of the soluble extracellular domain of the receptor (sLOX‐1). We sought to characterize the relationship between sLOX‐1, inflammation, and coronary plaque progression in psoriasis. Methods and Results A total of 327 patients with psoriasis had serum sLOX‐1 levels measured at baseline by an ELISA‐based assay. Stratification by high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein ≥4.0 mg/L (quartile 4), identified 81 participants who had coronary plaque phenotyping at baseline and were followed longitudinally by coronary computed tomography angiography. Subjects within high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein quartile 4 were middle‐aged (51.47±12.62 years), predominantly men (54.3%) with moderate psoriasis disease severity (6.60 [interquartile range, 3.30–13.40]). In the study cohort, participants with sLOX‐1 above the median displayed increased vulnerable coronary plaque features. At baseline, sLOX‐1 was associated with total burden (rho=0.296; P=0.01), noncalcified burden (rho=0.286; P=0.02), fibro‐fatty burden (rho=0.346; P=0.004), and necrotic burden (rho=0.394; P=0.002). A strong relationship between sLOX‐1, noncalcified burden (β=0.19; P=0.03), and fibro‐fatty burden (β=0.29; P=0.003) was found in fully adjusted models at baseline and 1‐ and 4‐year follow‐up. Finally, coronary plaque features progressed over 1 year regardless of biologic or systemic treatment in subjects with high sLOX‐1. Conclusions Patients with psoriasis with both high sLOX‐1 and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels have increased coronary plaque burden associated with atherosclerotic plaque progression independent of biologic and systemic treatment. Thus, sLOX‐1 might be considered as a promising marker in coronary artery disease risk estimation beyond traditional risk factors. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials. gov; Unique identifier: NCT01778569.
The plateau pika: A keystone engineer on the Tibetan plateau

The highly-social plateau pika (Lagomorpha: Ochotona curzoniae) excavates vast burrow complexes in alpine meadows on the Tibetan Plateau. Colonies of over 300 individuals/ha have been reported. As an ecosystem engineer, their burrowing may positively impact ecosystem health by increasing plant species diversity, enhancing soil mixing, and boosting water infiltration. However, pikas are commonly regarded as pests, and are heavily poisoned throughout their range. The underlying assumption of eradication programs is that eliminating pikas will improve rangeland quality and decrease soil erosion. This dissertation explores the link between plateau pikas and the alpine meadow ecosystem in Qinghai Province, PRC. This research uses both comparative field studies and theoretical modeling to clarify the role of pika disturbance. Specifically, these studies quantify the impact of pikas on nutrient cycling (via nutrient concentrations of vegetation and soil), hydrology (via water infiltration), local landscape properties (via spatial pattern description), and vascular plant communities (via species richness and composition). The competitive relationship between livestock and pikas is examined with a mathematical model. Results of this research indicate that pika colonies have both local and community level effects on water infiltration and plant species richness. A major contribution of pika disturbance is increased spatial heterogeneity, which likely underlies differences in the plant community. These findings suggest that the positive impact of plateau pikas on rangeland resources has been undervalued. In concurrence with other studies, this work concludes that plateau pikas provide valuable ecosystem services on the Tibetan Plateau.
Suitability of utilizing small horizontal axis wind turbines for off grid loads in eastern region of Saudi Arabia

Small wind turbines of 1–3, 5–10, and 15–20 kW rated powers are used to find out suitable and efficient turbines for power generation in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the effect of hub height on energy output and the plant capacity factor is investigated to recommend an optimal hub height to be used in the present case. To achieve the set objectives, hourly mean wind speed data measured at 20, 30, and 40 m and wind direction at 30 and 40 m during 13 September 2005 to 9 May 2010 have been utilized. The annual mean wind speed values were 5.73, 5.34, and 4.75 m/s at 40, 30, and 20 m with north-north west (NNW) prevailing wind direction. An increase of about 20.7% was estimated in wind speed measured at 40 m compared to that at 20 m. Wind turbines Fortis Passat—1.4 kW, Fortis Montana—5.8 kW, Fortis Alize—10 kW, and CF20—20 kW with annual energy and plant capacity factor of 7.015 MW h and 57.2%, 25.955 MW h and 51.08%, 42.603 MW h and 48.63%, and 54.674 MW h and 31.21% were the most efficient turbines for the chosen location, respectively. Highest percentage increase in annual energy yield was obtained for a mere change of 5 m from 15 to 20 m in hub height in the present case study. The next best annual energy yield was obtained while increasing hub height from 20 to 30 m.
Suitability of issuing sickness certifications in remote consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic. A mixed method study of GPs’ experiences

Abstract Objective To explore Norwegian GPs’ experiences with and perceived suitability of issuing sickness certifications in remote consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design We used a mixed methods research design. An online survey with 301 respondents was combined with qualitative interviews with ten GPs. Setting Norwegian general practice. Results Most GPs agreed it was difficult to assess a patient’s ability to work without physical attendance for a first-time certification in remote consultations. However, extending a certification was considered less problematic. If physical examinations were required, the GPs would ask the patient to come to the office. The most suitable diagnoses for remote certification were respiratory infections and COVID-19-related diagnoses, as well as known chronic and long-term diseases. The GPs emphasized the importance of knowing both the patient and the medical problem. The GP-patient relationship could be affected by remote consultations, and there were mixed views on the impact. Many GPs found it easier to deny a request for a sickness certification in remote consultations. The GPs expressed concern about the societal costs and an increased number of certifications if remote consultations were too easily accessible. The study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the findings should be interpreted in that context. Conclusions Our study shows that issuing sickness certifications in remote consultations were viewed to be suitable for COVID-19 related problems, for patients the GP has met before, for the follow-up of known medical problems, and the extension of sickness certifications. Not meeting the patient face-to-face may affect the GP-patient relationship as well as make the GPs’ dual role more challenging.
Seasonality of Suicide Occurrence in Ilam

Background & Objectives : Suicide has been recognized as a public health concern in all communities. Several factors are contributing to its incidence in developed and developing countries. Purpose of this study is to investigate seasonal patterns of suicide in Ilam province western Iran. Methods: Data were recruited from a systematic registry of Ilam province between available from 2001–2009. Overall, 3873 suicides were recorded. According to month and season of suicide, data were analyzed using chi-square test and logistic regression. Results: Among suicide attempters, a peak of suicide occurrence was observed in summer, especially in August. In general, 16% of suicides were completed. The risk of death (OR)due to suicide was significantly greater in winter and March compared to other seasons and months, respectively. Conclusion : Suicide occurrence varies by month and season and seasonal-related factors such as psychological, environmental and social aspects should be considered for any prevention programs and strategies.
Wheat interactions with Italian ryegrass; forage production and quality in pure and mixed stands of wheat, oats, and ryegrass; and halosulfuron interaction with soils

Wheat Interactions with Italian Ryegrass; Forage Production and Quality in Pure and Mixed Stands of Wheat, Oats, and Ryegrass; and Halosulfuron Interaction with Soils. (May 2007) Alexandra Cathryn Carpenter, B.S., Louisiana State University; M.S., Louisiana State University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. H. T. Cralle A growth room experiment compared seedling growth after nine weeks of two wheat genotypes in pure cultures and mixtures with Italian ryegrass at a low phosphorus (P) level and the P level recommended by soil testing. At the recommended P level in both pure and mixed culture, Mit, a semi-dwarf genotype, had a greater height, leaf area, tiller number, and dry weight of leaves, stems and roots than did Kharkof, a landrace. These results reflected the visual selection criteria for seedling vigor and tillering used in the initial development of the semi-dwarf cultivars. Field experiments compared total dry matter, calories, and percent crude protein and acid detergent fiber of oats, wheat, and ryegrass in pure culture and mixtures at four locations in central Texas at first clipping, second clipping, and unclipped. Although, forage yield was lower for the first clipping than the second clipping or the unclipped treatment, the first clipping had the best forage quality. There was a strong environmental influence on yield and quality. The best forage was pure wheat at College Station, pure ryegrass at Marlin, the wheat-ryegrass mixture at Temple, and pure oats at iii
Differential interaction patterns of opioid analgesics with µ opioid receptors correlate with ligand-specific voltage sensitivity

The µ opioid receptor (MOR) is the key target for analgesia, but the application of opioids is accompanied by several issues. There is a wide range of opioid analgesics, differing in their chemical structure and their properties of receptor activation and subsequent effects. A better understanding of ligand-receptor interactions and the resulting effects is important. Here, we calculated the respective binding poses for several opioids and analyzed interaction fingerprints between ligand and receptor. We further corroborated the interactions experimentally by cellular assays. As MOR was observed to display ligand-induced modulation of activity due to changes in membrane potential, we further analyzed the effects of voltage sensitivity on this receptor. Combining in silico and in vitro approaches, we defined discriminating interaction patterns responsible for ligand-specific voltage sensitivity and present new insights into their specific effects on activation of the MOR.
Insights from geodynamical modeling on possible fates of continental mantle lithosphere: collision, removal, and overturn

Geodynamic modeling demonstrates various modes of behaviour of the tectonically active continental mantle lithosphere. At continental collision, mantle lithosphere below thickening crust can be accommodated by mixed subduction-like consumption and viscous drip-like instability, depending on the material rheology, temperature, and convergence velocity. Late-stage slab steepening, dual-sided and ablative consumption, and breakoff can occur as the buoyant crust resists subduction. Removal of accreted crust by erosion can modify how even the deepest portions of the mantle lithosphere evolves during contraction. When gravitational forcing rather than plate shortening dominates, mantle lithosphere may be removed through viscous dripping-like instability or delamination. The removal induces crustal heating, modified topography, and deformation, but distinctive styles of these develop depending on whether mantle lithosphere delaminates or drips. With a modified density stratification postulated for the Archean, r.
WOCE line P1W in the Sea of Okhotsk: 2. CFCs and the formation rate of intermediate water

From August 30 to September 21, 1993, temperature, salinity, nutrient, and CFC data were collected along a section starting in the Pacific Ocean near Bussol' Strait in the Kuril Islands, crossing the basin and shelf region of the Sea of Okhotsk, and ending near the coastal town of Okhotsk at the northwest corner of the Sea of Okhotsk (World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE) line P1W). Water on the continental shelf had potential density (σθ) as great as 27.0, with high CFC concentrations and low temperature and salinity. The Sea of Okhotsk Intermediate Water (SOIW) ranging from 26.8 to 27.4 σθ had uniform water properties along isopycnal surfaces that were distinctly different from either the North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW) or the shelf water found at the same density. Since the SOIW was colder and fresher than the NPIW, we postulate that SOIW is formed by sinking plumes and diapycnal mixing. Shelf-derived water (SDW) as dense as 27.0 σθ is formed on the shelf during the winter by cooling and brine rejection during ice formation. Prevailing winds move the SDW off the shelf, where it sinks to an equilibrium depth and subsequently mixes isopycnally with North Pacific Water (NPW) flowing into the Sea of Okhotsk through the Kuril Islands. The observations on the shelf suggest that SDW directly modifies SOIW to 27.0 σθ. Using potential temperature (θ), salinity (S), and CFC data, we calibrated a simple box model to determine the input of SDW into the SOIW. Model results required a minimum of 0.9 Sv (1 Sv = 10 6 m 3 s -1 ) of SDW in the formation of SOIW and produced a minimum export of 2.7 Sv of SOIW from the Sea of Okhotsk. Our minimum calculated export of SOIW into the North Pacific Ocean makes the Sea of Okhotsk a significant source of the salinity minimum present in the NPIW. Below 27.2 σθ the box model failed because the CFC concentrations of the SDW were too high. This suggests that SDW directly ventilates the SOIW to a maximum of 27.2 σθ. The unique properties of the SOIW below 27.2 σθ must be the result of diapycnal mixing in the Sea of Okhotsk and isopycnal mixing with inflowing NPW.
A comprehensive characterization of blood group antigen variants in the Middle Eastern population genomes - Insights into genetic epidemiology

Background The Middle Eastern population is characterized by increased prevalence of various Mendelian disorders owing to increased rates of consanguinity. Especially in disease conditions which require chronic transfusion support, it becomes important to know the blood group characteristics of potential donors to increase the likelihood of transfusion success. As there prevails a gap in knowledge about the population specific overall blood antigen profiles, this study seeks to utilize next generation sequencing datasets to unravel the comprehensive landscape of clinically significant minor blood group alleles in the middle eastern population. Methods This study utilizes the genetic variation data from a range of public datasets including the Greater Middle East Variome, the Qatar genome and exomes and the Iranome datasets to estimate the genotypic and phenotypic frequencies of blood group alleles in the Middle Easterners. The estimated frequencies were duly compared with major global populations to identify significant similarities or differences if any. Results A total of 77 unique ISBT approved blood group alleles were found commonly in all datasets. 8 variants (rs8176058, rs1058396, rs565898944, rs28362692, rs2071699, rs34783571, rs60322991 and rs57467915) belonging to KELL, KIDD, COLTON, H, JUNIOR and LANGEREIS blood groups were found clinically significant with previously reported evidence on transfusion complications. 730 variants were found to span exonic or splicing regions out of which 70 were predicted to be potentially deleterious by at least four computational tools. Conclusions This study serves first of its kind to extensively characterize the known and novel blood alleles in the Middle Easterners. A comprehensive user-friendly online resource named alnasab - Alleles and antigens in Arab and Persian populations associated with blood groups was also developed as a dependable reference for future transfusion research. The resource is accessible at https://clingen.igib. res.in/alnasab/
Make Pixels Dance: High-Dynamic Video Generation

Creating high-dynamic videos such as motion-rich actions and sophisticated visual effects poses a significant challenge in the field of artificial intelligence. Unfortunately, current state-of-the-art video generation methods, primarily focusing on text-to-video generation, tend to produce video clips with minimal motions despite maintaining high fidelity. We argue that relying solely on text instructions is insufficient and suboptimal for video generation. In this paper, we introduce PixelDance, a novel approach based on diffusion models that incorporates image instructions for both the first and last frames in conjunction with text instructions for video generation. Comprehensive experimental results demonstrate that PixelDance trained with public data exhibits significantly better proficiency in synthesizing videos with complex scenes and intricate motions, setting a new standard for video generation.
Large Language Models in Finance: A Survey

Recent advances in large language models (LLMs) have opened new possibilities for artificial intelligence applications in finance. In this paper, we provide a practical survey focused on two key aspects of utilizing LLMs for financial tasks: existing solutions and guidance for adoption. First, we review current approaches employing LLMs in finance, including leveraging pretrained models via zero-shot or few-shot learning, fine-tuning on domain-specific data, and training custom LLMs from scratch. We summarize key models and evaluate their performance improvements on financial natural language processing tasks. Second, we propose a decision framework to guide financial professionals in selecting the appropriate LLM solution based on their use case constraints around data, compute, and performance needs. The framework provides a pathway from lightweight experimentation to heavy investment in customized LLMs. Lastly, we discuss limitations and challenges around leveraging LLMs in financial applications. Overall, this survey aims to synthesize the state-of-the-art and provide a roadmap for responsibly applying LLMs to advance financial AI.
Evolutionary algorithms as an alternative to backpropagation for supervised training of Biophysical Neural Networks and Neural ODEs

Training networks consisting of biophysically accurate neuron models could allow for new insights into how brain circuits can organize and solve tasks. We begin by analyzing the extent to which the central algorithm for neural network learning -- stochastic gradient descent through backpropagation (BP) -- can be used to train such networks. We find that properties of biophysically based neural network models needed for accurate modelling such as stiffness, high nonlinearity and long evaluation timeframes relative to spike times makes BP unstable and divergent in a variety of cases. To address these instabilities and inspired by recent work, we investigate the use of "gradient-estimating" evolutionary algorithms (EAs) for training biophysically based neural networks. We find that EAs have several advantages making them desirable over direct BP, including being forward-pass only, robust to noisy and rigid losses, allowing for discrete loss formulations, and potentially facilitating a more global exploration of parameters. We apply our method to train a recurrent network of Morris-Lecar neuron models on a stimulus integration and working memory task, and show how it can succeed in cases where direct BP is inapplicable. To expand on the viability of EAs in general, we apply them to a general neural ODE problem and a stiff neural ODE benchmark and find again that EAs can out-perform direct BP here, especially for the over-parameterized regime. Our findings suggest that biophysical neurons could provide useful benchmarks for testing the limits of BP-adjacent methods, and demonstrate the viability of EAs for training networks with complex components.