Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiple timescales of streambed flux variability in two perennial mountain‐front streams

Streambed fluxes are highly variable through time and space, having a range implications for stream‐aquifer processes. This study investigated streambed fluxes over a 3‐year study period to characterize short‐ and long‐term variations and related implications for seepage recharge and hyporheic exchange. Time series of streambed fluxes were estimated through Darcy‐based methods using water level and temperature inputs from shallow (<1.5 m) nested streambed piezometers installed in two mountain‐front streams in Colorado, USA. Three predominant temporal scales of variability were characterized: sub‐daily (<1 day), daily (>1 day; <1 year), and interannual (>1 year). Temporal variability was quantified using the median absolute deviation (MAD), a statistical measure that is resistant to extreme values associated with short‐duration events. Sub‐daily variability (MADS‐D) was related to ET, temperature‐induced changes in hydraulic conductivity, and variable stream stage, and was quantified using the MAD of detrended fluxes (daily mean subtracted). Daily variability (MADD), calculated as the MAD of daily median fluxes for a given year, exceeded sub‐daily variability, and was influenced by strong seasonality at some sites. For individual sites and water years, the ratio of MADS‐D to MADD ranged from 0.03 to 0.70, with an average of 0.25. Annual median fluxes at each site varied across years, but typically remained consistent in order of magnitude and direction. Results reveal a strong linear correlation between the daily variability and the median annual flux at individual sites. Within a year, summer months characterized by stronger losing conditions showed greater overall variability. 1D numerical heat and flow modelling was performed to calibrate hydraulic parameters and to investigate temperature‐related controls for sub‐daily variations. We discuss implications of documented temporal variability for analyses of hyporheic exchange and groundwater recharge. Results provide a basis for quantifying temporal variations in streambed fluxes and highlight the extent to which fluxes vary over multiple timescales.
Patricia Lacks' contributions to evidence-based practice for insomnia

In the 1980s, Patricia Lacks (February 22, 1941–December 3, 2016) began a systematic program of research at Washington University in St. Louis to identify the causes of insomnia and effective treatments. Her treatment outcomes research culminated in the publication of the first detailed cognitive-behavioral treatment manual for insomnia, Behavioral Treatment for Persistent Insomnia. This paper focuses on the history of Dr. Lacks and her contributions to the field of insomnia research and practice.
The role of orbital dynamics and cloud-cloud collisions in the formation of giant molecular clouds in global spiral structures

The role of orbit crowding and cloud-cloud collisions in the formation of GMCs and their organization in global spiral structure is investigated. Both N-body simulations of the cloud system and a detailed analysis of individual particle orbits are used to develop a conceptual understanding of how individual clouds participate in the collective density response. Detailed comparisons are made between a representative cloud-particle simulation in which the cloud particles collide inelastically with one another and give birth to and subsequently interact with young star associations and stripped down simulations in which the cloud particles are allowed to follow ballistic orbits in the absence of cloud-cloud collisions or any star formation processes. Orbit crowding is then related to the behavior of individual particle trajectories in the galactic potential field. The conceptual picture of how GMCs are formed in the clumpy ISMs of spiral galaxies is formulated, and the results are compared in detail with those published by other authors. 68 references.
The association between genetic variants at 3’-UTR and 5’-URR of HLA-G gene and the clinical outcomes of patients with leukemia receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

In addition to the classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, the outcomes of post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-related genes and non-HLA genes involved in immune regulation. HLA-G gene plays an important role in immune tolerance, assisting immune escape of tumor cells, and decrease of transplant rejection. In this study, we explored the association of genetic variants at the 3’-untranslated region (3’-UTR) and 5’-upstream regulatory region (5’-URR) of HLA-G gene with the adverse outcomes of patients with leukemia receiving HSCT. The genomic DNAs of 164 patients who had acute leukemia and received HSCT were collected for analysis. Nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and six haplotypes in the 3’-UTR and 27 SNPs and 6 haplotypes in the 5’-URR were selected to investigate their relationship with the development of adverse outcomes for patients receiving HSCT, including mortality, relapse, and graft-versus-host disease. Our results revealed that two SNPs (rs371194629 and rs9380142) and one haplotype (UTR-3) located in the 3’-UTR and two SNPs (rs3823321 and rs1736934) and one haplotype (G0104a) located in the 5’-URR of HLA-G were associated with the occurrence of chronic GVHD or development of any forms of GVHD. No SNP was found to associate with the occurrence of mortality and relapse for patients receiving HSCT. These SNPs and haplotypes may play important roles in regulating immune tolerance of allografts post-HSCT that can be used to predict the risk of poor outcomes after receiving HSCT and giving preventive treatment to patients on time.
Sedimentary architecture and glacial hydrodynamic significance of the stratified Oak Ridges Moraine, southern Ontario, Canada

High‐quality subsurface data provide new insights into the formation of Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM), an ~80 km3 sequence of stratified meltwater deposits resting >200 m above adjacent Lake Ontario. The ORM sedimentary succession comprises a three‐part regional architecture: (i) ~north–south channel sand–gravel; (ii) channel‐capping rhythmites; and (iii) east–west ridge sediments. The ORM depositional sequence overlies a regional unconformity with a cross‐cutting channel network resulting from ~north–south meltwater floods that transitioned progressively (falling stage) from a ~NNE to ENE flow direction (parallels Lake Ontario depression). Seismic profiles delineate the channels and channel fill characteristics of bank‐to‐bank channel sedimentation of thick gradational gravel–sand–mud sequences. Channel‐capping mud (~100–236 rhythmites) within multiple channels beneath the ORM landform mark a widespread interval of low‐energy, seasonally controlled subglacial pond deposition. During this quiescent period ice‐sheet thickness adjusted to flood‐induced stretching/thinning and re‐profiled slopes. New ice gradients led to east–west flow and deposition of the overlying third element, a sequence of high‐energy confined esker–fan sediments along ORM ridge. Close, sequential timing (~329 varve years) of channel, basin and ridge‐forming architectural elements supports naming this assemblage the ORM formation. Proposed ORM floods are analogous to Icelandic jökulhlaups based on the size, geometry and sedimentology. The observed rhythmite interval between flood events represents a short period (~236 years) of regional meltwater storage prior to east–west ORM flooding. The ORM channel and overlying esker‐fan sediment ridge represent two closely timed meltwater drainage events rather than formation by coalescing ice streams. The scale and timing of the ORM flood events are linked to rapid sea‐level rise, ~13.5 ka BP. This high‐resolution ORM sedimentological record may provide insights into depositional and glaciogenic controls of other large, stratified moraines. The ORM data indicate deposition in response to hydrodynamic events (outbreak floods, re‐profiled ice) rather than direct climate forcing.
Behavior of preloaded RC beams strengthened with CFRP laminates

Eighteen reinforced concrete beams, including 16 beams strengthened with CFRP laminate at different levels of preload and 2 control beams, were tested to investigate the influence of preload level on flexural behavior of CFRP-strengthened RC beam. The experimental parameters include rebar ratios, number of plies of CFRP laminates and preload level at the time of strengthening. Theoretical analysis was also carried out to explain the experimental phenomena and results. The experimental and theoretical results indicated that the preload level has more influence on the stiffness and deflection of the strengthened beam, both at post-cracking and post-yielding stage, than that on the yielding and ultimate flexural strength of the strengthened beam. The main failure mode of CFRP-strengthened beam is the intermediate crack-induced debonding of CFRP laminates, provided that the development length of CFRP laminates and shear capacity of the beam are sufficient.
The Impact of Women’s Agency on Accessing and Using Maternal Healthcare Services: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Agency, defined as the ability to identify one’s goals and act upon them, has been recognized as a prominent strategy to access maternal healthcare services (MHS). The purpose of this study was to synthesize evidence of the association between women’s agency and MHS utilization. A systematic review was performed on five academic databases, comprising Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and ProQuest. Meta-analysis was performed with a random-effects method using the STATA™ Version 17 software. A total of 82 studies were selected following the PRISMA guidelines. The meta-analysis demonstrated that an increase in women’s agency was associated with a 34% increase in the odds of receiving skilled antenatal care (ANC) (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.18–1.52); 7% increase in the odds of initiating the first ANC visit during the first trimester of pregnancy (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.01–1.12); 20% increase in the odds of receiving at least one ANC visit (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.04–1.4); 16% increase in the odds of receiving more than four ANC visits during pregnancy (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.12–1.21); 17% increase in the odds of receiving more than eight ANC visits (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.04–1.32); 13% increase in the odds of facility-based delivery (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.09–1.17); 16% increase in the odds of using skilled birth attendants (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.13–1.19); and 13% increase in the odds of receiving postnatal care (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.08–1.19) compared to low level of agency. Any efforts to improve MHS utilization and reduce maternal morbidity and mortality should include the promotion of women’s agency.
Damage functions and estimates of fratricide and collateral damage

There are multiple damage functions in the literature to estimate the probability that a single weapon detonation destroys a point target. This paper addresses differences in the tails of four of the more popular damage functions. These four cover the asymptotic tail behaviors of all monotonically decreasing damage functions with well‐behaved hazard functions. The differences in estimates of probability of kill are quite dramatic for large aim‐point offsets. This is particularly important when balancing the number of threats that can be engaged with the chances of fratricide and collateral damage. In general, analysts substituting one damage function for another may badly estimate kill probabilities in offset‐aiming, which could result in poor doctrine. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 50: 306–321, 2003.
Gingival Depigmentation Using Microneedling Technique With Topical Vitamin C: A Prospective Case Series

Introduction Gingival pigmentation is mainly physiological due to the production of melanin. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a microneedling technique using topical ascorbic acid in treating gingival hyperpigmentation. Methods A case-series study was established, and 16 out of 42 participants enrolled in this study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A microneedling technique was performed using a Dermapen instrument, followed by the topical application of ascorbic acid on the pigmented gingiva. Variations in the Dummett oral pigmentation index (DOPI) and Hedin melanin index (HMI) scores were considered for each patient. A one-month follow-up was conducted on all patients. Results All the reported cases demonstrated noticeable improvement at the end of the sessions. Moreover, seven patients showed complete depigmentation of the gingiva. Analysis using paired T-tests showed a statistically significant lower post-treatment DOPI score with a mean difference of 1.8 ± 0.7, 95% CI: 0.17-1.49. Similarly, the HMI score was lower post-treatment with a mean difference of 3.1 ± 0.7, 95% CI: 2.74-3.50. Conclusions Microneedling combined with topical ascorbic acid is a novel, non-invasive dental technique that can effectively treat gingival hyperpigmentation.
Small-Disturbance Asymptotic Theory for Linear-Calibration Estimators

This article discusses the application of small-disturbance asymptotic theory for analyzing the properties of estimators in linear calibration. A family of estimators emerging from the weighted average of classical and inverse calibration estimators is proposed, and the approximations for its asymptotic bias and asymptotic mean squared error are obtained. Based on these expressions, the properties of this family—as well as an asymptotically unbiased calibration estimator, the classical calibration estimator, and the inverse calibration estimator—are analyzed and conditions for preferring one to the other are obtained. We present an example for illustration.
Behavioral and biochemical effects of alcohol withdrawal in female C3H/HeNRj and C57BL/6JRj mice

Background Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major problem of our society and is often characterized and worsened by relapse. Prolonged alcohol exposure leads to numerous biochemical alterations that, upon cessation of alcohol intake, cause an array of immediate and lasting withdrawal symptoms. Acute withdrawal and neuroinflammation can be harmful in themselves, and lasting withdrawal symptoms contribute to relapse. Here, we conducted an initial feasibility study assessing several behavioral and neurochemical factors in female C3H/HeNRj (C3H) and C57BL/6JRj (B6) mice to determine which strain showed the clearest alcohol withdrawal symptoms during long-term abstinence and neurochemical alterations following re-exposure. Methods Female C3H and B6 mice (n = 12 per group/strain) were intermittently exposed to alcohol-containing or control liquid diets for 3 weeks. Acute and prolonged withdrawal symptoms were assessed over a period of 3 weeks using a battery of behavioral test, comprised of alcohol self-administration, anhedonia, hyperalgesia, anxiety-like and depressive-like disturbances. Brain inflammation was measured by multiplex cytokine assay. Monoamine levels in the hippocampus and striatum, as well as exploratory analyses of cations levels in the cerebellum, were assessed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Results Both C3H and B6 alcohol-exposed mice displayed decreased saccharin intake or preference and higher stress levels assessed by ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) recordings. B6 but not C3H alcohol-exposed mice also exhibited a slower decline of alcohol oral self-administration (OSA), hyperalgesia, elevated brain TNF-α and elevated serotonin turnover. Conclusion Our findings highlight the suitability of the B6 strain to study the behavioral and neurochemical alterations caused by alcohol withdrawal and the potential efficacy of experimental treatments, not only in early detoxification, but also in prolonged abstinence. The feasibility of these assays is important because long-lasting withdrawal symptoms are often the main cause of relapse in alcohol-dependent patients.
A maximum-likelihood analysis of globular cluster luminosity distributions in the Virgo ellipticals

We have formulated a model to represent globular cluster luminosity functions (GCLFs) in distant galaxies by means of maximum-likelihood statistics. This model simultaneously accounts for the presence of a contaminating background population, incompleteness at faint magnitudes, and photometric measurement error. We apply this model to observational data sets for the three Virgo giant elliptical galaxies NGC 4365, 4472, and 4649, to derive accurate new values for the GCLF peak and dispersion.
Case report: Immune profiling links neutrophil and plasmablast dysregulation to microvascular damage in post-COVID-19 Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults (MIS-A)

Despite surviving a SARS-CoV-2 infection, some individuals experience an intense post-infectious Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS) of uncertain etiology. Children with this syndrome (MIS-C) can experience a Kawasaki-like disease, but mechanisms in adults (MIS-A) are not clearly defined. Here we utilize a deep phenotyping approach to examine immunologic responses in an individual with MIS-A. Results are contextualized to healthy, convalescent, and acute COVID-19 patients. The findings reveal systemic inflammatory changes involving novel neutrophil and B-cell subsets, autoantibodies, complement, and hypercoagulability that are linked to systemic vascular dysfunction. This deep patient profiling generates new mechanistic insight into this rare clinical entity and provides potential insight into other post-infectious syndromes.
Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients Treated with Fixed Duration Venetoclax-Rituximab: Assessment of Response with Ultrasound, and Relationship with Minimal Residual Disease

A fixed duration of venetoclax-rituximab (VenR) resulted in a significant benefit of both PFS and in the attainment of an undetectable minimal residual disease (uMRD) compared with bendamustine-rituximab in relapsed/refractory (R/R) chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. The 2018 International Workshop on CLL guidelines, outside the context of clinical trials, suggested ultrasonography (US) as a possible imaging technique to evaluate visceral involvement, and palpation to evaluate superficial lymph nodes (SupLNs). In this real-life study we prospectively enrolled N = 22 patients. Patients were assessed by US, to determine nodal and splenic response in R/R CLL patients treated with a fixed duration VenR. We found an overall response rate, complete remission, partial remission, and stable disease, of 95.4%, 68%, 27.3%, and 4.5%, respectively. Responses were also correlated with risk categories. The time to response, and the time to clearance of the disease in the spleen, in abdominal LN (AbdLNs), and in SupLNs were discussed. Responses were independent from LN size. The correlation between response rate with MRD were also investigated. US allowed to detect a substantial CR rate correlated with uMRD.
Dynamical evolution in galactic disks

The dynamical structure of a galactic disk is changed by fluctuations in its gravitational potential field. The orbits of stars are deflected, changing the velocity dispersion and angular-momentum distribution. We derive an expression for the induced changes in the phase-space distribution function, finding them to be second order in the perturbing potential, and of the form of a diffusion in phase space. We evaluate our result for a model transient spiral. The radial-velocity dispersion of the stars increases in response to a steady sequence of perturbations as t/sup 1/2/, for low velocity stars, declining towards t/sup 1/5/ as the radial excursions of stars become large in comparison to the spatial wavelength of the spirals. The waves also transport angular momentum, allowing the disk to become more centrally concentrated. In equilibrium the wave amplitude is controlled by the rate of dynamical cooling in the disk, and, inasmuch as the gas also gives rise to star formation, the heating time scale may be similar to the galactic star-formation time scale. Spiral waves may then rearrange the structure of the disk, as stars form out of the gas. Our predictions are in good agreement with the age/velocity-dispersion relation observed in our N-body experiments,more » and we conclude that recurrent transient spirals naturally account for that observed for the solar neighborhood stars. « less
Impact of particle flux on the vertical distribution and diversity of size-fractionated prokaryotic communities in two East Antarctic polynyas

Antarctic polynyas are highly productive open water areas surrounded by ice where extensive phytoplankton blooms occur, but little is known about how these surface blooms influence carbon fluxes and prokaryotic communities from deeper waters. By sequencing the 16S rRNA gene, we explored the vertical connectivity of the prokaryotic assemblages associated with particles of three different sizes in two polynyas with different surface productivity, and we linked it to the magnitude of the particle export fluxes measured using thorium-234 (234Th) as particle tracer. Between the sunlit and the mesopelagic layers (700 m depth), we observed compositional changes in the prokaryotic communities associated with the three size-fractions, which were mostly dominated by Flavobacteriia, Alphaproteobacteria, and Gammaproteobacteria. Interestingly, the vertical differences between bacterial communities attached to the largest particles decreased with increasing 234Th export fluxes, indicating a more intense downward transport of surface prokaryotes in the most productive polynya. This was accompanied by a higher proportion of surface prokaryotic taxa detected in deep particle-attached microbial communities in the station with the highest 234Th export flux. Our results support recent studies evidencing links between surface productivity and deep prokaryotic communities and provide the first evidence of sinking particles acting as vectors of microbial diversity to depth in Antarctic polynyas, highlighting the direct influence of particle export in shaping the prokaryotic communities of mesopelagic waters.
Subsidies, Temporary Laying-Up, and Efficiency in a Coastal Commercial Fishery

Subsidies for temporary laying-up (TLU) are often introduced to support commercial fishers in crises. We studied the effect of a German TLU in response to quota cuts and the COVID-19 pandemic on fishers’ revenue frontiers and efficiency by stochastic frontier analysis, and on species composition by fixed-effects models using monthly landings declarations from 2008 to 2020. Own laying-up days increased inefficiency and decreased revenue frontiers. Subsidies were related to outward shifts in the revenue frontier, and were linked to small increases in landings of unregulated marine species. Laying-up periods by other fishers were not related to changes in the revenue frontier or efficiency, but to changes in species composition of unregulated species, away from freshwater species and flatfish, and towards eel and other marine species. Technical efficiency mostly decreased over time, offsetting temporal outward shifts in the revenue frontier.