Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Suspended sediment deposition and sediment yields at Lake Peters, northeast Brooks Range, Alaska: Fluvial‐ and lake‐based approaches

Lake‐based studies can provide seasonal‐ to millennial‐scale records of sediment yield to improve our understanding of catchment‐scale sediment transfer and complement shorter fluvial‐based sediment transport studies. In this study, sediment accumulation rates at 40 coring locations in Lake Peters, Brooks Range, Alaska, over ca. 42 years, calculated using fallout radionuclides and sediment density patterns, were spatially modelled based on distance from the primary inflow and lake water depth. We estimated mean interdecadal specific sediment yield (Mg km−2 year−1) using the spatially modelled sediment accumulation rates and compared that result to fluvial‐based sediment delivery for 2015–2016 open‐channel seasons, as well as to yields reported for other Arctic catchments. Using the lake‐based method, mean yield to Lake Peters between ca. 1973 and 2015 was 52 ± 12 Mg km−2 year−1, which is comparable with fluvial‐based modelling results of 33 (20–60) Mg km−2 year−1 in 2015 and 79 (50–140) Mg km−2 year−1 in 2016 (95% confidence intervals), respectively. Although 2016 was a year of above average sedimentation, the last extreme depositional event probably occurred between ca. 1970 and 1976 when a basal layer of fine sand was deposited in a broadly distributed, relatively thick and coarse bed, which we used for lake‐wide correlation. The dual lacustrine–fluvial method approach permits study of within‐lake and catchment‐scale processes. Within Lake Peters, sedimentation patterns show decreasing fluxes down‐lake, sediment bypassing near the primary inflow, the influence of secondary inflows and littoral redistribution, and a focusing effect in the deep proximal basin. At the watershed scale, sediment yield is largely driven by intense summer rainfall and strong seasonal hydroclimatic variability. This research informs paleo‐environmental reconstruction and environmental system modelling in Arctic lake catchments.
Mechanisms Suggesting a Relationship between Vitamin D and Erectile Dysfunction: An Overview

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and erectile dysfunction (ED) heavily burden the male population. The higher prevalence of both conditions in the elderly suggests a possible relationship between the two conditions. In addition, in vitro, animal, and human studies have revealed several mechanisms that may relate VDD to ED. The main mechanism by which vitamin D might exert its action on sexual function appears to be through the regulation of endothelial function. Indeed, VDD correlates with several markers of endothelial function. The action of vitamin D on the endothelium would be exercised both indirectly through its intervention in inflammatory processes and through the production of oxygen free radicals, and directly through the regulation of vascular stiffness, the production of nitric oxide, and the regulation of vessel permeability. Furthermore, the ubiquitous distribution of the vitamin D receptor in the human body means that this hormone can also exert a beneficial effect on erectile function by interfering with those comorbidities significantly associated with ED, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, chronic kidney disease, and hypogonadism. In this review, we thoroughly and carefully presented the evidence and mechanisms that would appear to relate vitamin D levels to erectile function. Furthermore, we have summarized the meta-analytic evidence for and against this association to provide a true representation of this topic. Data published to date suggest that low levels of vitamin D could contribute to worsening erectile function through several mechanisms. Therefore, vitamin D levels should be measured in patients with ED and maintained at adequate levels by specific supplementation in case of deficiency. However, the low quality and heterogeneity of clinical trials evaluating the effects of vitamin D administration on erectile function and ED-associated comorbidities do not allow for a univocal conclusion, and indicate the need for further studies to analyze these aspects.
Effects of bile duct ligation on the inhibitory control of supraoptic vasopressin neurons

Dilutional hyponatremia due to increased plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) is associated with liver cirrhosis. However, plasma AVP remains elevated despite progressive hypoosmolality. This study investigated changes to inhibitory control of supraoptic nucleus (SON) AVP neurons during liver cirrhosis. Experiments were conducted with adult male Sprague–Dawley rats. Bile duct ligation was used as a model of chronic liver cirrhosis. An adeno‐associated virus containing a construct with an AVP promoter and either green fluorescent protein (GFP) or a ratiometric chloride indicator, ClopHensorN, was bilaterally injected into the SON of rats. After 2 weeks, rats received either BDL or sham surgery, and liver cirrhosis was allowed to develop for 4 weeks. In vitro, loose patch recordings of action potentials were obtained from GFP‐labeled and unlabeled SON neurons in response to a brief focal application of the GABAA agonist muscimol (100 μM). Changes to intracellular chloride ([Cl]i) following muscimol application were determined by changes to the fluorescence ratio of ClopHensorN. The contribution of cation chloride cotransporters NKCC1 and KCC2 to changes in intracellular chloride was investigated using their respective antagonists, bumetanide (BU, 10 μM) and VU0240551 (10 μM). Plasma osmolality and hematocrit were measured as a marker of dilutional hyponatremia. The results showed reduced or absent GABAA‐mediated inhibition in a greater proportion of AVP neurons from BDL rats as compared to sham rats (100% inhibition in sham vs. 47% in BDL, p = .001). Muscimol application was associated with increased [Cl]i in most cells from BDL as compared to cells from sham rats (χ2 = 30.24, p < .001). NKCC1 contributed to the impaired inhibition observed in BDL rats (p < .001 BDL − BU vs. BDL + BU). The results show that impaired inhibition of SON AVP neurons and increased intracellular chloride contribute to the sustained dilutional hyponatremia in liver cirrhosis.
Neoclassical Transport in Uragan-2M for the 1/ν Regime

Abstract In the framework of optimization of confinement properties of Uragan-2M, neoclassical transport in the 1/ν regime and the pertinent stored energy are studied. A rather wide range of device configurations is considered. For the computations the field line following code NEO for computation of transport measures is used. Computations are performed in real-space coordinates using the magnetic field produced by the device coils. The difference of currents in adjacent groups of toroidal field (TF) coils as well as the current in the TF coils and the additional vertical magnetic field are used as varying parameters. Some possibilities for improving the 1/ν transport corresponding to optimum values of the varying parameters are presented.
Comparison of Oncologic Outcomes between Radical Hysterectomy and Primary Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in Women with Bulky IB and IIA Cervical Cancer under Risk Stratification

Simple Summary Bulky IB and IIA cervical cancer portends a worse prognosis than smaller tumors. Although treatment modalities include surgery or radiation (RT)-based treatment, there is no optimal treatment choice for these patients that is indicated by recurrence risk. The aim of our study was to compare the oncologic outcome between radical hysterectomy (RH) and concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) under risk stratification according to tumor markers and histology. We defined patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) ≥ 10 ng/mL, adenocarcinoma, or adenosquamous carcinoma as the high-risk group. We found that RH provided better locoregional control and relapse-free survival in the high-risk group. Meanwhile, there was a similar oncologic outcome regardless of treatment modality in patients without these risk factors. We suggest that surgery should be considered first for patients with these high-risk features of poor RT response. Abstract Purpose: To stratify patients according to tumor marker and histology and compare the survival outcome between radical hysterectomy (RH) and primary concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in bulky IB and IIA cervical cancer. Methods: A total of 442 patients with cervical cancer were enrolled in the Chang Gung Research Database from January 2002 to December 2017. Patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) ≥10 ng/mL, adenocarcinoma (AC), or adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) were stratified into the high-risk (HR) group. The others were classified into the low-risk (LR) group. We compared oncology outcomes between RH and CCRT in each group. Results: In the LR group, 5-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were 85.9% vs. 85.4% (p = 0.315) and 83.6% vs. 82.5% (p = 0.558) in women treated with RH (n = 99) vs. CCRT (n = 179), respectively. In the HR group, the 5-year OS and RFS were 83.2% vs. 73.3% (p = 0.164) and 75.2% vs. 59.6% (p < 0.036) in patients treated with RH (n = 128) vs. CCRT (n = 36), respectively. Regarding recurrence, locoregional recurrence (LRR) (8.1% vs. 8.6%, p = 0.812) and distant metastases (DM) (17.8% vs. 21%, p = 0.609) were similar between RH and CCRT in the LR group. However, lower LRR (11.6% vs. 26.3%, p = 0.023) but equivalent DM (17.8% vs. 21%, p = 0.609) were found for women undergoing RH compared with CCRT in the HR group. Conclusions: There were similar survival and recurrence rates between both treatment modalities in low-risk patients. Meanwhile, primary surgery with or without adjuvant radiation provides better RFS and local control in women with high-risk features. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Feasibility and Efficacy of Morning Light Therapy for Adults with Insomnia: A Pilot, Randomized, Open-Label, Two-Arm Study

Background and Objectives: Light therapy (LT) is used as an adjunctive treatment for sleep problems. This study evaluates the impact of LT on sleep quality and sleep-related parameters in patients with sleep disorders. Materials and Methods: We performed a pilot, randomized, open-label clinical trial. Fourteen patients aged 20–60 years with insomnia were randomized into the control and LT groups (1:1 ratio). The LT group was instructed to use a device that provides bright LT (6000 K, 380 lux, wavelength 480 nm) for at least 25 min before 09:00 a.m. for two weeks. A self-reported questionnaire was used to evaluate circadian preference, mood, and sleep-related parameters. We analyzed serum cortisol levels and clock genes’ expression. Results: The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), insomnia severity index(ISI), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality index(PSQI) were significantly improved within the LT group only after the two-week period. When comparing the two groups, only the change in ESS was significant (mean difference, control: −0.14 vs. LT: −1.43, p = 0.021) after adjusting for the baseline characteristics. There were no significant differences in serum cortisol or clock genes’ expression. Conclusions: LT can improve daytime sleepiness in patients with sleep disorders; however, further well-designed studies are warranted to confirm its efficacy.
The CNES CLS 2022 Mean Sea Surface: Short Wavelength Improvements from CryoSat-2 and SARAL/AltiKa High-Sampled Altimeter Data

A new mean sea surface (MSS) was determined by focusing on the accuracy provided by exact-repeat altimetric missions (ERM) and the high spatial coverage of geodetic (or drifting) missions. The goal was to obtain a high-resolution MSS that would provide centimeter-level precision. Particular attention was paid to the homogeneity of the oceanic content of this MSS, and specific processing was also carried out, particularly on the data from the geodetic missions. For instance, CryoSat-2 and SARAL/AltiKa data sampled at high frequencies were enhanced using a dedicated filtering process and corrected from oceanic variability using the results of the objective analysis of sea-level anomalies provided by DUACS multi-missions gridded sea-level anomalies fields (MSLA). Particular attention was also paid to the Arctic area by combining traditional sea-surface height (SSH) with the sea levels estimated within fractures in the ice (leads). The MSS was determined using a local least-squares collocation technique, which provided an estimation of the calibrated error. Furthermore, our technique takes into account altimetric noises, ocean-variability-correlated noises, and along-track biases, which are determined independently for each observation. Moreover, variable cross-covariance models were fitted locally for a more precise determination of the shortest wavelengths, which were shorter than 30 km. The validations performed on this new MSS showed an improvement in the finest topographic structures, with amplitudes exceeding several cm, while also continuing to refine the correction of the oceanic variability. Overall, the analysis of the precision of this new CNES_CLS 2022 MSS revealed an improvement of 40% compared to the previous model, from 2015.
Induced polygenic variability for identification of high yielding mutants in M3-M4 generations of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn)

The present investigation was undertaken for identification of high yielding desirable mutants from M 3 seeds of two gamma rays irradiated genotypes; GPU 28 with 3 doses (300,400,500 Gy) and KMR 204 with 2 doses (300,400 Gy). A total of 152 mutant lines (102 of GPU 28 and 50 of KMR 204) of finger millet were evaluated in Augmented Block Design along with two check cultivars (GPU 28 and KMR 204). Data were collected for eight different quantitative traits on each mutant line. Analysis of genetic parameters, character association, genetic variability and genetic diversity was done. Selection of plants was done on the basis of seed yield and its contributing traits. These selected plants were evaluated in randomized complete block design with three replications along with two checks/parents in two experiments, one for mutants of GPU 28 and other for KMR 204. In general, all treatments showed wider range of variation compared to the parental range. Most treatment populations exhibited reduction in population mean and increase in population variance for all the traits studied. Cluster analysis based on the morphological traits grouped the mutants of GPU 28 into four and KMR 204 into three clusters. Estimates of heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean showed that selection in M 3 population would be effective to improve the seed yield. Fifty-eight mutants were selected from M 3 generation on the basis of seed yield and its contributing traits. These selected mutants were evaluated in M 4 generation for productivity per se traits and compared to the previous generation. Results showed significant improvement for seed yield and its contributing traits in M 4 generation as compared to M 3 generation. Ten high yielding mutant progenies were identified in M 4 generation, were significantly superior over best check. Usefulness of induced mutagenesis for identification of high yielding mutant lines in finger millet was demonstrated through the present study. Identified high yielding mutant lines can be utilized to develop new varieties and also, selection of diverse lines from different clusters will help in exploitation of heterosis.
The Response of a Simplified GCM to Axisymmetric Forcings: Applicability of the Fluctuation–Dissipation Theorem

Abstract Following on their previous work, in which they found the annular modes to be a preferred response of a simplified general circulation model atmosphere to a number of mechanical forcings, the authors now explore the quantitative relationship between forcing and response. In particular, the applicability of the fluctuation–dissipation theorem to this problem is investigated. First, the set of model trials is expanded by including runs in which the applied forcings are thermal rather than mechanical. For thermal forcings confined to the extratropics, “annular mode–like” responses, reminiscent of those found in earlier work, are found, but, as found in previous studies, the response is less like an annular mode when the forcing has significant amplitude in the tropics. Assuming small departures from the control climatology, and making a few further assumptions, the authors derive a theoretical relationship between forcing and response. This relationship is a statement of the fluctuation–dissipation .
A Congruence Modulo Four for Real Schubert Calculus with Isotropic Flags

Abstract We previously obtained a congruence modulo four for the number of real solutions to many Schubert problems on a square Grassmannian given by osculating flags. Here we consider Schubert problems given by more general isotropic flags, and prove this congruence modulo four for the largest class of Schubert problems that could be expected to exhibit this congruence.
Stationarity testing under nonlinear models. Some asymptotic results

Stationarity testing for nonlinear time series models which include several smooth trend components with (possibly) unknown parameters is considered. A pseudo‐Lagrange multiplier stationarity test is proposed and its asymptotic behaviour is derived. The limiting null distribution generally depends on the unknown parameters of the model. A bootstrap approach permits this problem to be circumvented and consistency of the bootstrapped test is obtained. The theoretical analysis is complemented with a simulation study which allows us to check the performance of the test in finite samples. The article ends with an empirical application.
Moral judgments in native, regional, and foreign languages

We examined moral judgments in three types of language: a native national language (Italian), a non-native foreign language (English), and a native regional language (Venetian, oral and colloquial). We used the Moral Foundation Questionnaire to investigate cross-linguistic differences in multiple aspects of morality. Higher scores in the Harm, Purity and Fairness dimensions were obtained in the foreign and the regional language with respect to the national language. In addition, higher scores in the Ingroup dimension were obtained in the foreign language with respect to the native language. The effects of language on morality can thus be quite pervasive, involving a variety of aspects of morality. The differences we observed across these languages are explained in terms of their sociolinguistics – specifically, the greater use of national languages with moral values and beliefs. It is proposed that language effects arise because the language that is used activates information associated with it.
Effect of TB Treatment on Neutrophil-Derived Soluble Inflammatory Mediators in TB Patients with and without HIV Coinfection

The mycobacteriological analysis of sputum samples is the gold standard for tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment monitoring. However, sputum production can be challenging after the initiation of TB treatment. As a possible alternative, we therefore investigated the dynamics of neutrophil-derived soluble inflammatory mediators during TB treatment in relation to HIV ART status and the severity of lung impairment. Plasma samples of TB patients with (N = 47) and without HIV (N = 21) were analyzed at baseline, month 2, month 6 (end of TB treatment) and month 12. Plasma levels of MMP-1, MMP-8, MPO and S100A8 markedly decreased over the course of TB treatment and remained at similar levels thereafter. Post-TB treatment initiation, significantly elevated plasma levels of MMP-8 were detected in TB patients living with HIV, especially if they were not receiving ART treatment at baseline. Our data confirm that the plasma levels of neutrophil-based biomarkers can be used as candidate surrogate markers for TB treatment outcome and HIV-infection influenced MMP-8 and S100A8 levels. Future studies to validate our results and to understand the dynamics of neutrophils-based biomarkers post-TB treatment are needed.
Linear approximated formulation of AC optimal power flow using binary discretisation

This study presents a novel linear approximated methodology for full alternating current-optimal power flow (AC-OPF). The AC-OPF can provide more precise and real picture of full active and reactive power flow modelling, along with the voltage profile of buses compared to the commonly used direct current-optimal power flow. While the AC-OPF is a non-linear programming problem, this can be transformed into a mixed-integer linear programming environment by the proposed model without loss of accuracy. The global optimality of the solution for the approximated model can be guaranteed by existing algorithms and software. The numerical results and simulations which represent the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed model are given and completely discussed in this study.
Enhanced Systemic Antitumour Immunity by Hypofractionated Radiotherapy and Anti-PD-L1 Therapy in Dogs with Pulmonary Metastatic Oral Malignant Melanoma

Simple Summary Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are promising treatment options for spontaneous cancers in dogs. To optimize the clinical benefit of ICIs, combination therapy with radiation has been proposed for human cancers; however, the safety and efficacy of the combination approach have not yet been reported in dogs. The retrospective analysis of dogs bearing pulmonary metastatic oral malignant melanoma suggested that the use of previous (≤8 weeks) hypofractionated radiation therapy is associated with a better clinical response to anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy. Radiotherapy before the initiation of anti-PD-L1 therapy can be an effective approach to enhance antitumor immunity in dogs. Abstract Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as the anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody, have been developed for the treatment of canine malignant melanoma, desirable clinical efficacies have not been achieved. Recent studies in humans have suggested that radiation therapy (RT) combined with ICIs induces robust systemic antitumour immunity in patients with cancer. This study retrospectively examined the therapeutic efficacy of combination therapy (hypofractionated RT and anti-PD-L1 antibody [c4G12]) in dogs with pulmonary metastatic oral malignant melanoma. The intrathoracic clinical benefit rate (CBR)/median overall survival (OS) in the no RT (n = 20, free from the effect of RT), previous RT (n = 9, received RT ≤8 weeks prior to the first c4G12 dose), and concurrent RT (n = 10, c4G12 therapy within ±1 week of the first RT fraction) groups were 10%/185 days, 55.6%/283.5 days (p < 0.05 vs. no RT group), and 20%/129 days (p > 0.05 vs. no RT group), respectively. The adverse events were considered to be tolerable in the combination therapy. Thus, hypofractionated RT before the initiation of c4G12 therapy can be an effective approach for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy, with acceptable safety profiles. Further prospective clinical studies are required to confirm the findings of this study.